Running a 50k....Insane or Ambitious?

Every year when this time of year comes around it gets me thinking. Thinking about my birthday and how much older I'll be. Did I accomplish what I wanted to or I thought I would by this age? Usually the answer to this is no. In fact I never thought that far in advance as a kid/teenager. I could hardly think past the next meal, let alone to what lay ten years down the road for me.

I'll be 26 next month. 26?! I can't believe that I am on the downhill slope of my twenties. Where did my time go? That shouldn't be a question really, more like a statement. I know where they went, if you check in the library of my last two universities you'll find the last 8 years of my life in the "reference" section. I love school, that is why I am still here. At least that is what I tell myself most days...I either love it enough to continue on sticking around or I'm afraid of what the real world holds. If I'm honest, it's both.

This semester will be a defining point in my graduate career as well as my life! I am technically in the last semester of my degree program, I am in the process of meeting all and more of my degree requirements and am finally moving in the right direction on my thesis. These next four months could be my last chance to put off wearing real pants anywhere. (As a college student I feel that being in school is still a valid excuse to wear sweatpants EVERYWHERE. When asked "why didn't you dress up to go out tonight?" "Oh yeah, I had a test today. My brain is more comfortable resting when I'm wearing sweats, but thanks for asking.") The decision I have before me now is whether to apply to PA (Physician Assistant) School, apply for my PhD, or to call it done and become an adult.

So many choices, so little time.

Oh and I started teaching today! It was amazing and so fun. I may be jumping the gun by saying that only after the first day, but it was great getting to share my passion and my knowledge about anatomy with students who are exciting to learn more about it! Or are there by no choice of their own. On top of that I am taking 5 grad classes. Yep you read that right, 5. I'm only on my third day and have barely slept, have papers and assignments that are due soon, but no one ever said that grad school was easy.

Now that I have gotten all of those thoughts out of the way, the real reason behind this blog was to share with you a milestone that I have decided to tackle this year, a 50K! How crazy and exciting is that?! I am nervous yet excited to be taking on something of this magnitude. It was be a 31 mile trail run in November. Who would've thought I would ever tackle that. I have always wanted to run a marathon, but felt like that was something that I couldn't accomplish because of multiple hip surgeries. Now I say screw it, I'm gonna try anyway. Even if my body can't take the training load, at least I will know that I gave my heart and soul to it. The even cooler thing....I will be racing with Team Endurance for MS, which is an AWESOME organization out of NW Arkansas that has partnered with University of Arkansas to find a cure for MS. I am overjoyed to join them on my way to conquering this goal of mine.

If you have any interest in checking them out, which you should, go to their website! http://researchms.org/; they are doing amazing things, and they are amazing people. Did I mention I know them? I think that ups my cred some. Kidding.

Since I will be running for their team my goal this year is to raise $750 for their cause. Will you support me? You can give me a penny per mile or any amount of your choosing. Help us beat MS!

See Ya 2014

It seems all my friends are documenting their previous year so I thought I'd join the bandwagon and do the same. I decided this year to forgo the resolution, I try and better myself every day and I don't need the beginning of a new year to try and live up to some resolution I know I'll break by next week any way. 2014 was another year. It marked the final year in my graduate program, a family vacation, the marriage of a good childhood friend of mine, and many other memories. So instead of explaining I'll share them in pictures.

 

JANUARY
The beginning of the spring semester and shenanigans at the gym

FEBRUARY
Celebrating 25, a snowstorm with Maximus, and the celebration of Hannah
 and her baby girl on the way!

MARCH/APRIL/MAY
Welcoming Bear to the family, Eric introducing Max to Michelle's furball,
and my entrance into the 600lb club.

JUNE
So much fun spending time with the Holmes Family in FL, the marriage of my
good childhood friend Michael to his beautiful bride, and the rebirth of
my love for mountain biking.

JULY
Running the Ninja Turtle 5k, Michelle & Eric hard at work putting up hammock
stands, traveling to VA with Junk Brands and my favorite ginger, float trip with the CF417
crew and celebrating Lee's "Birthday Girl'" birthday with a great ride.

AUGUST
On the road again with Junk Brands and the broski, my cousin being deployed to
Afghanistan, and another care package from my favorite company, SKIN STRONG.

SEPTEMBER
Completed the endurance mountain bike challenge, Thorn-A-Thon with a PR 26 miles, and
the loss of our beloved Maximus at 13 years old. RIP baby boy.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
Celebrating Eric's birthday with Michelle, Bear Bear over for a visit, and introducing
the family to the love of cycling.

DECEMBER
Saying goodbye to the BEST lab group ever, taking family Christmas photos, attempting
to take puppy pics, adoption of Cinna-bon - the newest edition to the Martin Crew,
and celebrating the New Year with 5 of the coolest people under the age of 10.