I ran the Pear Blossom last weekend. (That shot was taken about 50 feet from the finish line.)
I'd actually never run a race before. In fact, prior to last Saturday, I'd never even ran 10 miles before. (The furthest I'd run while training for the race was eight miles.)
I only had two goals for the race though:
1. To finish in under two hours.
2. To finish without stopping/walking.
I got off to a rocky start and was actually the very last person to get out of the starting gate (because there was a really long line at the Port-a-Potties and because I couldn't get my earphone cords untangled), but once I got going, I settled into a really good pace.
1 hour and 37 minutes later (23 minutes faster than my goal), I crossed the finish line without stopping/walking. (That put me at 914th out of 1,580 people and 69th amongst 137 women ages 35-39.)
And though that might make me a 'C' average runner...it never felt so good to be so average.
As silly as it sounds, this whole thing was kind of emotional for me.
The last 10 months have been hard. And though I see the value in the struggle, it's still been hard. And because of that, each one of those ten miles felt symbolic.
I remember back in July, listening to an acquaintance from Bible study talk about a triathlon she was training for. (Note the other big obstacle I purposely chose to put in my path; joining a women's Bible study which forced me to hold conversations in which I couldn't use my knowledge of photography or dental hygiene to disguise my social awkwardness.) My pulse immediately quickened listening to her talk about it, wishing that I were the kind of person that could do a triathlon. A couple weeks later, that thought was still in my mind.
And then it occurred to me that I could do a triathlon. (Mind you that while I eat pretty healthy, I've never been able to stick with an exercise program.)
The first day I started training, I went down to run the track at an elementary school by our house with the goal of running one mile without stopping. After running four laps, I stopped. My lungs were on fire, my legs felt wobbly and I could feel tears coming on because it all felt so unobtainable.
For some reason though, I decided to stick with it (even after the discouraging realization that a mile was actually five laps around the track by our house.)
The first time I ran three miles around that same track, I called Josh Downs while still trying to catch my breath and made him guess how many miles I had run. He unfortunately guessed four and I unfortunately got mad because he should have known to err on the low side, but when I hung up the phone, I could feel tears coming on because for the first time, it felt obtainable. (Yes, I cry easily.)
Then I got a bike. Nothing fancy enough to make a true street-biker jealous. Just something that was lighter than my 12 year old mountain bike but still practical enough for riding on trails with kids.
And then I joined the YMCA where a sweet but strict old women tried to teach me to how to freestyle swim.
I started off loving the biking, tolerating the running and hating the swimming.
Now, I love the running, like the biking and choke/gasp like someone on the verge of drowning during the swimming.
Thankfully, I've still got four months before the triathlon though.
And though I'm feeling a little let down by the laws of the universe that would allow someone who can run ten miles to still have a muffin-top and sausage-legs (albeit, slightly reduced-fat sausage-legs), I feel good.
And while the struggle has been (and still is) painful, I feel like I'm beginning to develop an understanding and a deep admiration for it in every detail of my life.
And at the risk of sounding annoyingly and unsuccessfully philosophical...I'm beginning to realize that there's a beauty that comes out of the struggle that could never be had otherwise.
yay you!!!!
that is awesome & i know you feel fantastic!
i just trained and finished my first half-marathon in 20 years. bummer, i think i gained a few vs loosing a few while training. ugh.
but great shot!
Posted by: paige | April 11, 2011 at 10:32 AM
ps- do you have advice on lens choices anywhere on your site? i looked but couldn't find anything. i have a 50 1.4 & love it, just trying to decide what next.
big question, i know!
Posted by: paige | April 11, 2011 at 10:33 AM
great job, karen. you are an inspiration for sure. keep up the great work!!
Posted by: misty selak | April 11, 2011 at 10:37 AM
Good for you! You should be very proud of yourself!
Posted by: Jennifer M. | April 11, 2011 at 10:41 AM
Way go go! You inspire me.
Posted by: Ellen Patton | April 11, 2011 at 10:42 AM
Awesome accomplishment Karen!!! I'm glad you stuck with it and are feeling really good about it! I just rejoined the gym - ultimately for continued good health but to also drop a few pounds (that's one of the rewards for all the working out right? LOL). I'm thinking I'd also like to work toward a 10 mile run and maybe contemplate the triathlon - I don't like swimming either. Many thanks for the inspiration :-). Have a great day Karen.
