Ragnar Tennessee...A Photographic Tour

A photographic tour of Ragnar Tennessee with little talk about actual running and an abundance of inside jokes...enjoy! 

For those of you who have ever read my blog, you know I LOVE relays...I love the memories, the friendships, the teamwork, the overcoming, the accomplishment, the dance parties, the power arch cheering, the peanut butter filled pretzels, the headlight & glow stick lit night runs, and the deep, one-of-a-kind relationships that are formed over the 30 hours in a team branded van. Back in October I traveled across the country to Nashvegas to join friends, some who I knew and some I couldn't wait to finally meet, to form team NUUNapalooza for Ragnar Tennessee.

A relay officially starts when the white van mysteriously becomes a blank canvas for the artists of the team to turn into a work of art: 

Kera, who is phenomenally talented and creative, led the van decorating party

Ellen took her role of incorporating Shittens into the van decorating very seriously!  

Team NUUNapalooza was ready to roll...

And yes, we brought a disco ball to the party! 

We were kind of a big deal in Tennessee, with people asking to take our picture everywhere we went.

A complete team {thanks to people being willing to join us last minute}, NUUN Trucker Hats,  tie-dye socks, and all the NUUN and Peanut Butter filled pretzels we could handle, and team NUUNapalooza was ready for a 200 mile adventure. 

Sisters...Best Friends

Instant BFFs

A lil cupid shuffle to get the party started!

Did I mentioned that relays are a 30-hour party, with some running thrown in!? A huge thanks to Ellen for her stellar photobooth props!

Relays are all about supporting and encouraging one another, and really making each person feel like a star while they are running! With that being said, it only seemed obvious that we would throw Ellen a {surprise} Shittens extravaganza party as she came into the exchange of her nighttime run!

I think the rookie relayer scored herself a roadkill on her first leg!

This is a picture of true determination....Kristi injured her ankle just two weeks prior to Ragnar, but was determined to at least get out there and give it her best effort! Unfortunately,  her injury prevented her from running the rest of her legs, but it didn't prevent her from being a team player, supporting and encouraging everyone the entire way. 

Who doesn't want a donut mid way through their run!? 

Always smiling! I wish I was able to spend more time with Kera! Following my first ultra relay, I cried {the #uglycry}, and remember Meghan giving me the biggest hug, congratulating me on accomplishing something so amazing! As Kera came running in on her last leg, I saw the tears...tears of joy, tears of accomplishment, and I loved being the one to take the "baton" from her and give her a big hug! I love seeing people experience the amazingness of running a relay. 

It appears that van 1 was powered by donuts...

Jon LOVES relays! And I can't wait to run a Ragnar Trail relay with him {It WILL happen, promise!}

Van 1:

SO happy to finally earn a trip to the Roadkill Tattoo Parlor  {it wasn't until my 3rd leg that I FINALLY earned myself a roadkill}

The tattoo artist hard at work in her office:

And THIS is what relays are all about...TEAMWORK!

Karen...who went from jogger to RUNNER, after 18 miles! She made the relay her oyster, and I am so thankful she did! Not knowing anyone in our van, and having little to no training, she agreed to join us for  this crazy epic adventure! I love her determination, her fun, go-with-the-flow attitude, her willingness to get outside of her comfort zone, and her kind/sincere heart.

Rooooooonnnnnnn!!! 

The BIG Burrito who had the swagger of an HVAC guy! At one point, we were concerned as it appeared that his butt cramp had turned his swagger into a shuffle...

This girl!!! Lesbihonest, I am so blessed to have finally met her! My Jesus loving, country singing, booty shaking friend and teammate...

 Ellen does push-ups for a living...

Best cowbeller in Tennessee...

After overcoming set-backs, creating new friendships, accomplishing the impossible, laughing at things that no one else would think is funny, tattooing arms with roadkill tattoos, stand-up spooning, dancing non-stop to Blurred Lines, rocking out {with synchronized hand motions} to and their hands go up, and they stay there, and they stay there and hashtagging, the birds flew us in to the finish!  

Speaking of flying, Shwings around: 

I think Kera summed up the experience best: 

66 hours later, new friends, the empty being filled again with old ones, little sleep & LOTS of pavement pounding from Chatt 2 Nashville, crying, laughing, fear, sweaty bodies packed into 2 vans, peanut butter pretzels, NUUN, cowbells, leapfrogging, one sock lost forever, cheering like no ones biz, road kills, disco balls, shwings, dancing, 25 degree temps, beanbags as beds, teamwork, 19 people sleeping in one house & on & on & on. But alas the fun had to end & NUUN-A-PALOOZA is all memories now. Despite those big nasty bags under my eyes this was a memory to last a lifetime!!

