Month 'O Gratitude

Ok, so I am so way past behind that I am in front of behind!!! (follow me???). It's been, what, like a month and a half or two since I last posted? It's not for a lack of material. On the contrary. I've got gads of pictures on my camera, and events have come and gone that I planned to post. But lo and behold, they come, they go. So a summary of the Reader's Digest version:

1) my birthday, on the 20th

2) Halloween - costumes - Sammy the Bull, and Rhea the matador

3) Lake trip with the kiddos and hubby

4) ASHLEY IS PREGNANT!!!!

So, on to my true post.

I will admit right up front and center. I am copying another's blog idea. But so what? I liked the idea and as the saying goes, copying is the highest form of flattery, right????

So, I decided to do the "Gratitude a day" thingy!! It is, after all, the month of Thanksgiving. So what better thing to write about. So I will try and not be too sappy or even predictable, but I make no promises!!!

(Oh, and yes I realize I missed the first 3 days of November!!! So sue me!!)

1) I am grateful for running. I can't even believe I said that!! If you would've told me a year ago that I would've said I am grateful for running, let alone that I do it, I would've pretty much laughed in your face. I have never been a runner in my life!! I have always hated running!! Not just thought poorly of it, mind you, HATED it!!! I am short. Yes, 5' 2 and 3/4" is considered short. And my legs are even shorter. (g0 figure!). So my stride compared to the average person is a fifth maybe!!! Well, half anyway! So one of my excuses has been, that it takes so much more energy for me!!! Also, it takes my breath away!! And it hurts! Why would I do something so dangerous to my health??

Well, Sam and I somehow started. How? Why? Well, it started with walking. To get in shape for the trek back in May. After that was over, I figured it would all fizzle out, like all my work out programs. But something clicked! I don't know what. Or why, or how! It just did. Maybe the planets all aligned, or the running gods smiled down upon us, but somehow, Sam and I continued on with our walking (through the summer no less!!). Well, one thing led to another, and I got pregnant. (gotcha!! Just seeing if you stayed with me!!). NOT. But one thing did lead to another, and we decided to try running a bit. Just a bit. A bit turned into a length, which turned into a half mile. Then, from there it was all uphill!! (Not really on these AZ roads, but you get the drift!). We are now up to 3 miles!!! I can't even believe it myself!!

But just so you know--It does take more energy for me and my short legs. And it still takes my breath away. And it hurts!!!!

But can I just say? When we take that last running step of the 3 miles, it feels soooo good!!! (Not physically,a t that point anyway. Give me a couple of minutes to catch my breath and cool down) There's nothing like doing something that you thought you never would do!!!

And maybe, just maybe, I'll someday be able to run 4 miles!!

At what point can you claim to be "a runner"?????