New PR!!!

This past weekend I ran a 2 mile race. I haven't yet broke a 10 minute mile so I was hoping I would be able to do it with this race. I really wanted to finish in 20 minutes. I was nervous though because a quarter mile of the race was on the beach, in the sand.

The weather was perfect for the race. Since it's February, I figured I would be freezing. It was mid 50s that day and sunny. I couldn't believe how many people were running this race.

Once the race started I had a pretty great pace. It was a little strange though for me. I am usually all the way at the end when I'm running. Very little people around me. This was the first time I was surrounded by tons of people. I was right smack in the middle of everyone. That felt pretty cool. I had initially thought the sand part wouldn't be until almost the end. It ended up being right in the middle. Which was probably better.

I have never ran in the sand before and holy crap was it difficult. My thighs were BURNING. I felt like molasses running. All I wanted to do was walk. But I pushed forward. Finally the sand ended. It took me about a minute before I could pick up my pace again. My legs were hurting bad.

Finally I could see the finish line. I really picked up my pace. I passed a bunch of people which made me feel good. lol. I couldn't believe my time when I crossed the finish line.

18:50!!!!!!!!

EEKKK!!!! I smashed my goal for getting a 10 minute mile. I was so overwhelmed I teared up a little bit. This time last year I could never ever imagine being able to run a mile under 10 minutes. My first 5K I've ever did was last May and I finished in 39:50. I've come so far in a short period of time. My next goal is to get my next 5K in under 30. With this past race I now know I can do it! YAY!



Here is a little picture of my gym family and I after the race. I right smack in the middle wearing a pink long sleeve shirt.

Bullet Points

There has been a lot going on so I figured it would be best to just use bullet points.

- My cousin is doing a lot better. They took out the vent yesterday and he has been able to speak a little bit. He has a long road of recovery ahead of him, but he is strong and stubborn, and I just know he'll do great. Hopefully soon they will transfer him out of trauma and go to the rehab portion of the hospital.

- I don't know if it's the season or what, but people all around me are breaking up with their significant others. I know at least 7 couples who have broken up recently. I think that's crazy. Maybe they were all waiting until after Chirstmas and New Years to do it.

- I am leaving for Italy in less than two weeks!!!!!! I am so so happy it's almost here. I cannot wait to see my brother and his family. I cannot wait to eat pasta and gelato! I really hope the next 11 days fly by.

- On top of my Italy trip (b/c that wasn't enough I guess lol) I just booked a trip to Orlando in October! My mom has a timeshare and the week was going to expire in December. So my friend and I decided to go to Orlando. I have been dying to go to Harry Potter World. The room for the week is free so all I have to worry about is travel and other expenses!! Whoo hoo!! Since we are going off season the plane tickets so far don't look to be too bad. About $250 round trip.

- I am looking forward to the upcoming three day weekend. I am running a two mile race on Saturday. Part of it actually is on the beach which will be a new experience for me. Apparently the afterparty is awesome so I can't wait. Then that night I'm going out to dinner with 4 friends. Some I haven't seen in a while so I am really looking forward to catching up.

- I hope you all have a great Valentine's Day! Even though I'm single I like this holiday. My mom gave me a big box of candy today to celebrate. What's not to love about that?!

Knocked Out

My cousin has been slowly improving. He's awake but still on a ventilator. He can breath on his own, but the dr's won't take him off the vent until he follows certain commands. He is aware of what's going on and has even smiled with his brother. I wish he didn't live so far away from me and I could go there and visit.

I'm happy that he is surrounded by his family. His brother lives in Alaska and flew in right away. His dad lives in Florida but came as soon as he heard. Same with his mother. Even a few of his friends have come down. I just can't wait until he's finally off the vent. It's going to be months and month for rehab though. And he'll never be able to do his job again. That's the worst. He loved his job (commercial diver) more than anything. Now he's back at square one. He'll most likely go live with my uncle while he recoups and figures out his next step. I guess that's the one plus of him being so young. He's only 20; he has plenty of time to figure things out.

It's crazy how something like this can unravel you. I've been in a daze every since I found out about the accident. I think about him non-stop. I have no motivation to go to the gym. All I want to do is be home. I'm going through the motions and I'm still working out. But that spark isn't there.

This past weekend I went to Baltimore to visit some friends. It was a great visit and a much needed distraction. However when I got home on Sunday, I was exhausted. We didn't really do much, but I guess everything just caught up with me. I was emotionally and physically exhausted. I was supposed to go out for drinks before the super bowl and then to my friends to watch the game, but I ended up staying home. I just wanted to be home with my family. My brother had a few friends come over, but they are basically like family.

It was just what I needed though. My mom made homemade pizza and chili. I made brownies and buffalo chicken dip. We all just dug in and enjoyed the game. As soon as the game ended, I went to bed and slept so soundly. I hadn't slept that well in days. I was thankful for that. Sometimes I just need to listen to my body and relax.

Every day I feel like I'm getting back to my old self. But I'm not going to push myself too hard. The last thing I want to happen, is me slipping into depression. I have no real plans this weekend and I plan on taking full advantage and just relax.

Update

My cousin is slowly improving. He still hasn't woken up yet but every day he seems to be a little bit better. The swelling in his brain has gone down a lot and he is attempting to breath on his own. He is also responsive when there are people in the room. (Squeezing hands and stuff). They are going to try taking him off sedation soon and see what happens. We have no idea what he'll be like once he wakes up or if he'll have lasting brain damage.

It just breaks my heart. He's so young and his life will never be the same because of this accident.

Last night my cousin was struck by a bus, while riding his motorcycle. He is in critical condition, but the doctors are optimistic. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers today.