Saturday's conditions were less than ideal. It was overcast, cold and VERY windy.....when the race started at 7 a.m. the winds were blowing out of the north at 20mph and gusting to 30mph! It certainly wasn't the best conditions and the wide open first 6 miles had little protection from the elements. But thanks to Chad.....I battled through and had a personal record by 2 minutes and 15 seconds!!!! What's even better was that Chad and I crossed the finish line hand in hand. What a great moment to share together! Here are some stats:
Official time: 2:06:09.....I placed 387 out of 836 total runners; 171 out 516 female runners overall and 47 out 107 female runners in my age group. I averaged a 9:38 minute mile pace.
At the finish line! I was so glad Chad was there to keep pushing me....after mile 11 I was battling not to slow down. I hope I can do the same for him at the end of his full marathon in 2 weeks! 
Chad and I before the race.....I was very nervous about the windy conditions since the first 9 miles were going to be into the wind, but I trusted my training and Chad was right....it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. 
Still windy at the end of the race! I completed my 3rd and Chad completed his 4th half marathon in a year!!! 
I discovered this at the end of the race.....no wonder my foot was hurting around mile 7?! 
Note to self.....check toenails for sharp edges that could rub against other toes before long distance running! Would you believe this all came from a tiny nick on my toe?! Yikes! At least it looked worst than it actually was....The weather forecast calls for cool temperatures (which I don't mind) on Saturday in the Kansas City area but also something I dread.....wind. Depending on just how strong the winds are and/or how protected the 13.1 mile course is, I may have to factor in the conditions of the day as I set my sights on a possible 1/2 marathon PR.
I included some pictures Chad and my sister in law Christa sent of the boys from this past weekend. As you can see they had a great time exploring the Kearney Children's Museum!
The giant boots and backward fireman hat are my favorite. :)
Shorts must now be standard issue to all new firemen?
I missed my boys so much when I was away last weekend! This week we learned that Collin will begin transitioning upstairs to preschool soon at his school. I can't believe he will be 3 years old next month!
I am weary from a long day in the car coming back from Denver, CO. But I was so glad I was able to spend the weekend with the Mader Sisters. Since we are unable to attend Shana's wedding in May, I was so glad I could go out with Krista and Ashley to see Shana's wedding dress, spend some girl time together, and of course attend Shana's lingerie and bachelorette party!
Krista and I in downtown Denver before the party started....always fun to spend time together and this time it was a girls weekend which made it extra special.....even though we missed everyone at home! 
Shana, Ashley, me and Krista all enjoying lunch together after journeying to see Shana's wedding dress. 
Shana and I have been friends since our sophomore year of high school so of course a friendship like this has many great memories since our days at GINW. 15 years ago we shared many laughs playing Rizzo and Marty together. I had fun during the weeks leading up to this event recalling those days with lots of e-mails, facebook posts and pictures...... 
So of course I decided to end with this picture!!! To Marty, Krista and Ashley....thanks for putting up with me for an entire weekend! :)
And now........only 6 days remain until my third 1/2 marathon. Hoping to stay healthy this week and have good weather for Saturday's 13.1 mile race.
I took out on my 5 mile long run today (Sunday) instead of Saturday. I have felt a little under the weather this weekend and after all the yard work yesterday, I just didn't feel up to it last night. Even though I was only running 5 miles today, I had one of those runs that was a struggle. I was about to go into full on pity-party mode around mile 3 and then I had a moment of clarity. My thoughts went to my cousin Emily who is 34 years old and was recently diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. She is a kind, caring, soft hearted giving women who is also an amazing wife and mother. She would do anything for anyone and her faith and compassion for others has always been undeniable.
To be faced with the battle she is faced with is unimaginable. Emily, Kevin and their young children are now faced with something most of hope will never happen. So today during my minor struggles during physical excursion....I found a new mantra. I run for Emily.
If you are inclined to do so....I would ask that you think of/pray for my cousin Emily and her family during these next few months. Her fight begins Monday with chemo and radiation therapy for the next 3 months or so before undergoing surgery.
Collin playing with his horses! 
Mitchell thought this giant chair at Home Depot was hilarious. Chad sent this picture to my phone with the message: "Honey, I shrunk Mitchell!" 
