Lexi: Our soccer star!

Neither Chris or I ever played soccer, but it seems like it may be Lexi's choice of sport. Enjoy! 

Des Moines IMT Half Marathon!

Today, I competed and finished my first half marathon. When I signed up, I was worried about running 13.1 miles in the middle of October. But somebody must have been looking over me today because it was a sunny, beautiful 70 degrees. You honestly couldn't have had a more picture perfect day!


If someone would have told myself 10 years ago that I would one day be running a half marathon, I'm sure young 16 year old me would have got a great laugh at that. I hated running. I was the girl who went out for track to get faster in other sports, but dreaded every practice/race. I was the girl who cried when Krafty (our track coach) told me that he was putting me in the 2 mile. I was the girl who cried so hard that I didn't have to run that race.

Running has never been easy for me, but I think that's what drives me to do it. I like the challenge.I know I will never be the faster runner, but running isn't always about being the best. Running is about making your best today better tomorrow.

I still remember my first 5k a little over 4 years ago. I struggled the entire way and thought that was the hardest thing I had ever done. A little while later, I ran an 8k...then the Dam to Dam...and it just continues from there. My mom asked me today if I would do the marathon next year. I laughed and said, "No!"....but I guess we will just have to see.

My two biggest fans

I can see the finish!

What a great cheering section!

I made it...all 13.1 miles

Giving Brenna a High Five at mile 8!

Help: Music for my half!

When you are a runner, you have a lot of extra thinking time on your hands. I can't even begin to tell you about all the lesson plans I've made during my long runs! During my last long run, I decided I needed a new playlist to run this half-marathon. And I decided that I needed all of my blog readers to help me out!

Since all of my family and friends cannot come to Des Moines on Oct 21st, I would like each of you to pick a song that you think would be a great pump-me-up song! I did a little calculating and figured out that I roughly listen to 2-3 songs/mile...making me feel like 35-37 songs should suffice.

So...I'm putting my music choices in your hands. Respond with the Mile you want (2 -3 songs per mile)  and the song. Think of songs that will make me keep on running or songs that remember me of you!

I cannot wait for my song list!