New Year, new start

Every year, I set a resolution.  Sometimes I accomplish them but like most I forget and move on.  I am not setting a resolution for 2012 but I am finally letting go of what I thought my life would be.  Where I would live, who I would marry, and what age I would be when I had my beautiful little ones.  I run to give myself time to process events in my life, often trying to solve problems I am facing. 

This year, I am giving God control of my life and whatever is occuring at that moment.  Time to embrace that life isn't turning out like I planned, but maybe that is a blessing in disguse.  I am not afraid to tell someone I love them anymore...it has only taken me 29 years and 10 months to get there!

Austin half marathon is next Sunday.  My focus for this race is my future and new found peace that God is fully in charge.

Whoop!

Love,
Lauren

Chevron Houston Marathon done; Austin Half Marathon up next!

 The day has come and passed!  I completed my first of many marathons on Sunday, January 15th, 2012 at a time of 4:37:29.  One of the most challenging but enjoyable days I have experienced in my short 29 years.  I can not express my gratitude to the family and friends that were able to come and cheer me on.  It really helped to keep me running and I loved giving sweaty hugs along the way!

I have to say a special thank you to Tim, for running the race with me and making it fun.  You have been one of my best friends for almost 8 years; always there for an challenging adventure and ready to support me along the way.  I can not wait to see you complete an IRONMAN!!

Next up is the 2012 Austin Half Marathon, in almost one month.  This means hill training and speed work once I am recovered, hopefully in a week.  I am going to try to break my PR for a half marathon.  Let's see what happens!

Love,
Lauren

http://www2.brightroom.com/92378
If you click here and type in my last name, you can see my race pictures from the marathon!

Tick tick

The marathon ticker now says" 4 days, 8 hours, 6 minutes."  4 days to complete some easy tempo runs, hydrate, carb load, plan song mix, finish race gear, and get some extra rest somewhere in the middle.

This week I will also receive something near and dear to my heart:  HLSR Rodeo Committee Badge!
The SCC committee events for myself start February 17th, just days before the Austin Half Marathon.

4 days, 8 hours, 0 minutes!!!!

Love,

Lauren 

Welcome 2012!

Happy New Years everyone!

It is now 2012: the year I will turn 30; travel to Miami; travel to NY; set a new PR for a half marathon; increase my expertise in treating pediatrics; and run my first marathon!!

I completed my last very long run this past Friday; a grueling 20 miler.  I realized I need electrolyte replacement around mile 16 and the power of pacing my mileage.  Thanks to my wonderful parents, I finally have a Garmin and feel even more excited every time I run.  I have been told I love to plan and sometimes control things, so this is my perfect match!

It is 10 days till the race tomorrow.  It is hard to believe time has flown by.  My life is much different than when I started this blog, but I am so happy things have fallen into place as they have.

Cheers to another wonderful year and to you!!

-Lauren

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone!!

Only 21 days to go until the Houston marathon and a few days until 2012!  This weekend I got in some mileage in SA and Lytle, in the midst of cold weather and rain.  My last long run is this week, a 20 miler.

I have added some new links for future races post marathon, including Austin half marathon (2/19/12) and Rock 'n' Roll Dallas half marathon (3/25/12).  Let me know if you want to join in!  I have also set up a link for the Houston Livestock and Rodeo , which I will be a "rookie" in the Special Children's Committee.  Looks like 2012 is starting off on a great foot (no pun intended).

I wish everyone a blessed and love filled Christmas.  I am so thankful for all of the blessings and love present in my life.  It is simply amazing!



Love,
Lauren

31 then done!

31 days to go!

About 1 more month to go until it is time for my marathon!  I have been doing better with progressive runs, tempo runs, and yoga.  I have a few long runs to go, taking it a bit easier to avoid further injuries.

I am asking for prayers for Laura Castillo and her family; tomorrow a big step in fighting breast cancer will occur.  My "problems" in my life have been definitely into prospective tonight.  I am so grateful and at peace with my life as is, thankful that certain prayers were not answered as I truly believed they should have been.  God knows my heart and has something so real and amazing for me.   It brings the biggest grin to my face!

I am thankful for the honest ,genuine, and loving people in my life!  I appreciate everyone's continued support and can't wait to see everyone on race day.

Love,
Lauren

18 miles down, 7 weeks to go!

Tonight I am writing this blog listening to Christmas music, finally!  This week will be filled with apartment decorations, search for Christmas candles, and maybe mistletoe!

I hope everyone had a wonderful, love filled Thanksgiving weekend with way too much pie and sides! 
I completed the TXU Energy 2011 Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day and got my PR for a 10K race at 50:55, 55 seconds short of my initial goal, but I was happy that I was at least close.  The turnout was over 13,000 runners at the race.  It was wonderful to see Houstonians getting up early on a holiday to burn some calories and to help raise money for Sheltering Arms.  I had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my family, and it meant more to me than any other Thanksgiving before.  My family has shaped me into the person I am now and still becoming.  I am  forever grateful to my parents, David and Doris,  for all the sacrifices and for always supporting me even when I didn't believe in myself. 

Today I completed 18 miles, feeling a little sore but overall pretty great!  The cool weather felt wonderful and I'm crossing my fingers for similar weather conditions on Marathon Day.  I can't say thank you enough to everyone for their support and kinds words of encouragement.  Next week's long run is a 20 miler; get excited!!!

Love,
Lauren