Race Envy

So....I haven't posted in a while.  Okay.  A long while.  And a lot has happened since the last time I did.  You see, a couple friends and I started "running" about a year ago.  A minute at first, then three, then before you knew it, we were running for 10 minutes none stop.  Now, this may not seem like much but for me it was a victory.  I've never been able to run....unless something was chasing me.  I've made a lot of progress to say the least.

A month ago, I ran my first 5K race and I had a blast.  My numbers?  Well, I'm trying not to dwell on those, but if you must know, I finished in the middle of my age group with a time of around 30:06.  But, considering I've always run on a treadmill, afraid of the road, didn't walk and no one had to give me mouth-to-mouth, I say I kicked that race's ass!

Today, I had a strange thing happen to me today.  I got up early....on a Saturday, and ran 4 miles to get ready for my second race.  Outside.  With Hills.  For those that know me know that this is a personal best and I did it in 38 minutes.  I'm kind of proud of myself.  I came home and got ready to go on an easy hike with my husband and step-daughter.  On our way, we passed runners.  Lots of them.  Turns out there was a 5K race in town today.  I looked at them and I had a wave of different emotions run through me.

I wanted to join them!  WHAAA????  I know, crazy.  But I wanted to run.  Not to try to beat them, just to run with them.  I was jealous!  I was jealous I was in the car.  Then I was happy.  I was so happy seeing people do what I'm now actually learning to enjoy.  I can't quite describe it.  And then I said out loud "that's okay, my race is next weekend."  Kevin didn't quite know what I was talking about, but I did, and I felt content.

So, I think my blog will now become a journal of sorts on this adventure of my re-discovery.  I'm changing, inside and out and wondering where it all will lead.  Next weekend, I hope it will lead to a 29.59 5K ;-)

The Hopester Goes International

For those that know me, you know I'm a close-to-home kind of girl.  Well, all that changes in less than 48 hours.  Hubby and I are hopping on that big giant bird and heading across the pond to the place from where the US of A was born.  Watch out England!  Watch out Scotland!  Because here we come!

We came to the decision to take our vacation abroad on a whim.  I think we surprised each other when each of us said "Let's go!"  No doubt it will be quite the adventure as either one of us has really been anywhere.  So, come Saturday we will be Britain bound for a week and a half.

I look forward to castles abound, the British Museum, trying on the Crown Jewels and embarking on my first whiskey tour.  Not looking forward to the rental car and hubby's driving.....but maybe they sell xantax over-the-counter there???

wish us luck!