Showing posts with label Half Marathon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Half Marathon. Show all posts

Monday, December 2, 2013

One More Recap!!!

I just had to share a couple pictures. 
The first and third are one's I purchased through the race photo company. 
(which I just got a couple week's ago)
Working my butt off to get to were I am now has never felt so good. 
I've never been so proud of myself for accomplishing something so big. 
And on such a special day to me and my hubbs. 
Running the streets of Savannah is a day I'll remember forever. 
I'm so glad that this handsome fella was able to be there to watch me cross the finish line. Although he was enjoying a nice yummy breakfast while I crossed the start line, having him there at the end made it all worth it. Sweet Sweet Victory!!! 
1% of American's actually run a Marathon and I'm apart of that 1%, such a wonderful moment.
I can't wait to take on my next running adventure. I've already signed up for a Half Marathon in March in my area. Its actually the one I ran this past March which was my first one. My goal is to improve my finish time all while helping a dear friend of mine train for her first Half Marathon. 

Saturday, April 20, 2013

2nd Half 1st Trail.....Race

After a week of nagging and sweet talking me in to doing this race with her I finally caved and said yes. I was hesitant at first because I haven't ran long distance since my first half last month. I've only ran 3-5 miles at a time to keep up my speed and endurance. But with a little twist and pull and convincing I said YES. Just two days before the race I signed up for my 2nd Half Marathon, My 1st Trail Half Marathon. My only dilemma was that the race was in Charlotte, NC which was about a hour & half drive away. I had the option of going up with Kelly Friday night and staying with her at her families farm in Rock Hill. I didn't mind the drive but with the hubs being away I would be left having to find someone to look after the pups over night if I decided to go up that night. Just getting back from Vacay a couple weeks ago and having to ask some one to watch the puppies I didn't really want to have to do that again. So I decided to stay home and just wake up early Saturday morning and drive up. Thankfully the race started at 9am so I didn't have to get up crazy early. 
Registration was $35 so really what did I have to loose. It was the day before my birthday and I would be able to have another Half under my belt. Great way to kick off my b-day weekend, sure thing!!!! 
The Trail Half Marathon - Tuck Fest was located at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. I've never been here before but have heard great things about it. And I'm looking forward to going back with the hubs to take advantage of some of the awesome activities they offer. 
Before I left my house I had to snap a pic for the hubs of course!!! Kelly's so sweet with her birthday treats, love her!!!! 
At the start line waiting for the "Ready set GO"!!!!!!!! 
This was by far one of the most challenging runs / races I've ever done to say the least. The scenery was great and the weather was perfect but the terrain was crazy. I've never enjoyed running on dirt or a soft ground and this definitely just proved once again that I wasn't a fan. I absolutely LOVE hiking though the mountains and wooded area however running a race through it is totally different. 
We decided at the beginning of the race we weren't going for time. This was a first for both of us, (a trail run) so we were just taking it as it came and having fun with it. We wanted to get another long run in before it got to hot out. South Summers are KILLER. We took advantage and had some fun with it snapping a few photos along the way. At about mile 9 we were completely DONE. We had agreed that trail running was NOT for us and we'd be happy just getting this race over with. There were only 3..THREE..3 water stations through out the whole 13.1 miles and they were very pouring placed. The route was poorly marked, I think if I was doing it by myself I would have been so lost. We had fun and there were lots of laughs through out the morning along with a few frustrating moments. We each took a fall during the race and we most def. did not run the entire thing, it just wasn't possible. We went in to it blind not knowing what to expect. We had a great time but both agreed NEVER AGAIN. At least we can say we did it, got another long run in and marked off the miles. Even if it did take us 3.08 hours to complete it.
 Unfortunately I had to be back in the South by 1:30 that afternoon (totally didn't happen) so we weren't able to get any after pictures. I was kind of bummed but didn't realize it till after I was on the road headed back home. I crossed the finish line running and just kept running to my car. It was definitely a race I wont forget, and what better way to start off celebrating my 27th Birthday. 

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Less Than A Week Away.....

