SLC Half Marathon & Easter in St. George

I can't believe it has taken me this long to sit down and write about my half marathon I just ran in!!!(2 weeks ago now)  This was a BIG goal of mine in 2014...to get back into running, do it consistently and be at my best!!  Now time to support the hubby as he embarks on his first Ragnar...can't wait to cheer him on!! I had set 2 goals back in February...on #DeclareItDay with the Fellow Flowers #1 was to run all my training runs no matter what AND #2 was to run my best time at a 1:45:00
I am happy to report that out of all my training runs I only missed two 3 mile runs and they were closer to race day due to a pesky, painful IT band...and although I didn't hit my time goal I ran my BEST.TIME.EVER 1:56:23...so I am super pumped about that!!!  Honestly reflecting on the prep to race day...I must admit I deserve the pat on the back I gave myself. :)  I trained in rain, wind, cold, heat...no matter what I went out and ran what was on the training schedule and because of that on race day my body was ready to go for it.  The best thing about race day was running with a great running partner and having the hubby and our 3 girls at the finish line!!!  I am VERY happy to report that I got my first workout in today...had to take some time off due to that pesky IT band I mentioned earlier...why I am so happy??  Usually after race day I take a year off...or more...not this time...consistency...I am sticking to it!!

And in true Dawes fashion that wasn't the end of our day...we headed home...I was able to ice bath, shower and eat...then we headed south, to St. George, UT, to visit Brandon's sister.  I must admit my exhausted mind and body handled the 4 hour drive better than I expected. HA!!  We got there in time for dinner and some social time...the kiddos got some swimming in and quality cousin time.  Loved watching them all play catch and hit the ball with each other.  On Easter we of course planned some fun...dyed eggs, Easter egg hunt, Easter baskets...the fun just never stopped!!!  Then back in the car and back home to reality...I have to admit I wasn't ready for spring break to end...this is a good sign and means I am officially ready for SUMMER!!!  We have a fun one planned and can't wait to get it started!!!

I heart Thankful Thursdays...

Here I am again to celebrate this past week and highlight some moments that made me take notice!!!

Thursday 3/27 To do list #domination...nothing more to say about that!!  Yes I saved Hobby Lobby for last...the FUN stuff!!

Friday 3/28 After an awesome month of birthday celebration the day has arrived...MY BIRTHDAY!!!  Celebrated with a little interstate driving(my.biggest.fear...in the process of conquering) and a little gymnastics action!!

Saturday 3/29 #projects AND due to a late-ish evening at the gymnastics meet...we had to wait to have #birthdaysushi...#worththewait!!

Sunday 3/30 Since the hubby worked all weekend we did something completely out of the ordinary when he got home from work...went to eat at a restaurant...all 5 of us?!?!? We had a blast!  Check out this leather work my hubby did...my Etsy shop logo...COMING SOON!!!(the Etsy shop that is)

Monday 3/31 10 mile run...I am now mentally ready for the SLC half marathon April 19!!!  #gotime

Tuesday 4/1 Working on some product for jennd. DESIGN...#whistlewhileyouwork...wait I don't know how to whistle...Pandora radio it is!! (and Brews on 7th coffee...#yum)

Wednesday 4/2 Fabric in the mail...yes please!!!  Loving fabric.com and Girl Charlee fabrics!!! Thanks again...Katie, Carly, Mia and Kristal...this lifts me up each week!!!

A new YEAR...prepping FoR the BEST ever!!!

Once again way over due for an update...but I need to sneak one in REALLY quick as my blog will be under construction very soon!!  I have lots of exciting things in the works for the new year...got to keep myself SUPER busy.

I have been really getting into crocheting and knitting...but for some reason I really dig crocheting.  I happened upon an Instagram hashtag, #crochetmoodblanket2014, and thought to myself...hmmmm...what does that mean??  So I checked it out; the quick gist is that you crochet a granny square a day or week depending on what works for you and at the end of the year you will have a blanket that reflects on 2014!!!  I thought this would be a VERY cool project and decided to do the one square a week challenge...as I have other projects on my mind to complete in 2014 as well!!  If you are on Instagram you should totally check out #crochetmoodblanket2014 the talent of a simple granny square is over the top.  Or check out the blog authored by the gal who started it all FroFunky.

Another thing that I am super proud of right now is that I can, with 100% confidence, say that I am out of retirement and back to running!!!  It truly is a feel good medication for my mind, body and soul!!!  I have to give lots of credit to a few of my biggest fans, running partners and supporters...Ang, Mom, Anna, Brandon, Jacey and Victoria!!! (and Pitbull radio on Pandora helps too!!)  I am also hooked up on Facebook with a great group called, Fellow Flowers, they are so motivational and totally get the highs and lows of being a runner.  They are having a Declare It Day, Saturday February 1, where you can put your goals out there and have a great group cheering you on the whole way!!!  I have my goals all ready to go as I have also begun training for the Salt Lake City Half Marathon in April...hoping for my best race yet!!

As always the girls keep my busy and loving my job as a stay at home mom, which by the way my tween informs me is not a job because I don't get paid, yes she looked it up in the dictionary on her iTouch!?!?!?  Competitive season for gymnastics and dance starts very soon...which means my weekends will be filled with lots of fun events!!!  These are my favorite moments...watching my girls shine at what they love...fills my heart with pure joy and unconditional LOVE!!!

As I stated above my blog will be UNDER CONSTRUCTION very soon by the very talented Jana Tolman and I have lots of other fun, EXCITING news/surprises to come this year!!!