So this weekend, we didn't have any really big plans, besides running the First Light Half Marathon on Sunday. On Saturday, Pudge and I planned on cooking a big pre-race pasta meal for all of those running (my sister, brother, and Colleen, my Canadian sister). We were all hanging out together Saturday around lunch time and my mom mentions she wants to go to Charles Phillips, an awesome antique store in Theodore, AL. Surprinsingly everyone wanted to go, so we loaded up in dad's SUV and drove out there. We had fun walking around and looking at the various items for sale.
After our venture out to Theodore, we headed downtown to pick up our race packets at the Radisson.
Race packets and ready to go!!Today was the big day!! Pudge, Laura (my sister), Sam (my brother), and Colleen (my Canadian sister) all ran the half marathon. This was Laura's first half and I must say, she did an incredible job! We ran the whole race together and it was so nice to have someone else to run with! Laura had a cramp for like at least half of the race if not more and continued to run all the way through the cramp!! When we were around mile 7, there were a group of women running behind us praying for each other and for one of their friends running a marathon somewhere else today! What an encouragement that was to Lou and I! My parents and Pudge's parents met us along the race course, when we were over half way there to encourage us! It so helps to see familiar faces cheering us on! Pudge was the first finisher among the group, finishing in the same time as last year's half! Way to go Pudge! Laura and I both agreed that the hardest part was after the 9 mile marker. To me, that is really where the race begins, both mentally and physically. We pushed through it and finished the race in under 2 and a half hours! I'm so proud of Lou and so impressed with her determintation! Way to go Lou!
After finishing, we got out of the cold and headed to IHOP to enjoy some post-race food. This afternoon was spent resting up and gearing up for the very busy week ahead. I start back to BSF this week. Amy Jacobs catering is back for 2011, as well! And last but not least, we find out if we will be having a new niece or nephew on Friday night with our family! You can read about it here. I have been planning and crafting various things for the event for a few weeks now! Can't wait!
