What a weekend!

This weekend was absolutely awesome!

Friday was Allan's 31st birthday and we celebrated by grilling out and having a nice family dinner at home.  I know that doesn't sound like an exciting birthday celebration, but because Allan works 3rd shift, evenings and dinners that we get together are pretty special.  After dinner, I made Allan's favorite for dessert, brownies and ice cream!  It was a great day celebrating Allan, his Godly leadership, and his hard work to provide and lead our family!  I am so proud of this man!

Saturday my sister, her sister-in-law Angela, and a group of friends headed to Indy to see Jesus Culture w/ Kim Walker in concert!

It was an amazing time of worship... we saw Jesus Culture (w/out Kim Walker) in Cincinnati about 2 months ago and it was just as awesome!  I am really hoping this is the type of worship we get to experience in Heaven!

Absolutely beautiful!  People praying over strangers, no agendas, just "arms high and heart abandoned" worship!  We didn't get home until close to 1 am and then got up for church!  It was a crazy evening but oh so good!

Speaking of nights of worship...  My sister and an awesome community of other Worship Pastors in the Cincinnati area are joining together for the 2nd Kingdom Light worship experience!  It will be at Eastside Christian Church again and is Friday, May 3 at 7:30 pm - hours of worship!  Open to every believer, every church, and there's no charge!

Yesterday, I was suppose to head up to Dayton and take on that 12 mile route that totally kicked my butt a few weeks ago but Allan had Kingdom Light practice so my plans got changed around a bit.  Instead, my awesome in-laws watched Savannah while I ran my final double digit distance for the Flying Pig.  I was in an unfamiliar territory being in Anderson Township so I mapped a 6 mile out and back route.  I wanted hills for a good challenge and well... I got hills.

If you're familiar at all with 8 Mile Road in Anderson, you know what hill I'm talking about...  Here's a portion of my elevation chart... hahaha... that dip is going down a portion of 8 Mile (which I think was possibly more difficult than the climb back up it) and then the return.  As I was running down the hill I thought to myself, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!

I'm so proud of myself though, I was able to climb back up the hill without stopping to walk... once I was at the top, I was able to keep pushing and finish strong!  It was a great accomplishment taking on that huge hill.

Tonight @ 6:30, my dad and I are running a 5k in Mason with Buckeye Running Company in honor of Boston!  I'm so excited :)

Have a great week!

Set a fire down in my soul

That I can't contain

That I can't control

I want more of you God

Welcome Home...

Today I picked up my new running shoes...my favorite -Brooks Revenna- from my favorite running store, Buckeye Running Company in Mason! 

These new shoes feel so great!  I cannot wait to log some miles this weekend!

Welcome to your new home... you're going to love it here!

Perspective...

This weekend, Chad and I wrapped up our final long distance run in training for The Flying Pig... we logged our last 20 miles before the marathon and get to enjoy tapering for the next 19 days.  The 20 miles were a lot better than the 12 in Dayton last week, mainly because we were in my territory and running a route that was familiar.

At mile 18.4 I was spent, I had ran out of water (seems to be a trend with me), was feeling dizzy, and was struggling to push home.  My awesome running buddy and sweet friend Erin, found Chad and I and stopped to encourage and cheer us on.  She also gave me some water and pushed us home to the 20 mile marker.  I'm so thankful for her encouragement and support, it was just what I needed!

I will head back up to Dayton on Sunday to take on the 12 mile route that totally kicked my butt last week... my promise to myself - you will survive and conquer that route!

It's hard to believe the Flying Pig is less than 3 weeks away - but it is and it's time to taper, baby!  What's tapering you ask?!  It's a pretty simple concept, run less so you're rested for race day.  Since we're approx. 3 weeks out from the marathon my mileage cuts down about 50% this 3rd week, 60-70% in the 2nd week, and 80-90% the last week.  Tapering is so much fun, you keep the intensity of your runs but don't log nearly as many miles.  So your body and muscles are able to rest, store up those carbs, and get ready for the big day!   With tapering, because you're resting and not logging the amount of miles you have been use to... by race day, you are so bored with sitting around that you are bursting at the seams to get out there and race!

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about the Flying Pig.  Going into my second marathon I have trained and done everything in my control so now, it's me handing this next race over to Him knowing there is no possible way I will be able to do this without His perfect strength carrying me, matching my stride, and pushing me.

I've learned A LOT in my 16 months of running, one of those things being how amazing the running community is.  You may not know a lot of runners but because you run, you're part of a dynamic group that has your back.  The running community is so supportive of one another... if you've read anything in regards to the events at Boston you've learned just how united runners are.  Doesn't matter your pace, when you started running, how many races you've ran, how many medals you have... we are a tight knit community!

From the moment the Elite Runners started, I was getting updates on my phone... Although I will never qualify for such a prestigious race, Boston is a dream for so many runners!  There is such respect, love, and support for those athletes that qualify and have the honor of running such a race.  Once the news broke about the bombings, I couldn't stop watching and reading...

