Month of LOVE Day 7

I love these friends.

I love the memories that we have with them for the past 17 years.

I love that they've shared some of the best moments in life with us.

I love the way they've walked through fire with us.

I love that our kids have friendships with each other.

I love that we're all missing watching the Superbowl or chick flicks with each other right now.

I love that we get to see them next month!!!

A very Aggie Thanksgiving

This year for Thanksgivng we didn't go to Kansas.  We didn't go to Oklahoma City.  We didn't even go to Wichita Falls.  Since we'll be traveling a lot in December, we chose to stay home and celebrate a very Aggie Thanksgiving.

Our celebration started with a trip to Student Bonfire.  Since the the collapse of Bonfire in '99, any Bonfire has been sponsored by students, off campus.  Curtis was able to attend Bonfire while it was still on campus, but the kids and I had never whitnessed this Aggie tradition.  The day before Thanksgiving, we loaded up the van, joined by one of our favorite Aggies, Callie, and headed out to witness Bonfire.

 

  At 8pm, we were all ready!  Then, and announcer came on the loudspeaker and told us that they would be starting late, allowing time for people who'd been stuck in traffic.  At this point, the kids were SO ready to get this show on the road.  But, like the troopers they are, they hung in there till the speaker started at about 8:30.  We then all participated in a few Yells.  Then, at about 9pm, the red pots lit Bonfire.  It was incredible!  Well worth the wait.

 

 Though we anticipated getting stuck in traffic on our way home, we did NOT expect to be in stand still traffic for an hour and a half!  Turns out we were in the "Sit in your car and watch Bonfire line" not the "Head home with sleep kids" line.

 Early Thanksgiving morning, we headed out to volunteer at a local Turkey Trot.  We had a blast! With all the races Curtis and I have done, they've turned into little racing experts.

 After watching the parade and eating breakfast, we loaded up and headed to the destination of our Thanksgiving meal.

 Yes!  We went to Kyle Field and tailgated for Thanksgiving!  We join the RUF tailgate.  Our RUF minister and his family were there and we greatly enjoyed our time with them.

 Our Thanksgiving FEAST!!!  You name it, Ben grilled it to perfection.

Though we had a great time tailgating, it was rather eventful.  Timothy ate too much, then played football.  He got sick.  Benjamin joined some college students in a game of Ultimate.  He got a bloody nose.  Micah dropped a huge rock on his toe.  He'll be losing that toenail in the future.  And I got smacked in jaw by Timothy's head.  Curtis and Elizabeth made it through unscathed.

 Even though it wasn't a traditional Thanksgiving, I was reminded how much I truly do have to be thankful for.  I have an amazing husband, who lovingly goes along with all my crazy plans.  I have four healthy, beautiful children, who are growing in grace and are always up for an adventure.  I have an amazing church family with whom I can celebrate holidays and not feel lonely, missing my real family.  I have parents and sisters who love me, call me, and share in the fun I'm having, even if it is hundreds of miles away.  I'm a part of a great community.  But more than all that, I am loved with an everlasting, saving love.  

Armadillo Dash Recap

Yesterday, I completed my second half marathon!

 Like any good runner in the days leading up to a race, I was checking the weather religiously.  Every time I looked, it changed.  I saw everything from temperatures in the 50's, 60's and even 70's.  There was a chance or rain, thunderstorms, high humidity, sunny skies.  I finally just gave up till the day before then made a plan as to what I should wear.

After my last half marathon, where my body just quit on me thanks to a lack of hydration, sleep and good nutrition, I was very diligent in these areas in the week leading up to race day.  I had a carb loading plan, I got lots of good sleep in the nights leading up to race day and I drank a ton of water.  I had my game face on!!

 

 (Brad, Erin and I, heading to the starting line!)

Erin and I had our race plan in place... run 5 minutes, walk 1 minute, repeat for 13.1 miles.  In our training, I had hit 10 miles and Erin hit 11 miles, 3 weeks before the race.  We were planning one more long run, then with only 2 1/2 weeks till race day, I severely jammed my toe.  It was so severe that we went to urgent care to see if I could run.  I received the great news that my toe was not fractured and that I could race, but that I needed to give it a week of rest.  So we didn't get another really good long run in before we had to taper.  I was also told that I would probably be dealing with pain when I did start running again.

I had a week and a half left till race day when I hit the roads again.  I got in several good runs, including a 6 miles run.  I was feeling pretty confident in my ability to manage any pain.

At the starting line, the humidity was 97% and the temperature was right at 70 degrees.  It was super yucky!  Even though my training hadn't gone quite as planned due to my toe injury, I was feeling very confident.  My goal had been to run the half in 2:45.  After my injury, I just wanted a sub 3 hour half.  I knew Erin would encourage me to push through and keep me on track.

Our first mile was our fastest.  The humidity and the warm temperatures started getting to me and our pace slowed, but stayed faster than we need.  Just after mile 4, we had to make a pit stop.  The next several miles were toughest for me.  I had to get out of a negative "what was I thinking?!?!" head space.  Erin and I tired to encourage on another, fuel, hydrate and focus.  The course became a little hilly, and I became aware of how much my toe was bothering me.  "Maybe it will go numb soon!" Erin encouraged me.

