A Different Kind of Run-away Bride!

The friendships you build running x-country last forever -- and here's just one example. My super cute friend Jackie is getting hitched and to celebrate her engagement, Kendra, another super cute running friend, put together an awesome party. Since Jackie is short on time -- busy with planning her wedding and training for the ING (did I mention this girl is an amazing runner? She eats marathons for breakfast!) -- we celebrated her engagement by joining her on a long run... except I didn't exactly join her due to some incredibly fun shin splints. So...long story short, Dan and I placed signs for Jackie to find along her run -- while others joined her on the run and at lunch afterwards. Can you see our fun signs in the pics below?? You guys are just too cute and I'm so thankful to call you friends! Congrats, Jackie!

Fully Alive!

My fam came over the other night to go to an art show in nearby Vickery Village. The artist, Blaine Watson, is the daughter of one of my mom's neighbors and her paintings are amazing! You have to take a gander at her fabulous work, a lot of which are religiously inspired. I am saving a spot in my house for most of her paintings -- she just doesn't know it yet! The picture below is of Fully Alive, an amazing painting! Here is a link to her Web site:http://www.artbyblaine.com/Site/BlaineWatson.html. Next time I have extra dinero -- I know how to spend it!

Fully Alive by Blaine Watson

Jacob and the boys stayed home and made dinner while we went to the show. And after dinner there was a serious Wii tournament. I think Jacob dominated!

Jennifer and Melanie are intense!

That's cute, Mel!

Andrew!

Jacob and Uncle Dan

The fam

Final scores! Who was Koopa Troopa??

Peace

Training for an upcoming marathon has certainly been interesting. Running provides opportunity for reflection and the most beautiful place I have run so far was just off the Blue Ridge Parkway during a New Year's getaway to Boone with friends. Dan and I found a quiet lake at sunset with a trail that goes around the edge of the water. Lately I have been struggling through long runs with pain in my left shin and calf. It's so frustrating to train for something and not be able to control your body! These pictures, along with inspiration from Isaiah 40: 29-31, keep me going. I don't know if I'll see the finish line of 26.2 miles -- but so far the journey continues to be amazing!

"He gives power to the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak. Even the youths shall be exhausted, and the young men will all give up. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40: 29-31