It's amazing how fast time goes! Summer? Wow! I guess I ran through it all! Literally! After my 40th birthday Chuckanut Foot Race, I kept running as often as I could. I hear about a half marathon in Bellingham that was going to be Sept 26, 2010 and signed myself up! 13 miles! I knew I had some work to do. 13 miles is a lot more than 7! But I was up to challenge myself!
The end of June brought Kyleigh's 16th birthday! We had gone through Travis' and my anniversary a month after he passed, the holidays, Travis' birthday and Father's day, but this was our actual first milestone to experience without Travis here. Kyleigh was determined to earn her license ON her birthday! The week before, we went in and she passed the written test the first try! She was proud of herself! On her actual birth DAY, we went in for her drive test, and she passed that the first time too! So on her 16th birthday, Kyleigh was able to say she earned her license! I tried to think of some silly, sorta smart - alek thing Travis would have said to her in congratulations, but I couldn't think of one! Maybe "Good job, my little peach!" in a goofy voice. He called the girls his little peach a lot.
Cole came home from Alaska after being gone for 5 weeks. It was good to see that furry guy! He didn't shave the whole time he was gone. What an experience for him! His plans are to return this winter for three months. Jan - March and go out into the Bering Strait on a 400 foot boat. And I thought I missed him for 5 weeks!!!! Once again, I know he will have a great experience, and the Lord will bring him safely home.
August brought he Northwest Washington Fair that Kyleigh annually attends with a horse. The year before, Travis had gotten her a new horse named Holli. This year, we worked hard and Ky had lessons with Holli to prepare for Fair. They did great! I know Kyleigh was proud!
Before my Sept 26th half marathon run, I was thinking I need another middle of the length run to prepare me for my half. I signed up for a 15k (9 miles) on Sept 11th in Bellingham. Running along the boardwalk with about half a mile left, I asked the guy I was about to pass (hee hee!) what time he had, and he said, "One twenty". I said to myself . . . "I want to finish in One twenty four or less!" I picked up my speed and hauled up the hill to the finish line where Cole, Jolynn, Ky, Abigail and cousin, Aly were waiting. The clock ticked onto 1:23 as I crossed! It was great! I ran that and averaged 9 miles per minute. If I remember right, I finished 13th out of 42 women my age (40-44).
When my half marathon came up, I was ready! Travis' brother, Chuck, had run it the year before, and finished in 2 hours 5 minutes. My goal was to beat that time! 13 miles is a long way to run! It was a beautiful morning, and just like the 15k, the run went along the waterfront of old Bellingham. Through the entire run, I probably walked a total of 2 minutes. Usually at water stops so I could drink while actually getting the water in my mouth! That last mile was a killer! You know you are almost done, yet you are beat and are just looking forward to that finish line! Every time I passed someone or they passed me throughout the run, I looked to see what their age may be. The races are divided into age groups for male and female. I was in the 40-44 age group. I didn't want anyone passing me that looked like they would be my age! The finish line came, and I finished in Two hours 7 minutes! Ugh! Chuck beat me by two minutes! About how many total minutes I walked the run!!!! I was still proud of myself! In fact, I finished 32nd out of 104 women my age! :) I couldn't complain about that! And . . it felt wonderful to be in such great shape! I know that running has been a good thing for me this past year, and I plan to continue! I am blessed!
Very proud of all your accomplishments.
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