I really can't believe that I'm less than a week away from running my very first Half Marathon. I'm sure to some your thinking, really big deal I've done plenty or even a full. Well props to you because I can only hope to be were you are one day. I've come so far in the last two months with my running then I ever expected. When Kelly first mentioned to me at the beginning of January about doing a half with her I had doubts of even being remotely ready. The thought "I only have two months to train" kept crossing my mind. Although I had been running for quite some time I didn't think I was ready for that long of a distance. Not yet any way. I mean a Half Marathon, 13.1 miles......that's A LOT if you ask me. 
 Well let me tell you exactly two months later after signing up I am SOOO READY
Two months was / has been plenty of time to train and get ready for it. We've lucked out pretty good with our training schedule and weather. Sure we've had some pretty chilly (crazy cold) morning and evening runs but after we get going, I always seem to warm up. Even through the rain and some sleet we've kept going and pushed through. I've gone through 3 different pairs of shoes and I've finally found a pair that I love. I've found some great running FB pages were I've read some really inspiring stories from other runners 5k-Full Marathon racers. I've ran many race's in between training which has totally helped and only pushed me that much more. 
I've come so far from were I was, I've changed so much and I've learn so much in the last two months and I owe it all to Kelly. She believed in me when I didn't believe in myself and didn't think I could do this. She's kept me going and pushed my butt that little bit more each time when I needed it. I'm doing this for me, to prove to myself I can do anything I put my whole heart, mind and soul into. 
I'm so excited and can't wait for Saturday to get here. Although when I have to get up crazy retarded early that excitement might be a little less. 
 I just wanted to give a big shout out and THANK YOU to each and everyone of you who have followed along this journey with me. Those of you who've supported, commented and left encouraging and inspiring comments and messages. Thank you all so much, it means more than you will ever know.  I can't wait to share my Half Marathon story with you next weekend. 
Best part is the hubs will be there to cheer and support me along the way. (from the start and finish line that is, he's not running it) Which is a super big deal seeing he's only been to one other race I've ran. 
5 days left y'all yikes, say a little prayer for me on Friday night Saturday morning if you'll please.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Major Mile Stone Moment

Last night before going to bed I got everything ready, packed up and breakfast set out. Being prepared is everything!!!! Call me a nerd but it totally makes the world of a difference being prepared.
Earlier this morning I met up with my girl Kelly to head across town for a 10K race we'd signed up for. It was pouring buckets of water, like major crazy hard core rain. Seriously I'm going to run in this stuff. I signed my name on the paper, I'm not backing down, I don't quit like EVER. We had plans after we'd cross the finish line of the 10K Race Against Hunger run to loop back around and keep going. We were going to use this as our long run training day for our half, which just so happens to be in TWO two.....TWO Weeks. (thank goodness). The goal was to get in 11 miles this morning and this would be our last long run and then we'd start to bring this down again. The rain was off and on all the way across town, about two blocks before the starting location it was pouring so hard. We kept talking about what we were going to do. I wanted to get it over with, I / we were in the zone, I didn't wanna have to get up early tomorrow for our long run because we got rained out today. I'm not a tread mill runner, but we talked about doing that. Let's just wait and see if they cancel the race or go with it when we get there. Just as we pulled up to park the rain slowed up to a light rain / mist. Ok we can handle this we ran in much worse last weekend (sleet), we had our rain coats on and were ready to go. We headed in side were it was warm and waited it out for the race to start.
The plan was to take it nice and easy, not to push ourselves to much. One, we didn't want to step in a pot hole due to the rain or slip and fall from the wet conditions. The goal was to get our miles in for the day and the race was just a added bonus to help us do that. I was kinda nervous because after completing this (the race combined with our extra 5 miles at the end) it would be my longest run to date. Mind over Matter I knew I could do it, it was just getting all the garbage nonsense out of my head. 

Waiting at the start line it was pretty chilly and windy, the rain was light but still there. Then all of a sudden bam everyone started running.......what really were was the "on your mark get set go". 
The course was great, it was a nice change from what we had been running in over the last couple months. (it was in a completely different city) After a while the rain started to go away and we were enjoying the morning. There were people stationed all through out the course cheering everyone on, police officers from all over controlling traffic and others passing out water. As we would pass each mile marker they would cheer us on and tell us how many more we had to go, all I could think about was "if you only knew what I had to do after this". Did I mentioned I tried out my knew shoes last week and then again today and they were doing great. I absolutely love them, although I though I loved loved my other ones to, so I'm going to have to give them a few more runs to really break them in. But so far so good, no complaints here. 
We were almost to the finish line, I was still doing good, I passed the old guy in the blue shorts. I never let anyone pass me I kept ahead and put one foot in front of the other. I ran through the finish, heard the buzzer go off to stop my time. And turned it right back around and kept going. Kelly had to go to the bathroom so bad, I kept telling her to hold it and wait it out but she just couldn't any more. We were NOT stopping though. There was a Starbucks on the left just a block up, she ran ahead booked it in side to pee. I made one lap around the building and there she came running back out adjusting her pants. It was just the laugh we both needed. We were running back down along the course encouraging people as we passed them. We finally saw the end out the racers, a young girl maybe 6/7 at the most still running strong. I though seriously if she can do this anyone can. 

