Muggle Quidditch

Last night the high school held its first annual quidditch tournament! It was created to raise money for Relay for Life. The teacher relay team put together this successful event! We even had a Hogsmeade that sold butterbeer. Tomorrow we are on a special bell schedule for championship match. It's between the seniors (gryffindor) and sophomores (slytherin). Couldn't have planned that better if I tried! The snitches (pictured in yellow) were the real stars of the show. They ran all over the place with the seekers chasing after them. One of the snitches brought a scooter thing to ride around on. It was pretty hilarious.

(Some of the students and teachers after the game)

Needing Motivation and Some Self Congratulating

This isn't as good as a Danny post, but here goes...

Over the last several weeks, I have lacked some major motivation to blog. All I do is eat, sleep, work, run, repeat...and you know, some other human necessities in there too. Don't get me wrong, I really like my life. I would even say, I feel pretty fulfilled right now. I work my tail off in my new job, but I LOVE it. And running is no chore either. Just ask me. :) I'll tell you. In fact, I'm sure my friends are pretty sick of hearing about it. But you know what I've decided. I don't care. I have earned it. I get up at 5am most mornings to run before work, 4, 5, and sometimes 6 miles. On Saturdays, when everyone is getting up, I'm on mile 7, 8, 9, or 10 and going for 13, 14, 15! And I love it! LOVE it. You could say I'm addicted. Good run, bad run, so/so run. Doesn't matter. I did it. I ran over 100 miles in the month of September, while I coached volleyball and kicked some tail at teaching! The people I have met running, the friends I have made...the ones who really know me, know what is going on in my life, what successes I have achieved personally/work-related/etc. it doesn't matter. They are with me every morning or afternoon, celebrating with me. They are also there to motivate or support me when I'm struggling, which has been the case much more so recently.

My running partner, Michelle, has been out due to an injury. I can't wait for her to get back out, probably as much, maybe more, as she's ready to get back out. Russ has been a great net for me. He has really helped push me through some road blocks, and his story is motivation in and of itself. Randy, David, Sarah, Julie, Darnell, and the other Village Runners are what I strive to be. I want to be faster. Libby has drug me behind her a lot recently, but I've tried to hang in there and finish strong behind her! But my biggest thank you/recognition goes to Danny Haralson. I don't know if I would be doing this or would be successful without him. He is such a great coach. He is such a huge motivational factor, will even result to guilt if you're slacking. ;) Honestly, there are not enough words to say or thank him enough. But lastly, my dad. He signed on with me when we started this together. I'm glad you were busy at work and had to say "yes."

I know I've only been apart of this world for about 10 months, but I can't imagine leaving. I am a runner. I told someone that yesterday. "You know, I'm a runner..." It just rolled off of my tongue. You know what? I am.

8 Mile

No, not a reference to the semi-terrible movie that parallel's the life of Eminem. That is the number of miles I ran last Saturday! This Saturday, 9...much more painful miles, due to a lovely blister I have developed on the back of my left heel. But I did it! I have completed this mileage, and thank goodness our training schedule is dropping us back for the next week before we go back up again. My body is tired...tired from school starting back too. It's been a long ten days of professional development, and then the first two days of school! But I made it!

Sips 'N Snips for My Mom!

My mom's birthday was yesterday. For the special occasion, I planned a party for her at my house with her friends! The owners of Helena Florist offer a class like "Sips and Strokes" called "Sip 'N Snips" where you learn how to make floral arrangements and sip on your favorite beverage. They brought all of their supplies over to the house and set up for a fun evening!

(Finished product with the birthday girl sort of in the middle).

I think everyone had a great time, sippin and snippin away! Happy Birthday Mom!!! I love you!

Anniversary

of my first 5k race. A year ago today, I had just completed my first 5k race. Danny Haralson with www.rununiversity.com trained a big group of us to run a 5k. The goal was the Race to the Courthouse. I accomplished my goal, but allowed life (aka my job) get in the way of running. So I started over in January and have run several more 5ks and two 10ks this year. I am very proud of myself and love how running has made me feel. I'm a little addicted. I've lost fifteen pounds in all, while toning. I sleep better at night, and just generally feel better. So today I tackled the 5k that trained for last year...my time has improved by over 7 minutes since last year. Not a huge jump, and honestly only improved my time from the last race by a few seconds. I forgot how hard this race is...mostly uphill and it was hot as all get out. This was not a day to try and set a personal record. Not to mention, as of this week, I've been struggling with major shin splints (I had to wear compression sleeves over my shins).

(my mom and me before the race)

(it's a family thing)

(finishing the race with my awesome compression sleeves)

Next up 1/2 marathon training!!! I seriously can't wait!

KBR

Love Affair

...with Birmingham. Today I woke up early to meet one of my running groups to do a 6 mile run starting at Pepper Place. Runs through downtown in the early morning are so soothing and peaceful. There is no traffic, no noise, just you and the pavement.

After getting back from the run, the Pepper Place Saturday market was in full swing. Stand after stand of fresh produce, flowers, and local products! I got tomatoes, peaches, and blackberries. I also discovered a beautiful wild flower bouquet that I could not leave without.

It has been about this time the past couple of years that just reconfirms why I love this little city so much. It is so unique and different, but in a quiet, slow, southern kind of way. Birmingham might not be a hustle and bustle big city, but it has its own vibe, which I'm falling back in love with!

Always,

KBR

Brewfest

School's out for summa! And with that comes a great weekend to officially kick off the summer! Friday night was the first night of Brewfest at Sloss Furnace. In true Alabama summer fashion, it was hot and humid. So hot! This is an event that I get really excited about every year! This year there were even more options than before. A lot of pale ales and microbrews. We all sweated to death at the event this year. Did I mention it was hot?

(Caroline, Carrie, Meredith, Bree, me, Chelsey & Margaret)

Stay tuned for more from this awesome weekend with Alice and Blake's AWESOME wedding!