a couple that runs together...

a couple that runs together...

lives longer together

takes turns leading each other

and enjoys the view while following

has fun together

finds more time for each other

knows baby joggers are made out of lead
learns and appreciates each others strengths
loves each other despite the weaknesses

experiences new things together

learns how to share the road/trail with each other

climbs mountains together

learns to enjoy the journey together

becomes healthier together
are going in the same direction together

bare their 'soles' with each other
spends quality time side by side

goes further together
learn to be silly together

knows how to 'workout' things
are miles ahead of those that don't

gets more out of life

...and knows it doesn't matter how fast or slow they go, 
or what obstacles they find in their path, 
as long as they are heading in the same direction and making relentless forward progress... together

long may we run!

happy valentine's day love!

Shelton Vineyards 10k

 A grownup field trip lead us to Dobson, NC bright and early yesterday morning.  We were on official business:  run 6.2 miles on the roads surrounding Shelton Vineyards, then explore the grounds, and taste some wine.  We were quite successful on all accounts.  Andrew finished in the top 10 overall and was first in his age group; I ran faster than I trained during any of my 115 training miles and finished under one hour.  The winery was beautiful, and the wine was poured generously and drank graciously.  

(Originally posted by Ashley @ http://aswistakstory.blogspot.com/)

Sticker Trail

In first grade, I was "teacher's pet" {surprise, surprise}.  One of my best friends was the class troublemaker who got his name on the board everyday.  My mom sent me to school with a pack of good-smelling smiley face stickers that I used to bribe my friend into behaving.  It seemed intuitive to me ... do well, and you will be rewarded.  Don't get your name on the board, and you will get a sticker.  I think I remember this sticker initiative working for a while.  When the stickers weren't doing it anymore, we upped the ante to pencil erasers and candy.

Fast forward 23 years and I now have eleven middle schoolers {some who were born when I was a freshman in college!} vying for stickers to fill up a CD donning their name to prove that they're "rock star" students.  A sticky celebration of good grades, hard work, goals met, extraordinary organization, or on-the-ball preparation. Earn ten stickers and get a sweet treat or a Dollar Spot/Target special prize.  Cheesy?  Perhaps.  Effective?  Absolutely.

Six year olds, pre-teens, and soon-to-be 29 year olds ... motivated by stickers?!  I will admit, in a pursuit to train for and run a 10K road race, I am earning stickers (and a generous $1) for each mile I run.  In my 4 weeks of training, I have earned $36 ... and 36 stickers.  Andrew started this incentive for me and it makes me smile.  BIG.  Last night I came home to a course map drawn out on a poster board with landmarks flagged with stickers.  Cows, horses, trees, and giant fish stickers to represent farms, forests, and ponds along the course in Wine Country.  I got to satisfactorily place my 36 stickers along the course before I went to bed.  When I woke up this morning, the poster was decorated even more with Bible verses and additional landmark stickers.  My loving coach might want to reconsider his career in IT and become an elementary school teacher.  He also might earn a few stickers for good behavior and creativity!

(Originally posted by Ashley @ http://aswistakstory.blogspot.com/)

What Goes Up - Tyler's Treehouse 5k

What goes up must come down.  I heard that numerous times today and am quite thankful for that simple and predictable fact of physics, especially when it comes to running hills.  Big ones.  Long ones.  Frequent rolling ones. 

In addition to remembering a sad, dark day nine years ago,  today we honored the bright, but too short, life of a local five and a half year old.  We ran in a 5K race to support a foundation called Tyler's Treehouse; it was kicked off by Tyler's younger brother saying, "Weddy, Set, Go!"  And we were off.  In a sea of colors... to run down streets lined with people in green and yellow (Tyler's colors) cheering us on.  By the time I made it to the starting line with the jogging stroller, I saw a flash of orange (Andrew's shirt) a quarter-mile ahead rounding the first turn and then I didn't see Andrew again until he looped back to (literally and figuratively) push Alekzander and I toward the finish line (after his overall eighth place finish!). Thanks to Andrew, Alekzander and I finished strong after tackling the many hills in Old Georgetown.  It wasn't pretty, but we did it!

The happy hum of the runners, the excited energy and solemn spirit of the race, the beautiful houses in the neighborhood, and the cool late summer morning made it a perfect start to a good day.

The look of determination :: After 3 miles

Winner!  

And a cute baby!

(Originally posted by Ashley @ http://aswistakstory.blogspot.com/)

Run, Baby, Run!

Post Run:  Posing in the centerfield of Charlotte Motor Speedway 

On Sunday, Alekzander and I ran our first 5K together; this one benefited Young Life and was held at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Andrew ran too, but he was so fast, we can't say that we really ran with him... although when he finished, he looped around to meet up with me, Alekzander and my sweet friend, Abbey, and he ran with us to the finish line.  

There's something about a race that both excites me and throws me in to a fit of anxiety.  I barely slept the night before and was snippy the morning of...  not that it mattered how I finished; its not like a team was counting on me for points at track meet... and I certainly wasn't in contention for the top female runner.  I was a mommy to an almost 4-month old riding patiently in a jogging stroller, with hole-y running shoes, a new snazzy blue running top, and rhythmic, bouncing braids.  I was a friend along for the run, chatting away about anything and everything except breathing... running... aching... moving.  I was a wife cheering (silently in my heart) for my husband who was fast... faster than he gave himself credit for.  And I was a runner!  It felt good to run again, as much as I hate to admit that!  I have had a lengthy love/hate relationship with running for almost 15 years.

Lucky (or not) for Alekzander, he has running in his blood.  Andrew is a natural... and I have great respect for the sport and the discipline it requires.  Whether or not Alekzander chooses to pursue running in the future, we hope that we can be positive examples of health and balance...and love. 

For the next few years, Alekzander will finish each 5K a second before I do as I literally push him in the stroller, and Andrew will figuratively push us both through the finish line.  And I know that there will be a day when my little man's little legs carry him faster than mine can... but I can't wait for more family fun in the form of a 5K road race!

The running crew:  Abbey, Allen, Pete, Todd, Andrew, Alekzander, Ashley

Here are the results.

Who would have thought they would get Alekzander's first name right but mess up his last name?

(Originally posted by Ashley @ http://aswistakstory.blogspot.com/)