Rocking Into My Tenth State Race

{ Reclaimed Ministry Small Group Training }

I love how God connects people. 

This past October I was in Alabama for a women's retreat where I met Christie and many others from My Springs Church in Mississippi. After spending a weekend together, I was intrigued by Christie's story and then invited to run with her at the New Orleans Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon. 

 It was just a year ago that Christie and her husband Gabe woke up to the smell of smoke raging through their home. With nearly nothing on their backs and being eight months pregnant with their third child, Christie and her husband grabbed their older two kids and raced outside. The home, a family estate with generations of memories, devastated to the foundation. 

And yet, Christie still smiles. 

A hero in my book. 

This past weekend I was able to stand in their newly constructed home, be greeted with huge hugs, given the full home tour by sweet Annabelle, and was witness to God's faithfulness to this sweet family after processing an incredibly challenging year. 

My friends, from My Springs Church, introduced me to fried pickles, catfish, hushpuppies, chicken and okra. My grease lined stomach sadly missed out on the fried Oreos! But not to worry... after a little ministry work and Reclaimed Small Group Training, Christie and I drove to New Orleans to run that race she had so graciously invited me to. Due to a bum knee, Christie was only able to run the 10k, but that didn't bother me. I was happy to accomplish another state goal and cross another finish line to gain my tenth state towards my 50 by 50! And by far the most flat race only climbing a grand total of 23 feet. Refreshing after that last race...

It was after the race I continued my fried foods tour and experienced the deliciously powdered beignet. Amazing. Olive Garden's dessert has no leg to stand on over the real deal! Thanks to both Christie and her friend Lauren, I was able to see much of the landscape in the land of beads, jazz and parades before boarding my flight home to the land of snow, winds and school cancellations. 

Thank you to those that greeted me with such love and open arms in Collins, and to my running buddies that allowed me to cheer, encourage and maybe push them through the finish line. 

{ Christie & Lauren: hosts & running buddies. }

{ Celebrating the 10th state. }

{ Race is done..time for Cafe Beignet! }

Desert Adventures Part Three

Grand Canyon (9th state)
Horseshoe Bend
3:08 time
230 of 791 total runners

32 of 106 in my age division (30-39)

111 of 516 all female

14 miles total

1650 ft. in elevation

Waking up this morning meant packing up the tent and loading the car completely. Addi and I had already packed the suitcases the night before so it was a matter of rolling up bags by lanterns light.  The challenge is getting out of your sleeping bag into the low forty temperatures to dress and get going. I was so proud of Addison for rocking the runners tent life.

Once again, we were met with sludge for coffee and I'm thankful I packed a few Starbuck Via's to make my few sips go down a little easier. There was an overall sigh being this was the last day of the race, but also community tenderness in everyone's steps. I love the enthusiasm that greeted runners and overall spirit of community in base camp. Even though there are hundreds of people you start to recognize faces after a few days. I was entertained hearing where everyone was from and finding out their own running journey. Many of the participants had never ran on trail, elevation over five hundred feet or miles past double digits. I can't imagine how sore every joint and muscle would be without the training I committed to do. 

We again had to drive a distance to the shuttle parking lot near the start line. Addison really wanted to watch me start a race so she snuck in the shuttle rather than waiting this time for the spectator shuttle. With everyday, the start line opened up at seven thirty and then became a rolling start as the runners made their way to the line. This benefited the race congestion especially since many trails were single track. 

{ Waiting for the shuttle bus and blessed with this incredible sunrise. #nofilter }

{ State #9 done. }

{ Day three begins... }

Today's race made for my ninth state as I ran in Arizona near Horseshoe Bend. Originally, the course had all runners going ten miles. With the threat of rain later in the morning and the past few days rain, the Waterslot Canyons proved too dangerous to have all of us crazies trampling up and down a ladder into the skinny canyons. The pictures looked amazing so I was a little disappointed, but grateful I didn't have to swim my way out if a flash flood arrived. That said, the new course added an additional two miles to the final day race. In reality, it turned out to be fourteen miles on the most 

technical surface I've ran on ever. 

Think of fragile crepes, layered fifty thick and not being sure if they are secure enough to put your weight on... this is just a little of what I ran on. Layers of thin sand harden making the surface never flat or level and then add in seven miles of soft beach canyon sand. Parts of the out and back course (there was zero trails just markers to keep you from getting lost) forced you into skinny rock formations that had you scaling down and back up on the way back. Only one person at a time could pass. Absolutely crazy. 

