There is a First Time For Everything!

I am so proud of myself. Getting up at 5:40am to meet my partner at 6am BEFORE work on a Saturday was a FIRST in my books.

I have always wanted to run before work. It is awesome what having a partner can encourage you to do. OR  encouraging someone else by doing something that you really are not sure you WANT TO DO but do for THEM.

Heidi, my partner had to do her long run today. Heidi is running her first marathon this Fall, The Chicago Marathon. She asked me a couple days ago if I would help her do her long run by doing part of the miles with her. It was not that long ago she was doing the same for me while I was training for the Boston Marathon. She was so encouraging to me. Just knowing I had someone there to break up those lonely miles made my anxiety about that LONG RUN evaporate.

Having a running partner has so many benefits:

1. They encourage you verbally.
2. They do not have to say a word..Companionship. 
3. Accountability
4. They know your strengths and weaknesses. Pushing you or pulling you!
5. They can share ideas, products and knowledge you may not have.

 "Are you ready to run in the RAIN? This is what separates the Warriors from the Want A Be's!"

 

 This is my text to Heidi last night, confirming she was still on for our morning run.

 

"Ha Ha I am Now!

 

 We had a great run, I Survived the day. And think this is something I could get used to!

Anita

Dexter Ann Arbor. Here we stinking go again!!

Getting settled in for tomorrows big race. The Dexter Ann Arbor.
I am a bit nervous. This is my first race since Boston. I think. At least I know its my first half Marathon since!
Preparations:
Easy run. I ran two very easy miles. Well they should have been easy if it wasn't stinking 90 stinking degrees!

So for dinner we went to Ruby Tuesdays. I had a salad bar and the Turkey Minis. I have done the big ole pasta thing and the steak thing and always end up with FUNKY BELLY THING!. So I stick to what I know and play it safe.

I have my clothes laid out. The Garmin is charged, Chews laid out and guess what I purchased today???? FINALLY....drum role please...That right you said it...a NEW IPOD!!!! Finally right!

So this is my second year running this race. The course is beautiful. It is mostly treed and scenic.  I had a pr here for my half marathon time last year. 1hr 41 was my time for last years race. And that was huffing it. I thought I was going to puke and die. The finally 500 feet are all UPHILL.. Or Stinking Uphill if I may!

There is a shuttle that takes you out to the beginning of the course in Dexter, Michigan. From there you run all the way to Ann Arbor.  My family are all going with me. The boys are going to have to get up early. They are so good about it. There is nothing better than seeing your family cheering you on.  They are my cheering squad. They are the reason I go the extra when I feel like the tank is empty.

This Evenings Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank you for this opportunity to race. Thank you for my family and those who love me and cheer me on. I ask that you give me strength and stamina. Lord you are my partner and companion. Run beside me for fellowship, before me for inspiration and behind me for motivation. 
I Pray I can glorify YOU in this race. You have given me this gift and I give you all the glory.

http://www.dexterannarborrun.com/general-info


Remember me in your prayers it would be really great to PR again.
PR= Personal Record..

Anita