Here I am a mile 8 the rain came back for a little bit but it was a bit refreshing. No need to carry water just open your mouth and look up lol. I slowed down for a bit turned around and Kelly snapped this picture, and then facebooked it all while running. Talk about multitasking while running, she's pretty awesome like that. This was our view for the next 2 miles and it was absolutely beautiful, quiet and peaceful. A few hills here and there but nothing we couldn't handle. 
There was a mile stretch were we were on a pretty busy two lane road. I was a nervous wreck and ran my heart out to get to the end of the street so we could get on a side walk. It was probably one of the longest miles ever. I just kept my eyes on the road and stayed clear of my surroundings. 
I have to have a plan, I need to know were and when we were going to stop. Kelly is known to say we are going to run this many miles and we end up adding more on. We talked and decided that we would see how we felt at mile 11 and if we could push one more out we would (it was run back the the car or walk so either way we had another mile to go at 11 to get to the car) but we would NOT go over 12 for any reason. Besides I want my first 13.1 to be my half in two weeks. We were just over 10 miles and I had a "OH MY GOSH" moment I've just surpassed my longest run ever. 
We came to a long ascending hill and I was pushing with everything I had to get up it, it hurt and I was struggling a bit but I knew the quicker I got to the top the better off I'd be. I pushed through and never stopped, the though crossed my mind but I didn't give in. It might have hurt in the moment but I knew shortly after we finished I'd be fine. 
At 11.34 we had just over half a mile to go, I recognized were we were and knew how far we had to go to get to the car. I pushed through it with everything I had in me. I knew the fast / quicker I got there the sooner I could stop. We had one more busy street to cross and about two blocks to go and we were there.......I watched my watch count up adding on the distance 11.81.....11.90......11.96.....12.15 DONE. It got us right to the parking lot were we were parked. I've just ran my longest distance ever. I don't know when the last time I had ever been this excited or proud of myself was. To some people it might not be that big of a deal but for me it was. I've come a long way since I started running two years ago although I've still got a long way to go to be were I want to be, I keep pushing. 
Dreams do come true and mine will. 

12...TWELVE...12 MILES baby!!!!! 10K + 6 more heck yea!!!!! And the best part was I didn't feel like I was dying at the end. 
You can see my car is the only car left in the parking lot in the back of the picture with Kelly. 
My finish time was just 2 minutes under what my goal time is for my half so I need to pick up my pace just a little and cut off about a minute from each mile. Even if I don't meet my goal time exact I know it wont be much over it, after today's run. Doing it and finishing is a big deal just in its self. 
After uploading my run online I saw that my pace dropped a little during my last mile from 11-12 but stayed consistent through out. I've just got to push it out strong just a bit more and I will be set. 
Just 2 more weeks!!!!! 


Sunday, February 10, 2013

Loven Life Lately!

Seriously is she not the cutest puppy you've ever seen. She's such a lazy over sized lap dog, or at least she thinks she is. I love her though and would be lost with out her. 
Last Friday the hubbs got off work before me and headed down town to pick up a late night dessert. Seriously love this man he's perfect!!!! 

There's no sleeping in on Saturday mornings when the hubbs is off work. Up and at it bright and early at the range for some shooting. It was 37 degree's out and we were freezing our booties off but he was enjoying every minute of it. 
Later that afternoon we went to Whole Foods to pick up a few things to make dinner. The hubbs is on a huge Bison kick and frankly I'm not a fan. However I sucked it up and went along with it, happy husband = a happy wife right. He helped me fix everything up and then ditched me to do the dirty work when his buddy came over. That's ok I don't mind. 
Bison Enchiladas with a side of Mexican Rice. They weren't to bad, I just can't get past the chewiness of the meat. He says its because its more Gamy then other meats. 

Everyone loves a FABULOUS Chocolate Chip Cookie.
Including a bunch of Drill SGT's when they are stuck out in the field for a week. Any reason to see my hubbs while he's away working. :) 
Wednesday night Strength Class at Jamie Scott Fitness, with my fabulous running partner as the teacher. She really knows how to push you and give you a good work out. Can't wait till next week to go again. Building my lower body and cross training, doing what's best!!!!