The Grand Canyon by far gave me the most challenge physically and emotionally. The view did not in fact disappoint which kept me running and also knowing the finish line was miles away pushed me to keep running. 

{ A success just to keep the pink ribbon in view while navigating the terrain. }

{ What went down, must climb back up. }

Desert Adventures Part Two

"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

Psalm 46:10

Zion 

Gooseberry Mesa

2:21 time
259 out of 789 total runners

25 of 108 age division (30-39)

126 of 517 all female
12 miles total
1034 ft. in total elevation

{ The sunrise cast a beautiful glow. }

When we left base camp to drive to the start lines it was pitch black outside. The flip side of this are the night skies and ability to see all the stars. Simply incredible. Addi and I slept amazing this second night staying plenty warm and dry. 

Again, we had to drive a little over an hour to the start line which for locals, looks bizarre seeing a line of headlights literally miles long as we all follow one after another. In order to get to the "parking lot" the second morning we had to drive on a very bumpy road for about a mile then pull into a low laying cactus, dirt cattle field to park our beat up rental. Thank goodness it stopped raining or we'd never even get past the beginning of the dirt road! 

This was the first time we were able to see the beginning of the sunrise and it didn't disappoint. The colors in Zion were again amazing. Completely different canyon than Bryce both in size, elevation and the surface I ran on. Some loose sand but mainly rippled gritty rock that was rolling on the top of a "flat" canyon. Looks are deceiving from a distance. I was surprised how much green was in the desert. This particular trail had lots of cactus and what looked to be pine trees. The path we took had the runners along the edge for half of the race. I was shocked how many were brave enough to sit on the ledge to get that epic photo shot. The Mommy in me wanted to reach out my arm and tell the adults to stay back.

Desert Adventures Part One

A year ago, I was doing my wifely duties of vacuuming up other people's messes when I jammed my two little toes into the recliner grossly breaking a little piggy. It took two doctors and a nurse to convince me to stop running for awhile until the break healed or I'd have a disfigured toe for the rest of my life. This meant deferring my registration for the Grand Circle Trailfest until this year. 

I've been training hard to accomplish this goal of three races in three days. Intense trail runs alone in the hills with my thoughts running wild and prayers being sent to the One who created the beauty surrounding Whatcom County. There is no lack of trails around here or others who love the trails as much as I do. I even managed to get Charlie to tag along on some flatter runs while pedaling beside me for miles. Training is challenging, mental and time consuming when juggling four littles. 

But, it was so worth the wait and dedication to stay focused and push
through the moments where training got hard. 

Addison's school had a few days off of school and she gladly jumped at the opportunity to join Mom in Kanab, Utah. We packed strategically knowing there were no wash machines for the immediate wash of weathered running clothes. Sleeping bags, air mattresses, multiple shoes and race day attire were jammed into a suitcase with about twenty large Ziploc bags ready to seal in the stench of my adventures. Addi and I flew into Las Vegas, then drove through some breathtaking country to get to our base camp where four hundred tents were set up and ready for runners.

{ Weekend cans at base camp. "Thou shall cover thy turd with sawdust." }

We quickly immersed ourselves with camp life, the S'mores Station and dinner haul. I absolutely loved having our oldest tag along with me, but I'm guessing she was thinking differently when desert storm released her fiery with the most insane thunder and lightening I've ever experienced. As a reminder, we are sleeping in tents, on the ground which was shaking violently and rain that pierced the one rain shield between us and God's sweet precipitation. Needless to say, we only got four hours of sleep before a rude early morning wake-up call and first race start for the weekend. 

I can't say great things about the food provided but I'm grateful we didn't have to worry entirely about it. The coffee looked like the mud we walked through and options of flavors were slim. Everything about my running usual's were thrown out the window. 

We drove a little over an hour to get to the parking lot where shuttles then brought us to the start line. Addison waited in the dry car until all the runners had been shuttled away then carefully delivered to wait for Mom to cross the first finish line. I was a little nervous for her being alone but making friends with the race director and finding other spectators gave me the ease I needed while she waited. 

Bryce Canyon (State #8)
2:57 time

266 out of 796 total runners

31 of 102 in my age division (30-39)

138 of 519 all female

13.1 miles total

2350 ft. in elevation change

{ Can you call that coffee? }

 { State #8 }

She Keeps Me Running

{ 7th state race }

The first time back in my running shoes after my sister passed, I found myself on the treadmill with worship music playing starring at a dark gray sky. I caught myself having a conversation with Traci about how I would ever run another race without her telling me right before all the sweet words of encouragement like she would through texts and phone calls. 

