Life Update!

Hi followers!

I know I haven't bloged in a while (or eternity possibly) but life sure does fly by when you're having fun right?! Here I am writing this blog entry at 10:35 p.m. ...P.M. If you know me at all you would know that I do not stay up this late ever. I have always been the person who loves my sleep and 9:30 these days has become my "late nights".

Half Marathon and Marathon Recaps:

Sarah, Lauren and I after finishing our races!

The half marathon went well. I started to cramp a little toward miles 8-9 but I still finished under my 1 hour and 50 minute goal time so I was more than happy! :) That is what I love so much about running races. It's the feeling that you get when your finished and you feel as though you accomplished something great. I feel like the sky is the limit... after I've had a couple minutes to catch my breath! The marathon weekend was so exciting and rewarding. Although I didn't beat my last years marathon time I still finished and lived to tell you all about the experience. Where do I begin? I had heard the race was going to be hilly and I had been to Kansas City multiple times... I mean I was born there so you'd think I would remember ;) Well, turns out it was a lot more hills and I mean steep and looonngg hills than I had remembered. I should have picked up on that since it was called: The Northface Endurance Challenge. It was good to spend time with my parents and catch up with some old friends! Kansas City is a beautiful town with sooo much to do. Nonetheless, I learned a few lessons that day: Never run a marathon in Kansas City again... that was a one time deal! Second, Use what felt like defeat and turn it into strength and remember you always have someone from above to give you that strength. This leads me into my next update...

Thanksgiving:
Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. I LOVE the food! Green bean casserole is my all-time favorite and must-have at Thanksgiving dinner. What is your must-have staple at Thanksgiving Dinner? This year Joe and I spent lots of our time with his family. We sat and played Apples to Apples for hours, Have you ever heard of this game? It is so much fun and we had a great time playing it together!  I also love Thanksgiving because it seems to remind everyone, whether or not they realize it at the time, what they are thankful for. This year I decided I was thankful for life. It may be a short, 4 lettered word but within that word says so much about a person. I am thankful for the life God has led me through, all the challenges and successes I have endured. He gives me that strength to run marathons. He gave me a great family. (Another entry will be posted in regards so stay tuned!) God led me to a new church to follow faith regularily again. He gave me Joe and his family whom I would run out of room if I wanted to mention all the things they do for me! I may not show that I am thankful for all the things in my life but I could not be more happy with my life as it is today. What are you thankful for this year? Don't think to hard. It's right under your nose. It doesn't have to be ellaborate. Think simple. :)

I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Holiday weekend! May the holiday season bring joy and love throughout your household :)

Take care!
Mary