My 10K

I ran six miles this morning. Don't ask me why. I don't know. But, all that running gave me a lot of time to think about things. I am going to wax philosophical for a little while, so bear with me. Before I do, though, I have to toss in a few random facts. The race I ran, although advertised as a 10K, was at the very least an 11K. Do they make those? My iFit said I finished the 10K 8 minutes earlier than the time clock at the finish line. I am going with my iFit. Of course, I was not really trying for a time, perse, since this was my first 10K. But, I would like to have a small time so I can challenge myself for next time. The other fact is that one should never eat a large berry smoothie before a big race especially when one's body is used to running on an empty stomach. NEVER change things up before a race. That's just pure stupidity. With that said, I didn't puke at miles 3 and 4 like I felt like I was going to. So that's good. On to the philosophical!

Even though this was a short race compared to a marathon, or even a half marathon, I decided I would devote my miles to people in my life. I know, usually this is something done on longer races, but I had to give myself stuff to think about while I was running. So, I devoted each mile to certain people and it helped the time to go faster. The first mile, I devoted to Carina and Kim. They are two of my best friends and my partners in weight loss and exercise. They keep me going day in and day out and if it weren't for them, I would have quit a long time ago. They are both beautiful, strong women who make the world a better place just being in it. Don't even get me started on how much better it is because of what they do. So, Carina...Kim...the first mile was for you guys. I love you beautiful ladies!

Mile Two was for Becky. Even though she was a good 16 minutes ahead of me(in the first five minutes, mind you. How is that even possible?) she has been with me in nearly every race I have ever done. Since the very first unofficial one we ran with her stake way back in the day when all this was beginning. When was that even? I think Fall of 2008? I can't remember, I am getting old. Becky, you are my best friend, and I don't know what I would do without you and your gentle (or not so gentle if the situation requires it) prodding toward making myself better. I am sure you know all this, but it doesn't hurt to say it. I know, I know, you are NOT a...what's the word? Emotional? Writer...but I am, so deal with it. I love ya forever!

Mile Three was for my Addie. He was the one who got me started on all of this. Adam, if it wasn't for your inspiration in doing a triathlon and running all these races, I wouldn't have been where I am now. A slow, diligent jogger. Hey, I started out as a turtle. Literally, I think one passed me once, so a slow diligent jogger is a really good thing. You are my little brother, yet there are so many times where I have needed advice from someone wiser than me and you are always the one I turn to. Crazy how that works. I love you and I am so lucky to have you as a brother. I love your little family too. You guys are awesome!

Mile Four was for the rest of my family as a whole. Sorry, guys, someday when I run a marathon, I will have more miles to devote to each of you, but this time around you all get Mile Four. To my kids, you guys are the reason I get up and run every day. I know how important it is for me to be around for a while, so I am going to do my best to be healthy so I can be with you guys. You four are my life and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't thank my Father in Heaven for you. My parents, I love you so much. I am so grateful for all the support you have given me throughout my life, even during my teenage years, when I am sure you were ready to kill me many times. Thanks for letting me live. And, thank you for always watching me twirl and helping me to get back up when I fell. See, how bad I am? I am sitting here crying as I type. Pathetic. Caradon, you were my first best friend in this world, and that has never changed. I remember writing in my diary when you left for college about how badly I missed you and wished you were there to help me deal with life. Thanks for always being there for me, whether it's to vent, to laugh with, or to cry with. I couldn't have asked for a better sister. Sam, you know how I feel about you, so I don't need to get too blubbery on this one. Thank you so much for being there when I got to the finish line this morning. It was nice to see your smiling, albeit odd-looking, face when I huffed and puffed my way over the blue mats. You are one of the most beautiful people I have ever known and I am honored to call you my sister.

Mile Five: To the most wonderful person in this entire world. I am not even joking about this one people. To my love, my best friend, my punching bag, my solace, my confidante, my everything, my husband. I know I don't tell you enough, but I love you so much. If it hadn't been for you, I would not be the person I am today. You have been there with me through thick and thin, everything that has ever happened that was good in my life has been because of you. Mike Jenkins, you are my life and I love you.

Mile Six: This last one was for me and my Father in Heaven. These are the only two people who can REALLY make me do what I have done in my life. And, even then, I know that Heavenly Father doesn't make anyone do anything. That is why we are here, to choose the direction our life is going to go, hopefully not making TOO many mistakes along the way. I am grateful for the strength I have received from Heavenly Father, especially at the times when I thought I might die or at least puke on mile three and four. It's so nice to know that the gospel is there to guide us and that our Father in Heaven always loves us unconditionally even through out stupid mistakes. As for me, I have a long way to go. But, I have come a really long way as well, and I am proud of that.

To the rest of you that I love so much...if I had had more miles, you definitely would have been there on my list. But, thankfully I didn't have any more miles. If I had, you may very well have been at my funeral! Someday, when I am a stronger person than I am now, and I finally fulfill my bucket list with a half marathon, or even a marathon if I am feeling especially ambitious, rest assured that you will be on my mile list. For now, just know how much I love all of you and how grateful I am for you. Now, everyone, go out and run at least a mile for me. Believe it or not, it really does feel great!