That Time I Lived in TX.

One year. I lived in Texas for a year. It was brutal.

Wait.


I love Texas...I have no qualms with its 'colorful' language, numerous taco houses, huts, casas, bells...the quirky smiles on lower Greenville, the stereotypical and truly unreal big hair...I enjoyed it all. It was an adventure. 

I remember driving away, the day after Christmas, over 4 years ago. I was in my little coupe, next to my fiance with the trunk fuller than it should have been with my clothes, picture frames, and other things I did not really need.

What I forgot to take with me was the most important thing. Call it maturity, call it being myself, call it bravery.

I was excited, beyond excited to start a new chapter. Then the new chapter started and it sucked. I was scared, and upset and I crawled into a cave. Sadly, I crawled into that cave during what could have been a joyous time in my life. 
But, there is a happy ending to this tale.

***

I have wonderful friends and an amazing family, but I did not turn to them when things got harsh. I had a knack for wrapping myself in old band aids and calling it a day. Gross. 
I shut off from everyone back home and wallowed in high times and very low times, there was no grey area in Texas.

We went on fun excursions and silly trips. We saw movies and ate amazing food. I loved spending time with his family. I met some crazy awesome people at a great job. We were in love and completely immature. We fought in ways I never saw us fighting. We acted out in pain and chose hurtful words. In the midst of happy times there are painful memories that I am okay with fading away.

Let's not forget, this has a happy ending, remember?

I don't feel the need to go into more detail at this point, but Texas treated me well, and I did not return the favor.

***

I moved back home and resumed my classes and got a new job. I mended relationships and accepted my family's comforting words. My (now husband) and I were fine, we really were, but we needed this time to grow.

We matured incredibly. We still act like children at times, but shew whee did we need this. 

I appreciate my family, friendships, and home more than I ever could have before. 

I realize the importance of relationship variety and how not just maintaining, but treasuring these gifts is so necessary.

We learned how to better love one another, and also what needs to come first. We were not walking with the Lord in Texas. Sure, we went to church here and there but our attempts at living our faith were weak and pathetic. 

We can't imagine, now, being in a relationship together without keeping the Lord at our center. We have fostered new and "old" friendships that help keep us aware of this goal...we have family that cares about us and we are extremely thankful.

When I thought back to Texas I would feel overwhelmed with anxiety and grief. It was a dark and sad memory. Now, I understand why I had to have this experience. Why we needed to have this experience. We have so much more respect for each other today.

I remind myself daily, that hardships do not have to be in vain. Use them. We will have more, we will go through seasons, but look what we can accomplish with God's help and guidance. I hate fear with a passion and I...we will no longer let it rule our actions.

***

Woah, Allison, why such a serious post? Because. I am a talker, but this is one thing I have never been able to truly talk about. So, instead of renewing my lease in that cave, I brought it out in the open. A much more positive move, don't you think?


We absolutely love visiting Texas and my husband's family, we genuinely wish we could go more often. I love that Texas is "back" to being the place where we dated, where my shopping issue is at full throttle, and the place where my husband and I have truly happy memories.

xoxo

{Be on the lookout for one of my favorite looks inspired by my fond memories of Texas} 

Refrigerator Meal

I have been eating this dish for weeks now, and I am loving how easy and delicious it is! Jake has gotten on board as well...like, I didn't even have to talk it up, he just ate it and liked it. One of the best parts (aside from the good food noises you will make while eating this) is you can throw so many different things into it.


Caution: I love cabbage. I grew up eating it often and love the smell of it cooking. I know many people who are not as keen to it, and even if I don't understand it, I can live with it.



For this meal you will need:

1-2 bags of plain coleslaw
Lean ground turkey (chicken or sausage would be good too)
1 tablespoon olive oil (2 if you are making this two meals and adding more ingredients)
2 cloves of garlic
Salt and Pepper to taste
++Extras++
Shredded carrots

Maybe not the prettiest meal, but one of the tastiest. 