Posted by: Brandi Talmadge | April 11, 2011 at 10:47 AM
Ok, long time lurker of your blog... just wanted to say that you look fantastic and I'm totally inspired/jealous that you are stepping up and rocking it!! Good for you. Muffin top or not you look fabulous! :)
Posted by: Karen | April 11, 2011 at 10:50 AM
Go, Karen. That's awesome!! And you are FAST!
Posted by: Jennifer | April 11, 2011 at 10:54 AM
KR....
I think I am going to go out and buy some new running shoes. I could really use a new focus too.
Posted by: Monica | April 11, 2011 at 10:54 AM
Congratulations Karen - that is awesome!
Posted by: Jeannine | April 11, 2011 at 11:04 AM
You don't sound annoyingly anything. I love the way you summed that all up. So glad you can look back on working at it and see your accomplishments.
Posted by: PattyL | April 11, 2011 at 11:09 AM
Way to go Karen! That is an awesome accomplishment!!
Posted by: Shannon | April 11, 2011 at 11:12 AM
You GO GIRL!!! BTW to look at that picture I would have thought it was the beginning of the race, not an hour and a half+ and almost 10 miles into it! You look fantastic. You should be proud of yourself.
Posted by: Ann | April 11, 2011 at 11:16 AM
CONGRATULATIONS! I see nothing but beauty in that photo of you! And hear it in the glow of your words. I am so impressed!
Posted by: misha leigh | April 11, 2011 at 11:17 AM
way to go Karen!!
Posted by: gina f. | April 11, 2011 at 11:27 AM
You are a good Example of Perseverance! Your kids must be really Proud!
:)
Posted by: melina | April 11, 2011 at 11:32 AM
Yay Karen!!! This is an awesome accomplishment! I'm so impressed and inspired!
Posted by: Melanie | April 11, 2011 at 11:33 AM
Way to go!! It is amazing how good running can make you feel.
BTW, you look great in the picture. I don't even look that good when I start running.
Posted by: Sara Mangan | April 11, 2011 at 11:35 AM
Yay for you Karen! You look great! Congrats!
Posted by: Addie | April 11, 2011 at 11:42 AM
Good for you for stepping out of your comfort zone (in more ways the one!). Congratulations on your run!
Posted by: Melissa | April 11, 2011 at 11:46 AM
YAHOO..great job Karen!!! I just got my walking gait analyzed and I'm the proud owner of my new walking/running buddy Brooks (my new shoes)....I'm doing a 1/2 marathon in Vancouver, WA on Father's Day...thank you for your inspiration and keep going..YOU ROCK!!!! ;)
Posted by: Kathy C. | April 11, 2011 at 11:51 AM
You look great in this photo Karen! Way to go - you should be VERY proud of yourself!!
Congratulations!
Posted by: Alaina | April 11, 2011 at 11:58 AM
YOU ARE SO AWESOME!!!! I've been running for almost a year & still struggle to run a complete 5k w/o stopping/walking. You have inspired me to push harder on my run tonight! thanks for the honest post
Posted by: Kim | April 11, 2011 at 12:03 PM
fantastic job! doesn't it feel good to make those strides toward actually doing something you once thought impossible and then crushing through it? and fitness is definitely something that doesn't have just one look - all shapes and sizes can be fit, that is for sure! but way to go...you look great, and how wonderful to feel great too!
Posted by: dawn | April 11, 2011 at 12:14 PM
Congratulations Karen!! That is awesome!! For that pic being at the end of the race...you look great!!! I'm so happy for you.
Posted by: Tracy | April 11, 2011 at 12:41 PM
oh Karen, i could almost cry reading that post out of joy for you! So glad that you persevered and overcame, you should be gloating! I do believe the Lord is having His way with you Karen, what an awesome thing to wtach progress...
Posted by: mandy friend | April 11, 2011 at 12:44 PM
Wow! I have thought many times about running some kind of marathon, but just haven't done it! But the fact that my One Little Word (Ali Edwards project) is REALIZE, as in JUST DO IT, and you have just inspired me greatly, I will have to consider doing a marathon again! Thx.
Posted by: cinback | April 11, 2011 at 01:02 PM
congrats and way to go Karen!!!
Posted by: laura j | April 11, 2011 at 01:06 PM
CONGRATULATIONS KAREN!!! YAY! Go you! And the line at the end? So good for me to hear right now. Thank you! :)
Posted by: Tanya A | April 11, 2011 at 01:09 PM
You inspire me in so many ways! Thank you!
