When you care about something, perseverance must not waver. In order for our passions to continue to grow, we must practice perseverance. It keeps us true to ourselves. Following through can present quite the challenge when its easier to just let things go or ride along in the sweeping currents of others’ wishes and decisions. We have to fight…for the right…to paarrr-tay. Or, you know, LIVE OUR LIVES.

As a new mom, “take care of yourself” appears numerous times in the onslaught of advice from others. At first, I blinked with unbelieving eyes because how in the world could a spare moment to care for myself exist when playing booby bar mom to a newborn? Let me tell you – those first few weeks after Makenzie were some of the hardest of my life…ranking right up there with the week my father hit me and said he had “tried to love me my entire life but never could” on our family vacation. I loved baby M so much that I lost all sense of self.

Just as I dug my heels in to regain control of my life after my senior year of college, I straightened my shoulders and looked those lost feelings in the eye and said “back off!”. I persevered. I made a point to care for myself and work towards my own goals, in addition to being there for my loved ones.  It was hard and I felt guilty at times, but I knew caring for myself meant the best for my happiness and my family’s well being.

In reality, anything worthwhile involves struggle. What would our lives look like if we always took the easy road? We have to adopt a will to persevere in those trying times because things will turn around. Our issues only even have a chance of turning into something wonderful with our determination to plow through them backed up by the 1,000 armies of belief in change and hope in good.

No matter what you face today – overcoming eating struggles, feeling unworthy, facing uncertainty for the future, battling a trying relationship/health issue/work situation, etc – persevere. Remember that you will make it through and that the hard work will be worth it. Listen to your heart, gut, instincts, and God to guide your life…not someone else’s. And not a lesser version of your own either.

• What ways have you seen the benefits of perseverance in your life?
• If you don't want to get too personal, what are some small acts people can do to keep on keeping on?

I did it! I did it! I did it!!

And you can safely say that I will race again. I understand the hype and addiction to running and racing even more now. So. Much. Fun!!!

First, let’s back up though. Friday night I made sure to do as much prep work as possible. I packed up stuff for the kiddos to spend the morning with their grandma. I laid out all the things I needed. I pulled out the trusty boob pump. What? You don’t have to do a pumping session as part of your race morning prep? Lucky.

Then, I hit the hay by 9 pm to be up and at ‘em by 5 am. I checked the weather, got dressed, and ate my breakfast – whole wheat English muffin with peanut butter and half a chocolate chip cookie dough Larabar.

I can’t remember the last time I ate breakfast at 5:30 am. So early!

We made it to the race venue at around 6:45. The nerves and excitement had started setting in by this point.  Shortly after getting there, I met up with Lee, which helped calm me down a bit..

We walked around, took our bathroom break, and chatted before heading to the start line. Then, suddenly, the time had come and we were off. I made sure to follow all of your advice and keep a steadier pace for my first mile. I finished my first mile at an 8:26 pace and felt great. From there, I decided to pick it up a little bit and hit mile 2 with an 8:10 pace. When I noticed that I was only at 16:36, the thought of finishing under 26:00 as a possibility hit me. I could barely believe it! And I knew I wanted to give my all and see what would happen.

When I had about a 1/2 mile left, I started feeling pretty tired. I could see the final turn up ahead and told myself I could do anything for just a few more minutes. I kept going. I just went for it and ran.

25:12!!!!! I did NOT know I had that in me. Seriously. No clue. It felt so amazing to cross that finish line and see Stacy and Kristy there cheering me on. I could not find Peter, but just knowing he was there meant the world to me too. I turned in  my time slip and then headed to the finish line to cheer Lee on as she came up. Lee accomplished her goal of PR’ing which was awesome to see.

After the race, we chatted a bit more with Stacy & Kristy before they had to head off for the 10K portion. Then, I grabbed some snacks – a mini smoothie cup, some Starbucks coffee, a mini coffee cake and mini brownie.

Hey, I can’t turn down free food. Peter, Lee, & I decided to hang out for the raffles and awards too. Lee won a Brita water bottle prize pack.

We were both really hoping for the random umbrella and Clorox bucket of supplies they were giving away though. 😉 Ha!

Suddenly it was time for the awards for the various age groups. Peter & I almost left before this, but I wanted to stay a bit more to chat with Lee before heading out. I’m glad I did because guess what? I placed third in the women’s 25-29 age group! Ummmm…how?! I was literally in shock.

And excited for the totally unexpected surprise. Talk about a great first race! Even though I know not every race will end like this one (or even close!), I still look forward to many future races. This may have been the first, but certainly won’t be the last.

• What was a “fitness high” you felt recently?
• Check out Lee’s, Kristy’s, and Stacy’s blogs to say hello and hear their recaps! They are awesome blog friends!