Add it Up

Yesterday's news: Husband called to let me know he missed his flight home...he would be delayed two more days.

My night's sleep: Awake at 11 pm, then 3:30am then again at 4:45 with the baby.

This morning in Florence, MT:  Kids up at 6:30am 
Baby bag - Check
Shoes - Check
Changes of clothes - Check
IPOD - Check
Check mirror...eww...bring hat. Check.
Out the door at 6:55 am

Arrival at friends house that offered to babysit kids at 7:30 am (after the eve of Daylight Savings) AKA the "saint's" house - no lights on, no one awake...hmmm.
Wait in car with DVD for kids until said saints awaken and realize it was Daylight Savings time.
Saint awakes just as I was plotting breaking into the house without disturbing their 4 sleeping children or being attacked by saint's new dog.
Three children dropped off - Check 
(Quick math: 4 + 3 = 7 children at saint's house)

Drive to Runner's Edge - find premium parking spot that will allow me to cut 1/10th of mile off running distance today - Check!

Listen to Anders (coach) talk while wondering if I can avoid the need to use the porta potty.

8:28 am - Start running the longest distance I have ever run in my life at a "relaxed" pace.  Try not to notice all the runners passing me, including the ones so clearly cheating by having their dogs pull them down the street.  Pass Tim (coach's Daddy)...one mile done.  Pass another guy who points me UP A HUGE FRICKEN' HILL and manage to make up said hill.   Back down hill and back through park.  Try not to look too overly beaten down as I pass all the advanced runners as they begin their miles.

9:01 am - Arrive at car.  3 miles done.  Remember it was just 2 months ago I struggled running 5 minutes...take a second to smile. 

11:17 am - 1 missing husband, 1 snorning beagle, 1 sleeping baby, 2 kids plugged into TV
Catnap on couch...with 85 pound lab who apparently missed me so much this morning he felt the need to cuddle my head.  Sigh.

I believe all this means...I AM RUNNER!

And I'd just like to say...it is extremely encouraging to be running with the beginners (and even some of you advanced people) in the half and full marathon training group...it was such a great sight to see all of us bustin' it up that stupid hill.  Inspiring.