a life beyond running shoes.

lord, you said, "if you love me, you will obey what i command.' forgive us our lukewarm love and our disobedience. lord, you said, "you may ask for anything in my name." forgive us when we think we need to solve our own problems. lord, you said, "do not let you hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." we confess that our lives are often consumed by worry and anxiety. lord, you said, "if you remain in me and i in you, you will bear much fruit." forgive us our barren lives, lord. lord, you said, "you must testify, for you have been with me." we confess lord, that we have been too often silent. lord, you said, "love each other as i have loved you." in this and so many other ways, we confess our failures and our shortcomings. forgive us, we pray, in your name. amen.

of course, i dont' think you can actually see the leaves in the shot. but this is one of the neighborhood playgrounds. it was 45 degrees.... i had on my hat & gloves. the kids didn't. playground in the midst of buildings. gotta love brooklyn! and yes we do. and how much do i love little bit's giggle..... he loves to go as high as possible. peanut does not.

trick or treating with dad! he had two batmen and a dinosaur (4th year using the costume that we aren't quite sure if it is a dragon or dinosaur) with him plus some friends from church. thanks you for joining my family!!! of course, peanut (who is allergic to milk) traded all of his chocolate candy before i could get home and intervene.....so that i could have it for myself. selfish mommy!

it was awesome!! sometimes i make the caveat by say, "as much as 26.2 miles can be." the honest truth is that it really was awesome. i had a blast. i woke up around 5 am.... the alarm was not set to go off until 5:30. my brother was actually awake as well. we just laid there talking to each other until the alarm. he showered..... i prepped: peanut butter sandwich, protein shake, body glide, teeth, socks, hat, clothes. i had made walnut bran blueberry pancakes (recipe from runner's world) to bring while we were standing around.... packed those in my sweatshirt i planned on tossing when the race started. we got downstairs around 6 and met dad & lois (our designated documentarian). we were only a few blocks away from union station to catch the metro. we were all pretty excited. we got to the pentagon before the sun was up! the 10 minute walk to the actual start felt longer than it was partially due to nerves and my need to use the potty! i ate my pancakes while i wait...