Walk the Talk

This is an email I just recently wrote to a friend:

"Know that I'm thinking about you a lot and am always here for you. I wanted to send you this song. It's called "One Day You Will" by Lady Antebellum. This song has gotten me through a lot, a lot of hard times. It inspires me to move one foot in front of the other and fight for another day, because it is worth it. There is a silver lining, it will make us stronger and we just have to whole heartedly believe in that. I'm pretty sure I ran to this song for 2 weeks straight. It hits me in running AND life, which really are two very different things, to me. Running is it's own separate entity. Anyway, I hope it can help you like it has and continues to help me. I find a lot of comfort in music and lyrics, because sometimes that's the only place we can fall, the only place to get the perfect advice with out having to speak one word, and the only place we don't get judged."

These are song lyrics that I have fallen to the past 48 hours:

"But down the road the sun is shining, In every cloud there's a silver lining, Just keep holding on (just keep holding on), And every heartache makes you stronger, But it won't be much longer, You'll find love, you'll find peace, And the you you're meant to be, I know right now that's not the way you feel, But one day you will"

"Cause you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable, And life's like an hourglass, glued to the table. No one can find the rewind button, boys, So cradle your head in your hands, And breathe... just breathe, Oh breathe, just breathe
There's a light at each end of this tunnel, You shout 'cause you're just as far in as you'll ever be out And these mistakes you've made, you'll just make them again If you only try turning around."

"Just gonna stand there and watch me burn, But that's all right, because I like the way it hurts. Just gonna stand there and hear me cry, But that's all right, because I love the way you lie, I love the way you lie."

"You and I walk a fragile line, I have known it all this time, Never ever thought I'd see it break, Never thought I'd see it"

"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever, He is my strength and He's my song, His love endures forever, i will proclaim what He has done, His love endures forever, i will enter and give thanks to Him, this holy gate the righteous may enter, i will give You thanks, You answered me, You are my salvation, this is the day the Lord has made, i will rejoice and be glad in it, this is the day the Lord has made"

It's a random collection, I know. But that's what is so great about music and lyrics, that's what is so therapeutic, it's always there for you any way you need it. Whether praise, anger, hopeful... it's there for just you and just the right time.

Now I get the opportunity to live out what I say to others. I can't be someone who gives advice but will never follow it herself. "It starts with the man in the mirror" :)

Beautiful Day

"The will of God will never take you where the grace of God cannot protect you."

On my walk this afternoon. Beautiful day. I'm starting to feel like myself again :)

Courage

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow."

Rest in Peace, Porter

We lost a part of the family on Friday, January 21, 2011 - Porter.

Porter had more personality and charisma than any dog, animal, creature I've ever come in contact with. He was the dog you absolutely loved to hate to love. With his tail hitting every breakable object around, his wet nose sniffing everywhere you want dry, his sad face when he knew had done something wrong and the love that he always presented wether you wanted it or not. He was one incredible dog.

His life was cut short due to that lovable energy he always had. The energy you knew would really get him in trouble someday. The energy that led him the busy streets of Salem where he was hit.

Porter was never alone. He has a sister, Ruby. They did everything together, including running back the frisbee or stick. Inseparable. My heart goes out to her. And I'm so thankful we still have her around.

Love to my dad and Sue. It's their one anniversary today from when they got married. Sue had got Ruby and Porter as pups just before my dad and her met, and so we got the incredible opportunity to join their family when they got married. So a piece of the family is gone, but will live in our hearts for ever :) Love you Porter!

Porter - September 27, 2007 to January 21, 2011

2008 Olympic Trials 800m

If this is not inspirational, I don't know what is. This is why I love running, love Eugene and love the fight.

It's these moments I dream of.

They lived it.

What Keeps Me Going

So much has happened in the past 6 months, but the past couple months have been especially heavy on me. I was hurt by a number of people, some more than others, but along with that I was lifted by a number of people, some more than others. So instead of writing paragraph upon paragraph trying to update you on the last several months, and instead of delving into the those dark times, I'm going to follow my blog title and give the reasons why I "rejoice always" no matter the obstacle:

Districts, one of my many girls, Allie.

Nike Team Nations. The kids I coach. Absolute mud bath, absolute joy.

More of my XC family. This boy, Matt Melancon, won state for the first time ever in Sheldon history. I cried, multiple times. Watch out for his name.

Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffer/Spinney v Spinney Battle. I may have lost by 5 seconds to my father, but I ran 17:46 which is a LIFETIME PR and got 1st place for women. That day yet again proved to me it's worth the fight.

My trip to California. Six Flags with the Six Best Friends... (my brother is missing, their was 6 of us)

There he is! My brother.

Grabbing hot chocolate and catching the meteor shower at the beach in Carlsbad! Beautiful.

