Sundowner 1m and 5k

So our annual run with my nephew, Lukus, was a ton of fun this year.  Due to Kiley's surgery she had to watch, but we signed her up anyway so she could at least wear the shirt.  Although I am praising God that nothing bad happened to her last year.  She had such a hard time, little did we know that it was due to her heart problems.  She completed the mile though, she is a tough cookie!  Here the runners are getting ready for the race.  It was so hot out in the 90s. 

Dad and son enjoying getting ready together.

As you can tell the girls were very excited...really they were! 

John and Lukus ready to hit the trail.

Kiley watching for her siblings.

The cousins watching for Jason to run across the finish line for the 5K.

There is my handsome man...in the blue shirt.  (Sorry, the other pictures he was behind this guy)

We are so excited and can't wait for next year!  Kiley is hoping to run this one and beat her sisters. Stay tuned...

13...Lucky or Unlucky?

13(.1) was a lucky number for me last week for it meant the END of my 1/2 marathon! And boy was I ever glad to see the number 13. I have to say for being an unlucky number mile race, God sure came through on making it a very lucky (and enjoyable) day. First off, the weather was the exact tempurature I LOVE to run in. Second, I had a great friend to run it with. Third, it was not humid (my asthma thanks Him!). Fourth, Jason and the kids were able to make it down in time to see me run (they had to get up at 5:45 to make it, the race STARTED at 6:30). Fifth, my ingrown toenail game me NO PROBLEMS! Sixth, my knees NEVER HURT! Seventh, I ran the whole time. Eighth, I FINISHED!!!It was a great run. Jason had them text him at the 5k, 10k, 10 mile mark and finish. At the beginning I had about a 10 1/2 to 11 minute mile, but around mile 10 I ended up slowing it up a bit. I think that was the best run I have had EVER! But, I will admit, I was ready for it to be over and especially them putting a hill at the very end. There were a few during the race, but right at the end, UGH! At least at the top I was able to see the finish line so I pushed it! The best part is I was able to pray for the 13 kids that are over in Africa and who I was running for. When I started focusing on how long I had to run, I would look at the list I wrote on my hand and I would pray. They go through such hardship every single day, I can do it for them today. And I did. For them. Yes, I can say I am a 1/2 marathoner now, but I know I did it for them. I have raised fourteen percent of what I set out to do, but every little bit helps. Next year, my sister is joining me in this endevor and I can't wait to do it with her. Will you join me? If you think you can't just remember that you can do anything with Christ who gives us strength. Last December, I couldn't even get a 1/2 mile down. Less than a year later, I complete 13.

You can do it! I know you can. Join me and World Vision next year. I would love for you to join our team!!! Here is a video of me at 4.5 miles and some pictures during the race. Thank you!

After the race, Jason had promised the kids a trip to the beach. So we walked over to 12th street beach, enjoyed a few hours there and then headed home. This is a picture of the kids as we waited for dad to go and get the car parked elsewhere in Chicago. I love Chicago!

It is official...I will be a Marathon runner, well a half of one anyway!

So I have officially signed up for the Chicago Half Marathon!! Yes, those that know me know I am not a runner, but I will be by August. I found this picture that says it is on the 9th, but it is actually on AUGUST 2nd for those that want to come and cheer me on or maybe join me for that matter! I will be officially signing up to run for World Vision to raise money for kids in Africa. What better way to get energized to run!!! Come and join me for a great time and to help kids in Africa, and for nothing else so I won't be doing it alone!!! 8-) Click the picture to link yourself to the website.