Broccoli-chopped
Onion-chopped
Zucchini-diced
Sweet potato-diced
Rice
Quinoa

I brown the meat first over medium heat, set aside and then saute the cabbage and vegetables in the oil. I love love the way it tastes the longer it all cooks together, but I am in a rush sometimes too. Therefore, cooking times will vary to your personal preference. Once the cabbage has 'wilted' and the veggies are softened, add the meat back in and let simmer a bit longer. 
At this point, if I am adding another starch, like potatoes, I add it now (after already being precooked). Now, literally just throw it all into a big bowl and enjoy.


{{Jake has, a couple times, put this all onto some tortillas for a twist on tacos. I usually eat mine like a cave woman from a bowl...it is that good}}


Total cook time: about 30 minutes (including prep)
Calories: about 390 cals (for one large serving)



This meal is chocked full of healthy veggies, fats, and protein!





XoXo

Impatient Patience

Silly title? Maybe...but I am a self-declared and well accepted walking and talking oxymoron.

*I break my foot and then fall again on crutches.

*I tell everyone I am learning patience through all of this, and I am pretty much lying to (the inside of) my face.

*I tell myself I can still do upper body and core workouts, with a super positive and happy voice. Then I do them for the first week, and say, ehhh.

C'mon now. 

My situation is not bad. Not even all that stinky. 

*I have read 3 books. 

*I have watched some sweet movies (yes, I totally will take that as a positive right now).

*I am re-teaching myself the discipline of making my lunches and dinners over quick and easy meals.

*My husband and I are forced to communicate in different ways, as I am pretty much home most of the time (aside from work, and the occasional times I am "allowed" to venture out on my hobble foot).

*My dog is ECSTATIC about this new arrangement of me not leaving her.

As hard or difficult I may think a moment is, it is just that: a moment. 

I have decided to conquer a few health goals at the same time. Not the greatest idea, but like I told a friend the other day, "most of my goals were fitness related before, and now they simply cannot revolve around that."

So, I am trying to do as many (girl) push-ups as I possibly can. But, I am also taking the time to check off a few other things on my list. One of those is, again, making wholesome meals, which is not as hard as I had made it out to be in my head. Another is to decrease the amount of medicine in my body. This is a pretty personal one, so if you have any questions concerning this please do not hesitate to message or email me, I am happy to discuss.

When you make changes for/to your body, it is not going to be easy. 9 times out of 10 it is going to feel like a struggle. But, those 9 times out of 10 are also totally worth it. I am proving to my body that it can heal itself. That I can overcome fears and anxieties that once plagued my everyday.

Broken foot? Yeah, it does suck. I really want to go for a run. Do some squats. Rollerblade. Anything at this point. But, is God telling me to "wait, a minute" and pay attention to some other aspects of my life? You bet.

Now, go on a walk/run for me..mail me the burned calories and I'll see you out there in 6 weeks ;)

Be Mine, Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day darlings! 

No matter how you are spending your day I hope it is sweet in many different ways!

PS: eat some chocolate, it'll taste even more delicious than usual.

Stuck On You

© Kenneth J. Miller

You're sucrose, you're glucose,
You're fructose and more,
From your head to your feet...
Which are stuck to the floor.

You're Hershey's, you're Snickers,
You're sweet English Toffee.
If you spit in my cup,
You'll just sweeten my coffee.

I love you so much
That I'm getting frenetic,
But I can't even kiss you,
'cause I'm diabetic.

XoXoXo 

Breakfast Cupcakes: Part 1

Muffins. Cute word. But, does it get your family and friends willing to do your dishes for one? Maybe. BUT, say the word "cupcake" and you are bound to have an infestation of hungry bellies.

Today I am going to share my latest "breakfast cupcake" venture: Banana Fudge.

