Inspiration

Sunday was the Nike Women's Half Marathon here in DC.  Luna Bar was one of the main sponsors. This meant not only was I able to race with a fun group of Luna staff members, but also work the expotique on Friday morning.  As a professional athlete, I feel it is important to not only give back to the community that gives so much to me, but also be in touch with the market your sponsors products reach.  

Working the expotique gave me the opportunity to meet so many people.  One person stood out to me.  She had a glow about her.  As I asked her about the upcoming race and training, she shared that this was her FIRST RUNNING RACE EVER.  Her mom is battling cancer and she was racing for her. I held back my tears. This is FEEDING YOUR STRENGTH (Lunabar's new campaign).  While feeding your strength is about proper fueling- to me it is also about heart.  What are you feeding yourself to stay motivated- what DRIVES you?  This wonderful woman was INSPIRED by her mother to get out the door daily to run. Race day was to be a celebration for her Mom.

Race day was a celebration of 15,000 women who all had one goal- cross the finish line (and to get a fun Tiffany finisher necklace).  They each had to FEED THEIR STRENGTH along the journey because let's be honest- there are days you just don't think you can get out the door.  They were each inspired by their goal, maybe by a situation like the woman's above.  No matter what they were going to cross that finish line.  It is within these stories I draw so much strength when I struggle.  I am inspired by all this beautiful, amazing women!

I crossed the line in 7th on Sunday, with a huge smile of gratitude.  DC is home now and to me this was a celebration of the last few months and the road ahead in a city I am falling in love with.

MORE INSPIRATION:  This sweet girl's name is Hannah.  She is one of my buddies through Redemption Hill Church.  Over the last few weeks, not only has she gotten into softball, but also RUNNING!  I gave her one of my LUNA jerseys and now she is out there inspiring her whole family to get out the door.  I received a text Saturday before the race that she and her older brother were out running laps in their hood.  I was still in my pajamas!  Their mom and dad both ran their best run splits in their session that morning. The desire to push for your goal is contagious and I LOVE seeing it grow in their family.

TOUGH AS NAILS:  My 80 yr old Papa ran his half marathon on Saturday.  2:09!  He continues to make my jaw drop as he pounds away at the pavement each day.  Because of his circumstances of having cancer multiple times and not being 100%, it would be easy for him to feel angry.  But as my Papa says- IT IS WHAT IT IS.  The above photo is from when he broke his neck post a bout with prostate cancer, a few years back. His neck wouldn't calcify so they had to do a halo.  He progressed from laps in the hospital with IV pole, to 400s on track with his walker, then to trail hikes with poles.  Always focused on progress and faster splits- he never skipped a beat, never missed a training session. I pray I am able at 80 to be half the athlete my Papa is.

REMEMBER:
There is inspiration all around you.  There exists amazing stories of courage and passion if you take the time to share with others.  You never know what you will learn or how it will drive you toe that start line.

Happy Birthday to my sister and brother!

Yesterday was National Sibling Day.  It's funny, I think there are so many holidays or "days" now that I can't keep up with them all. Thanks to Facebook, I found out about Sibling Day.

I have been absolutely blessed with the best sister and brother I could ever ask for. I know- as the loving, big sister, I am "suppose" to say that. But honestly, as the years have gone by, I have become even more aware of how important my siblings are to me.  They both are key people in my life.

My sister Anne, has her birthday today- April 11.  My brother Bill's birthday is Monday (aka Tax Day- so not hard to forget!)  I wish I could celebrate with them both in person but for now, a blog and calls to sing Happy Birthday will have to do.

Anne is an amazing mother and wife.  Her passion for art and creativity radiates from her.  Honestly I don't know how she is able to put together such great outfits/fashion. I do not have that gift.  She has endured many challenges but continues to stand confident in who she is and her faith. I admire her fight, her spirit and her ability to love others.  I wish so badly that we lived next door to one another so we could hang out and catch up over daily coffee.  Her sweet kiddos call me Auntie YaYa.  I love that.  My sisters husband helped me design my website/logo and boy does he love my sister- so grateful for that.

Bill is a strong, godly man.  I admire his dedication and focus on his family. He works so hard at the Apple store- enduring crazy hours and crazy customers to provide. I know he has a heart for ministry and has led men bible studies and started out post college as a youth pastor.  I am grateful that he prays for me and loves me as his sister even in my shortcomings.  (I was a pretty bossy big sister growing up)  He has shared his love for Duck Dynasty with me, and now I watch the show. (We all have a little redneck in us!)  His wife and kids are awesome.  They shine their light so others can see the love of the Lord.  Also note:  My niece Norah may be the next Missy Franklin- Olympic Swimmer. London my nephew is an amazing reader, animal lover and swimmer/runner! I think he will be a zoo keeper adventurer when he grows up.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNE AND BILL! I love you both and I am so excited for what the Lord has in store for the both of you in the upcoming year.

