Flying Pig Half Marathon {2.0} Recap!!

It happened! Caleb and I ran our second half marathon together! I have to say I wasn't too nervous beforehand, which is strange, seeing as last year I had those crazy weird butterflies in my belly about 4 days prior all the way up until the start line! This year? I had trained much harder...probably not as much as I should've, but I was much more confident in my abilities this year!

I'll admit, when my 4:15 A.M. alarm went off I questioned why in the world I chose to run another one of these?! ;) I stuffed my face with a banana and some Belvita bar-type-deliciousness, and we headed out. We got down to our corral a LOT later than last year...mostly because the two gas stations we went to before we headed downtown had nearly broken down pumps and it wasn't even 5:00 A.M. yet.

When we finally arrived at the correct corral, we all decided to pee, again. You know, that "phantom pee" feeling, because you're just so excited and nervous to cross the start line and you know you haven't had anything to drink in over an hour so there's no way you could have to pee and so you sit in a disgusting porta-potty just to reassure yourself that you won't have to stop during the race (run on sentence much?). Then we took a selfie in front of the porta-potty because hey, why not? & yes, we unintentionally matched.

This year they had the corrals start a few minutes in between each other, but we really didn't notice since we stopped for a bathroom break before hand (and we were kinda late, like I said). We saw the start line, I kicked on my awesome playlist, and took off sprinting. Caleb immediately had to remind me that if I tried to run at that pace, I'd surely die soon ;) he's so awesome. He was definitely setting our pace the entire race, and I'm thankful for that. I just get too excited and want to take off, even though that's absurd!

Surprisingly, miles 1 through 5 were kind of a breeze. I honestly hadn't thought it would be this easy, we kept a pace of about 11-12 minutes/mile throughout this and I know that made all the difference (just like Caleb said). The sun was just beginning to rise as we crossed over one of the bridges, and it was SO gorgeous. I love that you cross into Kentucky, and back into Ohio in this race. The Flying Pig is a great course with some amazing views! I love seeing the city in a way I'm not used to! City skyline, cute coffee shops, the Ohio river, etc. I love my city, and it just motivates me to explore it more! I definitely recommend this course to my fellow half-runners!!

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When we hit mile 7, its pretty much ALL uphill for nearly 3 miles. I'm talking almost a straight incline, and I forgot how hard that was from last years race. Caleb and I did a good job of jogging most of it, but I'll admit, we walked a few minutes. I witnessed something insanely inspirational when I saw a woman probably about my age, strolling her disabled sister UP this monstrous hill...I couldn't even believe it, but I can't thank her enough because it was just the push I needed.

After those crazy hills were over, we had about a mile of straight downhill, which was so GLORIOUS. Then we get to mile 10-11 and guys... I. AM. DEAD. Seriously, I hit a wall. I kept having to slow down, catch my breath, drink a crap ton of water. I truly felt like the end was no where in sight. But - I had Caleb by my side. He encouraged me, listened to me, and most importantly? He pushed me like crazy! We were there for each other and that's just what we needed.

We FINALLY turned the corner after mile 12 and I could see the finish swine (hehe)! I wanted to sprint as fast as I could, but I knew I'd probably fall over from emotions and sheer joy that I could actually see the finish line now. Last year, I cried on my way to the end, and this year? Same story. The amount of spectators and cheering going on from total strangers is overwhelming. Everyone is so amazing and encouraging! We crossed that finish line hand in hand and I felt on top of the world. It's so amazing to me what our bodies will do when we push ourselves! We are capable of so much more than we believe at times.

I'm SO so thankful for this hunk for being by my side through that entire race!

I also haven't taken my eyes off my new finishers medal. I love it!

I do have to say, I missed running side by side with my Erin, but she was there in spirit. During our race we passed a local radio station and yelled her name for a shout out! "WE MISS YOU ERIN!" ;)

I'm extremely proud of us for finishing the race, and how much we pushed ourselves! We ran this one in 2:46, which for me? Is a huge accomplishment. I'm really, really proud of that. Woo! Maybe next year I'll break two and a half hours?! #agirlcandream

In other news, I'm experiencing some serious discomfort. Obviously, pretty much every muscle in my body is constantly on fire, but my right foot is actually in a lot of pain, and I can hardly walk on it. I won't be too concerned unless its like this in another week or so. I've been icing it like crazy at work so I'm hopeful that that will help. Send me some good vibes, friends!

