The Best Kind of Gifts

I'm convinced the best kind of gifts are ones like these. I LOVE how her teachers wrote exactly what she said and how she said it. Priceless. This will be going to get laminated! =)

My First Half Marathon

On October 23rd, I did my very first half marathon. A couple of friends and I have been training since May. We were nervous and excited for it to finally get here. We met up in Conway for 13.1 miles. Two hours and 35 minutes later, I crossed the finish line! I was such a GREAT feeling. All of the entrance fees benefited the Soaring Wings Ranch, which ministers to young people.

Me with Heather and Tami, my running buddies

Lots and lots of runners. I kind of felt like I didn't belong. Ha!


Leah Thorvilson. She came and spoke to the Women Can Run clinic I started running with. She is amazingly FAST! She is trying out for the Olympics.

Derek was so sweet to meet me every so often on the course. It would give me a burst of energy to see him.

Soooo happy to be D-O-N-E!

Me and Kris. She also helped me train. She knows A LOT about running.

We did it!
Kind of felt like going in to the Dora "We Did It" song she sings at the end of every episode. Ha!

Heather gave us these stickers for our cars! Love it!

Derek and me afterward. I was SO tired.

I have never been a runner. Seriously, ask my junior high track coach. I have found that I really enjoy it. My toenails may never be the same, but I have loved the health benefits, the stress release it gives me, and the GREAT friends I have made through running. Heather and Tami are trying to convince me to go for the Little Rock full marathon. I just don't know about that! 13.1 felt far enough. I can't imagine doubling that! We'll see. =) For now, I'm just glad my first half is behind me.