2 Years in Review

2.5 years ago I made a decision that changed my life forever. I had always had "Run a Half Marathon" on my bucket list. Well I was looking at turning 40 was weighing over 200 pounds (I actually stopped weighing myself at 206 lbs) and knew that if I was ever going to accomplish this goal I better start now.  A friend of mine introduced me to Couch to 5K and in November 2011, I started the program. The closer I got towards the end of the program the more nervous I got. But as most of you know once I make a goal, I will do what ever it takes to achieve that goal.

 

Valentine's Day 5k 2012

 So 2 years ago this past weekend I ran my first 5k, the Valentine's Day 5K   2102. Well let's correct that statement - I ran most of it, but I will admit I to walk part of my first 5K. My time 45:10. That first race was bitter cold and I had to go buy running pants just for the race. It was not how I dreamed my first race would go, but crossing that finish line is a memory I will never forget!!

I look forward to running this race every year to see how far I have come with my running. I know I have improved, I can feel it every time I hit the pavement. But to see the difference in the time and is truly just amazing. This past Sunday I ran the Valentine's Day 5k 2014 in 33:07. I was trying so hard to get under 33 minutes and I know I will get there just not this weekend. I have been fighting a cold and the weather was once again bitter cold at race time. During the race I tried to take a drink of water at the Mile 2 water station started a coughing fit and a nice patch of ice slowed me down right before the finish line. But I will conquer the 33:00 minute mark!!

So 2 years, 4 Half Marathons, Numerous 5ks, 2 Bolder Boulders, and 3 10 mile Races and a Virtual Triathlon Sprint, and climbing a Colorado 14er. I will admit that I am a runner. Do I love it - no, not all the time. I love the adrenaline I get on race day and I love the feeling of accomplishment when I cross the finish line. But there are a lot of times in training when I could just quit. But I have learned one thing - races are not completed on race day, they are made during the struggles and training prior to race day.

I can not imagine what my life would be like if I had not made the decision 2.5 years ago to start running. Along with that decision came the choice to live a healthier lifestyle. So I made changes to my diet, took up yoga, cross fit, biking. I have lost 65 pounds and have kept it off give or take 3 pounds.

So 95 days towards my first marathon. I am slowly moving in the right direction. Goal has been set, the challenge is on. I can do this!!
                                                                                                                      

Valentines Day 5k 2014

                                                          

  Turtle Hugs and Hearts Everyone!!

  Happy Valentine's Day - Love Shari

Rock n Roll New Orleans Half Marathon

Having Fun and Running a Half Marathon

So I just completed my first race outside of Denver. I ran the New Orleans Rock N Roll Half Marathon. Racing while traveling is something new and I have discovered I loved it. It really was a fun experience. Everyone told me it would be so much easier running in New Orleans because of the lower altitude. What they forgot to mention was the humidity. At race time it was 65 degrees, only a little rain (maybe 5 minutes throughout the entire race), but the Humidity was 97%. Yikes!! Humidity is brutal.

Jackson Square on Sunday, Race Day

Beautiful Day in Jackson Square on Saturday

As you can see from these two pictures the weather in New Orleans can change quickly. 

 

But this Turtle is very happy with my time. I finished 13.1 miles in 2:39:43. 

My time improved by over 4 minutes from my first Half Marathon last May. 

But you know this race was so much more than just time. This race was a chance to meet FB running friends from all over the country. These friends have been there to encourage and support me without even knowing me in person. I have to say that I have become a better runner because of their encouragement! So Thank You to Carolyn, Kristen, Tamra, Carol-Lee, Marcus, Amanda, Rick, Kendall, and Bernard. You made this race so enjoyable!! Honestly, that is what running is all about - having fun. And you made this race fun!!

   

Unfortunately, I did get sick when I returned to Denver and the bitter cold weather we have had here in Denver is not helping me recover quickly, so until the next blog - Keep Calm and Run Like a Turtle.

Turtle Hugs everyone!