running and self-esteem

We're getting really close to posting a link to active.com, so we can start race registration!!  we'll be working on that this week and hopefully have it all ready to go over the weekend.
So this whole planning the race is going pretty smoothly, I think, so I thought I would share some funny things Rebecca and I are learning along the way.  Because running is so much like life; overcoming obstacles and that sort of thing, but also because when you push yourself toward a goal, you start letting go of extra baggage as well, and I'm talking about more than just fat.
So Rebecca and I did the Kansas half-marathon this Sunday, and it went well.  We've been training, or at least talking about training for it, for awhile, and I think it went well.  That is, until the race photos were published.  oh yikes!  you see, when you're running and it feels great, you may have this running dialogue going on to pump yourself up, like, "I'm running so fast, I'm flying!"  or, "I must look so athletic because this is feeling really great!"  ok, it's humbling to admit this, but it's true.  And then, you get to view a photo of yourself, not looking like the fitness model you thought, but like the clumsy, floppy-bodied mom you really are.  oh sigh...  But, it's ok.  Because at some point, you gotta let go of those insecurities about your body and just face reality.  For me, I used to be really self-conscious about spider veins on my legs.  And the fact that I'm so short, that when I wear shorts, I look like a little boy, or maybe a hobbit.  It's true.  For those of you who know me, really, when is the last time you saw me in shorts??  except for running, of course.  But, I finally looked my insecurity hard in the face and realized how ridiculous it was.  So, ok, I have legs that look like I'm 80...so what?  If it bothers you, don't look at 'em.  This is the body God gave me, spider veins and all.  And it's working pretty well, so I have no real complaints.  I realized my self-consciousness was really stemming from self-centeredness and this idea that I've got to preserve this body...for what exactly?  I'm so thankful that this ain't the only body I have to look forward to, can I get an amen??  Besides, there are so many incredible people in the world with severe handicaps that are doing WAY more than me with their less than perfect bodies, so everyday I'm able to crawl out of bed and put feet to the pavement is an awesome blessing from God!