Reflections after racing...

Let's start with a full on DORK pic of me that a photographer took at the race yesterday:

 Somewhere around mile 12.5

Marc's pic is decidedly better!

I've been thinking a lot today.  For starters Sunday is typically my long run day.  I didn't think that I had  pushed myself that hard yesterday, but just about every part of my lower body disagreed with that.  Overnight my left IT band ached for the first time in a very long time and my knee also spoke up.  

I looked up what people typically do after running a 1/2 marathon.  Lots of articles spoke about these long races being "really hard" and "taking a toll" on the body.  I scoffed at that.  NOT in an arrogant way, you see, but the way I look at it is if I am capable of doing it - well, then it can't be that hard!!  Lots of websites recommended a rest day.

So I wasn't sure what to do for exercise this morning.  I decided to take the dogs and do a brisk walk.  Once we got out there, I got to thinking how Chakotay remains out of shape, so I decided to do a light run.  For 5 miles we alternated .25 miles walking and .25 miles running.  That first .25 mile run?  My body felt like it was breaking down.  But soon it loosened up and by halfway through I felt fantastic.  I am so glad this is the choice I made.  Although I'm not sure that the dogs agree, because after that and an afternoon of playing outside, this is what they look like:

  

After the race yesterday a woman who works in a related field whom I have known for years but only casually came over to me and congratulated me.  She remarked that people who have never met me and didn't know that she knows me were talking about me the other day.  They were apparently saying that they see me running and how "amazing" I am.  As at this time she was telling me that I was cramming a muffin in my mouth, I waited for her to tell me the punch line - that she told them that she knows the truth and I am in no way someone to look up to!  Of course she didn't say that and instead looked me dead in the eye and said "Jennifer, you need to know that you truly are an inspiration..."

There are no words - NO WORDS - to describe how hearing this still makes me feel.  I am humbled and embarrassed and flattered and inspired myself all at the same time.  Knowing that some people look up to me in any way is a bit overwhelming and I feel a certain responsibility to live up to those expectations - which I believe is a good thing.  

Before I sign off today, I want to wish my Uncle Kevin a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!  

 If you ever read the comments of this blog, you will have seen his very smart ass replies to some of my posts.  At one point in time, he, his daughter, my mother, Marc and I and my brother and his good friend were quite a close and motley crew.  But, as happens, our lives went on and we are all so busy now, that I don't see him nearly enough.  But - unlike some friends and relatives that tend to grow apart - I have absolutely not a shred of doubt in my mind that if I ever found myself in need, I could count on him 110%.  That's pretty precious these days!!

So, Happy Birthday Asshole!!  Marc and I send love and farts in your general direction!!