Happy Birthday to me!

Who knew turning 30 would be so fun?

I am so thankful for my loving family!

Yesterday was my actual birthday. It started off with a delicious breakfast with my husband and father-in-law. I don't think I have ever seen so much gravy! Then, I checked in at work for a little before closing up shop for the year. We had a lite lunch thanks to Customer Appreciation $2 subs at subway. Opened gifts with Trophyhus and his dad - can't wait to wear my new "Virginia is for Runners" shirt! Then, I sat and watched junk tv while they installed programmable thermostats for the new house. Josh made reservations at a very nice restaurant where I had the best lava cake ever! Funny that it was a steakhouse and the steaks were extremely good but I can't stop thinking about that lava cake with ice cream.

I saw most of my family yesterday but didn't really have time to hang out due to various reasons. Below are pics of the party I missed at my sister's house:

So today, I got a pedicure with Carrie. Actually, she was "babysitting" me while the rest of the family was secretly at my house decorating and cooking. We pulled up to my house just in time. There was caution tape warning that a 30th birthday party was occurring at the curb, pink flamingos (affectionately known as Boris and Doris) in the yard, a palm tree cooler in the dinning room with pink flamingo drink holders, everyone was wearing leis, and I wore a grass skirt. So thankful they didn't have a coconut bra! That might have been overkill ... it looked like Hawaii collided with Virginia. I loved every bit of it! Apparently, my sweet Trophyhus has been planning and working with my family to get this together for a while. I was very excited and blessed for all their hard work. Mom made so much food and Amber even made me purple cupcakes! I am so thankful for my family. They made me feel so special and loved.

Cupcakes Amber made just for my party - PURPLE :)

The last 30 years have been great! I cannot wait to see what the future holds! It just keeps getting better and better! Thank You Lord! Funny that I used to cry on my birthdays because I didn't want to grow up. I even delayed getting my license till I was 16 and 1/2. All this changed when I found Jesus! Now, I keep getting better and better - ok, so it isn't me. It's Him in me. I'll gladly take it! I want more of Him and less of me.

I am currently running for meatballs, cocktail weenies, cheese ball, chicken salad, pizza, cupcakes, spinach dip, and the rest of the food Mom made for my party. Good thing tomorrow is New Year's Eve - Mom made enough food for at least 2 parties!

Who rides a Party Bus to work??? I do!

At work we have this really cool perk - since our campus is overcrowded, they offer "cafe cash" if you ride the shuttle in from one of the really far back parking lots instead of parking in front of your building. I am all for this as I love lunch and what's better than a free or partially free lunch? They give me $4 in cafe cash Monday through Thursday just for parking far away! I can eat a good lunch for like $.50-$1.50 - um, sweet!

Usually, the bus is your normal mini coach bus. Nothing fancy. Tuesday was just an ordinary day. Kind of rainy so no one was enthused, until ... here comes the Party Bus! Carrie and I caught the last two seats on the bus. The driver warned us that this wasn't an ordinary bus and she was right! We sat down on the comfy leather couch-type seating and couldn't help but snicker. Everyone else on the bus was pretty serious so we kept it to ourselves until after the first stop in front of building 2 where 75-90% of the passengers got off. We only had a few minutes before our stop so we took the opportunity to take some pictures ...

Did you notice the zebra print pillow? The running lights? Did I mention the music playing? It was something Zumba-like ...

Ok, so it's a horrible picture of me but a very funny story that started our day off with a laugh :) As one guy stepped off the bus he commented - "It's all downhill from here today." It was a sweet ride, even if it only lasted for 5 minutes :)

I am currently running to work off the delicious cookies from the Ladies' Cookie Swap I just left ... dozens and dozens of delicious cookies ...

Time is flying by too quickly!

I cannot believe that November is already coming to a close! So what did I do this November?

Celebrated Mom's birthday:

Ran an 8k with Josh and Sam and got some hardware :)

Watched Katie be a ballerina:

Watched Elijah be ... Elijah :)

Packed up the house:

well, almost. Left Josh to be a squatter ...

99% of the house is empty. The main thing it contains is my heart :) Cannot wait till we get settled in our new life together.

I would have more pictures or at least different pictures but my camera has not been available due to the moving. I'm hoping to have this taken care of for December. What's a blog without pictures? Got to keep you interested some way.

I am currently running to work off the peppermint mocha Starbucks is serving up this season! Thankful for the "skinny" version! Also, thankful they have a Starbucks on site at work :)

Nothing new

Well, I had hoped that I would have an update by now but I don't. We did close on the house we were buying. We have had a few showings on the house we are selling but no offers yet. Trying to stay patient and let God move is way difficult!

