We did it!!!

So, I used to be a "runner" (emphasis on the quotation marks.) Throughout all of the training and long runs over the last several months I never really felt like a true runner. I was just trying, just one of those people who hoped to be a real runner someday. Well, guess what, now I AM a runner. No quotation marks. 

Yesterday, I finished my first half marathon-along with my hubs (whose 1st time it was as well) and my parents (both seasoned marathon veterans.) It was one of the most rewarding moments of my life. To see everyone there together, all for a beautiful cause, everyone cheering each other on, smiling and laughing-it was a day I will never forget. Breast cancer is a horrible disease, and no one deserves to go through it. I have so much respect and love for all of the survivors (one in particular-KJ!) and those who have battled bravely. The thing that got me through the race was thinking of these amazing women. Thank you everyone for your support and love throughout this journey. I couldn't have done it without you!

So, here's what I learned through the training and half marathon experience:
1. If you really commit, and pray, you can do ANYTHING.
2. It is 50% physical and 50% mental.
3. I am stronger than I think I am.
4. Anyone can be an athlete.
5. My husband and parents are the most amazing people in the world (well, I already knew that.) 

Yes, I am still tired. And really sore. But I can't wait for my next run.

XO
-L 

Check Mate

Buffalo Check Boy Shirt: J Crew (Christmas Gift from the Hubs)  |  Black Wool Cardigan: 
Banana Republic  |  Jeans: Seven Dojos  |  Seychelles Kiss at Midnight Pump: Anthro
  Braided Belt: Gap  |  Key Necklace: Gift from Hubs on our Honeymoon  

Ok, is anyone else watching the Biggest Loser right now and bawling like a baby? Um, cause I am. This show just kills me. So many of the contestants have had hard lives and gone through lots of things and you just want to see them succeed. It also feels poignant as we are doing our half marathon training. On our run tonight I just kept thinking about my mom and dad, and my mom's best friend KJ, and so many runners that inspire me-along with people that I have lost to disease. I get a little emotional thinking about it, but it gives me strength to know I can take care of myself and run for those who can't. I can't wait to see where this journey takes me- it already feels so rewarding.

I truly love stories of triumph over adversity-sometimes I even cry when people when on game shows. Does that make me emotionally unstable? Possibly. But I'm cool with that. 

On another note, I don't know if you guys have noticed, but I've kind of turned this into a personal style blog. With some craftyness, life stuff, recipes, design & decorating thrown in for good measure. I think I like where this is going...I hope you do too. I am always open to (hopefully constructive) feedback.

XO
-L 

Say Hello to my Little Friend

Striped Olle Cowlneck: Anthropologie  |  Long Sleeve T: Gap  |  Pants: Gap Really Skinny  |  Boots: J Crew
Stone Pendant Necklace: F21  |  Men's Watch: Fossil 

I'm making a New Years Resolution to be healthier. Revolutionary right? Ok, so maybe I'm not the first one, but so what? I love the idea of starting a new year and resolving to be your best. But, like a lot of well-meaning peeps, I usually start out super-psycho-strict, work out an hour everyday, & eat only asparagus and then poop out a week and a half in. Ridiculous. So this year I am going to choose to get healthier in a sane way. And besides the half marathon training we're doing, I have a new toy.

Meet my new Body Media Armband. The hubs discovered these nifty little gadgets at his work- where literally everyone has one. So, not wanting to be the nerdy kid without a doohicky strapped to his arm, he bought us each one. This little guy monitors your calories burned, steps taken & even sleep patterns. Then you enter all you eat in your online food diary. All these things in combination let you know if you need to be walking more, eating less, working out more and sleeping more. Neat huh? I'm loving it already!

Oh yeah, and this is what I wore today. I am so in love with this top. Its perfectly slouchy & comfy-the perfect way to head back to work when you're not allowed to go in your PJ's. Happy Monday Lovelies!

XO
-L 

What the what? (Dallas Rock n' Roll Half Marathon)

Do you ever think something sounds like the most genius idea you've ever heard, only to wake up the next morning thinking "Um, wait....what?" Yeah that just happened to me. Mom and Dad were in town yesterday, and we went to yummy Maggiano's for dinner. OMG- I wanted to crawl into my Chicken Parm dinner and live in there. Yummo.

Anyway, did I mention that Mom and Dad are Marathon Runners & Tri-athletes? Yeah, they pretty much rock. Mom qualified for the Boston Marathon this year (that will be her 9th marathon) and Dad will be doing the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon too. They are my heroes.

So we are at dinner last night, stuffing our faces with pasta, and I am talking about my 30 before 30 goal to do a 5k. And somehow it progressed to discussing the Dallas Rock n' Roll Half Marathon. And then when we get home, & husband and dad sign both the hubs and I up! Wait, what?

I am equally excited and nervous. I love to exercise, but I am not a runner. I tend to stick to spinning and yoga, so this is a definite departure. But husband is an amazing motivator, and I love the idea of doing a race with my parents. And I am committed to the Komen cause- which makes it even better.
Holy crap-here we go! 

Now the hubs and I are off to get fitted for proper running shoes...
Wish me luck! (I'll let you know how its going.)

XO
-L