In my quest to become a runner, I’ve also become a racer. Of course, the half marathon my friend recruited me for was the reason I started running in the first place. But I’ve completed two races now and have signed up for one more (and am trying to get the courage to do another half marathon in three weeks!).

First up was the Diva Dash. It was a 5k held on March 5th. It was four weeks before the half marathon and I signed up to get a taste of what race day nerves, starting lines and running in packs would feel like before the big day. Oh, and it was cold. Really, really cold. As in 28 degrees with snow flurries cold.

I was so excited the night before. I went to pick up my packet — my very first race packet!!! — and couldn’t stop smiling the entire time I was there. Everyone else was so nonchalant about it, but I was giddy. I put the chip on my shoes and set out my bib so I would be ready in the morning.

The Doc took the wee beasts to breakfast next to the start/finish line so they would be there to cheer me on. He said I looked terrified standing at the start, but I was really just frustrated with my running app because the GPS couldn’t find me. And I was alone in a pack of women who were all there with friends.

I actually had fun running the race, and since I was by myself, I played a game of “catch” by picking one person in front of me to catch up with, and when I was even with her, I’d pick another one to catch. I felt pretty good until the last half mile, which was up a huge hill. UGH. I’m not a fan.

I was slowing down until a mom and her 8-year-old daughter came into view. The mom was encouraging her daughter to keep going and I used that as motivation to go, too. If an 8-year-old can get through a freezing 3 miles, there was no way I was going to give up!

I finished in 36:30. (Ignore the time in the pic…I’m going by the chip time!) That’s an 11:45/mile pace. Better than I had expected. I just wanted to beat 12:30 because that’s what I needed in the half marathon.

So what did I learn during my trial run? First, that I really can be a runner! Second, that I won’t finish last. Third, that I needed to ditch the “serious runner” look at the finish line and go for a gloriously happy smile-from-ear-to-ear look for my big race.

One month later, the big day had arrived: Saturday, April 2, 2011. The Rock the Parkway Half Marathon was on. I hadn’t run in a week because of severe ankle pain. Luckily, though, I’m married to The Doc. He fixed me up with tape so I looked like a super hero.

It was cold again, though, so I didn’t get to show off my fancy tape because I needed tights to stay warm. My friend, Sherri, came over and we walked down to the starting line.

The race was awesome! Awesome. We started strong and had a few tough spots on the hills. A little GU, a little water and Gatorade, and we kept going. And going. And going. And going…

Now I get to sound all running-geeky and throw out a term I didn’t even know a few months ago: I ran the race with a negative split! Woo hoo! I flew the last two miles. Now, I had only completed two long runs of 8 miles before the race, so I had no idea how those additional five miles would feel. But they were great. I had energy. My legs felt solid and strong. And for those last two miles, I ran all out.

The Doc took my two wee beasts and Sherri’s angel to the finish line to wait. The boys had on shirts that said things like “My Mom runs fast” and “Go, Mommy, Go!”

And here I come. I’m smiling big. I’ve been practicing this Photo Op Smile for the last half mile.

Wait for it…

Wait for it…

Wait for it…

I’m crossing the finish line at 2:43:14.

What? You don’t see me? Yes, well, that’s because at the precise moment I was finishing the race, my beasts (we call them that for a reason) decided they wanted to run off and play. The Doc had a decision to make: Be a good hubby and get my photo or be a good daddy and get my kids. I guess he made the right choice.

He did make it back in time to get a few pics of me when they handed me a finishers medal.

So there is at least some evidence that I did indeed run the race!

And finally my super support team came over to give me hugs and kisses and tell me how huge my medal was. (And it is a huge medal!)

So next up? I didn’t run much the next few weeks because my ankle really hurt. I’m dreaming of the Hospital Hill half marathon on June 4th, but it’s hills and I haven’t been training as much as I should have been. We’ll see…

I am signed up for the Warrior Dash in July. If you haven’t heard of it, follow the link. I am so excited to get to do it. I’ve even started lifting weights again to get some musk-les on my muscleless frame so I can survive it. After getting my big honkin’ medal, I’m in need of a lovely Viking hat to wear with it!

What races do you run each year? What have you run so far and what’s yet to come on your schedule?