Run Run Run

Could it be that I have finally found my groove for running again? I'm telling you for awhile there I wasn't sure that I'd ever enjoy running again but the past 7 weeks of disciplined training is paying off and I'm starting to feel comfortable in running distance again. Hallelujah :) And just in time....I'm running the Evansville Half Marathon on October 11th and as I'm approaching the half way mark in training, I actually feel like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel..

With my dad in tow, we did The Franklin Classic 10k on Labor Day. Of course, I had to tweak my training schedule to accommodate a race on a Monday but did a spin class on Saturday (45 mins of cardio) and took Sunday as a rest day. I knew what I wanted to goal myself but I'm always apprehensive about setting a time goal because I tend to freak myself out, panic and then ruin my run. Thankfully, this wasn't the case on Monday.

My goal and comfortable pace averages around a 11 minute mile. I knew this course was hilly so I could prepare mentally but I forgot just how hilly it was. Nevertheless, I seemed to be on goal at each mile marker and here is my final time: Gun Time=1:10:16 Chip Time=1:09:28 Pace=11:13. I am not going to lie...I am pleased! This just backs up one of my personal running mottos "Slow and Steady finishes the race".

Fun Family Weekend

I enjoyed the long holiday weekend with a visit from my parents, sister Holly and niece Elaysha. They arrived into town on Friday night and stayed until Monday afternoon. We filled this time with shopping, shopping and more shopping, good food (even did our own grilling on Sunday night) and just spending quality time together. I am so blessed to have good family :) And I had to snap a couple pics of the star of the show....Elaysha Bug.

We were trying to take pics and realized that she was busy snacking on a cookie

Which then caused us to break out in laughter and silliness...

She just keeps growing up so fast....my beautiful Elaysha Bug

Little Blogger Hiatus

I'm back and it's already September. I just have one question...where did the summer go? I'm going to write more later and recap the summer but make sure to go back through some of my posts as I am going to do some backdating posts with pictures of the past 2 weeks that I "disappeared".

Roaring 30's Birthday Bash

Last night one of my dearest friends, Crazy Amy, had a themed birthday party "Roaring 30's" to be exact. She totally dressed the part as did quite a few. Digging in my closet only got me to the 50's with a high-waisted pencil skirt, fun blouse, fishnet pantyhose and heels...but I should get points for at least dressing up. The crowd consisted mostly of those that work with Amy but a few friends from church came as well. Here are some pictures from the evening(thanks to Patrick for capturing the night in film):

Birthday Girl - Crazy Amy

Katie, Amy and I all dressed up and roaring to party

Amy's friend Sims hosted the party at her home, poolside and it was a perfect night.

Birthday Party Group Picture

Not my ideal "vacay"

I guess this vacation was just another example of why it's good to not build up big expectations when planning a vacation that correlates with weather cooperation. I arrived in Pensacola on Friday and saw a beautiful sunset and that was pretty much all I saw of the sunshine (with the exception of a few cloudy covered sunrays on Tuesday). We had planned to spend pool time on Saturday but we had to change plans because it was completely overcast. Sunday was more of the same and then I headed to Panama City Beach just in time to arrive for Tropical Storm Anna. Monday was such a rainy day so I took full advantage and worked all day (at least I had this option so I could save my vacation days). Tuesday I woke up to sunshine so I took advantage and went for a run only to watch the cloud cover move off of the beach and then the sun was gone, yet again. I did actually take the day off on Tuesday and enjoyed some quiet time by the pool and read a book. Probably the most relaxing day of my trip! But with the weather forecast not looking promising, I decided to call it and headed back to Pensacola to work my way back to Nashville. I realized when i was driving away from PCB that I didn't get one picture of the beach so I pulled to the side of the road outside of Seaside, FL and snapped these photos. Another storm was coming in but it made these pictures look perfect.

I love how this picture is like the perfect beach-made aisle that leads you to the ocean...gorgeous

I guess there are always blessings in disguise like the fact that I was able to attend Seven22 (midweek service at my sister's church) and was incredibly blessed and refreshed by worship and the teaching. And I also got to spend some time catching up with Pensacola friends. I actually spent the entire day on Wednesday working in FL (how did I get sooo much work that needed to be done?!?) and then headed back to Nashville. It was a long drive and I got back later than I had hoped, but it saved me having to take time off and it was such a productive day. It all worked out for the best in the end!