It all started several months ago when several of us decided to participate in the Women's Running Magazine 5K here in Nashville. There were several of us veterans that signed up - the Karens, Gloria, and me. Soon we heard from another butt-camper, Michelle. She let us know that it had been a dream of hers to do a 5K, and she thought maybe with the pace, she could do it. Karen blogged about it today, telling a little more of Michelle's story. We all told Michelle she could do it, so she signed up. We planned to train for this one, and we did. Once. After that, we sort of all trained on our own. "Sort of" being the key words.
Our Training Group. And Training Day.
Anyhow, before we knew it, race day was here. We all met downtown. During the past month, Molly had decided to run with us, and we had two more newbies from butt camp - Sharon and Jo (who happens to hold the record for sit-ups at butt camp. We'd hate her taunt little guts if she weren't so funny and sweet). Michelle's family was there to cheer her on - which was good, since she was a bit nervous.
She was a worried that she would be swept - taken off the course if she didn't keep up the required pace. I told her that I would walk with her (not mentioning the fact that they would have to get a forklift and haul my butt off the course, not to mention that if I had to hunt down the director herself, we would get our medals for finishing - no matter which day, week, or year we came across the finish line).
The National Anthem was sung, and the half-marathoners were off. Soon it would be time for us to take off, and take-off we did. Jo sped ahead of everyone and finished with a great time (I think her fab abs helped). Karen P and Gloria ran together, Molly ran by herself, Karen B and Sharon ran together, and Michelle and I paired up. Up the bridge and around the stadium - Mile One. Around the the stadium and up another hill - Mile Two. Down Broadway and back and around - Mile Three and the Finish! We did it, and thanks to Karen, our medals were waiting for us.
When we saw the finish line, Michelle turned to me and said, "I hope you don't mind if I start crying when I finish. This is a dream of mine to do a 5K." I told her that I would be surprised if she didn't cry. When she crossed the finish line, we all cried. We cried because we love Michelle and we understand her pride and joy in accomplishing her goal. We cried because we were all so happy to be able to witness her personal triumph. We cried because we saw her family loving her and being so proud of her. And we cried because that's just what friends do - every tear is just one way of showing our love.
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Today's blessings: 5K, butt camp buds; Michelle's family; Lindley time; errands with Maribeth
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