YOLO, eh?

Yesterday, we arrived in Canada and headed directly to Niagara Falls. I got some great pictures last night but knew I wanted to come back at sunrise to get in a once-in-a-lifetime (probably) run and to see God wake up His masterpiece. You only live once, right? I ran down to Horseshoe Falls from our hotel, which I estimate is about a half mile. No one was up at 5:50 this morning. 

Then, I ran down past Rainbow Bridge, which was about another mile down the path beside the Falls.

I crossed over, farther into the Canadian side of the Falls and made my trek back up a very beautiful pathway.

Of course, I had to cross back over to run along closer to the water. The sun was just starting to come out on my way back up to where I started at Horseshoe.

After taking a few minutes of God-time, I headed back up the hill toward our hotel. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to run all the way back because it was all up-hill, and I haven't trained on hills since March! However, I did it... 3 miles! Feelin' pretty good. 

So I'll leave you with an oldie but a goodie- God is good, all the time. And all the time, God is good. Onto my next adventure. 

Michelle's blog link; be sure to read! http://mixedupfilesofmoi.blogspot.ca/

Chicago & Columbus!

This past week has been spent mostly in Chicago, Illinois and the surrounding areas. I must say that it has also still be unusually warm up North. We walked around downtown Chicago on Tuesday- probably between 5-6 miles, walking the Magnificent Mile, through Millennium Park, down the Navy Pier and back up to Union Station to take the Metra back "home" to Vernon Hills. Let's just say that's enough walking for one day! The following day we went to 4 museums, including the Science and History, which turned out to be my favorite. If you're ever in Chicago, you must visit that one- and give yourself a lot of time there! When I finally went on my run, I ran the streets of Vernon Hills and came across this beautiful park with a gazebo.

There were shady Willow Trees near a pond, so I paused to try and take it all in. I quickly realized that I was not alone. If you look closely below, you will see 2 of hundreds of frogs in the area.

I walked around to the other side of the pond to take in another view, and then I was on my way again... This run was no longer than 2 miles.

On Saturday we work up early to work our way through Indiana and then to Columbus, Ohio where my cousin lives with his sweet wife. I hadn't seen them in awhile, so let's just say I was really excited that morning to get up and get going! While they were working on preparing a lovely home-cooked meal for us, I took off for a run in the Buckeye State. When you run in a neighborhood, you're most likely going to find a park. This one was behind an elementary school.

I can't get over how tall the trees are up here! Amazing! This run was just under 2 miles.

After dinner, we all headed to Jeni's ice cream shop, which was so wonderful! My eyes zeroed in immediately to a chalkboard that had my name on it. Pretty cool to see the unique name already written there. If you get a chance to stop at Jeni's, I'd recommend the Backyard Mint and Dark Chocolate ice cream on a waffle cone!

This cousin-time was waaaay overdue. Thanks for giving us a place to stay on our epic road-trip adventures!

For many (many) more details about our adventures this past week, please visit Michelle's blog: http://mixedupfilesofmoi.blogspot.com/

Land of 10,000 Lakes

Today was a longer day of traveling. We went from North Dakota into the Twin Cities and immediately to the Capitol Building in St. Paul to snap our mandatory picture. My friend Philip won the postcard challenge!

Just after that we checked into our hotel and wasted no time to start hunting for a park with a trail I could possibly run. Here is what we found!

About to trek into the unknown...                                  Here is what I found at the top of the hill:

Once I got in, I noticed a beautiful staircase/pathway down, so I followed it.

This is what I found at the bottom. WOW! The Land of 10,000 lakes did not disappoint. I felt lucky to have my run coincide with sunset. One of my favorite times of the day.

After taking a moment to try and soak it all in, I ran along the path beside the water and then came upon another winding staircase that led me back up to the top. I could hear small creatures rustling by as I jogged through the park. I was very happy that I decided to put on bug spray before I set off for the run in the beginning, because the forest definitely plenty of Minnesota's mosquitoes! I ran the loop twice, which I'm guessing was about a mile. All-in-all, it was a great work-out, with resistance.

A little later tonight, I snapped this picture. God is good.

For more details on our trip, check out Michelle's blog! http://mixedupfilesofmoi.blogspot.com/

The Dakotas

The Dakotas have been absolutely amazing. For my run in South Dakota, we decided that it would probably be helpful to try and combine some of my running goals with our destinations. Otherwise, I am faced with fighting time to beat the sunset after arriving to the next hotel. C'mon- we all know there's really no fun involved with running on a treadmill inside a hotel... I really want to continue to run outside and actually experience time outside. So- Badlands was on the agenda yesterday and we found a 1 mile, round-trip hike, at the Door/Window trail. When we arrived, this is what we saw:

I immediately thought, "How am I going to run that? That's crazy!" Well, I do have a small crazy streak running right through me... so we decided to hike it first, and then I'd go back after and run it. The terrain was anything but flat. Ups, downs, slopes, cracks... I had to keep a watchful eye on the ground ahead of me... which is unlike the road/sidewalk training that I'm used to.

I'd say I was pretty happy with my time!