The reason why I made the goal of 50 by 50 (50 state races by the age of 50) was to run because she couldn't. It was to run for her, in honor of her and others, with the capability and ability to run and to make memories of traveling all across the country with my sister. We had plans to do big things with these races. We had talked about me running a race after our family cruise in Florida and how excited Traci was that I found a race with such a dear cause; Dash for Downs 5k. She was so excited for me to run! It was a one-sided, possibly a little of an angry toned chat as I sprinted through a few miles hoping to hear 

her voice talk back to me. 

I was almost done with my quick sprint when I was telling her I quit and then...

Sixth State Success

{ Sixth State Race. }

My goal is still far from being reached, but that doesn't stop me from continuing on towards my 50 by 50. 

When Tim travels for work I usually check local races for the area to see if any of them could potentially coincide with his schedule. 

The I Am Second Run was an hour away from the job site and the details of finding sitters for the kids worked out perfectly. I quickly registered us both for this race and organized the hand off of the kids in order for the weekend to be pulled off with success. 

Tim has been in and out of Dallas-Fort Worth working on a large project so I knew when I went down with him I would be a bit on my own. This is no problem for me as I like to explore...and with no kids SLEEP IN! Funny thing is when you have the chance it never happens as you wish. My body was awake by six am and ready for coffee once my eyeballs opened. 

As for the race I requested one thing; NO WALKING. My Love is not a runner so asking for him to run with me and then to push himself to run with a smile on his face was not only speaking my language, but a huge ask physically. I was so incredibly proud that he ran the entire race and had gas in the tank to even sprint to the finish line. I'm not expecting a trend to start anytime soon. Happy to have ran this race with him and also to have our own I Am Second in our personal lives as Jesus truly has given us a second start to life. 

A Mountain-Top Achievement

"I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free."

Psalm 119:32

I've never considered myself to be a strong mental runner as I find it easier to achieve distance with others rather than on my own. ( There are a few who think I'm mental for running just to make that clear. ) God had a funny way to show me how strong my mind was as seven months ago I ended up with a torn calf muscle and weeks stuck in a chair. There were many physical therapy appointments and a slow start to becoming active again, but finally, I was able to start my journey to train for what was the biggest physical achievement thus far in my life. 

The Sun Mountain Trail 50k.

31 miles of up and down intense grades, hillsides of orange, yellow and purple flowers, cattle gates to cross through, tree covered soft padded dirt trails, perfect weather conditions and familiar faces as we passed each other on the out and backs. I started with my small group of ladies and by mile ten the five of us were spaced out enough that I ran the rest of the race on my own. 

My mind was solid. My body felt strong. My legs just kept on running. 

I often thought about Habakkuk 3:19 as God challenges us to climb our own mountains, but to also pause and look at the beauty under our feet and to Praise Him. I prayed for so many people as I came in and out of trails especially my Grandma as she was waiting to enter Eternity. Oh how I thought about the memories we shared together and the rich life she lived. 

I thanked God for my sister who is my main reason why I run. The hundreds of appointments she's attended, the thousands of pills she's had to swallow and who knows how many pokes she's endured all in the name of survival. I praised God for our kids and the blessing they bring into my life. I praised God for My Love and how God knew exactly what I needed to keep me grounded and on my toes as we pass through our daily lives. 

There were many times I had to cross a wood bridge as a trickle of water flowed underneath. My thoughts went to the women I meet with as they desperately need a bridge to connect them from the dysfunction in a relationship to healing and redemption on the other side. And yet, from one side to the other, God gives us "streams of living water" to sustain us on our journeys. 

Over the months of training came months of interrupted nights as I juggled new baby, family, wife tasks and life with the challenge of getting all the miles necessary in for the week. This was not as much as a physical journey for me, but a juggling act of responsibilities. Thank you to my family and support system who cheered me on, encouraged me and allowed me just run. 

Myriam found a new weekly routine spending time with Papa every Wednesday when Linda and I would get lost in the woods. (..it may have happened, but I like to think of it as a misdirected trail that gave way to more quality time together...) Thank you Dad for enjoying your retirement to the fullest as Myriam continues to create memories with her Papa. 