Allan immediately said; "I wonder what this will do to the security for the Flying Pig... and by the way, you're not running it!"

At first, there was some fear... watching the news and reading the updates my heart was definitely overwhelmed with anxiety and fear for my next race.  As I was headed to bed, I thought about not running in the morning... I had been up late looking at pictures, watching news, and reading articles...  but before falling asleep, I laid in bed and scrolled through FB and the outpouring of encouragement from all the running blogs I followed was just awesome!  My fellow runners doing what they do best, encouraging and inspiring every other runner to keep on running!

It's such an honor to be part of the running community!  The greatest thing is all of the uplifting news going on in spite of this tragedy.  I encourage you to read this article and if you haven't heard of Bill Iffrig, you need to know about this runner!  In a time of just feeling overwhelmed from the weight of this world, I was encouraged.

5:15 am my alarm went off but this morning my mindset for my morning run was a bit different.  Not only am I in the final phase of marathon training but I had a new perspective on running.  I threw on my Chicago Marathon shirt, in honor of Boston, and ran my 5 miles.

And as He always does, the Lord was waiting...ready to go! I clicked into autopilot before my half mile marker, ready to be still and listen...

He comforted me and let me know it was ok for me to feel overwhelmed, scared, nervous, and angry... then quickly removed those feelings with an overflowing of scripture reminding me of His perfect grace, His perfect peace, and His perfect plan for my life.  To not be distracted by what is going on in the world but to keep my eyes only on Him.  To not be overwhelmed or worried but focused on Him.

What happened in Boston is tragic.  I am so thankful for a Savior who is in control and ready to comfort me in times that feel so out of control.

One of "those" runs...

Sunday I headed to Dayton to run in Chad's neighborhood.  This coming Sunday we run our LAST 20 miles then start tapering!!  I cannot believe it... The Flying Pig Marathon is so close!  I figured it would be good to change things up a bit and head up to his neck of the woods!  We were scheduled to run 12 miles so I thought to myself, easy peasy... you got this.

Boy was I WRONG...

Chad had me running crazy inclines immediately, no easing into them just slammed me with hills for the first 4-6 miles.  Not only that but it was 77 degrees and windy.  Now, I am NOT complaining about the weather BUT I clearly was not prepared for how warm 77 degrees was going to feel.  I was just drenched... on top of that Chad had me bouncing between running on sidewalks and grass!  Whoa, whoa, whoa... I did NOT sign up for this!  I honestly had no clue how comfortable I was on my back country roads and how mentally jacked up I would get running in an unfamiliar area.  Mile 4 and I was shot... Seriously.  I feel sorry for the students Chad coaches... he pushed me and I honestly thought I wasn't going to make it.

Ever have moments like that?  One of "those" runs when you think to yourself...you really need to give up, you are terrible and need to just go home!  It honestly took everything in me not to give up.  We passed Chad's house 3 times and I thought about giving up.  I longingly looked at my car and thought, just let Chad finish the miles, he'd be better off without you dragging him down.

When I hit mile 7 and I could have cried.

Sidebar - Let me tell you a little something about chafing... chafing hurts like no other and I learned a really hard lesson last summer as a newbie runner about it.   I learned the importance of Glide and how it will save your run and your life as a runner.  Since that time, I COVER myself in glide for every run, seriously.  There's no reason to risk chafing, that's how terrible it is and it seems to happen in the strangest places.

Mile 7 I was running out of water, drenched in sweat, hot, and confused to why I felt so awful.  Not only that but my runkeeper (mile/pace tracker) stopped and my music wouldn't work, and I had no clue where I was in mileage.  Ugh, it was me and the sidewalks...  I was completely out of control.   On top of all of this, I realized I forgot to put glide in a certain spot because all of the sudden the sweat was dripping into that area and starting burning... oh the pain!  I thought to myself, STUPID, STUPID, STUPID... how could you forget that spot?!

Miles 7-12 were just me talking to myself, getting through that mental battle of being in pain from chafing and oh... sunburnt.  I also didn't think it'd be necessary for sunscreen.  Wow, what a failure I was Sunday!

God gently reminded me, as He always does- "Hillary, I am your strength!  Get it together... walk if you have to but do not give up!  Keep pressing on, pushing forward, and finish the miles."  I kept telling myself you will NOT stop, you will NOT give up.

Chad had mapped out more than 12 miles so I once I hit 12.39 miles and started walking then pushed home and ran to 13.99 miles.  Chad was sitting on his porch eating an apple - that shows you how far ahead of me he was ;)  I still could have cried that's how exhausted, frustrated, and annoyed I was...

I sat on the porch...

sulked for a bit...

and sucked it up as one of "those" runs...

chafed and sunburnt.

Put me in the Zoo!

Today we celebrated the beautiful spring weather by going to the zoo with our sweet friends, the Hamberg's!  Ms. Kristi, Peyton, and Aiden invited us to a fun day at the zoo and we were very excited to spend our day with them.

This family holds a very special place in my heart (and Savannah's too) because I watched Peyton last school year.

