Ragnar's First Half Marathon!!

A day I had only dreamed of came to pass yesterday. I knew when I married Ragnar that soccer was his thing and not running. Yet, through time, I had hoped that someday he would run with me and we could enjoy it together. The past few months of training together have been really fun. I have really enjoyed having the time together to talk (mostly me to him ;)) and workout together. I have always joked that Ragnar should run a half marathon, and this past year I had mentioned it more since he lost 100 pounds and has been working out a lot. Much to my surprise he said he actually thought he could do it and made it a goal for 2020!! Talk about my dream come true ;) So, after a few months of training and long runs, we signed up and his race day was yesterday, March 7, 2020!

My heart was so happy Friday morning when I saw he had set out his clothes for the race. My cute hubbie is becoming a runner ;) 

I got our race packets and our bib numbers that day and so we were all ready! 

The morning was a little chilly, but beautiful!! The sunrise was heavenly! 

Daphne was amazing and came from Baton Rouge to support us. She even went and got our kids so they could be there for their dad and I. We have the best kids!!

The race began and we started strong and I was really excited about what Ragnar could do. We were doing fine until we hit about mile 6 and he saw the first hill. I looked over at him and I saw in his eyes the uncertainty of the task he had ahead of him. It was just a small glimpse, but enough for me to know the rest of the race was going to be a real challenge, and it was. He was physically ready for this race, we had some good training runs, but something about racing does things to your brain. So, while he was physically ready, he wasn't mentally prepared for the inclines and the pure mental exhaustion that comes. It literally was heart breaking to watch him the last 5 miles. He kept going, but I know he was really struggling. I was really having a hard time watching him as I knew exactly how he felt as last year during the full marathon I mentally lost it. It is so hard when you have to fight so hard mentally. All in all, he really struggled to finish, BUT HE DID IT!! He finished. We held hands and crossed the finish line together. 

This picture is a true depiction of our race!

It was a challenge to get him from the finish line out of the corral cause he just wanted to sit down, but we cleared the corral and then he collapsed. He said he had nothing left, and that is always what you hope to be able to say after a race.  

Family support is the best!

I'm so grateful for Daphne to be able to help make this day memorable for us.  

I was so proud of him! He would literally do anything for me, even run a half marathon and I am so lucky to have him give his all for me everyday! 

Our official results! We finished at 2:25.  

Afterward we didn't have time to rest! We hurried to Cavin's soccer game where Ragnar had to coach and then to Culvers for a celebratory lunch! 

It really was a day I won't forget and I am so proud of who Ragnar has become the last year and his very determined focus on his health. It isn't something that is easy for him, and I am so proud of all the efforts he has made and how far he has come! I look forward to many more milestones we can accomplish together!!