OK, so it has been way to long yet again since I blogged anything....so busy, lots of travel and just life. Is that an excuse you ask --- YEP, and I'll take as many as I can....Life is too short not to enjoy the day and not worry about the blog.
The Title of this entry is due to the fact that Running is starting to dominate our active lives....and I am THRILLED for that!!! I picked up loving to run (OK, loving is a strong word - but it fits right now) back about 7 years ago, and have over the past 2 years started really caring about time, distance, etc...AND now Cheryl and Alexxis have caught the bug too. Alexxis and I started running back in the fall of 2008 but with as early as I get up to run I could not be that consistent..so now that Cheryl ahas caught the passion to run, she and Alexxis and running almost every day and enjoying the time together.
As you can see from some of the photos I am attaching we are all enjoying it immensely. Today, February 7Th, Cheryl and Alexxis did their first official race (The Year of the OX 5K) at Papago park. They were excited and I think a little nervous but they did a great job and ran the 3.1 miles in 41:20 (GREAT JOB GALS -- LOVE YOU)....Natalie also came out (and got to compete in the kid run - Ribbon picture below) with Preston and I to cheer Cheryl & Alexxis on and congratulate them when it was all over. Payton had a Daisy event so could not join, but she did make a sign that said "Go Mom, Go Alexxis". I am SO VERY PROUD of my family and their new found love for the sport that I also enjoy....who knows maybe Natalie and Payton when they get a bit older will join us and it can become a family affair..
Back on the 18Th of January I ran my 1st Half Marathon (The P.F. Chang's Rock N Roll Marathon & Half Marathon) -- It was an experience in itself with the shuttle to the start, having to be in Corrals and wait to start after the official start, and just running the course. Over 40,0o0 competed and I ended up running the 13.1 miles in just 1:15 over my goal..It took me 1:56:15 to finish and I had a great time. I told the fam to stay at home (way too crazy for Cheryl with 4 kids) as it was crazy and a mass of humanity at the finish line, but my mom braved the light rail and the masses to be there when I finished - it mean't a lot that she came (Thanks Mom). Its a great event and I will most likely do it again next year...who knows maybe the full marathon....
So, even with all of that we are still training --- doing our next race in April in Lake Havasu where our niece Ashley will join Cheryl & Alexxis for another 5K @ The Havasu Half. I will be running the Half Marathon again and am looking forward to seeing how I do with the temperature being a lot warmer than in Jan....Maybe still get under the 2 hour mark, but we will see.
All else in life is just that (life) -- we are all healthy, minding our Partner Development to get to Poland with those who have been interested in hearing what God has called us too, and we are very grateful that God has given us a great home church, friends, and a loving family to help us through this Journey. More to come as things develop and as life continues. We Love you all.
Blessings to you all,
Gabe, Cheryl, Alexxis, Natalie, Payton, & Preston.
Gabe, Cheryl, Alexxis, Natalie, Payton, & Preston.