I'm A Half Marathon Runner!

When I started running a little over a year ago, I had no idea where my feet would take me. A half marathon may as well have been a walk on the moon. But like most things, running is progressive. I ran my first 5K one year ago today. During the past year, I've run several races ranging from 5Ks to 10Ks. And if you're a follower, then you've read about most of them. You've read about how the nerves show up and I have to talk myself through these things just to get to the start line. Knowing this, why on earth would I run a half marathon, you may wonder. Well, I can't explain it. Something just gets inside you and you can't be satisfied until you do this gargantuan thing. So, I signed up with the Grand Strand Running Club's half marathon training program. The coaches promised they would get us there. Honestly, I had my doubts. We began in July and ran through the hot summer. There were sweltering days, humid days, painful days and then there were awesome days. And lo and behold, the coaches followed through on their promises. Before long, I was running double digits. I can't tell you the sense of pride and accomplishment I felt the day I ran 10 miles.

And then today, I did it! I ran my first half marathon! It was the Georgetown Bridge 2 Bridge 13.1.  Same place that I ran my first 5K last year. It was awesome! I had all sorts of emotions. I never really got nervous, but the gut is on a different plane than my brain....so of course, the gut acted out this morning a couple of times. I knew you were wondering about that. So I figured I might as well get it out of the way. But as always, when I stepped foot at the starting line, all was well....not to mention I had many friends running the race today and we just had a good ole time before it began and at the end.

That's me under the Start sign....the pre-run pose.

My friends and me...L to R: Cammie, Me, Elizabeth, Sue

Here we are chatting it up before the start.

Notice in the background the remnants of the buildings that caught fire a couple of weeks ago.

Oh and the smoke in the background...that's the paper mill.

Remember, there was a huge fire on Front Street a couple of weeks ago. You can read my post about it here. It was so sad to see the rubble still there as we lined up at the start. But like most tragedies, people and communities pull together to help fellow brothers and sisters in their time of need. Money was being raised at the race to help those affected by the fire. Not only was the fire a tragedy for Georgetown, but the Bridge 2 Bridge Race had some sadness as well. Last year's overall female winner, Misty White, who by the way is also a member of the Grand Strand Running Club, was hit by a car a little over a week ago as she was training to come back to Georgetown to defend her title. She sustained multiple injuries....many broken bones and some internal bleeding. She is extremely lucky or I believe blessed, to still be alive. Although she still has a long road ahead of her, she is healing now. And in similar fashion, money was being raised at the race today to help offset Misty's medical expenses and any other expense she may incur on her road to recovery. It is truly awesome how Georgetown and the running communities come together for their own.

Now on to the fun stuff.

We began promptly at 7:30 a.m. in the beautiful picturesque town of Georgetown, SC. The start was at the Town Clock. We ran down tree lined streets that opened up to East Bay Park. Running around the park you could see Winyah Bay in the distance and two of the three bridges that we would run today. Advancing on towards the bridges, I was feeling good. I settled into my pace pretty quickly. Down the road a little ways, I met my husband Cliff at a corner near the bridges taking pictures. He was on his mountain bike and tracked me like a hound. He was all over the city....at every corner....grinning like a Cheshire cat and snapping that camera. He had help. Our friend Tom brought his bike, too. Tom was tracking his wife and our friend, Cammie. This was just so cool to see them out there supporting and cheering us on. I got many encouraging words and then some words like "speed up, go fast or pick up your pace". I nearly wanted to smack the daylights out of Cliff, when he told me that. But if you know him, then you know that's just how he rolls. It was pretty cool that he followed me all over Georgetown. I really did feel special....

Running down the tree lined streets of Georgetown.

I high fived my friends Cammie, Sue, Tim and Robert (the ones that run way faster than me) as we passed on the bridges. I made it over both bridges, did a turn around and if that wasn't enough, had to run back over the same two bridges again. Oh but wait, it gets better later in the run. There's a monster, a beast and it's called the Sampit River Bridge.

