My first Half-Marathon

I am so happy to be crossing the finish line!!


For the past several months I have been training for the Putnam County's YMCA Haunted Half Marathon. One year ago, had you told me I would be running 13.1 miles this October, I would have laughed at you. See a few years ago, Brad ran a half marathon and then a full marathon with a friend. I thought he and my other friends who were running were CRAZY to run for 2 to 4 hours straight. Who would want to do that???!!

Well, here am I an accomplished Half-Marathoner. I did it in 2 hours 15 min! I came within seconds of Brad's Half Marathon time- which is an accomplishment! It was a cold morning (40's) and it was windy. I kept a 10 min per mile pace (which I had never done before) for the first 10 miles, but started slowing down a little once I was by myself (my running partner had strep and another had the flu. My faster friend went on ahead to achieve a new personal best). The last 3 miles were torture as we ran into the wind the entire way (I regretted not having my iPod). My take- if I can do decent in these conditions then just think how I might do if it were less windy? I may try another one or two next year. I enjoy competing.

I learned a couple of things during this training. One is that I looked forward to running because it was something I did for me. It didn't involve the kids, Brad, the house, groceries, cooking, and it was OUTSIDE. I forgot that I LOVE being outside. Two, before I started training, I laughed at people who said it was easier to train on the road vs. the treadmill. It is so true and having a friend makes it even better. Three, there are days when running 3 miles is a breeze and days when it is like you've never run before and that's okay. Just keep going! Fourth, I was reminded continually to be thankful to God that I was physically able to complete such an event. It is easy to take health for granted.

About a mile from the finish line, I passed the Johnson's and Brad and the kids. Lincoln's encouraging words to me as I ran by? "Mommy, you aren't last!"

He was still trying to really process why I wasn't going for first place.

Later I told him thank you for cheering me on because it was special and he said,

"That's because YOU are special." :)

My official result:

Place 151 Time 2:15:09 Pace 10:19

Kidside Fall Fun Night at Amazing Acres

Amazing Acres in Sparta, TN

Some of the kids on the hayride.


Coleman, Will and Foster- 3 to watch as they grow up!

Catherine and Shayla on the .... Cow Ride (pulled by a 4 Wheeler).

Visiting the Herren's in Savannah,GA

Over Fall Break, we had the opportunity to go visit our friends Joey and Sharon Herren. They have two girls Kylie (6) and Kadie (3). It was a weekend trip that went way too fast. It made us miss them even more, and we look forward to seeing them over the holidays. Lincoln took a picture of us at this yummy pizza place in downtown Savannah. Lincoln ordered a salad (At age 5 he decided he didn't like pizza. It's the tomato sauce. We don't always show him sympathy.)

Brad and Joey looking for gators at the Wildlife Refuge.

To their delight, we saw this one just under the surface.


Looking for gators (this was not a warm weekend in GA)

Sometimes, Catherine's hair turns to ringlets around her face. I love it!

Tybee Island, GA

Tybee Beach

Coleman doesn't like the ocean. He thinks the tide is really taking him into the ocean as it receeds back over his feet.

Coleman and Catherine's little toes.

Brad and Joey took the kids (minus Coleman and Kadie) to the top of the
lighthouse. The adult you don't see at the top is Brad. He has a fear of heights- he gets it from his mom. I am proud that he let our children out of the tower to see the view. Lincoln and Catherine did not get the fear of heights trait but I think Coleman did. :)

Kylie, Kadie, Catherine, Lincoln, and Coleman

A tuckered out little guy!