Campfires and Great People

I had one of the most rewarding weekends I have had in a long time! My sister participated in a 32 mile run in Tahlequah at the Pumpkin Holler Hunerd. The Start/Finish line was right along the Illinoise River and ran a long loop up through the woods.

While Mishelle was out doing "her thing" I helped out at the race. Other than getting finishers Gatorade, water, or something to eat, I had the all important job of feeding the campfire. What you have to know about me is campfires are one of my favorite things in the world. I love the warmth on a chilly day and the smell that sticks in your hair and on your clothes. The people there were some of the most laid back friendly people I have ever met. The atmosphere was so welcoming and supportive. You have to understand that the people I run with, road racers, are very serious and competitive about thier runs and races. This crowd at the trail race was just down-home and fun!
These people made me want to hit the trails more often and my next pair of running shoes will be trail shoes!
I have to give a shout out to my wonderfully beastly sister who finished the 32 miles in 8 1/2  hours! I am so proud of you, Mishelle! You are an inspiration to me!

I Wish I Was a Hermit!

I realized something today. The world I live in can be very crazy. A question in my Bible study this morning made me think and reflect. It asked if people ever have told me something that left me dumbfounded. My answer; every day! The things these students tell me or that I find out about would blow your mind. A student today told me her mother was found unconscience yesterday and is in the hospital, hasn't woken up yet. Yesterday my Sr Yearbook Editor told me about the sexual abuse she had suffered in her younger years...she remembers everything. I could go on, but you get the picture. If it wasn't for the Holy Spirit and recognizing that God has me here for a purpose, I would become a hermit!

New Running Partner

Ugh, it seems I have to get used to a new running partner every other month. My latest is Chesney Shand. Or she was my one last night. Her husband is the photo manager for Lifetouch. She is a very sweet 39 year old lady from Tennesee. And boy, does she sound like it! I just love listening to her accent. She is fast and pushed me for 3.6 miles in 85 degree weather. I came home and went to bed. It was a good run but my breathing bothered me. I sounded like a summer dog! I don't know if she will come back to the pack run with me. She said she liked it, but it was pretty noneventful. I would like to try to run down by the OK river. That is, if I get the nerve to run with her again.

Another thing I did last night while in the city was drop my Bible off at Ace Binders to have it rebound. It will look so great when it's done, but I will have to be without it for 6 weeks! It's silly, but I already miss it! The guy is a Christian so I felt better. I know he will treat it with love.

I think I will try to run at the lake after school. I have got to start doing it every day. Even if it's just a little!

Running Again!

After being out of my running shoes for 3 weeks I ran a 10K today! I really suprized myself!

Let's go back 3 weeks. After putting up with bloating all summer I decided to go to the dr. She said I needed to have my gall bladder out. A week later, we did it. Because I am in good shape, I was able to be back to normal in 2 weeks and run 6 miles! That's a great reason to stay in shape!

The run was the Hoof in it 10K along the Ok river. It was very cool and I wore sleeves and capris running pants. It was a beautiful run along the river. I want to do some training runs there.

Emily Hogan did the run with me. She finished well and came back for me :) I did it in 1 hr 20 min. I wish it was faster but I felt good!