Ottawa Two Times!

My last post was about some new inspiration for my running. IRun4...Anthony  Be sure to check it out as this is a group that I definitely want you all to know about and possibly get involved in. I had to tell you about the group before I tell you about the run so you have a little background on what helped keep me going.

Canada Army Run Half Marathon!!

Yes....we were back in Ottawa after running the Ottawa Half Marathon in May but this time running a slightly different route which included going through the grounds of the Rideau House. I was kinda tired by the time we got around there so I can`t tell you much about it. hahahaha

Here is a shot we took prior to the run which was, as you can see, before the rainfall. 

                     

About an hour into the run it started pouring.....but, we got it done!
Mind you, I was miserable as hell by the time it was over.I let Furman and Catie run ahead of me as I started getting into the`` %$"! this shit`` kinda mood as the rain started to come down and I was tired of trying to keep up. lol

Got an extra one for my buddy Amazing Anthony

                                               
2:31 for me!  Not my best time but considering the downpour of rain I ended up having to finish in I can say that I'm proud of myself to an extent. I definitely did better than I thought I was doing at the time. Now, while I am more determined to make some improvements, I am just not sure how much time I have before the next race. Detroit International Half Marathon Time is running out as I prepare for the trip of a lifetime, just around the corner. Stay tuned!!

                         

I was hoping to blog just this past weekend and tell you about our run while back in Ottawa with Furman as he returned for work. But, we were slumming it this time, and the hotel we stayed at only seemed to offer Wi-Fi in the lobby which wasn`t working out for me.  I wasn`t about to stand by the window of the room trying to hold a signal. lol  So....I`m taking a moment now before bed to catch you up just a bit before I have too too many things to share and really no time to tell you everything.

But yeah, the race was a new experience. Running in the pouring rain that is. What was very meaningful to me as well, is the fact that when I made it to the finish line I ran into a cousin standing there in the pouring rain with her umbrella looking for us. She came just to support us and it was a great surprise and very much appreciated.

As I mentioned though, the weekend after the race, Furman and I returned to Ottawa while my friend and running buddy Catie travelled to go meet her buddy Garrett that she was paired with through WhoIRun4. All I can say is check out the article written about her visit: Super Woman Goes Distance for Boy with Muscular Dystrophy.  She is quite the gal that Catie!

As for Furman and I, I finally got to take a photo in front of the Terry Fox statue we missed on previous occasions. We did this while waiting to watch a memorial ceremony that was recommended we watch while in town. What a ceremony it was. Hundreds and hundreds of police officers from all over Canada marching to Pariliament Hill to remember the fallen. It was quite an amazing site!

Canadian Police & Peace Officers Memorial

It was a wonderful weekend but not as wonderful  as wonderful as the weekend that is to come.

On that note, I`m about to retire for the night but will definitely try to write again before my ship sails.

God Bless

IRUN4....Anthony

Race Weekend is over.
But, before I blog about my run I find it only fitting to blog about a group that I became a part of that so many people are finding to be very rewarding on so many levels. The stories from the IRunforMichael Facebook feed are truly beautiful. You have no idea! So, keep reading.

The group is called Who I Run 4, and I definitely encourage my readers to check it out whether you are a runner or not. I can't write too much about it because then you'd have wayy too much to read so I ask for you to please click on the related links I've shared and watch the video. But in summary, I will share a post from the website that sums it all: "The mental and emotional encouragement for both runner and honorary runner is proving to be a whole new level of motivation and awareness.  Runners are able to find a whole new sense of purpose in their running while sharing who they are running for and bringing awareness to diseases and disabilities of all types."

My friend and running buddy Catie had been paired with a buddy just before our last race in Ottawa back in May. She was so excited on the ride down at that time and was telling me what she knew about the group. So, I decided to sign up as well.