Posted by: Stacey H | April 11, 2011 at 01:17 PM
Way to go, Karen! That's awesome! Congrats on this accomplishment.
Posted by: Diane W. | April 11, 2011 at 01:21 PM
Yea!!! So happy for you!!! I can't get pass 1.5 miles on the treadmill. You are the greatest.
Posted by: Judy Webb | April 11, 2011 at 01:33 PM
Congratulations! Outstanding! Good luck in training for the next goal!
Posted by: MichelleGB | April 11, 2011 at 02:11 PM
GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are inspiring me to get out and run today:).
Oh, and, my son the swimmer always tells me I am still choking on water because I don't get on my side enough when I am taking my breath...if that helps at all.
Posted by: Karen H | April 11, 2011 at 02:13 PM
Go Karen! What a big accomplishment and so many reasons to be proud of yourself! Your an amazing role model to your kids!
Posted by: Amy Taylor | April 11, 2011 at 02:13 PM
Great job! That's an awesome pace! Way to go:)
Posted by: sheakorinne | April 11, 2011 at 02:38 PM
Congrats on the run! You are such an inspiration!
Posted by: Nicole | April 11, 2011 at 02:41 PM
Congratulations on your 10 miles! Even bigger kudos, however, for persevering through the tough stuff. Remember...if it was easy, everybody would do it! :)
PS - So with you on the running! Started last year at 45 and I LOVE it!
Posted by: Stacy | April 11, 2011 at 02:44 PM
I already said it once but it bears saying again....SO SO SO proud of you!!
also, it hasnt been said yet but I dont like you very much for looking so damn perky AND happy after a ten mile run....next time look exhausted and ragged and make me feel better please ;)
LOVE YOU GIRLIE!!!
XOXOXOX
Posted by: tanyawebster | April 11, 2011 at 02:50 PM
Just seeing your huge smile makes me want to cry! Yes, I cry easily too. Life seems full of struggles and it is inspiring to see you carry on....I need to get off my hind end and do the same! :)
Posted by: Shonna | April 11, 2011 at 02:51 PM
Way to go, keep it up!
Stick with the Bible study also!
Perseverance!
Posted by: Carrie P | April 11, 2011 at 03:03 PM
Last line....Awesome!!! If I was on Facebook, I would totally "like it" :) Hugs to you Girl!
Posted by: Misti | April 11, 2011 at 03:09 PM
CONGRATULATIONS, Karen! I loved hearing your story. I started running last June, and my first run was also at the high school track. It was all I could do to run for one minute...I mean, all. i. could. do. After what was months of training, I don't break any speed records, but I've run several 5K races without stopping and do it on my own...out of happiness and joy to do it! LOL. Do you know how ridiculous I thought it sounded when people said things like that? I'm getting ready to step it up to a 10K sometime in 2011. All this from a girl who's turning 40 next month and needed to lose a LOT of weight. I loved your last sentence because it's so true. No one could have told me how this would feel, not physically...but how good I would feel about myself on the inside because I know I've done it. I'm inspired when women share, and I'm going to be praying for your triathlon every time you come up in my reader. :) You GO, GIRL!
Posted by: Lori Craig | April 11, 2011 at 03:12 PM
Congratulations! I'm so happy for you.... and I think you said you're doing the Danskin Tri in Seattle in August? I am and I am SO nervous. First Tri for me and it feels enormous!
Posted by: Rachelle S | April 11, 2011 at 03:43 PM
Just LOVED reading this :).
Posted by: Ali | April 11, 2011 at 03:51 PM
wowee! congrats to you! and by the way, you look really, no REAL-ly happy in this picture.
and your comment about the muffin top and sausage legs made me spit my coffee out at my screen.
why doesn't it just evaporate from all the exercise??!! i know, really??!!
Posted by: amy jupin | April 11, 2011 at 04:00 PM
Great job Karen! You look fantastic and the happiest runner there! You are truly an inspiration! Keep it up...you rock!
Posted by: Hannah S | April 11, 2011 at 04:08 PM
Absolutely FABULOUS! and extremely inspiring!! The most excercise I ever did was step aerobics in college until 4 years ago (at the age of 36) when I ran my first 5K with a good friend...the running bug finally has stuck for me. I ran a half marathon last year...don't know if I'll do another, but I enjoy the running time...and I still have my muffin top too :(
Posted by: Lynn | April 11, 2011 at 04:10 PM
Congratulations!...and I was really hoping that picture was 50 feet into the race because you look too darn good! If I would have even made it that far my face would be beet red and I'd be swimming in sweat. So not only can you run 10 miles you look good doing it to...so not fair!
