31:56

AT MOST

Joe and I started making goals about a month ago. We were talking about physical goals -- I didn't really want to be part of his whole "let's run together" gig. He is such a good husband -- I know that he was trying to be supportive ... but I could tell that he really wanted a running partner. I just honestly didn't know HOW I could do it. I've never been able to run before. {{Don't forget run = jog for me!}} On July 21st Joe handed me the newspaper that we get in the mail. On the front of it was an advertisement for the Wasatch Woman Love Your Body 5K/10K race. I thought -- I'm not getting any faster just sitting here ... and before I could talk myself out of it I registered!

That's where it began.

Today was the day we were looking forward to. I woke up after 6 a.m. to eat breakfast ... I didn't want a full belly while I ran! As we take the three freeway commute to sugar house park, butterflies flutter in my stomach. The whole time I'm thinking that I wish Joe could be with me ... running. Joe drops me off at the base of the hill and I follow the herd of woman. There were over 1350 woman at this event. I follow the stretches from the woman on top of the van -- all awhile feeling like I am part of something. We stretch, get in line, and wait. I was near the back and I soon see two smiling Boucher faces coming towards me. I am so grateful for Joe and his support. First the 10K folks take off and I shift my way closer to the front. When it was our turn excitement filled my soul and I get into a steady pace. Not once did I feel alone.

We needed to make two laps around the park to reach a 5K. The course wasn't a nice flat terrain -- there was two nice hills (four total with the two laps). I tried to concentrate on stretching out my stride on the uphill and catch my breath on the down hill. The first mile is the toughest and I just try to keep up. I was passed by the fast runners, but I also was able to pass up slower runners. That felt good! I get to the top of the 2nd hill and I see those two Bouchers that I adore. It felt good to see him -- he kept me going.

The second lap was easier than the first. My body was warm, my muscles ... a little numb ... and adrenaline pushing me to the end. My only goal was to make the whole race without stopping. I didn't care what the time was ... I just wanted to run it all. I am SUPER DUPER proud to say that I accomplished that goal. As I was passing the finish line I gave it all I had. I was absolutely shocked to see my time 31:56! That can't be! That's just over a 10 minute mile! This is not my official time -- they will email me that sometime, (they had chips on our shoes that marked when we crossed the starting and finishing line -- so it didn't matter if we were in the back or front of the pack... COOL!)

My next race is on September 12th. The proceeds of that race go towards kids with Dyslexia. Joe is going to register for that one today. Then we are going to both run Moab on December 5th. This is going to be my first 10K.

I RUN ...

for me.
for fun.
for health.
for a cause.
for the competition.
for solidarity.
for my body.
for a better life.
for clarity.
for my family.