Sunday, June 13, 2010

Running is FUN!

Yesterday, June 12, 2010 was the Women's Run in Anchorage. My friend and I had to leave Wasilla @ 6:30 am to make the drive to Anchorage. We had time to warm up and use the potty when we arrived. This is an inspirational event that supports breast cancer research. I have participated in the run 3 times now. It was a beautiful summer day in Anchorage. We enjoyed running along the Coastal trail. I had to stay focused on my run and not allow myself to get distracted by the beauty of the mountains around me. I had a personal goal that I wanted to achieve. Last year I ran the race in 48:50. I wanted to run this year's race in 48:49 or under. Well...........My friend and I achieved victory. We ran the whole race together and came in at the finish line at 45:46! I was thrilled. It's amazing what you can do when you believe and give 100%! I kept positive thoughts during the run. I listened to motivating music and stayed hydrated before the run. The best part of the run was seeing my family there.
Ray got up with the kids, got them ready and drove them to Anchorage to be there at the start and finish. I felt such joy when I saw them. I told myself: "Run for your family." So, I pressed forward and ran on. The above picture shows me after completing the run. I had enough strength left to pick up the kiddos. They are the ones that make me strong! I sure love them and they love to run...let me tell ya, that's why I have to keep getting faster, so that I can keep up w/ them.
Here I am waving to my family on the sideline! I was surprised to see them. They gave me strength! Running with my friend gave me strength too. It was nice to cheer each other on. Hold on to good friends and family as you run the races of life! They will get you to your finish lines.

Love, Kary

4 comments:

Cheryl said...

Hurray, you did it!! Way to go, my friend!! You are an inspiration to me!!

Mari said...

AWESOME! I am SO proud of you! I wish I could have been there with you! I will be forever grateful that we both started running together about 12 years ago . . . I have never stopped and I am so happy to see you strong and able to run with strength again. There can be miracles . . . when you believe! :-) One day we will run together again . . . maybe when we are old ladies! ;-) love and miss you! Keep growing younger . . .

Anonymous said...

Rock on Kary! You're amazing, I hope you know that. I love the pictures. Sure miss all of you. McKinley is sure getting big. Thanks for sharing your life. Keep smiling! and shining! Love, Tess

Heather Allan said...

Awesome Kari, so glad you are doing so great. I'm totally impressed you had such a great marathon! Go Girl!