Downfall: Running late. It doesn’t bother me much when others run late to things, but for some reason it drives me batty when I personally am late. Even by just a few minutes, like I was for my lunch date with Lee.

Bright Side: I was late because I plowed through a productive morning with a 7 mile run, getting grocery shopping finished, and taking care of little ones.

Downfall: A mad sunburn. On one arm. Oh, the attractiveness.

Bright Side: Sitting outside for a fabulous lunch to celebrate Lee’s birthday.

I couldn’t make her birthday party last weekend since my parents were staying overnight and it was the only night Peter & I could have our date. I knew I wanted to spend some time with her for her birthday though, so we planned a lunch get together. We met at the World Peace Cafe – a vegetarian cafe with great food based off organic, locally grown products.

I ordered a grilled veggie sandwich with the sun salad on the side.

And an unsweetened raspberry iced tea to drink.

So, so, so good! The sandwich was light tasting but filling and the salad had all the necessary items (fat, fruit, nuts) with avocado, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds. The food and, most importantly, time with a good friend certainly justify my lobster arm.

Downfall: Black Swan.

Peter & I watched Black Swan on Saturday night. I kind of hated it. I understood the underlying messages in the movie, but it all bored me and just seemed too weird. Plus, I would get the chills seeing all the ribcage action. I know that is part of the ballerina thing, but it still bothered me.

Bright Side: Having a simple, relaxing night with my husband. This little treat we picked up didn’t hurt either…

Downfall: The weekend is now over.

Bright Side: I have a busy, but good, week ahead and feel refreshed going in to it after some yoga and quality discussion yesterday in church. God showed me, for the umpteenth millionth time, that His understanding and wisdom far exceeds our own. That great things are possible when trusting in Him. That following Him always leads to a bigger, brighter side of life. Now, hopefully, that refreshed feeling will last me. For at least a day or two. 😉

• Have you seen Black Swan?
• What bright side have you encountered recently? 

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!