A couple pictures from the gator hunt this weekend:
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Hurricane Isaac
While waiting for Hurricane Isaac to arrive, I went for a morning run. The winds were here and the resistance felt good. The rain was light but the drops pelted and felt like a sharp, stinging assault. After the run I grabbed on to my lamp post to keep from blowing away. 
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Tagged hurricane isaac, running in the hurricane, running through the storm
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Rewind: Wounded Warrior Half Marathon
I am long overdue on so many summer posts. I am taking two graduate courses this summer and it has taken so much of my time. I will try to recap some of the summer happenings.
On June 10, 2012, Terri and I ran the Wounded Warrior Half Marathon in Irving, Texas. We drove in the day before and lounged around my sister-in-law’s pool all day.
Sunday morning we woke up early and drove to the race. This was my first race in Texas and I thought Louisiana heat and Texas heat would be the same. WRONG! The good thing was that the people in charge of this race were prepared. Water stops were along the route that included ice cold wet towels at 2 locations, sprinkler systems at various locations, and pretzels.
I had fun at this race in a new kind of way. I actually chatted with several people during the race. I met a man who ran the Rouge-Orleans solo. I met another runner who had previously run the Houston Marathon. We exchanged details about the Houston Marathon vs. the Louisiana Marathon. I patted several Veterans on the back and thanked them as I approached them. After the turn around I High-Fived Veterans who were heading to the turn around. It was a very moving experience. Several members of the military ran the race in full fatigues with backpacks and boots.
At the finish line we were greeted by several Veterans in wheelchairs. I was moved to tears at the sight. I made an effort to thank as many as possible. Other military units were there with trucks and tanks and were kind enough to pose for pictures.
The after party food included pancakes, oranges, muscle milk, popsicles, and several different juices and recovery drinks. Pancakes have never tasted so good! The area for the after party was beautiful. They have wild mustang sculptures running through a water feature.
Race results and the trip home to follow.
Sights on My Run
June has been HOT in Louisiana! However, I’ve been able to get in some fun runs with lots of new sights in my small hometown.
About 1/2 mile from my house is an adorable flower and gift shop. The owner has become a successful female business owner in this small town…not an easy task.
Oh, I’ve finally decided my future lies
Beyond the yellow brick road…
(“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” Elton John & Bernie Taupin)
I imagine that to be her theme song, although I don’t know her that well. I love seeing her shop window and outside flowers change with the seasons. It’s a breath of fresh air on my running route. The road becomes shaded and covered with trees as I approach her shop. Daylilies line the road. Flower pots in the front burst with color. Last week however I got a new surprise! In addition to the bright flowers, this is being painted graffiti style:
It’s not finished yet so I’ll post another picture later of the end result, but isn’t it adorable? It says “Flower Power” and is being done freestyle by the artist. (Of course the owner drives her very own convertible Volkswagon Beetle.)
It may not seem like a big deal. BUT when I think about the owner and her shop tucked away on the outskirts of our little village down a small country road, it’s inspiration! Inspiration to all of the women in this small town who have dreams beyond the yellow brick road!
May Flies By
I have been away from my blog for a time. I have to be honest and say that running has slacked but not stopped. May in Louisiana is HOT. For most of May my only opportunity to run has been in the evenings, but this week I was able to run in the morning.
I have missed blogging about several events. Mother’s Day was a beautiful day. Honestly, Mother’s Day is not always a beautiful day. It is bittersweet. My first thought when I wake up on Mother’s Day is, “I will never be a mother.” I usually have to drag myself through the motions of getting dressed for our early morning 6:30a.m. Mass. I dread being in church when the priest asks all the mothers to stand. I always feel like I am the only person left sitting. This year was different though. I focused on my mother and sister sitting together. I thought about how much my mother means to me, and how I can always depend on her. She is forever filled with loving advice, and is well known for her “What-if’s.” I will always be grateful for my mom. I love her dearly.
For lunch, my parents and sister came over for Mother’s Day. We grilled red snapper, and roasted potatoes and veggies. After lunch we went to the Tribal Trail near our home. It was a peaceful way to spend the afternoon.
My parents enjoyed the shady stroll.
In the evening, my sister and I rode 10 miles on our bikes. It was a great way to end our day.
The weekend following Mother’s Day was my niece’s graduation from college. She graduated in Medical Laboratory Science. I can’t express how proud I am of her. She has overcome so much and proved that she is a strong, young woman. (My picture is blurry.)
She and I together after the graduation:
I am thankful for my mom, sister, and niece…three incomparable women.
Jazz Fest 2012
I took a break from running to go on a girl trip to Jazz Fest in New Orleans. I will leave you with a few pictures.
Took a picture with a random man because of the shirt. My feelings about the shirt: Why do you think you have to choose between a marathon and Jazz Fest? Who says you can’t do both? I also don’t agree that a marathon is boring and painful. Ok…well, maybe a little painful.
Saturday crowd was huge (we heard 65,000).
I loved Jazz Fest! If you haven’t experienced it, add it to your list.
