2.05.2015

public dancing and the half marathon no one knew about

During my last California sister visit in October, I decided to sign up to run a half marathon with Bri in February. I've secretly always wanted to cross it off my bucket list, but mostly it was a perfectly great excuse to plan another weekend getaway.

Well, in October February seems an awfully long ways away. So naturally I didn't feel the pressure to begin "training". (which I desperately needed, as the longest I had run in a good 2 or 3 years was 2 or 3 miles.) Then, like a blessing from heaven, Bri found out she would have to work the weekend of the race. So we called off the trip, and the non-existent training.
Alas, around Christmas we found out that Bri actually wasn't working, and the half marathon was back on. Like a curse from hell I tell you.
So I had basically one month to train, and it turns out there isn't really a "from couch potato to half-marathon in 4 weeks" guide. Sedentary living doesn't exactly transition into long distance running, shocking I know, so I took a very apathetic approach.
This was going to be comical at best, and at the very least, it would be a secret. I told essentially no one, because of course if no one knows than no one can hold you accountable and harass you about "being prepared". blah blah.
I arrived in California. Spent a wonderful day in Disneyland dancing for pictures in front of large crowds with no shame, blissfully ignoring my impending doom the next morning.





Race day came. I spent the first couple hours of that morning feeling so nervous I was certain I would throw up. My bib says MY NAME! I found this so concerning. I had done such a great job keeping this a secret, and now perfect strangers were going to know the name of the girl who got picked up by the bus who picks up the slow and the sad. This was supposed to be good-humored but anonymous failure, and my name was going to ruin everything!
Then, in a wave of uncharacteristic positivity and maturity, I decided I was officially the worst running partner for Bri, and I was going to be excited, and happy, and at least begin the race with dancing and laughter. Before I knew it, we had ran 6 miles, and I still felt great. I mean, we are SLOW going, and strangers are saying things like "Great job Brooke!" and "Keep it up Brooke!" which makes me extremely uncomfortable and happy at the same time, but I'm feelin' good and I am having fun.
Yes, mile 9-12 were a little rough. It was hot, we lost sight of the ocean. I can feel the blister forming on my heel, but it's nothing I cant handle.
Mile 12-13.1 felt awesome, I was able to sprint it out to the finish line and was honestly surprised with the amount of pride and euphoria I felt. GO ME!
I instantly couldn't bring myself to walk like a normal human being, but I collected my medal, a warm banana and limped my way back to the hotel like a freaking champion.

There was never a moment during the race that I felt like I couldn't do it.
So far nothing has been as physically, mentally, and emotionally draining as hiking the 17 miles of The Narrows, where I learned my limits the hard way, and was forced to push past them. And because I survived that beautiful hell hole, I can do anything! Except a marathon. Never a marathon.
{I feel like it should be noted that my experience in the Narrows says more about my lack of athleticism, endurance, and mental health than the hike itself. It could be the easiest/best experience of your life, and if so, I commend you.}

All sore muscles, and blisters in account, I still loved running this race! I will absolutely do another one, ideally with a bit more training.



1.15.2015

Saying goodbye to 2014 and hopefully hello to blogging. again.

2014 has come and gone.
It was a good year, the highlights being a new job for both me and Zane, several trips to California that never get tired, too many late nights watching Batman and Superman cartoons, and lots of laughter and emotional breakdowns that come along with being young, in love, and penniless. 

My personal favorite part of 2014 would have to be the end of it. December 2014 marked three years of marriage, and more important (kind of), December was when Zane officially graduated from college! 

Once upon a time, there was a girl who grew up in a house where education was highly valued, and simply expected. I assumed everyone in america needed to graduate from college otherwise they were obviously lazy, and stupid. Then I went to college and realized it wasn't going to be all smooth sailing and pie eating like high school. Now years later, and blah, blah, and excuses excuses,  I have not graduated from college. But Zane has! and I have really come understand the determination, and discipline it took to get him where he is now. I am beaming with pride and excitement for the guy! (I'd also like to give myself a nice pat on the back for being a huge part of making that happen, because what talents do I possess if not the ability to make any situation about myself?)
So cheers to Zane (and me) for graduating with his Bachelors Degree in Digital Media from UVU!

What's sexier than having a college graduate for a husband?? NOTHING!




Bring it on 2015, we're ready for whatever comes next.