Happy Birthday Mom and Brother Jon!

This week has been an exciting one for the family! The whole family traveled down to Nashville to visit my brother, Jon, and for some, to participate in the Country Music Marathon/Half Marathon. Prior to the trip, I had grand illusions of returning to my old running form and blowing out the family competition. An untimely indoor soccer injury combined with coaching JV girls soccer sucked up a lot of my energy and confidence!

The race was not the only thing on my mind as we ventured to Nashville. My brother, Jon, was on the verge of asking his girlfriend, Sara, to be his wife. Being the supportive brother, I provided him with benchmarks and guidelines to follow in the proposal. Right before the race began on Saturday morning, Jon popped the question!

After the 7:00 am proposal, it was time for the race. A little over 20,000 ran the 1/2 and full marathon. With all the people around, my competitiveness started taking over. Sizing up runners, and smirking at fanny packs loaded ammo style with carb shots, the race began.


Miles 1-8 were great. About every mile or so, a band was stationed just off the course, playing inspirational music or some fast paced country music. The bands really helped me to relax and find my groove. By mile 9, however, there wasn't much of a groove rocking. Finishing the race, our families greeted newly engaged Jon and Sara, and posed for some pictures!

To say I was sore the next day would be an understatement. Walking down stairs, mild declines, moving in general was serious work. It was all worth it, though, to get a chance to share a great moment with the family. Congrats to Sara and Jon--we are excited for the wedding and for your marriage!