One of the other greatest blessings that has come from this achievement is the example it set for our kids. Being able to show them that hard work, dedication and determination does pay off and obstacles that may seem impossible are actually quite possible. Addison blessed me immensely on race day sending me Bible verses and encouragement throughout the day. Tim spoke love and support to get my feet moving and the team from E2 was and is the most amazing extended family one could ask for. 

The Sunday after the race, those that stayed at the Lodge came together for church. It was a packed living room of foam rollers, coffee cups and adults sharing how the Holy Spirit had worked through them from the beginning of training to race day. By the end, not a dry eye could be found. The family I have found at E2 Fitness Center goes beyond the gym walls. This family provides support when I'm struggling, hope when I thought things were done, gifts to cheer a bad day into a happy day, prayers whenever I ask or laughter, whether it be a quick-funny-ha-ha laugh or make you cry laugh. The Sun Mountain 50k was very much a physical race, but after what was shared at church, God absolutely used the quiet opportunities of training on the trails to teach us, mold us, use us and to show us His plan, His purpose, His power and displaying His beauty exactly how each of us needed to see and hear His voice. 

On one of our last long training runs together, we had the blessing of being encouraged up on Sumas Mountain. Kyle had pre-marked our turns on the trail and left Bible verses hanging in ziplocks for us to read every few miles. Good run, bad run; ugly or not; feeling strong or feeling like you want to go back to bed...God speaks to each of us in different ways and Kyle used note cards to bless us that day. It's that family I feel so blessed to be apart of.

The friendship and faith that my small group ladies give me is something others are jealous of. I would be too looking in from the outside. These ladies are special. They are sisters in Christ and people who share everything together...things happen when you run for long distances and a sister helps out when needing coverage or tissues. Tim knows when I haven't had my small group time and does his best to give me that space as needed. I leave feeling uplifted, challenged, loved and cared for no matter the state I'm in. Thank you Christie, Jackie, Linda and Melissa for the life you breath into me and the richness you add to my everyday life. 

If I were to have one take-away from all of this it's this:

God is never done showing you what you are physically, mentally and emotionally capable of doing if you allow the Holy Spirit to enter a situation, task or struggle. Allow God to enter in and then...

run.

Until the next race journey...just not another ultra...but never say never!

"Hi Mom, this is Addi. I am doing this thing where I am going to send a Bible verse every hour so you can get through the race with encouragement! I love you so much!"

Be on your guard. Stand firm in your faith. Be courageous. Be strong. Do everything in love."

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.

Phillippians 4:13

 { Check out more mid-race photos here...}

Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. 

Hebrews 12:1

"Keep it up you can do it" (mile 10)

I keep running hard toward the finish line to get the prize that is mine because God has called me through Christ Jesus to Life up there in heaven.

Phillippians 3:14

"Over half way babe!!! Do this!" - My Love

{ Some things must be done...including rockets. }
"Not sure where you are at mileage wise, but you are one mile closer than an hour ago! Keep fighting and remember His strength, your feet! Proud of you!"  -Traci, My Hero

I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got, no sloppy living for me!

1 Corinthians 9:26

"Doing great mom!" (mile 23)

"You got this Hun!" - My Love

Arise, for it is your task, and we are with you; be strong and do it.

Ezra 10:4

"Keep on going mom!"

{ C.Rene' Studios did a fabulous job capturing the day. }

They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not grow weary.

Isaiah 40:31

"Way to freaking go babe!"

{ My small group: a.k.a. my ladies. }

5th on the 4th

What reminded me of PleasantVille jacked up on American spirit with red, white and blue beads, hair bows, balloons and every outfit possible resembling a flag, was exactly what lined the streets of my latest race towards 50 by 50. 

While in Pittsburgh, PA for the tenth reunion show of Realtime winning the gold (Tim's quartet he used to sing with), I managed to locate a nearby race to participate in on the Fourth of July. I'm not kidding you when I say it was like PleasantVille.
This small-town of Brentwood had little old ladies fashioning the brightest red lip smackers you could possibly find as they handed out race packets and assisted the race organizers. There were kids dolled up to the nines in matching sibling outfits, face paintings and proudly waved flags as they sat along the parade route which happened to be the race course too. Out and back, there were neighbors lining the streets with lawn chairs and disposable cups filled with water as the runners ran by. Old fashion planes flew overhead with smoke trails behind them not far off from the ground. 

