Thankful For My Brother

Posted by hellyontherun in 5k, Family and tagged with Brother, Family, Inspiration, Thanksgiving, Transformation, Turkey Trot November 29, 2015

Another update on the bro!

He flew home for Thanksgiving and I was so excited to see him again–I hadn’t seen him since he ran his very first half marathon back in May!

After the USA Half Marathon on Saturday, my husband and I drove immediately home because my brother would be arriving that evening. We didn’t get to really enjoy San Diego, but we knew we’d be back 🙂

The day after the race, my brother and I had plans to hike Camelback Mountain. It’s a popular hike here in the Phoenix valley and one that is a lot more challenging than people think. I wrote a little about it here.

Anyway, my brother had been looking forward to this hike so much because finally, he was going to be able to do it. At least he hoped so! (I had no doubts.)

But because of my cramp fiasco, I was worried about attempting such a difficult hike so soon–in addition to feeling under the weather (hello upper respiratory infection!). So, very very unwillingly, I stayed home and my husband took my place.

And of course my brother made it to the top!!

brother, husband

My husband said that when they were looking at the 360 degree view of Phoenix, my brother whispered, “I can’t believe what I’ve been missing.”

❤ ❤ ❤

I’ve said it a billion times but seriously, I’m so ridiculously proud of him.

Later that week, we went down south to spend Thanksgiving with family. My husband and I, whenever we go home for the holiday, like to run in our local Turkey Trot. This would be my brother’s first!

When I first signed up, I had planned on trying my hardest to keep up with my brother. He’s my newest competition 😉 But, I was coughing up a storm and did not feel well at all, so I decided to just run for fun. When the race started, I started my watch and never looked at it again.

My brother finished waaaaay ahead of me with a killer 24:30 time (not even a PR for him!). He was so happy to have run a race in our hometown and have people he knew cheering him on.

My dad was a the finish line. It was the first race in my life he’d ever been to. ❤

We stuck around after the race because we had a feeling my husband’s 20:50 would snag him an age group placement–the race has ten year age groups (20-29, 30-39, etc.). So it was HUGE surprise (not to me though) that my brother placed!!!

My husband, 1st–my brother, 2nd!!

It was funny because my husband ended 7th overall and the 6 guys in front were between the ages of 14-18. When we saw the bulletin board announcement, it was a bunch of teenagers and then a thirty year old, LOL!

It was such a fun week and seeing my brother continue to run and enjoy it makes me so happy. He was so beside himself at having placed–he couldn’t believe it! I don’t think he stopped smiling all day. I’m so thankful to God that he’s been able to make such a monumental change in his life and that he’s committed to his new life. Every time I write about him, I mention how sometimes we doubt people can change their ways, their bad habits, their addictions, their attitudes. But here is living proof for you. Here is proof that if you never stop believing, hoping, trusting, having faith–that change can come.

Believe that it can and it will.

12295461_10105672612306361_8834336860581811011_n

me and the bro

–Those stateside, how was your Thanksgiving? Do any Turkey Trotting?

–What are you thankful for these days?

Another Brother Update

Posted by hellyontherun in Family, Half Marathon and tagged with Brother, Columbus Half Marathon, Family, Goals, Half Marathon, Inspiration, PR, Sub 2 Hour Half Marathon, Weight Loss October 30, 2015

In case you’re interested in brother news, he recently ran the Columbus Half Marathon with an ambitious goal…..

But before I get to that, if you’re unfamiliar with my brother’s badassness, I wrote about his weight loss here (80 pounds now and counting!!) and about his first half marathon ever here (where he almost beat me!), and his most recent 5k (where he did beat me, my PR that is!).

310 to 233

Me and the bro after his first half marathon

After his 5k PR (and 5th place overall AND 3rd in Age Group win!!)

So his goal for his second half marathon ever??? Sub 2 hours.

He was pretty nervous leading up to the race having felt he hadn’t trained as hard as his first. I assured him that his paces during his training all projected a sub 2 finish. He had it–he just had to keep telling himself that (really, Helly? Listen to your own advice!!)

My sister and her friends had driven up to Columbus for his big day and made him some pretty sweet signs, LOL

And I made sure I registered for runner tracking not caring it would be 4 in the morning my time–heck, I’ve woken up earlier than that to run! 😉 I actually woke up a little before my alarm and sent him a quick good luck text.

Then my phone buzzed that my runner had crossed the start line ❤

I didn’t want to obsessively track the little dude on the course line, so I hit my pillow and when I felt he was about 5k in, I checked.

He was on pace!!

At mile 9, still going strong.

My phone beeped not too long after that. He was cramping. I texted him telling him he was doing so good, to not stop now!

But I began to worry. He didn’t have a lot of wiggle room as he’d been hitting the paces right on.

It was going to be a close one.

And then…my phone beeped again.

HE DID IT. I screamed to my husband that my brother had done it!! He ran a sub 2!!

I immediately texted him, wishing I was there to give him the hugest hug.

I never doubted him. He’s been shocking the hell out of me but not once did I not think he could do this. He is so amazing and such an inspiration. I keep telling people that he is what hard work will do. He is the anything is possible.

I texted him a little while after the race to see how he was feeling.

He is my champ. ❤

I hope everyone has a great weekend!! Who’s running, who’s racing? And who’s dressing up??? I’ve got a Haunted 1/2 tomorrow 😀 HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

❤ , helly

Brother Update

Posted by hellyontherun in Family, Running and tagged with Change, Family, Hope, Inspiration, Motivation, Running, Transformation, Weight Loss September 16, 2015

So, this past May my brother ran his first ever half marathon and totally blew everyone away. I wrote about it here and about his weight loss here. It’s worth a read to catch up and fully understand his awesomeness.

Anyway, he said he was one and done but you know how that goes. His badassery continues.

He signed up for another half marathon!!!!! And this time, he’s going sub 2– Yeah, he’s going there.

He’s lost about 15 more pounds bringing him to right around 80 pounds total.

I just can’t believe it.

310 to 233

His transformation is seriously one of those where if someone told me this would happen, I would say, “There’s no way in hell.” And mean it. All those idioms, expressions, sayings–“When pigs fly.” “When hell freezes over.” “I’ll believe it when I see it.” All of those.

But he did it. By golly, he’s doing it.

In fact, I’ve got an admission.

He’s faster than me.

I’ve never been so ridiculously happy someone is faster than me.

He ran that 5k this summer in 23:49 beating my 5k PR by 15 seconds!!!!

It was a small, local race–no medals or glitz– but he was able to pull off a 5th place overall finish and 3rd in his age group.

No medal, just pride

Freaking amazing.

I know I keep saying this, but I just never thought my brother could transform himself in this way. And he’s done it all by himself, just diet and exercise–no gimmicks–just hard work.

I couldn’t be more proud of him. Anytime I start to get down or am in a funk, I think of my brother who is kicking so much ass, and he just inspires me to keep going. He is living proof that ANYTHING is possible.

Believe in miracles. Believe in change. Believe that people can change. I hope you guys have a great weekend!

❤ , helly