A year since Boston.

As Boston comes up again. I have a lot of thoughts running through my head. First off all, I am disappointed that I am not running it. I am kicking myself for not signing up and letting my eligibility expire. I am also thinking about last year's race and the events of that day. Tuesday marked the year anniversary to the date of the race. So in a sense, I dedicated my run to those affected by the tragedy.

I remember exactly where I was when I heard about the events. I was sitting at my desk at my internship. I was getting the strangest text messages, everyone was asking if I was ok and if I was safe. Most of these people had heard that I had qualified to run the race and thought I was there. I went to cnn.com and saw the live feed from the finish line. It was such an overwhelming feeling seeing all of the chaos and the tears. I was and still am very close with the women I worked for during my internship and they let me head home a little early that day, which I was so grateful for.

I went home and called my parents. It's sad that it takes moments like these for us to tell people how much we care about them. The thoughts that were going through my head were that my family would have been there at the finish line. They could have been some of the ones hurt by these bombs. It was something hard to think about but it reminds you how important each day is. Nothing is ever guaranteed.

That evening I went to the gym and ran. I ran because I COULD run. I ran because I was healthy and well. I ran for those hurt and those hurting. I ran because I couldn't imagine what the people who's family were hurt. I simply ran. I remember being so exhausted after I finished that run. Mentally and physically completely spent.

I am looking forward to following the race this year! I know it will be one to remember as the celebrations focus on the triumphs of people injured last year. Just reading about some of their stories makes me feel proud.

 Morning before my race I kept telling myself that I would just do my best to keep up with the 8 minute mile pace group but if it wasn't there, I would slow down and it would be ok. Crossing the finish line, knowing I had qualified for Boston was one of the most rewarding moments in my life so far. If I had had any energy left at all I'm sure I would have cried but I was focusing on breathing normally again and keeping myself upright. I CANNOT wait for the feeling after crossing the finish line again. It is something YOU have to experience.

Every race is different from the rest. With such a successful race under my feet, I am nervous about having a race where I am not proud of the time. I keep telling myself that it's not about the time, finishing is such an accomplishment in itself.

This is the only meal I will eat before a marathon. Ok so the two that I have run I ate this. Broccoli and Gnocchi in cream sauce. I swear it's like heaven on a plate. The most delicious dish.

Tuesday I ran a slow 13.1 miles. I wanted to get a half marathon in for Boston. Yes it was slower than I would have hoped but with where my head was it didn't matter what my pace was. I just wanted to finish. To finish for those who didn't get to last year. And I did finish that last .75 of a mile. Less than a week until the race is run again.

BOSTON STRONG

KEEP YOUR FEET TO YOURSELF!

Today the WORST thing happened.

First I woke up really early to feed my cats,  I drug my virtually sleeping body down stairs. I walked past a window and literally did a double take. The peaceful rain that I had fallen asleep to last night had turned to a horrible white covering that I was hoping was gone for the season. SNOW :( While it looks totally beautiful, I am very over winter and cold days. I want to be able to sit outside and have dinner or read a book. But that is not the thing that I am talking about....

I started off my day with a delicious breakfast sandwich and a big cup of tea.

It happened in my yoga class today.

Let me set the scene. I walked into my yoga studio at the for my normal class and NOT Brent was sitting in the chair to check people in. PLEASE don't let there be a sub teaching his class today. I'll admit I am a hard sell when it comes to group exercise instructors. I shouldn't be such a brat but I can't help it. If I am going to come to a class I want my butt kicked. BUT crisis averted Brent was teaching. PHEW!

Then the class which is normally only maybe a total of 5 people, at the most, was a complete full studio. Like 20-25 people, women. Noisy, talking women. Laughing and gabbing. Ladies, I am all about a good chat but not in my yoga class. It's been a stressful week with lots of traveling so I was really looking forward to unwinding, literally, during this power hour class. These women would present a challenge but nothing that my normal seat in the back right next to the heater couldn't combat.

AGAIN, not the terrible thing that happened.

"the thing" ughhhh makes me cringe just thinking about it.

With so many people in the studio a girl camped out right next to me, ok fine that happens when it gets busy. Just please don't fall on me because when I'm in a yoga pose I am not going to be able to get out of the way quickly.

We started to warm up with some sun salutations. I can't even remember what pose we were doing it all happened to quickly.

We had our legs out to the left side when the girl who was next to me......

SET HER FOOT ON MY BACK!!!!!!

WHAT?!?!?! I am not kidding you, this girl, in any other context probably a really nice person, stuck her sweaty, stinky, disgusting yoga foot on my back!!!!!

For those of you who don't know I absolutely HATE feet. I don't even like my own feet let alone some stranger's feet!!! I completely froze. What are you supposed to do when that happens?

Let me just say for those of you who have not attended a yoga class that is NOT proper yoga etiquette. Or anytime etiquette for that matter.

I rushed home after yoga and scrubbed my poor back. You may think I'm being dramatic but if you felt the way I feel about feet you would do the same!

 The ONLY way to combat the disaster that happened today is with some dessert. So that is exactly what is on the menu for me tonight. This sundae is my inspiration. YUM

 And my favorite chips! So good! and they won't break your day of healthy eating. Not that that is a concern of mine today....

Travels and More

Oops.... It's been a while since I have written a post. In my defense I have been all over the place geographically, mentally, physically. Pretty much just all over the place. Actually still a bit of a mess. I guess let me start with my recent trip to Kentucky.  I had the opportunity to present some previous at a conference with my research group.

This was probably the most delicious salad I have ever had! It was a cobb salad that had portabella mushroom "tenders" on it. I wish I could have this every day! The fiasco that took place to actually make it to dinner this night was just a mess, a rainy rainy mess. The dinner definitely made up for it though! YUM!!! I think I am drooling just looking at this picture. 

 Ironically, we were in Kentucky right before Univeristy of Kentucky played Wisconsin in the final four game. AND I ran down Lexington Boulevard on my first run home after Kentucky. It was much warmer in Kentucky, even if it rained nearly every day we were there. Except for the last day, of course!

 This is the very sweetest little man who worked at my favorite little snack place on campus. He always remembered me by my first name and had something kind to say! He was excited when I stopped back last week to pick up some trail mix for my drive.

Sometimes life throws you a curve ball and you just have to take things as they come. Sex and the City is one of my favorite tv shows and the first movie is my "go-to" movie anytime I'm feeling bummed. This picture is too funny and just so fitting. I am only 22, what do I know about life? I'm just trying to squeeze as much as I can out of each day, that's what I know. 

I have been trying very hard to remember that you perspective is SO important. I can choose to focus on the bad things and the parts in life that make me sad. OR I can find the little things that make me happy even in crummy times.

My mom and I were craving candy corn the other day and all they had at the store was Easter candy. We both agreed that we love it but we hardly ever buy it because it's like crack and we'll eat it until we get sugar belly. THEN I found this delicious little treat. Bunny corn is just way better than candy corn it has more colors and is just so much cuter.

Today I went to one of my favorite places with one of my favorite people! My friend Kelly and I went hiking today for about 2 hours at High Cliff State Park. We got a little turned around, completely my fault. I was more confident about knowing the trails than I actually do. Oops. We had a great time catching up. It was so fun to switch up our normal coffee date with something active. Not to mention it was a beautiful day!

 I felt like a mermaid with my gym outfit today. I wanted to lift a little because I have skipped it nearly all week and instead been running. A LOT. I'm not complaining obviously just needed to switch it up!

How perfect that the song "Closing Time" came on as I was finishing my workout today. It was closing time on my workout! LOVE 90's pandora!