I had sweet little bananas that had seen better days, so I scoured for recipes to turn them into something amazing. I found a few I liked, then changed some details to turn them into what I devoured after dinner last night...and breakfast, this morning.

They are roughly 100 calories, no added sugar (option), fibertastic, and most importantly, delicious!


Banana Bread Double Fudge Muffins: 

1 egg
1/3 cup Fage Total 0% or 2% Greek yogurt
1/4 cup Truvia Brown Sugar Blend or regular brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2-3 medium or large mashed bananas
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour (or regular WW flour, oat flour, or spelt flour)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cocoa powder (I used regular the first time, but Hershey's Special Dark make them extra yummy)

Optional:

Chocolate chips
Peanut butter

{Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix wet ingredients, then gradually add dry ingredients. Grease muffin pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. Will make 6-8 large to medium sized muffins or double mini-muffins.}


I admit, I topped mine with some peanut butter; Nutella would be awesome too. 

Enjoy!

Eating the Holidays

How will I eat throughout Christmas and the surrounding days that I consider party of the holiday?

I am going to eat what I want.

I am going to try what I want.

I am going to indulge.

I am going to try my best to NOT reach the point of feeling ill.

If I do not really enjoy something I will NOT continue to eat it.

I will continue to work out.

And, that's it!

Voi-la!

ENJOY yourself; just don't pop and turn into a big Christmas cookie ;)

Merry Christmas and enjoy this blessed time with the people God has placed in your life.

Perfect.

I love to encourage and help my loved ones out whenever possible/necessary. But when it comes time to sit down and eat my own words, I lose my appetite.

I am not perfect, sure I know this. But it still absolutely sucks when I make a mistake and cannot pick up my own pieces. 


For example, when I go off my attempt to eat healthy and inhale too much of something deemed 'junk food' I do not forgive myself. I replay it over and over in my head and beat myself up about it till I am black and blue with guilt and regret. How is this helping? Oh, it's not. But I seem to make sure it is my only option.

I am a continuing work in progress, as we all are. I need to love myself the way I love others, and the way God loves each of us. I need to have that same mercy on myself. I still need to kick my behind in gear when I know better, but who do I think I am? 

I am not perfect.

Magical Podcast and A Food Review

I have finally found the hidden treasure that is podcasts.

I like listening to music when I am doing faster runs (tempo, intervals, or farltek), but for my long and easy paced runs I was getting tired of the same routine. I do enjoy running with nothing blaring in my ears, especially when it is nice outside or right around dinner time (the lighting is always GORgeous)...but, sometimes you just need a little distraction. 

Cue the clouds opening and harp playing?

JillianMichaelsPodcast.com

Jillian Michaels' podcast are keeping me busy these days. She is funny, gives great and realistic advice, and the shows themselves vary in topic so much so that it's hard to even categorize her podcast. I have been listening to them for about 2 weeks now, usually 2-3 times per week. I haven't gotten tired of her or them in the least bit and I have even learned some neat tricks. Imagine that...learning and running, shew whee, am I an overachiever or what? ;) 

But, really, I do recommend browsing through ITunes and sampling the huge selection of shows they offer. (PS: Most are free!)

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To do something (sorta) new today, I am going to, very amateur-ly, review a product.

Yesterday I was having some stomach issues, no details needed (I could have probably even gone without stating that)...and so I wanted to keep my food as neutral as possible. I have family visiting so we all ate dinner at my parents' house and my mom made baked spaghetti. Now, her baked spaghetti isn't all that bad and she does add spinach, but it was still a little too heavy for me. 

I went ahead and brought some Fage 0% Greek yogurt over (my favorite) with some frozen cherries and an Amy's Rice Macaroni and Cheese Gluten Free dinner. I know, frozen meal, but I liked the ingredients and I was majorly craving cheese.

When I first cooked it I was a little worried because I could smell the rice pretty predominately, but shew whee, I am glad I didn't base my opinion on just that. It was soooo good! I wasn't even expecting it to be that delicious, but it baked up perfectly, with the top layer have a little "meatier" texture to it.