The gun went off and I started off running dodging many of those in front of me. For a small town race, the 2200 registered runners brought in many quick feet in an extremely well-organized event. Running up and down the rolling hills on the main street, I managed to complete the race 13th in my age division with a time of 26:13. Not my best, but I was happy with it as I'm not sure I could have gone much quicker dancing around the other runners and my lungs figuring out how to deal with the humidity. 

Once I was done, the event team met me with still warm bagels, bananas, popsicles, oranges, Gatorade, beer of my choice (if only I liked that stuff!) and music to keep the party going. After waiting for almost 45 minutes for a taxi, I got bold and asked a gal if she was driving anywhere near the downtown area. Exactly where I needed to be. 

Thank you so much Sarah for the ride back to the hotel! Turns out she's been on a five year quest to completing a full marathon in every state with 23 already crossed off her list. One of which just happened to be Bellingham. Go figure! In the ten minute drive back, We managed to talk family, faith, adoption, marriage and our similar interest of running. Next time you happen to be in the Pittsburgh area and need to go for a run, just look up the Steel City Road Runners Club who also provided pacers for the race!

Five down...a few more to go!

{ Thanks to this lady for holding my race packet. }

A Right of Passage

The stories usually begin with, "Well, son, when I was a kid..." which then lead to a mini show & tell of battle wounds and scars. Stories of how it was the bikes fault or why the road did indeed meet to greet us. Stories of broken hearts, broken bones and trauma that left wounds of painfully intense moments. This happens often when my Dad and his brothers are all in the same room!

I was about seven years old when my knees met crushed gravel just a few yards away from our driveway. In our home, we had to have a pretty severe wound to be seen by the doctor as both parents worked in the hospital and had proper training for these accidents. I managed to have a deep enough cut that required stitches and to this day have a scar on my knee. 

A few years later, my little brother was pulling me in the wagon at our neighbors when he tipped me over allowing my front tooth to make perfect connection with the corner of the sidewalk chipping the pearling white. I've had to deal with this crazy tooth multiple times as the crown has chipped or was in need of replacement. 

Or how about when I was sleep deprived just a couple weeks after delivering our firstborn baby girl. My mom and I were going to run a few errands together after she, minutes earlier, reminded me of her car parked directly behind me.  No sleep and a change of hormones turned into an insurance claim as I took the headlight out of moms car. A dent in my ego with accomplished errands was the result of this avoidable situation. 

These are the unforgettable moments that have left impressionable scars both physically and emotionally. As I was cruising along mile six during the Deception Pass Half Marathon, I took my very first misstep landing me in a mess of stinging nettles resting on a twisted pile of tree roots. Every frequent trail runner has tripped once during a run or stumbled enough to tell a story later. This one knocked the breath out of me so much that I even sat out a few miles giving my leg time to attempt a stretch and regain my sturdy feet to finish the race. Days later the bump from swelling has gone down almost all the way, but the color is something that is unforgettable for those that sneak a peak. 

A right of passage to every trail runner. 

A right of passage to all kids learning to ride a bike. 

In life, we go through seasons of mishaps and bruises. Many leaving behind battle wounds not compliant to revisit or willing to take the steps necessary to properly heal. Some have a good story for later and others are in process of journaling the battle for another day. Either way, whether as a child or adult, we go through trials that leave a mark which ultimately become a right of passage to a better you. 

We learn from what we did wrong and avoid whatever pain we experienced so it doesn't happen again. 

It is to our benefit to learn and stretch our character in these times...at least it should be, right? I know that my feet will be a bit more cautious in overgrown, damp areas when running on trails. I learned as a kid to have a little more caution when riding in gravel.  When friends hurled bullets at me with words or through their actions, I questioned myself to see if my words and actions were hurting those around me. Emotional wounds heal much slower than any physical scar or wound. 

My marriage went through emotional hell leaving many consequences years later. My heart was torn and over years of spiritual therapy became new again. 

An avoidable period of time that ultimately made me stronger and able to endure much more then I want to admit to. 

No one wants to see their child in pain, a marriage fall apart or for a friend to biff it good in the forest. No one wants to fail as it often times shows signs of weakness and defeat. During eight years of chemotherapy treatments, rarely have I seen my sister weak in spirit. She has willed herself to smile and continue to fight her physical battle with cancer. Watching my dad endure dressing changes to his second degree burns as he winced in pain, was not to bring him more pain, but to properly start the healing process.  Seeing Charlie overcome his fear of dogs has gained him some man-hood after a terrifying dog bite left him hating all furry creatures. 

