Run for your lives?!?!?

I write this post with a very heavy heart. I literally cannot stop crying about what happened today at the Boston Marathon. Being a part of the running community, this event hit very close to home. All I can think about is that could've been me, that could've been my friends or family watching me at the finish line. An event so famous that's full of men and women who have truly worked their behinds off just to apart of this great race.
Some small minded person (people) felt the need to ruin the lives of innocent runners, their families, and friends who were just trying to accomplish one of their running goals. What hurts the most is knowing that there is someone so sick to even think of doing something like this. No matter how much we try to change the laws and control things that people can get a hold of, nothing can change the mindset or the soul of some people. We just have to come to the conclusion that we have some very sick people in this world who just wish evil on everyone.With that being said, we must all stay prayed up and trust in the Lord. Unfortunately, I know this event will deter some runners from running other races. I can't lie, I am shook a bit and thinking about my upcoming race this month and in May. I can't allow others to have me live in fear and stop me from doing what is near and dear to my heart. I will continue to pray and trust in the Lord, I will continue to pray for EVERYONE whether they are running in a race in the very near future or just walking out their door to start their day.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT

Look Like Beauty Run Like a Beast!

In full beast mode, the adrenaline has kicked in

This past Saturday I had the opportunity to participate in my first obstacle run. I figured it was time to mix things up a bit. Those of you who are long distance runners know how mundane running can be, especially when the route is bland. So being the couponista that I am I was scrolling through the daily LivingSocial deals and came across the Beach Beast run.
The name was very appeasing, I like to run and I love the beach. I went on their site to see what it was all about and I was sold. I put it up on Facebook and to my surprise the first person who took interest in running it with me was my sister. Ms." I Don't Run, I Spin". So we signed up and that was that. As time got closer I could feel the excitement build not in me but my sister, I really think she had more fun than I did with the run, which I'm happy about because maybe she was bit by the running bug. Then reality hit me I know she only liked it because it was challenging. That it surely was. At first I was not impressed with the obstacles and being a runner when I looked at some of the obstacles ahead of us all I could think was "I'm not doing that I may hurt my knees!" (Yes, a vain and concerned runner). However, my sister kept saying with each obstacle try it once and if you can't conquer it go around, but at least try it. I am happy she was with me because I never felt so accomplished after finishing a race before. I DID IT! I was able to climb and run over walls, things I probably never thought I would or even could do. Overall, this was a great experience and I am happy that I was able to do my first run with my sister. I hope to at least one obstacle run a year from now on.

Crawling to the finish line, telling Joi to smile there are cameras :-)

....and she smiled!!!