I ran away from home

A little over a week ago, I ran away from home.  I boarded a plane and headed for Toronto.

Landing in Toronto brought back memories of flying home with husband and kiddo except this time I was alone - and about to take on something that wasn't even on my radar 2 years ago - the Niagara Falls International 1/2 Marathon!!!

Saturday morning after breakfast with an old friend, we were in the parking lot saying our good-byes before I headed into the Run Expo.  In the corner of my eye I spotted something familiar - black and yellow running jackets 4 of them.  Well, I know the black and yellow!  Without hesitating I called out "Hey, PRC!" and darted across the lot - Paradise Running Club - they were in Niagara to run the marathon too!  A quick goodbye was shouted back to my old friend and off I went with my new yellow friends.

After picking up our race kits and touring the expo together I decided come Jan I am joining the super supportive PRC (even though its over 4 hour drive from where I live).

After lunch it was time for the Massage Conference and an early night.

Sunday morning - race time!  Full on panic mode!  I had been too busy spending time with friends and making now ones that I forgot husband and kiddo were not with me - I was about to run a 1/2 marathon without my cheering section - could have vomited I was so scared.  The call went out to husband and he talked me down, but the time we drove as close to the start line as the road closures would allow, I was ready!

(Pre-Race Terrified & rocking my #sweatpink laces)

I walked up to the runner's tent and cuddled into some strangers for warmth then thought it best to visit the port-a-potties before the run went off.  When I am calm I even makes friends in line for the loo!

I hit a little bit of an emotional wall about 19K in - I just wanted to stop, I was done emotionally, but didn't go all that way to quit!  I put my head down and kept plugging along.

after two hours and forty minutes I crossed the finish line with tears in my eyes, and heard my name being called - I looked up saw old friends and a beautiful bunch of flowers from husband and kiddo - I did it!

(cool and calm post-race)

I never would have thought it a possibility not that long ago, I have come a long way and I am so proud of myself, but I realize that I could NOT have done it without the support of some amazing friends, my beautiful daughter and the love of my life.  THANK YOU!

Thank you D for picking me up at the airport and giving me a place to stay and putting up with my crap, for dropping me at the start line and calling my name when I was done!
Thank you S for coming out to breakfast and for understanding when I ran off to hang with the yellow jackets!
Thank you K for cheering for me at the finish, and a great day out shopping!
Thanks Mudder for coming to stay with the kid and driving me to the airport!
Thank you to PRC for being so welcoming and encouraging at the expo - see you at the Santa Shuffle!
Thank you all!

Mostly thank you Vincent and Bria for encouraging me, for going to all my races and cheering me on, for understanding, for the flowers, and for being the 2 most important people in my life. (yes I am crying as I type this)

I think a full is in my future!

This run is for you

My cousin was in a serious car accident in June, and remains in the hospital. An avid runner, her running club in St. John's sported t-shirts in her honor, and many other runners donned her name on their arms or legs for the biggest road race in the province this past weekend, the Tely10.

I would like to thank everyone who ran, cheered at the finish line or donned her name during their activities outside the city, prayed for, or sent well wishes.

I was not in the race this year, but I will be participating next year for sure.


You can read more about her running club here.
article here

Hi Everybody!

Thank you so much for reading my blog. Really. This blog is really fun for me. In a lot of ways, blog posts are like sending messages in bottles: you toss them into the ocean that is the Internet without knowing who will find them and where they will end up.

One of the things I like best about my blog is my readers, specifically, who you are and where you live. You are grandmothers, fathers, and students, you live all over Canada, the United States, as well as in India, Japan, Africa, and the Middle East. I don't say this nearly enough, but THANK YOU. I love your comments and your emails; they brighten my day, make me laugh, and say the things that I need to hear. How do you always know?

THANKS!

- On a side note we have had 5 house showings, a little interest but no offers. The dog has an ear infection. Kid is not registered for school because I thought we'd be moved by now. Husband's request for a house hunting trip got denied until this house is sold. I'm still not working. :) fun times