A HUGE Thank You to NUUN for not only keeping us hydrated over the 200 miles, but for providing us the opportunity to experience such an EPIC adventure!   

Letting Go Of Control and Embracing Vulnerability

The life of Holly...a look behind the scenes

If you would have told me back in 2005 when I was graduating from the University of Colorado, Boulder, that at the age of 30 I would be single, living in Medford, OR {which just so happens to be the 3rd worst place in the nation for singles, as well as having the 4th highest  divorce rate}, I probably would have laughed at you in disbelief.  Why!? Because I had my life perfectly planned out, and by the age of 30 I would be married, with 2, perhaps 3 children.  

I have gone through the season of weddings, where I have stood by my friends as they walked down the aisle to start a new journey with the love of their life.  Nothing brings me more joy than to celebrate this wonderful occasion, and happiness, with each of my friends.  I have also gone through the season of new parenthood, as my friends have welcomed precious lil ones into the world, giving me my most cherished title, auntie.  I can honestly say from the bottom of my heart, I love celebrating in the joy, happiness, and blessings of my friends, but recently I have been asking myself, "when is it my turn?" "Will this ever happen for me?"

My life is truly overflowing with blessings, but I have realized recently that this void is starting to {occasionally} rob me of joy on the inside.  Tears have been cried as I ask myself, "What is wrong with me?"  As my own toughest critic, I find myself chiseling away at my self-esteem, focusing on what I perceive to be my flaws and failures, losing sight of the fact that I was perfectly created {everything about me} in God's image.  The more time that passes, the more hopeless the situation appears. I find myself questioning if I am being too picky; instead of having it all, do I need to choose between attractive and fun, or nice and respectful, as though all 4 would be too many characteristic traits for one person to have?  I start questioning, "was he really that bad!? I mean, someone is better than no one, right!?"  I've reached the point where I have taken the situation into my own hands with the perfect fairy tail ending in site, rather than wanting to sit and wait for God's perfect plan, in his perfect timing.  I am {well working on being} willing to delay instant affirmation for a relationship that is full of life. 

God has blessed me with the desire of my heart to be a wife and mother, and I am working on letting go of control, embracing vulnerability and fully trusting the Lord, as I know His plans are far greater than and beyond anything I could imagine. I am not looking for my idea of perfection, rather for the  Lord's idea of perfection, and I do not want to settle for less than God's best for me.

With all of that being said, if you would have told me back in 2005 when I was graduating from the University of Colorado, Boulder, that at the age of 30 I would have a job that is one of the biggest blessings in my life working for the garbage company,  and I would be the President of 2 non-profit organizations, a CASA, a runner for two amazing companies {traveling the country running and making new, lifetime friendships through all of it}, a marathoner and a {half} Ironman Triathlete...all while being surrounded by the best friends and family a person could ask for,  I also probably wouldn't have believed you! My life is overflowing with blessings, and while somedays I find myself questioning and doubting things, I wholeheartedly strive to live each and everyday in the now, fully embracing & appreciating every opportunity that comes my way. As I live my life to the fullest, I pray I can touch and enhance the lives of others along the way as well.

I know that God is bigger than a statistic, has a truly amazing love story planned for me, and ensures all things work together for His good.  

So I wait, for God's best for me....

Love At First Spoonful

Calling all almond/peanut butter lovers...those of you, who like me, eat it by this spoonful...if you haven't already discovered Wild Friends Nut Butter you are missing out! When I discovered these all-natural nut butters,  with wild flavors and friendly ingredients {no additives, preservatives, or extra oil or sugar}, it was truly love at first spoonful! 

They had me at their Honey Pretzel Peanut Butter ...the perfect combo of sweet and salty! I mean, pretzel chunks IN the peanut butter...heavenly.  Make sure to check out all of their fun, one-of-a-kind flavors {like Vanilla Espresso Almond Butter, oh my!}

What's even more impressive than their product, is their story! And perhaps some of you remember them from Shark Tank? Two friends and college roommates, Erika and Keeley, whose dorm room experiment turned into a leap of faith and them pursuing their dream and love of nut butters.  

Now they need YOUR help to bring their SAVORY & SWEET combo to a store near you!

Check out how you can help:

Contribute today and score some pretty cool prizes!! 

Don't forget to check out all the amazing recipes on their site as well! 

Like these Vanilla Espresso Almond Butter Cups:

While you're contributing to their crowdfunding project, I am going to go enjoy a spoonful of Honey Pretzel PB! Catch you later! 