She run's for Garrett. A young boy in Tennessee who has Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy. Since May she has been able to develop a close relationship with Garrett and his family through regular contact on social media, etc. She has dedicated her runs to him and has been able to collect extra medals and run shirts from her events to send to him as reminders that she is here for him and his family, that she is inspired by him and tearfully thankful for their connection. My words cannot express how this connection to Garrett and his family has made her feel. I can only imagine what it may do for them having a new friend all the way in Canada. She tears up just talking about them and their strength as they go through challenges with Garrett's DMD. And, just so you know how committed she is, let me tell you that she is actually flying to Tennessee this weekend to meet them in person. That's my Catie!  Love her and wish her safe travels. If I didn't have so much going on right now I definitely would have arranged to go down with her. Yup. But, my vacation is only a couple weeks away. Soo excited....but back to what I was saying.....

Used with Parent permission

She is not only going down there to meet them but she is going to take part in Garrett's Hero Run which is a 5k run where people come dressed in their best superhero outfits and have been fundraising in support of ending Duchenne's. Definitely sounds like a lot of fun. Can't wait to see Catie's photos of herself as WonderWoman's Grandma. (Hey, those are her words lol not mine) Make sure you check out that link also for Garrett's Run. If you are in that area it may be a great event for you to take part in one day or a cause for you to donate to if your heart feels led.  To the left is a picture of her sweet buddy Garrett that his mom has allowed me to use in my blog. Thanks Amber.

Well, similar to Catie's experience, right before my Half Marathon I got notified that I was being matched. Woo Hoo! Took 4 months which apparently isn't too bad. However, right now the group is in need of more runners to get matched with the many on the list of buddies who are waiting to inspire and just be a wonderful blessing to someone's life. So again, check it out and I encourage you to get involved.  I'm just getting started. As I said, I just got matched so I am in the process of learning all about my buddy Amazing Anthony. A little guy who has been through sooo much already and the fact that he is still here is truly a blessing from God, just like Catie's Garrett. It amazes me these kids.

So, when I ran my Half Marathon this past weekend I ran for Anthony who just broke a femur because of his brittle bones. I finished too....but I wont say anything about my run because I will save that for the next post. I will say that I did get some bling that I hope to also be able to send to Amazing Anthony and his family one day soon. Something to remind the family that I am here keeping them all in prayer. I wanted to dedicate this one specifically to the IRUN4 group and my amazing friend Catie who introduced me to another family. Love her!

Canada Army Run Half Marathon was dedicated to Garrett and Anthony.

Prayers out to both of them and their families as they go through the struggles associated with the challenges they have been given. All the way from Canada....huggs to them all. 

And if you haven't already gone to the WhoIRun4 website to sign up, then get to it. And know this, you don't have to be a runner, you can be a walker or love to engage in some other form of activity that you can dedicate to someone who probably can't do what you do. People update the Facebook page three times a week to keep their buddies updated on what they are upto and just giving words of encouragement that can really go a long way for a family or buddy that has been having a rough day, week, month, year. 

PREPARE TO BE INSPIRED!!

                                 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (Hebrews 12:1 ESV)     

                                     

A Blessing - Festival of Hope

I have to tell you about a total blessing. Something I have been meaning to do but didn't get around to till now. Furman is traveling for work yet again (Winnipeg) so I'm taking a moment to blog before bed.

Last weekend we had the opportunity to attend the Festival of Hope. A three day event intended to draw thousands of people to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. And, that it did! My oh my.

Our church arranged for buses to take people down to the event on Friday and Saturday evenings. Well, because I work so darn far from home there would be no way to make the Friday evening bus so I signed us up for the Saturday - youth night. This suited us just fine because who we really wanted to see was Lecrae, a Christian Hip Hop artist we first heard when volunteering at Wonderjam.

Once downtown we had to make a trek from where the buses were parked to the Air Canada Center, but we were among many headed to the same place. When lined up to get into the ACC, as people were going through security, we were approached by an interviewer for 100 Huntley Street. Really though, my friend caught her attention because she knew who the interviewer was and the interviewer caught that. So, the interviewer wanted to question my friend where she knew her from. That, prompted her to go ahead and ask us for an interview. If you know me, I was like "Sure" why not? My friends, hesitant, shy. So, they stood by me while I did all the talking before they quietly slipped away unnoticed by me. lol Finding the interview online, much of what she asked me was on the cutting room floor. But, it's all good.

