Isn't it Ironic?!?!

What a Saturday today has turned out to be. Feeling pretty blessed and incredible after such a busy but, fun Saturday.

Having such a long to do list today, I figured getting a run in nice and early was the best way to start my day.  Usually when running on our trail, I just zone out and give the friendly head nod or a wave when seeing others, but today was different. As I was approaching a man say maybe in his 50's, he began to introduce himself and strike up a conversation. Every time I run on the trail, something interesting happens but today was exceptional.  I am thankful I took off my headphones and paced along with this gentleman, such a true inspiration. He told me how he use to run a marathon every month until he got cancer and lost part of his foot. He said he was not as fast as he use to be and his gait was a bit off. Keep in mind, I was pacing this man at a 7:30 pace at this time, can you imagine how fast he was before his illness?!?!, Blows my mind away, as we chatted he told me he was still a pacer for local races and that his fastest marathon was a 2:43 in Chicago. I chatted with him about my goal of qualifying for Boston and he gave some helpful pointers on what to do with pacers. He gave me motivation and confidence, he told me to keep going and not to give up.  What a little guardian running angel this was and for some reason, I was meant to run into him. It's amazing how things occur and your put in places at certain times to meet incredible people. He lite a fire in my run today, I ran a 7:49 pace for 11 miles straight. I felt like I was flying and that I could run forever. The words and stories he told me just put a little more in my step. What a fabulous feeling it was to hear this man's story of survival and running. It Makes me want to try harder and run faster for him, for myself, for those who believe in me. I have the drive and hope that I can continue to make those around me proud and amaze myself at times.  I am gonna adventure out of my comfort zone. I am going to keep trying. Therefore friends, seize the moment, go for it. You only have yourself holding you back:)

Not sure who dressed me today? Gotta love it:)

Next on the list was taking my niece out for her birthday. We went shopping for her gift and finished our day at Orange Leaf!! Gotta love Fro-Yo:) this was my nieces latest creation and yes she ate it all:) Happy birthday bug:) 

Ok I know you guys are craving another cool recipe and kinda been in a food jax rut lately. I have been stuck on my strawberry protein shakes, but this week am going to try this delicious recipe I found. I can't take credit for this one, but it seems pretty promising.  I plan on changing the coconut to unsweetened coconut flakes and using the unsweetened almond milk/coconut milk that Silk how's has to cut down on calories and fat. I will also add half a scoop of protein powder in it. Hope it's good, please let me know what ya think?? 

Toasted Coconut Banana Smoothie

What is your big dreams?

Dream big

Well folks, last weekend I ran my 7th marathon in Champaign, IL and a special race it was for me. Not only did I achieve a PR, but I also dealt with breaking through some tough walls. As a runner, when you get into higher mileage your mind starts to play games on you. For me mine occurred at mile 17 and 24. Many times my mind just kept saying, "oh it's cool your doing fine, you can walk," but the other part of me just wouldn't give into this. You see a marathon is much more than just physical, it's mental. I guess what I am trying to say is don't give up on yourself when in a tough situation, keep moving forward, and your goals will be achieved. Heck mine was and so glad I didn't listen to that little voice telling me to quit.

Ok enough of me motivating you, here is a recap of champaign.

First off, you all know that every since my first marathon, we have to take photos before the race. It's tradition and well no one breaks tradition. I dressed as a highway construction worker with my neon clothing and awesome pro compression marathon socks and my husband went as Captain America. Captain America was a hit. The kids and adults all screamed as he ran and high fived everyone. Therefore, Thinking I should go as Wonder Woman for the Minneapolis marathon next month.... I initially said the Green Lantern and my husband thought Wonder Woman would be more fitting for a girl. Opps wasn't even thinking that:)

Someone likes to make fun of me:)

Thankful for my husband who ran the first ten miles of the marathon with me, he ran the half and wanted to do some speed work for the last 3 miles of his race. Not gonna lie, but when you see the half marathoners split from the full you start thinking how nice it would be to just go with them:) but oh well just gotta think it's only 13 more miles, no big deal. So off I went, I realized after running with someone it becomes harder to zone out. I jammed out sinning songs for a bit, then mile 17 came. Aghhhhh my nemesis! I dunno why but this mile sucks! I just am thankful once it is over and I see the mile 18 sign! I will say the crowds were incredible!! Streets were lined with spectators and volunteers cheering you on!!! Mile 24 was like a bad joke someone was playing on me, it was up a steep hill with no end in sight. I saw multiple people stopping to walk and just kept saying to myself if you stop you won't restart and it's over. No way after 24 miles was I going to have that happen. Mile 25 came and a guy had a Miller lite beer stand, if only I didn't have to continue running. I am not a huge beer drinker, but for some reason they are delicious after running. Saw a few guys stopping to enjoy a brewski, and I was to continue the journey. As I came down a hill onto the University of Illinois campus, a group of guys were screaming, " you got this girl!" And high fived me. Not going to lie, that extra cheered helped me finish that race. I sprinted past them and into the campus football field. It was an awesome marathon! You finish on the football field as they announce your name and have a jumbo screen with you running through the finish line. Made me feel like Rocky, like when he climbed the stairs! Felt like I was on top of the world running onto that field.

 It was an awesome day! I learned a lot about myself and how dreams can come true. As I continue my dream of qualifying for the Boston Marathon, I actually feel like it is within my reach now . I now have a PR 3:41 and need 3:35 for Boston. I can do this and will continue to dream big. Don't let anyone ever tell you, you can't do something. Better yet, go out and do it, show the world how awesome you truly are! Dream big,

Alright my friends, have a great week and enjoy this springtime weather! Happy Cinco de Mayo! 

I leave you with this pic, Where's Patrick? Bet you can't spot him!