SBIM...an overdue recap

 

I can't believe I haven't written about the marathon yet.... I am a terrible blogger.... 

 

To refresh your memory, on November 11, Taysen's aunt Tawnee and I ran the Santa Barbara International Marathon, as part of Team GSF.  We collaboratively raised over $135,000 dollars -- beyond amazing!  There were over 100 people on the team, people who were connected to SMA in some way shape or form.  Parents, aunts, friends, co-workers.. all offering their support and actually doing something to make a difference.

 

This was one of the most special experiences of my life.  Something that I will never, ever forget, and something that I felt proud to be a part of.  I felt proud of myself for completing my second full marathon, but mostly I felt proud to be raising some awareness, and be part of something that will make an impact on this terrible disease.  As much as I hate to refer to something that is a very part of my son as terrible, it truly is a disgusting disease and there is no other way to put it. 

 

 

Here is my training schedule taped to my fridge. the best part was crossing off each and every run. ( i never missed one)

 

I'm thankful for my sister in law for being such a big supporter of Taysen, me, and SMA. We ran all of our long runs together and I have many, many wonderful memories of those times.   

 

Tawnee, Gwendolyn and I at the pre race dinner.  It was so great to finally meet this little hero.  She was very excited to run in her first half marathon when we took this photo.

 

I got this for my new niece!  Aunt Mia is having a baby in June

Here we are just before we left the hotel room.  Nervous. And Excited. 

 

Here I just crossed the finish line with a time of 4:06, so thankful it's OVER!

stretching in the sun, on the football field where the race ended. 

one of the highlights of the weekend... walking barefoot in the sand right after the race.

So happy in this picture.. we did it!  I had never been to Santa Barbara before, and now I must go back.  It is absolutely beautiful there. 



another highlight..  these are the SMA moms who ran in the half or full marathon.  It was such a great experience to connect with these amazing mamas after the race. 

Again, i want to thank my amazing friends and family...you all are so generous to support us and help us surpass our fundraising goal.  I thought about each and every one of you with every donation I saw come in, and every text and facebook post offering encouragement and prayers.

I don't have any long distance runs planned in my future. BUT you just never know what could happen in the future :)

Finally, because Gwendolyn's mom has captured the feeling of the weekend so perfectly, please read her blog, HERE

Merry Christmas 2012

 

wishing you a merry christmas...   thank you for your love and prayers for our family.  we are so thankful for another healthy year with our boys.  taysen is doing very well, and is in the stander right now playing a new wii game.  the boys are laughing and yelling and enjoying themselves to the fullest. ♥♥♥

marvin

Turns out, this cat we adopted is pretty awesome.  He loves to go for rides on Taysen's wheelchair ♥

 

 

Vossbeck Elementary staff ROCKS!

 

Yesterday we made a lasagna lunch for the staff at Vossbeck (where Tawnee teaches 5th grade) to support our fundraising efforts for our MARATHON.... 

 

THANK YOU to the amazing teachers and staff, we made $575! That is simply amazing.

THANK YOU!

 

The money surpassed our hopes and we are now 65% to our goal. 

*this wouldn't have been possible without some HELP which we are super thankful to Kelli, my mom-in-law Pam, Linda and Kim for contributing to this spread!  

Lasagnas, bread, salad, deserts -- yum!

Kelli whipping up some treats :) 

Kim and Linda, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to help us!

Again, Thank you everyone! It feels great to be surrounded by supportive friends and family.

Only 10 more days until our race!

"let's do 52" project



week 39 {warmth}
 

week 39 {nurture}

week 40 {mixed up}
 



week 41 {fill the frame}

...and it's taper time baby!

Tawnee and I ran our 20 miles on Saturday.  We ran all the way to Bellingham, up Alabama Hill and back.  It was a fairly hilly run, but it went really well and we both are feeling strong and ready for SANTA BARBARA. 

I'm just figuring out a few little details (new shoes, what to eat and drink etc..) but feel pretty good about my plan for hydrating and eating.  

The Santa Barbara Marathon has a 1/2 mile, 170 foot hill at mile 23 which I think will be a real challenge. Although the 20 miler went well.. it was still hard to imagine running 6 more miles including a huge hill at the end.

 

Only three more weeks of training left and it is pretty easy mileage compared to what we have been running. I simply cannot wait to meet Gwendolyn and all the other SMA supporters as we unite for this cause.

We have raised $600 and need to get to $2,000 to reach our goal. You can make a donation to the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation via our race page if you choose to.

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/taysen/SBIMarathon

peace

If you don't own "Jesus Calling", you really should.   I read it every day and quite frankly I don't know how I ever survived without it. 

This particular day's message carries a lot of meaning for me, in fact I read it every day... so wanted to share it.

"When many things seem to be going wrong, trust Me.  When your life feels increasingly out of control, thank Me.  These are supernatural responses, and they can lift you above your circumstances.  If you do what comes naturally in the face of difficulties, you may fall prey to negativism.  Even a few complaints can set you on a path that is a downward spiral, by darkening your perspective and mind-set.  With this attitude controlling you, complaints flow more and more readily from your mouth.  Each one moves you steadily down the slippery spiral.  The lower you go, the faster you slide; but it is still possible to apply brakes.  Cry out to Me in My Name!  Affirm your trust in Me, regardless of how you feel.  Thank Me for everything, though this seems unnatural--even irrational.  Gradually you will begin to ascend, recovering your lost ground.
   When you are back on ground level, you can face your circumstances from a humble perspective.  If you choose supernatural responses this time--trusting and thanking Me--you will experience My unfathomable Peace."
(Psalm 13:5; Ephesians 5:20)