My First Race

So I done did it. This morning. I ran my first official race ever. And we can just ignore that small children ran the race faster than me. I'm so tickled that I did it, but even more elated about training for the whole event! I've really worked hard these past thirteen weeks preparing for my first 5K, and other than the time that I had to work, I was in the gym every single day. 

By the way, running outside is easier. It seemed much faster than running on a treadmill. I kept busy trying not to fall on rocks and such, which made the time just fly by.

Speaking of time, I met my goal! I wanted to be under forty minutes (I know, I know. You official runners are choking on your granola as you read that petty goal. But it was a big one for me!). I actually came in with a time of 38:57. Yippeeee!

Luckily, I had company for the race. Our original team of twelve got widdled down to me, my sister, and my sister-in-law (six months pregnant, too!). And my sister only agreed to it this past week, so it was looking pretty scarce for a while there! It was so neat to have my own little cheering squad and support group. I ran ahead of them, but they finished just eight minutes after I crossed the line.

For those of you who couldn't make it, you were missed. Maybe next year?

While I was afraid these past few weeks that I would cry at the end, I only teared up when Megan and T'liese came around the corner. Luckily, they were giving out bananas, so that stifled the tears until I could wade through the crowd to greet them.

The best part? I'm going to keep training and do some more races this coming few months. They may make a runner out of me yet.

It feels great, and I am very proud of this accomplishment. Yes, I kept my race number. And yes, I very well may frame it and add it to a wall somewhere! What of it!

Micah running at all IS quite an accomplishment!

Gallery Goodness

Being on the road sure makes blogging difficult!

Last week, I headed to my sister's house to help her finish a project she's been wanting for months. It helps that she has an adorable family and is one pretty lady herself. They had professional family pictures taken a few months ago. When the prints finally arrived, she knew that she needed them on the wall. 

Enter Gallery Wall, stage left.

I don't know why she called me over to help, but I'm flattered. And Micah Math didn't interfere except for the very last measurement that she left me to make alone while she fed almost-two Evan.

But we fixed it. And I think it looks great!

We began by playing with several layouts on the carpet before finding one that we both loved. All of the space was filled, and there was a nice balance between vertical and horizontal pictures! We were ready to hang! And by ready to hang, I mean ready to draw them all onto a template of butcher paper. We wanted to get it right first by knowing exactly where to pound the nails before we pounded the nails. Not a bad idea, and other than my slight miscalculation when left to my own devices, the entire process went smoothly.

It looks great! Our next move is to design some simple yet personal "filler" for the three empty frames. Probably the letter "F" in one, printed on burlap. We are still trying to decide on the other two but want them to remain simple so the family pictures get the most attention.

We could be professionals. We practically are professionals! At least, we have a nice time making our homes feel more homey. Way to go, T'liese. Your wall is gawrgeous!

And thanks for looking the other way when we both realize I can't count past three.