What else have we done? I ran a 7 mile run with Trophyhus in September and a 5k in October. Not great times running-wise but I did get some exercise in which is good. We are running the Richmond HCA 8k in November which should be a nice run. It is the same day as the Richmond marathon that Josh did the past two years. It will be nice to do this one together. Plus, we will get a medal! Love those perks. He is going to his first NFL game in a few weeks with my brothers (included bro-in-laws, let's face it, they are here to stay:) and that is a good thing.) I went to the Cheesecake Factory with work again - just as amazing as before . . . Drooling. I went to the sweetest baby shower for a dear friend. I cannot wait to meet her baby! If she is half as sweet as my friend, I'll have a toothache at first glance. Other than that, it has just been work, play with kiddos, travel to NC, repeat.

Sorry if I bored you with this post but I was worried I wouldn't get one in for October if I didn't post something today.

I am currently running off the cheesecake I just ate! This could take a few weeks!

Here are a few picks - taken by Blackberry so I apologize for the quality or lack there of and if they are duplicates from Facebook:

It's a new season . . .and I'm NOT talking about Fall.

Currently, I am in a new season of life as God is doing some mighty things right now. He's given me a great opportunity in a new workplace and moved me a little over 200 miles away from my husband and closer to my family. I know that He has a great plan for us and that He is at work, it's just so hard for me to wait. . . wait for my Trophy Husband to find a job up here and join me, our NC house to sell, our new house to close, get a new church family, get a new routine/schedule, . . . wait on life to begin again . . .

Ok, if you know me at all, you know that I am impatient and that I can't WAIT! So, the only way that I am going to get through any of this is by His mercy and grace. I don't want my plan, I want HIS plan cause it's perfect and I am NOT. I am excited and nervous at the same time.

On my way back to work on Monday, I was listening to this song and it really spoke to me. I think it's worthy of sharing!

Freefall by Royal Tailor:

Two steps beyond the edge I can’t undo this leap of faith Takes my breath away So high above the ground You’ve got me hanging in mid air Between here and there Now all I have is You I’m not afraid I know I’m safe It’s a chance but my choice is made I’m not alone You won’t let go And I know through it all You hold me in the freefall If I just believe my eyes I’d see I should be terrified But I’m so alive I don’t know how or when But I believe that You’ll come through Lord, I’m trusting You Can’t wait to see what You will do I’m falling, I’m falling, I’m falling You got me falling from the sky with no parachute Thinking I can fly but I know it’s You Got me up here, no fear, no tears Mind’s clear ‘cause I know You’re here Can’t wait to see what You will do

I highly recommend this band. They are very rock/pop-ish but have a great beat and even better message. You can hear this song and more on their website: http://royaltailoronline.com/

I know this is a scary time but I will be safe through it all because Jesus is my Lord. He has a great plan for me and He will not let me fall. I cannot wait to see what He will do!

Hope it inspires you to take that leap of faith. You'll be amazed at what He will do when you let Him.

Oh, if you do check out the band, I'd love to know what you think of them. While Freefall is my current favorite, the song that brought me to buy their CD was Hold Me Together. It's a great song to belt out riding down the road by yourself :)

Currently, I am running for the fun-da-middles I made! They are cake mix with fudge icing in the middle . . . talk about delish! The only downside is the only make 12 per box instead of 24. You can also view that as an updside :)

Why I currently like my new job . . .

Well, I can't believe it is the middle of September. Time is flying! I'm still learning a ton at work but don't feel like I am contributing much, yet. I am sure that will change with time. I really like the group I am working with and I cannot wait until I feel like I can make a difference. Here are a few things I love about my new job that I don't want to forget once the newness wears off:

• The bathroom doors close completely - no cracks! You know how most public restrooms have those cracks between the panels? Well, ours don't! The wooden doors and walls give total privacy(remind me of dressing rooms).
• While I am on the bathroom topic, free feminine products in the bathroom. It is so nice to not have to put a tampon in my tank top anymore :) I can't believe I just shared that - but it is so awesome I don't want to forget it!
• Flexible work schedules - truly flexible. The other day I was in a meeting where my manager's manager's manager (yep) said that we are too cramped and the most logical and productive response is to work from home more. That's awesome! We have open work spaces so it's nice to be able to work from home in the quiet and get things done. Plus, there is no commute when you work from home. That can save about an hour a day and no need to brush my hair.
• Onsite cafeterias including Chick-fil-A, Dunkin Donuts, and Starbucks. 
• Riding the shuttle bus Monday - Thursday to alleviate the parking issues while collecting $4 in cafeteria money. I can eat lunch for like $1-$2 when I have one of these vouchers! The bus driver already knows us as "the sisters" since we carpool whenever we can. 
• Being known as "the sisters." I love having my sister in the same area as me. It really came in handy during the earthquake a few weeks ago. We were in no danger, but it was very comforting to know that someone who loved me was close by. The phone chain that happened shortly there after was nice too cause we could divide and conquer. Also, Mom is joining us soon! Yep, she got a job there too! She will be in a different location but will still belong to our organization! Oh yeah!
• I am beyond thankful that I have a job!

Please do not take this post as a bragging session. I just want to remember these good things so that when things get tough, I will know that there is so much to be happy about. How easily we forget how great our surroundings are when one little thing is out of whack. So, what do you enjoy about your work? Your co-workers? I'm sure if you take a good look, you'll see that there is more good than bad :)

Currently, I am not running . . . I should change this blog from Runner for Cupcakes to Eater of Cupcakes cause that's all I have been doing. I just joined a challenge at work though and I'm going to change my physical status! But, if you are looking for a food recommendation, I suggest trying Cheesecake Factory. I had a welcome lunch there a few weeks back. This deserves it's own blog! I had never been there before and I don't even care that much for cheesecake - but these people know what they are doing! I highly recommend it. The portion of chicken tenders (called chicken littles, I think) is huge and could easily be shared. I did share my cheesecake with my sister. I don't really recommend that though!Of course, if you can't find one close by, Feeney's or Sweet Frogs should suffice. Happy eating!

I'm still alive!

Life is kinda wacky here lately so it's been difficult to blog. So much has been going on and yet, so little all at the same time (as you will see . . .).

I've successfully started my new job (8/1) and I think I am really going to like it. I am amazed by how nice and big the campus is. It feels like going to school! I'm sitting in on meetings and doing a lot of computer based training modules to learn the lingo/company. There is a lot to learn! I got my blackberry today so I've been distracted. The newness will wear off soon.

I've moved in with Carrie and the family so that is taking some adjustment time. They set me up with a nice room and big closet. I've got most of my clothes here. Probably means I should give the clothes I left at home away. I mean, if I can go for two weeks without them, I probably don't need them! Would make the final move easier too!

My first week here I had a horrible cold. My throat was really sore so I couldn't/didn't want to talk much (I know, right! Hard to believe that I didn't want to talk.) and I was tired. That must have been fun for the family and new co-workers. Sometimes I felt like a complete space cadet. Not the first impression I wanted to make, but I do feel better now. Then Mom, Daddy, and Tyler also got sick with something similar, but different. They are all feeling better now, thankfully.

I'm loving the time with the kiddos. Katie and Elijah are a ton of fun (and work). I hope to post some pics soon. That would require me to unpack/charge/carry my camera with me and I haven't been able to do that yet. They say and do some of the cutest stuff! Katie likes to call me a snickerdoodle (actually, she wants to say stinkerdoodle but mommy and daddy don't think that's nice so we changed it). Then, I found out that she likes to call Josh and everyone else that. I thought I was special! We'll work on Auntie Awesome or something of that nature. When Elijah gets scared (usually a car/plane/truck/loud noise) and no one else is around, he'll run to me and want me to pick him up. Not that I like him being scared, but I like it when he wants me to pick him up! This morning he was at the breakfast table and very sleepy. His eyes were heavy and he was staring into space. He let me pinch his cheeks and little neck and didn't even flinch. He was so sweet! I could eat him up! Then, he ran around like a wild man this afternoon. Go figure.

There is so much to do but all I can do at this point is wait. It's like I'm hurrying to wait. This time will pass so quickly but feels like it is standing still right now. 

Enough avoiding bedtime.

I am currently running for the Baby Ruth loaded ice cream Amber brought over Sunday and away from dirty diapers (I haven't done one yet and I'm hoping to avoid it as long as I can!).

A Photo by Ashley

I love Groupon! I've gotten some great deals through groupon or living social over the past year. One of these deals was a photo session with a local photographer. Her studio/website is A Photo by Ashley. She did a great job. In only 30 minutes, she captured some very nice shots of Josh and me. I love how she captured us the way we are . . . you'll see :)

Happy 1/2 Birthday to me!