Thursday one of my kiddos got sent home from school because she was sick. No Bueno. Her daddy was out of town and her momma had a big work meeting to attend. The hubbs was off work and so kindly agreed to sit with her while her mom went to her meeting. I went over to her house on my lunch and took him lunch and checked up on them. He is so good with Luc. and is going to make a great dad it we ever decide to go down that road. While I was there I asked him "are you going to be good changing her if you need to" he replied with "well it cant be that hard to figure out" Ok, so you've got this handled it looks like and I headed back to work. 
Did I happen to mention I'm going home soon :) Well if not I AM!!! TEXAS HERE I COME!!!!! 
And I can't wait. I'll be spending my Spring Break HERE (below) at our River house and on our Boat. I can't wait to go skiing, lay out on the beach and just be back on the water again. Its been to long since I've been down to our house and I am so looking forward to going again. Not much longer now and I'll be on a jet plane headed home. Best part is I get to spend the whole time with my little not so little brother!!!! 
Saturday run day!!!
 Pushing out a fabulous 6.2 miles today back in my minimalist shoes. I think I finally figured out what was causing my leg pain. :( To bad I didn't figure it out sooner, but as they say better late than never right. Come to find out I was fitted wrong with the shoes I was wearing. I went from minimalist shoes to fully supported, motion control shoes. With my bad ankles that have no arch at all (I'm 100% flat footed) and no support this put a lot of strain on my legs. Mainly my left one, shin splints turned in to stress fractures and mega horrible blisters which were no fun. I decided to change things up today and try out my old shoes and HELLO WORLD I'M BACK. 
100% difference and I felt even better after. Long story short I took my Asics back to Fleet Feet that I bought about a month ago and was refitted in a pair of Brooks PureFlow. They are minimalist shoes and feel great, I'm so happy I made the switch. I am however going to finish my training for my half marathon (and run my half) in my original minimalist shoes because I'm use to them. With a month left I don't want to cause any problems or stress on my legs and not be able to give 100% come race day. After that I'll go for the switch. 
My new KICKS - I've joined the Brooks fan club. They didn't have anything with pink so I jazzed them up with my pink Lock Laces. Loving them already and can't wait to switch over after the Half in March. :) Any other Brooks fan out there????

Today Sunday, was a hill training day. Now that we are nearing the end of our training we have to start stepping it up. This afternoon K and I met up and tackled two hills multiple times. We started off with a quick run over to were we were going to be training. We then took it full speed ahead up 3 times, bringing it to a slow walk at the top and then back down the hill to do it again. We did this same hill 3 times before running around the block to bring it up a total killer hill. (I'll have to take my phone with me next time to get a picture) We pushed it out and ran the whole way up and back to her house with out stopping. It was a great 3 mile recovery run after our run yesterday. 

How was your week, what about the week before last?? We haven't really had anything to exciting going on. The hubbs unit Graduated this past Thursday so we are officially on cycle break till March 1st. Hello!!!!!!!! We don't have anything big planned but some much needed down time for the hubbs which is well deserved. Lots of training and running here for this girl, I know it will all pay off in the end. 
New Year New Me!!!!!

