Running Into Mother's Day

Well, I finished.

My 5th 1/2 marathon...

Here's the lowdown...in LAUREN form...

1. 
   
   I had my worst time ever. I didn't train as much as I have in the past. I didn't even wear a watch. The only thing I know...I started back in corral Q, so it took me 15 minutes to even GET to the start line (hubs crossed it in like 20 seconds). I had no brain cells to do the math when I saw the time throughout the run. I didn't even care about my finish time (hubs looked it up later). I finished. Enough said.


2. 
   
   Mile one: The sweet elephant from the Indianapolis Zoo was out again! I think it was a lot more interested in it's breakfast, than watching all of the yay-hoos run! I said HI, then promptly threw off my dear, dear red Wal-mart velor hoodie. I loved that hoodie!


3. 
   
   FACT: Men have small bladders! I cannot believe how many men cross the start line and go to the nearest port-a-pot or bush. I saw WAY too much of that.


4. 
   
   Mile 2-4: Followed a dad and his 6 year old son...okay, maybe he was 5. Gave me a bit of motivation.


5. 
   
   Passed firemen and swat team in full garb...masks, tanks...all of it. I think they were the only people I passed the whole race!


6. 
   
   Mile 6: Getting onto the Indianapolis 500 motor speedway. The worst part of the race. Running down the tunnel to get onto the track...ouch. Running downhill is HARD! The track...Like going from 4 lanes of traffic down to 2. I hate being crowded! I did "run into" someone I haven't seen in like 22 years...it was nice to hug her!


7. 
   
   Mile 8: Off the track and feeling okay, even though it started raining at mile 6 (and never really stopped the rest of the race). Shoes wet, so my toes were rubbing.


8. 
   
   Mile 8.5: I was passed by this: Yep...Life size and running! And it was downhill from then on.


9. 
   
   Miles 9-10: Just trying to get through.


10. 
    
    Miles 11-13: My slowest EVER!

I'm no amazing flash of lightning like my blog friend Sharstin, and am not tough enough to "off road" run like my other sweet blog friend Brandi.....BUT...like my childhood friend Kristen said....It's better to be at the back than to not be running at all! AMEN!

*****
And my Mother's Day...

I am so blessed to have these three...

*Emily Caroline

Laney Isabelle

Henry Oliver (taking his first "big tractor" ride with Uncle Kyle)

Three of my most favorite people EVER!

The weather was FAB and we enjoyed the day...outside.

I even caught a new momma enjoying her new home!

And FINALLY got a pix of the pileated woodpecker that sneaks around our woods!

After my three babies were in bed for the night,

I went out to feed our critter friends.

I made a nice peanut butter sandwich for Mama Raccoon,

gave it to her,

wished her a Happy Mother's Day...

and called it an evening.

I limped up the stairs...

throbbing knees and hip...

and oh boy...I think I am going to loose a toenail too!

The joys of running! :)