Big "D" Half Marathon

Well, as you know, on my bucket list was a FULLmarathon and then purposely only AFTER that feat was completed, run a measly half marathon. A few weeks ago, Blake and I accomplished this along with our long time friends, Kelly and Andy.

I was so happy that I had already completed the full nearly five months ago, because training for this run, was VERY laid back; too laid back. At most, I ran 2 times a week for the 8 weeks prior to the race. I took the advice of a flight attendant I met almost a year ago who ran marathons with a busy travel schedule. She told me, "as long as you get your long run in each week, you'll be golden." Well, I followed her bare minimum advice and was kinda worried towards the end that I wouldn't be able to even cross the finish line.

Kelly & Andy had talked about running the full with us last year but unfortunately they weren't able to, so when I found a race in Dallas after we alread had plans to be there visiting family, we asked Kelly and Andy again and they were all in. Although we didn't train together or even now how much each person had trained until the week of, we were happy to have them with us for the big day!

Waking everyone up bright and early!

Throughout the weekend, the Midwest had been experiencing record breaking storms filled with hundreds of tornadoes, torrential down pours and severe thunder storms. We monitored the weather for 24 hours and had been told there was a good chance it would be canceled last minute Sunday morning at day break. I wouldn't believe it and kept telling myself, I was running 13.1 miles NO MATTER what kind of weather.

Leaving out hotel room for the race while it was raining.

We woke up at 5:50AM Sunday morning right as the storm line was hitting Dallas, it did start raining but it was nothing like Kansas had experienced over night. With rain coming down, the four of us headed to the Dallas Fair Grounds to wait to see what the weather was going to do.

The four of us "before."

At 8AM, the rain had stopped and we were off. It was getting hot and oh, so humid. Kelly and I had never even talked about goal pace until we were at the start line. At this point, a PR (personal record), in these conditions wasn't on my mind. As we got towards the middle of the race, a cool front blew in while we were running near White Rock Lake and it felt INCREDIBLE. I had this amazing burst of energy and started thinking, this could be a great run. Then the rain started at mile 6 or 7 and honestly, it felt GREAT! I was wearing a hat, so it wasn't bothering me. I prayed that the rain would continue withe the super cool breeze because I was afraid of what the humidity would do, if the sun came out. I felt so energized and was enjoying everything about the run.

Kelly was by my side and starting with the rain, her legs and calves were giving her problems. I tried to remember all my training tips I read and was trying to help her out, throwing out ideas left and right. She would stop to walk and I would keep jogging, doubling back once I got too far from her. The following 3-4 miles, I couldn't get a feel for how she was or what she was thinking. I would keep trying to get her to think about anything but running, like the beautiful Highland Park homes and what people were wearing but I never got a response from her.

During this time, while she was walking more and more, I didn't know if she wanted me to go on, since we knew her dad was behind us a little ways. I never asked her and then something clicked for me, around mile 11, as she was having more and more problems; This was my race, not to take advantage of this amazing amount of energy that I had at mile 11 of a 13.1 mile race. I could have easily sprinted ahead and tried to catch the pacer who had passed us 4 miles back. This was my race to help a good friend finish a race when everything was telling her to stop. It was exciting and I probably ran a couple of the last miles backwards, talking to her and begging her to keep going. I decided I was going to be in-her-face-screaming-supportive-running-friend until she told me to run ahead and just go. And thank goodness, she never did tell me to go ahead.

I probably told her only one more mile for the last three, once closer to the finish line, I ran ahead and yelled to the crowd to scream for "KELLY," before doubling back to grab her hand and drag her. It felt amazing holding her hand as we crossed the finish line together and I was so HAPPY that she hadn't told me to run on at MILE 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13. Because of her, I got to experience the high of helping someone finish a race and that felt just as good as crossing the finish line myself.

