my second leg

My legs were tight but I was ready to go! It was so awesome once again, running in the middle of nowhere with the sound of everything around you. Around mile 4/4.5 my knee started acting up and I had to walk in the last mile and a half. But I didn't quit, and to me that's the most important thing.

2 stops later were breakfast tacos served to us by cowboys, with an old western playing. It was awesome! As I'm writing this we have 2 legs to go. Almost there!

my first leg

The stop where I was to start was a New Orleans party! Jambalaya, brisket sandwiches, moon pies and beer! I'm sad I couldn't partake because I was about to run. It was a blast though!

I took off with Sheri and Jen with Jan on the bike. Jen booked it and I tried to keep up. 9:45 for my first mile, WHAT?! I kept her in my sight the whole time and ran super fast. Knees held up pretty good. A few more legs and I'm up again.

the bus is ready...

We're off! I can't wait to run my first leg! Last night Alli emailed our team saying she would miss us. Sadly she can't run this year but she has still been a part of everything we do. She will be with us in spirit!

Anyways, she always makes a gratitude list before a race, but in light of recent events she made a reasons to run list. I immediately started mine and can't wait to share it. It's not finished yet, but in honor of today, I run for Boston, I run for Christane, I run for Esme, I run because I can.

See you soon!

24 hours to go...

In 24 hours our first runners will be taking off from Enchanted Rock! I am so excited!! Check back tomorrow day/night as I live blog the run. Get ready!

gun slingin'

A few weeks ago a friend took me to a shooting range to go shooting. It was out in the middle of nowhere which made me nervous. I mean, I had just met him not long before this outing, maybe he was taking me out there to use me as the target? We showed up and it was an outside range where you bring all of your own stuff, and get your own little area where no one can see you. Not helping my nervousness. Although if I misfired and accidentally shot him in the arm or something, no one would see. Anyways, he pulled out a bunch of his guns and we got started. 

It was awesome! Not only did I get to shoot a bunch of different guns, he taught me out to reload the magazines, how to do rapid fire, and how to not fall over when shooting a shotgun. (The trick? Have someone put their hand on your back to catch you if needed.) I got to shoot a .40, .45, and a shotgun with 2 different types of shells. I did a really great job! He was pretty impressed with how well I did for a first timer. Check out my awesome target! Yeah, I got some bulls eyes  And this was my first target! I got better as the day went on.

After that we went to a different section and shot his rifle. I was pretty terrible at that. It took forever to get the stupid thing lined up with the target, and then when I finally would shoot I would jump because it was so insanely loud and the gun would totally miss the target. I only shot it 5 times, and only hit the target once. Well...that's being a little generous. I shot the paper that the target was on. 

Overall it was an awesome day! I also crossed off another bucket list item. Maybe I should get a gun now. So, who wants to go shooting??

i get it, i need to get married

There are several students this year that are very concerned that I'm not married yet. Today on my way out I stopped to talk to one of the girl's parents and another parent when she came up to me.

Kid: Remember that thing we've been talking about?

Me: Yes....

Kid: Well I know someone for you! He has a shiny red car.

Me: How old is he? He better be older than your 12 year old cousin you wanted me to marry.

Kid: He is. I think he's like 30. He's my friends dad!

Me: Girl! I am not marrying your friends dad.

Kid: But you don't need a boy. You need a man.

Me: Oh boy. You're nuts!

Kid: Ok....does it have to be a person?

Me: Where is this going?

Kid: You know how hamsters are cute?

Me: Are you about to say I should marry a hamster?

Kid: Yeah! They're really cute and cuddly! And they don't talk back!

Kids mom: You should take it! A man that doesn't talk back, don't knock it Courtney!

Kids brother: But you would have to pick up his poop. You don't want to pick up your husbands poop.

Me: True. 

Kids brother: Just get some guys together and play spin the bottle then.

Kids mom: What is going on?!

bursting bubbles

Me: No one's paper is perfect yet. Except maybe mine. Just ki...

Kid 1: (yelling over me) Because you're perfect!

Me: Practically perfect in every way. Just like Mary Poppins!

Kid 2: You aren't perfect. You're just average.