Posted by: Brandi | April 11, 2011 at 04:32 PM
Congrats Karen! That is SO fantastic and you look great! I do not see any sausage legs or muffin top on you!
Posted by: Cindy Johnston | April 11, 2011 at 04:52 PM
You go girl! In the picture you have the glow of someone who has achieved a great accomplishment. Congratulations.
Posted by: Wendy Molnar | April 11, 2011 at 04:57 PM
So very proud of you Karen for keeping with it. I have no desire to run at all and admire people who do. I think to achieve something on your own that you have to work hard for (ie outside photography and dental stuff) is definately a testiment to showing you "you can do it". Great job.
Posted by: Kathy | April 11, 2011 at 05:20 PM
Congrats Karen! Very inspiring - keep pushing forward!
Posted by: Amy | April 11, 2011 at 05:35 PM
great job Karen, you are such an inspiration. Congrats on your first race!
Posted by: Angel | April 11, 2011 at 05:43 PM
GOOD FOR YOU...maybe there is hope for me.. and today I turned 53....
Laura
Posted by: laura | April 11, 2011 at 05:58 PM
GOOD FOR YOU!
you go girl!!
I have never run more than 4.5 but my goal someday is 6.
I can't swim well at ALL so a triath. is so NOT happening!
but I will cheer you on!!!
tara
Posted by: tara pollard pakosta | April 11, 2011 at 06:03 PM
that is so great...you should feel very proud of yourself
Posted by: Nina Diane | April 11, 2011 at 06:18 PM
Congratulations!!! What an awesome accomplishment!
Posted by: KathleenB | April 11, 2011 at 06:30 PM
Way to go Karen!!! Very proud of you, I ran the Pear Blossom myself Saturday. Ran the 5K for the very first time ever, and what a great accomplishment. Great job! Rene'
Posted by: Rene | April 11, 2011 at 06:35 PM
It is the best feeling...when it is over. I did my 1st sprint triathlon 4 years ago and I have done the same one every year and I am signed up again this October. I am a "quick crier" and I have to choke back tears when they raise the flag at the beginning and play the anthem and then again when I am finished. The 1st year I was a mess, so thrilled to have made it. I am not an athlete just a mom who once a year accomplishes something I never thought possible.
And if you want to lose the muffin top (that I didn't really notice in that awesome photo) try Clean Eating and it will melt away! It is 80% what you eat, 10% exercise and 10% genes.
Posted by: Victoria Hassink | April 11, 2011 at 06:36 PM
WOW!!! What an accomplishment!!! Congratulations!!! Bask in the glory and then pound the pavement as you reach for your next completely attainable goal!!! So inspired by you :)
Posted by: Dawn | April 11, 2011 at 06:55 PM
your smile in that photo says it all! so happy for you - can't wait to see pics of from your first tri!!! take care ;)
Posted by: artcanthurt | April 11, 2011 at 07:15 PM
Fantastic picture. You are FAST! (and making me feel like a S-L-U-G)! I could only dream of running that pace...I'm just happy with my 11 - 12 minute mile.
Posted by: Cristina | April 11, 2011 at 07:18 PM
You go girl! You are an inspiration in so many ways.
Posted by: Cyndi | April 11, 2011 at 07:23 PM
I love how happy you look in your picture. Way better than those two guys who look too serious. Way to go!!
Posted by: Alison | April 11, 2011 at 07:43 PM
Congratulations! You should be sooooooo proud!!!
Posted by: Wendy | April 11, 2011 at 07:58 PM
Go! Nellie!!! :)
p.s. Are you doing Bible Study Fellowship?
Posted by: kat-in-texas | April 11, 2011 at 08:10 PM
Awesome! Congratulations!!! Glad to see your posting, and you look great in the photo :)
Posted by: erinaaaa | April 11, 2011 at 08:24 PM
Only have one word to describe you...AWESOME!!!!!!! Way to go girl!
Posted by: Geny | April 11, 2011 at 08:29 PM
Hooooooray!!!