Pumpkin Palooza Scarf Exchange

FALL...my favorite season! I love the rich colors of the leaves, the cool crisp mornings, wearing a scarf and sunglasses at the same time, pulling out my puffer vests, football, and of course, anything and everything PUMPKIN! I also love any excuse to have a party/get together, so when I read about Shay's {yes, The Bachelor's sister} scarf exchange, I knew I had to do something similar! I spiced things up a little bit, and incorporated a pumpkin recipe exchange as well.

Everyone brought their favorite pumpkin dish, with recipes to share:

Pumpkin Pie Martinis

We enjoyed great conversation, fellowship, and yummy pumpkin treats! 

We are all busy, and while I do my best to make time for friends and meet for a cup of coffee or lunch, its always nice to take time out of our hectic schedules to get together. 

And who doesn't love a fun, new scarf to kick off the fall season!?  We did the exchange white elephant style, allowing people to steal a scarf if they wanted to! At first, everyone was so nice and sweet, opening a new scarf on their turn...but it didn't take long before the ruthless, heartbreaking stealing started.  

I picked based on the wrapping, and went with the cute box :)

A sea of scarves {or is it scarfs!?} 

I love to play hostess and any excuse to throw a party.  While I enjoy the smaller details, like the cute labels, decorations etc., I really don't have time in my schedule right now to play Hostess With The Mostess, but I don't want that to be an excuse to not entertain and have people over, because after all, what is most important is time with friends.  Don't wait for the perfect time, perfect situation to have friends over, because it will never happen! Invite people over, have them bring a dish or bottle of wine,  do a quick cleaning of your bathrooms, and voila, you have yourself a party! 

Life can get crazy, but it's important to stop and take the time to be with those nearest and dearest to you.

Make sure to stay up-to-date on all of my leaps of faith and follow me on bloglovin and feedly 

Walking The Fine Line of Social Media

     As I reflect on the last three years, as a runner, I am blown away by the blessings and where running has taken me.  In addition to wholeheartedly pursuing my dreams and goals,  becoming more involved in social networking has played a huge role in where my running has taken me! The support, encouragement, advice, opportunities and friendships have surpassed anything I  ever could've imagined! But with that being said, recently I have felt that being involved in social networking is like walking a fine line, and if you cross that line it is a downward spiraling, slippery slope to a toxic pit of comparison, a place of entitlement, and an an arena where being rude, disrespectful and insensitive to other people is acceptable, because after all it's my blog, my feelings.

STAY OUT OF THE PIT OF COMPARISON

     In today's society, social networking has a significant influence on how we develop our sense of self, our view of the world, and our deepest values and concerns. What do social networking ideologies convey regarding running and blogging?  Are we defined by the pace on our Garmin, the number of twitter followers we have, or by the number of daily views on our blogs? It is so easy to get trapped in the pit of comparison, constantly trying to live up to what we think others deem important. In terms of my own personal blogging, I have had huge insecurities around posting my times. Thinking I wasn't fast, I felt maybe if I didn't post my times, people would find more significance in my posts, and therefore in me as a runner! How crazy is that!? But its TRUE...because I spent so much time COMPARING myself to others...or to the time on their Garmin. If I am really honest with myself, it was more a result of feeling inferior or not good enough.  Insecurities are natural, and we all deal with them at some level.  It's when insecurities come as a result of comparison, and we are no longer able to accept, love, and embrace who we are {the perfectly created individuals that we are} that we really need to step back and re-evaluate the influence social media is having on us.

     Everyone has their own story and journey, and we are defined as runners, not by the time on clock when we cross the finish line, but by the dedication, heart, obstacles overcome, commitment, etc needed to get there. 

So often we are inspired by others' stories, but remember that we also have the potential to inspire others with our own stories. 

THE GOSSIP WELL

     Between Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and blogging, we have access to the deepest gossip well to draw from. I know I personally am not above the temptation to gossip, especially with some of the pictures and information people unabashedly post.  Jen Hatmaker said it best, " all that knowing is a lot to keep a lid on."   And unfortunately, social media has taken "talking about people" to a whole new level.  Just because we read or see something does not mean that we need to talk about it and share it with others. I challenge each and everyone of us to think before we speak about another person, a picture we saw or something we read, in an effort to make social media a safer, less poisonous,  place.

