Running with Reason

After only a few weeks of preparation, I decided to venture out and try a 4.5km race. The HBF Run for a Reason was a spectacular event with almost 14,000 participants. There were two separate lengths for the run/walk and participants could choose between 4.5km or 14km. And an amazing total of over $300,000 was raised to support various foundations!

At first I wasn't really entirely sure how I felt about running in the event, but I had the best reason to run - the memory of my grandma. :) I knew she would be proud that I took on something like that and that thought in itself gave me a drive to accomplish my goal of finishing the race. At the beginning I decided I wanted to complete the race in 30 minutes. It was a bit of a stretch since I'm not much of a runner, but I knew if I had no time in mind, I wouldn't get anywhere. Luckily before the race started  I was even fortunate enough to find another participant to run with. She and I chatted and had a great time pushing each other during the 4.5km run. We couldn't believe our eyes when we saw our time on her iPod. Our unofficial time was approximately 27min. I was blown away that I finished in under 30min. Now you can imagine my surprise when I got my official results on Tuesday and it was an even faster time of 25:41!!

Doing another event has just given me so much more drive to continue running and participating in these great runs. My next goal is set for August 28 where I will be running 12km in the City to Surf in Perth. I'm hoping to start fundraising for this event, so anyone who is willing and able to help, please contact me. :)

I think this is one the best weeks I've had in a really long time. Don't get me wrong, I'm having a fantastic time down under overall, but there was something about this week. I felt relaxed and really at home. (Please don't freak out by that comment, Mom. I promise I will come back to the U.S.!) I suppose it could be all of the music I've been working on or the fact that I accomplished a huge goal on Sunday. Regardless, whatever the reason, I am so happy right now. Life is wonderful and God has blessed me so much.

This week is also a bit nostalgic for me as I remember the past 4 years since I graduated from high school on May 26, 2007. So much has changed in my life since then, but I'm happy I've gone through every valley and climbed each mountain that has come my way. :) There is also another bit of happiness this week as I send a special shout-out to my parents. They are celebrating their 33rd wedding anniversary on May 27. Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad! You are amazing and I would be no where without you! Love you!!!

That's all for now my little corner of the world! Miss you all!


~A