Warrior Dash 2011

Yeah, that's right! I'm off to compete in this little bad boy

this weekend with these girls :) 

EVENTS:

3.23 hellish miles of,

Road Rage
Barricade Breakdown
Rubber Ricochet
Cliffhanger
Chaotic Crossover
Deadweight Drifter
Cargo Climb
Deadman's Drop
Giant Cliffhanger
Muddy Mayhem
Warrior Roast

If I don't survive... it's been fun blog world!
Anyone else done the warrior dash before?

Born to Run... with no shoes

So, I was talking to a close friend {one that's older, so of course he is way wiser, right?} who pretty much seems to have life all figured out. No really, this guy is amazing. I'd explain but, I am lazy so you guys can just take my word for it. K, cool :)

ANYWAY. We were chatting it up and after many excited questions from on part and many patient/explanatory answers on his part {he's so cool, have I said that yet?!} he has me convinced to go out today and buy this book,

 

And look for these new running shoes:

Of course, I would get pink ones.

Let me rewind a bit.. Serious time guys.

For those of you that don't know, I ran a marathon in November 2009. It was by far one of the proudest moments of my life completing 26.2 miles. Of course, for the simple fact of completing that task but also because not too long before that, I was in a car accident that took the life of someone so very dear to me and it nearly took my own as well. As I lay in the hospital bed, the doctors proceeded to tell me that they weren't sure if running would ever be in my future again. At that point, I couldn't help but think my world, my life, my everything was over. A few years down the road, and with the help of my beyond amazing family and friends, I competed and finished one of the hardest physical tasks imaginable {to me anyway}. 

Did I mention I have the best family and friends ever? 

Here is your proof. They all traveled from near and far to watch me compete. 

This is what love looks like. I am so blessed. 

Ok... BACK to the original point of the post {I have to have ADD or something, I swear}. I still suffer from pain in my foot that was hurt in the accident and my back as well. Maybe this no-running-shoes thing will actually work! Hey, what do I have to lose?! 

What are your guys thoughts?! Anyone ever tried the "no shoes while running" theory, had a pair of vibrams before, or had a friend that did? 

Please, share with me your knowledge :) 

Award + Inspiration Station: You're gonna wanna see this...

You know what time it is friends... INSPIRATION STATION!!!! 

((you should do a victory dance because you also know this means it's FRIDAY))

First off, I want to say thank you SOOO MUCH to Molly at Tupelo Love for giving me this award! I seriously am so flattered it's unreal. You guys have no idea just how much every single one of you mean to me. Silly as it sounds, your words of encouragement, kindness, and love has made my life such a more positive place. I can't say thank you enough!!! Go check out Molly and her little family. She is too gorgeous for words!

You guys ready for a little inspirattion station?! Here ya go:

Last year, I accomplished one of the biggest obstacles of my life. Doctors told me that I may never run again back in 2004. Well, in 2009 I'd like to think I proved them wrong.

 I couldn't have done it without my A.M.A.Z.I.N.G support team:

Beautiful, aren't they?

 

As a reminder to live each day to the up-most potential.. 

A tattoo. 

There is a much greater story behind the marathon and the ink...
But sometimes you just can't share it all. 

Now here we are friends. A year later and I am so excited {and proud(!)} to say that I will be on the sidelines this year, cheering on my friends who have embarked on the incredible journey of long distance running. These girls are so strong, courageous, and determined. I hope they realize how great of an accomplishment this is. I cannot wait to be there on Sunday as they cross the finish line and also watch as they are overcome with gratification for accomplishing their goal!

These girls are MY inspiration.

Go and check out more on Rachel and Carol via Kendra and Valerie's blogs as well.
((Yes, the same cute apron girlies from yesterday! I promise, you'll like what they have to say.))

Also, if you are feeling inspired {which I hope you are!} you can go wish Mallori goodluck as well via her own little bloggy, aiukli!

Sorry guys, I know I'm throwing a TON of links at you.

There's just sooo much good stuff out there, right?!

So today, in honor of the runners and their upcoming accomplsiments, I want to challenge you to do that "thing" you have been wanting to do for so long. Reach for more in life guys! Never, EVER settle. Push yourself, push the limits. 

HAVE CONFIDENCE IN YOURSELF! 

And most of all, chose happiness. Choose positivity. Chose to be great. 

And believe you are.  

Carlos Castaneda once said,

"We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same."

{I couldn't agree more Mr. Castaneda.}

Friends, if there is something in life that you want... GO FOR IT. Don't think for one second that you can't have it or can't do it.

 You CAN do it!

I'm leaving you with this video. Pretend this is YOUR cheering section and these signs are for you and whatever obstacle/goal you are facing!

((I hope my girls running see this too!)) 

Love you guys! 

Have a great weekend! 

And remember you are wonderful :) 

Monday... Boo.

Wow... Feeling sick is NOT a good way to start off the week. Hopefully a turn around happens quick.

BUT, despite the cold-rainy weather (pretty sure that's where the cold came from), the race on Saturday went great! Phil did awesome, I am really excited for him. I am also really happy with my time; 58.07, yeah! We had a great time and hope we can start competing in more races soon.

friday, friday, friday

Eeeeek! Weekend is here. I was thinking about it, and I have made over a 2+ hour drive every weekend for the past 5 weekends. I'm tired of driving. And with finals it's such a busy time of year....