Monday, January 21, 2013

Running into 2013

I'm jumping back on the 500 Mile train for 2013. I did pretty well in 2012 but I didn't quite reach goal. No worries there's always plenty of time this year and thankfully its starting off pretty well. I'm already about 20 miles in and its only the 21st of January. I have a race this coming up weekend (10k) and then 2 in March (a 5k &) which includes my very first Half Marathon. So there's another 22 miles right there, plus all the training I'll be doing leading up to those races. Yesterday was our long run day, we only planned on running about 6 miles and ended up finishing it off at 9.52 (yes the .02 count). It's so hard to get a long run in during the week just because it gets dark so early. I don't mind going on the weekends though, because I am fully committed, refreshed from the work week and ready to go. If you want you can read my 500 Miles in 2012 post HERE. I also have links to my first two races there and what jumped started my journey on running. Over the last year I've become more and more committed and in love with running. Its by far the best stress reliever ever and I feel so good about myself after I finish a run no matter how long or short it is. I'm by no means a great all-star runner, I don't have a super fast mile minute pace like my husband but I believe for me and myself alone I'm doing great. I've come a long way from when I first started back when we lived in Hawaii. I never in my life would have though I would enjoy it as much as I do. If you would have asked me about 2 years ago if I'd be were I am today I'd probably laugh at you. One step at a time, one run at a time & I'm getting better than the day before. I've found that having a running partner has helped tremendously, it helps keep me accountable and the other person as well. I've ran with a few different people on random occasions here in the South & I never felt that connection or drive to keep pushing myself until I started running with Kelly. It's like a whole new world opened up and I've been going strong ever since. I do have those days were I don't wanna go, I just wanna go home from work and call it a day. However I know she's waiting on me, and I don't want to let her down so I suck it up and go. Afterwards I feel so much better and I'm always so glad I went. I'm focusing 100% on my running this year and building my miles. I'm building a better lifestyle for myself, getting my body in the BEST SHAPE ever (on my 30 b4 30 list) and loosing weight in the process. I have hopes / dreams / plans......HECK I'm going to do it....of running a Marathon before I'm 30. It's also on my 30 b4 30 list. (If you haven't checked it out just go HERE) I am not going to put the pressure on myself of trying to do it in 2013, but 2014 you better believe it. Baby steps, one thing at a time. I love running with my Nike+ watch that the hubbs got me the year before last for Christmas. It helps me track my pace, miles, calories & time. I try not to look at it while I'm running but when I get home and plug it in to my computer I'm able to see how I did. I can compare my runs, see were I need to improve and what I might need to do differently next time. I recently went and was fitted for proper running shoes for my feet and two weeks later I can already tell a big difference. Even with the change in the type of socks I was wearing. You really can't skimp on running and getting your body fit. Every little detail makes the biggest difference now and in the long run. I'm still learning as I go and making adjustments as needed. Since I've started running with Kelly I've learned that I need to walk it off after I finish running. My heart rate is up so high that I can't just stop moving. I need to slowly let it drop back down to a normal pace. Before I would never do this now I know better & really it makes so much more sense. It's one of those things you don't know or think about until someone tells you and explains why. Also stretching I'm horrible about it but I've gotten better, I don't want to fall behind or slack off because of my lack to stretch my body out before and after I run. It takes 10-15 minutes & it makes the world of a difference. I've got a long way to go but at the same time I've come a long way!!! I couldn't be more happier with myself right now.
2013 = a new year and a new me!!!!
500 miles in 2013 I will make it!!!! 
Check back in the months to come for a Mile count up!!!
January -
February-   
March- 
April-
May- 
June-
July-
August-
September-
October-
November-
December-
Any tips, suggestions from my fellow runners out there ?!?!?!? 

You can track my progress and Milage HERE the link is on my tool bar at the top of my blog as well!!!!! 

Friday, January 11, 2013

Just Keep Going.....Just Keep Going.....

Friday evening closed out my running for the week. I've pushed myself hard this week and I'm proud of it. Half / Marathon training plus trying out a new work out class, double duty. There's no way I'd be remotely ready come March if it wasn't for this girl!! She keeps me going and helps me push through when I want to quit. Some how she always seem's go give me a swift kick in the butt and all of a sudden I'm full force again. Crazy how a little trash talk will do that to ya!!

The hubbs has CQ and I'm babysitting one of my favorite kiddo's tonight, so I'll be kicking my feet up once she's asleep. I'm completely taking the weekend off to fully recover and get ready for a new week ahead of me. 
Before I go, I'll share with you a little bit of inspiration I've found. One of my cousins introduced me to this awesome website that has tons of motivational pictures and quotes. I try to remember them when I'm running and I feel like I'm going to die but I know I have to make it one more mile. 










Have a fabulous weekend!!!!