My beautiful family (and that includes Casey)

Casey Masterson. I have not laughed, cried or danced more with anyone else in a 2 week period. It was everything I needed. "Oh nah nah"...

The boys I babysit. I was told by the one on the right that Ireland is not a part of Great Britain. I am not smarter than a 5 year old.

New Years Day. If only I could explain our relationship to other people... We match in so much more than just our outfits. And it's perfect.

Before the most anticipated game EVER, the BCS championship game. Oregon v Auburn. We lost by 3 points, but I have never enjoyed watching a game more. Very inspirational game. These are our Darron Thomas jersey's who is #1, but also, Kelli and I are each others #1 :)

It's time.

I'm coming back.

Boston, Baby!

Day 5 - Fenway Park

This is the ultimate day that we've been waiting for, going to Fenway Park and watch the Redsox game. This was also the reason for Kelli actually coming to Boston with us.... so there is a lot of pressure riding on this day.

It started with meeting at Fenway early afternoon to sign up for the ball park tour. We got there a couple minutes late, so we had to sign up for the tour an hour later at 3 pm. So what to do while we wait? Go to the Redsox team store? Okay! We spent a good amount of time before the tour there and I would say I spent most of my Boston money there. And anything Redsox is totally worth it!

After the store it was time for the tour, time to enter Fenway Park! It was an incredible moment! The tour was great and we were in Fenway. Such a beautiful stadium with so much history!

Right after the tour we headed across the street to "Boston Beer Works" and had such a great meal!! I got the garden burger and sweet potato fries. Best garden burger I have ever had, no doubt about it and the sweet potatoes, again, probably the best I've ever had. I also order a blueberry ale and also, delicious! We tried to hang out in the restaurant as long as possible, but the line and crowd began to grow, so we felt bad keeping a table.

Then, it was game time! We went into the park about an hour before game time and basically watched batting practices. Kelli and I made our way down to the field so all we had to do if we really wanted was to reach down over the fence and touch Fenway dirt right next to the Redsox bullpen. Those weren't our seats, but we got to experience for a few minutes what it might be like to have those seats.... some day we will.

This is what happened at the game: We got a grand slam, a couple home runs, Papelbon pitched (my favorite player), went into extra innings - the 12th, and we won! Everything about that game was perfect! AND our seats were sooooo awesome. I'm going to have to be rich and famous to ever get seats better than that. We also got the needed experience of having obnoxious people in front of us that we got in a tiff with.

All in all. Fenway Park is perfect. And I will always love the redsox.

Day 4

Today was a long but great day! It started out with a 8 mile run along a beautiful bike path and then followed with a day in Boston!

Kelli and I got to live the Bostonian life by traveling via bus and subway. This was actually my first time on a city bus! Very big moment for me. So we get into town and got some food and then headed to the New England aquarium. The aquarium was packed and cost way more than we would like - kelli, 2nd failed trip to an aquarium... So then we decided to take a trolley tour through the freedom trail, again too expensive. So we used what God gave us and walked the trail. We ended up walking over 6 miles for sure. Our feet were tired and poor Kelli wore flip flops and got some bad blisters. But the freedom trail had a lot me cool parts to it, and also some boring parts... But my favorites were the Old North Church and the Bunker Hill Memorial. However you had to walk up the memorial 297 steps to get to the top. Our legs were shaking!! So painfully funny.

After we finished our 6 hour adventure in Boston we headed home, had so grilled dinner and watched the RedSox finally who a game!! Tomorrow is our day at fenway, so it was a good pump up for tomorrow! McDonald, thank you for hopefully light a fire in the team.

Tomorrow should be another great day in downtown Boston and to THE fenway park!!!

Day 3

Marathon Day!

I finally got a good nights rest! Hurray! Probably about 7 hours, go me! After we woke up, Kelli and I followed my Uncle John in a caravan to the spot where we would be watching the marathon. I don't remember exactly the places we were driving through, but probably one of the prettiest drives I have ever taken. We decided it's not as green as Oregon, but it has a lot more earth tones to it that make up a beautiful palette of colors. It has you greens, oranges, browns, yellows, whites, blues. So natural. Everyday day I spend here is just one more day of motivation to come out here and live some day.

So, after the beautiful drive, we made it to our spot on the marathon course. It was right after they hit the half marathon, right before mile 14. So, at that point most people were feeling pretty good. We got to see the elite men and women go by surrounded by police and then the whole swarm of over 27000 people followed behind them! I was getting updates on the runners times every 5000 meters, so I would know when they hit the half marathon. And once they hit the half marathon it became a where's waldo in a marathon. There are just so many people out there that you're eyes become tired trying to look for people you know. But it's so worth it!! We didn't miss anyone. We got to see my uncle Chris come by first, then my friend Jeff Masterson, a couple of my dads running buddies, my dad and then sue! Kelli got to run a few steps with my dad as she gave him a water bottle, so basically, Kelli ran the Boston Marathon. In between seeing people we knew and after everyone passes, we still stayed on the course and cheered on everyone else. When someone ran by with an oregon shirt, Kelli and I would erupt with loudness! And there were a lot of people who put their name on their shirt, so we could cheer them on by name. It was so fun to be apart of that! Next marathon we go to, we're having a contest to see how many acknowledgments we can get from the runners - whether a wave, a point, or a thank you. People running are so nice and thankful that you're out there cheering that it makes it so fun for us! Anyway, everyone finished. My dad was hurting a little, but he surpassed his expectation of finishing the race! I'm so proud of him!

