In 2009 I set a goal to run a half marathon in 2010.
I needed something to reach for. I wanted to get more active. I needed something to keep my body and mind occupied while Gene was deployed to Afghanistan.
On June 6, 2010 I ran the North Olympic Discovery half marathon
I have now ran 3 half marathons, a couple of 5ks, a 10k, a 12k, an 8k mud run, a 10 mile race and 2 full marathons and am training for my 3rd full marathon on June 25th.
Today I ran 22.25 miles in honor of my 1 year half marathoniversary (yes I totally made up that word).
I would have been awesome to have run the North Olympic Discovery Marathon today. But I ran in Idaho, in support of my friend Tiffany who ran her first half marathon with me last year and today is running the NODM as her first full marathon.
Running was my goal but I gained so much more. It's helped me push myself further than I ever thought possible. It helped me get through a difficult deployment. It helps me keep my sanity. It helps me clear my mind. It's something I hope I am passing on to my son, that you can achieve anything you want if you get out there and try.
I hope to always be a runner till my body won't let me.
I did an easy 3 on the treadmill. Wanted to take it easy cause I am planning a long run of somewhere between 20-22 miles on Sat (or Sunday).
The year is half over. Do you have your list of races all ready to go?
My Race wish list -
Savannah Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Nov 5th.
Prices were low today but i'm not if I can run this one yet. We have some friends that live in Savannah and I owe them a visit this year so fingers crossed we can make it out there conveniently around Nov 5th ;)
Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll half marathon Dec 4th
It's up and down the strip at NIGHT and there are some awesome speakers at the Urban Running: Blogger Summit. Who wants to go shopping then run on the strip with me? (I'm not a gambler so I'd rather spend my money on shopping ;)
Anyone else running these??
The races I am for sure running this month are: Boise See Jane Run Half Marathon June 18th
My work is having a massage booth at this race, guess who's idea it was... yup this girl!
Seattle Rock n Roll Marathon June 25th
Can't wait to go back to Seattle!!
I have my eye on some races for the rest of the year that I'm about 80% sure i'll be running -
Fit For Life Half Marathon July 9th
Dirty Dash 10k Mud Run August 27th
Pocatello Marathon Sept 3rd
City of Trees Marathon Oct 9th
Did I mention I'm just a little addicted to running and racing. Just a little. I like to spend my extra money on races :)
People don't always understand why I run and why I would spend money on it.
I usually just tell them why not :)
Let me know if your are running any of the above races!
Memorial Day is more than just an extra day off of work. It's more than just great sales at stores. It's more than the start of summer vacations and camping season.
Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor the hero's that have sacrificed their lives for our country.
July 14th, 2009 1-17 IN 5/2 SBCT deployed to Afghanistan. My love was the First Sergeant for Alpha Company.
The Soldiers with their families getting ready to leave
I was stuck to him from the minute we woke up to the minute they left
Prepping for formation
On August 25th 2009 and IED detonated under a stryker vehicle killing Alpha Company Commander CPT John Hallett, the Battalion Physician’s Assistant, CPT Cory Jenkins, a Senior Medic, SFC Ronald Sawyer, and the Stryker’s driver, SPC Dennis Williams.
CPT John Hallett
CPT Hallett didn't get to meet his daughter who was born 3 weeks prior to his death. He also left behind 2 small boys and a beautiful wife, Lisa Hallett.
He was always the nicest person when I was around the office. The day they deployed he held a quick meeting with all his Soldiers, he was about to say a cuss word but stopped short cause he knew I was there. He was a hard worker and cared for his job and his Soldiers. Gene and CPT Hallett would be working in the office late into the evenings.
23 Soldiers were killed from 1-17 IN BN, 41 in total from the Brigade
Two days after CPT Hallett's death, Lisa ran. She, along with other wives started the group Wear Blue Run to Remember:
"Our Vision is to remember the Soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice."
"Our Mission is to establish a running community that serves as a living memorial to the Service and Sacrifice to the American Military."
"Our Goals are to Humanize the loss of war, support the community affected by this loss, and participate in and train for running events."
This year they will again be running at Seattle Rock and Roll marathon. If you ran it last year you remember the the 41 flags along the course. This year mile 5 of the course will be run by BLUE, handing out water and holding flags.
It's not fair and it's hard to understand why these men are taken from their families. When I see families that take the time they have with their loved ones for granted I think of all the families that wish they could spend just one more day with their Soldier, hear their voice, feel them put their arms around them, hug them, kiss them one last time.
Lisa has been such an inspiration to me and many other women and families.
CPT Hallett and all our lost hero's live on through all the runners lacing up every Saturday, wearing blue and remembering.
So tomorrow remember why it's Memorial Day. Remember the sacrifice of our fallen hero's. Tell a Soldier thank you.
Thank you 1SG Gene Hicks for being such an inspiration in my life. Thank you for your 21 years of service, for all the sacrifices you have made in your life that other's will never know or understand so that we may live in freedom. I love you
To all the Soldiers currently serving, to their families, and to any readers I have that are in the military, have a husband, wife or family member in the military, THANK YOU for the bottom of my heart.