Posted by: janel | April 11, 2011 at 09:08 PM
I am coming out of momentary lurkdom to let you know that you passed me in mile 2 of the Pear Blossom and I about had a heart attack. (But the best kind of heart attack, because I felt like I knew you but then I realized you had no idea who I was.) At first I thought I could keep up with you (partly because I wasn't sure if it was you and I needed to find out) but DANG, WOMAN! YOU CAN RUN! As a couch potato turned runner, and as someone who HAS run a few races (but never 10 miles, holy moly I wanted to die at mile 7) keeping an eye out for you as you lapped me in a major way was the only way I got up that first hill. I needed to *know* if it was you I saw (or just a hallucination) so watching for you for about 7/10 of a mile on one of the toughest parts of the course was what got me through. Do I sound crazy? Well, when you're running you'll do about anything to keep yourself sane and moving. :)
Congrats on the awesome finish!
Posted by: Brittany | April 11, 2011 at 09:40 PM
Congrats to you Karen! I'd be happy if I could run a mile without dying, heck even walking after 5 feet into the run would make me happy!
Posted by: Pam | April 12, 2011 at 01:44 AM
Wow! You inspire me!!
Posted by: Jeni | April 12, 2011 at 02:36 AM
woo hoo!! you go, girl! congrats on your accomplishment!
Posted by: kim S. | April 12, 2011 at 02:43 AM
You've got great motivation for doing this! Keep up the great work. Finishing a 1/2 marathon was one of the best feelings I ever had, "I can do all things through Christ , who strengthens me"
Posted by: Abby | April 12, 2011 at 04:06 AM
Karen, first of all, you look great! Second, I'm soooo impressed! I tried jogging down the street the other day to keep up with my daughter (who was on her bike with training wheels), and I was completely DONE by the end of the block! I admire you for putting everything you've got into this and coming out SUCCESSFUL! Of course, we never would have doubted that you would be. :o) So happy for you. Not sure what your big struggle (or struggles, it sounds like from several of your recent posts) has been the last 10 months, but whatever it is, I hope you're able to overcome it with flying colors. Thanks for being so honest on your blog. I feel like a close friend (by the way you share your life with us semi-anonymous readers), even though we have never met! :o)
Posted by: Corie in Indy | April 12, 2011 at 04:56 AM
Big congrats to you Karen!!! I am so excited for you!!!!!I am a long time follower of your blog and have been waiting for an update like this as I just knew that you would tackle a race someday!! And your time was awesome!!
I also happen to be a long time distance runner and cyclist and at almost age 50 have 17 half marathons (most recently February 2011), one full, dozens of shorter races, and a few tri's under my belt.....my next full is coming up in 3 weeks...
And what I want to say to you is Bravo!!! the hardest thing is just to start and you have.....
There really is no way to communicate to someone who has never crossed the finish line of a long race the sense of euphoria and accomplishment and the feeling that all those training miles culminate in the one moment of incredible joy.......that is after you get over feeling like you might vomit!LOL
Now that you have started please please keep it up....dont let it be something you just did once...the mental, physical and emotional benefits from running and cycling are beyond measure...
Posted by: Beth | April 12, 2011 at 05:08 AM
Wow! Quite an inspiration... I had been waiting for this story ever since you mentioned it in the passing in one of your posts. I am training for some 5Ks too this summer, So far this year (2011)I haven't run outside but plan to do so very soon, I am awarm weather outside runner :)
I so agree with your muffin top unjustice, God made us too sweet :D
Posted by: shalini | April 12, 2011 at 05:13 AM
what an incredible feeling. i attempted running over the winter and i was doing pretty great until the cold was just too much to handle. i've never been a runner but i'm hoping to tackle this this year. i'd love to be able to do it. you're an inspiration!
i hope you're finding peace in all the craziness surrounding you.
Posted by: Tess S | April 12, 2011 at 05:15 AM
Good for you! Congratulations! And that is a great photo - you look so happy!!
Posted by: Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita | April 12, 2011 at 05:22 AM
Muffin top where? sausage legs no where to be found.
Wish I could say I WALKED 1 mile you should be very proud of yourself I am of you .
Maybe one day I can run 1 mile. great job.
Posted by: K de ron | April 12, 2011 at 05:54 AM
ps. can you tell me what kind of music you listen to while running????????????????
Posted by: K de ron | April 12, 2011 at 05:55 AM
Congratulations Karen!
You are inspiring... just want I needed to hear... reaching your goal is tough but worth it!
You're a rock star!
Posted by: Abby | April 12, 2011 at 06:40 AM
Good for you, for all that you do, to continue on your path is FABULOUS. You go girl
Posted by: Cindy Welch | April 12, 2011 at 06:47 AM
You know, everyone can tell you what an amazing, talented, and successful person you are. But until you find that one personal struggle, work toward that one deep-rooted goal, and FINISH, you'll have a hard time realizing how amazing, talented and successful you really are. I applaud you for taking the leap of faith in yourself!
