Saturday, October 23, 2010

"Let Us Run With Perseverance The Race That Is Set Before Us..."


“I ate more fettucini alfredo, and drank less water, than I ever have in my entire life. People always talk about triumphs of the human spirit. Well, today I had a triumph of the human body. That’s why everyone was applauding me at the end. My guts, my heart. And, while I eventually puked my guts out, I never puked my heart out.” ~Michael Scott, The Office

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I almost chickened out, but today I ran my very first 5-K. I wouldn't classify it as "fun," but it really wasn't that bad. . . and I didn't even "puke my guts out!!"

Two of my daughters came home from college last night to run the race with me, so this morning I knew there was no turning back. We got up early, grabbed a quick (light :) breakfast, bundled up, and headed out the door. I was a little nervous, but the girls, who are experienced runners, calmed my nerves; and when the race started, they helped set my pace. When my mind started finding excuses to slow down or (heaven forbid!) quit, they encouraged me along the way and distracted me with chatter and laughter. The very best part was that, near the end, each of my girls grabbed one of my hands, and we all crossed the finish line together. A little unorthodox, but to me it was an epic finish. Our time was 26:38, which even qualified me for an award in the "old lady" category!! Ha! What a day.

“Life’s battles don't always go to the strongest or fastest man,
But sooner or later the man who wins is the fellow who thinks he can.”
~Steve Prefontaine

7 comments:

Thimbleanna said...

OhMyGosh -- that's so fantastic -- Congratulations! I got tears in my eyes when I read about them each grabbing your hands -- Wow! But, you know, now that's going to be my excuse why I can't get that far -- I don't have daughters! Way. To. Go!!!

The Paisley Studio/Sarah McNamara said...

Fabulous! And what great kids!

Blondie ~ Vintage Primitives said...

Way to go! I am so proud of you AND your daughters for the moral, emotional and physical support. Are you ready to do it again?
Great photo of you three. You look like 3 sisters.
Big hugs and many blessings, Cathy
Blondie

Christopher A. Klingler said...

BIG Congrats Cathy and I had no idea you were a runner! I started running two years ago and it's changed my life and body!

How FUN & wishing you a very magical Halloween!

Chris :-)

Jann said...

Good for you and your daughters, Cathy! That's fantastic, and I love the end of the "story"--Congrats!

Anonymous said...

Yay!!! That is so wonderful! Congrats and you go girly!! :) Love the pic of your girls too.. beautiful.. .Hugs, Melissa

Flora said...

Congratulations!!! It is a big acomplishment, heck I can barely motivate myself off the computer...
You and your daughters are gorgeous and very inspiring!!!
blessings,Flora