Earning my Turkey

Every year on the fourth Thursday in November the Atlanta Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon takes place.  And every year, I wondered what exactly possessed those people to wake up early and run 13.1 miles?  The day when you eat the most delicious food and express what your thankful for, why on earth would you torture yourself with a half marathon?  

Well, this year, I was one of those crazy people! Why?!

At the Expo, there was a big sign reading 'Why I run:'
Which one's mine!?

For some bizarre reason, on January 1, 2012, I made a goal, or a New Year's resolution if you will, to run a half marathon in 2012.  I can honestly tell you that I'm not sure why I made that decision.  I'd never run a race before, and quite honestly, didn't really like to run, or run often for that matter.  It wasn't a way to reach a weight loss goal or anything of the like, but simply to push myself to do something I'd never done before -- something I thought was impossible for myself.  And whatta ya know?!  I did it!

My friend Rachel decided to start her Thanksgiving with a 13.1 mile run as well:

Excited/Nervous about the run.

Byron's such a good sport -- he always wakes up early to support me in my races.  This time, because traffic was so terrible, Rachel and I jumped out of the car and left him to park while we hustled to Turner Field.  Needless to say, I was a little surprised when I saw him as we lined up in our corrals:

I wouldn't say that the course was too difficult, but I will admit that I didn't train for the 13.1 miles as I should have.  To be honest, I just got sick of running, so I lost interest and focus on training.  My time wasn't great, but I did do it, which I'm pretty happy about.

run. run. run. run. run.

Crossing the finish line.  2:42:12 [according to my watch]

finishedddd!

I saw Byron as soon as I crossed the finish line and was completely surprised when he pointed to Brad and my Mom on the other side!  Not gonna lie, I got a little emotional.  

Surprise!!! 

happy with my husband

Go, Rachel, Go!!
This girl is inspiring.

We're still alive!

Running the half marathon was definitely an experience -- not sure I wanna do it again anytime soon, or ever for that matter.  The turkey, dressing, and [Byron's] pumpkin pie sure did taste good, though!

Unfortunately, my Thanksgiving feast-induced food coma went into full effect at my grandparents' house, so I didn't get a single picture of the delicious food or my wonderful family.  But Byron and I did manage to snap a photo of the two of us to commemorate our first Thanksgiving as a married couple:

achieved goals, good shoes, blister-free feet, a loving family, delicious food, an incredible husband . . . I have a whole lot to be thankful for this year!