"YEAH, I did it!!!"

"Yeah, I did it!" This is a common phrase heard around our house from our 1 and a half year old. Anytime she accomplishes something or does something that we ask her to do, it is usually followed by a very excited and joyful, "Yeah, I did it!!!". Today this phrase was coming out of my mouth as I crossed the finished line of my first ever race. I participated in the Providence Heart and Sole, Women's 5 miler this morning. There were TONS of women. All different ages, different sizes, different shapes, and different goals for the morning. Some women were there to walk a 3 mile, others were there to run it. Some were there to walk the 5 miler and others (me!) were there to run it. I had the great privelege of being able to run this race with my sweet, dear friend, Jenna! She is a much better runner than me, but she stuck beside me the ENTIRE time. She cheered me one, she pushed me when I really wanted to stop and walk up the most awful hill EVER, she encouraged me. (Thank you Jenna! I love you!)

When the race first started, I turned my music on and just stayed with the masses. My goals were to run the whole thing, not be the last person, and finish with an average of an 11minute mile. After our first mile, Jenna turned to me and said, "Megan, we just ran a 9 1/2 min. mile." I had no idea, but with all that adrenaline going through me and masses of women around me, I wanted to stay with the best of them. Of course going up that awful hill, I slowed down to a 12min. mile, but I am okay with that this time, especially since most of the women around me stopped to walk. The end of the race is going straight down this huge, glorious hill straight into the finish line.  I don't even remember running that part because I was so happy and looking for my sweet hubs and baby girl on the side. I spotted them quickly, waved, smiled the biggest smile, and yelled, "YEAH, I did it!!". I finished the race in 54mins.

Great day!!! Already on the search for my next race. Who wants to join me?