So I did this little race today...

It was the race that almost didn't happen.

I did not train for this - and I really should have. But life keeps getting in the way and making getting out to run harder and harder to do. I almost skipped it because I knew that I wouldn't do well.

Then, there's the whole Lack Of A Running Vehicle issue. But thanks to a wonderful friend who loaned me her car for the day, I had a way to get there and back. So The Dude spent the night last night and we got up bright and early and loaded Daniel in the car and took off for Wichita.

They watched me start, and then they took off to get some breakfast for themselves. And I ran jogged and walked until I felt like I couldn't go any farther, and then I kept going. It was cold, and breezy, and it drizzled almost the entire time - so it definitely wasn't optimal running conditions. But at the same time, it was better than the thunder, lightning, and torrential downpours that we had last year, and at least it wasn't 95 degrees either. So it definitely could have been worse.

My good luck kiss.

The start - lots of people.

Somewhere around mile 10-12.
I was DYING but I refuse to walk
when I see a camera aimed at me.
I'm weird like that.

"Come at me, goose. I dare you."

I spotted Daniel waving at me from across the river.

OK, so he caught me walking. But - I was tired. LOL

Coming up to the finish.

.....and DONE.

Foil cape on my back, medal in my hand, and an orange
heading for my mouth.

Love the post-race hugs.

Another one to add to the collection.
Although this one is a bit..... festive.

As far as my time went - I didn't do as well as I had hoped, but I did better than I expected for my lack of preparation. I hurt right now, but not as bad as I had thought I would - although it's still early. We'll see how I feel in the morning, because I bet it's not going to be as good as I feel right now.

I know that I've said it before, but I'm going to say it again. I couldn't do these races without the support that I get from The Dude. He's the one who keeps encouraging me and telling me that I can do it, even when I don't want to - and knowing that he's there at the finish line waiting for me makes it all worthwhile. He really didn't feel up to this today - but he went with me and took care of Daniel and took pictures for me and drove me home so that I could regroup - and for that I am forever thankful.

Like a boss

I made a vow to myself yesterday that I was going to at least get my desk cleaned off today. I intended to do it first thing, but I kept getting distracted (imagine that).

On the plus side, one of those distractions was actually forcing myself to get outside and go for a walk.

It was cold. And windy. And muddy. But I did it. I only did about 2.5 miles, but I even managed to jog quite a bit of it, so progress is progress at this point, and it's another step toward my goal of not only doing the half-marathon but also getting healthier in general.

And I actually feel pretty good for getting out there and doing it. We'll just see if that continues through until morning.

After I got back home from that, The Dude and I went and grabbed a quick bite to eat and then ran some errands before he had to go to work. By then it was time for me to pick up the boys and then do supper and then go to Scouts and continue working on laundry and everything else. Finally, around the time that the boys went to bed, I started working on cleaning off my desk. I actually did more than I planned on doing, and cleaned off the top of the filing cabinet - which has always been a catch-all - and went through quite a bit of paperwork as well.

So all in all - while it wasn't a fun and exciting day - it was a productive day. I needed a day like this to actually help get me on the right track and maybe start getting some stuff accomplished around here. For real.

Tomorrow's plan? Other than the usual stuff, I'm going to do a few more miles, help The Dude change the oil in my van, scrub the bathroom, and maybe even mop some floors. And sew. I'm going to sew.