Today, before we left SD, we went to the capitol building in Pierre to take a picture. My original plan was to run a mile there, and another one again in Bismarck, North Dakota when we arrived later. However, I decided to save my run for ND because my knees have been having some issues. I thought it was best to let them rest in the car on the journey to ND, instead of stressing them twice today. So, here's me right before my run in front of the North Dakota Capitol Building.

It was nice having Michelle there to snap pics and root me on... It's amazing how much motivation you gain when you have a buddy nearby to hold you accountable to finish a goal you set. (Keep this in mind and go root a friend on in a 5K). In this picture, you'll see me running through the sprinklers! They came on right before I started to run... which also happened in Liberal, KS when I was on the Yellow Brick Road. I have been surprised at the high temperatures up north. I suppose I expected lower temps, so I welcomed the sprinklers during my run.

 Just over a mile, including twice up and down the Capitol steps:

In my quiet time yesterday, I read Isaiah 65:18. It says to "Be glad; rejoice forever in my creation!" It is probably evident to you that I am consistently in awe of the beauty shown in nature. Every time I see a sunrise, sunset, rainbow, mountain (the list goes on an on), I cannot help but think how neat it is that I get to serve a God who is infinitely and eternally greater than this Creation. How can there be Someone greater than the beauty of Earth? How does He so intricately weave these beauties together? It honestly just blows my mind and I stand in absolute amazement at this world He spoke into existence. 

I'm so much enjoying this tour of the U.S. 7 days down- 14 to go! Don't forget to play the postcard challenge on FB and follow Michelle's blog, too: http://mixedupfilesofmoi.blogspot.com/

Sylvan Lake

Today's day in South Dakota was so gorgeous! We spent the entire day exploring Custer State Park, Bear Country, and seeing Mt. Rushmore.

Custer State Park- my absolute favorite part was a mile hike around Sylvan Lake off of Needles Highway. I could've stayed there all day. Every where you look you see people being active and having fun: kayaking, paddle boating, swimming, reading, picnicking, hiking... Talk about soaking it all in! Even though I can technically cross SD off on my bucket list, I'm thinking it needs to stay on just so I can come back to Sylvan Lake some day. WOW. Check it out:

Bear Country- very cool. I saw some of the coolest animals- very up close and personal!

  

Mt. Rushmore- almost brings tears to my eyes. Why, you ask? I just feel super blessed to be able to be on this trip and to see so many wonderful things. To think about how many people, from all over the world, from all walks of life, who have stood in front of Mt. Rushmore. Pretty overwhelming. 

We've been doing well keeping up with the crunch/squat challenge... Tomorrow is a longer run- get ready!

Don't forget to follow Michelle's blog, too- for more details on our epic road trip. (http://mixedupfilesofmoi.blogspot.com/) We are having fun with those of you playing the postcard challenge on Facebook. Keep playing!

Journey's End

Michelle and I spent the day exploring Denver, Boulder, Estes Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park. We couldn't have fit one more adventure in today! I am falling in love with Colorado and could honestly see myself living here one day. The mountains have an indescribable beauty about them that just makes you want to stop, be still, and listen. This state shouts Psalm 19:1.

After a gorgeous day, and arriving back home after dark, I did manage to get a 1 mile run in. The air is thinner here in Colorado, so I'm trying to give myself grace for only running one. I found it very cool that both my run and my time here in Colorado ended at this street: Journeys End. 

Tomorrow we're off to Wyoming and will land in South Dakota by nightfall. Stay tuned!

Oz-some!

I can see now how easily it is for professional athletes to get lazy after retirement. One day of rest turns into two... and then you find yourself 3 months after running a half marathon without much to show for it. Yikes. Time to turn things back around. My friend Lisa is always telling me how I encourage her to meet her fitness goals... I'm thinking now the encourager is now the one who needs encouragement...

Thank goodness for the Capitol Challenge! My friend Michelle and I just began our 3-week road trip across the nation. Our mission: to stand on the steps of 13 different state capitol buildings, and to have fun stopping at other places along the way. I took this a little farther and have made a few goals to motivate myself during our, what is now already proving to be an, unforgettable journey.

Spiritual goal: to spend time in the Word EVERY DAY.

Fitness goal #1: to run in every state we spend the night in

Fitness goal #2: complete the 21 day squat/crunch challenge

After a day of adventures, I started at our hotel and ran down Pancake Blvd (yes, you read that right) towards downtown, then flipped around and headed for the Land of Oz, off the Yellow Brick Rd. There you will find Dorothy's house, some munchkin cut-outs, and of course- the famous companions- Lion, Scarecrow, and the Tin Man. I'd say it was just under 2 miles. The best part is as soon as my sneaks hit the yellow brick, the sprinklers turned on. Fun memories and an Oz-some run!!

Michelle & are taking on the squat/crunch challenge together. Today we laughed all the way through... I have a feeling we won't be laughing tomorrow. ;)

Day one is complete... now for rest & another adventure tomorrow! Be sure to follow me on FB for more pictures and for a chance to win a postcard from me on my trip. Also, here's Michelle's blog for more info on today's trip: http://mixedupfilesofmoi.blogspot.com/2013/07/its-twister-its-twister.html

*And friends are friends forever, if the Lord's the Lord of them!*