Hard Work + Faith

= a lethal combination and incredible rewards.

Who can count the amount of times I have been injured or sick in the past 4 years? Who can count the amount of times that I have watched everything I dreamed of and work for slip away? Who can count the amount of people who have given up on me? I can't. It's too many to count. But I can be thankful for those times and people. Because with out them I wouldn't know the true meaning of working hard, I wouldn't know the true feeling of accomplishment. I still have so far to go, but all I needed was one glimpse of hope, one step forward, one look at what could be.

This Thursday, Thanksgiving morning, I saw that glimpse. My coach gave me the opportunity to run in the 27th Annual Turkey Stuffer 5K (3.1 miles). I am so lucky to have been given that opportunity because the week before I ran 0 miles. I spent my time in the pool aqua jogging due to a very painful shin. But with taking good care of it led to a couple days before the race my coach giving me the go-ahead.

So pumped. Here's my shot. After working and praying so hard, I've been given this chance.

Highlights of the race:

1) Ran 18:51 ... PRed racing in my first 5K back after 3 or so years! Good way to get back into it!

2) Was the 2nd overall girl! Got a ribbon!

3) First race EVER that I have beaten my father. He wasn't far behind though, so I have to stay on my game.

4) I had an incredible crew of a turkey, pilgrim and indian to help push me through the race.

5) Kelli, in her 2nd 5K ever, ran a 22:31 which is 2 minutes faster than the first!

6) It was just a really good day!

Before the race!

After the race, and we're still happy!

My boys that helped so much. Caleb, Todd, and Justin.

He was a good sport after getting beat :)

So, I'm back.

Running is good

God is great.