Thanks for reading along!!!

A whole lot of DATING this weekend!

I can barely move today. The half marathon yesterday was just as awesome as I thought it would be, a little tougher than I remember, but just as rewarding as ever. I have a whole separate post planned for that...so for now I thought I'd show you how much fun Caleb and I had this weekend, doing nothing but dating each other :)

Friday evening we both were SO sleepy from our late night of softball (him playing, me watching) on Thursday, so when we got home from work we took a nice long two hour nap. HA! Like I said last week, our Friday nights are pretty wild ;) we decided to make a mission out of finding an arm band for me to wear for the half: mission accomplished! Then we grabbed dinner at O'Charley's and we're pretty sure we had the best waiter in the history of ever. He was so nice, and always had something funny to say...but wasn't over the top ;) then we went home and enjoyed some down time.

Saturday I woke up early while Caleb and his brother were beasts and completely dominated a 5K. Seriously, as if the half marathon the very next day wasn't going to be enough! ;) so I took it upon myself to finally get some grocery shopping done before we had an afternoon of flopping on the couch before our hot date!

We had a gift card to P.F. Changs so we indulged in a lot of food and decided to carb-load for the big race!! Side note; my hair is getting LONG. This gal needs a cut!

We got home and had a lot of puzzle time and ate a crap ton of guacamole. It's not normal that we get much free time so I can tell you we soaked up every LAST second of it. We also have one more free weekend before the weddings get seriously crazy, but we can't wait!

Next up? Recapping the half marathon. Eek!

A few pre half-marathon ramblings!

I'm less than 48 hours from my next half marathon, and somehow, I'm out of my mind excited. Ask me again right after, when I can hardly walk. It's kinda funny, last year I had hardly trained (idiot move #1) so I was in a lot of pain DURING and after the race for weeks. This year? I trained pretty hard, up until a few weeks ago, but I'm not very nervous at all. More anxious, I want to get to that starting line, enjoy the views, and finish hand in hand with my husband. That's my only goal; to cross that FINISH line, by his side. Since its Friday, and its been a LONG week, I can only muster random thoughts regarding the upcoming race/last years race.

-I was fumbling through photos from last years half marathon and came across a hilarious snapchat that I sent my sister in love. I can't help but laugh looking back - what else did I expect?!

-The fact that I have a running watch this year makes me THRILLED. You guys, I'll actually be able to KNOW what my pace is, DURING the race? Whaaat?! ;)

-Shoot. It hadn't crossed my mind until now that I don't have an arm band to hold my iPhone (it doubles as my ipod)...and Lord knows I'm not HOLDING that thing in my actual hand for hours on end. So now I'm frantically texting my husband asking if he has an extra, cause if not, that is my #1 goal for tonight! FIND ONE!

-We need to figure out what our carb-loaded meal will be indulging in tomorrow night. I'm leaning towards Olive Garden or PF Changs (haayyy gift cards). Rice is my love language.

-The forecast right now for our race morning begins in the low 50's and will easily rise into the 70's by 11AM. It's kind of perfect and I'm pumped about it. The fact that I won't need a jacket makes me thrilled. Nobody likes to run with something tied around their waist. Or is that just me?

-More than the forecast, I'm really excited for my new running leggings. So excited, that I think I've mentioned them about 4 times on this lil space of the internet that I call mine ;)

-Caleb is currently downtown picking up my packet, getting my bib/shirt, and scoring a ton of freebies from the Expo and I'm insanely jealous. I want nothing more than to ditch work and join in. Grabbing all the goodies that I can!!! Seriously, we get enough laundry detergent to last us a year!

Can't wait to take another photo like that this year! Yay!

Thanks for all the well wishes and have a GREAT weekend, everyone!!!

