Week 1 Wrap Up

Running is hard sometimes but then I think of the ones who are enslaved and can't even make their own decisions. I run for them! I fight this fight to see them rescued, restored and redeemed. To see human trafficking stopped once and for all! 

Week One Wrap Up: 14 miles clocked in my sneakers! 

Let's #endit and #stopthetraffic together friends!! Join me in this fight and become a #freedomfighter and support me (Click here)  
#2017forthewin #runnerchic #freep #athleteintraining  #firsthalf #loveruns#ridgerunners 

Base Training Begins

Training for my half marathon officially began this past week... 

...but this is not about running. 

This is about the fight against Human Trafficking! 

Will you support me?! I will do the hard work and train to run 13.1 miles in October😊        I am still looking for 98 more people to commit $14.40 in my fight. 1440 represents the number of minutes in a day that you and I are free while someone enslaved does not have a choice. Will you join me? Click here

Season Kick-off Weekend Summary

This past weekend, I was blessed to be in Michigan for the Love Runs season kick off. 

It was incredible. A taste of home, family and friends is sometimes all we need.

Dinner out with a few new Love Run friends
(L to R: Stephanie, Me, Nathan, Robin, Tom, Kristi & Leon)

First 5K race in Michigan #martianinvasion

Dandelions ~ My favorite childhood "flower"

Because #bumpycake

The Gayer Kids

(My nephew Michael, Me, Brother David & Sister-in-law Shalimar)

Only 171 days remain until I will RUN 13.1 miles in my first half marathon! 

I have also committed to raise $1,440 which represents the 1440 minutes in a day that a human trafficking victim is enslaved and the same amount of minutes you and I are free to do something about it. Will you support me?! Any amount will help but $14.40 from 98 more people will help me reach my goal! Click Here to support me.

What will you do with your 1440 minutes?? 

#loveruns #stopthetraffic #endit #whatwillyoudowith1440 #firsthalf

Love Runs 2017 Season Kick-Off

Tonight was the season kick off for the Love Runs 2017 season. There were so many emotions going into this evening. 

Excitement.

Anticipation.

Fear.

Doubt.

But most fall, gratitude. 

It was overwhelming to walk into that building. It was surprising. Each side of the hallway was filled with a #seaofblue holding signs and ringing cowbells. So much support and thankfulness from the Captains and leadership of this incredible organization. 

We passed through one room that was set up for a meeting and there were tables with shirts and jerseys to be purchased. As we entered the main room for the evening, it reminded me of a large gymnasium where twenty-five or so round banquet tables were set up. Each seat at the tables had a Love Runs card and pamphlet. More cowbells were placed on the tables as well. 

So many things took place in a short time. It was special! 

Introductions. Encouragement. Instruction. Stories of praise and personal successes. 

It was amazing. 

                                                                                                 Breathtaking.

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After an hour, they split the group into two categories for a special workshop related to running. Soon after, a bit of socializing took place and it was so incredible. To meet people I've chatted with on Facebook and email was so encouraging. I had a couple people approach me who I had never met, never heard of, and they introduced themselves and thanked me for being part of Love Runs this season. My heart was so incredibly full 💙💚
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Absolutely the most gorgeous sunset I've ever seen in Michigan. 

Maybe I just saw the beauty from a different angle. 

Often times I see the promises and comfort of my great big God in the scenery He surrounds me with. 

He just knows that nature is my thing, I guess😊😊 

No words could describe the overwhelming amounts of emotion overflowing in my heart tonight as I walked out of the #loveruns #seasonkickoff. I've waited for this day, this weekend, for months. Some people will never understand what it means to be a small piece of this journey. I'm thankful for that💙💚

In some ways, this sunset felt like a great big hug from God himself to me tonight.

My First 5K, with Love Runs

Today was my first 5K in Michigan.

I was blessed to run the Martian Invasion 5K in Dearborn Michigan with a friend from my youth group days, Kristi. It was super fun! She talked me into wearing a Tutu which made it fun and silly. Not to mention the headband that had blue pigtails on top. Kristi rocked the green and I rocked the blue... because #loveruns 

Ready to run...

Kristi and I just before the gun! One last cheese 😊

My Race Bib

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Love this! These littles melted my heart into a puddle of mush today! Cheering them on was SOOOO fun!! These kids ran to let their community know that kids are NOT for sale!! They have brought awareness and took their 1.2 mile victory lap after logging 25 miles for a grand total of 26.2 (a FULL marathon!) in the past 8 weeks. Love it! They worked hard and earned their medals today! 💚💙🏅🏅🏅💙

The Love Runs KIDS Marathon

Today has been one long, exciting, FUN, relaxing and glorious day! 

My face has been kissed by the Michigan wind and sun. 

My body is exhausted from running, walking and cheering. 

My sinuses have inhaled fresh cut grass; and I somehow long for more despite allergies😊 

My soul has been deeply nourished with sweet conversation, laughs and genuine friendship!!! 

My heart is FULL❤️ 

If my flight left tomorrow morning, I'd be tearfully content to leave the D. This has been the best long weekend of 2017!!! And there is still more to come tomorrow and Monday😊 

Thank you Lord for all of "this" - and all that's to come! 

I am deeply blessed, and forever grateful💙💚💙