Love your City

(My current read- a special Austin connection!)

For I will give to the people purified lips, 

that all of them may call on the name of the LORD,

to serve Him shoulder to shoulder. 

Zephaniah 3:9 (NASB)

I will make them and the places around my hill a blessing.

And I will send down the showers in their season; they shall be showers of blessing.

And the trees of the field shall yield their fruit, and the earth shall yield its increase,

and they shall be secure in their land. And they shall know that I am the LORD, when

I break the bars of their yoke, and deliver them from the hand of those who enslaved them.

Ezekiel 34:26-27 (ESV)

And this city shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and a glory before

all the nations of the earth who shall hear of the good that I do for them. They shall

fear and tremble because of all the good and all the prosperity I provide for it.

Jeremiah 33:9 (ESV)

It is funny to think that I actually grew up in 2 major cities of influence in our nation- Detroit (auto capital of the world) and Washington DC (Nation's Capital- lived here age 5-age 12), okay I also did spend 13 years in sweet Austin, Texas (music capital). It opens my heart to see God wants me in the city. There is a beautiful purpose, greater than sport and career, for being here. 

Becoming a part of the Redemption Hill church has stirred up my desire to get connected in our city. I desire to find where the Lord is tugging at my heart to plug in.  When I walk the streets around the National mall, sit quietly on the metro, or even wait in the grocery line, I feel the intensity of the need to LOVE. I see people who need just simply a hug and a person to listen to their story- to connect with, to feel encouraged.  

Within the RHC Fellows program, we are reading FOR THE CITY this month. I can't put the book down, as it ignites a fire in you. A CHURCH FOR THE CITY SERVES THE CITY (pg 105). God's heart is for the cities and the cultures of people in those cities- and we as the church are to cultivate the well being of the city- not just to bless the city, but for the very health of the church.(pg 101-102, Darrin Patrick).   

As I read today a few things stood out:  DON'T UNDERESTIMATE the power of prayer. DO pray often for your neighborhood (pg 99). DO live distinct but be engaged, seeking the flourishing of your city. Darrin Patrick shares that in Jeremiah 29:5-7, God spoke to Jeremiah and instructed his people to LOVE the city.

Do we REALLY LOVE our city? Or do we just strive daily on a solo mission, focused on our personal agendas?  In Zephaniah 3:9 it reminds us to be obedient in our work shoulder to shoulder in one accord while Jeremiah 33:9 paints this beautiful picture of a city of joy and prosperity. What are we doing to see prosperity in DC, to see people come to know our loving God, to see the brokenness be turned to JOY?

I am not sure what the awesome Lord has planned, as I find my place to serve and love others.  I do know y'all can join me on the first step- PRAYER. Praying for the city, our neighborhood- because we are just a messenger of the good news, God has the power to save. THIS IS GOING TO BE EXCITING!

Psalm 84

v 10: For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wickedness.
v 11: For the LORD God is a sun and a shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.
v 12: O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!

Copyright ALI ENGIN

JOY down in my Heart

...And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. 

Nehemiah 8:10

 I finally have come to a point where I can call DC home. While I miss things about Austin, I am able to see all the opportunities that are here for my family and the sweet community that we have plugged into.  Going into the race in Panama (YES- I AM 22 days behind posting a race story!) my heart was content and I was ready to do my job. More importantly there was a deep joy that has risen as we have plugged into community and I joined the RHC Fellows Program at Redemption Hill.  Diving in deep into God's word and theology etc has already in a month, enriched me with a rich craving to share the LOVE Jesus showed to all those around him. Hence, the crazy awesome JOY that I was feeling going into this race. Watch out people, it's contagious!

 So here you have the Trump Towers Hotel. How can you not have joy when you swim a few leisurely laps in this blue water overlooking the city of Panama?  I was so grateful to have the opportunity to room with Amy Marsh from Austin, TX. For one thing- this saved the race budget.  But more importantly, I was able to just have some awesome time getting to know this super chick. In Austin, our lives were so crazy and we didn't make time to connect.  Being in a hotel room relaxing over 4+ days together gave us ample time to eat bags of gluten free bagels with almond butter, share our love for HGTV (though this wasn't on the tv down there!) and just share a laugh or 2 or more like 4!

 I did use the time in Panama to get some reading done. Honestly the above book opened my eyes to how I can better share God with others, but I will say I probably need to read the book 2 more times to really digest it all.  Nothing like sitting in the nice AC, in your pjs, just waiting for race day in a soft fluffy bed, reading...okay naps were plentiful as well.

 I really wanted to take this little guy home with me. It made a mean, and easy expresso each morning. It also heated up my water so I could enjoy my daily GF oatmeal.  I travel with a food bag with essentials to stick to the cash budget! (Dave Ramsey would approve)

RACE DAY:  Honestly I didn't know exactly how the race would go but this great JOY really ignited me to peacefully race the best I could.  I have learned over the last year that I am not a "rip your head off, ugly, son of a gun" kind of racer".  I do my best when I smile, encourage others, and focus just on the present moment.  I break the race down into pieces, miles, sections. Keep it simple, and let go of the pressure. JUST ENJOY IT.