The cheese was REAL and tasted real good ;)


                                                         I give this dish 4.5/5 stars!

Countdown

Here we are. Within the week of the Rock n' Roll Cleveland Half-Marathon. This will be my second half and my husband's first.

We have decided together to treat this as a fun race only. We have goals, of course, to run the whole way, a very loose time goal, and to FINISH. Jake did not train as long as he really needed to ;) So, I know it will be tough, but I promised him I would not leave him and we would cross the finish line together.

We also joked that he could ride in a wagon and eat donuts while I run. No. I mean, no thank you sweetheart.

I tapered on Monday and did a "quick" 6 miles at just under a 9 min/mile which was very encouraging. My feet felt really light the whole time which was awesome. I am planning on running an easy 4 today and maybe 3 tomorrow, but beyond that I will lighten up my leg workout this week and just do some cross-training in between; I will take Saturday off completely.

I have to be a good wife though, and say how proud I am of Jake. He knew he wouldn't have the adequate time to REALLY train for this race, but he registered anyways as support for me and a challenge to himself. Although he had ups and downs during his running he kept promising he would do the race, and well, he is. I am so thankful that he will be there with me, it is going to be a blast.

The weather is supposed to be rainy, windy, and cold. Haha, but eh, when you're not trying to PR that can be fun weather to run in (I say that now). 

We will keep you updated, send your fastest miles our way! ;) 

Read With Caution

You know when you get into those "thinking funks"...well I have been in one for 3 days now. These can yield some positive results from brainstorming, but they most often, for me, cause more worry than ever needed in  the first place.

....................................................................................................................................

When is it okay to step in? When is it appropriate and respectful to share with a friend your concerns for them?

This is more than difficult.

1. Because I am not perfect and I do not want to come off sounding like I am God's messenger to all.

2. I don't know what's best.

3. Sometimes friends need a listening ear over a concerned word.

4. Saying these things in the most delicate way is hard.

5. How do you know it is the right thing to do?


That last one is a real doozy. But, when a friend is experiencing pain and you know they don't have to, is that when it crosses the line?

I understand that we grow from pain and thicker skin is not a bad thing, but that daunting line between maturing and suffering can be intimidating. 

I have so many blessings; God has granted me with very special and close friends, that I know what I feels like to become defensive in their "honor" and want to take action. There are times we (as friends) took action and it was good, there were times when it did nothing, and there were times we did not step up and it was regretful.

These people mean so much to me and of course it hurts to see them in pain, but is it my duty to fix that? No, of course not. But, there is a way to care for them and remind them of their worth without ruling over them. 


Please share your thoughts on this sensitive circumstance, a personal experience, or a related topic.

Thank you, very much.

For You.

God didn't make you to quit.
Why would He, all powerful, make a mistake?
That's right, he doesn't.
You are magnificent.
You may feel half-full some days, but count those not.
Tally the times your heart beats strong, your head is high, and your love abundant.
God made you for purposes you cannot fathom, some you may never know.
But, someone else will.
Take another deep breath.
It will be alright, it always will be.
You have God in your corner, on your side, above, and all around you.
Fight harder, love even fiercer, and do not be afraid "...you are fearfully and wonderfully made."

Devotional Turned Runvotional

Yes, I did come up with that title all on my own. 

But, seriously, I have some encouraging news to share with you! Whether you run, walk, have a demanding job, kids, bike, swim, anything!...This post is about determination and why it never goes away even when we feel like we have failed.

Here is the devotional (via my Dad) that prompted this post:

...................................................................................................................................................................

July 19

Getting Back on Course

2 Peter 3:17-18

No matter how far away from God you have drifted, you're always welcome back. That's the lesson from Jesus' parable about the prodigal son--the foolish boy who followed a pleasure-filled path to ruin before returning to his father and finding redemption (Luke 15:11-32). Perhaps ruin has not yet come to you, but you know that your heart has grown cool to the things of God. Whatever your drifting story, make this the day that you point yourself back to the Lord.

