Dear February

No filter, just in the right place

Dear February, 

This has been the first month in a long time that has been overall really good. Nothing major- good or bad- happened and it was just nice. This month was the first month in a long time for me that it didn't seem to fly by, nor did it seem extra slow; it moved along at the perfect speed. 

A few words that were prominent throughout the month and I kept seeing these themes:

Gratitude/// I got a great report at my gastroenterologist this month. I know I have been feeling pretty amazing lately but sometimes the labs don't tell the same story. My journey with Crohn's Disease has not been an easy one. When the office called to tell me my doctor said my lab's are perfect, great and every other good adjective, I was floored. I was almost to tears when they told me, he does not want to see me for another year! A YEAR?! At one point in my journey, I was seeing him every month. I am beyond grateful for my health.

Love/// In my mind, Febraury and Love are synonymous. Valentine's Day, friends, family and Cupid's Chase. This month was really lovely. I got to go to the beach, on hikes, on walks, to yoga, to the gym, to church everywhere I looked, I felt love. It was a really really nice feeling. 

Happy/// There were so many good things happening this month. Just like how I felt love everywhere, I felt happy most days. You could say I'm "Happy to be here" and that is 100% true. What I thought was even cooler was that Hardy has a new song called "Happy" and the lyrics are just perfect. I will share a few with you,

"And Happy is always by your side"

"But when Happy hears love sing through the wall Well, Happy sings along"

"Well happy just sits there patiently" "Waiting on a humble epiphany"

"Hey Happy why can't everyone just be you"

You get the idea, You have to want to be happy, its a conscious choice and I am so happy I am that decision every single day. 

Manifest/// I am going to do a longer post on this but I needed to mention it here because once I realized what had happened, I couldn't stop thinking about it. I know it sounds vague but when you manifest something, it actually works. WHO KNEW!? 

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Flashback

In 2020, I was completely unaware of what was to come and I was so hopeful. There is a photo at the beginning of this post that reads "The moment you start acting like life is a blessing, it starts feeling like one." GOSH! That is exactly what I think now, in 2023.  In 2021, to say I was struggling, it was an understatement. I had a really rough month overall and re-reading this post made me sad but it also made me realize that I had no idea what goodness lay ahead for me. In 2022, I was spending time outside and spending time catching up. I also experienced a pre-pandemic date night that felt oh so normal.

WOAH! This flashback was interesting- It was truly a rollercoaster ride of emotions and life. THIS is the exact reason why I blog, to see where I came from and how things worked out. 

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Gym Update

I went to Retro 3 times this month. Mostly just to walk and stretch. I visited two different clubs. I really like Bayville's club the most. Lacey is just super duper convenient. 

Gravity Vault 5 times; I went to yoga 3 times and I went climbing 2 times. I visited two different facilities- Brick and Voorhees. I thought Brick's bouldering wall gave me a run for my money- NOPE! Voorhees was extra tough even on the VB and V0 problems. (Side note: When we went to Voorhees, it just happened to be the Collegiate Climbing Competition that day. It was neat to see these young kids climb but it was a very humbling experience LOL)

I went on 3 walks outside this month. 1 with Tara on lunch and 2 at Blueberry Hill. The lunch time walk was due to almost 60 degree weather eariler in the month. The 2 walks at Blueberry Hill were chilly but super refreshing; each walk was about 3 miles. 

I ran one 5K this month- Cupid's Chase. I loved this one and the concept. I felt good and I went into it with a good mindset and almost completed it in my goal time. You can read more about it in my 12 in 12 post down below.

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What I am looking forward to in March

ALL the outside time I can squeeze in; Daylight Savings so we can have more light; The Taco Trot; warmer days and St. Patrick's Day shanangians.

