11 years of all this!

I've lived in Simi Valley, CA for 11 years now; I've done the Surf City Half-Marathon 11 times as well. It has become a tradition on Super Bowl Sunday!

Surf City Half-Marathon, 2017

During my 13.1 miles of ocean views and cool breezes, I was thinking about what other traditions have been created since moving down to CA. Lasagna for Christmas dinner. Arby's in Baker on the way to Vegas. Black Friday all-nighters. Mix tape party favors... I have loved making all kinds of memories here.

Surf City Half-Marathon, 2017

I've also loved the places I've been able to see here. Beaches up and down the coast (Huntington Beach Pier, pictured above), vacations, wine tasting, and of course, a visit to every Old Spaghetti Factory along the way.

To quote Sammy Sosa (sort of), "[California] been very good to me." 

I'm thankful for all the friends I've made and journeys we've been able to go on. I can't wait to see what the next adventure holds...I hope there's a medal at the end of it!

Surf City Half-Marathon, 2017

ego sum fortis

So far, 2016 has tested my strength. I wake up every morning full of hope and determination, but some days try to break me. Today was NOT one of those days. 

I woke up, after a (long overdue) full night's rest, to a beautiful, sunny day with blue skies and a salty ocean breeze. I've done this same thing for the past ten years on Super Bowl Sunday. I laced up my running shoes and headed to the beach. 

I spent the next 13.1 miles forgetting about all my worries. I took step after step (after step) soaking up some sunshine and listening to the calming waves.

I know everyday won't be like this. I know there will be times when I'm sad, times when my hands are full, and times when I feel defeated. But I also know there will be times when I've never felt more alive, times when my heart is full, and times when I realize my own strength. 

 

Ego sum fortis. I am strong.