Welcome to my new blog! This is a place where I will be blogging about my life and my thoughts on nutrition and environmental issues…and who knows, maybe a few random topics here and there! I also wanted to create this blog to hold myself accountable to living a healthy, green, active life.
Speaking of living an active life, I am currently training for the Disney Princess Half Marathon which is at Disney World in Orlando, Florida on March 7th! It will undoubtedly be an amazing experience, running all over Epcot, Magic Kingdom and the other parks with thousands of other women. And I get a crown!! 
Even more exciting news: I signed up for my first FULL marathon!! That’s right 26.2 miles. I must be insane…but it’s on my bucket list, and the way I look at it, life is too short not to make your dreams happen NOW! So, I registered for the Rock N Roll San Diego Marathon with Team in Training and pledged to raise at least $2,900.00 dollars for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Honestly, I am nervous about the training and raising thousands of dollars in just four months, but then I remember the people who are fighting for their lives because they have been diagnosed with a blood cancer. It reminds me that I am truly blessed to have my good health and the physical ability to run, and this marathon and fund raising is nothing compared to the hardships they face every day. Their strength and will to live gives me the determination and faith to complete this marathon to save lives. I also have to thank my dear friend Brittney White, for encouraging me to embark on this rewarding journey! She too will be participating in Team in Training. I have known Brittney for about 4 or 5 years and like to take credit (so does Cade) for setting her up with Cade’s brother, Seth. They are SUPER adorable together 
Seth, Brittney, Me & Cade at Arlington National Cemetery
I almost forgot–I’m also running a little 5k with my twinkie, Katie Gruber, in Chattanooga at the end of this month, the Scenic City 5K. Chattanooga is a gorgeous city, and I am pumped to run around it with Kate! Before Katie and I knew each other, I was frequently mistaken by strangers for “Katie.” I often wondered who this mysterious Katie was, until I begun working with her boyfriend, Nate at Logan’s Roadhouse. He informed me that people mistake his girlfriend for me often, and when Katie and I met we both said, “You’re the girl everything thinks I am!” Turns out we both have alot in common (we’re both hippies at heart) and have been great friends ever since.
Katie and Me-4th of July at her lake house
Me and Katie in Chattanooga for Oktoberfest
I never pictured myself as a long distance runner. I ran track all throughout high school, but I was a sprinter and hurdler. I never ran more than 800 meters at a time and cringed at the thought of running more than a mile. After I graduated high school, I started running to stay in shape.
The more often I ran, the more endurance I gained and the farther I could go. After time, running not only kept me in shape, but it was also therapeutic. Kind of like shopping but better-because the more I ran, the better I felt in the fitting room trying on little black dresses Running makes me feel strong and confident. Being able to pound out a few miles any given day makes me love my body more for what I am able to do. Mentally and physically, running makes me feel amazing. What is your therapy?
"He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything."
