River Bank The 2nd Time Around

Last year I wished I had signed up for the River Bank and it was a gorgeous day for a race.  I got sick in February and took time away from training so I wasn't quite ready to run it.  So this year I was going to do it.  I found myself a training buddy and we signed up.  We trained in the snow and all sorts of conditions.  We were ready!  The day arrived and of course it was a rainy one.  Why couldn't it be gorgeous like last year for me, oh well, still had to run.  It was a great race for me, I was not feeling it going in to the race but I was determined to just finish the race.  At mile 5ish I felt something on my foot and figured it was probably a blister or something but had to truck on.  I lost my training buddy and friend at mile 6 and felt awful but I was feeling good so I needed to keep plugging along.  Saw my family at mile 8 and that gave me a boost.  After mile 9 I had a few times that I had to walk for a minute but overall felt great.  To be honest I hit mile 15 and thought how am I going to do this?!  At that moment the song on my iPod was Strong Enough by Matthew West and the specific line was "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!"  It was awesome and such a God thing.  I sang and plugged along!  So proud to say that I even had  PR.  I shaved 7 minutes off my time from 2 years ago.  I finished in 2 hours and 30 minutes.  Another River Bank in the books!

Before the race we hung out in the Amway, perfect spot!  

Nice bathrooms to use and warm and dry.

Ready for the race, here we go!

So thankful for Lindsey, she was a great training partner and encourager.

So happy to see my family!

Still smiling!

Some Gatorade hit the spot

Thankful for this man who lets me take the time away 

I need to train and supports me quietly but supports me.

With 2 of my reasons why I do this, so I can be a healthy mom for my kiddos!

See the blood there on the right, yeah, it was gross.  

quite the nasty blisters!

My littlest supporter!

So thankful they were there at the finish to see me cross the finish line!

Training buddies!

My crew

I did it!

Addisyn had a soccer game so she missed the race but 

I missed her score a goal.  So bummed!

So thankful for my parents who also came down to support me in my race!

And a recovery Shakeology!