A check on my bucket list

I know I usually post about the girls and what they are doing, but today I wanted to share my most recent adventure.  It all started after Maggie was born and I decided to try to get in shape with the Couch to 5k running program.  I had never run before for exercise but it seemed to be pretty convenient and effective, so I tried it.  Somehow, even though I wouldn't say running is fun for me, I was hooked.  I have run 5k races and done mini-triathlons, but I kept saying I would never run a distance race like a half marathon even though deep down I wanted to...just to prove that I could do it.

A few months ago some friends of mine started talking about training for a half marathon and then meeting at a central location (we are from all over the country) to run it.  These girls are all moms of preemies who I have gotten to know over the years and we jokingly call ourselves the "Preemia Mafia".  We settled on Nashville's Hard Rock 1/2 Marathon this past weekend and started training.  I started training this summer...although I have to admit I was in a little bit of denial that I would actually run the race. Honestly, if the race had a 5k or 10k option, I probably would have chickened out and done one of those, but it didn't.  Robbie was an amazing support and would take care of the girls for me so that I could go for my runs in the evenings or weekend mornings.  I couldn't have trained without his total support.

So, last Friday I loaded up and drove to Nashville all by myself for a girls' race weekend.  Friday night we went to dinner and carb-loaded!

I laid out all of my gear Friday night because I was so scared I'd forget something!

Four of us ran the race and one came as a cheerleader (she trained to run with us but had to have surgery 2 weeks prior so she wasn't able to run).

Robbie and I had many discussions about my goal time.  My "dream" finishing time was 2 hours and 30 minutes but I was worried since I never ran the full 13.1 miles in my training plus Nashville is pretty hilly.  I decided I would just try my best and as long as I finished the race, I would be happy.  As I was coming down the last hill, I started walking because my knees were hurting.  A girl came up behind me and encouraged me to keep running.  She had been behind me all the way and didn't want to see me slow down so close to the finish. I am so happy she said something to me.  As we rounded the next corner, I could see the finish line and knew I might make my dream time.  The girl is the one in the red and gray next to me.

This was my watch as I crossed the finish line:

I made it!

That afternoon we celebrated by going to Antique Archaelogy, the store from the TV show, American Pickers.  While we were there, we ran into Mike from the show!  He was really nice!

We then went to a winery and enjoyed a wine tasting.

That night we met some of our other Preemie mom friends for dinner and drinks. From left to right: Rhonda, Nancy, Christi, Rebecca, Lacey, Julia, Amy, and me and of course, little Becca.

It was an awesome weekend of fun, friendship, and running.  I had such an amazing time.  I am so thankful for Robbie putting up with all of my training and then the hassle and expense of me going out of town for the weekend.  He and the girls surprised me with the sweetest card they hid in my suitcase!  I am thankful for my mom who also supported me and bought me a reward outfit!  I don't know if I could have made it through the race so quickly if my sister hadn't called and talked me through about 5 miles of the race!  I truly couldn't have accomplished this milestone on my own and it was so special to do it with such awesome friends!