Posted by: Ally | April 12, 2011 at 07:26 AM
Look at how happy you look in that photo! I can't even imagine. I grew up around triathlons and it's not something I ever would do, but that's more from my fear of swimming in open water.
You are amazing!
Posted by: Kelli | April 12, 2011 at 07:36 AM
I think you look absolutely fabulous! I would love to run but my doctor, chiropractor, and massage therapist all advised me to not run...so I'm in awe. How wonderful that you've taken on this challenge and you are persevering! And how fantastic that you finished and beat your goal time!! You go, Karen Russell:)
Posted by: Patty Hetrick | April 12, 2011 at 07:44 AM
Congrats! You have re-energized me! I started "running" last fall and hit a snag in Februray that led me to give-up and go back to walking. Today I am restarting my attempt to run with my goal of a 5k still out there. At 41 (almost 42) I wish I would have started this goal 20 years ago! However, I guess it is never too late! Oh...and Go Beavs! :)
Posted by: Julie | April 12, 2011 at 07:47 AM
So glad that someone captured you running! Congrats and I know you will do amazing things it's just the way you are my friend :) I would be the one who loves the swimming and maybe the bike riding but the running just don't think I can LOL. Not that I wouldn't want to try but with my medical condition I can't take impact still on my leg so that is out of the question but some day maybe God will heal my leg and then who knows the sky is the limit right? Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Deneen | April 12, 2011 at 08:10 AM
I saw you at the Pear Blossom! After I did the 5k my mom and I had gotten separated and while I was looking for her I rounded a corner and there you were with Josh Downs and Annie. I would have stopped and said hi but 1. I'm not gonna lie, I was a little star struck and 2. I didnt want to seem like a total creeper because even though we've met once before (you came to my moms scrapbooking store in Redding) you guys have no idea who I am. Haha I'm socially awkward too :) Congrats on running the 10 mile and good luck with the triathalon! You're awesome Karen!!!
Posted by: Whitney | April 12, 2011 at 08:22 AM
WTG! It's so awesome to set goals and achieve them. Which tri are you entering? My very goal oriented daughter is doing the Pacific Crest and, like you, swimming is her least favorite.
Posted by: pam | April 12, 2011 at 08:57 AM
You are one person who can and will do ANYthing that you determine worthwhile. You must be made of steel. Except for your heart which is soft. (Been teaching the kids at church about soft hearts and hard hearts.)
Posted by: nancy in ks | April 12, 2011 at 10:01 AM
Yeah for you Karen. You do look ever so happy to be towards the end of the race.
Bring on the triathlon!
Posted by: Sara | April 12, 2011 at 10:06 AM
That's 10 sub-ten-minute miles! Amazing. And you apparently looked fabulous doing it. You should be so proud.
Posted by: K | April 12, 2011 at 12:08 PM
That´s REALLY COOL! And so well done!!!
I started running a couple of months ago, but i am no where near 10 miles. I am at that happy 3 mile point... As far as i keep on practicing 3 times a week am i proud of myself. So you imagine how proud i am of you!!!
Posted by: ellen | April 12, 2011 at 12:41 PM
I would say that if I finished right beside guys that look like that I was doing PRETTY darn good. CONGRATULATIONS!!
Posted by: melanie | April 12, 2011 at 02:13 PM
You inspire me Karen!! I'm struggling training for 5k's never mind a 10 miler!!! way to goooooooo! Thanks for the inspiration and reminder that growth comes from getting ourselves out of our comfort zones - you rock! (and I totally would have sobbed at the 4 mile thing too - he should have known better LOL )
Posted by: Karen P (kphike) | April 12, 2011 at 02:49 PM
Woo hoo!!! I love the big smile on your face at the end of the race. You go girl!
Posted by: Katemeri | April 12, 2011 at 04:37 PM
EXCELLENT KAREN WAY TO GO GIRL!! And look how long those guys legs are and you are smiling and they're not! You should feel great about this accomplishment. The sky is the limit for you now.
Posted by: Lisa | April 13, 2011 at 02:33 AM
so happy for you Karen!! Congrats!! You rock chika!! I love it!! your such an inspiration!! i wish i had the courage to even try...
Posted by: teresa b | April 13, 2011 at 10:13 AM