As with any sin, the first motion toward getting back on course is to acknowledge that you have slipped away from the Lord. Then you confess and repent, which is like turning your boat in the opposite direction and paddling toward God with all your strength. If you're wondering exactly how to do that, I suggest a strategy I use every morning. Before I step out of bed, I give myself to God by acknowledging, I surrender my entire life to You for this day. When something comes up that runs counter to His plan and I consider pursuing it, the Holy Spirit reminds me that I am not my own. Only God's way will do for me.

Every day we choose whether to row or drift. As for me, I choose to vigorously pursue God.

Peter gives a warning to be on guard against attitudes and ideologies that would carry you away from truth (2 Peter 3:17). Instead, choose to paddle your lifeboat toward the Lord by meditating on Scripture, praying, and living obediently. Practicing the spiritual disciplines keeps a heart warm toward God.

...................................................................................................................................................................

Lately I have seen my pace slow (I know in part due to the super warm weather) but also because I have not been as consistent with my training and diet. So, I renewed my gym membership so I would not have an excuse to strength train, cross train, and run inside if need be. I just go 2-3 times per week and run outside or bike the other days. It has only been a couple weeks but I want to feel myself "Getting Back on Course." I got a little freaked out when I saw a substantial amount of unwanted lbs. pop up, but I have to remember that those are not everything. I know I am gaining some of my 'old' muscle back and I also KNOW I need to make better diet choices to enhance my workouts and overall health/energy levels. 

Just like God will always welcome us back with open arms, our bodies are always ready for healthy habits or lifestyle changes. It is never too late to either begin these practices or return to them. As discouraging as weight gain, slower paces, or shorter distances may be they do not own us. Just like you accomplished something before, it is possible again. 

The 'sin' in this scenario might be food (too big of portions, not the right choices) or lack of determination. Does God turn away when we sin? Uhhh, no, because if He did we would all be feeling a lot more lost right now. He actually opens His arms wider when we are wandering without Him. Our bodies and our minds crave a healthy lifestyle. It does not mean we won't "flub" here and there, and it also does not mean we cannot enjoy food- that's just ridiculous! What it does mean is that you always have the power to surpass what you thought your potential was...you have all the abilities in the world to get to where you are proud of yourself.

There will be days better than others. There are days I am a more loving wife...there are days I am a more loyal friend...there are days I am a better listener. There are also days I workout harder...drink more water...am proud of my food choices. Each day is new- so treat your body and mind the same. Each day is an opportunity, don't get down on yourself for what may have happened before, get ready and excited about what is to come. Plus, they say stress makes the body hold onto fat more anyways ;)

Now, GO HAVE A   FANTASTIC day!

Why Pacing is Crucial and Mind Over Matter is Not Just a Corny Idea

Long title, right? But, I couldn't center my normally "catchy" cheesy inner-self. Therefore this post will be on exactly the two topics listed above. 

A little background info first. I usually do my long runs on Mondays since that is my day off during the week. This past Monday my lazy bum did not get out of the house until almost lunch time to run. It was already hot and the humidity was awfully angry that day. I hadn't drank enough for a long run and the food I ate wasn't especially helpful for running in heat. I decided to run out on some country roads surrounding our city and hope that would distract me enough to finish the workout I had scheduled. I did the best I could with being respectful to the drivers; getting over as far as possible, hopping into the grass when cars were coming both ways, and just overall being aware of what was happening around me. There was only one vehicle that the driver gestured their hands at me and wouldn't budge- I felt their A/C they were so close ;)