Check it out:
100huntley.com - The Greater Toronto Festival of Hope Saw Hundreds Coming to Jesus

They should have left the part where I gave my opinion that there would be many that would receive Christ that evening because I was absolutely right. I had no idea!  It was crazy!

For us, the night started off slow after having difficulty finding a seat in the venue. No saving seats but people were saving seats everywhere. So, we ended up on the third level. Good thing too, because if we sat where we were headed we would have been way too close to what turned out to be very loud music. Damn I'm getting old! lol But, we had a decent view and could hear everything just fine. Well, fine enough when the music wasn't overpowering the vocals which for much of the night seemed that way, till Lecrae came on of course.

After several artists performed, Franklin Graham took the stage (Billy Graham's son) to lead people to receive Christ as their Lord and Saviour. After listening to several great testimonies of the artists who performed, it is safe to say that plenty were touched. God spoke to them through the music. It was almost as if it was halftime at a football game and everybody was getting up to go get food or refreshments. People started leaving their seats and headed to the floor. It was quite amazing and I was shocked at the numbers. You know I had to take a photo.

                                           
                   

I can't even tell you how wonderful it was to see soo many young people and people in general make such as important and life changing decision.  God is good and was definitely in the house.

Once people were back in their seats - LECRAE!  Let me tell you, as expected, the place went wild. He certainly was the crowd favourite. Was definitely ours.  He played several songs from his different albums including his newest from his album Anomaly - NUTHIN. (My favourite so far). He saved the best for last as he pulled the usual performance stunt by ending the show and when people started to leave he came out for the encore and hit us with another good one. lol Was awesome to watch people around us singing along through the entire performance knowing the words, and watching some people jammin that you might figure would never like this kind of music. It was a great atmosphere. Like Kirk Franklin once said, "Just when you think Gospel Music has gone too far". lol Man...it was awesome. Watching the young you'd think they were at a Kanye West concert of something....without the jerk and foul lyrics. lol

Lecrae Earns First #1 on Billboard 200 and he totally deserves it. I don't know him but I am certainly proud of him and happy to invite others to check him out. His music is definitely worth the buy and both his music and testimony was truly a blessing.

On that note, i'll end here with a bit of Lecrae so you know where to find him on YouTube. Better yet, rush out to get his CD. Great for praise in the car.
Here are a couple of my favourites.

This one is about how Rappers of today are really singing about NUTHIN!  Sooo true!!

I'm turnt.....Hmmm? What is he talking about? Come on...check it out.

Hope you enjoy. Get a Blessing and look more into Lecrae and the many other Christian artists that performed at Festival of Hope. Different flavours of Christian music with powerful messages and praise to God Almighty!

Hope you catch a Festival near you!

God Bless

Countdown to...

I am just about ready to start another countdown.

I can say that we have 10 more days before my next Half Marathon in Ottawa. Canada Army Run
For which I am still getting ready for. :)


But, that wasn't the countdown I was thinking about. lol
Then there are about 38 days until we run the Detroit International Half Marathon. That will be a nice one through the tunnel between Windsor and Detroit.
But that also wasn't the countdown I was thinking about. lol

Nope!
I am actually referring to the trip of a lifetime...at least for me anyways.
Furman has done his share of world travelling just from his military experience. Me...I haven't travelled near enough.

Really though, I just realized the other day that this time next month we will be in the Mediterranean. Yup!
Cruisin! Liberty of the Seas

Our 3rd Year Wedding Anniversary is just around the corner and  we will be in FRANCE. FRANCE!! Woo hoo. My how time flies when you are having fun. haha And to think, it seems like it really wasn't that long ago that I was doing a countdown to my wedding. Then, a countdown to Furman's official landing in Canada. But, it's been 3 years. 3 years!! (Almost 3 yrs of writing this blog too) And with my birthday being a day after our anniversary I have no problem sharing that I will also be turning 44, in FRANCE! Yup...44 yrs old. No matter which order you put the numbers you get the same result. 44!