These have all been moments in lives where character was tested, stretched and in the end, strengthened due to the power to overcome. 

A right of passage to wear the scar proudly. 

A right of passage to testify to the power of God who heals, protects and restores all wounds; physical and emotional. 

So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 

2 Timothy 1:8

At the Bottom of a Mountain

Over the past month, I've managed to climb to some new heights in south Bellingham. Starting with the Fragrance Lake 10k then quickly followed by the backside trails in the same area. 

The last was on Stewart Mountain with soggy, wet, foggy views. 

I'm reminded of a song Selah sings that the kids love...

I've been climbing my whole life

And I am only at the bottom of the mountain

At the bottom of the mountain

Rising up from my feet in the daylight

Rising up into the clouds and out of my sight

Is the height of that mountain

Oh my hands cannot reach it

And my mind can't comprehend it

But my soul is gonna get there one day

Lord these shoes are gonna need some help

So make it to the top of the mountain

To the top of your mountain

Many feet have gone before us

With a habit of faith and courage

They'll meet us at the road's end

Well my hands cannot reach it

And my mind can't comprehend it

But my soul is gonna get there one day

Yes, yes, I think I will

Oh yes, I know we will

Yes, yes, I know we will

Oh yeah, I know we

All along this road

When it feels so far to the top

You say, "Just hold onto the mountain"

Though my hands cannot reach it

And my mind can't comprehend it

But my soul is gonna get there one day

 { Lost Lake's Angels }

 { Christie making sure we turned the "right" direction }

 { Bellingham Bay above Larabee State Park }

{ Breath-taking views from 3300 feet - Mt. Baker and Twin Sisters were stunning! }

{ Two hours of trail running and we still smile...twisted. }

{ Stewart Mountain 1/2...3 paid; 2 running rogue! }

 { Our views were no more than 25 yards in front of us...if that! }

Christie was on her own to run the Stewart Mountain Trail 1/2 and somehow, managed to persuade Melissa and myself into running rogue alongside her...all 5 miles up and 5 miles down with a warm up of 3 on flat trails. We were soaked before the start and by the top of the hill had frozen hands, wind-chapped lips and clothes weighing an extra 10 pounds from the rain/hail gracing us with it's sideways presence. 

John 15:13 comes to mind...

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

I lost Christie during the last mile as I was slipping and sliding through the mud and mini rivers from all the rain on the trails. Being I was running rogue, I took more caution around corners rather than face-planting for a free mud facial. Charlie horses and frozen, fat lips are what I get for my friendship dedication. Next time...wait...nope, someone else's turn!

{ Good times; and wet times! }

Fourth State...Check!

Four down. 

Forty-six to go.
Another race for the sisters!

Overwhelming to think about, but I still have many years to go until
my deadline of 50 by 50 expires. 

When we booked our extended family trip to California, I quickly checked all race schedules in the area to find something I could register for and get the state colored in. I found one no more then ten minutes from our location at Knott's Berry Farm sponsoring youth with speech and language delays. 

I had everyone packed the night before, enjoyed a bowl of ice cream to fuel up as it "had" to be eaten not wasted in the freezer and woke the kids up an hour earlier due to the time change to make the race by 7am.

I've never been at a race where the National Anthem was sung so it was a first when all the men removed their hats and our country was honored before thousands ran through the theme park. I was a little bummed that the family stayed behind in the car but due to the amount of people and time crunch of catching a flight, they missed the start and finish.  As I waited in Wave 3 before the race began, I got talking to a gal standing next to me who was a two year breast cancer survivor. My shirt gave it away as to who I run for and why which gave the two of us plenty to talk about before we took off. 

I'm not sure how many waves of people went across the start line but when I crossed the finish line, the MC sent the last group off! 

I do plan to toot my own horn as I managed to obtain my personal record for a 5k finishing at 24:48! I was 6th out of my age range for 5k females (6 out of 253) and 36th overall for all 5k-ers (36th out of 2856). There was also a 10k race in the same herd of people so the crowds were HUGE!

Toot, toot!

The funny thing was I was so concerned about making our flight that I hurried past the boysenberry pie that awaited me at the end of the race and booked it to the car. Can I just say how impossible it is to change in the front seat of a car with kids in the back and a sweaty sports bra tangled up in your business? Not too mention the oncoming traffic getting a front seat show! 

