One week until CA

So as of yesterday I have one week until I will be in california to watch Smalls graduate. I celebrated it by running 12 miles. This is how it went: Mile 1 was slow, after picking up pace I thought that deciding to run 12 miles was stupid at mile 5. Then at mile 7 I said I could do this all day. At mile 7.22 I decided to walk a little (so sad) regained my stamina and only walked here and there the rest of the way but I am still so proud for finishing. The time to beat for this half marathon is 2:35 and since my time for the 12 miles was 2:09 I think I just may make it!

I really should have drank water before hand, omitted coffee that morning, wore running shorts as apposed to tiny yoga shorts and stretched before the run.... I did none of those things but luckily it didn't really do anything to hurt me so lesson NOT learned. Maybe next time... I did burn the inside of my thighs from rubbing so that may have me rethink what i will be wearing for the half marathon in just 2 WEEKS. 

During the run I had to pray a lot and envision but how sweet it would be to cross the finish line in my favorite city. I can't believe how far God has taken me on this journey. I think I am a little terrified to see what his next plans are. 

7 months later...

I never want to forget today. Today is the day that I was cleared completely and that Dustin said I am good to go, better than I was before. If you are wondering if I am freaking out about it, answer is yes. I am over joyed about it and overwhelmed by God's grace over me.

(happy and necessary tears)

This my friends is my own personal testimony. I am better than I ever was. I was then broken and counted out by all of the doctors that made me feel weak. God picked me up as only he can do and used my weakness to mold me into a better person and stronger athlete. He did this all, I did nothing without him and it is him working though me that allows me to say here and now that I am HEALED. Those words that I never though I would say. The verse I committed to memory more than 10 years ago has never been so true as it is now:

2 Corinthians 12:9 "But me said to me, "my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

So in exactly one month I will be running my half marathon and expect to see tears of joy once again!

This week was jammed packed.

Saturday was the 7 month anniversary of my hip surgery. I can't believe how time has flown! I celebrated it by running in a 5K with my sister and her long time family friend. I was a nice break from the long runs  I have been doing lately and it was even more fun doing it with the girls.

I also ran my longest run so far of 9.24 miles an with an average pace well under 10 minutes (which was my goal pace for this type of mileage at this point).

The adventure will continue and I will continue to do bigger and better things but I just want to remind everyone that this is where I was a year and a half ago: 

This was seven months ago:

This is me today:

All because of Him.