15 Miles: It's Kind of a Big Deal

Well, we did it!!!  Our 15-mile milestones have been met!  And let me just say...it was AMAZING!! 

I know everyone always talks about a "runner's high."  Honestly, I don't really get them.  I had one after the half marathon, and maybe after 1 or 2 other runs over the course of the past few months, but it's definitely not a usual occurrence for me.  This morning I realized why.  I think I only get highs like that after accomplishing something that is a really, really big deal.  Not from things that are just so-so everyday kind of accomplishments.  I count this morning's 15.68 mile run as a really, really big deal.  Hence the high that is still going strong!

I got up at 5 am, got into my gear, and had some coffee and peanut butter toast.  I mapped out my run one more time and decided to write each turn on my hand so that I wouldn't get lost (although I still managed to take 1 wrong turn...hence the extra .68).  I even got to talk to Sarah for a bit as she was prepping for her run...mainly just about how stupid we are. :)  Eventually I drove to my starting point, and at 6:15 am, my feet hit the ground running.  With the exception of a few photo stops and water breaks, they kept moving until 8:54, when I was met by my amazing husband and 2 precious kiddos, cheering me on with all their might.

I can honestly say I loved every single second of it.  15.68 miles is ridiculous.  I mean, honestly.  I ended up going through one extra city than I thought I was going to (Sherwood!).  In other words, I crossed 5 city limits this morning (Beaverton, Tigard, Lake Oswego, Tualatin, Sherwood, and back to Tigard).  If you really sit down and look at the map and see the distance that was traveled, it's INSANE.  But I did it.  And I had fun!!!  Here are some photos from the morning:



My route mapped out for me.  As I ran I discovered how fun it was to erase each street I finished.  Watching the list shrink was such motivation!




My reply to a picture Sarah sent me of her gorgeous river view.




Then I finally got a gorgeous river view of my own.




Stopping to take a mental picture at 13.1 miles (the distance of a half-marathon, and prior to this morning, the furthest my feet had ever traveled).  I later found out due to my wrong turn, 13.1 was quite a ways before this, but the sentimental value is still there. :)




Josh passing me on the street as he drove the kids to my "finish line."  He said he got some really interesting looks from those passing by thinking what a creep he was for taking pictures of a female runner's backside, no less with his kids in the backseat.




My cheerleaders on the lookout for mommy.




I realize I look like I am barely walking here, but I swear I was still running!




Hugs from my bundles!!





All that was left at the end of the run.  Every street had been conquered.  Only the memory of 15 miles remained!




Indulging in a HEAVENLY post-run Egg McMuffin (or two).



The journey continues!
-Christie