I DID IT!

OKAY...so my first 5K-actually it was a little longer than a 5K it was 3.7 miles to be exact. I finished in 42 minutes, which to me is such an amazing accomplishment. I average a 10 minute mile. Way better than I thought I was going to do. I was one of 15,000 people to brave the snow and rain (super dramatic huh) and run in Seattle's St. Paddy's Day Dash!

I ran with my good Friend Sheri who was blessed with mile long legs. I think I slowed her down a little, but she was such a great sport. She encouraged me, and pushed me and made the laugh the whole time.

The last 300 yards, I honestly thought I was going to die. But a Friend let me borrow his running mantra, "Not Dying, Can't quit"

Thanks to Tony who made me the worlds best Jogging Jams for my I-Pod that kept my mind of the snow, and rain, and my wet shoes, and feet, and pants and head, and everything else on me that got wet, and frozen. What a trooper to drive us to the run, drop us off so we wouldn't miss the start, find parking, and wait at the finish line to give me a huge hug, kiss, and good game nice hustle slap on the ass.

I have never been more proud of myself. I trained for this, and I worked really hard at it, and I am beyond pumped that I finished something I started. I will for sure Do MANY more runs. I think I've already got one scheduled for April 5.

Wish me luck!

TOTAL SLACKER

First and formost, I must appologize for being a total slacker lately with my posts. I had the flu last week, the ex-boyfriend is now the Boyfriend again. (That's great news)Life is busy...blah, blah, blah, Excuses, excuses!

So, it's now 12 Days till the St. Paddy's Day Dash! Honestly, kinda freakin out because I don't really think I'm ready. I have a week and a half to totally kick it in the Ass!

My goal is an honest one...finish without dying. I'd also like to run the whole thing. NO WALKING!

I have a new addiction to add to my training program. Emergen-C! I'm in LOVE with these! It's been proven than when I take one before running, I go at least a half mile longer! Whoop Whoop to me. I've also enlisted the help of the BF to put together a super sweet running playlist! I'll get that posted as soon as I get it.

The songs on my I-Pod make running so much funner (it's a word!!) So, a great playlist is key.

Cheers to more running...Hope I don't pull a hammy.

CHANNELING FOREST GUMP

Last night I successfully completed a whole mile and a half without stopping and or dying! I KNOW! I was beyond excited to realize what I had done. I was so into my play list (that a great friend had put on my Nano-thanks for that)that I was just bopping and running along. Lo and behold, an entire mile had gone by. Another kick ass song came on (Limp Bizkit-In The End)and I just had to keep going.

I honestly think I could have done 2 whole miles, but my gym running time had to be cut short because I had to hit up a first grade basketball game.

I was sweating like a whore in church and my face was bright red when I exited the gym. I felt AWESOME, and accomplished, and exhilarated. And I left with an extra little dip in my swagger. So, the plan of attack for the next few weeks is to add another lap or two to my running schedule. I want to be able to do 4 miles without dying before the 5K.

Wish me luck!

TO MOVING ON...

I had a very long, much needed, great conversation with a person I now consider an amazing friend. The advice I was given was truly taken to heart, and I feel a weight has been lifted off my shoulders a little. They are one of my favorite people in the whole world, and I wish them nothing but all of life's BESTS!

They told me to "do what Erin wants" I have a tendency to lose myself when in relationships. I get all caught up it the excitment, and love bubbles that I forget all the awesome things that made me, me. They reminded me all the good qualities I possess, and that those are never a bad thing.

I'm not sure if they read my blog, but a little piece of me will be hoping that they do, and that they will continue to check up on me. I know that if I ever needed anything they would come to my rescue.

So to you...my amazing friend. Thank you for all your advice, guidance, words of wisdom, support, strength, love, and laughs. You will forever hold a very important place in my heart, and I have been truly blessed beyond words to share a piece of my world with you. You will always be thought of fondly, and our inside jokes will make me laugh and smile EV-ER-RY time!

Thank you...for all of the memories, and to make moving on so much easier!

CHASING PAVEMENT

My ass is officially getting smaller! I know right! Someone at work pointed that out to me...thanks for that. My clothes are officially getting bigger. A little bitter sweet considering I really don't have the funds for a whole new wardrobe, and I like nice things. Mainly a very high affirmation to designer jeans, they are SOOO worth the price.

Training is going great! I'm dying less and less on the treadmill at the gym. People have accepted my "unique" form of running/dancing and are not as scared to be on the treadmill next to me anymore. I did a LOT of hiking this weekend, and felt the repercussions after, it's the good sore though.

Wednesday I'm going to hit up the high school track with a friend to correctly log the 5K. Running outside is WAY different than on the treadmill. So, I might be dying after that one! My dad said he'd pay my entrance fee for the fun run If I didn't die.
He's a giver.

39 Days till the run! I feel like I have to kinda kick it into high gear now. A great friend gave me some great advice "Not Dying, Can't Quit" So that will be my mantra during the run. All the while rocking out to White Stripes-Seven Nation Army, and Icky Thump, two of the best PUMP you up songs! Let's not forget Saliva-Click, Click, Boom, Disturbed-Down with the sickness, and Mario-Stutterin. Kinda all over the board huh?

THE STABIN' CABIN'

This crafty fine piece of machinery/housing graced us with it's presence in our office parking lot yesterday. Being a Real Estate office, I thought this was a great thing. I had to stop, stare, scan it, and walk completely around it to bask in it's greatness. Not only was it a brilliantly constructed form of camping quarters, but it's TRANSPORTATION!

Smoke stack on the top, to allow for fine camping cuisine. Propane tanks strapped to the back to allow for maximum cooking capabilities. I can only imagine what fine appointments decorate the interior. I'm thinking bean bags, velour walls, and disco balls, lots and lots of disco balls.

When the Stabbin' Cabin' is a rockin', Don't come a knockin'!

SUCCESS

I used to think that my success was measured by how much money I had in the bank, or by the title of my profession. That my success was linked to the type of car I drove, the shoes I strutted around in, or where I laid my head.

Can you get anymore superficial?

I have learned (the hard way) that those things really mean nothing to me. Don't get me wrong, I would NOT turn down a nice car if given to me, I think you pay for quality, and hard work looks good on everyone.

It's our 5Th Year of Relay For Life Cancer Walk in Lynden. It will be my 4Th year participating. My 2ND year on Committee, and my 1ST year of NOT being team captain. It will be my 6Th year CANCER FREE! In years past I have walked with my Grand father, who will be celebrating his 6Th year CANCER FREE! Yea! We got to go through it at the same time! I have walked with a friend who is going on her 2ND year CANCER FREE, and I have walked with kids that couldn't even walk yet.

I have seen the tears, the smiles, the laughs and the hugs of family's at the event. I have heard, and given the prayers for strength. I have witnessed the strength of one 17 year old girl who reminds me every single day, that we are stronger than anything that can happen to us!

I am blessed beyond words to be apart of such an amazing event. I am encouraged every single day to smile and thank my maker for every single thing I have.

I now know, that success is measured in what you do for others, not what others do for you.

Check out our Relay Video!

http://www.vimeo.com/2845699