Putting ourselves down {and a small challenge}

Recently, I've felt very blah. Hard to explain...but I just haven't been my usual happy, peppy self. I kind of feel plain, tired, etc. I know part of it has to do with my lack of exercise and eating healthy, but I can't quite put my finger on what's been going on.

Sometimes I'll see photos of myself and immediately roll my eyes, ugh, lets try that again. I mean, its ridiculous. I've noticed I've been putting myself down a lot lately. Not even out loud, but quietly to myself. I hadn't put much thought into it until I shot an engagement shoot on Tuesday and the girl kept talking about how she can't stand photos of herself, how she's not photogenic at all, worrying about a tiny gap in her teeth that no one but her would ever notice. I kept insisting that she looked amazing (cause helloo, she did!), and that she needed to stop being so hard on herself.

SMACK! It was like I was talking to myself. Why do we think its alright to put ourselves down like crazy, all day, without thinking twice? Yet when someone else does it to themselves, we think its outrageous! I wish for one little day, I could talk to myself the way I'd talk to others, and truly mean it. Wake up in the morning and be totally satisfied with what I saw in the mirror.

It's an internal struggle and I know its silly...but hey, everyone's got issues. I also realize that I'm not totally honoring God when I treat myself this way. When I treat my body like crap, then put myself down? I'm definitely not acting as if He created me in His image, am I?

Genesis 1:27; "God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them"

There are a few people I see quite often that I get a little uncomfortable around due to nothing other than pure envy. It's absolutely absurd. I've confided in my mom about this lately and she could hardly believe it. I'll just see this one woman and immediately feel intimidated. She can run faster than I can. She's got better hair than me. She's so talented at everything!! Yadda yadda yadda. Please don't judge me for this next sentence, but one time, I was almost looking for something to be wrong with her to simply make myself feel better.

WOW! Okay guys, that was super vulnerable and I need you to stick with me. Please...

I realize its insanely sinful and horrible to have thoughts like that. It's literally like the Devil is whispering in my ear all these lies that he wants me to believe, and I genuinely do, most days. But my perspective has changed the past couple days. I've spent more time than usual in the Gospel lately and it makes me remember that this isn't the way God intended for community/friendships to be. We are called to lift each other up, encourage one another, etc! We are to love our neighbors and KNOW OUR OWN WORTH! It's insanely hard for me to wrap my mind around God's grace but I'm so thankful for it every single day.

I want every single woman to KNOW how much God loves them, and to KNOW how beautiful and unique every one of you are! Beauty is so much more than an outer appearance, its about how we treat people, how we react to difficult situations, how we give of our time and energy. This verse makes me smile from ear to ear and I hope it makes you remember how beautiful you are today;

She is more precious than jewels; And nothing you desire compares with her. {Proverbs 3:15}

I'm also insanely thankful for a husband who treats me like a precious jewel and makes me feel his love on a daily basis, and reminds me of God's love for me.

We've all got flaws...but they are beautiful, and unique, and we need to learn to embrace them. 

So I have a challenge for you... on this random Thursday, as you read this. I want you to comment with one thing you LOVE about yourself. It can be your amazing hair, your sense of humor, or something more specific. I want this to be a post of positivity!! Next, I want you to get a hold of someone you love...your mom, your sister, your best friend...and pay them a random compliment. It could just be the positive shift they needed in their day. Ready? GO!

What'sa happenin {hot stuff}

Well, if you're wondering, YES the sunburn on my arm is still brutal. Oh, I forgot to mention its also along the left side of my neck as well, SUPER CUTE ;)

I had my first engagement shoot of the year last night, and it was amazing. I swear, the couples I get to work with are some of the most fun people! We talked about life, we danced, and we enjoyed the sun going down on the skyline. I got home and had a simple dinner consisting of a PB&J + some homemade sweet tea, and it rocked.

Last weekends wedding was awesome, as well, despite the rain. They went with Orange Leaf (froyo) instead of a cake for dessert, and we weren't mad about it! ;) we even managed to sneak in another #newlywedselfie

My second half marathon is in 4 days. OMG. I am so excited. I've been awful at my training plan the past couple weeks but somehow, I'm so excited for this half!!! I pray that my enthusiasm will carry me through all 13.1 miles of it, and that I can finish! I did buy some new running pants to celebrate...just like last year!

