Running along...

Hi Everyone!
I am back from Chicago and trying to ease back into the routine here at home. It's so good to be home back in our own beds!

As you know, I ran the Chicago Half Marathon this last Sunday and I promised to write about it. :) If you know the story from last year, you will know why I am telling people that the Chicago Half Marathon hates me!

Have you heard about the record rain fall this last weekend? When I arrived in Chicago on Thursday evening it was raining...and it never stopped until Monday!!! I was born and raised in Chicago and have never seen anything like it.

Me and my running crew have a philosophy about rain. If it's raining, we don't run in it. I mean, you might think I am crazy for enjoying running anyway. But running in the rain? That is just crazy. I just don't like the rain. And who gets out of bed early in the morning on weekends to run in it?

So I wished and hoped that it would stop on Sunday morning. It didn't.

I decided that I would run for Matt and I this race. Matt has been such a supportive partner and friend. He helps with Sam all the time - especially on my running mornings, and has never once complained about me going out to run. He has loved me through a lot. Not just running like a madwoman.

What can I say? It was wet. Some interesting tid bits:

• I loved the start of the race where I was able to easily pass up where I had to stop last year.
• I was inspired by seeing a lady with an amputated leg running the race - reminds you that you can do anything you set your heart and mind to do.
• I learned that a lot of runners bleach their underwear. I know. There was a lot of tie-dye running gear on the course.
• Race entertainment gets really thin when there's lots of rain - but I am thankful for the few guys that showed up!
• I am so grateful for my family that came to the race: Benj, Marissa and Titi Cucha (mom stayed home to keep Sam dry).
  

My finishing time was 2:21:55 -nowhere near my best time, but better than last year! Plus, I learned that I am capable of running in the rain. Not that I ever would by choice. Only if I paid my race fee and refuse to lose my money. Ha!

I am so grateful for the ability to run. Do you know that I never thought I could run? I was the girl who walked around summer camp with an inhaler in my pocket at all times. When I was in college I would watch other girls run around campus and wish I could run like them! It's been such an awesome thing to learn that I could do the same.

I thank God for graciously giving me legs to use. Thank you Matt for supporting me. Thank you girlfriends (you know who you are) for being partners and motivators!

So that's my story. I hope to share more about what I have learned about running - maybe if I share what I have learned I can inspire you to try it!

Love,
ariana