Anyways, my psychological trick of new surroundings as a distraction lasted all of 2 miles. By the time I stumbled through mile 3 I stopped at an old cemetery to walk a bit and cool down. I checked my Garmin, and was angry about my pace. This is probably the only time I will be upset about a faster pace. I had been running 8:30/8:40 min/miles when I should have been going much slower for the conditions and distance I had planned. After my immaturity ceased, as much as it was going to, I trudged along down another country road and into my parents' neighborhood. I admit, I stopped at 5 miles that day and grabbed a ride home from my brother; that is right, I didn't even walk home. This is why those little reminders to eat properly, hydrate more than you planned to, and practice pacing is extremely important. I know I still pushed myself with the heat and wind yelling at me the whole way, but I also did NOT complete my goal for the day. 

PS: (The next day I ate burgers and about a pound of fries...way to wrangle it in Allison. But, they were delicious)

Now, onto the "mind over matter" portion. Since I did not do my long run for the week I wrote down on our calendar that I would make it up on Wednesday. After a sketchy week of running last week and my less than superb run on Monday I set a goal of 8 miles (2 miles less than what was scheduled). Then came Wednesday morning...I could not breathe out of my nose, I was coughing, and I woke up at 5 a.m. just because my body was teasing me. I knew I was still going to go running, but shew whee did I fight it. I got up and washed my face, took some allergy medicine, and ate breakfast. I let myself drink my water slowly and let my food digest before changing into my running clothes. My husband had to be at work at 7 a.m. so it was perfect timing to get myself out the door too. I walked longer than normal to my route so my body wouldn't get pooped right away and it felt good to breathe in as much morning air as I could. 

Courtesy of Jerry Anderson f.b.

I started off at a warm-up pace (9:45 min/mile) for the first mile and then settled into my overall pace of about 9/9:18 min miles. I purposely put on my playlist that included some awesome music, with artists like Brandon Heath, Tenth Avenue North, Jars of Clay, and many others. It was a mix of great mood music, inspiring lyrics, and some higher paced beats. I was smiling! That's right, after not wanting to go and just stay in bed with my tissues, my run was helping my body and mind feel better. I told myself when I began to run I would have a goal of 4 miles. When I got to mile 2-3 I knew I could do better than that for myself. I knew I had to at least complete the 8 miles I had written down; and I did so plus another mile, some walking later on, and rollerblading with Jake that night. I know giving my run over to the Lord made the difference. He gave me the strength I needed to accomplish this goal and enjoy it also. God blessed me with beautiful surroundings and a quiet morning to let go of all insecurities and anxious feelings. I asked for the will to be able to do this run and God not only blessed me with that but also an attitude change. I even texted my "running mentor" afterwards to share the great news. I hope all runners experience this on their own level and are thankful for such a unique gift. 

Therefore, whether you run, walk, bike, stroll, skate, or any other activity- your mind is more powerful than even your body, and that is up to you :)

Devotional Break

This is from a devotional that my dad sent me toward the end of April. I was going over in my head recently how my running has not been heading in the direction I was hoping. I am not in the shape I hoped to be, even though my running has stayed consistent and I have tried to push myself by adding in varying runs, lengths, and speeds, but I have yet to see results. Actually my longer runs have decreased and my "happy pace" went from 8:20/8:40 to about 9:10/9:30. This was very discouraging, and to be honest I still feel disappointed. 

The big BUT here is that my body is telling me something, and I need to listen. Either I need to stay steady for now and get back into my groove or my diet and/or techniques need some adjusting. This is not failure, even though it feels like it in the moment. Although the title of this devotional is "Learning From Failure" failure only comes when we let it be so. Failure can easily be turned into a lesson, an experience, and ultimately an encouragement.

This not only pertains to running or other physical activities, but all aspects of our lives. I hope you find it refreshing and helpful. 


Learning From Failure

Luke 22:31-34

The disciple Peter was a man of great faith and bold action. But as readers of the New Testament know, his brash style sometimes led him to make humiliating mistakes. More than once, this disciple had to wear the label of "miserable failure" rather than that of "obedient servant."

