{photo credit}

Well hello Tuesday! What a week it's been and we're only at the beginning! This weekend I'm setting up for another 10 miler and packing for New York, so much going on but so many amazing and good things that I can't even wrap my head around.


This afternoon I got an e-mail that just made the smile on my face even bigger. Today I was nominated for a rock hero (ironic considering my super, superhero party, no?!) In no way do I consider myself a hero (but it does make you feel good).


ROCK HEROES:

We must say that every week we are flooded with nominees for the Rock Heroes!  It just goes to show you what an amazing group of individuals all of you are!  Here are a few of those Rock Heroes…..

Emily has been so much fun to watch as she gets stronger every week.  She comes to us while starting a new page in her life and decided to help in the fight against blood cancers.  It is always so refreshing to have someone that is making a positive impact on their lives as well as others!  Emily is another one with a knock out smile on her face and a wonderful attitude about life that keeps us all smiling!    

With team in training, while being able to accomplish 13 miles is it's own great challenge, there are so many more personal reasons that I'm training. I'm not running for myself, but really for all those who are fighting. Those who dream of running, or even wish they could walk. People who are fighting a battle bigger than themselves. If I can do 13 miles for them, then that's just the beginning of what I can do. 

{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!

Sometimes the greatest blessings can come from the most challenging of times. These photos were taken over the course of my two years living in Italy and traveling around Europe. I wanted to show the everyday life and culture of the people, wherever I went. 


To see the complete photo selection, click here 


All proceeds from sales of the photos will go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Team In Training. Each photo is $25 and includes size of choice and free shipping! All photos are printed on glossy print paper unless otherwise requested. 


Size options: 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, 8x12, 11x14, 12x18, 8x8, 12x12, and 16x20. Requests and shipping information can be emailed to emily.provansal@gmail.com 


For more information and to see my story: pages.teamintraining.org/sd/rnr12/eprovansal

New Year, New Challenge

Teams are made up of individuals. Without them, there is no team.

Dear Friends and Family,

Many of you know, I have decided to run in a 1/2 marathon this summer as a way to support a great cause. For the next 4 months, I will be training for the San Diego Rock n' Roll 1/2 Marathon on Sunday, June 3rd, as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training.

I am completing this event in honor of all individuals who are battling cancer. My mother lost her fight to cancer at too young of an age, and 2012 marks the 20th Anniversary of the loss of her fight with cancer. I'm running in honor of her and others who have fought, those who are fighting and those who will be effected by this disease. 

If there is someone special to you battling Cancer, I would love to honor them by adding their name to my running shirt. 

Please make a donation to support. If you cannot donate, please pass along my story to inspire others to contribute in their own way. We can all have our part in increasing awareness. You have been a special part of my life, either as a motivator, supporter, or even a stabilizer at times, so I already thank you tremendously.

To support, please visit: http://pages.teamintraining.org/sd/rnr12/eprovansal

Join me in this new challenge. I have set up a variety of ways for you to track my progress, successes and defeats and fundrasiging events throughout the next few months. Just click on one (or all of the icons) below to "follow," "friend," "subscribe," or "connect" with me. I would love to hear from you all! Thank you in advance for your support!

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