Running back across the first bridge. The Georgetown Marina in the background. Beautiful!

Back to the story.....I took my first gel, Espresso Love, at mile 4. Well then...good Lord...that cup of coffee I had this morning started speaking up.  P.P. visit! Yuck!  Cliff has pictures.

Now, I just want you to know what I'm dealing with here, ok.

Cliff posted this to Facebook, "Law breaking woman!! I swear, right in front of the No P'ing sign!!"

HaHa! Yeah, he's slightly retarded but, I love him anyway!

Next, it was on to Prince Street.....my favorite part of the race. It is beautiful with a capital B. Hundred year old homes and oak lined streets...the whole way. I was tempted to just stay there and run back and forth until I reached the 13.1 miles. But, decided that I might miss out on something further down the road. And sure enough, I would have missed an old friend, Mona, at the next water station. I was now at mile 8 and Mona's cup of water and my next Espresso Love was just what I needed before summiting the Beast. It was coming sooner than later. I rounded the corner and there it was. Gah, it looked awful! Treacherous! Steep!!! Looked like I was going to go vertical for a while. And that's just what it felt like, too. Bridge number three was a monster. I met Cammie and Sue coming back over the bridge and they were running a little slower and looked a little like....'OMG, it's a beast!' Uh oh, then that means I'm in for it. Anyway, made it up and over and never walked, I might add. Then came the badlands. The subdivision from....well, you know where. It may have been called a subdivision, but it was barren. No houses, nothing. Just orange cone after orange cone. Finally, I saw a water station and tried to get this cute little girl to trade places with me and y'all, she looked at me like I was completely crazy. I mean what's up with that? Oh well, I journeyed on and on and on. Finally, my Garmin buzzed and said I was at 10 miles, but I didn't see the 10 mile sign. I kept looking and still no sign. What the heck? Did I go the wrong way? Oh....someone is going to be in trouble for this! But then, the 10 mile sign showed up. Either my Garmin was off or someone moved that danged sign. But never-the-less, I had made it to 10 miles. Only 3.1 one to go. Woo Hoo! I could smell victory! Or was that the paper mill? EEWWWah!

Mile 11 came quickly and then guess what? I had to go back over the Beast, again! At this point, I was alone. Well, wait a minute.... I was alone for most of the race. I'm granny slow. Anyway, I had decided that if I needed to walk, I was saving it for the bridge. I tried to walk, but it felt awful. Can't explain that one. It felt better to run it. So, I did.

Now, when you're running for over two hours and mostly alone, you have time to really think about things, like...where your running journey began, all the hard work you put into it and now almost reaching the pinnacle and receiving the coveted 13.1 sticker for my car and a nice bling, bling medal for my neck. And if you're me.....you get a little emotional. I have to confess, I cried a little going up the back side of the Beast. I couldn't believe how blessed I am to be able to run a half marathon. But knowing Cliff would probably be on the other side with camera in hand, I dried up the tears and took in the view of the Sampit River and Front St. just beyond. It was a sight to behold. When I got to the top, I saw a bike coming up the bridge. It wasn't Cliff, but Tom. He came with words of encouragement and offering water or gels. I asked where Cliff was and he said, "Waiting on you at the finish. He has a surprise and company." Hmmmm, with this man...there is no telling what he's up to, but I had a sneaky feeling I knew what it was. So, Tom phones Cliff and tells him that I'm about to take the turn for the finish line. OMG, I can not describe the feeling I had when I saw it! Running towards the finish, I saw a lady off to the side taking a picture. She looked familiar and I may have shouted, "Is that my sister?" Yes, it was! It was my baby sister, Mandy.  I thought that might be part of the surprise. I was right. And I was thinking, where there's one, there's two. Still heading for the finish, I saw my friends start running towards me. Cammie just came straight down the middle of the street while Sue and Tim were off to the side, but seeing them all was a welcoming sight. I knew I had it in the bag then! Oh and yes, where there's one, there are two....another of my sisters, Carla, was also waiting at the finish line. I can't say I was surprised....I sort of knew they would be there. You know....it's that sister kind of thing.