Right at mile 9, we ran past our friend Linanne's house.  She was outside cheering us on.  I was pretty much done with this race as this point and was contemplating stopping and having Linanne drive me to the finish line.  I knew that if I could just stay out of a negative head space and run through the pain in my toe, I would be okay once I hit 10 miles.  Hitting the double digits and knowing I only had a 5k left would be huge for me!

Right before we hit mile 10, we took another pit stop.  At that point I was receiving texts from Hayley and Curtis, encouraging me that I was almost done and could finish strong!  Erin reminded me that we were still on track to hit our goal, but that we didn't have a lot of wiggle room.  I was so ready to finish strong!  Eye of the tiger!!  Other than the pain from my toe and feeling drained from the heat and humidity, I really felt good overall.  I could tell that my training and race preperation had been effective.  Just as planned, hitting mile 10 was huge, and my head space went much more positive.

By mile 11 I was in a lot of pain.  Throughout the race we had delt with the high humidity and rain.  Though I was in a much better head space than I had been in, I was still very ready to be done. Because of the pain my toe was causing me, I was doing a super awesome power walk and running when I could for the last two miles.

As we rounded the corner, the sky opened up and the rain started coming down steadily.  "Less than a mile!!"  Erin and I encouraged each other. 

 As we neared the finish line, I frantically looked for the official race clock.  2:55!!!!!  Goal accomplished, despite crappy weather, a bum toe and two pit stops!

Couldn't have done it without my awesome friend!!!  It was also very special to get to share her first half marathon finish with her.

Despite the fact that it was pouring rain, my family was there, cheering me on at the finish line.  Right after I got my medal, the front that we'd been waiting for came through.  The rain and wind picked up and we took off for our cars. 

 The day after the half, and I'm still very pleased with how the race went.  I know that I have a faster half in me, and though I don't plan on doing any more halfs in the near future, I don't think the Armadillo Dash was my last half.  But so far, it's been my favorite half!

My First Half Marathon: RACE DAY!

Four months of training.  Hundreds of dollars. 231 miles. Dozens of early bedtimes and early wake-ups. All for this one day.  This one race.  

Those were the thoughts going through my head as I woke up and started getting ready to run my first half marathon.  All the time, energy, money and hard work that I had put into my training were culminating in this one run.  By the time Curtis and I were in the car heading to the starting line, I was in tears.  I was so ready!  I nervous about the cold, about if my training had been enough, about how little sleep I had gotten leading up to the race, about how I fueled, about every tiny detail that was totally out of my control at that point.  I was excited!!  I was excited to finish what I started four month earlier, excited to do something that I never though I would do, excited to see my husband and kids at the finish line cheering for me.  Needless to say, all these varying emotions got the best of me and I just cried.

The morning of the race was very chilly!!  I had anticipated it and was well layered.  Before we started out, I got to snap a few pictures with my friends and training buddies. 

 (one of the ladies in my running group had "space blankets" that she let us use to stay warm before the race.  It was awesome!!)

 (Kris ran his first full marathon!!  I was excited to see him before the race, wish him well, and thought our matching headbands were awesome!)

The view from the starting line was shocking.  I knew that this was a race that would be run by several thousand people, but I was astonished by what several thousand runners actually looked like.

 During the first mile, I ran with Tori and Hayley.  We didn't take any walking breaks, enjoyed the energy from the other runners as well as from the crowd.  I was able to see several other friends during the first mile.  Those moments really added to the excitement.

At mile about 3, I saw the cutest cheering section EVER!  My four kids, one of my best friends (Erin) and her two kids, all screaming and cheering for me.  It was awesome!!  I was also able ditch my gloves and my jacket.  One lesson that I learned is that when you're layering for a long, cold run, ditch the outter layer before one of the under layers gets sweaty.  My long sleeved shirt was sweaty and as soon as the cold air hit, I was cold again.  Also, never ditch your gloves.  Take them off, but keep them.  If the wind picks up, if your pace slows, you might need them again.  

 All through the route, there were people out cheering us on.  Seeing all the supporters and volunteers who were out freezing for those of us running was so encouraging!  It also broke up the race a little and provided a bit of distraction.

At about mile 6, I started experiencing a lot of pain in my upper legs/hips area. I tried stretching.  I tried taking more walking breaks.  I quickly slipped into a negative head space and ran smack into THE WALL.  For non runners, the wall is when you mentally feel like you're an idiot for running this race and that you can't take another step.  I knew exactly what it was, and was discouraged that I was facing the wall before I had even hit the half way there point.

At mile 10 (or was it 11?) I hit another wall.  It was at that moment when I realized that I probably wouldn't be able to finish in under 3 hours.  I was hurting, I was exhausted, my stomach was cramping, I was cold and I was done.  It was at this point that Hayley offered to give me a piggy back ride.  She told me that I could do this, that I HAD to do this, and that she wasn't going to let me walk the rest of this half marathon.  Hayley was awesome!!