THINK BEFORE YOU POST

     Finally, just because its my blog, my Twitter account, my Facebook,  does not mean that we are entitled to receive certain things or exempt from being kind, loving, respectful individuals.  "Everything is permissible, but not everything is helpful." With social media, it has never been easier for relationships to be destroyed, trust violated, feelings wrecked, and reputations ruined; it's amazing how quickly we can injure ourselves and one another.  While I am not saying we should avoid being real, honest, and vulnerable, we need to be careful not to do that at the expense of hurting someone else. Next time you want to want to post something that is "heated" or possibly controversial, just wait. Save it as a draft and walk away from your computer. Discuss it with a close friend first. Once you spew your your thoughts and opinions out into the world wide web, there's no getting them back.

     As I said, I love social networking, and have been blessed with so many amazing friendships and opportunities through it! But occasionally it is good to take a step back and remember that if social media can capture our thoughts, it can also capture our hearts and minds, and rob us of confidence in ourselves. For many of us, social media provides the content from which we develop our sense of self, our view of the world, and our deepest values and concerns.  While I am not encouraging any social media hiatus/boycott, I am challenging each and everyone of us {myself included} to thoughtfully engage without checking our brains and self confidence at the door, embracing the positive elements and resisting the toxic stuff.

And know this...YOU ARE AWESOME!!! Please take the time to watch this video:

     In addition to being cautious, positive seeking consumers of social media, I challenge each and everyone of us, when given the opportunity to meet bloggers/people from the social networking world in real life, to take the time to get to know them for who they really are! Don't focus on insignificant things {number of followers, marathon time} at the risk of missing out on significant things {a phenomenal heart, an incredible person}. 

Finally...Sub-2

To say that my spring/summer race schedule was a little hectic, would be an understatement...3 half marathons, a half Ironman, 2 ULTRA Relays, and Hood-To-Coast. That, on-top of my already crazy busy schedule, has resulted in me feeling like the Energizer Bunny, whose batteries are running out! BUT, with all of that being said, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to run a phenomenal local half marathon and support good friends. My preparation going into the race was far from ideal. I have not followed any sort of half marathon training plan since the Eugene Marathon, and have followed no training plan at all since my half Ironman;  the race was 2 weeks after Ragnar Colorado, and I had kiddos over race weekend, which is not ideal for resting! I didn't allow any of this to prevent me from wholeheartedly pursuing my goal of a sub-2 hour half marathon.  Perfect course, beautiful weather, my favorite running buddies by my side, and my first {individual} race as part of the Oiselle Team...it was the day!

Race day Inspiration:

We arrived at the start of the race, and Houston, we had a problem...I hadn't, and couldn't, go to the bathroom. Sorry for the TMI, but I always go to the bathroom before a race and cleanse out the system...but not this time.  I warned Mandy and Sarah that I was probably going to have to stop at some point....about 1.5 miles into the race, guess what!? I had to go!  I knew there were restrooms at mile 2, so I ran ahead to use the restrooms. Bathroom stop...success, and on we went.  But no sooner than we reached mile 4, I had to go again. At this point I was not feeling all that great. Thankfully we came across more restrooms right around mile 5...I'll spare you details but I wasn't feeling good, and now I was starting to worry that I was sick {there was a bug that had been going around}.  This bathroom stop took a little longer than the first one, and I feel so blessed that Mandy and Sarah slowed down so I could catch up.  In terms of running, I felt so strong, and I was still ahead of pace for sub-2 hours.  Three more miles go by, and you guessed it, I had to go to the bathroom...AGAIN! And you know how after you go to the bathroom when you're having issues, sometimes you feel like you immediately need to go again!? Mile 8 was HORRIBLE...as I seriously thought I was going to have to pull off and go to the bathroom in the bushes! I was not feeling well at all. 

This was the {mental} turning point of the race...do I just say today is not the day to go sub-2 and take it easy to the finish OR do I dig deep and push to the finish...I went with the latter.  The mental aspect of racing has been a huge obstacle for me recently, and I feel like I overcame such a big hurdle out on the course that day.  At mile 9, I mentally broke down the remainder of the race into 2x2miles,  in which I would increase my pace, bringing it in strong to the finish.  At this point Sarah, Mandy and I had separated, and it was just me, myself and I to the finish.  I turned the corner to the last mile of the race and KNEW I was going to do it, but had no room to spare in terms of my time.  I felt strong, in terms of running, and made the final turn to the finish with the biggest, but perhaps ugliest smile...as I had just ran a sub-2 hour marathon, but it was pretty sh&*y! {pun intended}. 

1:59.13

I am beyond thankful to have two of the most amazing, encouraging and supportive training partners, who I also get to call FRIENDS!!! I have NO pictures from the race {can you believe it!?}, but these were taken just a week or two later, ha! 

More than accomplishing a goal, this race was about digging deep, running a mentally strong race, and believing in myself!