Run, Sharon, Run!

Last weekend, I ran my first half marathon with my friend Sarah. It was such an amazing experience. I know that people do this all the time, but for me, it seemed like an impossible goal...which is exactly why I wanted to do it.:) I have been overwhelmed by how sweet everybody has been and how much support I have been given. There are quite a few pictures (lots of me...I'm sorry!), but Karson worked so hard to find me and Sarah during the race to take pictures and I wanted to post a few so that we can remember this day and share it with our families.

The morning started with a a very sweet surprise. I should have known that Karson was up to something when he came to bed at 3:00 a.m when we were planning to wake up at 5:00 a.m. He had decorated the house with a TON of streamers. He bought Sarah and I pink boas, decorated bandannas for us and he made us a sign. I had to laugh a little as I was picturing Karson at Hobby lobby buying glitter, sequins, and pink boas.:)

And the race begins...:) Sarah had to remind me to slow down. I got caught up in the excitement!

Karson has very many of these random shots. We think that the runners thought that he was one of the professional photographers because of his fancy camera.:)

We have about 400 pictures that look like this... I look like I'm about to die and Sarah looks beautiful and happy and most importantly, like she's breathing... which is more than I could say.:)
Really...barefoot?Another picture where I look like I'm about to die...sweet Sarah is motioning to Karson to get me water. Not only is she a superstar runner, but isn't she the sweetest friend, too?
Another happy face...I had to chose between smiling and breathing...

Another person who probably thought Karson was a photographer...:)

This actually was a wave...Ha!

And then...we finally made it to the finish line! This picture is an awful (and hilarious!) picture of me. You can zoom in to truly get the full effect.:) BUT it was such a sweet moment for many reasons. When I was really struggling at the end of the race,Sarah gave me her IPOD and I listened to a song that my mom asked me to listen to during the race. It is called What Faith Can Do.

Anyone can feel the ache,
You think its more than you can take,

But you're stronger, stronger than you know
And don't you give up now,

The sun will soon be shining,

You gotta face the clouds,

To find the silver lining.

I've seen faith that moves the mountains,

Hope that doesn't end,

Even when the sky is falling.

I've seen miracles just happen,

Silent prayers get answered,

Broken Hearts become brand new,

That's what faith can do.

Sweet song, huh? And then we saw Amy and Michelle ( and their HUGE yellow banner...Loved it girls!). They were cheering so loudly and jumping up and down . It made me feel so loved! I still feel so blessed that they would give up their morning to come cheer us on!

"Why are you making me cry?!!!"
Notice that Sarah is once again taking care of me and holding the IPOD that I am listening to...:)



Karson did such a great job of finding me and handing me water and calories during the race that he wasn't able to park and get to the finish line in time. This picture is when I first saw him. I was so stiff that I could hardly walk to him! We were all laughing!

Getting loved on...
A few hours later, our friend Amber finished the FULL marathon. So proud of you girl!

Our little group...

Our sweet friends Amy and Michelle who came to cheer us on...

My parents weren't able to make it, so they emailed me a little something from Cali...I wonder if their neighbors heard them? :)Thank you to everyone for being so encouraging! What do you think, is it time for a full? Ha!

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Karson here. Sharon thinks I'm proofing her blog entry. I thought I'd add a pic of what we caught Sharon doing that night during our Church's small group. We were watching a marriage video. She already is perfect and didn't need to learn anything else.