Yes, they did indeed.
I don’t think anyone understands how much I needed to walk, to run, to move – even me.
Yesterday I walked (and even ran a little) the Flying Feather Four Miler, a tradition in my family.
I have the best family and friends anyone could ask for. I ran with my sister Mollie, Judi and Duane and my Dad was there cheering us on the whole way.
And every step was awesome.
Duane, Judi & Me
I started the race pretty stressed out – I left my house late and had to wait in line for a school bus to take me to the start line of almost 4,000 after being the first car to get cut off to the near(ish) parking lot. It did not start out as a happy Thanksgiving seeing that I dropped the f-bomb about 29 times before I even found Judi and Duane at the start line.
We got in line and started the race slower; and we picked up the pace as the race progressed. I love this course too and it was a beautiful day here, reaching almost 60 degrees and sunny. The course winds through the countryside and a metro park. We picked up the pace as the race went on (thanks to Judi) and it just might be one of the first times I have had negative splits in a race!
Negative splits!
I’m pretty proud of this race, considering in June I couldn’t stand, walk, use the bathroom or even breath on my own.
Racing with Duane and Judi yesterday felt like the “old days.” We laughed and talked and just ran. No pressure, no worries – it was just fun. By mile 3, I was hurting, though and really started to slow down on the last hill we had. I never stopped though, even when I thought about it at mile 3, it was these two that kept me going to a strong finish – where I even ran down the chute, finishing in just under 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Finishing the race.
This race – and these two friends – easily made my year yesterday. I couldn’t have (and wouldn’t have) done it without them!
Winners! 🙂
And, of course, it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without the finishers’ bottle of wine and pictures.
Flying Feather 2012
Race swag.
I needed this race to feel better and to feel like I accomplished something again. Today my head is spinning with running and racing plans – I want to get out there and train for a race, but I don’t want to push things too fast. It’s still one step at a time, I know. But, I also know, I will run again – and soon.
Did you race on Thanksgiving? Is it part of your holiday tradition? I would love to hear about it in the comments!
Until the next mile maker,
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I’m so glad we did this! I’ve had a lot of races, some good, some not. Some fun, some challenging. Yesterday was the most fun I have had at a race in a very very long time. Thanks!
I didn’t race yesterday–I’m still months and months away from being able to run again. But it was sooooo AWESOME to be out there watching you race again! It seriously made up for the fact that I can’t run. Or walk. Or bend my hip beyond 45 degrees. (But who’s counting? ;-)) I have hope I’ll be able to walk this one next year! And you’ll fly past me. 🙂
So happy for you Sara! What great friends you have, too.
I haven’t been running in AGES!
You, my dear friend, are very inspiring!
I have to admit that since being on a blogging hiatus/retirement I haven’t kept up with my blogging friends as much as I have liked. I’m off to get caught up on your life!
I’m happy to hear you had such a wonderful Thanksgiving! God Bless!
I am so happy for you!!!!! What a great day and something to certainly be thankful for 🙂 🙂 🙂 The wine at that race is yummy 🙂 Hope to do a race with you sometime!