The marathon took up a good amount of the day, so after we headed to my uncles house and my uncle who didn't run the marathon went for a run with me while Kelli rode the bike. Word to the wise - Boston, not a bike friendly town... Then we had some pizza for dinner, returned the rental car and lounged around so the marathoners didn't have to move. And we ate ice cream.

Another great day with great experiences!

Oh, and today I decided I want to be a marathoner.... Who ever thought I would say those words. But it looks sooo fun. Have you tiring, exhausting, and dumb.... but fun.

Day 2

Life goal number one: live in Boston.

What a day! We started it off right with the 5k race. I wore my Oregon duck shirt for a little home pride and got a lot of cheers for Oregon during the race, I'm fact someone cheered "ducks fly together" to me! So great. For those of you who don't know. I have been struggling with an injury since my first race and didn't get to run for 2 weeks, just the eliptical during that time. This week leading up to the race I got to go on about 5 easy runs total... needless to say my dreams of beating my personal best and getting at least top ten were out the window. Getting on that start line I had few expectations. They had dropped to wanting to finish, hopefully finishing under 20 minutes (thinking likely high 19's) and maybe top 20 if I'm lucky. But mostly, I'm in Boston so just have fun. Well my friends, cross training does pay off! I did beat my personal best, ran an 18:39 and got 9th place for the women (out of roughly 2400) and 1st for my age group!! No idea how I did it, but I had so much fun doing it!!!! Kelli was also in the race, didn't feel too hot but still beat her personal best by 3 seconds! It was just too much fun. Someone who saw my shirt asked "you didn't come all the way out here for the 5k, did you??", and that was not my full intention coming over here, but now I would do it again just for that!!

The rest of the day was pretty low key. After the race we stopped by Niketown asked the guys working there where the nearest coffee was(for kelli) and I learned my life goal number two: marry a Boston boy! Oh my attraction to the accent and personalities! I don't know why, but I like it! I'd go to a stahbucks with them any day! :)

After that we went home, showered, ate and watched some of the redsox game. Then went back to Nike, I won a cowbell and all of us girls bought Boston Nike gear! Then we headed to my other uncles house, ate dinner and played trivial pursuit. My team won!!! I never win that game because my brother and dad cheat I'm pretty sure and know all the answers. But not this time! And my dad and uncle were on the other team... times are a changing! I also got to see some cousins I haven't seen from 3 to 10 years. It's a fun little family reunion for me, sorry kelli...but really you're apart of the family now too.

Anyway, onto day 3 tomorrow. Marathon!! And a few more days closer to fenway park!

First day in Boston!

Woke up 530 west time, felt great, went for a run in Boston, went to pick up race number, b
ate food in edowntown Boston, walked to the greatest sports arena on earth, went to dinner, had sweet potato pasta, and watched the redsox while at dinner screaming at the tv as well as everyone else. Awesome day! Race tomorrow!

Opening Day

I have now watched this video 4 times and it just gets better and better. A) I love the movie Miracle, that speech gets me every time I watch it and B) On opening day for the Red Sox! I wish I could have been in the park that day!

I will have to apologize because the majority of my posts to come will include the red sox or boston because it just so happens that I am leaving for Boston in 1 week and 2 days!!!! And in exactly 2 weeks I will be in THE Fenway Park watching the Red Sox!! Yikes, so excited!!

Papelbon

“I think there couldn’t have been any better situation for me to go out there and prove that, yeah, I took a hit on the chin last year, but it happens in this game,” Papelbon said. “And I’m back for vengeance.”

Love him.

3rd Annual Coastaversary

I realized the other day that my first real blog was written about the 2nd annual coastaversary! Go me and keeping up with my blog!

The very beginning of spring break (for those in school) Emily and I headed to our spot for our spring break reunion and 4th weekend in a row of traveling together somewhere. Very fun adventure. 3 years ago we hide a girl scouts tin full of easter candy, matches, a pencil and 2 pieces of paper with both of our "futures" on it...

(Now the candy is dissolved, matches are useless, but pencil and paper perfect condition!)

Still there through sun and rain and still holds true.

