2013: A Year I Will Never Forget

As I sat down to write about the year that is coming to an end and the ideals of the year to come, I was reminded that today is the day that I have. I cannot bring back yesterday and I cannot control tomorrow - no matter how hard I try and no matter how many times I have to learn that lesson.

2013 was hard, very hard, and if I am being honest that is a bit of an understatement. I welcomed 2013 in laying in a hospital bed and the year has been filled with health battle after health battle. Cancer, surgeries, and illness hit my family hard. I spent far too many days without my husband. This year also made us parents, and though it was only for a short while, I'll never forget and will never be the same. I appreciate life a little different and love a lot stronger. 

This year has also been filled with exciting changes and celebration. Dan completed C17 training and we moved from Oklahoma to Washington. We absolutely love the PNW and we love the C17 community (even if it does mean Dan has been in a hotel or on the road over 340 days since last September) and our squadron. We have found a church home, we have met friends that have become family, and we have been blessed with a wonderful home. With any luck the PNW will be "home" for at least 2 more years and we are looking forward to more exploring! 

Dan's career is taking off and he fulfilled his first goal of being selected for C17 Air Drop school. He completes that school and will be a Co-Pilot Air Dropper in a couple weeks. It is really neat watching him live out his childhood dream. As for me, I was recently hired as an Emergency Room Tech at a local hospital. I absolutely love working in the ER and know medicine is where I belong. I will start working towards school again soon but right now I need a lot of patient care hours for the programs I am looking at. 

Most of all, 2013 has taught me that I serve a faithful God. I serve a God that comforts and a God that sustains. I serve a God that is strongest when I am my weakest. I serve a God that loves me when I am most undeserving. I serve a God that lets me scream and simutaneously comforts me with the gentlest of hands. I serve a God that weeps when I weep. I serve a God that fills me with joy in the middle of sorrow. I serve a God that celebrates and rejoices with me. I serve a God that knows what is best for me. I serve a good God. 

So while I want to celebrate that today is the last day of this year, I do not want to forget this year. I have seen so much glory through the struggle. And for that, it is worth every hard day. 

Here's to 2014. A year of changes. A year of even bigger goals. A year to see my God work even more. A year to become a better me. 

What will you do in 2014? How will you make this year different? Remember, you are often your own biggest hurdle. So get out the way, get started, and make every day count. Make 2014 a year to remember!

Stay tuned for more. Tomorrow I will address running - the other piece to this blog. 

Cold + Running = Pure Bliss

Okay, call me crazy but when most people are running for the treadmill I am more eager than ever to hit the streets. I much prefer the cold over the heat when it comes to running. Any other time I hate the cold. I am hoping the same will hold true with the wetness WA will bring.

So thank you mother nature for sending the cooler weather so I can wear my most favorite running pants. Thank you WA for surprising me with more of your beauty - the most colorful and longest last fall I have ever seen. Some days I question if this is really where we live or if it's just some painted picture.

What is your favorite weather or time of year to run?

5 Years Later

In 5 short years we have:

• gone from enemies to best friends (for those that don't know our history, I was not very fond of Dan when we first met) 
• experienced three of the best years of our lives together - being an ECU Pirate
• learned the true meaning of "flexibility is the key to airpower" and as a result, learned that what most spend months planning we could plan better in 10 days - I will never forget our wedding
• learned that I can survive driving halfway across the country but that was probably a one time thing because the second time reminded me why I will never do it again (please please please ship my car and let me fly there the next time)
• spent entirely way too many days in a hospital and hours in doctor offices - I am forever blessed by your patience and unwavering commitment - you have mastered "for better or worse" 
• embraced living in a small town - Enid, OK we will never forget you
• adopted two of the best four-legged kids in the world - Bristol and Trooper 
• conquered one of the longest and hardest years of our life - pilot training 
• learned that despite our best efforts or desires, God's plans are often always better than ours - we love the C17 and we love living in Washington
• lived in 3 different states and 4 places (Greenville - we miss you, Enid - we will be back, Altus -I hope to never see you again but Dan has no choice ;), & Puyallup - we love you but could really use a little less rain and a bit more sun)
• traveled to or through 18 states together 
• survived our first deployment and many missions 
• became quite the running & cheerleading - thank you for your support and always being at the finish line 
• embraced the Air Force way of life and welcome the adventure it brings 
• suffered a heart-aching and scary miscarriage - sweet baby, we will hold you one day
• been married for 2.5 years now and next year we are finally going on a honeymoon :)

& the list goes on

We have lived. We have fought and we have been angry. We have cried and we have laughed until it hurt. We have taken steps backs and we have grown leaps and bounds. We have danced and we have sang. Most importantly - we have loved. 

Then - 2008

Now - 2013

Here's to many, many years ahead and being thankful that you decided to "break your rule."

 I love you, always. 

P.S. You still owe me a cold-stone date :)

Living in Washington

After eight months of living in Washington 

What we love...

The outdoors - perhaps the best part about the PNW. I think it's one of the most beautiful place in the world because you can literally have it all. The city, the mountains, the country, and the water are all at your fingertips. 