And...I think I look damn good if I must say so myself. lol

Katelyn Bradshaw Photography

Well, we've been planning our tours for our ports. I won't give any hints because I will be sure to have lots of stories upon our return. But check this out....if you know me, you know that I am absolutely horrible with a menu. Oh yeah! I'd be there forever with all the choices. Really not sure why I have such difficulty. Anyways, Furman sends me an email with a 45 page booklet of all the tours offered. You can imagine the difficulty I had making a decision. He wasn't helping me at all. Oh noooo. He is happy with whatever I choose if I could only make up my mind. Well, something to celebrate....I did it! No word of a lie!  I'm actually quite proud of myself too. lol I selected a couple tours in a reasonable amount of time.

So yes....the next several weeks will probably drag along, but it will get here. How on earth will I ever contain myself? The excitement. By keeping busy, that's how. Keeping at my training for my runs, my pole fitness, the usual drama at work, church, and anything else I can get into...like my golf lessons. lol Furman will have me at the driving range too, trying to perfect my swing that needs a hell of a lot of work. Oh yeah!

Speaking of my swing....                                               

Yeah....so this is what I did to Furman's driver. lol Was not even funny at the time until after I had gotten over the shock of what I had done. I can laugh about it now. Crazy! Maybe I really need to stick to Pole Fitness.

Anyways....when we had gone to the driving range this particular evening we had decided to hit the balls off the green instead of off the mat. My choice of course. Furman always gives me that. Love him! Well, it takes a while for me to get into the swing of things. lol When I finally got going and seemed to be on a roll, with Furman's coaching I was trying to remember everything he had been telling me about my stance, my arms, my head, my swing....well damn...so much stuff to think about just to swing at the ball.....but when I was getting it it was time to try and shift my focus to listening for the SWOOSH! That's what I did.

This was not the hit....but it's me TRYING to figure this stuff out. lol

After a few pretty good hits, and being down to my last balls, I took a really good swing determined to give Furman a SWOOSH! Well.....I can say....I heard the damn SWOOSH! I sure did! But as I tried to follow the golf ball across the range I also had to follow the head of the driver that broke off and flew after the ball. hahahaha  I have no clue how far my ball went because I was then focused on the fact that I just broke Furman's driver. Damn! Looking around I am wondering if anyone saw the damage I just caused. lol If only Furman got this hit on video. But it must have been an ok hit. My opinion anyways.....because the head of the driver went a good distance. hahahaha  Smh. Crazy! I felt sooo bad. Furman wasn't mad though. He was stunned i'd say. How on earth?

When we managed to collect the driver head from the range, Furman inspected it for some clue of what I did. Saw a big dent on the head. Clearly I must have been hitting the ground instead of just above the ground to knock the ball off the tee. Something that Furman has been trying to tell me not to do. lol I'm working on it. I obviously wont be working on it with Furman's driver anymore. hahaha You know I certainly wont be touching the new one he gets. Ok, Got....because he Got a replacement already since I signed him up for a golf tourney with the men at church for this weekend. I'm definitely not there yet, no tournaments for me anytime soon. Low and behold though, when he had an opportunity to review some video of my shots he taped prior to the big hit, he confirmed what he had thought....that I had been hitting the driver head on the ground too much. We actually saw a little spark. A Spark!! Oh.....My....Goodness.

Oh well.....I'll end my story here. But the driving range is certainly on my list of things to do to keep myself busy over the next several weeks. I gotta get myself better at this golf stuff so that I can finally play a game with my hubby and anyone else who might be interested in dragging me along. FOCUS! Working on it.

All the while.....I will be remembering my COUNTDOWN!!

God Bless