9 Freakin' Miles!

Today, I surprised myself and everyone else. I ran 9 miles. This was my longest run EVER. Yes, it was slow. Yes, it hurt. Yes, I felt that running may be overrated. BUT - when it was all said and done, it felt great. It was a huge accomplishment and I really do think that I can do the half marathon in 4 weeks. Here were some thoughts that went through my mind in the hour and fifty minutes that my body was moving:

• I can do a lot more than I give myself credit for. I may never be the fastest or the best, but I'm doing a whole lot more than I ever thought I could do;
• God is incredible and has given me so much more than I ever could deserve. One of those things is my health. I know all too well what it's like to not feel well all the time and feel much older than my age. With exercise and diet, I am feeling better than I have in a long, long time. I know it will just keep getting better;
• I wish I had not left my iPod in the car, because some jammin' music sure would have come in handy and helped to pass the time;
• I have to write a jam-up personal statement to get into law school. My undergraduate performance was less-than-stellar and I need to get the Board's attention in 2 pages or less and it has to impress;
• Ow, this hurts a lot (ok, these are thoughts I had while running);
• I am very lucky to have my husband out there with me, supporting and encouraging me every step of the way;
• It's not worth it to sweat the small stuff. I could get uptight and stressed out over every little thing, but doing that only shortens the time I have here and with my family. Not worth it!

So, next week I will tackle 10 miles. I am PUMPED up about it because I know I can do it. Once I conquer 10 miles, a half marathon will be in my sights. Tybee, here I come!

P.S. Saturday night television sucks!