It Could've Been the WORST Yet, But it Really Was the BEST!

Ask pretty much anyone over 40 and they will tell you that when it's their birthday, they would rather just ignore it. That's how I was feeling this year . . . really depressed, even, about getting older . . . until I set a goal for myself.

I've been running - well, more like slowly trotting - for about 15 years, pretty consistantly, except for when there's snow and ice - and the times I was pregnant.

But only short distances.

The farthest I had ever worked up to in all that time was 5 miles.

But usually it was just 2 or 3.

I never considered myself a 'runner'. . .

I was just exercising.

Then one day last month, my friend Missy called and asked if I wanted to do the MS Fun Run that was being held in our area. So, besides being for a good cause, it was Not a Competitive Race. Not at all. And it was 5 miles.

Perfect.

We had so much fun!

Realize that - I had Never run anywhere in "public" like that before.

I realized that it wasn't as embarrassing as I thought it would be!

I was hooked! And for the first time, I (briefly) thought of myself as a Runner . . .

Not long after that, I went on a longer run with Missy. Six miles this time. So, week by week, I have worked my way up mile by mile, to my goal of running 9 miles on my birthday!

So, Wednesday was the day.

As we jogged along, I was trying to pace myself as best as I could. Then I realized that my times were slow.

Way slow. I thought I must have my regular run miscalculated, and I had not really been running the distance that I thought.

Rats!

The last lap (of 4) was WAY more difficult than I thought it should have been.

Halfway thru that last excruciating lap, Missy turned around and jogged backwards for a minute (I told you she was in great shape, didn't it?) and told me, "this is the last mile".

What I realize now that what she was doing, was assessing my "condition"!

Finally, with much talking to myself ("I'm almost there, I can keep going" over and over), I reached the end of the route!

And then Missy turned around and and said " You did it!"

"And now I want you to go home and get on Facebook, and post a comment that says -

"Today is my 45th birthday, and I just ran 10 MILES for the first time ever!" "

That little turkey! She tricked me! But I am so glad that she did, because mentally, I don't think I could have done it any other way. Not yet.

So, Missy, thanks a lot! Really, THANKS!

So, now -

I. Am. A. Runner.

But, this was not the end of my day . . .

I finally got to go to the hair salon, where I got my hair cut and (professionally) colored.

Thank you, Suzanne! While I was there, my hubby called and we made plans to meet for lunch - at Chili's. Yum!

Then, when I got home, the house was clean!

I started to wonder a little bit, and then get really suspicious when they KEPT cleaning the house. The windows, too. Dead giveaway, people.

Then I saw little people in my driveway, carrying bags. (Missy's kids - she's also my next-door-neighbor)

My sweet husband had planned a surprise birthday party for me! Cool! Me & the girls
Card from Missy (aka the Trickster!) & family - but she did redeem herself by getting me some way cool bath stuff!Time to cut the cake!
It was the best birthday ever, for sure!

Thanks, everyone, who came to the party, and sent birthday greetings, and just showed me the love~!

You are all so great!