Hiking - it is becoming a favorite and we still have much to explore. Now, if only Dan could stay home long enough to make that happen! 

Paddle-boarding. Seriously why did I just discover this? 

Food, food, and more food. The seafood is to die for. Dukes Chowder House is our favorite. Sushi has become our Sunday tradition. Basically anything we want is within a 20 minute drive. 

Active people - rain or shine, people are out walking their dogs and running. We learned very quickly that we would have to press on in the rain. 

Running - I can choose whatever scenery I want. My favorite place is Ruston Way by the water. Race options are endless and I have been pleased so far.

Skiing - we haven't been yet, but we have seen the pictures and heard the stories. We cannot wait to go and I (Laura) cannot wait to attempt snowboarding. 

Museums - either I am getting old or museums are getting better. My favorite is the Glass Museum. 

The Fair (Puyallup) - it was A-MAZING. The rodeo was a blast. The concerts were amazing. This year I went to Craig Morgan and then Tenth Avenue North, Jars of Clay, Kutless, and Jeremy Camp. Next year I will know to get tickets months in advance and see some of the other big shows.

Our C-17 family - we could not have asked for a better first assignment or squadron. Everyone is super friendly and we felt welcomed from day one. We have made it through our first deployment, several missions, and Dan is settling into his new job. The ladies are great and I have really made some good friends. The AF and C-17 way of life is no easy task, but we are right where we are supposed to be.

& what we could do without...

Rain - the summer was amazing. The next 8-10 months --- I will get back to you on that.

Traffic - well, we love the city. So we have to just deal. 

Drivers and the roads (sorry WA friends) - why on earth do we need lights coming off the ramps onto the freeway? Merging here is rather interesting. And while I am not an advocate for speeding, PEOPLE, two miles over the speed limit is normal. Just not here. 

Downtown Seattle - navigating it that is. I would rather walk around D.C. or NYC with my eyes 

closed.

Lack of AC during heat waves. The first heat wave I was sure our AC was broke. Nope. Culture shock. Very few houses have AC. Opening curtains and windows and closing them, placement of fans, and cooking - it is all an art. 

Stay tuned for a Washington/PNW bucket list. We have checked off a few things in the last 8 months but still have a long ways to go! 

Set Aside The Fears

Photo Via

What's holding you back?
What are you afraid of?

Failure only comes from not trying. 

Tacoma Color Run

It is no secret that I love running. But what I really love is when kids want to run. So when my dear friend Stephanie told me her kids were going to join a running club and train for their first 5k I was thrilled.

We signed up, formed Team Southern Belles, and prepared to take over the Tacoma Color Run! We had the perfect outfits. Tutu and all. Never say never. The girls were ecstatic, and truth be told, Stephanie and I were just as giddy.  

I have been to many races but I have to say the Color Run lived up to it’s hype of the “happiest 5k on the planet.” We got our zumba on, danced our hearts out, stopped for fabulous pictures, met batman, and left very colorful.

I am super proud of these two and cannot wait to see what they were going to accomplish. Work hard and push yourself to achieve your greatest potential, but most of all....

H A V E   F U N :)

Return To The Start: 9/11 Heroes Run Race Report: Part 2 The Race

After my decision to change my race plan I was a bit antsy. Thank goodness Dan was able to be home (thank you Air Force!!!) so he drove while I played on my phone to distract my thoughts. Bad idea. I checked my email only to realize that I had failed to read one of the many emails the race director sent out. I decided to go ahead and read it. YIKES-course change due to last minute construction. Hills were now in the mix and the finish line was now a hill. Good thing I have two massive hills either way out of my neighborhood so I had some training. But just how was this going to play into my "go hard" plan, I wasn't sure. So what did I do? Freaked out and sent my coach a very early morning text. Luckily she was up, we had a quick chat, and I was ready to go again. 

Dan and I arrived at the race about an hour early so we had some time to explore Mercer Island. It was absolutely beautiful and so peaceful. Just what I needed. I sat on the pier for a good thirty minutes stretching and reflecting. 

The opening ceremony was simple but moving. And in just a few words the race director said it best "run hard, don't run with a heavy heart, and leave it all out there because they did." This race was to honor the fallen. Hard it would be - the course and the effort. 

Photo via

I took the start line and was off. Within a quarter of a mile I was breathing harder than I needed to be and my HR was already in a zone 3. Oops. I thought about the conversation I had with my Coach about her previous race about going out too hard, considered slowing down a bit, but then I thought "oh well I don't care if I feel it at the end, I am giving this everything in me and if I get a PR, then shooot....go for it." So that's when the race became mine....

This course was hard and I was not prepared. The hills were a challenge, but they were gradual and much like the ones by my house. The course was narrow, the gravel was extremely loose, and I was not use to grass/trails. Passing people was nearly impossible at points unless you wanted to be rude, and let's face it, I wasn't winning so I wasn't going to push anyone out of the way. 

