post-race recovery

So it has been a few days since the half marathon, and I am finally able to walk normally again! I also treated myself to a few things this week that are out of the ordinary.

First, I got one of these...


And then I got one of these....


Now back to my regularly scheduled life. :)

13.1 is half of nothing!

The Country Music Marathon was this weekend. There was a lot of drama leading up to this race for me. First, I had a dramatic foot injury that delayed my training. Second, this semester of grad school has been the hardest and the busiest making finding time to train extremely difficult. Third, they were calling for extremely scary weather on Saturday morning, which makes me VERY nervous.

BUT.... I did it! To say that I am hurting today would be an understatement... but I am so happy for this accomplishment!

Rachel's Top 5 of the Country Music Marathon

1- I finished!! I think I ran fast because I was scared to get stuck in the bad weather. I met my goal time for the race!
2- The tornadoes and severe weather held off until after I finished! It was actually nice while we were running!
3- I have some AMAZING friends who came to cheer me on, and some friends and family from far away who sent such sweet and encouraging messages! I am one lucky girl!
4- I love reading the signs of people who come to watch. Some of my favorites yesterday were: "Run like a tornado is coming" "Your feet only hurt because you are kicking so much butt" and Run like a Cullen" (you will only get that one if you are a Twilight fan like myself).
5- Carb loading Friday night before with my Tennesee in Training friends at Maggianos! It is so fun to be encouraged to eat a lot of carbs for once!

After I can walk normal again... I am sure I will be excited for the Country Music Half Marathon next year!

BA Prom

I love my Young Life girls so much! I learn so much from these girls and my experiences working with Brentwood Academy Young Life. BA's prom was last weekend and they all looked amazing! I just love them...

Mule Day

Fun fact of the day: Columbia, TN is the Mule Capital of the World!

I celebrated by going to the Mule Day Parade in Columbia this weekend. My friend Ben lives right on the parade route so it was so convenient and fun! It was a very interesting day, but we had fabulous weather and a great day!

Some bunny is back

Update from yesterday!

The bunny family is back! I have seen them EVERYDAY except yesterday (Easter), and then it was back tonight!!

I really do think it is the Easter bunny! :)

Happy Easter

What a perfect Easter weekend. If I could sum up my weekend in one word, it would be thankful. I am so thankful for the fabulous, sunny weather. I am so thankful for the fun company of my parents for the weekend. And for the reason of this Easter season, I am so thankful.

I made the trip to Knoxville for Easter this weekend, and I forgot how beautiful East Tennessee is in the spring. It is almost time for the Dogwood Arts Festival and Knoxville was ready! The weather made all the colors of spring so beautiful!

I had the BEST time with Mom and Dad this weekend. We have FUN no matter what we do... but Long's, shopping, and Star Trec (not Star Track.....am I close Dad?) were top notch.

He is risen! He is risen, indeed. So thankful for Jesus and His blessings.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you" 1 Peter 1:3-4

And I don't think the blog world knows this, but the Easter bunny lives with his bunny family in my back yard. I see him every morning near my car, and every night when I return. I have seen him and his friends everyday for a few months! But not today... he must have been working overtime!
Hoppy Easter everyone!