But all the trips have been so worth it. Just wish I could pile everything/everyone into one little town. K, maybe one big town.

This weekend, I am loading up and heading to Stillwater to compete in the "Remember The 10" 10K run. It's going to be my first race since the Marathon in November. Not gonna lie, kinda nervous!

Also joining me in the race, my good friend and sports lovin' partner, Phil! He was the one who suggested we do the run. Good idea Phil, see ya in Stilly.

Also, I am going to get to see my best friend Alex!

Maybe some other friends that attend OSU as well.

I can't wait :) 

Have a great weekend friends!

Running Shoes

So after the marathon I knew I would be needing some new running shoes. Too many miles put on the old ones. I've pretty much worn them so thin now, they are KILLING my feet. So, it's about that time.... NEW KICKS TIME that is! Can't wait to go look around this weekend.

I'm a Pearl Izumi fan myself!

Here We Go....

 

2009 Williams Route 66 Marathon Registration Confirmation

Dear Samantha,

This email is the official confirmation of your entry in the 2009 Williams Route 66 Marathon.

It's time friends... can't believe it's here. I just want to say thank you all so much for your support throughout this whole thing! Once again, I am so blessed.

Race Number

I will be wearing this race tag on Sunday! (however different name and number, no where does my name contain  "barrie")

The colors on each participants tag represent the event they are competing in. Marathon, half marathon, 5k's, etc. For your first marathon, your color is blue. And it even says, "my first marathon on it". I love this!

I found this article on the Route66 website  and it really meant a lot.

My First Marathon Numbers 

"Participants who pre-registered that are participating in their first marathon at the 2009 Williams Route 66 Marathon will receive blue race numbers. We highly encourage you to give them special recognition when you see them. They have all worked very hard to get to the start line. Training for and completing your first marathon is truly a life changing experience and disserves special recognition."

-Not, sure about the special recognition part (every participant is conquering a goal) but the rest of the article was really touching!

I Can Only Imagine

So, lately I have been really struggling with my training. The miles are getting longer and running alone compared to my team at Fleet Feet, is well... No comparison. The motivation and positive energy I have with them is undeniable.

I was scheduled to run 14 miles today. The farthest I have yet to go has been 12, and that was with my group. So needless to say, I was definitely doubting myself big time that I was able to run 14 alone. 

Then I receive an email from my mom that has changed my life forever. 

Be prepared to be moved beyond belief at this video. I am still crying typing this post. I hope it can help move, motivate, speak, and change parts of your life you're struggling with.  We all have been blessed. And no matter how hard things may be, all things are possible through Him.

Also, keep in mind while watching this video; The distances in an IronMan race are 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and a full marathon- 26.2 mile run. 

CAN 

Here are more videos of Rick and Dick Hoyt.

Only 

IMAGINE

Oh, and PS... I ran 14 miles today :)

dailymile

Thanks to my new found friend Patrick for sharing this awesome website! It's for people looking for motivation on their workouts! Kinda like a FB or Twitter for the active individual! 

Training for the marathon has been going great! I ran 12 miles this past Saturday which is a PR for me and it truly is an amazing feeling. I love knowing that I am doing something out of the ordinary to better myself. I can feel the race inching closer and closer and I am starting to get excited... 

I cannot even begin to describe the respect and admiration I have for those individuals that do the impossible. Train and compete in events such as a marathon, triathlon, Olympics, etc. and do so with just one or no legs. I want to do something that inspiring someday.... 

The Weekend Ahead

What is everyone up to this weekend??? Anything exciting planned?? 

This weekend should be pretty packed :) 

Saturday morning I will be running in "The Double".. it's the Route 66 Quarter Marathon and a 5k right after.

Then Saturday evening I will be playing in the annual Skiatook High School alumni softball game! It's one of the most eventful things in Skiatook next to homecoming haha. Woman of all ages and ummm, "backgrounds" gettting together in front of the town to try and relive the 'glory days'. We're talking spandex, mullets, 80's hair... (you can only imagine haha) Anyone and everyone is more than welcome to come! It will be hilarious to say the least.. Then off to celebrate with everyone after the game :) 

Sunday, it's my LAST day to be working at the pool. Woot! 

So crazy the summer is almost over. I will be posting pics of the weekend when I return. Have a happy weekend everyone! 

It's Official!

I went and registered for my marathon today! It felt amazing; can't imagine how crossing the finish line will be! That is... if I survive that far.. YIKES!

Also purchased a new pair of kicks, Pearl Izumis! They're pink, of course :)

This is Lori, she's the owner of the Tulsa Fleet Feet store and also my training teammate! 

11-22-09

For the doctors that questioned whether I would ever run again... This is for you. 

THIS FOR ME

Ready, Ready, Ready to Run

5K's ahead:

This Saturday...  

http://www.cfbeo.org/run2009.html

And then next Saturday, June 13th...

http://www.yst.org/yst/Runaway_5k.asp?SnID=403430501

Very excited about these and others I plan to run these next few months :)