Not much after I declared the race "mine" I started begging for the halfway mark. If I could make it halfway, I knew I could finish the second half. Honestly up until this point I don't know what was going through my head. I didn't think about the past year. Not once. I didn't think about anything other than breathing. It was about mile 2 that I was thinking my legs and feet were going to give out. I was going too hard (for me). Then I remembered "I have feet like a deer" and "why do I run"and suddenly all those things to think about came rushing in my mind. I thought about it for a few seconds then remembered the race director said no heavy hearts today, leave it all out there. I forgot about it and went back to pounding it out with Titanium and Roar (I always listen to a christian radio station on pandora when I run but before the race decided to change it up so had those two on youtube on my phone and played on repeat). So really what I said over and over was the lyrics "you shoot me down but I want fall." I guess I did think about this year subconsciously.

My body was screaming to quit and my HR was near my max and was staying up there. My watch said I had .80 to go and I knew a PR was no longer an option. Defeated for a moment I decided to walk for 30 seconds. I was mad. But then I was quickly reminded that I said I would leave it all out there so back to running I went. Then I started to question my GPS and how far I had left. I knew from my previous lap I had to be closer than the .75 my watch was saying. Could I manage to pull it off? The only way to find out was to go for it. 

As I started up the final hill I could see the clock. I knew if the course distance was right and the time was right I could get the PR. I had a minute to get up the hill and cross the finish line. I crossed the finish line with what I thought was a good 15 seconds to spare. Did I do it? Was my watch right or wrong? Was the distance right? I called Kristie (my coach and dear friend) immediately and told her I think I had done it and a few minutes later we confirmed. 

The clock was right. The distance was correct. I set a PR. 

I heard a man say, "man, that girl is smiling big coming across that finish line." Yes sir, I sure was. I was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. God was faithful. He allowed me the hard and He was present. He was greater. 

 "He must become greater, I must become less." John 3:30

Today, I took the start line. 

Today, I took back a part of me that my health took. 

Today, I felt alive again. 

Today, my heart was free and consumed with joy again. 

Today, I crossed the finish line. 

The best cheerleader. My best friend. My husband. I love you. 

Thank you for keeping your promise "for better or worse". 

I debated going public about this race or even sharing this race report. At first I wanted it to be just between me and God. But the reality is, I wouldn't have taken that start line had it not been for all of you. My family, my coaches Glenn and Kristie, my teammates, my friends, and my doctors - all of you made this possible. The last year hasn't been easy but I thank you for your prayers and support. Thank you for believing in me and pushing me. Thank you for being there. Thank you. 

Return To The Start: 9/11 Heroes Race Report: Part 1 Before The Race

I cannot think of a better way to launch A Race To Run other than sharing the race report that embraces what this blog is about: faith, running, and life.

Pre-Race History:

My training was exactly where it needed to be. I was on track to run the Tulsa Half Marathon November 27, 2012 and then the plan was to continue to build for the OKC Memorial Marathon in April, 2013. I had big goals and they were shattered. In a matter of weeks I went from being in the best shape of my life to not being able to walk. I was terrified. This happened to me in 2009. Doctors were stunned. How could this happen again? What was it? I was given several different diagnoses and treated for some. Specialists would agree then disagree. I was drowning in medication.

I wanted answers and I wanted to be well, but most of all I wanted to run. I wanted to train. I begged God for it...even it was hard, I just wanted to run.

For months I lived in hospitals and doctors offices. I waited for the day I was told I was well enough to start training. That day came. Training was slow. It was harder than when I first started running. We had to be careful. I had to be patient, and I am not a patient person. I knew racing was out of the question. My heart wasn't ready yet. I trusted my coach to tell me when I was ready. And when I was ready, he did. I was ecstatic. The plan was to run the 9/11 Heroes run on September 14.

Then life happened. The six weeks leading up to my race I got a new coach, both of my parents were sick and required surgery, migraines were still too frequent, and training was not consistent. I wasn't sure I could run 3.1 miles. A week before the race I told my coach we needed to talk, I was having reservations about the race. The night we were to talk, her son needed her so we rescheduled. I thank God for Ty and his need that night. The next day I had the best run in almost a year.

Thank you Ty, you are an angel. 

We decided I would go to the race and just have a free run. No time goal. No pressure. The only goal was to have fun and remember why I run. I could do that.

I am not sure why but the entire week before I was super nervous. You would have thought I was going to run a marathon and not a 5k. The day before the race my emotions got the best of me and in that moment, God so sweetly said, "go hard." I immediately sent this email to my coach:

This may be crazy and even stupid but I hope you will understand...I need to change my race plan.

Free run it will be...but I can't sit back and take it easy. I asked God to give me the hard over nothing...and this has every bit been hard coming back the last 9 months. I need to give it all I have, even if it hurts. I asked for this, to stand at a race start again, so I feel like I have to give it all I have. No time in mind, no chasing a PR...just me and God. 

It's a 5k and just another race for many, but this is much more for me. It would be my story if I played it safe, but it's his story and that means going after it-being a little uncomfortable. It may be a 40 minute run or a 29 min run giving me a PR. Either way, I just have to give it all I have. I come to this because God reminded me why I run. That was the original goal right ? ;)

Stay tuned for Part 2: Race Day