13.1 or Bust

13.1 - check!

I went 13.1 miles on foot!
3 hours, 14 minutes, 57 seconds later.

I trained for hours, weeks, and months for this one race.

I wanted to prove to myself I could do hard things.

Green check-marks were my motivation

Race weekend came and went and I am still reflecting on what happened.

It wasn't anything like I imagined.  It wasn't fun.  It was seriously the hardest thing I have ever done. A friend at the finish line made me feel a little better when she said, "childbirth was easier than this!" {if that is the case, bring on the babies}

In our corral waiting for our turn

The support and excitement I received from friends and family leading up the the race was amazing.  People were proud of me and I hadn't even made it to the finish line yet.  The emails, cards, Facebook posts, gifts, and cheerleaders on the sideline is what got me through every mile.  I hated every moment of the race, and I wanted to walk off more times than not. I just kept telling myself, "one more mile" and "you trained for this" 

Friends make torture running better, right?

All smiles at the start line 

I didn't give up.  The closer I got the finish line the more excited I got because I knew my loved ones would be there cheering me on those last few steps...  

I never heard them and they never saw me.

  My heart broke.  

I just completed my first {and only} mini-marathon and no one saw me cross that finish line.  I know they were as disappointed as me and their hearts broke too.  I know it didn't change the fact that they were proud of me, and understood the accomplishment but for me it almost feels as if I didn't complete the race.  

Days after the race and I am still waiting to feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.  I am waiting for that high and excitement to do another race, but it isn't there.  

I am confused.  This isn't me.  I am hard on myself but not this hard.  I often choose not to show my excitement for my own achievements, but I would have that sense of pride deep down and all I can find is frustration.  I can't help but tear up when I think about the day.

I am a half-marathon finisher!

I knew enough people that have run this course before that I had a pretty good idea what I was getting myself into, but there were still things I couldn't prepare myself for.  These are the things I am trying to process and tell myself it is no reason to quit...

• The Indy 500 track is a long 2.5 miles, that was not good on my hips and knees
• My shoes! Although fit for me at a running store, they were the cause of many frustrations and pain.
• Walkers walking 4-people wide and inconsiderate of those trying to pass
• 13.6 miles is not 13.1 miles.  My tracker on my phone gave me almost exactly the same finishing time as my electronic chip but a difference of 0.5 miles! Half mile is a significant difference in my book and talk about discouraging. 

I said going into this race, I will never run another half-marathon and after my experience I definitely won't be back.  I will continue to run, but I think a 5K is more my style. 

Who wants to join me for 3.1 miles? 

Our first race together!

Thank you to everyone that supported me through my training and then sent their love and good luck vibes my way for race weekend.  You kept me going.  I now have a new respect for runners and they will forever hold a special place in my heart.  

Lights, Tigers, and Bears...Oh my!

The Christmas Season is one of my most favorite seasons.

This time is so magical and a beautiful way to wrap up the year.

Christmas lights are probably my favorite part of the season.

Three years and counting it is now tradition to visit Christmas at the Zoo 

for the best display of lights, hands down.

{Tip: visit with your besties to make the trip even more memorable}

A few of the many attempts to get the perfect selfie

My most favorite part...

Being able to begin the tradition with my husband!
After 3 years of spending the Holidays in two different countries
we are finally together for our very first Christmas together.

Most animals were cuddled up and sleeping but we sure enjoyed the thousands of lights that lit up our way from one end of the zoo to the other.

Well, hello there Big Ben, am I in London again?

I promise that is Andrew and I and not just a random couple

Every year there is this tree and it is always one of my favorites.
Isn't it just beautiful?

We couldn't leave without going to see Santa {from afar} and
decorating cookies in Mrs. Claus' kitchen

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Hope everyone found the magic in the season and their hearts were warmed with family, friends and so much love.

xoxo

12.13.14 - THIRTY!

I turned the big 3-0!

It is a new decade sure to be full of adventure, love and blessings.  

Of course I celebrated all weekend.  What else would you expect?

The celebration began on Friday with the best framily a girl could ask for.  The night was complete with yummy food, good laughs, lots of love, and ice cream cake {my absolute favorite}! 

The celebration continued on Saturday {my actual birthday}, where I learned so much about my strength and the love that I hold in my heart.  It might not have been the 30th birthday I was dreaming about but, I believe everything happens for a reason and that I was in the right place at the right time.  I started this new decade with more strength than I ever thought I had and I see that as a blessing that will take me far in this next decade of life.  

#madewithstudio

Sunday was a beautiful day.  

A day I will forever hold close to me.  

Wine Shake at Hopwood with my love

Amazing dinner at California Pizza Kitchen

Love. Christmas Lights.  Downtown Indy

The night ended with birthday treats and a Christmas movie on the couch!

#madewithstudio

This.  Summarizes me perfectly!

Thank you to everyone that made my day and weekend one to remember.  

Here is to a new decade and new adventures.

Thirty is going to be amazing, because I will personally make sure of that!

xoxo