For my birthday (and yes...it was in January, but we're celebrating it late this year. :) ) Larry, Kirsten and Tim got me the present of having a vacation without an Edana, and running my first half marathon.
To fly in a plane without your own child crying in your lap is heaven. I would highly suggest this leisure activity to any weary mother.
I landed in Norfolk at 5pm and was greeted by an excited Kirsten and a not-so-sure-who-this-crazy-lady-is Malcolm. I was so overwhelmed 
with how much had changed in just these two, within only a year, I knew that more was to come. I kept telling Kirsten how I felt like I either woke up from a coma and everyone was still them...just older and wiser, or I had some Colorado dream and I was back in my VA life.We
then headed to the Runner's Expo to sign up for our Halfmarathon that was in two days and took moments to take 
some fun pictures of the Expo scene. From oversized golden coins, to underwear saying "In my dreams, I'm Kenyan" it was definately something to experience.
then headed to the Runner's Expo to sign up for our Halfmarathon that was in two days and took moments to take 
some fun pictures of the Expo scene. From oversized golden coins, to underwear saying "In my dreams, I'm Kenyan" it was definately something to experience. 
We met Tim in the parkinglot, where he drove up on his cool new motorcycle and showed me that he was indeed growing out his dreads!
I'm still jealous and maybe one day my albino-zulu heritage will work on my side to get my own. 
Can you believe it, Malcolm walks??! I couldn't. 
It was so frustrating but fun to see this full grown toddler. I feel like I've missed out on so much, but know that , that is the beauty of life: people don't stop growing and learning when you're away. I had so much fun playing with this little boy. I have yet to see his cool 
dancing moves, since he wouldn't perform for me, but I was able to see just how much he has grown. From saying "More" and "Hi", to 
bolting away from surprising things (such as bubblewrap), to eating a 
whole piece of pizza himself, to holding his breath underwater in the pool and wanting so badly to just swim on his own. I can't believe that only a year ago I was holding this tiny little guy, amazed of the miracle baby that he was. I enjoyed playing and spending time with this little stud.
The next day was all fun and games, starting with Tim's french toast.
Seriously...I requested this. It's that good. We then went swimming at the YMCA (and I fell in love with the idea where people will watch your baby for 2 hours while you work out!), ate at an awesome burrito place where these things were literally the size of your head
, and then headed on over to another dear friend of mine, Tamara.
Seriously...I requested this. It's that good. We then went swimming at the YMCA (and I fell in love with the idea where people will watch your baby for 2 hours while you work out!), ate at an awesome burrito place where these things were literally the size of your head, and then headed on over to another dear friend of mine, Tamara. 
On to the marathon! After LOADS of water, carbs, and sleep, 
Kirsten, her friend Sara and I were soooo ready for this! It was such an awesome experience, and whenever I tell people about it, I usually get a crazy look or act like I'm pulling their leg when I say, "IT WAS AMAZING!!!" I've never felt so excited/nervous, lighter
than air, exhilirated, and just plain happy to be there, especially considering the 13 miles! It went by so quickly and I have been finding myself a hankering for more. I'm guessing that's the runner's high everyone kept trying to tell me about. It's great. I wrote a more detailed description of the run here.
Kirsten, her friend Sara and I were soooo ready for this! It was such an awesome experience, and whenever I tell people about it, I usually get a crazy look or act like I'm pulling their leg when I say, "IT WAS AMAZING!!!" I've never felt so excited/nervous, lighter
than air, exhilirated, and just plain happy to be there, especially considering the 13 miles! It went by so quickly and I have been finding myself a hankering for more. I'm guessing that's the runner's high everyone kept trying to tell me about. It's great. I wrote a more detailed description of the run here.
Though my trip was short, I wouldn't have wanted it anyother way. It was such an amazing thing to experience how sync two people can be, even miles apart. Kirsten and I were right at the exact running level, and it's almost as though we had trained together.
I am so grateful for the trip my friends and hubby gave me. I am so grateful for all my Virgina family and all the inspiration I am always left with from these wonderful people.
I came home with a determination to: cook(Tim),workout(Kirsten),keep going to school(Tamara), enjoy precious moments(Malcolm),
not let anyone else determine what/who you are(Kirsten), not bite my nails(Tim) and to just continue to grow and learn (all).
not let anyone else determine what/who you are(Kirsten), not bite my nails(Tim) and to just continue to grow and learn (all). I heart you, Virginia, because you are where some of the best people in this life are
1 comment:
I was wondering when you were going to put this up!!! You look great Jen and I'm so proud of you for doing it!!!!! Seriously, I need to get me an awesome running cape like yours! :) You are the bomb girl!
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