So, I hinted recently that I had some big news to share but that I couldn't mention it yet. Well, here it is:

We are MOVING to Richmond, VA!

We've decided to move up there so we can be closer to my family. Carrie, Amber, and Tyler already live up there. Mom and Daddy moved up there last month and Ingrid is pretty comfortable in Maine so we were the only ones left around here. I have a job waiting on me in Richmond and we are still waiting on Josh to find a job and sell the house. . . so there is a lot left to do! I'm trying to not worry or stress cause I know that God is in control. He has been leading this whole progression and I can't wait to see what He has in store! God Rocks!

More on the move later . . .

This was my last week at RMIC. The outpouring of friendship has been so great! I've enjoyed wonderful lunches all week with very special people! Big shout out to Amber, Dale, Max, Jamie, Heidi, Crystal, Julia, Tina, John, and all of Accounting Transactions for making me feel so special and completely full! I even skipped dinner one night! I received over 40 emails in response to my "going away" email within 2 hours of sending it. You never know the impact you've had on people. I just hope each one of them knows that they have truly touched my life.

On Wednesday, instead of giving me a going away party (so sad), my wonderful co-workers decided to throw me a 1/2 birthday party instead since I'll hit the big 3-0 in December. It was a very successful surprise party! I've always wanted to celebrate my birthday when it's not related to Christmas and I've always wanted a surprise party! Below are a few pictures:

The food cube and my cube were both nicely decorated by the crew. You can't tell by the picture, but I had to "limbo" to get to my seat. Great reminder all day :) It's not in the photo, but there is a Ray Original (Happy Birthday Emily in nice lettering. He's the greatest at this - very crafty!) on the giant whiteboard too!

 They signed a Big 3-0 banner for me to use again in December. This way, they get to party with me twice!

 That's one big cupcake! Thank you Tina! Confetti was courtesy of Dale. He's really good at spreading randomness :)

 Here's me and Amber (she's the tall blonde if you are new to my post) - one of the masterminds behind it all.

 Look! Balloons! I had to go up on my tip toes to get a clear shot over the cube wall.

Inside shot of the cupcake - delish! Oh, and John made homemade, fresh salsa - to die for! Not to spicy, just right!

It took us about 3 days to eat the whole cupcake. I think I could have done it in less if it wasn't for all the other good foods around this week. I'll do better next time.

I cannot thank my co-workers FRIENDS enough! They have all been so understand through this whole thing. They did not make me feel guilty one bit! In fact, some days they were more optimistic about all of this than I was! I really don't want to leave such a good place, but I know what's in store and I can't wait. . . A sneak peak at what I'm moving for/toward:

Katie and Elijah need to have their cheeks squeezed on a regular basis by their Auntie Awesome (thanks Robin!). I think that's a good superhero name for me. It should catch on quickly.

 You can see the adoration building already . . .

I need to work off all the good food I've had this week. Not the best way to do this as I should run off what I've just eaten, not a weeks worth at one time!

So, I am currently running for Willow's chicken sandwich with avocado, Mooney's pita #10, Burke St.'s awesome garlic knots, and Xia's seasame chicken . . . and the cupcake, salsa, and baby shower food, and Kernal Kustard. . . they don't call it RMI-EAT for nothing. I've been well feed.

Downhill at Dawn . . . really? Dawn? That's early!

Just thought I'd share some pics from my second 1/2 marathon (and so far favorite). The race started at dawn . . . do you realize when that is? 6am! I am not morning person so this was a huge feat in itself!

Here is a before picture. As you can see, it's DARK outside. I should be in the bed for at least another hour, maybe two!

I think I officially woke up around mile 3. Since the race was downhill, mostly, it was a really nice run. There was an uphill patch at the beginning and then again at the end. You run from Ridgecrest down to Old Fort in the mountains of North Carolina. It's a great place to get a personal record.

I think you can see from this picture that it's slightly downhill. There are tons of beautiful trees, a little stream, and the sunlight peaking out of the trees is very inspiring. The only part I would warn you about is at the bottom of this hill: there is a house as you turn off from the gravel onto the paved road. There is a DOG there and they do no have leash laws like I am used too! As I rounded the turn, I saw him. He looked like a bulldog with longer legs or something . . . I had to run past him cause I wasn't about to run back up the hill! This was around mile 8 or so! I'm all alone and this dog starts nipping at my heels . . . so I tell it to go home and it doesn't listen. Why not? I was being nice! Luckily, two girls come running behind me and they distracted him long enough for me to get away. Once I got to the other side of the house, I saw a nice "Beware of dog" sign - um, might want to get one for each side of your house people!