Peyton is so sweet and has the cutest little personality!  Savannah loves "mothering" her!  Peyton was a baby when we started watching her, so Savannah helped me change her diapers, feed her bottles, and encourage her to roll over and crawl.

Watching their friendship grow as Peyton gets older is so sweet!  They have a connection that is precious.  Peyton is now a big sister to her new brother, Aiden and gets to stay at home with her mommy :)  Savannah often asks about Peyton and is beyond happy when Kristi brings her by to play!

Ms. Kristi is also the super talented photographer that took our family pictures (The Greatest is Love Photography)!  If you haven't been to her blog yet, check her out!  She captured our family perfectly AND she has a Spring Promo going on right now ;)


The fact that we were going to the Zoo was a pretty big deal for Savannah... we haven't been since she was 12 months old!  I know, I know... I'm a terrible mother!  We went 3 times the year she was born and she was even the baby for the Cincinnati Zoo Babies ad...

Now that's a cute baby!  Savannah 10/31/09

For some reason we just haven't made it back to the zoo... Kings Island, the Pool, and Park always seem to override the crowds at the Zoo every time.  

When I told Savannah we were going to the zoo she was SO EXCITED then when I told her we were going with Peyton, well... she couldn't contain her excitement!  We read "Put Me in the Zoo" before bed last night, she laid out her outfit and had her gym shoes ready by the door.  She kept saying; "We're going to the Farm!" 

It couldn't have been more perfect... the weather was cool, the sun was shinning and warm, and there weren't a lot of people there!  Plus, the kids did GREAT!  

 We got to ride the train!

Peyton kept saying; "All aboard! choohoo!"

 Savannah LOVED the manatee exhibit!

She and Peyton thought it was great they could touch the glass and be so close to the fish.

 Hanging with the Polar Bear!

She loved hopping on this crocodile! 

 Aiden (sleeping), Peyton, and Savannah!

They were all so good!

Savannah trying to make Peyton pose for a picture with her.

I have been so blessed with the families the Lord has put in my path, all of them have ended up being great friends and I love their children so much!  I am very grateful for my friendship with the Hamberg family and look forward to many more play dates and outings this summer!

Easter Goodness!

So I'm pretty sure I wasn't thinking when I scheduled my dentist appointment today... Let's be honest, there's never a good day to go to the dentist.  Unfortunately, I'm paying the piper after being afraid of going to the dentist for 4 years.  I found an amazing dentist who has taken great care of me and my fears BUT I needed a bunch of work... one being having my 5th wisdom tooth removed..

Nope, not an April fool's joke people.  I'm seriously just a freak of nature and had an extra wisdom tooth!  When I was a sophomore in High School I had my wisdom teeth removed, they found a 5th one in my sinus cavity but said it was too dangerous to get.  Well, 14 years later... it has cut through and ready to be removed. So today I bit the bullet and got it removed... so not fun!

Thankfully, I have an amazing mother-in-law who kept Savannah all day and took her out to lunch and shopping at Target.  I'm pretty tired and in some pain but no pain medication.  The numbing medicine is starting to wear off and it's not so fun :/  And I'm starving... So, I'm juicing and making green monster smoothies for calories since I can't eat much and icing my right cheek.  Savannah doesn't quite know what to do, she's not use to me being down.  If you're out our way, feel free to swing by and visit :)

Enough about my weirdness... who had an awesome Easter weekend?!

We did, we did!

For once, I didn't feel overwhelmed or like my day was so packed that I couldn't enjoy it. We had a nice quiet afternoon, grilled out with mom, dad, Natalie, Tony, the girls, and Allan's mom.  It was so nice to be in sweat pants, let the girls run around outside, bake, and just enjoy being together.

Family Picture- Easter 2013

Savannah with her Easter cupcakes!

This year Allan and I decided not to do Easter baskets.  At first I felt like such an awful parent... I wasn't going to be leaving "dirt tracks", hiding eggs, or organizing a basket.  I'm not going to lie, I was really bummed.  When we talk to Savannah about Easter, she never once has mentioned the Easter Bunny or baskets.  She talks about Jesus, waving palm branches, and an empty tomb.  Well, it doesn't get much simpler than that!  Once I realized it just wasn't important to her and that she understood the real meaning of Easter, it didn't matter anymore.  Talk about a non-stressful holiday.  The only pressure I had was waking up and getting us to church on time!

Easter Morning- 2013

Our church, Ambassadors' Pointe Community Church, had a sonrise breakfast at 8 am.  It was so nice getting to hang out before church and eat awesome food!  We had such a great service and Shawn preached a Resurrection sermon I have never heard before.  It was perfect.

Savannah and I with my sister and her girls.

I hope your Easter weekend was full of wonderful memories, delicious food, laughter, and celebrating our risen Lord!  This is a song we have started singing at church recently and it is so beautiful!  I absolutely LOVE it!

At the cross the work was finished
You were buried in the ground
But the grave could not contain You
For You wear the Victor's crown

~The Victor's Crown by Darlene Zschech