To Gamble OR Not To Gamble, That is The Question

5 of my closest friends and running partners recruited, a google spreadsheet created summarizing all of the VRBO options {including THE ideal place to stay}, excitement building to run another 26.2 miles, and a list of local Chicago "must-visit" places created, with the help of Dear Mr. Knightley; then came the email that changed it all.  On January 16th I received an email that totally cramped my {Type A marathon planning} style...Registration for the 2014 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will be conducted through a system of guaranteed entries and non-guaranteed lottery selected entries.  Being that I don't qualify for the guaranteed entry, I would have to throw my name into the lottery.  

Did I mention this totally cramps my Type-A style!? Now there are so many factors and options {and unknowns, ugh!}...

We can all enter the lottery, and all 5 of us may get in, none of us may get in, or just one of us may get in. And with any lottery entry system, your credit card is automatically charged if you are selected {there is no turning back  OR transferring your entry}. 

We can choose another marathon. 

I can run for an official Chicago Marathon Charity in order to  guarantee my spot. 

I can enter the lottery, and if I don't get in, select a charity to run for that still has entries available following the lottery.

I want to be completely honest about my personal thoughts & feelings regarding running for a charity. While I think there are several very worthy charities and organizations that people run for,  for me personally I don't feel like it is the right option, as I feel like I would be asking people to pay for me to run a marathon.  I am a huge advocate of supporting, via fundraising, non-profit organizations and charities, but I need to have a heart string attachment/deep connection to the cause.  While the list of Chicago Marathon charities have not been provided yet, I will only consider running for a charity if there is one I am truly and genuinely passionate about, and I have done my research on their finances and the organization as a whole. 

I can enter the lottery, and if I don't get in move on to marathon Plan B. 

While I would love to run through the spectator lined streets of Chicago, on the course that has been labeled Best Chance for a PR, and visit all  the sites of The Windy City, I also want to train for & run the 26.2 miles with my friends. After all, it's the PEOPLE that truly make the race one to remember, not the location. 

Coordinating 5 people from across the country can get complex, but a decision needs to be made! 

So, without further adieu, here are my top choices for a fall 2014 marathon:

1. CHICAGO MARATHON: Take a gamble and throw my name in the hat

2. TWIN CITIES MARATHON: Best Race That Lives Up To The Hype & Most Scenic Urban Race

{Unfortunately Tess is not able to run this marathon, but I do have a friend who recently moved to MN and it would be great to see her}

3.  BIG COTTONWOOD MARATHON: Nowhere will you find a better combination of fast and beautiful

Please help me make a decision by sharing your thoughts on and experience with any of the above marathons. 

2014 Word of the Year: VULNERABLE

As I roll into a new year, I feel like I am enjoying the calm after the storm that was October-November-December.  While those months were filled with so many amazing opportunities and adventures, they definitely pushed me to my limits, both physically and mentally.  The start of the new year has been filled with several weekend naps, getting caught up on things I haven't had time to take care of until now, spending quality time with friends and family, reading books, and going to bed with a clean house and laundry done {all things I used to take for granted}.

As I contemplated a New Year's Resolution post, I thought about my running goals, personal aspirations, things I want to change, things I want to accomplish.  I considered listing everything out individually, but I realized I don't really have a list, per se.  Yes, there are definitely things I plan to accomplish in 2014, but more importantly I want to live my life in 2014 a certain way.  I want to be 

vul·ner·a·ble adjective

1.capable of being physically or emotionally wounded

2. open to attack or damage

I know, I know, you are probably wondering why on earth I would choose VULNERABLE as my word of the year.  Well let me explain...

I want to be vulnerable every time I toe the start line of a race, being willing to give it my all and leave everything out on the course. 

I want to be vulnerable to love deeply and be loved deeply.

I want to be vulnerable in my faith.  Through my faith I want to live out the gospel, allowing people to see Christ through me. 

I want to be vulnerable, taking risks and stepping out of my comfort zone.

I want to be vulnerable, not only accepting change, but seeking it out. 

I want to be vulnerable, letting go of my will for my life, and constantly surrendering to God's will for my life.  