Kind of hard to run and take pics at the same time. Need to work on that.

I finished! They gave us a towel and a medal which is really cool. I had a few minutes to catch my breath then we were off to Josh's 12 hour race a few miles away. Quite a day!

I loved this race. My legs hurt for a few days after due to the downhill running. Highly recommend it if you want to run a half marathon (13.1 miles). It's cooler cause it's in the mountains, so keep that in mind!

I ran this race for a McDonald's Rolo McFlurry. It was really tasty. I might have to take a break from Feeney's and make this my next run!

Beyond thankful!

I can't really get into details right now, but I just want to express how truly thankful I really am for all that God has done for me - my cup really runs over! He has poured out His blessings all over me this past month. Changes are coming and God is the driving force :)

Still running for Mint Oreo Cremes and Feeney's . . . just tried the English Toffee, yum!

These are a few of my favorite things . . . while Josh plays COD etc

Below is a list of things I enjoy, other than reading blogs, in no specific order. No judgment :)

• Toddlers & Tiaras on TLC - I found it outrageous!
• Feeney's Frozen Yogurt: Mint Chocolate Chip is FANTASTIC! I would run several miles for a cup of that! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Feeneys-Frozen-Yogurt-Bar/185845988132
• Squeezing/Pinching the cheeks of my niece and nephews (I have a new nephew too!).
• Sitting on the couch with my feet on the coffee table watching TV with my honey with the laptop on my lap.
• Reading books in bed while my honey sleeps (or reads too).
• 19 Kids & Counting on TLC - I find it very sweet that all of the kids get along so well.
• Police Women of Broward County on TLC - makes me want to be a cop but I don't think I am tough enough . . .
• Singing in the car - alone.
• Sandra Bullock movies - so most of them are pretty cheesy, but . . .
• Journey

Apparently, I love to eat and watch TV. Better do all of that before I have kiddos myself!

What do you enjoy?

Currently running for homemade ice cream with peaches!

My better half . . . also known as trophyhus

The previous post was all about me and my running. I wanted to give you a chance to be impressed and ooh and aah over me (kidding - sort of) before I told you about a real runner, my Trophy Husband Josh.

I am extremely proud of Josh. I remember when he first started running in December 2008. The first mile was a doosey as he ran on a treadmill in our living room (yes - living room!). I worried about him since he has asthma and didn't sound very good. Since December 2008, Josh has completed several 5ks, a few 10ks, 1/2 marathons, a 25k, 4 marathons, and the Blue Ridge Relay just to list a few events. Recently, he did a 12 hour run where he completed over 40 miles. Through this process, he literally ran his tail off - he has slimmed down around 50 pounds and continues to maintain it. His breathing has improved by leaps and bounds. He hasn't used his rescue inhaler in over a year. In addition to the running, he has completed the p90x workout routine several times which has toned his body (chiseled it, really - He's a keeper!).

He doesn't let this hobby take time away from us. He gets up early every day for work (5am) and still gets up early on Saturday (6am) to run before I even get out of bed. This is real dedication in my view since I loath getting up early, for any thing, much less exercise! He is very scheduled and determined. He wants to see how far he can go. He doesn't let things like asthma stop him. He may not be the fastest out there but he has the most heart. His motivation and determination are so inspiring to me.

In addition to being a runner, he is a wonderful husband because he loves God, loves me, loves my family, has no issues being goofy and doesn't have a serious bone in his body.  He would do anything for me and doesn't ask for much in return. He's the complete package, really (I wonder if my family has completely stopped reading at this point?).

So this post is dedicated to my wonderful husband! Please meet Josh :)

 June 2011 after 40+ mile run in 12 hours. Nice socks!

Coming in from a leg of the Blue Ridge Relay September 2010.

 Our first 1/2 marathon together - May 2011.

And one non-running related photo:

Currently running for frozen yogurt . . . of any kind: Feeney's, Sweet Frogs . . . with peanut butter cups.

The first mile is the hardest . . . unless it's a race!

