{New York, New York}

{photo credit}

I leave in a week to head back out to New York, and while it's my fourth time back since I've moved from Italy, I still can't believe that my life sends me back to that very place {of all the cities...!}

I really do have to laugh at God's sense of humor with me. This trip will be bitter-sweet- filled with lots of goodbyes. And while I wrestle with reaching out to some past participants in my life, I'm hoping this trip to make new friends, create new experiences and if my heart allows it, be open to all {and every} possibility that the small world city has to offer.

The Kaiser Chiefs will always hold a special place in my heart. I won't get into the details as to why exactly, mainly I just don't think it has any real relevance, but nonetheless I will forever be flooded with great memories.

A great evening turning into an even more amazing night {Monday night dance session till early morning beachside fellowship under the stars}. An epic night in more ways than one.

Run! Run! Run!

I officially hit the two month marker! In two months, I'll be racing in my first 1/2 marathon! Training with Team In Training has been such an amazing experience. Last weekend I hit 10 miles... it's even daunting to type out. The photo above is from my first 8 miler the other week. It was pouring rain and we did a trail run inland. There's something so magical about running in the rain, and for a swimmer it was the added element I needed to keep going. That day I was only supposed to aim for 7 miles but the pure joy of being able to push yourself past your own capabilities not only mentally but physically is an adrenaline high unlike any other. 

Music isn't allowed on our Saturday runs and being in your head for two hours is nothing short of it's own challenge but what I love is that I get to have one-on-one time with God to tell him my hopes, my fears and to sit (or rather run) in his grace and blessings he's given me. I'm not only constantly amazed at what he's done in my life, but what he's given me the courage (and strength) to do.

This weekend I'm running the Carlsbad 5000 a race I used to do with my dad in high school. Three miles seems like nothing now!

Hello blog, I've done a horrible job at updating {past updates can be found here} 

There's so much to say and so much to get caught up on, but right now all I can say is that I'm nothing short of utterly grateful for the blessings that have been given to me in my life. Tomorrow I turn 31 {how did that happen!} and I honestly couldn't image a more perfect place to be in life, in every way possible. 

 I can only hope and pray that this next year can be even more amazing that 30 was!

All the fun superhero photos here and of course here!