Sunday I ran in the Iron Horse Half Marathon. This was my second year participating in the event. To be honest, I did not train nearly as hard or consistently as I did last year and so it was a little tougher to get through. In fact, as I completed the first loop at mile 8 and hearing the announcer call out the names of runners who have already finished depressed me so much so that I considered dropping out of the race. I decided to stay in the race because I was afraid that dropping out would hurt my ego more than  my quads will hurt by mile 13. When you are tired and things get tough your mind races with tons of reasons why you can't make it but instead I chose to focus on the positive. Around every turn there were volunteers cheering racers on. You could not help but feel energized when there is a line of people high-fiving you as you run by. There was even a cheer leading squad, pom poms and all! And of course there is the music. There were bands, DJs and bagpipes adding to the party atmosphere. Being at the back of the pack has it's advantages, I saw some pretty funny and inspiring t-shirts. Some of my favorites are:

Are we done yet?

I thought this was the 5K

I run because I can    

Thirteen point freaking one

If you can read this I'm not last!

 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Philippians 4:13

By mile ten I developed a cramp on my left side and was slowing down considerably. I began to repeat the verse Philippians 4:13 to myself knowing I had the strength to finish. At last I reached mile marker 13 but the finish line seemed so far away and I thought to myself "thirteen point freaking one!"

While I was running, Noah wrapped up another lacrosse season playing in a tournament in Somers. Steven says Noah played some of his best games at the tournament. By the end of the day we were all ready for a relaxing evening at home. We sat out on the deck and watched the storm roll in. Well, except Noah, who was more interested in his book.

May was a busy month and I neglected to post an important update.

On May 5 Sierra turned 11. Aside form going to bed a little bit earlier and a few more naps you wouldn't guess she was getting up there in years. Sierra is my running buddy. The moment she sees my running sneakers come out she sits by the front door and waits for her leash.

Happy Birthday Sierra!