running for twenty-seven.

Happy Belated Birthday to me! ;)

I turned 27 on April 15 and am still smiling about the awesome events and turn arounds I'm making in life. We spent my birthday weekend in southern Oregon with the Waltz family in Medford and packed the days with some fun goodness. The main focus for me being that I would be competing in my first 5K race. Picking up the packets and shirt for the race the day before was already making my stomach a bit jittery.. thank goodness I was doing this with my sis-in-law Stephanie (but she is already a great runner which made me feel like I'd be holding her back..).

yes, these sweating pears (it was the Pear Blossom Run) were a slight anticipation of what was to come.

One thing I never understood about runs and marathons is why they start before the sun is even out. After doing this, I now understand. It felt AMAZING knowing that before 8am, I had already ran (and walked) over 3 miles and did this with about a thousand other people. I remember praying a couple times (the night before.. the morning of.. during the run..) 'please do not let me pass out during this and let me finish this!'. Yes 3.2 miles may not seem like far at all - but for someone who has never really been a "runner" it is slightly intimidating. Plus I didn't exactly do a great job of training for it. My bad. But now I want to do this more. I am looking at future run/walks around Portland in the area and will definitely take better training cues too.

#5112. That's me. At 6:30am... eesh.

me and Steph getting ready to join everyone and stretch out.

When we started I started having super uncomfortable pain along my left shin. So much so that we stopped and I stretched it out but didn't let it stop me. In fact, moving forward from that it actually got easier! I am so appreciative of Stephanie and her being so patient and such a good coach/support to do this with! Even if she finished 1 second before me haha.

after crossing the finish line!!!

I have new respect for runners and realize they are in fact athletes too! I always thought of myself as super active and was always in sports growing up but never really focused on running as a challenge in itself. But when your body is the machine - you find out how strong you really are. It was great to do the run and I look forward to doing it again! And hopefully along side my guy (after all his ankle rehab is complete!). 

It was a cool birthday gift to myself to set up my year of renewed fitness. I am getting far more serious with nutrition and working out. I was in great shape after high school and throughout college, but when you don't have the scheduled and already set in place time to go hit the gym it's harder to make it happen. But now me and T both have memberships at Crunch and it's great to motivate each other and congratulate each other on the accomplishments. 

I am so glad I decided to do the Pear Blossom. After all it was just 3.2 miles right? ;)

**I will write a bit more about my birthday weekend next time and share the other cool news that happened that weekend as well!

baptisms + birthday + baby + blossom run

I love a good alliteration. And Ooooh April has been great so far!
Let me share some great highlights going on with the Waltzes..

+ baptisms.

At our church there are baptisms monthly and we always watch, support and cheer for those who take the plunge in the water (totally and completely under water) to get baptized and being a faithful journey with Jesus. We had both been baptized previously (Travis got a sprinkle on his head and I was baptized as a baby). But, we both had gone on different paths away from God (as teens and in early 20's). However, in the last few years we have really grown in our faiths individually and wanted to do this together. On Palm Sunday (April 1st) T and I were baptized at church and felt SO much support from our friends and family in doing this and we are so happy we did this. I am proud of us and also excited to see what adventures God has in store for our futures and am so blessed to be able to do this alongside a man who is after God's heart as well. (photos to come soon!!)

Easter Sunday at church. :)

+ birthday.

I will be 27 on April 15th. I have a feeling that 27 will have a few twists and challenges for myself. The year of being 26 I got promoted at work, moved to a new place with Trav, become part of an amazing community at church and started my trek to communicate more about my anxiety (more of which I need to just hit "publish" and will be able to let you in on how I am doing on this challenge in my life). I love birthdays and this one will be definitely different. I'm spending it with my in-laws! :)  We will be heading down to Medford, Oregon tomorrow morning and return on Monday. I'm looking forward to spending time with all the Waltzes and the sunny weather that is expected there too! I am trying to compile a list of 28 things I want to do before I turn 28.. if you have any suggestions I'm all ears.. or eyes since it'd be through comments ;)

+ baby.

with Carmen + Emmanuel

Well I'm going to be an Aunt again! Teehee - did you think I was having a baby?? Sorry to disappoint.. but not yet. But who knows when we will be blessed to have a family of our own.. ;)  Travis' brother and his wife are expecting little Connor to arrive any day! How exciting! Obviously we are hoping he will make his debut when we are in Medford. :)  I love being an aunt. It is so fun to spend time with Emmanuel, Carmen, Leandra and soon to be Connor. I have great memories with my Aunt Kea and I look forward to creating some fun and lasting ones with my nieces and nephews.

getting our nails all pretty with my niece Leandra. :)

+ (Pear) Blossom Run

I'm running in my first 5K on Saturday the 14th. Part of my birthday resolutions involves my health. Some may not know but I was tempted in college to switch my major to Health Education (but I decided to just minor in it..). I love learning about health, how the body works, healing, nutrition, etc. Back to the run.. I'm a little bit nervous because I'm more of a jog and walk kind of girl and there will be runners doing all types of different races. I really wanted to do a run this year to kick my exercise routines in high gear and try something new. I won't be running alone though - I'm running with my sis-in-law Stephanie. She's a great support and partner in this (she runs daily) and has been cheering me on as the run gets closer. So wish us luck and hope that I don't pass out. And yes I'm totally aware that 5K is 3.2 miles. As someone who only runs in sports (tennis, soccer, etc.) I didn't really think about the running around I did/do, but when it's the only thing you're doing.. it's different. So while you're sleeping in Saturday morning I will be breaking a sweat and rocking my first health birthday resolution!

Well this post got very wordy very fast.. eek. If you've made it through this post - you're fabulous and should reward yourself with some ice cream.. I know I will on Saturday around 10am. :)