I don't consider myself a runner. I mean, I'm trying to be a runner but I don't always like it. I feel like I can't go as far or as fast as "true" runners so I feel like I not in their league. I try to run 3-4 times a week (depends on training schedules for different events) and I've been doing this off and on since Spring 2006. Talking to non runners reminds me that I am closer to being a runner than I think. Most people comment, "I can't even run a mile." That's cause the first mile is the hardest. If I am running 3 miles, if I can just get past that first mile without walking or stopping, I am most likely to easily finish the run. If I am running 10 miles, that first mile is by far the hardest and mile 10 is easy. In fact, miles 6-10 are easier than miles 1-5. It doesn't matter how many miles - get through that first one! It's all mental for me. Physically, my body will take me (so thankful!). Mentally, I beat myself up the whole time by thinking things like - "Why are you doing this? You aren't fast. How far do you think you are going anyway? Why don't you just head home and do xyz?" and so on. It's quite frustrating! So when you say you can't run, are you allowing your head to keep your body from doing what it was made to do?

Today, I didn't know how far I was going to go. I just started running with a goal of running for 30 minutes so I'd have enough time to shower before my hair appointment. As I was running, I was thinking how thankful I am for being able to run. Many people can't do it physically so this its something I should be grateful for and I don't always remember this. So, I made a deal with myself - no walking up hills. With every hill that I came to I kept repeating, I can do it. When I run with my work-running partner we talk ourselves up the hills with things like this. It seems to help some.

Many times I spend the whole run thinking of everything I need to do else where. I often forget that running can serve a greater purpose. Not only is it great exercise, it's a great time to pray - really pray, and get into things I often bypass cause I think I'm too busy. I've heard of people writing their prayer list on their forearm when they run. I think that's a great idea, I just don't know what kind of pen/marker to use that will wash off when I'm done but doesn't wipe off too easily . . . I don't really like the idea of running with a smeared prayer list on my forehead (so let me know if you have good suggestions). It's just me and the Lord out there. I lay it all out there sometimes; tell Him how I really feel and ask for His guidance at work, church, or whatever is on my heart at the moment. I pray for family, friends, coworkers, stories I've read about, etc. Whatever comes to mind, I share. Nothing is trivial to Him. If you know me at all, you know I'm a talker. I do way more talking to Him than I do listening. I'm working on that!

I love races! I know I am not the fastest, but I don't compete against the local track team. I compete against myself. It's just me - not them. How well can I do? How far can I go? When it comes to races, the first mile is one of the easiest! You have the adrenaline rush and the camaraderie of all the runners together. Usually, I start out faster than I normally would. Professional runners would tell you this isn't the correct way to start (see - told you I'm not a real runner). I really enjoy this though. I get caught up in the moment and just run! I level off and go my pace after a while. I try to stay with them for that first mile to get me through it. In the middle of the race, I pray for God to get me to the finish and ask how I got roped into this as I think I'm about to die. But, I always finish the race (or training run) the same way - Thank You Lord for getting me through that! Thank You Lord for allowing me to do this! Thank You Lord for Your protection, strength, and endurance! And, Thank You Lord for being with me. In Jesus name, Amen! . . . When's the next race? I want to do this again! I couldn't do any of this without Him.

Currently running for Mint Oreo Fudge Creams . . .

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 

Isaiah 40:31 -

But those who wait on the LORD
      Shall renew their strength;
      They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
      They shall run and not be weary,
      They shall walk and not faint.

Hebrews 12: 1-2 -

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, 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, ² looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Race Stats:

5k  (3.1 Miles) - Too many to list so here are some highlights:

• First Race Ever: Heart & Soul 5k Kernersville, NC 04/22/06 - 35:36
• Favorite: 5k on the Greenway Mt. Airy, NC 10/09/10 - 32:31*
• See you there 10/15/11?  
•  Will never run this race again: Beat the Heat 5k Winston-Salem, NC 07/15/06 - 42:07
• This was the first one I ran with my Mom. She came back the next year and finished it in  37:32 (so not her PR either). 
• This race is just really, really HOT!

10k (6.2 Miles) - 

• First: New River Trail - Dr. Ed Dannelly III 10k Galax, VA 5/1/10 - 1:15:11
• Second: Run for the Rub Greensboro, NC 9/4/10 - 1:08:21
• Third: Leprechaun Leap For Gold Statesville, NC 3/12/11 1:02:50*

1/2 Marathon (13.1 Miles) -

• First: Inside Out Sports 13th 1/2 Marathon Cary, NC 5/22/11 - 2:26:47
• Second: Down Hill at Dawn Ridgecrest, NC 06/04/11 -2:15:16*

* Personal Record

Here goes nothing . . .

Since I have been enjoying a few blogs lately, I figured I should attempt to write one myself. It seems only fair. Not that this blog will be half way as enjoyable as the great ones I read, but it's an attempt if nothing else.

What will this blog be about? I have no clue! But stay tuned and you might learn a little something :)