Marathon...Check

Well...I finally did it! I actually ran my first full marathon. It was my birthday on the Friday, the 22nd, so I didn't get to much celebrating since the marathon was on the 23rd. Going into the race I knew Ashley and her mother would be there to cheer me on, but little did I know, they had much more support than that arranged for me that day!! 

The race started with it cold and drizzling out, but I wasn't about to complain because I knew it was supposed to warm up rather soon! But after I hit my 5 mile mark, I saw something unexpected. My good buddies Tyler, Stephen and Doug were there to cheer me on along the trails with big signs and obnoxious noise makers! My adrenaline was pumping with excitement, and I quickly began to pick up my pace. It couldn't have even been another mile when I saw my Reid and  Katie with different signs to encourage me and yell at me along the way. When I hit mile 8 I saw Ashley and her mother Laurie again, but this time, they were standing with another great surprise. It was my sister Jenni, Madilyn and Mykah! 

Throughout the race they continued to follow me, give me encouragement, gu, water, support and love. I even had the opportunity to talk to my mother through  the phone for a short bit during the race. I know she would have loved to see me do it, but it was enough just to hear her say she was proud of me. 

I am happy to say I finished the race with a time of  3:54:04. It definitely wasn't an easy feat, but I knew that I soon as I finished I would get to celebrate with everyone that was there! I just didn't know how much celebrating was actually in store for us that night!

Shortly thereafter, I discovered that Ashley planned a Halloween party at my friend's place out in the country! We all got dressed up and ended up partying until 5a.m.! Needless to say I had a pretty rough Sunday - including very sore muscles and one massive headache! It was all worth it and I couldn't be more grateful for all the friends and family that came out to support me and encourage me that day. I know that they are a big reason why I completed this goal. Love you guys and enjoy the slideshow!

Gobble, Gobble

This was the weekend I shot my first turkey. One of my favorite things in the whole world is to be outside. Hiking, camping, snowboarding you name it. So you can imagine how giddy I become when Ashley's father asks me to go with him on his hunting trips. As you can see from the picture these are not your run of the mill hunting trips. No sir, where he takes me there is no sitting in a tree stand freezing your toes off hoping for the big one to come strutting by. Don't get me wrong I have enjoyed my considerable amount of time spent in ground blinds, cat tails and tree stands. I guess I am just more partial to going after my game. Its like your on a mission that is going to require every skill that you possess. The goal find, track and harvest that trophy that is bigger than all of the rest. We spent three days hunting along the banks of the Missouri river. Every time I think back on this trip all I can do is smile.