Logistics for this race were a bit nutty and after being allowed to warm up 10 minutes the race crew pulled us out of the Panama canal for an hour (now we are all shivering and freezing our butts off) to wait for the bike course to be closed of traffic.  Finally we were off and the 2nd race of my season was underway.

The swim had a nice current that pulled us to shore, though I swam the whole 1.2 miles solo as the pro women's field wasn't that large.

The bike took us across the bridges of America- which I DO NOT LIKE HEIGHTS = I had my head down and didn't sneak a peek. We enjoyed a smooth ride through jungle lined roads with some nice wind and hills to make it challenging.  I couldn't help but laugh at the song came to my head during the race "I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart, down in my heart, down in my heart..." you know that kid hymn from Sunday School.  I had to smile because it was a fun reminder of that when we praise God and just absolutely delight in Him, He will be STRONG for us.  And so, as I went through the bike I just kept singing.

The run was 13.1 miles- 2 loops along the Panama Canal.  It was hot but thanks to Zane's heat acclimation plan it didn't bother me (layers upon layers of clothes on the treadmill for weeks prior and riding inside with the heater on...UGH!)  I found myself in 9th place roughly, and just focused again on the task at hand, MY RACE, MY EFFORT.  As the miles clipped by I found myself running into better position.

I ended up crossing the line in 6th place. I was so grateful for this race - for the little reminders I was given that things are on track, for the fun adventure with friends (my CO buddies and more TX buddies!), but also to see how true it is that the JOY of the LORD is your strength.

Torpedo's Birthday Celebration

 Yesterday was Torpedo's Birthday.  My sweet friend Andrew was ready to celebrate at the National Zoo.
It was a cloudy, cold day- but you wouldn't of known.  Andrew's spirit warms any heart and honestly, I am blessed to have time with this awesome 4 year old.

 BUT OF COURSE- Torpedo had to have hot cocoa and a yummy brownie.  IT WAS HIS BIRTHDAY! We pulled over after a few hours to get warm and eat our picnic lunches. There was time for Torpedo to eat his treat and for us to review the map and figure out where we would head next.

 The day started out with a B-Line (more like sprinting- which Andrew had to remind me - TERRA YOU ARE A RACER- HURRY UP!) to the Elephant's morning workout.  I will NEVER forget the sweetness that came next. While running to the Elephant Outpost area, we went by a metal bench with bamboo top.  Andrew looked at it and said "What if the Elephants could walk on that? It would be so funny!". Of course the smarty pants in me said "Hmm, I think it would probably break".  Little did I know what was coming next. "Well- metal is the 2nd strongest thing in the world so it'd be okay".  I added "So rock is the strongest?"  Andrew with a loving heart and serious face said "NO TERRA- God is the STRONGEST in the world".  A couple and their kids heard Andrew clearly and smiled. All I could think was "Boy- the faith of a child. May we all have that clarity!  AND that this little dude is only 4 and he is already busy sharing the gospel with those around him".  That just set the tone for the rest of the day. I remained so grateful for the little nugget he shared.

 Here we are at the Elephant training- I am pretty sure he didn't move one inch during the whole presentation.  You could see the wheels turning as they worked the Elephant.  Notice the Panda.  We named him KARATE.  It is Torpedo's present.  Every time we get together, I tell you, God's favor is upon us- last outing we somehow got to tour the bullet train at Union Station. This time when I went to purchase a zoo pass when we arrived, the volunteer said we deserved a free toy. SERIOUSLY?  How does this happen! So Torpedo has a new BFF and we get to celebrate Karate's birthday next month.  And the March outing- Andrew wants to go to the Pentagon. Don't know if that is something we can do- but I know God will do something COOL yet again!

The scary Lions.  I was proud that we "made it" up to see the Lions.  Someone was a little scared but he faced his fears and OF COURSE- the big boy Lion sang us a wee little scary song of Roars. We were brave and handled it just fine!

SO- in a nutshell this was Torpedo's Birthday. What a fun celebration not just for Torpedo, but for me to just see how GREAT AND AWESOME God is, even in the little joyful reminders.

New Year

It is the start of the New Year, 2013. Okay- truthfully, it is 10 days in already.  I had great aspirations to start blogging daily again come Jan 1st, but not quite possible when you are driving to Key West- 20 hours from DC.

Zane and I are wrapping up camp with the Marymount Swim team.  I have been working as their massage therapist in the evenings, while training at the pool during the day with the team, riding my bike along Highway 1, and running alongside the ocean.

More stories and photos to come.  I am racing the Bone Island 70.3 Saturday, before I we hop back in the car post race to start the trek BACK to DC. (I will admit it...I miss my dog!)