After we experienced our "future", we went on a run down this awesome gravel road along side a beautiful river. And the past 2 years when we've gone, it's the time when I'm injured so Emily would run by herself... not this time!

After the run, we explored the beach and took some awesome pictures!

Then of course we had to fuel up on the best saltines around! I think I have consumed more saltines at Mo's than anywhere else combine. They just have them sitting at the table, so why not eat free saltines. They also produce the best grill cheese sandwiches around!

And of course we headed across the street to BJ's ice cream and I got 4 samples and a junior 2 scoops (and I wonder why I have such trouble losing weight...) But that topped it off and we headed back to Eugene with another successful Coastaversary under out belt!

Kelli is 24 and loves it

Kelli Maks, my roommate, turns 24.

First the day started with me setting my alarm for midnight and then I had a boot next to my bed that I grabbed and threw against her wall and yelled happy birthday. Apparently she yelled thank you back, but I think I feel back asleep before the boot hit the ground....

Then we actually woke up that morning and while she was in the shower, I ran into her room and waited for her to yell happy birthday again and give her presents! We now having matching water bottles, but different in out favorite color!

After that we ate cereal in front of the tv and watch Hannah Montana (I was more attached than she was) then got ready for church. As we saw people at church I made it a point to tell everyone that it was her birthday which then lead to a wonderful lunch with great company at Mucho Gusto. Kelli, Me and guys, hmmmm....

After that we headed home and I started on a cake recipe we found at borders but were too cheap to buy the book so Kelli pretended to read me a book as I took out my camera and took pictures of the recipe... oops. Anyway, I made the cake as Kelli watched basketball. I failed on the first attempt of the cake, so I made a second one that looked much better, but I still had no idea if it would be good or not. Put the cake away and then different people came over and we headed to the birthday dinner place, Cornicopia. Enjoyed great food and great company again.

(Kelli's burger was essential raw, so she had to send it back)

(We didn't make it in the group shot, so we had our own)

And then more friends came over for cake and laughter!

(It turned out delicious! I want to make it again)

(24 candles including the one on the side - she got them all)

(So cute it hurts)

It turned into a wonderful day and in the words of Kelli, one more year until she's half way to thirty! That birthday will be BIG. I'm already planning it. Half way to thirty! You're invited. March 28, 2011.

Love you Kelli. Glad we're number 1's! And thanks Suzie and Dan!

First Race Back!

So, I lived the moment. I got back on that track, I toed the line, the gun went off, and I ran.

And it did not disappoint. I felt good, I went out strong, I enjoyed every minute of it, and it all just felt so right. I can finally tell anyone with so much confidence that my shortcomings and persistence over the last 5 years was so well worth it. I'm on cloud nine and am so in love with running.

And thanks to the Heather Spinney Fan Club, you guys rock my world! :)

(This is my me and my mom. She couldn't be there, so my friend made a cardboard cut-out of her so she could be there for me)

Oregon Preview, March 20, 2010, 1500 - 4:52.40

Like Riding A Bike

Potential Count Down: First race in 4 days!

The word has not been official if I've been accepted into the Oregon Preview meet yet or not, but we're assuming that's the case. And if that really is the case, oh wow. I'm trying to look at it as if it's like riding a bike. I haven't gotten on the bike in over 4 years now, so I'm just praying that when I step to that line to race, it will come back to me just like riding a bike. I just have to remember to put on my helmet so I'm ready for anything, so if I crash I can bounce back up and try again. I'm ready for anything and long as it's something.

With the count down means preparing in every way with out actually running the race. That means SPIKES! I just got my first pair of spikes since I bought some my junior year of high school - 6 years ago... And I feel like I'm floating in them! Seriously, I'm pretty sure I could literally fly when I wear them. The Matumbo's, the spikes, are in fact the lightest pair of "shoes" out there. 3 ounces(for a size 10 and mine are 6.5)!! It feels like I am bare foot with traction!

So, I'm preparing mentally, I'm running more than ever, and I got my spikes! Now, I just have to get into the meet and then fly.

(PS: my spikes have to have a name... so if anyone has any good ideas, let me know!)

A Happy Lose

I love sweets. And I have had this thought that if I cut all sweets out of my diet my running would be so much better and I would feel so much better about myself. In the winter, I find that actually to hold more true, but as we approach spring all I want is pie and something to hit that craving... so I caved, I ate pie and ice cream. But this is what it comes down to. I'm not proving anything by going so long without sweets and it's more about control and portion than all or nothing. I don't need to sacrifice everything good for one goal, but just be mindful. I like to go to extremes and that's not what it's about. It's a big lesson of self control and hard work with a nice pay off. If I want to be a good runner, I'm not going to fail because I ate a piece of pie, a whole pie, yes, failure, but being smart is just a difficult as trying to avoid it at all.

So, I'm back on sweets (winter we'll revisit), but I'm happy with my decision. :)