Caleb and I have TWO free weekends coming up. Can you even believe it? I don't even know what to do with myself! Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled for wedding season to be in full swing come mid-May, but boy...this free time is definitely something to cherish!!!

Enjoy your hump day, everyone! ;)

How to unexpectedly ROCK a weekend.

Friday evening I came home from work and chipped away at the Winnie the Pooh puzzle we've been working on (I know, I get wild on Friday nights). I mean, its been a week since we started. I want this thing complete! 750 pieces is no joke! A bit later, Caleb and I had some plans to go see a high school production of Annie, a few of the teens from church were in it and we wanted to support them! One of them actually played the lead role of Annie and it was so fun to hear her sing!

Ignore my nails that haven't had a manicure since 2007.

After that, we decide to finally use some gift cards and grab us some froyo!

Saturday meant it was time for wedding #4 of the year! Unfortunately, an uninvited guest named RAIN showed up and stayed the whole day. However, when you're forced to get more creative indoors, and you get a couple who is so down to earth? It makes for one heck of a day, and a ton of really great shots. Jenny + Chris literally laughed all day. There were tons of things that didn't go "according to plan" but they went through the day with smiles. Her mom handmade her dress and the belt, can you even believe it? We had a blast all day, and my internet speed is too slow right now to upload more than this so you get 2 detail shots instead ;)

We got an unexpected surprise on Sunday when a friend from church gifted us a couple Reds tickets for the game that afternoon. We were PUMPED! Although we didn't win, it was our first game of the season together and at Great American Ball Park, they let you bring in outside food/drinks so we hardly spent any cash! The day started out pretty chilly (we're down by the river) but quickly got VERY warm...so warm that I got one of the ugliest farmers tans ever, ha!

We had a quick trip to the mall where Caleb picked out a pair of printed leggings and a Chicago Bulls tee for me...I plan to live in that exact outfit all week #comfort. Then we spent the rest of our evening watching The Following and making some serious progress on our puzzle. Like I said, #wildnight

Hope you all had a great weekend! This week is all about prepping for our half!! Can't wait!

Softball & some pre half marathon jitters.

I'm sitting at my desk here at work before I officially begin my work-day, and I'm not even sure how I managed to wake up and function enough to shower, brush my teeth, and drive here safely. I am SO tired, guys. I haven't been this tired in a while...and yes, if you're wondering, I have the biggest (no calorie) Monster energy drink by my side.

However, it's worth it. I stayed out wayy too late watching my man do something he loves; old man softball (as we like to call it). He has a blast out there on the field and there's nothing that makes he happier than watching him be happy. He and his brothers all work at the same place, how cool? So I know it means a lot to Caleb to be able to hang with his brothers at the same time. Last night, my mom and brother joined me in cheering the boys on, and we had a great time! I did notice right away that my man went full on baby face, though, before the game! I have to say, I love his 5 o'clock shadow, so I didn't mind ;)

This week has been pretty busy. Multiple photography consultations, phone calls, tons of editing, too much TV watching/pizza eating. Oh and throw in the fact that my second half marathon is NEXT WEEKEND! You guys, had you asked me 3 weeks ago how I thought I'd do? I'd shout if from the rooftops "'I'm going to OWN that half!!!"....but now? My response might be a bit less enthusiastic ;) In all seriousness, I have been so busy and haven't made running a priority, but I do have to say, the last 8 mile run I did was amazing. Seriously, I felt like I could've kept going for a while longer. So, I'm going to hit the pavement again this weekend and run side by side with my man and we WILL finish that half next weekend. Hoping to cut a lot of time off from last year!! Keep your fingers crossed for me ;)

Also, for all you "The Following" fans, we stayed up until 1AM finishing season 1 because, well, YOLO (I hate that I just said that, but its true). It was amazing, and yes my dreams were psycho last night but I don't even care - what else is new? This post was all over the place today, but I won't apologize - that was for you, Amanda ;)

Enjoy your weekend, friends!!