LITTLE SISTER: Loves Her Big Sister

Just wanted to tell you that I LOVE YOU so much. You bring so much joy into my life sister.



"Free your mind, and your feet will follow."
-RW quote of the day.

LITTLE SISTER: Let It Snow!

After failing to run all week...literally-- monday, tuesday, wednesday, and thursday, I finally made it out for a run friday afternoon! After two minutes of running my favorite trail, I was filled with joy and great surprise as the snow began to fall! I ran for seven miles in the snow, seeing the speckles of tiny white pieces fall from the sky and feeling the coldness as it hit my rosy checks. With each mile, the ground beneath me disappeared as a layer of white powder took over the shades of green and brown.

It was truly a God-given, glorious day to run!

BIG SIS-finally :)

Well I have finally found a moment to get to the computer and write! I have been so busy working 2 jobs and now planning this wedding that sometimes running has taken a backseat (although I am determined to run this half marathon). The good news is I just put in my 2 weeks at my second job so I should have more time on my hands very soon. Yesterday was a pretty awesome but very busy day. My family got to meet Jesse's family which went well as I suspected it would :) Jesse and I then went to church which for me was a very "tough love" service dealing with money. By the time I got home and after eating 2 slices of pizza, I was ready for and in need of my run. With so much on my mind I decided to take the time to think and opted to run without my ipod which is not a very common thing. I was glad to have the chance to "talk with myself" as I like to say. My four-miler felt as easy as one and if it wasn't so late, I probably would have ran a couple more. Hopefully my long run this afternoon will feel as good as last night!

LITTLE SISTER: Today's RW Quote--Couldn't Have Said It Better

"Consistency requires discipline. Force yourself out the door."

Off for my long run of the week. Goal: 1 hr/6 miles.

LITTLE SISTER: When Timing Yourself, Distance is Best Calculated

I have thoroughly enjoyed my first week of training in the slopes of North Carolina. The neighboorhod I am living in this year is quite perfect for running. About 5 minutes down my street there is also a running trail...which brings me to my next point. Yesturday, we were suppose to run that 5 mile (3 miles at 8:15) and so I just went ahead and figured that a loop around the trail was 1/2 mile...so I go ahead and start the three miles and cant understand why my miles are so slow when I am running as fast as I can. So finally, I'm just shot and can't run anymore. I ask a couple walking the trail if they know how long the loop is and the man answers 1000 meters. Ok, so every "mile" I thought I was running was in fact a 2000 meter mile, rather than the most commenly known 1600 meter mile. I felt a little better about my run, yet was also glad that I wouldn't have to make the same mistake again. The trail is quite beautiful however.

Well, I decided I am coming home for spring break. Therefore we can run together a couple times and I can help you pick out your wedding dress--yay!

Here is the quote today from runner's world--I kind of liked it: "When we understand the privilege of what it means to be an athlete, we are in touch with, and rejoice in, our physical, mental, and emotional strengths and our endless possibilities."

LITTLE SISTER: Running Out of Florida

OK, intro: This is now my second blog. One that I will be writing with my sister Meg. We are training together for our first half marathon that will be in Charlotte, NC this spring. Unfortunately because I'm off to college soon, we can't train together...so we figured this would be a good way to keep eachother posted and have a little extra fun....hope you enjoy.

Well...My first week of unofficial training has gone well---that is, dependent on my own definition of the word "well." I ran 4 miles yesterday, the furthest I've ran since last spring. It wasn't too bad, but I'm still feeling slightly nervous about our first official long run-what was it, like 7 miles? Maybe the long runs wont be too bad, the speed workouts might be the ones that come out of the ground, put on boxing gloves, and kick our asses. Only time, sore knees, and passing out will tell. Well.. nothing too exciting here. Enjoying being able to eat more since I burn more calories/day-always a positive aspect of running. Having to drink more water and therefore having to pee every 20 minutes--one of the less appealing aspects. My feet have given themselves a chemical peal this past week and I am now losing much of my skin--proof that I really have been running. Today is my last Florida run and also my last run with Gator, my dog, which also makes it my last squirrel hunting adventure run. Sad day. Hopefully Florida's "snow" wont slow me down too much.

I saw this verse from 1 Timothy 4:8 the other day and I thought it was a good thing for us to keep in mind while we train. It says this: "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." I think it will be cool to see how this training and journey fits in with our walk with God. You know, what can we learn from this....? Well, until next time--love you sis.