We are halfway through the month.

It’s Thursday. Life has been moving quickly over here. We are halfway through my break from Social Media. How is it going for you? Any difference? I’ve noticed a few things, but nothing life shattering.

1. Two weeks ago when things were uncertain about Ben and what was going to happen, I watched an episode of Jack Ryan, in which Jack Ryan and his team were set up and there was a roadside bomb, and a sniper- it was a huge mistake. I was convinced that Ben was going to be attacked and it was a mess in my head. Note to self. Do not watch ANYTHING like Jack Ryan when your husband is in a dangerous situation. Don’t worry. I watched an episode of Schitt’s Creek to take my mind off of it. Speaking of Ben, he is doing fine. He is safe and happy. We are not sure when he will be home yet, but that’s fine with me. I’m totally fine with the uncertainty of when he is coming home. It is the uncertainty of whether he is in danger that I have the hard time with.
2. I went to the dentist. Actually, Thomas and I went to the dentist. And Thomas came away with NO cavities! And for a kid that doesn’t love brushing his teeth, it was amazing. I wasn’t worried going in, but I might have to have a root canal redone and major work done. Boo. It all depends on what the damage is, but of course they won’t know that until they go in to find out. So it could be a simple procedure, or it could be several thousand dollars. UGH.
3. I went for a long run on Saturday only to have to stop 30 minutes in because my calf was throbbing, and I could barely walk. It was so discouraging. My race is in 5 weeks, so until the race I am taking it easy, and only running. I am going to attempt the long run again on Saturday. This run is long enough, that if I can finish it, I feel confident that I can run the entire half marathon. Wish me luck.
4. I’ve been journaling. Have you ever tried it? It has been incredibly therapeutic for me, and has helped me a lot. I have googled “Journal Prompts for improving body image” and “journal prompts for a more intentional life” and so far so good. My friend also suggested gratitude prompts. I love it.
5. I’m wearing my llama tights today. That brings me joy.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thursday.

Love you. Mean it.

The weekend that almost didn't happen. Disney World Half Marathon edition.

Let me start off this post by saying.  I hate that I have gained weight.  HATE. IT. 

About a year ago, signed up to do the Disney World 1/2 Marathon.  

The night before I left for the race, I cried to Ben that I didn't think I should waste my time going down to Florida because I was too fat to run.  I know that really, I am not too fat to run, but maybe too fat to do a half marathon.  Serious issues going on in my head, friends.  Serious issues. I should probably see someone about that. Anyway. Driving down I had some anxiety about the race.  Not only was I nervous because this was my first race, but I thought I would be laughed at because I don't look like a runner.

Well friends, I was pleasantly surprised because as soon as I entered the expo, and saw everyone getting their packets, I felt so much better about being an "oversized" runner.  There were a lot of people that I would not classify as looking like "runners", but there they were.  So I felt better.  Whew.  Crisis averted.

Then that night, I went out to dinner with some friends (Love you Intrigue Family), and went home to sleep a few hours before the 3:00 alarm went off.  Man that is early.  But I woke up, and the adrenaline was enough to get me out of bed.

Disney does races well.  It was organized, people were friendly, and it was an awesome atmosphere to run in.  I have to say the only thing that even Disney cannot make magical are the port-o-potties. But I'm not going to complain about that, I am grateful they were there.

My favorite parts- fireworks went off at the start of each corral.  That means, since I was in the second to last corral, I saw the fireworks 15 times before I started running.  AND I was early, so I was at the very front of my corral, so I was the first one off the line.  I felt like a big deal.

At the beginning (not so much at the end) of the race I was passing people.  I'm not kidding.  I. passed. people.  Again, I felt like a big deal.

It was so much fun.  There were characters, cheerleaders, high school bands, volunteer cheer squads, people dressed up in costumes, running through Magic Kingdom and Epcot. 

 It was also tough.  I don't think I am meant for long runs, but that doesn't mean I won't do it again.  Maybe next year?

I finished in 3 hours 40 seconds. That time included stopping to use (and wait for) the aforementioned port-a-potties, taking pictures, and taking pictures of other people. 

I feel good about my time. I was more excited that I actually I finished than what time I got. 

And I got a medal. And a t-shirt.  And a banana. And a snack pack.  And a picture with Bert. And a possible stress fracture. And a blister. Did I mention the medal?

My picture at the expo.  Feeling pumped up and ready.

I dressed up like Mary Poppins, did I tell you that?  The hat was the only thing visible during the race, because it was surprisingly cold. Really cold.

I stopped to take some pictures, but the best photo-op was meeting Burt. And the penguins. 

I finished, with a medal.

Then I went back to the hotel room, and hung out there for awhile.

I had thought about going back to Epcot after the race, but thought "better not".  Instead I spent the day watching TV, then I walked to a nearby restaurant where I enjoyed an excellent meal 100% guilt free.  It was pretty sweet.

Lessons learned: 

1. I'm not too fat or too slow to run a half marathon.

2. If you are going to do a half marathon once in your life- this should be it.

3. I'm pretty awesome.

Oh and I know it's been awhile since I posted.  I'm going to work on that.  I promise.  

Hugs and kisses.