Sunday, January 6, 2013

New Kicks - Experience

Yesterday was a first for me!
I don't do well with change and today that proved all to true, once again.
Yesterday Kelly & I went to Fleet Feet a local running store here in the South. It was my first time going and I have to tell you it was a great experience. From the moment we walked in the door till we were checking out and leaving. I got fitted for running shoes for the first time ever. After almost two years (it'll will be two year early March) of running and participating in countless races, this was my first time to be professionally fitted for a proper pair of running shoes. For the last year I've been running in Minimalist running shoes with no support what so ever. Although I haven't had any issues with them I knew it was time for a change. I have really bad ankles and I needed the extra support, even more so that I've started adding more and more miles on to my nightly runs. The whole process went very smoothly. I had never felt more comfortable in a shoes store then I did yesterday. The girl helping me started off by explaining the process of what they do and why and how it all works. From there she measured my feet both standing and sitting. Watched me walk around the store and run on a treadmill, gave me different socks to try on and even fully looked over my feet and explained what would be the proper shoe and why. From there I tried on about 4-5 different pairs of running shoes till we found the prefect one. The first pair I absolutely LOVED the coloring, they were hot pink, neon blue and black. They couldn't have said my name more clearly if I wanted them to. Sadly enough they weren't the proper shoe for my foot. But hey that's OK, that's what we came for right. I might have to put color and cuteness aside for a good pair of running kicks. "Might" is a strong word. Once she found what she believed to be the correct shoe for me, I ran a couple minutes on the treadmill again to make sure I was comfortable in them. I even put on one of my minimalist shoes on and one of my new one and ran on the treadmill to see how it was, I felt good in my new Asics. I also decided to go ahead and get a pair of Lock Laces and switch mine out. These aren't only great for quickly slipping on and off your shoes but it saves a lot on wear and tear of a shoe if you don't untie them when you take them off. I have always untied my shoes when I take them off because I have to retie them to put them on so I might as well untie them the first time right. With lock laces your still able to adjust the tightness of your laces and the best part is you never have to worry about the coming untied during your run.
Last Thursday when we went running I had to stop three times to tie my shoes. I seriously don't know what was going on because I normally never have issues with them. Now I really wont at all, so even better. My new asics are purple and gray, most definitely not a color I would have picked for myself (I asked if they had pink, but no such luck) but I have to say they are growing on me and I'm really liking them. I did get the Hot Pink Lock Laces to spice them up a bit and they look super cute. I might be a little biased though. I picked up a few more pairs of comfort fit running socks, I just love how soft and comfy they are. The experience as a whole was wonderful, the store even gives a 10% Military Discount....added bonus, yes in deed. And for whatever reason I'm not totally happy with my new kicks after trying them out on a few runs, I simply take them back and they will help fit me to a shoe of my liking and fitting till they find the right one that I'm comfortable running in. I will never go to a regular shoe store to get running shoes again. As long as we are in the South I will go to Fleet Feet to get fitted / purchase my running shoes and possibly other running accessories that I might need. You might pay a little extra but I'm willing to do so knowing I'm getting what is right for me, my body, the personal experience and the great customer service.

Have you ever been fit for proper pair of running shoes? What was your experience?

Friday, January 4, 2013

New Year....New Me

It's a New Year and I'm starting it off on the right foot. Literally!!!! February 2011 I got into running and have taken off with it since then. After moving to the South (fall 2011) it took me a while to get back in to a regular routine. With the move, getting settled and of course because of the climate and temperature change I kinda slacked. Once the winter months were behind us, I really didn't have any excuses. Plus the hubbs had given me a Nike GPS running Watch for Christmas that I had / wanted to put to use. I started out working my way back up to were I was before I left Hawaii and did so quite well. I've continued with it and stuck it out since then and feel so good about it. I never though I would enjoy running as much as I do, but I DO!!! It's such a great stress reliever and I feel so good about myself after I finish a run no matter how long it was. I'm determined to focus 100% on my running during the year 2013. I think believe by starting out strong and hard like I am, I will set myself up for success. Really it can only go up from here, there's not looking back or quitting, it's just not a option. 
Jan. 3rd, first run of the new year!!! 3.5
I've found the best running partner here in the South. She just so happens to be one of my moms in my class. We've become really good friends over the last 4 1/2 months. We make a good team to, we encourage and push each other along. Which I believe is key to getting any were in life. Everyone NEEDS encouragement and a little extra push and shove some times. I only wish we would have met sooner, better late than never right. 
Two things to do on my 30 b4 30 list are to run a half & full marathon. So during our run last night Kelly (my running partner) mentioned to me about a half marathon coming up in March to our area. We talked about doing it and debated it for about half a day and then decided to do it and commit 100%. So what does that mean you ask?!?!? Well I'll tell you......THIS GIRL signed up to run her first Half Marathon and It's only 2 "TWO" 2 months away. I've got some mega training to do but I'm super stoked and excited about it. Starting the New Year off STRONG. New Year New Me!!!! 
To help us build up to it and train we also signed up for a 10K that's at the end of January. WooHoo!!! 
LOOK OUT WORLD, there's nothing stopping me now!!!! 
I would definitely say that running has changed my life. I'm much more confident, it also helps me tell myself that I really can do anything as long as I put my mind and heart into it. I'm more motivated than I ever have been and I love that feeling. Not just in running but life its self and taking on what ever the day my bring.
Jan. 4th second run of the new year!!! short quick 2.5 ~ intervals 
 I'm planning on blogging more about my running and experience with it to help keep myself accountable and motivated. Any advice, tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.