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