Oregon Half-Marathon

We did it! My sister, brother-in-law and I all finished a half-marathon in Oregon. Our times exceeded our expectations; we called ourselves team survive. 

We started together. 

In the middle, I found myself reflecting on the past year and the future year. Those reflections were quiet and positive and that felt just right. 

At the end my little girl ran over the finish line with me. 

When my sister and brother finished both kids joined them. 

Then we healed and enjoyed the accomplishment.

These were my most favorite moments after the race:

XO

Last Spargellauf 2016

This year, my last Spargellauf, I graduated to the 10km road race. It was my second 10km and this time I got to share it with a slice of my Eritrean friends. This was also the first time both PJ & Bean got to run the kids' run.

Bean finished strong with a wonderful steed.

Sadly, PJ didn't get to finish. The adults were too busy taking videos with their phones & blocking the race path. It got tight & two older boys purposefully pushed little (and fast as hell) PJ over. It was ugly and I wasn't too nice about it.

Then the 10km started. Here I am at the beginning. So hopeful and proud, especially since I wasn't too enthusiastic about the race in the morning. For some hilarious running motivation from my gorgeous sister, check below. 

The first one from our team in was Tesfit. He smashed it. I was just reaching the 5km mark when this picture was taken.

Then came Sami and Yibrah. Running together.

We missed Monoko's run by. Then, Letay, my dear friend, was the fourth in.

And then came me. My moto through this race was "I can do hard things. This is a hard thing. I am doing this hard thing."

And we all did it.

I was proud. I was sore. I was sad. It was a great race.


xo

running motivation from my sister:

First 10km Race

A dear friend and I completed my first 10km race. I slowed her down and she brightened me up.

Next one is right around the corner!

xo

Why I Run

Funny story, I accidentally signed up for a half-marathon in Portland, OR in August 2016. These are the awesome things that happen when I live my life by "yes!" 

That 'awesome' is genuine. 

Now that I'm back to training, I'm actively reminded of why I run. 

First there are these remarkable views during my early morning runs:

And the role modeling for my kids. 

Most powerfully, the attitude adjustment. For example: 

Pre-run 

Post-run:

Why I Run.

XO