Look out for Flyin' Pigs.

They said it couldn't be done. More specifically: I said it couldn't be done. As in me running. I was employed helping train marathon runners for more than two years and successfully avoided running more than a few steps. Enter my super fit sister-in-law Amanda with a crazy scheme to have the whole Richards family run the United Way Dash for Cash 5K together on September 22nd. I couldn't be the hold out (by the way, those missing from the photo were taking care of a sick child, working in Las Vegas, attending their son's football game or studying medical stuff - legitimate excuses, all.) I told my friends I was going to Moscow for a 5K and they thought I was incredibly dedicated to go all the way to Russia for a race...and silly because "we have those here". I've got to remember to say "Idaho" instead. :)

 

I'd love to tell you that I ran the whole thing. Heck, I'd love to tell you that I ran for more than a few minutes. Mom & Tiff volunteered to take the babies in the stroller so I could run unencumbered. So I searched for reasons to be encumbered. Tara had three of her children participating (awesome, right?) and I selfishly volunteered to stick with Megan, the 8 year old. I came off as the devoted aunt, but I was more than happy to walk when she said she wanted to walk. So while my time wasn't great, it was a great time. We got to chat about clothes (she's the most fashion forward 8 year old you'll ever meet), school and her upcoming (like, in a matter of hours) baptism. It was really fun. It was an out and back, so we got to high five everyone on their way back. 

I've seen thousands of people cross the finish line of a marathon, and I know that their feelings must be exponentially more powerful, but I finally got a glimpse of what it feels to accomplish something like that. It felt awesome. And bonus - I still had enough left in me to take a jumping photo afterward - you don't see many marathon runners kicking their heels up - Reason #681 I Probably Won't Run a Marathon. Most everyone else was there waiting for us and cheering us on. And we all got to celebrate with Mom when she crossed the finish line less than a year after a knee replacement. Pretty incredible stuff. 

Don't let the word get out that I can run. It's bad for my image. Actually, I'm pretty positive it would only improve my image, but I'm just not ready for that kind of commitment.