A Goal Materializing: First Of Many

If you asked me a year ago if I ever would have thought about doing a long distance run, or a half marathon for that matter, I probably would have looked at you like you were some crazy person. I decided to take up running, and reluctancy, signed up for a my first ever 5K at the 2010 Komen For The Cure race in Seattle. It wasn't pretty. However, it established a baseline for me and ignited a "bug" in my constant striving for continual self improvement. Each 5K got easier, and I took up longer distance running. With all this lifestyle change, I knew I was ready to tackle my first half marathon. Was I nervous? Of course I was. But, I knew if I trained and stuck to a rigorous program, I'd be able to do it. Holly, and my sister Rebecca joined me in this quest as well. Did it go exactly as planned? No! It never does. But at the end of the day, I learned I can do this. And the quest of doing something that rigorous and crossing the finish line proudly, was a total rush. I've learned to listen to my body and know when to slow down. Before I would have just chugged through it and sustained injuries. That in and of itself, has been a valuable lesson to learn.



Holly, Rebecca and I getting ready bright and early to run our 13.1 miles / 21.1 kilometers up in Vancouver BC. Our first of many races I'm sure. At least for me.



The signage all over the city welcoming people from all over the world to compete.



Some branded gear. As a professional marketer, I totally get into the visual aesthetics of branding and co-branding. Often times cheesy, but still fascinating to me none-the-less.



The "Sea of Humanity," getting ready to run. The half marathon alone had 14,000 +/- people or so competing. Massive bottleneck in the beginning. But fun to see all the people ready to roll.



Holly and I shivering waiting to start.



Holly, Rebecca and I at the start. All a little tired before we even started.



Holly & Rebecca. "Sisters! Sisters! There were never such devoted Sisters!" I couldn't resist throwing out that classic Irving Berlin song lyric from White Christmas. Seriously though. Rebecca, Holly and I both reached new physical abilities training for this race, and got through our own road blocks in our heads. We broke through our ceilings of athletic doubt.



Team Craven at the finish line. We all did good times. Established baselines, and can continually improve and refine from here. I was surprised how emotional we all were, knowing that we could do this, and were able to support each other along the way in the process.



Cute Holly & I, post race for our photo shoot waiting for Rebecca. We hobbled around like Grannies. But in the end, it was totally worth it. The course through downtown Vancouver BC was beautiful. Particularly the long loop up through Stanley Park. Breathtaking!

We made a goal. We worked towards that goal. We navigated our paths through this goal, even when we all had setbacks & injuries and still persevered. We were tired. We were TOTALLY sore and beat! But in the end, we did this together and have established another outlet for physical long term well being. I look forward to my next half marathon in a few weeks here in Seattle in June. As well as one in October with Holly.