Why Race?

I rolled over to look at the clock this morning to see it reading 5:00 a.m. For the next hour, I tossed around and struggled with how I handled blogging about my race yesterday. I was so wrapped up in how I performed that I lost focus of what and who the race was for and why I did it in the first place.

The 10k, known as "Support Your Girls," is put on to support the Make a Wish Foundation. Yesterday, I stood in the shade, mixed in with people of all ages, listening to how we were racing for a local girl, whose only wish was to go see the Boston Celtics. We were running to help send her there. During the final mile of the 10K, when I was starting to feel tired, the pain in my side had increased, and I was ready to be done, because I had pushed my body farther than I ever had before, I remembered this child. I have nothing to complain about, and I felt selfish for thinking I did.

Within my hour of tossing, turning, and light tears, I was wondering if I was being selfish for blogging about how well I did, or if I was becoming self-absorbed. I had started this blog to let others know that we are all capable of great things. Had I lost sight of this? How were others viewing my blog? Was my purpose being met? Then, a question came to me that made me stop all other thoughts, "Why race?" as if someone was whispering in my ear to get me back on track and take a look at myself and my purpose. 

Yesterday, I raced "just because" and "it's for a good cause." It's more than that. I raced for someone. With every stride, every hit of the pavement, I was contributing to someone's wish--a child's dream. My original goal on this journey was to become fit emotionally and physically. Now, I want to race to maintain where I am at. Finding races that support other people and give back to the community is a great balance. I reached a point this morning where I realized it's okay to be proud of myself, and in this powerful personal experience, I also gave to a child who will have her own powerful personal experience. I have the shirt with Rosie the Riveter tattooed with the Boston Celtics emblem to remind me that "We Can Do It." We can race for ourselves, we can race for each other, we can race to support others, and we can do it all in the same experience.

So, if you're ever asking yourself, "Why race?" maybe try racing for a cause. You'll never regret it.

Sarah (aka Mom of Four)

A first! Not emotional until now :)

I have no pictures or anything, but I have to blog about a huge first for me. I ran my first 10K race today in Casper, WY. I had a goal of completing in 55 minutes.

The results...

I completed in 48:56, which puts me running 7:53 minute miles. I broke 8 minute miles. I can't believe it! I'm so dumbfounded that I did this. The race was beautiful. About two miles in, a woman I had never met before ran up behind me and said, "Isn't it a beautiful day?" With my reply of "yes," we ran together the remainder of the race discussing ourselves, family, goals, what got us started running, and the like. She pushed me until the end. This woman was sent to me for a reason. Airica, thank you! You showed me more of myself. If it not for her, I would not have this incredible race time. Thank you to my good friend, Jill, for encouraging me to do the race "just because." My world has been opened up even more.

Now, I'm asking myself. What's next? What can I do now? I feel limitless.

Watch for your angels :) They are here and waiting to come into your experience at the most perfect and beautiful moments. When you hand it all over, you'll find so much you didn't even know was there.

What an experience! Thanks for the space to let me share.

Sarah (aka Mom of Four)

Relay to the Tetons? Yes, please!

I can't believe it has been a month since I raced with "2 Dozen Scrambled Legs" in the Grand Teton Relay, and I have yet to blog about it! It was such an amazing experience, truly, more than I could have imagined. The honesty train has to come out here, of course :)

My sister and I had come across the race, and we really wanted to do it. Neither one of us really knew 10 other people who would want to do it. Lucky for me, I posted it on Facebook, asking people if they would want to race. No response...boo :( However, the next day, I was asked if we would want to race on a team from Riverton that was already started. After I said, yes, I started to have my doubts.

The logistics of finding babysitters, working with my husband's schedule, traveling with people I didn't know, and just the overall doubt of whether or not I'd actually be able to race for two days all started working it's way into this experience. Finding someone to watch four kids during the day and overnight is not an easy task when you don't have family around. Lucky for me, I have friends here that have become like family. I had Friday covered and Saturday night covered, so my husband could come watch us cross the finish line. Okay, the logistics were taken care of. Now it was time to focus on my internal doubts. Why was I fearing this? I've been training for triathlons, I'm in good shape, and I'll be running with my sister.

