Eleven

Considering I started this blog as a way to keep track of my running I haven't been recording much of that. Last week was CRAZY and running was just not happenin' during midterms. So friday I decided to head out for four miles, and it. was. awesome!

My legs were fresh, I was breathing easy, and I was FLYING!

I figured since my 4 miler was so fantastic that of course my 11-miler on Sunday would be easy peasey. Especially because my 10 miler last week was incredible.

So with my spirit high and a positive attitude I set out.

I love the S. Platte River. It's gorgeous scenery and I love that people just chill out and fish :)

This is part of the trail that I will be running along for the 1/2 I kept picturing myself here in 3 weeks, I was feeling strong, I was going to CONQUER this in the next few weeks.

I was feeling FANTASTIC.

How could I not with the mountains in the background?

I felt my energy sink at around mile 5 so I decided to try something new!

Last week I tried Clif Gu shots.

I'm attempting to find something to give me a boost during my 1/2 and I want to test it before the actual race.

The Gu shots were good... but the gel wasn't the best texture

The Shot blocks were good too, but i didn't feel like I got the same burst of energy with them

So close to home... and yet still 5 miles from being done.

This is where things started to fall apart.

Mile 6 is typically my worst mile, but in all my previous long runs around mile 7-8 I pick it up and finish strong...

Today.

not.

happening.

I couldn't breathe if my life depended on it (which i found out, it very much does)

my lungs felt like they were being crushed, and my legs were really tight (darn you yoga!)

It was looking not so fantastic, and then the wind picked up... thanks for that one.

I just kept holding on until I saw this beautiful sight ahead of me :)

my fabulous hubby and our friends dog Remy.

We're helping take care of Remy this weekend so I figured she would want to join me for part of my run.

Thank goodness for Remy!

She was literally pulling me for the last 2 miles. 

And those last two miles were ROUGH

I'm praying this whole "off" run thang is over and done with.

I don't want it showing up again for the 1/2.

I will say I was quite proud that I didn't totally lose it during the run. In the past there would have been tears, frustration, and a sense of failure.

This time around I just walked when I needed too and kept reminding myself that it's ridiculous to expect every run to be great. It just doesn't happen, and I need to be ok with that!

Let's just hope the 12 miler this weekend goes a bit better :)

prayers and advice are more than welcome!

I love work

... Jon's work that is.

He now works for Denver Seminary as part of the set up crew for events... which means....

amazing leftovers.

chocolate covered strawberries and the most amazing oreo cupcake... EVER.

it reminds me of my catering days. hopefully I won't add on the 10 pounds from my catering days.

meh... I won't think about that right now. I'll just wash it all down with some milk :)

I wonder when Jon works next... maybe I can request some creme brulee?

Grocery Shopping

I have a fabulous husband.

No, seriously.

He goes grocery shopping for me us.

Every week.

Even though I actually enjoy grocery shopping, it's hard for me to fit it in during the week. Jon has Wednesdays off so he decided to take over task, and he's been rocking it.


Today he did a reeeeeaaaaaalllllly good job though :)

Why yes, he is the world's best husband :)

I absolutely LOVE fresh flowers... he knows me so well. He may have also brought me some ice cream too... although I doubt that will last as long as the flowers will.

VFF: Spring is Here!!!

The VFF/BF Adventures are back! Now that the weather has warmed up and the gravel isn't muddy anymore it is time to take the Vibrams out for a run!

And it isn't just me anymore....

Yes, that's right. I've officially converted my husband to the barefoot side :)

He's actually been running in them for a few weeks now and has reported no knee pain! woo hoo

before when he'd be running his knees would hurt so badly... thanks to the vibrams he's pain free.

and before I sound too much like an infomerical we'll move along..

His first run outside :) Doesn't he look excited!?

It's alright, I was pumped for the both of us.

I have to say, I really thought my legs would kill after just a little bit of running in the Vibrams, but we made it 2 miles and while my calves are a little sore... that's the worst of the damage.

I'm thinking I'll definitely be ready to run some races in the Vibrams come May.

If this weather keeps up, you can expect some more Vibram Adventrures comin' your way!

Oh Korea...

While Jon and I are extremely happy with our decision to move back to the land of the U.S. of A, there are definitely moments we really miss Korea and the amazing people we met there.

Lucky for us, there's a whole group of Korean families living on the Denver Seminary Campus. We've already had numerous invitations for dinner and every Korean that meets us is beyond ecstatic that we lived in Korea.

Another fun aspect is that every Friday the Korean men get together for soccer/volleyball. As in a soccer ball being kicked/headed/etc. over a low net. I've kept telling Jon that he needs to join in on the fun, and he didn't until today...

Yes my husband did run out in his Pak Ji Sung jersey.

The Koreans went wild!!!

shocking... i know.

(if you don't know who pak ji sung is... look him up and it'll all come together)

throughout the game there was a healthy dose of "nice-uh" and "fighting!" with a whole lot of other Korean phrases mixed in :)

It made us miss our Korean Volleyball games and co-teachers so much!

Oh Korea, how we miss you :)

The Melting Pot

Tonight we celebrated our Valentine's Day with a trip to The Melting Pot

I take my fondue seriously

Spinach Artichoke Cheese course... there are no words...

Gettin ready for the main dish!

The Cutest bottle of Tabasco sauce.. ever

Gettin ready to use my dips!

So thankful we split an entree... it was sooooo filling

Jon attempting to use the mini tabasco

Gettin' ready for yummy dessert!

I think the rice krispie's were our favorite part

It was such a great night! And we had so much fun going out together!

Overall, an absolutely fantastic Valentine's Day!

Be Mine

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

Jon and I have celebrated some pretty fun valentine's days in the past...

our first  he made me my favorite hungarian dish

And as a married couple we celebrated our first Valentine's day in Thailand...

with Jon sick in the bathroom and me watching "The King and I" in or bed

so romantic...

And this Valentine's Day I'm going to a single ladies party :)

Jon has class so I'm opting to hang out with some ladies instead of spending my night alone!

I will say that we have a dinner date tomorrow that I'm way stoked for!

For the ladies night I made a little somethin' special

I had way too much fun decorating these little ones :)

And even though we aren't celebrating tonight.

 a card was due, just the same!

I made this card a bit ago and loved the colors and knowing how much Jon enjoys pink, I figured he'd love it :)

We also spruced up the house with a little more love :)

I am beyond blessed to have the BEST Valentine today :)

Jon is compassionate, smart, talented, goofy, handsome, and so much fun to be around!

How are YOU celebrating Valentine's Day??