Joey at the Southwest Half Marathon

Sunday I ran a half marathon. I was not expecting to do well, coming off of a long winter, but was using the race to stay in running shape to start training later this month for a marathon. Well, the race was in Palos Heights, and I know why the height part is part of the town's name. It was a very, very hilly course. It was also a very windy day, topped off with running over many bridges that had no protection from the winds so even the downhills at times felt like uphills. I was more than pleasantly surprised with the course and the day itself. I had a personal best in the half marathon and that was with lots of wind and hills. So of course that leads me to wonder how well I may have done if the conditions and course were a bit more favorable...ah, it keeps me coming back for more.

Anyways, I had told Joey I was going to be running in a race and he was super excited. He kept telling me what color shirt I would be wearing. He had a long day on Saturday with Auntie Brooke and Uncle Chris' baby shower, he didn't go but he partied at Grandpa's house the whole day and after the shower up until bedtime. So I was a little hesitant to wake him at 5:20 to go to Grandma's house and then head out to Palos Heights, but I went in his room and touched his back and whispered "Joey do you want to go to the race?" He whispered quite loudly, "yeah!" And he sat straight up and extended his arms up for me to grab him. I told him he could sleep on the way to Grandma's but he told me he didn't want to sleep. He was talking to me the whole way. We transferred to Grandma's car and headed out for the race. Joey is such a trouper and really loves watching the races. Even though they are not cars like I know he'd prefer he makes me smile and I can't wait to see him (and Grandma too!) as I'm finishing. There is nothing quite like putting my medal around his neck.

At the end of the race I had given Joey my medal and a reporter asked to take a picture of Joey and I and ask me about the race. So without further ado, click here for Joey's first press release.