Kiawah 1/2 Marathon -- 2011

So, many of you may remember this (last year's Kiawah half marathon). In a nutshell we had a big group go down to Kiawah and most of the group ran the 1/2 marathon. I didn't because I was 5 months pregnant, but at the end of that past, I said maybe.... just maybe I'll run it in 2011. Well, I did it! Holla! :)

Here is a recap of the weekend... one I will always remember and hold dear to my heart.

Up and at 'em early in the AM for the race... 

Ray-dizzle getting his stretch on before the race....

The Costigans did it! It was also Thomas' first half... Good job Costigans!

Ray & MS post race, both of which beat their goals which was awesome:

Here I go, racing to finish... Although it wasn't quick - I'm still proud of my 2:49 finish! I wanted to finish under 3 hours... Check mate!

Jimmy was really sweet and supportive - thanks Jimbo!

Our sweaty group, post race:

The start/finish line:

MS and me :) celebrating!

The boys... post race:

After showers and naps, we started hanging out and look who joined us! A bald eagle!

Us chillaxing at Ray's aunt and uncle's amazing house...

Celebrating our accomplishment...

There was a beautiful sunset...

The Costigans...

Sunset shot...

Later that evening at the Irish bar....

We discovered a new beer called Palm, which was delish!

Ray and his boo for the evening....

Caught them on their phones!

Cheesey biscuits.....

A little brostache fun....

Tom Selleck? No, that's just Jimmy :)

Sunday night home, recooperating

I didn't think I would be able to do this half - I thought I would have to wait until longer after James was born, but with lots of support and encouragement from family and friends I did it! I couldn't have done it without the help of a handful of people I'd like to extend some thanks to:

Last year's half marathoners: Y'all motivated me more than you will know! Just seeing the sense of accomplishment after last year's race gave me the mojo to do it. Thank you all! (Jimmy, Caro, Carrie, Brian, Ray & Tom). Especially Caro and Carrie who motivated me along my training... Thanks gals!

Mary Sims: Every long run she'd motivate me with encouraging texts and motivation. :)

Mom & Dad: Not only did they keep James all weekend long for the race -- they also helped in keeping him while I needed to run during the week (especially the long runs). Also, my dad has always been a big runner, and his motivation to "run around the world" inspired me. If it weren't for his running he wouldn't have caught his heart issue which saved him from having a heart attack, so that inspired me lots.

Coach Jimmy: The first person to have more faith in me than I thought possible, Jimbo! If it weren't for his coaching, motivation and support I definitely would not have been able to do it. He was so encouraging the whole way! Thanks to the best hubbie and daddy :)
Baby James: Your sweet face helped me make it across the finish line. Those 13.1 miles were for you, my little bundle of love!

Running, running, running.....

So this past weekend I got one step closer to the halfer... I did my first race since senior year of college (more about that below)! I was a bit nervous (not sure why, it was just a 5k, but I figured I better get over the jitters sooner rather than later.)

Here is a pic of our little fam after the race. Jimmy just strolled James around while I ran and they were waiting for me at the finish line. We were apart of the "Horvath's Heroes" for the Susan G. Komen's Race for the Cure.

Part of my training involves a little "cross training" so I try to go to the gym, but on the days we just can't seem to make it I try to do a workout DVD at home. Yesterday I was attempting The Biggest Loser's Cardio Max.... and in the midst of doing lunges little Miss Sadie finagled her little way in between my legs and rolled over. I just had to grab my phone to take a pic... silly puppy :) ... One thing is fo' sho,' Sadie sure ain't no Bob or Jillian!

Soooo the last 5k I did before the one last Saturday? Was the day after I introduced my brother and sister-in-law, Joykens! I had signed up for USC's Dance Marathon 5k, and had semi-trained for it. Well, Hunter was coming in town the night before. So Kathryn (a friend from high school/college) and I decided to plan a little get together at Meritage so that we could get Joy and Hunter together. I knew I had a race the next day, but what was a little wine the night before? Ha.

I took one for the team to help entertain these two all night. Ha, just kidding. If you know those two you know they keep each other easily entertained, but I stayed with them (and the group) all. night. long. It was a rough race to say the least..... and it is funny to see the difference now... The morning of this race I had to wake up at 6am to pump, get James fed, changed, etc....

Life is certainly different, but in a great way. :)

Half Marathon Motivation

So, as I posted in an earlier post, I am signed up for the Half Marathon. *SIGH* What the H, E double hockey sticks was I thinking? Somebody cute and only 14 pounds heavy takes up basically every single free minute of my life, how am I ever going to get to the point I can run 13.1 miles?

Well yesterday I went on a little jog to "keep the legs fresh" as those REAL runners call it. (However, I am not keeping the legs fresh. Goodness, I'm still trying to get them warmed up to this idea!)

Anywho. As of last week the furthest I had run without a mini-walk break was 2.5 miles (don't hate, at least I'm honest!). So yesterday I decided to attempt the 4.0 mile run. Well, I did it. Without any mini-breaks of walking. I did it all in our crazy-hilly neighborhood. I trotted along. But the run also made me appreciate music... and... the 90's.

Right as I approached the 3.0 mile mark I was thinking to myself, "Man. This kind of sucks. How am I seriously going to run 13.1 miles?"

... but that is right when the ol' faithful ipod pulled one through. A "throw back" from 1997 (I think). "Da Dip."

It's amazing what a little music can do! I pushed through and jogged the entire 4.0 miles. Only 9.1 more to go. Whew, can I do it?

Sure, but only if  I put my hand up on my hip... When I dip you dip I dip....

For your viewing pleasure (James if you ever watch this many years down the road. Don't judge your mama...):