Friday, March 20, 2009

T.G.I.F. Foto Friday & Tribute

As I was running last night I was mulling over the question "When was it I knew I was a runner?" My moment was after a 10 mile race which was one of those:

"OMG! I can't believe I'm going to run this" kinda entries. "What am I doing??? If I can run this I can run anything. All you have to do is finish, doesn't matter how, doesn't matter when, doesn't matter how fast or slow. Just run.

Those were my thoughts as we're pulling up to the race. Race time was 9am. I taught a 60 min spin class at 7am, changed gear and McRib took me to the event. He dropped me off, in the rain, with about 10min to spare. I hadn't had anything to eat and only water to drink. I hope I make it. Skipping to the end of the race report, I ran the entire way. It was sooooo super awesome! I hooked up with some young dude with a pace I liked and shoulder to shoulder and I ran it in. So when did I know I was a runner? I always struggle with the end of every race - I didn't know it at this point. We're nearing the last 1/4 mile and this guy starts sprinting, I had nothing left in me to sprint, other than keep my pace. I rounded the corner and of course it was uphill and alongside a main road. My body is exhausted, I'm stoked and I start smelling gas fumes. OH NO! I'm trying to pick up the pace as my body is tingling all over cause I can see the finish line. [Whenever I see that finish line, I get all emotional, hence every body hair I have stands on end.] The puke phase hits me. All I can think of is just keep running, you'll be OK, you've done awesome this far, just keep running. When I crossed the finish line, without stopping, without puking and the euphoric high of "I DID IT!" I knew I was a runner. My pace for 10 miles was an 8:51/mile. I haven't stopped running since.

This led me to "now that I know I am a runner" who do I really have to thank for supporting me. My tribute today goes to my dear hubby Mike (a.k.a. McRib). He is awesome. Most of the time {heehee}! For three years now, he has stood by me, let me buy whatever gear I need and want. He's picked up my messes, cooked my meals and has been my Sherpa as I train, and train and train from running to biking to swimming. I know he gets bored and grumbles under his breath, but he is still there at the beginning, the middle and the end of the race. THANKS honey. Your the best!

OK all you runners and bikers and swimmers! I know you have a picture out there somewhere to share. Comment so I have your blog addy and I will link you up. Have a great weekend!

T.G.I.F. Links

14 comments:

Mel-2nd Chances said...

aww, that's very sweet :) happy friday.

Michelle said...

A running sherpa!!! WHo knew???

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Lily on the Road said...

Ahhhh, that is nice to hear, now does he have a much older brother?? LOL...

carrie said...

Love your dress! (and count me in foto friday, again...finally!)

Kim said...

We love McRib!

Unknown said...

That's a wonderful tribute. Count me in for Foto Friday.

Aka Alice said...

That is a great tribute. Running sherpa...I love that! Great photo of you two. (you are HAWT in that dress!)

I remember that ""OMG, I'm going to run this whole race! feeling!" You're right, maybe that's when you know you're a runner, when you've run a race that you didn't really think you could do. It's what makes me know that, I won't stop running until my body truly tells me that it's had enough.

Count me in for Foto Friday this week.

Kelly said...

I'm working on my photo blog as we speak!!

Your husband sounds like a really great guy.

Brandi said...

I posted a picture for Foto Friday! :)

TGIF!!!

Diana said...

It's so nice to have a hubby in our corner. Mine was with me all day yesterday and made it so much easier.
My foto friday is up and running!
Have a great weekend!

Anonymous said...

Yes, you are truly a runner! :)

Awesome photo - very sexy dress.

I've got my photos up for Friday!

joyRuN said...

Mr. McRib sounds awesome!

LOVE the pic.

Felice Devine said...

That is so nice! Yay for great hubby-sherpas!

Robert James Reese said...

Good luck on the Half this weekend!