so she tried

Yesterday (Sunday) was the half marathon. Wow.

Saturday Michael, Lisa, and the girls (Lisa’s daughters Maelie and Alyssa) went to the health expo. Then we the ladies all came home to make shirts for the race. It was so fantastic to have such great friends to share the pre-race day with! I feel SO fortunate to have such beautiful people in my life!

Saturday night was when it finally hit me—the 13.1 miles was about to be real. There was no procrastinating. I made potatoes and linguini and put myself to bed. Then I woke up three times because I had drank so much Smart Water….haha anyway.

Sunday morning came early—too early. I hit snooze and then Lisa was at my house ready to go. I had already slept in. WHO DOES THAT!? (Slept in as in 5:30am). Michael, Lisa, and I all were heading downtown right away.

Before I could freak myself out mentally, the race began and we were headed to the bridge. Lisa and I talked about songs in our heads and the fantastic weather. It was really relaxing. Then we got over the bridge, just about four miles in. And it hit me—I was in this race for real.

Somewhere inside of Windsor Lisa and I hit our stride. We were running through crowds of strangers having incredibly honest conversations. To say the entire event was a reminder of why we’re such great friends is an understatement. We stopped for photo ops and shoe ties. I complained about cow bells and praised the drummers and cheerleaders.

Then there was the tunnel. The first half—the downhill—was awesome. The second half felt like someone turned off the oxygen…so we took our time and laughed a lot, as planned with my personal trainer.

Once we reached the literal end of the tunnel, we were half way through and I saw something fantastic: My incredible supportive boyfriend holding a sign “Run Ladybug!”. (Ladybug being the team name adopted by Lisa and I.) It was complete with black and red colors and styrofoam ladybugs.

Not long after we ran by my mom, sister, and brothers. I was really excited they came out and that gave me another extra energy boost! I stopped to give hugs and then we ran on. It was exciting to know I’d get to see them when I crossed the finish line. (I still have more photos to upload.)

Then came an unexpected hill. And this, of course, is when I was glad to be running with Lisa.

Unlike a few other running pairs we saw on the course, we were a pair that was kind to each other. We took it easy up hills and amplified the inspiration from downhills and spectators.

Toward the end, around 12 miles, we were both hurting. But with just another 1.1 miles to go, we kept spirits excited. Michael appeared with a “SHUT UP LEGS” sign right when we needed it. And we needed it.

Then we saw the finish line a few blocks out. Another block in and we spotted Lisa’s husband and Maelie. That was the last push we needed.

We both sprinted to the finish, together. Then the hugs, and the overwhelming feeling of what-just-happened. And drinks. And friends. And family. And food. It felt amazing to have accomplished this goal surrounded by the people that I love. Incredible, really.

Then we had tacos. And I had a pina colada/daiquiri mix. Then I fell over the moment I got home.

…Then I got a text from Lisa asking about doing a triathlon next year…

Shirts follow through (from this conversation) & my outfit ready to go!

Why “Running to my homeland?” It’s an homage to my Canadian & American families!

My bib name, “YAY SHAUNA”, is special thanks to Michael (who completed my registration form for me). <3

More carbs and hydration time!