Crossing the Finish!

Cliff, Roses and my bling, bling Medal.

There it was....the finish line. I picked up my pace and ran as fast as my tired 13-mile legs would carry me. I crossed the finish and headed straight into the arms of Cliff...waiting there for me with a big ole hug and roses. And get this, I may or may not be on the news tonight because there was a t.v. camera recording everything.....my finish, Cliff's hug and the flowers and me asking....."Did I cross the finish line?"

Lastly, one of the sweet little volunteers took my timing chip and hung that glorious medal around my neck.

It was official.

I'm A Half Marathon Runner !!!!

I could end this here, but I just need to say how much I appreciate everyone's support and help along the way. Words can't come close to telling the tale. I made it! And I live to run another day!

My accomplishment today was Powerful. Sharing it with my family and friends.......Priceless!

Me and my honey after the half.

He followed me all over Georgetown on his bike.

He's cool that way.

Oh wait, in case you were wondering.........

Miles ran today: 13.1 (My Garmin says 13.35, but who's counting?)

Average Pace: 14:13 min/mile

Race Time: 3:06 (Confirms that I'm slow, but who cares....I finished! By the way, crossing 3 bridges twice....well, you try it.)

Goal: To run the whole race and not finish last. (Accomplished!!)

I'll be back soon...Gotta little resting to do,

Laurie

Nostalgia Has Just Hit Me Like A Ton Of Bricks

A good case of nostalgia hit me this morning. I was sitting in the den drinking coffe and watching the weather channel.....my morning ritual. And my mind began to wander. I started recalling things that happened many years ago, when my children were growing up.

I remembered Whitney practicing her gymnastics moves off the back of the couch.

I remembered the time after Emily got her driver's license that we bought her first car....a pre-owned red Firebird. She was so excited to take the car out for a drive, but in the process backed into the telephone pole and left a swipe of red paint on it that is still visible today. Oh, and then the time she also backed into the garage doorway. And the time she ran up on the curb trying to miss a cat and busted her front tire. She's hard on cars. Ha!

I remembered Whitney and her friend, Sarah, sitting outside in the hammock......just swinging back and forth, laughing and playing and eating watermelon with our black lab, Abbie, sitting there hoping they would drop a piece of it.

Then, I remembered the time Cliff made Emily catch our goat by the horns. His name was Billy and Billy would rear up on his back legs and act like he was going to butt us, when we got near. Cliff was having no part of that goat acting like that, especially to the hands that fed him. So, Emily braved up and caught Billy by the horns and held him like a man. HaHa!

I remembered Whitney's 6th grade birthday/dance party. We pushed back all the furniture in the den so she and her classmates could have a big dance floor. She caught me taking a picture of her and her 6th grade boyfriend dancing and shot me the evil eye. HeHe!

I remember Emily having a friend sleep over and Cliff secretly hiding a walkie talkie under her bed before the girls went to sleep for the night. He waited all night to pull this stunt; I did too, HaHa! The next morning, I snuck up to the top of the stairs so that I could see into Emily's room, but they couldn't see me. Cliff blew a duck call into the walkie talkie. You should have heard that thing. It sounded like something dying. Emily and her friend shot straight up in bed...their arms flew straight out and they started looking wildeyed around the room. The friend finally asked, "Do y'all have cows?" I was trying to be quiet, but you know how you end up spitting all over yourself, when trying to repress a laugh. I busted out laughing so hard I just about wet my pants. We still laugh over that one.

Then, I remember the time Whintey was doing a science project on what held heat more, after bringing it to the boiling point....water or rubbing alcohol. Disclaimer: Do not try this at home! The fumes are awful. Whitney puked going up the stairs trying to make it to the bathroom.

