"When you cross that finish line, you'll know!"

Yes, the title is a cheesy-inspirational quote from Cool Runnings about knowing you are enough.  Probably a line that would've drawn me in during the previews.  Such a great, clean, funny, inspiring, heartwarming story!  Truthfully, it has little to do with this post, I was just thinking about how much I love that movie. :)

So, something exciting:  This morning, for the first time, I actually felt like a runner.  Not someone who's posing as a runner or doing it to lose weight or to fit in with a certain group, but a girl who actually enjoys running, and (shock) prefers running outdoors!  So I'm glad my identity is finally transitioning from "fat girl who tries running" to "experienced runner, (becoming healthier every day!)"  

I've officially signed up to run the Quarter Marathon in August and the Half again in November (along with several awesome friends, and three more that I'm hoping will join us... whose initials are MRD and CLW and LAB!  Haha, pretty much my 3 main readers.)  It's http://www.route66marathon.com/  ...in case you all wanna rush over to register today!!

And major announcement... brace yourself... I've decided to run the full marathon -- all 26.2 miles -- next April in OKC!  Yikes.  But it will be good.  That decision may be why my mind is finally making the transition to see myself as a runner!  I know the training will be intense, but it's something I want to do once in my life, and it just makes sense to do it now while I'm young and already in long distance running mode.  I know God will give me the grace and strength I need to "run with endurance," (both in the marathon and in the course of life)!  I am strong and capable and determined... and staying positive and optimistic. ;)  

"I have confidence in confidence alone!  Besides which, you see, I have confidence in me!"

In other new things, I'm super excited that my dear friend, Laura Bower, has finally started her long-awaited blog.  It is profound and brilliantly witty and honest, and I must say, it's about time! :)

Now I'm off to watch the end of the Thunder game w/my family... I'm no basketball fan, but I still love watching the last quarter of close games!  :)  Hope everyone has a great weekend!