War Trophies and Lost Toenails

This post has been a while in the making. I had a long drive all alone in the car by myself to meet up with my friend, Christine, for the half marathon. It was nice to listen to what I wanted on the radio, not have to pass stuff back to anyone and stop when I wanted or not stop. It also allowed some prayer time and reflection on the past few months. The Lord showed me how training for the half and walking a Christian life have many similarities. I've spent the last two weeks trying to compose those thoughts into a blog post, but it wasn't coming together. Maybe the lesson was just meant for me. Maybe I'll share another time.

I don't think I have ever worked so hard for anything in my entire life. Sleeping in after a rough night was not an option. Skipping the gym to be somewhere else earlier was not an option. Waiting until the last minute was not an option.

Cramming for exams or pulling all nighters in college was not this hard. Giving birth to children was not this hard and I labored with two of the kids before having an emergency c-section. Moving from place to place and leaving friends behind was not this hard.

While training, Friday was my day to do my long run. For those of you who have never done anything like this, you gradually add distance to that long run until you reach your goal. The day I first ran nine miles, I came home and two of my toes felt a little funny. The long ones right next to the big toe for those of you who must know. They didn't really hurt, just felt funny. They looked fine and I went on. The next week when I did my long run those toes were bothering me again. Upon further examination I noticed there were blisters under my toenails!! How in the world did that happen? I didn't think my shoes were too uncomfortable. But if you read a previous post where I mentioned that P.K. took me to a store that specializes in running shoes, you found out that my old shoes were a size too small.

The toenails eventually turned black and this past weekend while camping the first one fell off and my first night back home I lost the second one. I have joined the club!!! Just in case running a half marathon didn't qualify me as a runner, surely loosing toenails due to running makes me a runner. I was so excited! The kids and P.K. really didn't want to see the toenail or where the toenail had been. They totally missed the pride of the moment. I really felt the need to put them under my pillow and see if there is a Toenail Fairy. Maybe instead of money, he would leave a special pill that helps shave a few seconds off of your time. You will be glad to know I resisted and threw away the old toenails.

I totally digressed with the whole toenail story, but admit it. You are glad I shared.

Back to the half....I made it! I ran (jogged...shuffled...non-walked) my first half marathon!!! I met my goals. I finished, I wasn't last and Christine and I crossed the finish line together. Truth be told, she could have left me in her dust, but she is a great friend and drug me along. After all, this whole thing was her idea and I told her all along that I am s...l...o...w.

Another one of my friends, Bobbi, was there to cheer on her husband and daughter. Bobbi's husband, John, and P.K. were at the Coast Guard Academy together. Their oldest daughter who is thirteen ran her first half marathon. I was so proud of her! Christine and I were glad Bobbi was there because she was nice enough to cheer us on and take some pictures!

I think we are probably at about 5 miles here and looking pretty strong.

This was just before the last mile and I was tired. Christine was a bit ahead of me at this point. I kept telling her to just finish and leave me behind. But being good military spouses we know it is unacceptable to leave a man behind.

Several explanations are needed for this picture. Look in the background and toward the left. Those are some of Christine's co-workers who came to cheer her on for the final stretch. Notice the man is carrying a box of donuts. Talk about motivation. Because they were nice and Christine introduced me, they cheered for me too. I don't know if the picture shows it well, but it was an uphill to the finish line. I am not holding my stomach. We really were just steps from the finish line and someone was looking for our numbers. I had my jacket tied over mine so Christine and I are both trying to see what it is. As if it couldn't have waited until we crossed. It isn't as though we were running neck and neck with the leading pack.

This is me at the end with John and Olivia. It was really windy if anyone is wondering what is up with my porcupine like hairdo.

And finally, some happy faces! We did it!!! Yes, those are the donuts from Christine's friend.

I had a blast and Christine and I are going to run another one in the fall. I can hardly wait!! It is so addicting.