Let me start by saying that this month will go down as the month that I accomplished a goal of mine that I had been working on since the summer of 2003. That summer, after moving into a house with some of my best friends in college I decided I was going to start running. My roommates Meg and Jenna loved to run and did it all the time. So, I decided to give it a try. I remember going to the Greenway and running about a half a mile and stopping because I felt like my lungs were going to explode. I hated it, but I was determined. That summer we also had started running/waking 2 miles during summer training for MT dance team. I don't know when but at some point my dislike for running turned into a love for running. I really wanted to run a half marathon but was way too intimidated. While living in Mobile I ran several 10ks, but knew I could do more. So, over the past few years I have actually signed up for two half marathons but never ran them due to injuries/illness.
When Brad and I got back from India, my friend Virginia asked me if I wanted to run a half marathon with her in Cary, NC. The difference between attempting to train the other two times and now was that I had a running partner. VA was great! She ran 2 before and was great about sticking to the running schedule. So, every Sunday afternoon for about 5 weeks we ran together. It was our long run for the week. It was also a great time to catch up with Virginia and discuss our lives. I always thought that people who could run long distances and talk at the same time were insane but I did it. Even when we ran the half marathon I was able to talk...even if it was to say "My whole body hurts. I might die."
So, May 22 Virginia and I completed 13.1 miles in 2 hours and 19 minutes. I actually had a great time. Virginia's husband, John, was supposed to run the 10k that morning but got injured so Brad took his place! First 10k for Brad!
Before the race!
Virginia is wearing red. Where's Meredith? Thanks lady, for getting in the way of my victory picture right as I cross the finish line!
DONE!!!
Memorial Day weekend Brad and I drove to Mobile for Ashley and Jason's wedding. The rehearsal dinner was at The Original Oyster House where I am pretty sure I ate my weight in cheese grits. It was so nice to spend some time in Mobile with family and friends.
Congrats Ashley and Jason! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your special day!
Sunday, on our way back to Raleigh, we stopped in Birmingham to see the Boggs family. And by that I mean, Harper :) No, really, I love seeing my family and it makes it even better to have a baby in the family to love on. Harper is growing so much! She is just the cutest thing. See for yourself.
My camera has many flashes on it before the picture actually takes, hence the big-what-are-you-doing-to-me-aunt-mere, eyes.
I think Harper is going to have strong Higdon feet/toes. She was stretching those toes apart all night...preparing to pick something up with them one day :)
Notice Farrah in the background. She has some jealousy issues she is still working through.
