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 :)
