Dazzled

Enthusiasm

I once heard a comedian say, "I may not be good at much of anything, but I am VERY enthusiastic." Since hearing that I have pretty much decided that is a great description of me. I have no real gifts or talents, which is regrettable. However, I AM enthusiastic! Saturday night my husband and I participated in the Jingle Bell Run in our city which benefits the Arthrtis Foundation. He ran the entire 5K and had a great time. I walked and strolled through the finish line right at 47 minutes! LOL I have been looking forward to this run for 10 days, basically since I learned about it. I bought a new RED jacket to wear to the race. I bought RED hoop earrings to wear to the race. I even bought bells for my shoes (not knowing they were going to be provided). On the way to the race (which for me was a far cry from a race) I was putting the bells on my shoelaces when my husband told me that he liked my enthusiasm. That made my day. When you ain't got no gifts you are thrilled that someone notices your enthusiasm. The picture I have enclosed is of me at the 3 mile marker. My husband was so amused that during a RACE, when I was almost to the finish line, I STOPPED for a photo op! I guess it is sort of amusing....and it shows my enthusiasm for participating!

My First 5K on Thanksgiving Day!

I DID IT!!!! I actually participated in my first 5K last month, but today I did the Turkey Trot in my city and ran the ENTIRE 3.1 miles!!! I understand there were about 10,000 participants and I have never been a part of anything like this in my life! The trigger was pulled on the gun so the runners could start and we just stood there.  It took almost 2 minutes before our part of the group could even start walking. Once I could run, I just ran and ran and ran! I injured my foot last month so I have been babying it and have not run in almost a month. I think I undid all the healing today as I am hobbling around again now. But, if I had to do it all over again, I would RUN it again! What a personal accomplishment this was for me! I heard one father tell his young son, "Your mind has to be stronger than your legs." Great advice. I have learned that running is mostly mental!

The day started early. I had to pick our babysitter up at 6:15 this morning. We drove down to the race site and got all situated. It was SO cold. I had a small cup of mocha cappucino and was shaking so much that I spilled it all over my pretty, cool, EXPENSIVE, white, running jacket! I got most of it out with water, but then my jacket was wet! Anyway, the race was exhilarating. My time was 35:03 which is not great, but I am satisfied with it for today! We got off to a slow start because of the crowd. After the race, he who dazzles me and I, went to breakfast. That was fun, too! When we got home I hobbled around the kitchen and cooked the traditional Thanksgiving dinner for my family under the influence of Aleve. Our grown son was here and our four little girls! Just the 7 of us because our daughter and her family spent the last 4 days with us so they went on to spend Thanksgiving with her in-laws. I feel very blessed this Thanksgiving for the health of my family and the peace that reigns in our lives! Before, after and WHILE I was running, I took pictures to document my experience. The enclosed picture sort of sums it all up! Well, it has been a long day! Time for an Aleve induced sleep! If I can get my foot to feeling better I want to go on the 5K Jingle Bell Run next weekend!!! FUN!!!