Sunshine Smiles, Birthday Dinner, Race Results & Official Pics

If this picture doesn't make you happy, I'm not sure there is a picture out there, that will.

Last week, was my younger sisters birthday. She's 20 years, young. Basically, a baby. I took her to Hacienda San Miguel's resturant, Saturday night, after I ran Rockledge Rumble 50K. I think I over did it that day, but it was totally worth it, to have some girl time with my sister.

I ordered pork tacos. It was delicious. Afterwards, we went out for coffee and gelato.

P.S. Rocklege Rumble Race Results are posted. And my race proofs are also posted. I look exhausted in them. The photos were taken right as I was about to cross the finish line. I was running up a flight of stairs. It's ok if you laugh at me and my --- I'm ready to collapse form.
Enjoy!
Photos:
http://www.racephotonetwork.com/QPPlus/Proofs.aspx
Race Results:
Overall, I placed 36th out of 69 runners.
http://nttr.org/rumble/results/2013-rumble-results-50k.pdf

Road Marathon or Trail Race? Decision Made

For the past week, I've been debating whether or not to register for Dallas Marathon. Originally, I planned to -- but the more I think about it, the more I don't want to pay the $130 registration fee. I might change my mind later, (suck up the cost) and register last minute. For now, my big fall race will be Rockledge Rumble 50K (31 miles). It's a trail race located in Grapevine on the North Shore. The registration fee was $80, not bad for a well supported trail race. I've had my eyes on this race for about 3 years.

A few years ago, I ran the North Shore trail. I wouldn't say it's technical, but there are tree roots everywhere and lots of opportunities to face plant. Even though, I wouldn't consider this trail technical, the distance WILL be a challenge. The furthest distance I've ran at one time, this year was back in July, when I ran Rough Creek (22 miles). What's another 9 miles? Actually, from what I've read from past Rockledge race reviews, the race covers 33 miles, not 31 like advertised. The race is a few weeks away, so it looks like I'll be running a few +18 mile long runs the next few weekends.
     

2013: A New Year. New Goals.

2012 was a big year for us. Dakota was THE best thing to happen to our family...

Another highlight was our family vacation to San Antonio. Originally, we wanted to take this trip before Dakota was born, but things don't always go according to plan. Nonetheless, it was a fun family vacation, party of four. Another highlight was Trey's promotion. I'm really proud of him. He's has an amazing work ethic and he inspires me to do more with my career (more on that, in a moment). 

Financial Goals

Last year the idea was to save for a gym/game room addition for our house. Well, we had savings set aside, but then we paid for Trey's truck in cash. Merry Christmas, happy birthday, happy anniversary to him! And I suppose to me too, since I also bought a car. Here's to 2013 because I really really really want a home gym. At the moment, we have savings set aside, but we have a long ways to go. Hopefully by the end of the year or early 2014, we'll be pouring concrete for the room. I'm really being hopeful...

Career Goals: 

2013 will be about getting serious about my small business. It's time for me to stop treating my freelance work, like it's a hobby. I'm terrified about expanding, but last year I had some amazing opportunities and clients keep coming back, year after year...so yes, it's the year to make this small business official. Soon, I'll open a separate bank account, to keep finances in order. If you are a small business owner, let's go out to lunch (my treat) and talk -- I need all the advice in the world. 

Running Goals:
Last year, I ran Cowtown, when I was about 6 months pregnant.

And a few weeks ago, I ran Dallas Half Marathon, 6 months postpartum.

2013 Races: 
1. Cowtown Half Marathon 13.1 miles (Feb)
2. Rockledge Rumble Trail Race 50K/ 31 miles (Nov)

Those are the two main races on my calendar. I'm not big on racing a lot of races. I like to pick a few and focus on them. I might run a few 5K's and 10K's, but the ones listed above are my main races.

Why Rocklege Rumble?
Originally, I wanted to run Palo Duro (Amarillo) for the second time, but I'm not sure I want to travel that far with Dakota. So, I did some research and found Rocklege Rumble. It's a local trail race in Grapevine aka North Shore. I will run the 50K, which is a little over 31 miles. I've ran the trail once, with EnduraLAB. I'd say the trail is semi-technical. I recall stumbling three or four times.

Dakota's birthday is in June and that's when I will transition her to cows milk. When that happens, I can be away from her from longer periods of time and I can start running longer than 2 hours at a time. If I wanted to, I'm sure I can do it now -- but it's not convenient. I'm estimating that in one day, it takes me 3 hours total to feed Dakota. I cherish that time with her, but at the same time it will be a relief when she transitions to solid food and cows milk. All the momma's out there know exactly what I'm talking about. Fall 2013, will be all about Ultra Running. I can't wait!!!! I've missed it. 

Eating Right
What's a new year without talking about healthy eating?
As much as I want to get all serious about getting my postpartum figure back, my primary job is to eat enough to keep myself healthy and Dakota happy. With that being said, I need to eat more vegetables. That's my eating healthy goal for 2013. Vegetables. Vegetables. Vegetables.


Spiritual

Stick to a daily devotional/mediation time. If I have time to run, I have time to pray.

Here are a few of Trey's Goals: 

Start Running

Run a 5k in November (Turkey Trot)

Eat Healthy

Do you have any resolutions??? I'd love to hear about them!