Back from Vacation

I had a great time at the Lake of the Ozarks with Julie this week. We had a great time of rest, relaxation, and shopping. Beth came down on Thursday and we went to the outlet mall and swam at the pool. For dinner we came across this random bbq place called Burnt Ends. It was very good. I'm so glad we came across it. Julie and I just spent the rest of the week swimming, relaxing, and hanging out. We went to a dueling piano bar on Friday night and had a great time.

Don't worry...I still got some exercise in. I took a water aerobics class on Thursday morning. It was really fun and also a little challenging. I enjoyed it. On Friday I ran 1 mile in 17:36. I ran for a little longer and only walked 3 minutes of it. I know it's slow, but I gotta start somewhere!

Got back into St. Louis on Saturday afternoon so we could celebrate Emily's birthday last night. We went to Espino's Mexican restaurant for dinner and I had some amazing enchiladas. Then out to Fox and Hound for drinks after. It was a really good time. Happy Birthday Emily!

Church this morning was great. Such a great message from Pastor Ron about not being anxious and trusing God through the ups and downs and just remaining steadfast through them all. Kaleb was back from Africa leading worship and it was wonderful.

I took a few days off of exercising, but I'm back tomorrow for some running and sand volleyball. Then back to work on Tuesday....yuck!

Here we Go!

I'm going to keep this running thing up on my own. I'm going to use part of this blog to document the exercise that I did each day. Hopefully it will be my accountability.

Today I ran on the treadmill because it is just still so stinkin' hot! I ran/walked 1 mile. I ran a little longer during each interval and and a slightly faster pace. So, I'm pretty proud of myself.

Mile 1 - 17:54

I'm heading to Fast Eddie's today with the work girls. I'm really excited for some cheap food and good times! Then, tomorrow, I'm off to the Lake of the Ozarks for some much needed vacation time with Julie. Julie is my best friend from college. Since she moved to Little Rock, I hardly ever see her, but we try to do some sort of trip every summer. I'm excited for some rest and relaxation and maybe a little exercise:)

5K Completed

I completed my 5K on Sunday. It was hot and humid. The course was hilly, but I finished and not last!! The coaches with the Fleet Feet No Boundaries Program were amazing and inspiring. They were with me every step of the way. I couldn't have done it without Doug, Art, and Kristen. Thanks guys!!

But, it wasn't just the coaches that got me through. Beth ran/walked every step of that race with me. She is such an encouraging friend and an amazing source of support while I embark on this lovely journey. Emily volunteered at the race and encouraged me as well. It's friends like these that get me through and help me accomplish my goals. Thanks guys!!

P.S. pictures to come soon. I just haven't uploaded them yet!

3 days!

3 days until I run a 5K. I'm definitely getting nervous and something is going on with my right achilles. I pray it is going to be ok!!

Race Day Draws Near...

My graduation race is Sunday! I'm so excited about completing a 5K and actually running it. But, before we get to that...let me fill you in on what's been going on. My computer crashed the last week of June and I finally purchased a new one! Very exciting, but definitely money I wasn't planning on spending. That's why no pictures will accompany today's post:(

Summer school ended! Thank Goodness!! WOOOHOOO!!

July 4th was great. Love that holiday. I got to hang out with family and friends and watch some fireworks. The very next day Cynthia and I went to Chicago and saw U2 at Soldier Field. Awesome concert. I must say, I'm not a huge U2 fan, but they put on a great show! We literally ate our way through Chicago the next day. Chicago Style Hot Dogs, Chicago Style Pizza from Gino's East, Garrett's Popcorn, and Ghiradelli's. Seriously a lot of good food!

My friend Maeve had her baby shower this past weekend. So excited that she's having a boy! Beth and I knew it (of course!).

Before race day, I am seeing NKOTBSB in concert tomorrow! It's gonna be amazing. I'll feel like I'm a teenager again. Then, I'm heading to Wrigley to catch and Cubs game with my parents. We received free tickets that are 1st row behind the dugout. Seriously good seats. I'm excited to celebrate my mom's birthday with a Cubs win!

Then it's back to St. Louis for my race. I'm getting nervous already about how slow I'm going to be and that I'll finish last. I just need to be confident in my progress from the beginning of this No Boundaries training program. I would have never been able to run 3.1 miles 10 weeks ago. My breathing has gotten better and my stride has improved. Hopefully I will rock this Opening Act 5K.