Things That Make Me Happy

include:
a sunny spot on the bed where you can fall asleep,

sangria,

the excitement and anticipation you feel before giving a gift,

bright flowers (even if they're fake),

kitten yawns,

slipping on worn in sandals from last summer that fit just right,

finding real life inspiration from a magazine,

sweet tart jelly beans,

putting away winter clothes,

this guy:

Born & Raised

Proud to be a Hokie, each and every day.

Springtime + Running Goals

The warmer weather this week has certainly helped to turn my frown upside down.  I have been so tired of being cold that when it hit the 70s this week I just about fell over!
The tree next to our driveway even started to bloom this week, which made me smile:

I've begun the final countdown for spring semester.  I have just ONE class left for each of my classes, so class on Wednesday, Thursday, Monday & Tuesday (online) and then I'm a free bird until May 19th!  Of course our school system is going until June 20th so I'll still be working away, but I will be so thankful to take a load off my shoulders for a bit.
This warmer weather also has me thinking of getting back into race mode.  I was supposed to participate in a local race series but due to scheduling conflicts I missed one.  SO, now it's up to me to find some races to do.  I have the Monument Ave 10K under my belt, but I'm now looking towards another half marathon.  I would really like to run a PR this year and so I'm looking for some flat courses.  The race I have in mind is the Navy-Air Force Half Marathon in Washington D.C. in September.
I've been a Hal Higdon fan ever since I started my longer distance races and I stand by his books and training plans.  Therefore, I will probably use his Intermediate program to train for my fall half marathons.  This program includes some speed work which I have never done in the past when training for half marathons or my full marathon.  Hopefully incorporating some speed work will help me get to a PR.

Any other runners out there planning for fall races? I would love to hear which ones you're running!

Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K

Happy April! No fools around here...I've never really been into the whole idea.  I fall for things too quickly and then I look silly.  However, my mom does the announcements at school & she has a great one planned for the kids! ;) Let's just say...those snow days will come back to bite us... I am so happy that it's finally April.  March seemed to drag on, in my opinion.  I'm ready for some (actual) spring weather, consistent sunshine and to say goodbye to my boots!
Unfortunately with April comes the thought of rain - April showers bring May flowers, anyone?  We definitely got a sprinkle or two of rain this past weekend in Richmond when we went up to run the Monument Ave 10K! This race has always been on my bucket list purely because of how much everyone talks about it.  This is a HUGE race - 30,000 people - and is run up and back on Monument Ave., which is a historically significant road in Richmond.  It's a flat course (yay!) and has tons of bands/spirit groups along the way to keep you motivated.  So much fun.

I ran with my friend Sarah (we're in matching outfits) and my new friend Amanda!  We all stuck together and finished the race with our hands in the air.  Despite being completely drenched, it was so much fun!  We finished in a little over an hour, which I was particularly happy with since I didn't train......I blame the weather.
Sarah and I made shirts that said, "Run now, wine later" and we made tutus with purple tulle and purple chevron tulle.  We had headbands that said "Will run for wine" - I took my off because my head got so hot.
I would love to make this race a tradition!

Happy March, Happy Lent

In like a lion, out like a lamb.   Boy do I hope that's true.  This March brought with it yet another snowstorm that had me stuck in Northern Virginia.  Not that I was complaining getting to spend an extra day with my boy, but I am sick of the snow.  Yep.  I said it.  SICK OF IT.  20 inches of it really did me in a couple weeks ago... I'm hoping we are done with the winter weather and heading towards spring.  My body needs some warm air & sunshine.  My body needs some short sleeve weather.  I'm tired of being cold & sleep.  Ya hear me?
Since it's March I am reflecting on my February goals & setting new ones for March.  Since it's Ash Wednesday, I am reflecting on the meaning and spirit of the Lenten season and what that means to me, and what I'm going to "do" for Lent.
{February Goals} 1. Update my computer. I updated to the next software pack that I had to order, BUT I also made a step in another direction and that is talking with my mom about getting a *NEW* Macbook! Stay tuned :) 2. Re-do my 101 in 1001 list. I finally thought of 101 things and here it is. 3. Run my 10-miler in under 1:45. Didn't happen because the race was postponed to last Sunday and I was out of town :( 4. Do something with my calligraphy. Didn't happen.  Life + school happened. 5. Label/bookplate my children's books. This one is mostly done. I used up all of the stickers that I had and they took care of my hardback books.  I'm thinking of getting a stamp (or just handwriting in them) but of course the OCD person inside of me is saying, "What about when you have a different last name??" So that makes me want to wait.  
{March Goals} My March goals will be centered around Lent.
{Lent} "We give up that which we do not need to live, to gain that which we cannot live without: more Jesus." That statement stuck with me today after reading day 1 of the Lenten plan with She Reads Truth.  They're doing a 4 part plan - fasting, repentance, meditation and confession - and I am committing myself to follow it.  That's one of my Lenten promises.  I will probably post thing here & on instagram if you want to follow along!

  Now, what am I "giving up" for Lent? Candy + Soda I'm guilty of having a big sweet tooth and a knack for grabbing a Coca Cola whenever one is available.  However, if I'm going to try and get/keep my body healthy, I need to be more conscientious about what I'm consuming.  Taking out candy & soda from my diet will definitely help reduce my sugar intake and will hopefully encourage me to drink more water, which will keep me better hydrated.  I'll still allow myself to have other drinks, just not straight up sodas.
What are some of your Lenten promises?
Happy Wednesday!