Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Three Years Today

Happy Wednesday! I can't believe this week is half way over...it seems like yesterday I was out there truckin' it with the moo cows. Thank you all for loving my race reports! (At least for telling me you did.) I had fun writing them and reliving the pain from those excruciating 26.2 miles.

I was very flattered to see that some of you thought I looked nice during and after the race, which was a surprise to me! As for some sort of secret to the post-marathon glow, the only thing I can suggest is that if you have curly hair, wear a hat! It completely hides my afro :)


NC Marathon goodies (hat not pictured)

I've been thinking a lot about what is going to come next for me, as far as races go, and I am hoping to do the Marine Corps Marathon in October through a charity partner. I am going to a Team in Training info session tomorrow to find out more about the program, but I am also considering running on the Fisher House Team.


My marathon medal!

Fisher House is a great organization that supports America's military in their time of need. They provide a home away from home that enables family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful time -- during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury.

I have mentioned before that my boyfriend Matt was wounded in Iraq in 2006. When he was brought back to the U.S. he was hospitalized at Walter Reed in D.C. When his family flew down to be with him, they were put up at the Walter Reed Fisher House, so I know how valuable this organization can be for our wounded troops and their families and I would love to help them out if I could.

But other than a fall marathon, I am also considering training for a summer sprint triathlon! This is something I have kind of always considered, but was putting on the back burner because...I don't really swim. Not that I can't swim, I just don't. More news to come on this soon! I will also be running in a few 5k's here and there, especially now that my girl Alesha has beaten my 5k PR (25:30) the challenge is on!! (You listening Alesha?!)

As of right now, I've been doing a lot of eating. Eating ice cream. Eating chips. Eating whatever I can find. I guess it's my way of celebrating being finished with my first marathon. It's been nice :) I haven't been eating entirely unhealthy though, I have been craving these babies ever since I was denied them last weekend...


Since I am no longer sore and my blisters are pretty much healed (miraculous I know) I really have been itching to get out and just RUN! I would be going today but Matt and I have other plans....today is our 3 year anniversary! We met 3 years ago tonight at a bar in Chapel Hill, NC (Deep End actually for any of you Tar Heels out there) and have dated through his deployment to Iraq, his injuries and continuing recovery, my semester in Australia (at the same time he was deployed), my graduation from college, his return to college, me entering the workforce, him leaving the Army, two moves together (one to Charleston)....and lots of other things, some that have been hard on both of us and some really good times!

So here's to us, because 3 years is a pretty long time! :)

15 comments:

  1. Great post! I found your blog through ChicRunner. I just completed my first marathon back in March. You did an amazing job! I was coming off of an injury so it took me a lot long to finish but at least I finished!

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  2. Thanks for the shoutout. Good luck trying to beat me...not everyone can be fast like me ;) Jk. Excited at the possibility of a sprint triathlon with you! Hope you and Matt enjoy your celebration tonight...get it get it!

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  3. Happy Anniversary. 3 years is a big deal! I looked at the sprint tris here in Chas but I work every 3rd weekend and they fall on my weekend to work...dang it!! We wanted to do one last year, and just got busy and never did. Then this year I'm working...maybe next year. I was just checking out active.com and it looks like there are several 5ks coming up though!!

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  4. Happy anniversary! Three years is a long time and sounds like you've been through a lot together.

    And-- I just got the time to read your race report. It was thrilling!

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  5. Sweet medal. And congrats on the three years!!

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  6. I may be biased but I think running for Fisher House would be awesome! Not that I don't like TinT but I have opinions about that as well.

    Anyway, I'm glad you're enjoying the afterglow of the marathon as it should be, and a very happy anniversary to you guys! Celebrate well, and eat more! ;)

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  7. Happy anniversary! That's quite a journey you guys have been on together - it seems like you make a great pair.

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  8. Happy Anniversary! 3 years is a long time. It was about that time that Mr. Pi proposed =). We'd moved across the country together and he endured my return to grad school. Now we're married (almost 2 years) and have enjoyed so many memories. Here's to you and Matt and many more memories!

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  9. Happy Anniversary!!!!

    Hope you two have some awesome plans lined up, because you have a LOT to celebrate :)

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  10. Congrats on the 3 years - have some fun!

    Fisher house sounds like a great opportunity, and running Marine Corps with charity would make it even that more special. Can't wait to hear how you like the TNT meeting too!

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  11. I am one of those ridiculously crazy UNC fans- I can recite players, coaches and odd facts off like crazy. I was born a Tarheels fan and I will die a Tarheels fan. I am from NJ and my first full marathon will be philly this Nov, but if I ever do another it will be North Carolina. :)

    Yeah for 3 years :)

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  12. Kristin,

    I have done a lot of event with Team in Training(Marathons, Century rides and even a couple of Tri's) It is a wonderful program. My experience with TNT really was a life changing experience for me. I would highly recommend TNT. The other charity group you mentioned also sounds like an awesome cause to support.

    The year I was supposed to run Marine Corp, I broke my foot while I was tapering. Most embarrasing and disappointing moment as a runner.

    Have fun with whatever you decide to do.

    Ross

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  13. Happy anniversary!! I hope you have three more great years (plus more???) together!

    Marine Corps is an awesome marathon...it was my first and I really enjoyed it! It'll definitely be bigger than your first, and don't forget the hill that is the last 0.2 miles...only the marines would do that!

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  14. happy anniversary!

    also - thanks for posting your race report. my first full is coming up in about 2 weeks. I found your report and determination very inspiring!

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