Unleash the Runner In Me…

Ok folks, I have officially got back into my running mode. I have been running for the last three weeks and feel great!  In September I decided to take some time off from running. I was burnt out to say the least. I honestly think it was because I had lost my running buddy. My sister and I moved away from each other and I lost my drive to run. It was so easy to run when I had someone to talk to, I would lose track of time and before I knew it a 40 minute run was over. Casey and I even completed a half marathon together last year. It was really fun! We were a little crazy in the fact that we did not train one bit. We just decided last minute that hey, we can run on the treadmill for ever, we totally can run a half marathon. Well, we finished and it was not as bad as I thought it would be, but I was sore for like 2 weeks! Not my idea of a good run.

I have missed the adrenaline rush that running gives you.  I really do love running. I love it yes, but I am not IN love with it yet. It is not only good for you but it really gives me time to think and relieve all my stress. Now that I do not have Casey to talk to I just THINK. Sometimes I even think about what I am going to eat when I get home! OPPS. The point is I missed running. I am happier, more energetic, lively and full of life when I run. I AM BACK!!!!

 So, here is the big news….I have decided, with a few of the teachers that I work with to join AUSTIN FIT (http://austinfit.com/) and train to run in the ROCK &ROLL FULL MARATHON in November. I CAN DO IT. My thinking is that if I can run a half with little training then just imagine what I could accomplish with training. Austin Fit is a program that helps you prepare for the race. You meet every Saturday with your group and run the long runs. During the week you just follow the schedule that they provide you. I am really excited about it and looking forward to getting my butt kicked!

I am not just doing this marathon to get into shape. It is something I would love to check of my bucket list in life. Now is as good of time as any. I also cannot wait to cross that finish line and have that exhilarating feeling rush through my body. That feeling of accomplishment and success, that feeling of being a winner, the feeling of being a champion! This race if for ME, no one else but me, I know I am capable. I just have to fight the mental battle that is within us all. The battle that is extremely hard to overcome at times, so hard that many people give up and fail. I will not be one of those. I will be a finisher, I will conquer my goal, I will UNLEASH THE RUNNER IN ME!

I LEAVE YOU WITH THIS:

"Being a runner means you are now 'free' to win and lose and live life to its fullest."

“It is difficult to train for a marathon; but it is even more difficult to not be able to train for a marathon."

“The difference between the mile and the marathon is the difference between burning your fingers with a match and being slowly roasted over hot coals."

I've learned that finishing a marathon isn't just an athletic achievement. It's a state of mind; a state of mind that says anything is possible."

"Of all the races, there is no better stage for heroism than a marathon."

A GIFT FROM GOD

Well Ladies and Gents, as I am sure you have heard by now, Easton Thomas Drake has made his arrival into our lives. What an incredible feeling. I am not even his mother and the moment I received the text message from my mom I immediately lit up and began to thank God. The text message I received read Casey is going into the delivery room! At that very moment I can honestly say I stopped and said a prayer. I have to be truthful and say that this prayer was not for Easton, OPPS! I know I am a MEAN aunt. My prayer was for my sister. My one and only sister, who means the world to me, the one who I look up too more than anyone else, and let’s face it… life without her is unimaginable. So at the moment in time I said a prayer to God to be with my sister. To watch over her, and help guide her and give her the strength she needed to deliver baby Easton and by gosh please do not let anything happen to her! Then about five minutes later I said, “Opps, and dear Lord, please be with Easton too!” They both did amazing, Easton came out as healthy as can be, and his mom did beautifully. She is one heck of a strong woman! (I am not sure I will ever be ready for child birth.) So the last couple days have been filled of joyful phone calls and charming pictures of little baby Easton. He is already brought so much joy to the Salley family. I can NOT wait to get to California in 2 weeks to hold my little man. I have to admit I am a bit scared of newborns. They are so fragile and delicate that I usually just steer clear from them, but you  better believe that I will be holding little Easton and rocking him as often as possible. I hope that when he grows up we have an amazing relationship. I really want Easton to know me and be able to talk to me. I want him to know that I Love him, and will do anything for him. He is very special to the Salley family. He is the first Grandson for my mom and dad. He has big shoes to fill. He will be the one who all the other grandkids look up too and want to be like. I know that he will be very special to us for the rest of his life. The Salley family will definitely keep growing and has room for a lot more, but we are off to an incredible start and could not be happier. I love you Easton Thomas and welcome to the best family in the world, I promise you will never be let down. WE LOVE YOU. J

He is already trying to call me, such a GOOD boy. J