1:09:07

I beat my goal! My time was 1:09:07. For some reason I thought the hills would keep from an eleven minute pace but it didn't! I'm shocked! I am happy with my time for the first 10K and next year I know I will do so much better! The hills were killer but I kept on running. 15th street and Enfield were monsters! I never walked, not even for a second and for that I am proud of myself! I think the hills were worse as I tried to run down them in the rain. Since it was raining so hard, I was terrified of falling on the slick road (I saw a girl who had fallen and needed a medic). I think the rain added a few minutes to my time. The thing that blows me away is how good I felt during the race. It was not until mile five that I really started feeling it. On my right foot, the toe closest to my big toe has been hurting so bad lately. For about two months, the nail bed has throbbed. At mile five, the toe was killing me but I pushed through it. Right when I got on the bridge, I began to sprint (as much as I could) and when I turned the corner and saw the finish line, I saw Bret and seconds later I saw Jeremy and the kids. He tried to get a picture of me but there were so many people, it was impossible. There was a photography company at the race that took a ton of pictures and they have my bib number so I will get an email when the pictures are ready. I know they got one of me right before the finish because I looked up at the camera guy in the tower and smiled! I can't wait to see that picture! Oh and last night I took the polish off my toe and it is BLUE!!!!!!!!!

Okay, so I rode with Bret and Heidi. Jeremy and the kids came but I did not see them until the finish line. He got tons of pictures but only one of me at home and then one after the race. The picture he got of me and Heidi after the race is gone! (See, I told you I need a new camera!) I am so mad because I have lost that picture forever and it was great! We are both soaking wet from the rain and look pretty yucky but it was classic! These are a few pics he took from the race.

Seriously though, I had a blast. It was an incredible sense of community. 20,000 participants! In front of me and behind me, nothing but runners!! Oh and you could see the Texas State Capital, which I thought was really cool. After the start line, it continued. People were cheering us on, smiling, taking pictures, clapping, ringing bells and so much more! The water stands were awesome as the people encouraged us to keep on running. There were even bands on every corner! One of my favorite spots was under Mopac where a High School band was playing EYE OF THE TIGER! All of the runners were cheering and clapping! I loved it! I plan on running this race every year. It was soooooooooooo much fun!

Right before the horn blew and the race began, a lady sang the national anthem. I stood there next to Heidi, trying my hardest not to cry. As I looked in front of me and saw nothing but runners and the tip of the Texas Capital, it began to rain. It was such an incredible moment to soak in and think about the past year. Just one year ago, my old house was packed and we were getting ready to move from Dallas to Austin. I had a newborn baby (my 3rd baby), had not run in a couple of years and had no clue about all the change that would soon take place. The run symbolized so much of the change that has taken place for me. It will be one year on April 5th since we moved here and I can honestly say, I feel like I am right at home. I'm so thankful for Heidi. She has been an incredible source of comfort and inspiration through ALL of the change. God has blessed me beyond measure this past year and to me the running just symbolizes how close I have had to run next to Him. I've had to trust Him for many things as we traveled this journey and moved away from our families. He has never let me down. He has made me stronger and shown me how trusting Him will allow me to go far!

I will continue to run the race and train for a half marathon in November. Maybe a marathon, if Wendy and Kate convince me to do so!! :)

Thanks for your prayers and encouragement!

If you want to see some incredible pictures from the race, click on this link. http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/cap10k/index.html You just can't believe how many people were there until you see these pictures. I loved it when the Helicopters were flying over us. Gosh, I am sad it's over! :)