One of the funniest moments during the race was when a man, cheering at a corner yelled, "Only .3 of a mile left!!"  I stopped, looked at him and said, "Are you 100% sure?!"  He smiled, assured me that he knew what he was talking about, and off we went, ready to finish this race!

 Finishing a half marathon (regardless of your time) = an amazing feeling.

We crossed the finish line and were immediatly congratulated by the race director, Chris.  Chris knows our family, recognized me, hugged me and said, "I saw Curtis finish.... awhile ago."  I just looked at him, and he quickly added, "I mean, he's awesome, and congrautlations on finishing!  You both rock!"  Couldn't help but laugh.

Then, I was directed to a sweet girl named Ronni, who was passing out finishers medals.  She recognized me from swim team, gave me a huge hug, hung my medal around my neck as I burst into tears.  

                                                     

I walk over to Hayley, crying and saying, "Where's Curtis, I want Curtis, where is he, I need him!"  We finally found him, and the celebration began!

The BCS Marathon throws and amazing post race celebration!  There was food or all kinds, water, chocolate milk, Gatorade, beer, margaritas, space blankets and music.  Rather than quickly heading out, we decided to wait and cheer on our friend Jessica, who was finishing her first full marathon.  As I watched more half marathoners and marathoners finish, I couldn't help but burst into tears, yet again.  I couldn't help but relate to every person running across the finish line.  I knew each of them had a story.  I could see the pride, the excitement, the pain, the disappointment on their faces.  And I when I saw Jessica run across the finish line, reaching her goal time, I really boohooed!!

My official time was 3:05.  Every runner I talked to told me not to set a huge goal time, that my goal should be to finish. In the back of my head, I was shooting for 2:45 and my goal was to run it in under 3 hours.  When I thought back to all the hard work that I had put in I was so discouraged.  I had not run hundreds of miles, lost sleep, spent money and worked so hard to run a 3+ hour half marathon!

But then I was reminded that it's not always about the end result, sometimes, it's about the journey.  Every step you take towards your goal should be celebrated.  It was then that I decided I wanted to run another half marathon.  I wanted to take the practical things I had learned from my first half and apply them to reaching my goal.

Running my first half marathon taught me many things.  But the biggest lesson that I learned is that I'm capable of so much more than I thought.

My first half marathon: training

In the four months I didn't blog, I trained for and ran my first half marathon.  Though it's old news now, and I'm actually training for my second half marathon, I still wanted to recap my experience.

The only reason I decided to run a half marathon was because I won free training with a running coach and a running group called Runaway Moms.  Coach Wendy sent out the training plan, made the routes, set out water on the long runs, taught me how to stretch, pushed me when I wouldn't push myself and reminded me that I was capable of doing this.  I can't express how much this group of women encouraged me through the whole process, cheering me on at every little victory.

The longest I had run before I started training for the half was 3.5 miles.  Slowly building up my mileage was exciting!  Seeing that I could keep going and that I could push myself to get the higher miles was so rewarding.  The weekend that I was going to tackle 7 miles was a big one for me.  I had run 6 miles twice before and completed a 10k (6.2 miles) and I was ready to make another jump in mileage.  The morning came and I was genuinely excited to hit that mileage milestone but it was pouring rain complete with thunder and lightning!  No running for me.  My motivation was gone and I wasn't sure how I would mentally make it through those 7 miles.  That's when Hayley joined me for my training.  She went on almost every long run with me from then out.  She was already registered to run the same race I was training for, and rather than train at her pace, she stuck with me though the rest of my training and the entire race.  I am so thankful for the friendship that we build and then fun times we had!

 Since Curtis had trained for and run a half marathon earlier in the year, I knew the time commitment it would take for our entire family.  And not only was I training for the half, Curtis was also training for the same race.  Throughout our training, he always put my runs first.  Never once did I feel guilty over leaving the kids and him to go run for over two hours.  After my long runs, he would be ready with ice, compression socks, chocolate milk and ibprophen. Curtis was a constant source of praise and encouragement as well as advice.  During hard runs, he would text me with words of encouragement, reminding me to finish strong.  And on one really rough run, he came to get me from the side of the road but pushed me to try that run again and get the mileage I needed.  There are so many cliched analogies I could make about training for/running a half marathon and marriage.  But instead, I'll just say that I truly could not have done what I did without my amazing hubby!

 Training for a half marathon is hard.  But it is worth it!  There were times when I was confident that I had made a terrible decision.  But I'm thankful for the awesome people who surrounded me and encouraged me to keep going, even when I didn't want to.

Month of Thankfulness... Day 10

I'm thankful for Reformed University Fellowship.

Even though I wasn't a part of RUF in college, I've been blessed to be a part of ministering to college students in RUF.  And a funny thing has happened as Curtis and I have been ministering to these kids; they've ministered to us!  These students have shared happy times, hard time, they've bought us meals, gone running with us to relieve stress, come to our kids' games, planned birthday parties with me, babysat for us so we can go out on dates, and pointed us to Christ when we're struggling.  They've inserted themselves into our lives, bringing us so much joy!  They've loved our children.

Below are just a few of the students who I am blessed to call friends.