I Ran...Really, I Did!

Sunday, Nov. 11th

Team AUC ran in the 20th Annual Around the Island Relay Race! There were 10 of us and we each ran a leg adding up to 25 miles. We definitely didn't win...not even close...but it was a Blast. And I can seriously say, I will do it again next year.

I am still asking myself what...WHAT was I thinking?! Somehow, Steph & Ashley wore me down is what I think happened! What with Ashley's "Think of all the great pictures!" & Steph's "Self-Motivation!" Anyway, it sounded fun and if nothing else, I can forever say that I ran in a 'relay marathon.' It was for bragging rights that I did it, actually. The day before, we made t-shirts to wear and I put my kids hand/footprints on mine. It said "Run, Mama, Run!"

The legs ranged from short to long, flat to super hilly. I asked for the shortest and easiest leg since I don't run....EVER. Sweet Sheryl followed through and gave me the easiest one...but it was the second to last run and it went straight through Phillipsburg at the end of the day...in the heat of the day.
Megan passes to me

What was I thinking?!
So, at some point, I should mention that I, um, got....LOST. Yes. I missed a turn and kept running down the wrong road for, like, a 1/4 of a mile. I know. It sucked. In my defense, I have to say that the girls following me in the car, pointed me in the wrong direction but really, it was totally my fault since I should have known my leg. It was totally demoralizing. The girls came and got me and I ran the rest of the leg...in the right direction.

At this point, I was totally ready to be done running. So, when I saw some teammates standing by the side of the road, I started to SPRINT! Stupid. Very, very Stupid. Since it wasn't the checkpoint and I had a lot more to run. Darn! So, I ran some more and saw some more teammates, and Sheryl, who was kinda like our captain was there. What did I do?! I sprinted AGAIN! I just don't learn, do I? Yup...it wasn't the checkpoint. Steph wasn't waiting for me there. I almost died. Sheryl yelled at me to keep running but at this point, I was dizzy. Somehow, with Sheryl's help, I made it to Steph. But I have to say...next time I run a race, I am going to MEMORIZE the map. Maybe I won't get lost and sprint needlessly and almost have a heart-attack.
The best part of the race? NOT running!!

Megan, Steph, and I hanging our feet out the back of Kara's car while cheering on our team. And while running, I could hear my boys cheering me on!

Mom...You Didn't Die!! Good Job!! At the end of the race, they had subway, drinks, and t-shirts waiting for us. We didn't get a trophy...too bad.

My son was still proud.