I reached a point about two weeks before the race where I just wanted to bag it. I didn't want to leave my kids for four days, I felt selfish for leaving, I wasn't going to be home to take care of things, and I decided after my foot injury that long running races were absolutely out of the question. Why would I agree to this?! Besides my sister telling me she'd kill me if I didn't race, I knew that this contrast was happening for a reason. I had some fears to face. This race was going to help me do that! Not only was this going to be a chance for me to experience a new racing event, but it would also help me with fears I have as a wife, mother, and athlete. I was leaving for four days. My fears would be faced head on.

We arrived to Rexburg late on Thursday night. I stayed in a hotel with two women I had never met before. I was worried about feeling awkward, but they were so fun to be around that the fear slipped away, and I hadn't even remembered being worried. I knew it would be a challenge with how I normally sleep. I tried to wear pajama bottoms to bed. Sorry, girls. They came off later :)

It was up and at 'em before 6:00 a.m. Lots of butterflies! I was excited to see my sister. She was bringing Brock (a former student of mine and son of a very good friend of mine) with her. We arrived at the starting line in Ashton, ID. Some teams had already started, others would be arriving and starting later, but we were starting at 8:30.

Mary gave me an awesome necklace that said, "Sole Sisters: Definition of a great run: Sun on your face, wind at your back, sister by your side."

I wouldn't have it any other way!

I was runner three. Here I am running my first leg of the race. 7.5 miles with 3.5 of that uphill. It was a hard leg, but I felt great! Finished in 72 minutes :)

Here we are getting ready for our second run, and having some fun with the other teams. Loved the "Cheeks" team :)  It ended up being at night for all of us but Mary. I was terrified my whole run. It was so dark! The van had to go ahead of me, and all I had was my little headlamp and a cell phone. I actually cried part way through my run. I was glad that one was over!

I'm on my third and final leg! Check out that view behind me (and I'm not talking about the cars). Wish I could have seen that on my run. I was flying through this one, because I knew I was done :) 3.2 miles in 27 minutes. Not bad for no sleep, 2 days of running, and 13 miles on my body already.

I was told the whole trip that I look like Sarah Connor from Terminator when I wear my aviators. Clearly I'm exhausted, because here's my impression of that. Mary doesn't seem too impressed. Give me a shot gun, and I think I'd have her made!

Van 1 is finished! Megan, thanks for being so fun spirited. Mary, for sharing this experience with me. Jenny, for being so motivational (and sharing your husband's sweet driving skills with us), and Sarah for being my x2.

Not only are we "Sole Sisters," but we dress to match.

 Here we are running together to the finish line. I was so moved by the experience: watching Brittney run in on the last leg--facing HORRIBLE heat and rocking it until the end, seeing my husband cheering us on, watching other family and friends cheer for us, knowing we had completed 184 miles...what's a girl like me to do?! Cry. That's right. We've established that I'm a crier. It was so empowering!

  "2 Dozen Scrambled Legs" finished the race! 15th out of 49 teams. Finishing time of 29 hours and 33 minutes. 11 runners completing something together.

I finished! Another new experience. Better yet, Ethan came to cheer us on at the end. It was the first time we've been away together without our kids since moving to Wyoming. Two years! Never again. He's too important :)

Oh, and that fear? Gone, long gone. This experience helped me find the balance between self and others. My kids survived, the house didn't fall apart, and I did something for me. It's natural to feel fear, but it is uncomfortable for me. I know this. This race showed me that I can accomplish great things for myself when I face my fears head on. How can I fail when I do that?

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I just took a break and cleaned out my office. I came across a card Mary gave me two years ago that had this awesome quote (perfect timing, as always).

"I wanted to change the world. But I have found that the only thing one can be sure of changing is oneself. I am here cheering you on all the way." 

That's what this relay was all about: doing something for ourselves, but all of us cheering each other on all the way :) Thank you to my husband, my children, my sister, all my teammates, family, and friends for cheering me on.

I know my story isn't anything special or unique, but it's mine. My hope is that it reaches those who need it the most.  ~To those moms who struggle to make time for themselves or feel guilty for doing so. To those women who are trying to find their own way to empower themselves. To those husbands who need to know that their support matters. To those who just want to go for it. To those who are on the same path and want to know you're not alone. Know that I'm here cheering you on all the way. ~

Cheers to all of you!
Sarah (aka Mom of Four)

Here is a video of our team if you're interested: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcfE5FiH9zI