I want to be vulnerable, saying no to things, so I can say yes to other things. 

I want to be vulnerable, putting my fears and doubts aside, and wholeheartedly pursing by dreams and aspirations.  

I'm excited for all 2014 has in store for me! Yes, it will include the numbers 26.2, probably 70.3, and hopefully the beginning stages of 140.6; and the letters L....L...C! 

  

The Greatest Gifts of All

Gifts...one of my favorite things about Christmas.  Finding the perfect, each uniquely chosen, gift for the people who mean the most to me, and bringing joy to those who are less fortunate.  This year, during the Christmas season, I have spent time reflecting, particularly on the last year, and am overjoyed by all of the gifts I have been given.  Not gifts wrapped with bows, placed under the Christmas tree, but gifts from God. Gifts that continue to bless me beyond what I ever imagined, every day of my life. 

Allow me to unwrap and share my 5 favorite gifts from this year with you:

THE GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP: This year has been filled with new unexpected friendships; the real, genuine, feel like we have been friends forever, would-stop-and-do-anything-for-you kind of friendships.  I have also been overwhelmed by the love, support and genuine friendship from those whom I have known for years.  I am blessed to call so many wonderful people friends.

THE GIFT OF HOPE:  At the beginning of this year my first CASA case closed...a case that started with doubt and minimal hope for a positive outcome.  But I saw HOPE, and provided the mom and children with the vision of the HOPE & FAITH that they were not only capable, but worthy of so much more in life.  A story that started out with a little boy who spent hours a day in a padded isolated room while his mom struggled to navigate her way through parenting, sorting through anger and behavioral issues of her own, ended with a boy attending school on a full day schedule, forming lasting friendships with his peers and playing on a soccer team with other children, and a mom who is a mentor to several others and a testimony of success who shares her story at weekly rotary meetings.  I never imagined something so trying and difficult at times could also be so rewarding. 

THE GIFT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Have I mentioned what an amazing year this has been!? I didn't race cross country in high school or run in college; my running career started when I trained to run a local race with my dad, and then quickly signed up for a ½ marathon in Nashville {it was ALL about the country music every mile}, but has since taken me on journeys I never imagined possible and pushed to me places I never dreamed of.  This year consisted of 4 half marathons {one of which I finally broke the 2 hour mark}, a half ironman, 2 ULTRA relays, and 2 other relays, including running Hood-To-Coast with NUUN.  Along this journey, I have been beyond blessed by and thankful for two companies {NUUN & Oiselle}, who believe in me, and have challenged, encouraged and motivated me to continue to better myself while pursuing my goals and dreams.  As I accomplish one goal, I always have my eyes on the next, and now know more than ever that the only limitations we have are those we place on ourselves.

THE GIFT OF DANCING: To say I was excited when I was asked to be a “star” for Southern Oregon Dancing with The Rogue Valley Stars {benefitting Southern Oregon Sparrow Clubs} would be an understatement.  The entire experience, from our first practice to the finale as a Shining Star, far exceeded any expectations I had.  I was blessed with the most incredible partner and choreographers, overwhelmed by the generosity of friends, family and the amazing community I live in, and learned to dance while making the most out of every {triple} step along the way.  For eight weeks, I spent every day looking forward to dance practice, where I would laugh, de-stress from the day, overcome fear, anxiety & insecurities, all while doing something that I love.  Though I was giving of my time, energy and resources to a phenomenal cause, I personally received far more.  Numerous times I texted Matt, the director of Sparrow Club, thanking him for choosing me, as I was beyond blessed by the experience. 

THE GIFT OF STRUGGLES:  You might be asking why struggles are one of my favorite gifts from the year.  My struggles have reminded me to pray more, spend more time in The Word, and truly trust God, resulting in me growing closer to Him.  As this year comes to an end, and a new year begins, I meditate on the verse:

Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give me a snake.  If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!  Matthew 6:9-11

Laura Story says it best, sometimes God’s blessings come through raindrops, sometimes His healing come through tears.   But that is how our lives get watered with hope and how we grow our accomplishments.  The year was blessed!