the race we almost didn't start.

so here we are. saturday morning. driving to the starting line.

easy right?

no.

thank heavens for gps on cell phones. the website was NOT helping.

we made it with 5-10 min to spare.

we were ready to go. jumping up and down to get the blood flowing. getting our jams started.

the countdown happened and we were off.

amanda & i trained & have been dedicated 7 weeks strong for this baby.

{hard core}

and last week she found out she had a pinched sciatic nerve. no good.

she told me,

"the first mile is going to be the hardest. i just need to make it. I'M FINISHING."

i believed her. i had zero doubt.

when we started she limped and was in so much pain. i could see it in her face.

i didn't know what to do.....we changed pace to a light jog.

she told me to go ahead because i would get so far behind.

it had been 10 seconds in my head and i couldn't leave. i couldn't.

we decided i would run the first mile together no matter what.

i tried to get her mind off the pain with the abc's, thinking about her family, i was at a loss.

a mile hit and she said GO

"I'm going to keep this pace...i'm going to finish....i can do this. just go ahead"

we both were crying when i left. but we were going to finish together.

i thought to myself if i'm not running with amanda it better be worth it so i'm going to have to kill this.

i pushed myself to the limit.

i ran for sharlie.

i ran for amanda.

and i finished.

and then we both finished.

and eventually shar & i will finish together.

.

running is so empowering. addicting at times. and completely worth it.

my little support crew {my mom, sister hayley, & husband} asked me what kept me going or gave me that extra push along the way.

1. passing the temple while running 2. seeing kids/grandparents/all ages with signs & balloons saying YOU can do it. 3. water stations 4. thinking about shar in a hospital bed. 5. prayer

i feel like the few races that i've done within the past months are only the beginning.

 running is my outlet. my time. and life feels so right in those moments.

hays ran the last stretch with me! 

 trying to catch my breath and footing!

 eric is the best. he was so supportive even when he had to wake up most mornings solo and he also surprised me with a massage!

 finishing with my partner in crime. i was cold...sorry about the sweatshirt.

it was the race we almost didn't start but we FINISHED!

xoxo