Good Job!

Last night at my TEAM run, I learned a lesson about how far a few words of encouragement really go. It was my first night of hill training and let me tell you it was pretty brutal. I'll admit, I was struggling and it probably showed on my face. After awhile I noticed that my teammates, who were passing me by, would say things like "good job" or "way to go Lauren" meanwhile they were going through the same pain and agony as I was while running uphill. Little did my teammates know that those few words of encouragement really carried me through the run last night.

Not only have my teammates words of encouragement given me so much extra motivation, but also the outpouring of support and words of encouragement from my friends and family during my training. Whether it was "run well" or "good luck with your training" written on a donation check or asking how my training is going so far, all of these words have carried me through {and gotten me off the couch and out the door}. I just want to say how very thankful to have such an amazing support group behind me always rooting me on.

And to all of my lovely donors out there, thanks to YOU I have reached the halfway point in fundraising - just under $1,000!! I am beyond thrilled and I truly appreciate each and every one of you - THANKS!
<------ Check out my new fundraising ticker

Lazy Dog Day

What we've been up to today:

This morning, I puppy sat Halley, for Melissa while she was at work and Garrett ran the Mercer Island 10K (he said he felt great and that it was pretty hilly)

then he came home and cuddled up with this little bundle of Joy:

while I tried to clean. Didn't get as much work done on this lazy dog Sunday as we would have liked, but who can when there are sweet puppies around for you to spoil?! That's ok, there's always tomorrow! We are having a blast puppy sitting little miss Halley (who has been really good for us)!

Adios, Winter.. Welcome Spring!

This is mine and Garrett's first spring in our house and our neighborhood is really coming alive lately. We live about a block away from a park and all week there has been tons of families around for baseball practice at the park. {So much fun} Our yard is also coming alive as of late. So far, some Daffodils have popped up as well as some mysterious purple flowers. I can't wait to see what else pops up in the coming months!! I'll keep you updated!

Happy First Day of Spring Everyone!

St. Patty's Day Chic

I was blog browsing when I got home from work and came across this post. I just love the pretty green glass vases and the Bells of Ireland!!! I must remember these chic ideas when decorating for St. Patty's next year!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! I love this Irish Blessing:

St. Patrick's Day Dash

Garrett and I ran the St. Patrick's Day Dash on Sunday morning. There was snow the size of leaves falling on the ground, along with rain, freezing temps and heavy winds. Needless to say, it wasn't the most ideal weather but I'm glad we got out there along with the 15,000 other runners. It was a big reality check for me because there was this long gradual hill that I thought would never end.. It kicked my butt and made me realize that I'm not quite ready for my half marathon. This week, we are starting to train on hills so that should help better prepare me.

Garrett and I in our St. Patty's Day get up!

Is it bad...

...that I really want a Snuggie?

Seasons

The Daily Verse on Seasons - March 10, 2009

"Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved. " - Matthew 9:17

Spring cleaning can be tedious but if it's time to start cleaning out the closets of your house and your heart, embrace the new season and look forward to things being different and new. God has designed the change of seasons for a reason, so embrace it rather than fear it. Look forward to what lies ahead!

I like this one.

Happy Tuesday!

Meet Halley!

Halley is Melissa's new Beagle puppy and is 9 weeks old. I cannot wait to meet our puppy niece tonight when we puppy sit this cute little bundle of joy while her Mama is at work!

oops...

You know how I ran 8 miles last weekend, well turns out I was only supposed to run 5, not 8. I was talking to my coach at practice tonight and told him how much I had enjoyed the 8 miler on Saturday and he looked at me like I was crazy. And then congratulated me and informed me that I was only supposed to run 50 minutes (or 5 miles for me).

Oops, well at least I'm ahead of the game right... maybe I should run the full?!

I never thought I'd see the day...

On Saturday I ran 8 miles, 8 miles! I was sooo excited/proud that I took a picture of my watch*!!

My Team in Training group met at Gasworks Park ran on the Burke-Gilman Trail turned around near University Village and headed back to Gasworks. It was quite an amazing run and felt so great to see the progress I have made after 4 weeks of training!

*I haven't calibrated my watch yet, so it is a bit off on mileage