By the time we made it to the airport I was changed and ready to go home...
as were our sleepy children!

Now to figure out which state and what race is next!

Kisses to Medals

A year ago yesterday, both Tim and I were toes deep in sand as Kim and Anne baptized us in the ocean shores of Kona, Hawaii. It was a marking of a new beginning for both of us as we recommitted to the Lord and each other later that afternoon. 

We shared tears, scriptures, vows and prayers. 

A year later, we continue to share tears, speak scriptures, 

live our vows and say daily prayers together.

God has been very present in the last year as we have opened new doors of opportunities both in business and in our personal lives. Many changes have already been adapted into routines and visions have been organized and implemented. 

God has been so good to us and our family!

So, as the one year anniversary of us saying "I do" (or singing it too) approached, I thought to myself, "Do we do anything special?" "There are already so many dates for Tim to remember, do I make him remember another one too?"

I marked it on the calendar and simply sent up a little prayer of thanks for ALL that has come and gone over the past year. The new friendships, the new windows of opportunities and journeys, the ups and downs of health and accomplishments, mini celebrations and immense blessings in every day. 

Friday night, I was committed by dear sweet friends to run the Fragrance Lake 10k. I was NOT planning on this and have not been training much at all on any trails of this latitude. All I noticed on the website was an evaluation change of 3300 feet. Whether that was for the 1/2 marathon or 10k, it didn't matter as my bum cheeks were already screaming from future torture. Tim had busy plans working in the yard all day,
so off I went to run in the hills. 

A stark contrast from the beach, tan sand, warm sun and ocean water lapping at my toes a year earlier were the due glistened ferns, moss covered trees and rushing water falls as I made my way through the trails above Larrabee State Park. God, in all His splendor, created not only the beauty of the repeating waves, but the stillness of the forest. Christie and I gracefully powered our way up and up...and up some more as we ran through the 6.5 mile course. As we crossed by the waterfall it was God filling our lungs with, "streams of living water" and when we ran passed the Fragrance Lake God held still our hearts so we could take in the beauty around us. 

I may have been a little nervous for allowing others to talk me into running,
but I'm so glad I did. 

From kisses on the beach saying I do's; to steep hills and free falls earning medals...I'm proud to make My Love remember yet another date in our journey together. 

Happy One Year Renewal Love!

An Empty Tank with Tired Legs & .03 Away

{ Grace, Christie, Melissa, me, Holli & Julie }

A couple of weekends ago, I ran in my second half marathon! Running has become a way of life for me; mainly therapeutic. The problem is this…I get very competitive at any race and end up going out guns a-blazing in attempts to reach my mind-set goal. Last year I ran this same race in 2:09.10.

This year I had a goal of coming in under two hours and was a step away from making that goal:

2:00.02

Now, I realize I need to be happy with that time, and I am, BUT, being that close from making a goal has been eating away at me. 

Hebrews 12:1 says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance that race marked out for us."

I could not have asked to have better friends surrounding me on, and during, the race day. The three of us set out early to catch Jackie as she had just begun her 26.2 in the thick fog and on dewy roads. Thankfully, the sun broke free and brighten the morning up, warming us up too! Christie and I were both on the same page of meeting the under two hour marker. Without having "coach" by my side, I would have given in more to the mental game of running miles earlier. Together we kept an average pace around nine minute miles and a few even under 8.5! It wasn't until mile nine that my mind got in the way and really tanked at mile 11.5. Christie was so inspirational, sometimes too upbeat, but overall the exact person I needed to push me, coach me, encourage me and ultimately get me to the fitness shape I'm in today. Credit goes to Christie but the feet belong to me! The 13.1 miles went by quite fast as we pushed and challenged each other the entire way.

Reflecting on the scripture verse and my race time had me thinking:
We have one main goal as believers.
To stand confident at the pearly gates as Jesus welcomes us into Heaven.
Am I giving my all into my faith walk in order to achieve the goal? Am I living, training and executing my decisions in a way that will help me obtain everything God wants me to do in my life?
This is one goal that I (we) will never know what my (our) best time will be when viewed by day, month, and year splits. Terrifying really. But should it be?
I'm confident that I gave every ounce I possibly could on the last 12th street hill. I'm confident in my training and fitness capabilities and how they propelled me to shave nine entire minutes from my last years time.
I should be just as confident in my faith that I, without doubt, know where I am going after life on earth.

