Double Digits

Yesterday I woke up to the beautiful sunshine, a day that was predicted to dabble into the 60's, a TEN mile run on the agenda, and husband with a fever who was feeling under the weather. My immediate reaction was to jump into "mom mode" and take care of him while distracting the kids so their dad could get some rest on the couch. I was about ready to call Pina (even though I really really did not want to) and tell her that I couldn't meet up with her and Christine. I started to think about other ways I could find time this week and hit the huge 10 MILEstone.  It pained me, because every other Sunday morning we battled the snow, cold temps, wind and more snow.  And now, we had the most perfect morning given to us. A morning we "earned" to quote Pina, to face the open road and put in some serious miles.  The sun was shining it's wonderful face and I tried to hold back from letting James know that I was a bit disappointed on how my morning's plan could change.

But, because he's my biggest supporter and a fellow runner, he did NOT let me miss this opportunity. The day before he had pushed himself farther than he ever ran... TWENTY whole miles, and yesterday... it was my turn.

When he insisted that I go and that he'd be fine, I did what any other good wife/mom in a time sensitive situation would do.  I grabbed him aspirin and a large water bottle. I then grabbed the Fruity Pebbles, bowls, cups, milk & juice and set up a picnic breakfast downstairs for the kids.  I put on Curious George, kissed the kids and flew out of the house. 10 MILES was going to HAPPEN!

"Beautiful" is not even the word for yesterday. It was beyond that. Rochester has not seen a day like that this whole year. The capris made their debut for the first time since last fall and I was ready.  Even more, my MIND was ready. 

I could not have asked for better company. Christine & Pina were both so awesome, strong and exactly the right combination to get me through this task. We parked at the JCC and took the canal path heading west towards Genesee Valley Park. At mile 5 we turned around and repeated the path back. The first 5 went by nicely. The second half was when I started to get shaky at times, but knew that if I kept my mind and spirit in check, that it was perfectly doable.  "I got this" kept ringing in my brain... along with "... on such a beautiful morning".  I will never forget this run!

We passed walkers, bikers and other runners. Towards the end of our trek we passed a runner wearing the hot pink NoBo shirt from last summer.  As she ran by us, we all cheered and I yelled "Go NoBo". Odd as it may sound it made me feel that we're "still" all in this together. Season after season, people join NoBo to learn how to run, or put their running journey to the next test and then "graduate" and move onto their next path.  However, they're still part of the family.  No matter which season are/were involved with, you still played a part into what it is today... at least that's how I view it.

Yesterday, I too was wearing my blue NoBoundaries "I can do anything cape" shirt, and boy...was that a great run!

What moves me today? The growing excitement for 13.1 at the FCC in two weeks.  Can't wait!!