Where Have I Been!?

It's seems like forever ago when I last posted...but I guess it wasn't too long. I've been slacking off on blogging though. I took two whole weeks off from running due to an injury. It ended up being just shin splints, but man...those things hurt! I had them after my half marathon in January and had been running with them since. I was thinking it was a stress fracture because the pain never went away. It finally got to be so annoying that I had to stop. I went to Road Runners Sports and got video tapped running barefoot on a treadmill. We found out that my arches are really high and when I run, my arches go all the way flat causing my ankles to pronate in. The guy helping me was really surprised that I have run this much with my high arches. I didn't think anything of the pain. Just thought it'd go away some time. Anyway, with a new pair of nice shoes and arch support inserts, I'm back to running just fine! Oh I've missed it!

This past weekend I ran a 5k. It was awful. It was out in Tempe and my husband drove out and met me. The race started at 8am and he showed up shortly after the race started. So, with him being late I had to push the double stroller. (Luckily I actually brought it) The whole race I was so upset because I was trying to beat my previous time of 26 minutes. I ended up running it in around 28 minutes. The course was "fast and flat" which actually meant running in dirt, grass and 4 decent sized hills. I was NOT happy. After I finished the race I puked my guts out. I have NEVER done that before. I think it was a combination of the heat, it was disgustingly hot out! And also me pushing to hard to beat my previous time. (Side note: during my race there were several times that I thought about quitting. That's what I would have done 6 months ago. But being who am I now, I picked up my pace and pushed even harder. Instead of being so mad about my circumstances, I used that as fuel to my fire. And it paid off.)

A video of me crossing the finish line. It was such a neat experience crossing the finish line. I have done 3 5k's now and never have I felt like this at the finish line. The announcer guy made me feel very special as he announced me coming in. "Here comes Emily Buck from Phoenix! And look at that Momma go!" And then EVERYONE started cheering for me. I smiled. And I cried. I felt pretty awesome for a moment. And then I had to hurry and find a corner to throw up in. 

After finishing my race, and after my "show" I put on for everyone, I calmed down a little and talked to my husband. I was pretty upset with him. But I ended up finding out his motorcycle had a flat tire and he had to stop a few times to fill it up with air to even make it out to Tempe. He ended up leaving before the awards ceremony because he needed to find a new bike tire. I stayed with my good friend Rachel and filled up our goodie bags with all sorts of sample protein bars and what not. During that time they had started the awards. Going by age groups and gender. I wasn't really listening because I knew I didn't do anything fancy. There seemed to be a lot of runners racing. I'd say around 150. As they got to my age group I listened to the 3rd place time and he said "so and so with the time of 31minutes" WHAT? I had 28 minutes...so maybe I took second place! I would be so happy with second place! When he annouced someone else as second place and a time of 30 minutes...I was like wait a minute! Then he said "And in first place with a time of 28 minutes, Mrs Emily Buck" I let out a "whooo" and ran up (with tears in my eyes) to get my award! I could not believe that with "my slow time" that I actually got first place! It was definitely something I needed after having such a horrible run. It was an amazing feeling! All that hard work and dry heaving paid off! 

This past weekend has really been an eye opener. Sort of. I just feel happy so I've been able to take "trails" and put them to good use. I found this quote the other day on pinterest...

I've really taken this to heart. Remember back when I posted about my Life Lesson I learned? About how I saw myself annoyed on video and how "ugly" I looked? Well, I've had some reminders these past 2 or so weeks of seeing other people like that. Whether it was some in the parking lot being mad at someone else for a silly reason, or even a simple someone not smiling and just looking so mad. I have made a goal to really put this quote into action in my life. I'm 100x's prettier when I smile. (EVERYONE IS) so why not smile more?? 

I can already see a difference in my life after just 2 DAYS! Something simple as smiling can go a long way. Trails have come but it's a CHOICE on how you handle those trials. I had a situation occur yesterday with my husband, in the past I would totally get jealous and totally accuse him of whatever. But instead, I just smiled and fought off those feelings. I leaned in and kissed him and told him that I love him. And as simple as that, the trial was then over. Instead of lasting all week. 

My whole marriage my husband always said that my emotions are a choice. And man, did that tick me off!! BUT after this life changing journey I've started almost 7 months ago now, I can honestly say that he is 100% correct. Emotions are a choice. You have to be mentally tough and change your mind. It can be done. I'm doing it. Me. Someone who is....WAS...very judging, accusing, jealous, bitter, depressed. I am changing my mind to be happy. Stop making excuses. I always loved the quote about pointing your finger at someone else who is to blame for your actions. If you point your finger at someone, you have THREE fingers pointing back. If you can realize that and accept it, things begin to happen. GOOD things begin to happen. 

Anyway, I didn't plan on writing this much but it's just coming out. :)

Happy May everyone!!