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 3:14

Whether your race is physical or spiritual, pick up the pace. 
"Trot, trot, trot!"
If you need a coach, just open the Bible or ask a friend to walk with you because it's much easier to race together than on your own. I pray that I was just as encouraging to Christie running besides me as she was and has been to me.
I think of my sister (Dad & Lorna too) as she fights against harsh conditions, but has the ultimate goal of overcoming cancer. That's a fight one can't fight alone. Raising our little family is ours to do alone, but a village behind us is due credit for the support and encouragement given to us as parents and then to the kids. No race is meant to be done alone! Jesus blesses us with friends and family for that exact purpose; life is a team effort!





I'm blessed with my crazy running friends and so proud of all of us and our extend E2 family that kicked butt on race day! We have our health to be thankful for and a finishers medal to prove that we did indeed run all steps towards 13.1 miles. (for the crazier one all 26.2 miles!)
Now to the next race…we really are crazy!!!

To be apart of the E2 Fitness Family check out:
www.e2fitnesscenter.com

3rd State Down in a City of Trees

This past weekend I was able to tag along with Tim to visit Lied Lodge in Nebraska City as he prepares to renovate the property. He's been there a few times now and every time comes home with high praises for the simple beauty of the Arbor Day Foundation Lodge as it sits on rolling hills with orchards of many kinds, acres of trees and historic buildings. It's one thing to talk about and completely different to see it! STUNNING! 

The place is gorgeous! The roads leading into the lodge are lined with gorgeous, old homesteads and endless hills of corn stalks and soy bean fields. Once you're on site, you're met with a grand lodge facing handfuls of varying trees, beautiful walk ways over wooden bridges, white barns and mansions and nothing to do but soak it all in. 

I'm quite jealous of those working on this project as they get to see the colors change in season and experience the Nebraska hospitality. 

The bonus of this trip was that there was a race the same weekend assisting me in my goal of 50 by 50!  I was invited to run with the Arbor Day Team which added a little pressure to perform well. I convinced Jasmine to run the 10k instead of the 5k and glad I did! We pushed each other and ended up coming in 1st and 2nd in our age division…out of 37 runners total! Talk about a small town race! We ran on gravel roads, through cemeteries, past corn fields and what seemed like circles for 6.5 miles. Doug, the man in charge, Lance and Tim drove around cheering for us in 37 degree weather at the start line. Everything happened out of the back end of the mini van and thankfully we had the guys at certain locations directing us at turns as the hot pink arrows were at times hard to follow. 

I was happy with our run and can't wait for the next state!

{ No start guns here. Just a school yard, "ready, set, go!" call out got us running! }

{Thanks to the couple boy scouts who provided the water stations. }

{ Coming through strong at the end! Tim introduced Jo to S'moresma's on the last trip. }

The trip wasn't all just about the race.  

We were able to enjoy relaxing dinners, nighttime walks, the ability to sleep in, surprisingly pleasant sounds of crickets and hours of reading time. We were blessed to be in the company of the Ellis's on this trip and look forward to the next trip! 

On Saturday we visited The Tree Adventure where Jasmine found her inner squirrel. This place was like Stoney Ridge Farms on steroids with 50 foot tree houses, trails, hazelnut and apple orchards, hour long hayrides and much more. I wish the kids would have been able to enjoy this, but too bad. They were having fun with Auntie and my parents at the corn maze, parks and no, not just one, but TWO trips to McDonald's. The older two kids watched 'Dolphin Tale Two' as my poor father experienced the "hand-down-the-poopy-pants" toddler child which resulted in duct tape around her waist later. 

{ I like us in human form better. }

{ J. Sterling Morton Mansion built in the early 1800's. }

{ My Love. }

On our warm stroll back to the lodge, we crashed the wedding site which all four of us were in awe of from it's simple, romantic, rustic beauty. Everything from the chandeliers to the fall flowers and special touches; this was a dream wedding location. I will do free wedding hair for anyone willing to fly me on site to this location just so I can experience a wedding in this venue!

{ Morning board walk through the trees. }

What stood out most from our four day, three night get-away was the hospitality from Doug & Shawn and the people of Nebraska! Thank you for the tasty display of appetizers and delicious meal along with all the welcome room treats. It was a pleasure visiting the Husker's territory and seeing more of God's landscape. 

See you all in April!

{ Doug & Shawn…how I ended up in the middle is still in question! }