I remember the day that Cliff took one of Whitney's Barbie Doll heads, tied a piece of fishing line around it and hid it behind the linen closet door and then hooked the other side to the baseboard in the hall. When Whitney walked by, she snagged the string and the Barbie Doll head came flying out of the closet and wrapped around her ankle. She screamed bloody murder. HaHa!!

I remember both girls getting ready for their proms, their graduations and their moves to college. I remember their brief moves back home and then they were gone again....in the blink of an eye. I miss them and those times so much!

I remember the first time Whitney brought Jason home. I had this old dirty looking rocker recliner that I was replacing, but still had it in the den when Whitney and Jason got here. I realized it was still there and while Jason was meeting Cliff motioned for Whitney to help me hide it. You should have seen us pushing that chair down the hall to the back of the house. Good thing we had hardwood floors to slide it on. HaHa! I think Jason was so nervous to meet Cliff that he didn't even notice us pushing that ugly thing out of the room.

I remember the many nights I sat up and waited for the girls to return from their dates or from cheering at an "away" ballgame....so sleepy I could barely hold my eyes open and then sometimes I made Cliff do it because I couldn't stay awake a minute longer.

I remember the time we had geese. One of those geese was a mean son of a gun. He would chase us every chance he got. He chased Whitney and she would jump into the back of Cliff's truck to avoid getting pecked by the hateful thing. Cliff's mother would antagonize him every time she came over. He would chase her until she ran up on the porch. One day she happened to have a black umbrella in her hands and when the hateful old devil starting chasing her, she opened the umbrella at him. It scared him so bad that he took off running and never chased her again. Ha!

Then, I remember the time someone gave us a baby deer found in the woods just after it was born. The mother had died somehow. We named her Lilly. Anyway, we would feed this baby deer with a baby bottle. Lilly was the cutest little thing. She would come up to you and nudge you on the leg when she was hungry. She would run and play in the yard with the girls like a dog. One day an older lady friend came over and before the storm door could close, Lilly came in through the front door and into the house. We have hardwood floors so Lilly was having a hard time standing up. Her little legs were sliding all over the place. The lady was so shocked that the deer came in that she picked Lilly up from behind to take her back out the door. When she did, Lilly's feet went in all directions. It was like trying to put a cat in a tub of water. HaHa!! Finally, we managed to calm Lilly down enough to put her back outside.

Then, I remember my grandbabies and the times they slept on my couch or in my bed, the times they sat in their little carryalls on my table while I cooked dinner. I remember the times they crawled around the house and walked these same floors. I remember them playing with magnetized alphabets on the side of the fridge. I remember Lidia pulling a chair up to the sink to help me wash dishes and I remember that sweet Sawyer just hugging my legs anytime he came near.

I remember the time Whitney was lying on the couch holding Lidia above her and Lidia drooled all over Whitney's face. Whitney just about puked over that one.

I rememeber the time Lidia took off for the pasture to lasso one of the horses with the little piece of rope Cliff gave her to play with. I remember Sawyer playing with the new puppies and laying splayed out on his stomach in the dirt watching ants. I also remember the time he came and told us he ate an ant because Bear Grylls did.

I remember all the Christmas mornings and how much my girls love Christmas. And then last year when Whitney flew in from Denver on Christmas Eve and surprised Lidia and Sawyer Christmas morning. They though she caught a ride with Santa.....because that's what we told them. HaHa! You can read that story here.

I remember our famous egg sandwich breakfasts. Everyone that comes for a visit gets one. They're requested, frequently.

And now, my little family is all grown and out on their own. Such memories as these can make me chuckle out loud somedays and then days like today makes me teary-eyed as I walk from room to room and recall what happened there. There's not an inch of this house that doesn't hold special memories for me. Nostalgia brings them home ever so often. Our lives change no less often as the seasons and we make new memories during those times. They may not take place in the same rooms or on the same floors. Children grow up and their walls and floors and rooms become a breeding ground for their own family's memories. And I am happy for that. As for me, I will always have nostalgia. Nostalgia and I remain the best of friends.....and I depend on her to make sure my memories remain the same.

Peace out,
Laurie