**In full disclosure, because of how great I felt physically and energy wise, I am terribly excited about running another half and really giving it all I have to see what can do. I'm still on the quest for the perfect running weather as well!**

"Hot Pot" Anniversary Dinner

After 3 full days of snow activities and skiing, it was going to take a lot to get Blake and I out of the cozy hotel for our anniversary dinner but Diane/MeMe kept insisting we go out alone and celebrate 7 years. After trying to decide what type of food we even wanted and feeling less than enthusiastic than going to just a "regular" restaurant, we came across this "HOT POT RESTAURANT" called Shabu Shabu House. It totally peaked our interest when we read that they cook your entire dinner right in front of you in pots of boiling water. I love how Blake is always up for something new and exciting... I hope in another seven years, we won't be too much older and more stuck in our ways. I love sharing new experiences with him.

I can only pray that the next 7 years years be as good as the last 7!

7 Year Anniversary

Just last week Blake and celebrated 7 years as man and wife. We started out the busy Monday with taking a little time over breakfast to watch back our video from the day. This was the first year the kids were REALLY into it. All four of us were glued to the TV rejoicing in the festivities. Addie did ask a few times, "Where am I... why aren't I in the videos?" I told her it was a very good thing she wasn't there!

A flash back to early 2005....

 All back together at the end of the day, we had a romantic picnic dinner in our front yard.

I know you are drooling with envy... but I wouldn't want it any other way!

Looking back over the last 7 years together, I would want Addie and Carter to know how much I LOVE and truly RESPECT their father. My feelings for him have grown stronger each and every year, especially in this last year. I want them to know that marriage is hard work at times, especially with super young kids around. A year ago, I don't think Blake and I would have felt that we were at a really great spot but on the other side of those less than ideal moments, we both see how hard work and putting energy into things that are not second nature to us, truly can greatly improve a stressed relationship, and therefore ultimately, make you even stronger.

First Ferris Wheel!

We told the kids, they could choose one ride to do and surprisingly, they were both up for the FERRIS WHEEL!

We waited patiently in line doubting our decision to ride with the gusting winds that had just blown in. But there was no going back now...

 We couldn't ask for a better first experience. Addie's face said it all!

 Carter was just as excited taking it all in.

Mission Accomplished!!!

 With a short turn around, it was time to grab the older crowd and head back out to the rodeo to see Daughtry.

New Year's Eve 2011... or was it 1985?!?

Hands down the best New Year's Party we have ever been to. Something about 30 year olds wearing things like this just puts everyone at ease.

 Big goddy gold jewelry....

 The Jane Fonda leg warm up look...

 Blake and I spent almost two hours at Goodwill having so much fun picking out our random outfits... who knew Goodwill even had dressing rooms?!?

We were having so much fun that we pretty much forgot about twelve o'clock midnight... now that may mean a great New Year's party!

Trey Casey... At 2.5 Years Old!

My bestest friend from college lives in Houston and although we talk at least two hours nearly every week (many of it through unordinarily long voicemails back and forth during hectic weeks,) we haven't gotten to physically see one another in an embarrasingly long amount of time. Since I had never laid live eyes on her adorable, new (4 month old daughter), a trip to H-town was greatly over due. Add in the fact that my very best friend from high school moved there several months ago and my sister about month ago, Blake and I decided I should make a weekend of it to be with three of the most important ladies in my life.

Alli surprised me with the yummiest sushi dinner Friday night. We talked and talked and talked and talked.... There were times when we had 3 or 4 DIFFERENT stories going at the same time because we kept getting so off track! It was so much fun! This was our super memorable non-sushi dish we devoured - Lobster Mac and Cheese!!! We almost ordered a second serving!

Then I woke up at the crack of dawn for Jen to pick me up to get through crazy Houston 6AM Saturday morning traffic and run in the largest race I have ever seen - the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure.

Afterwards, my sister and her fiance, Matt, met up with us and we spent the afternoon with our post-race crowd at Rice Village.

Jen and I ended the weekend by waking up (early for her and super late for me) at 8 AM and went on another jog, before heading back to the family.  It wasn't even my idea... I think this running thing is rubbing off on those around me. ;)

Before all this fun, I got to snap some pics of sweet Trey while his new sister napped and he got to enjoy his popsicle. At 2.5  years old, I loved his sweet feet, funny faces and focus on that ever important popsicle! Thank you for Alli for a wonderful visit!

My visit was way too short because I only got to snap one little shot of sweet Miss Caroline.