Jason and I got to spend the night in a gorgeous hotel room on the ocean, have a relaxing Italian meal together and just spend time together alone. We learned of a new niece before falling asleep Saturday night and Sunday did something we are passionate about! Ok, I'm passionate about running - and I believe Jason is turning that corner too.
Any book, magazine article, or Internet post about relationships will tell you to find something you can do together and your relationship will improve. Find a common interest or activity. Little did I know back almost 11 years ago when we went on our first 6 mile run together before we were even dating that Jason wasn't actually a runner. He just went with me to hang out with me and later told me he died on that run! It was shocking to me several years ago when Jason started training for his first triathlon and then as he got more involved in the sport he showed he was GOOD! When he said he would run a marathon with me, I mentally doubted him. I thought he would give up when the training got hard. He absolutely did not. We talked training plans, nutrition and paces. We compared routes, times and shared anti-chaffing sticks. I LOVED it! As our race crept up on us, we tapered and started talking about our plan for the race. I have loved experiencing this with Jason. We are talking now about what race we can do next...and what hotel we will stay in!
Another dimension of the outrageously glorious experience of Sunday was my MOM. We ran together. The WHOLE race. We finished with our arms wrapped and our glory pointing to Jesus. We had an experience I will never forget. My mom has done SO much for me. It was my turn to get to do something for her and it was a JOY. Together, we got a 4:07 finish - placing her 4th in her age group and qualifying her for Boston. My mom was hoping to shave some time off her last finish of 4:31 and I knew we could get at least a get 4:20...but as we ran, I realized we could do even better and once we got to a certain pace, I kept us there for the rest of the race. I was her "pacer" if you will. I loved the look in her eyes as she realized a finish of 4:10 was possible at one point in the race...and then the finish...so many emotions swirled around in my head. Mostly just gratefulness that my body can do this, my Mom wants to do this with me and JOY that my mom was SO excited to have such a great time. I'm so ridiculously proud of her.
Ahhhh...we're done!
My dad ran the half-marathon! He did awesome too!
Pre-race...sun screened greasy faces - ready for the challenge!
3 comments:
So great! I'm so proud of all of you and I think it really is beyond words sometimes how great it was to experience that together. So sweet. I love that you love my brother. ;-)
Such a great post, Carrie. It captures your intense love for your husband, running, and your mom. I'm so proud of your 4:07 finish time. I can imagine how thrilling it was for you and Sherry to finish together.
Here's to all of the races in your future! Won't be long till it can be a family affair with Gavin, Ez, and Violet. Whey you and Jason set such a good example ... how can they not want to join in the fun??!
I just got your blog address this morning. I am sitting here with tear-filled eyes, reliving the "dream" with you.
Words could never, ever thank you for your loving sacrifice.
You are an AMAZING women and I am inspired by your life.
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