#184

To many people, a 5k is no big deal... but, for someone like me who has always hated running and swore I would never be able to do ONE mile let alone over THREE miles at one time, it is a huge thing!!  After I graduated college, I really concentrated on my "to do" list containing things I want to accomplish/do before I turned 30, and a longer list of things over time (as a side note, my Pop-Pop firmly believed that the more you educate yourself and set goals for yourself, the lower risk you have of getting Alzheimer's, so I believe him). 
After I developed a love affair with running, after I learned that it did wonders for me when it came to weight loss, I added the Broad Street run to my list, why not, 10 miles seemed like nothing at the time!!!!  I'm reeeeeeeally hoping 2012 will be my year to do it (even though I totally do not think I'll be able to do it!!).  So, I signed up for my very first 5k and am one step closer to believing in myself a little bit more :-)
Below are some special pictures that I will hold very dear to me for a long time...and here's why:

The night before, I was snuggling with Madison and the following conversation took place: 
Me: "Madi, I'm nervous.  What if I can't finish the race or come in last place?" 
Madi: "It's ok.  Just go and have fun.  Like when I was nervous to play tennis, but then I said to myself "just have fun" and I did have fun and I wasn't nervous anymore" 
Me: "But I really want to do the whole thing without stopping.  What if I feel like I can't do it anymore and want to give up?"
Madi (with such a beautiful look on her face, looking right at me): "Aunt Lisa, if you feel like you are going to give up, just believe in yourself.  I believe in you!" 
I totally feel this little 7 year old would make an amazing coach after the way she spoke to me - I seriously felt like I could run the entire Broad Street run the next morning!!  So, the first picture is of me and my inspiration!

For my first race, I was # 184 and I am a cornball and came up with something that signifies each # (along with the help of my party of 5).  #1 stands for my first race! (and yes, this is my official picture of me about to cross the finish line b/c I didn't realize there was a professional photographer taking your pic. and I was so excited to see my family at the end!!)

#8 stands for....I don't think I could come up with something haha!

#4 stands for my four supporters who were there to cheer me on and got me through to the end <3

Just remember, when you feel like you are going to give up, just believe in yourself!