We can all relate when it comes to falling short of expectations. Obedience to God is a learning process, and failure is a part of our development as humble servants. When we yield to temptation or rebel against God's authority, we realize that sin has few rewards, and even those are fleeting.

Failure is an excellent learning tool, as Peter could certainly attest. Through trial and error, he discovered that humility is required of believers (John 13:5-14); that God's ways are higher than the world's ways (Mark 8:33); and that one should never take his eyes off Jesus (Matt. 14:30). He took each of those lessons to heart and thereby grew stronger in his faith. Isn't that Romans 8:28 in action? God caused Peter's failures to be put to good use as training material because the disciple was eager to mature and serve.

God doesn't reward rebellion or wrongdoing. However, by His grace, He blesses those who choose repentance and embrace chastisement as a tool for growth.

We would probably all prefer to grow in our faith without ever making a mistake before God's eyes, but we cannot deny that missteps are instructive. Failure teaches believers that it is much wiser and more profitable to be obedient to the Lord. That's a lesson we all should take to heart.

Cleveland Half Marathon Race Report 5/19

Alright, I know I am pretty darn late in posting about my half-marathon, but I hope "better late than never" works for me in this instance ;)

My FIRST (AHHH!) half-marathon took place on May 19th beginning behind the Cleveland Browns Stadium (Go Brownies!) at 7a.m. -thank goodness because the temp was perfect at that time. I had gone to the expo the night before with my husband to collect my race packet and peek around at the booths. I had a meltdown. Everyone there seemed to be in a group with family or friends. No one was too friendly (participants, not event staff-they were great). Jake was not feeling well either, poor guy, so he was only half present from his allergy fog. Therefore, I let my emotions get the best of me and I felt alone and nervous and no longer excited. I didn't want to look around, didn't want to buy a t-shirt, I just wanted to go home. Childish? Of course, but I am being honest about how I crumbled in a moment of fear. Jake let me spew it out and cry some in the car on the way to my aunt and uncle's house (we stayed there for the weekend). 

I did not pray at first, I admit. It was only later that Jake had prayed and I talked to God some for help with this panic I was experiencing. When we arrived at their house my brother was already there; he came to support me too, very neat. Seeing friendly faces and hearing their encouragement helped immensely and I decided to try harder to push these negative feelings away and enjoy this time with family. We went out for dinner- I loaded up on breakfast foods: veggie omelet, hash browns, a gorgeous and amazing pancake with just butter, and then we had to stop at Malley's Chocolates for my favorite- chocolate covered raisins; the chocolate to raisin ratio is 4:1 haha. I didn't want too eat too much chocolate the night before because sugar seems to really slow me down when I run or workout. Then we headed to Melt so the boys could get their XL fancy grilled cheese sandwiches (FYI: Jake had already eaten 3 pancakes, that's my man!)

fooddigital.com

 
We got back to the house and just relaxed, which helped with my anxiety. We played ping pong, watched some of a movie and I crashed early, before 10p.m. I took half a melatonin, which I have not taken in a long time, just to try and help myself ease into a good sleep. It took me a little while to fall asleep but when I woke up at 4:45a.m. I felt good and the adrenaline kicked in. I ate a small bowl of Original Kashi cereal, loaded up on water (the night before also) and probably went to the bathroom at least 3 times. I wore a brand new thin yellow race tee and my favorite Nike capris with my, still new to me, Brooks Ravennas. My Garmin and Ipod were charged and I was as ready as I could be. I grabbed my GU and GNU bar along with a banana just in case, but the butterflies in my stomach made my appetite pretty scarce. 

