Run Like A Girl

Today I checked another item off my bucket list. I started, and finished, a half marathon. Jaylin and I attempted to train for this over the summer, which more often than not ended in us talking about what we wanted to eat after our run, and of course which kind of wine we should buy to go with said food. Rachelle ran with me once, and I died, because she is a beast! We were all determined to finish the race whether we had to run, walk, or crawl. Luckily no crawling was involved, but I may have asked Harvey for a piggy back ride at one point. I ended up running as fast as my body would let me the last three miles. I was afraid if I stopped my knee would give out and then I would really be needing that piggy back ride. I would be lying if I said it was easy. I found myself repeating the quote "You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it." over and over to myself. It was a lot more than 20 seconds left, and I'm not sure that courage or bravery play large roles in running. By definition bravery is courageous behavior or character. After running the half I guess it does take some strong character. Not everyone finishes what they set out to do. We may not have come in first, but we crossed the finish line running. There was a woman who looked to be 80's or 90's hauling bacon across the finish line. It was incredible to see what we all could be capable of when we just pushed ourselves, and she was the best example of this.

Breathe Bag Friend

When I was 17 turning 18 I took a job at Cafe Caffe. I had no idea how much that job would impact my life. One of the incredible girls I worked with was Kristin. I wasn't sure what to think of her at first because she embraced all her quirks (which are all adorable.) I'm not really sure at what point we became friends, but my first memory of knowing that I wanted this girl in my life was the breathe bag day. I gave Kristin a paper bag. Simple and strange, but when life knocks you off your feet sometimes all you need is someone to sit with you...and remind you to breathe. Kristin and I became quite the adventurous duo and she truly brought joy to a time in my life when I needed it most. I don't think I would ever be able to explain how she impacted me, or know where to start in thanking her for how much she has meant to me. My dear friend found her match in Kyle Dungan and her life is forever changed. I feel blessed to have witnessed the best day of Kristin's life so far, and I can't wait to see where this adventure takes them. Cheers to a life of love, laughter, and endless mischief!

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