Shayla graciously shared her birthday with my marathon day. Here's the recap:
Breakfast in bed for miss Shayla Niccole! Hard to believe she is 6--in her own words,"I can't believe I'm six--it feels exactly like five!"
We drove to Milwaukee Friday night, had a sleepless night in a hotel and arrived at the Pettit Ice Center early the next morning. Right before the marathon, they had a fun run for the kids. Our camera was still frozen from being in the car, Ty is the fuzzy dark object coming up the track at lightning speed.
Shayla, Garrett and Tyler are coming down the track!
The kids with their prizes--free popcorn coupons at the concession stand!
Starla and Lani before the race. Nervous, but ready to go!
Action shot
I did it!!! 4:43:10--not my goal time, but I was just so glad I finished.
I couldn't have done it without my awesome family. Hearing them cheer my on as I passed, giving me high-fives and hearing "You can do it, Mommy!" made my heart smile.And kept my legs moving.
My souvenirs--aren't they beautiful?
Opening presents at 10pm after we got home from Milwaukee.The house was a wee bit cold, hence the coat.
Our wacky birthday girl--birthday dinner of fishsticks, chips, bread and veggies.
Happy birthday ice cream sandwichHere is a video of me finishing the marathon.
This marathon was a great experience for me. I really learned a lot about myself. Like the fact that I run like a girl. Why didn't anyone tell me I run like a girl?!!!!? Actually, Tyler tried to tell me when we went for a jog together, and I thought I fixed the arm-swing problem, but after viewing this video, it is quite apparent that I did not. Now I'm thinking--I've got to run another marathon just to see how much faster I can go if I'm not punching myself in the face every time I swing my arms!??? Grandma's marathon in Duluth, MN in June 2009--here I come!
So, I hope you all get a good laugh out of this. And realize that if I could complete a marathon--ANYONE can do it! I guess it's true what they say...
Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right.
I thought this cartoon was appropriate. Can you guess which one I am?
(at least I'm not the one in back :)
18 comments:
Congrats! That is a big accomplishment Leilani!
And Happy Birthday Sheila! I can't believe you are 6 either! I remember you as a teeny little baby! You were such a cute little baby and are growing into a very pretty girl!
Hey Lani,
We are so proud of you! That is awesome that you finished! Your kids are adorable! We love looking at all your pictures, and hearing your stories. Garrett is the biggest comedian. Shayla looks so much like you! We wish we could see you guys more often. They grow up so fast!
Way to go! Did you seriously run a marathon in a big circle? I think I would get bored. I remember a lady I served with in the RS presidency was walking VERY slowly 4 days later when we had our meeting. I hope you're not sore for too long!
You are my hero. Meg and I just watched your video and loved it. You have quite a cheering section. Wow, I can't believe you ran a marathon in a circle!!
Way to go Leilani! That is so awesome. Loved the pictures and the video. Who cares if you run like a girl, you ran 26.2 miles you can run however you want! Just wondering if you had some vertigo (wanting to walk to the left) going on afterwards from running a circle.
Way to go Swag, all that running home late on the mission really paid off, I'm sure.
I have been thinking about attempting a marathon, unfortunately upon moving to a colder climate I haven't run in 2 months. If I decide to do it I will have to get advice from you, I really don't know what I am getting myself into. Thanks for your inspiration.
Lani you are awesome! I am totally jealous and look how skinny you are! Way to go!
Thanks for your great comments! And yes, it was just a big circle--a bit over 1/4 of a mile around. And yes, I did feel a bit dizzy after I finished. It felt a bit like I was still running after I stopped--don't know if that was due to the circle, or just to running for that long. And I really didn't get that bored--I chatted with the other runners, watched the speed/figure skaters and hockey players and listened to the music and just soaked up the experience. Since I did most of my training on a treadmill it was a HUGE step up to be running in a circle. And I was pretty sore after the race, really sore the day after (my joints), and Monday, but Tuesday I woke up and felt fantastic! Back to normal. Thanks for your kind words! And Shmackay--you could totally run a marathon! It is a fantastic experience--you should do it!
Wow! Girl, I am so proud of you - running like a girl or not... you RAN! What a great accomplishment - and a ray of hope for the rest of us Moms of four!
Wow, you are so awesome. A marathon is one of my dreams, I am going to attempt a 1/2 this spring. Happy Birthday Shayla, I love how you can see her personality really come through in the pictures...sweet girl.
Way to go Leilani! It almost made me cry watching you cross the finish with your husband and kids cheering you on! I loved it.
Good job Lani! WOw I must be 8 months pregnant because I started crying watching you finish because I think it is so awesome that you ran a marathon and you didn't even look tired.
Happy Birthday Shayla!
Lani you're awesome! One of our self-described chubby friends who ran a marathon motivated herself by imagining she was saying to all those other skeptical runners, "Yes! Those are love handles...and they're passing you!" You can say the same if anyone thinks you run like a girl :)
You are a superstar! I am in awe. This gives me hope as I'm training for a sprint distance triathlon (a dinky distance: 5K run, 25K bike, 150m swim) in March. I don't know if I'll ever want to do a marathon, but I am totally getting into these non-competitive races that give me a reason to exercise. You're my new inspiration.
I keep meaning to congratulate you on your marathon! You are awesome. I like to run, but not that much! Love the bruises and black toenails- nice.
Happy Birthday Sheila!!! Wow, 6!!! Such a big girl now!!!
Leilani, That is fantastic that you ran a marathon. Such an accomplishment. Congratulations.
We have a blog, it
naihekeiki.blogspot.com
Good for you, Leilani! You always amaze me.
(And loved the story about Ty and Biden.)
Way to go Lani! That's so awesome! Your family cheering and the video- we loved it all! Happy late birthday Shayla!
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