The boys dropped me off close to the stadium and I just had to walk a bit. Almost immediately I talked a little with two women running in the race and they were helpful, sweet and encouraging. SHEW! I was smiling inside and out. I went to the restroom again inside the stadium to avoid the lines outside. I met another two girls, sisters, who were also running the half. They were so great and helped ease my nerves, I was feeling better and better. Then, to top it off a women stretching next to me asked which course race I was running and if I was alone. When I answered yes she immediately asked if I wanted to walk to the start line together. She was genuinely one of the nicest people I have ever met. She was a solid runner and this was her first marathon. Her family were all out of town so she was running by herself and her sole fan was her cousin who couldn't run because of an injury. We even got a picture together and chatted till I had to move back to my 8:30min/mile pace compared with her 7:30min/mile. God blessed me so much with some amazing people and it lifted my spirits more than I could have hoped.

Then, it started. Was I intimidated? YES! People were decked out in the latest running gear, but hey, I was going to do my best. I told myself my goal was to not walk and finish under 2:20. The first 5 miles flew by with a >9 minute mile pace...and then the inevitable happened, I had to pee. Dang it. I ran off the to side and waited in line for a restroom,  adding about 3-4 minutes to my overall time. After that I tried to pace with a girl in a super cute neon tank and hope I wouldn't make myself too obvious. The course was beautiful, we ran through downtown, over the two largest bridges, through old neighborhoods, Lakeside shops, and back through downtown near Tower City. The supporters were AMAZING and made the race 10X more exciting. Two of my favorite signs? "You trained longer than Kim Kardashian was married" and "This is the worst parade ever." I giggled. I was so grateful for the volunteers handing out water and powerade and the awesome gospel choir singing at about mile 8. I tried to scarf down some GU at mile 9-10 and only got about half of it before I threw it down...odd to keep throwing trash on the street, but everyone else was doing it! ;) 

Then, there it was, mile marker 12. We started running across the old bridge leading into downtown. You can start to see Tower City, the Stadium, and the Skyline. Halfway through that stretch I saw my brother and Jake cheering me on and I threw my arms up to celebrate best I could, but I know I looked ridiculous. I began to see flags so I thought I would start my final sprint, but alas I had more distance to go than anticipated. My sprint wore me out and I ended up jogging across the finish line. But, it was no less invigorating. 

My final chip time was 2:03 and my Garmin had me at exactly 2:00. I disproved myself! What a neat thing to do, beat your doubts away and prove to yourself you can accomplish what you believed to be impossible. Did I ever think I would run 5 miles? 10 miles? 13.1 miles? Heck no, but I did and it still makes me smile like a dork. I loved watching the other runners come across the finish line and their reactions. The boys met me and between chugging chocolate milk and eating a banana I rambled on and on about great the race was. It went so far beyond my expectations. I actually had fun and enjoyed myself. I pushed my body and beat my goal while being blessed with a day that was filled with awesome people, lots of sweat, good food, and the best feeling of accomplishment. This will not be my last race and I am excited to continue to improve my stamina.

PS: I have already registered for the Rock N' Roll Cleveland Half Marathon in October :)

The weekend ended with a good burger and fries, trips to Whole Foods and Trader Joe's, a fruit tart, looking at pretty houses in old West End, and getting to hang out with my husband and brother without an agenda. I encourage you to push past what you think you can do and see what you are made of. You will not only surprise yourself but you will become an encouragement to those around you.

What's New: In Photographs

At Mosaic:

 

Our 1 year anniversary in 2 days:

 

TEXAS:

 

Graduation, finally:

 

Gaining weight...oh well, it was because this tastes so dang good:

 

Training for my first HALF!: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/312925094- my last long run before Sunday's race :)

 

 

So...What does all this mean? It means I am sorry for being absent for A MONTH. Geez. That is pretty bad. I was running around trying to remember my name while training and graduating and flying on an airplane, but I have missed posting and am excited to get back into it! The race I am running is the Cleveland (Rite Aid) Marathon/Half Marathon, which my brother and husband will be cheering for me at with doughnuts in hand (their quote). I hope you have been enjoying this dazzling weather, I promise I will see you soon, xoxo.