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Did you miss any of my posts from February? Find them below:

Twelve Year Blogger | January Work #ootd | Random #13 | Fun Date Ideas for Everyone | 2023 Superbowl Predictions | Galentine's Day | Penelope's Birthday | Valentine's Day | 12 in 12: February | SeeHereNow vol. 2 | What's Up Wednesday | WGJ #38 | Diary #38 

Friday's Joy 1 | 2 | 3 |

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[[Happiness is when what you think, what you do and what you say are in harmony.]]

Diary #38

Another month of what I've seen:

Three pretty Huskys

Moonlight guiding me home

"Love Wins"

Favorite place to see a sunset. 

Spots in the ice 

Found

Car Selfie

Almost 60 degrees in February... I will take it!

2/3 Cheer Squad at Cupid's Chase

1/3 Cheer Squad at Cupid's Chase

#OOTD Cupid's Chase Edition

Running on the boardwalk

Sea Sun Sand and Shells.... all the things I need

Valentine's Flowers

Love Love Love

Board games and New Girl

Flowers make my office even better

Right place, Right time

God paints the best pictures

Mail from down under

ANOTHER 60 degree day in February!

Poor guy was sitting like this for HOURS.

Into the woods

Nature

Early morning climbing

Light within the darkness

Love them. 
I swear they get better with age.

I get SO giddy when I see my name on a license plate

I saw some fun this month. As always, they make me oh so happy!

[[Don't loose that spark that makes you...you]]

PS. Just adding one more photo to this post for posterity:

Early morning drives are worth it for this view

Friday's Joy

I'm linking up with Erika and Andrea today for Friday's Favorites. I can't wait to read your posts! 

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Woof! Last week really took something out of me. Ha. I just had to take last week off from Friday Favorites.  How the heck did we just finish the LAST full week in February. Does this mean Spring is closer?! HECK yes it does. 

Can we just appreciate this photo I snapped last weekend:

Do you see those long haired tiny bushes in the middle of the photo? As I walked by them, I got a fit a giggles. All I could think of is they look like something out of Fraggle Rock or The Muppets. I was half expecting them to pop up and start singing. (I have a really active imagination!)

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(TWO)Week in Review 

The Cupid's Chase 5k was so fun! It was the perfect weather and I got to support a great cause. You can read all about my experience in my Cupid Chase post. 

Valentine's day was extra special this year. It was just a day where I felt all the love...everywhere! There was just sweetness all around. 

Work has been extra busy lately! I feel like I'm consistently playing catch up. Since being out at the end of January and then finally getting what I need to from the banks, I had a lot of work that was pending. I completed three of the bigger projects that were hanging over me this week, and I couldn't be happier. 

Blueberry hill trail has been a favorite of mine this month. Each time I've gone, we've been on a different part of the trail. I love that, its like those choose your own adventure books from when I was a kid. 

I have been LOVING yoga at Gravity Vault. Shout out to Sarah for a great Ashtanga class. This past week, I ended up being the only one who signed up. Heck yes, private session. I can feel that I'm getting stronger and I can't wait to see what I can work on more! ( Looking at you crow!) 

I went climbing on early Monday morning (hi day off!) and it was perfect. I had the bouldering wall to myself for most of the hour. There were all new-to-me problems and I swear the one problem, looked SO easy but when I attempted it, it definitely kicked my butt. 

Every Sunday this month, I've been attending Church and it has been bringing me peace and joy that I didn't realize I was missing in my life. 

This week started Lent. I haven't actively participated in Lent in years but I think going to church and being more introspective, I decided to participate. I have a new view on it this year and instead of giving something up, I am being more intentional with prayer. I am prioritizing a few minutes each day to prayer and I am interested in seeing what happens over these 40 days. 

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Links

Chris Stapleton Sings National Anthem///This was one of my favorite parts of the Super Bowl this year. He did an amazing job and I think everyone else was pleasantly surprised too! It was simple and soulful and exactly what we all needed. Great job Chris Stapleton!

Chase Rice's New Album/// I Hate Cowboys and All Dogs Go To Hell came out last week and for me, its been on repeat! I have been a Chase Rice fan since his debut album and he continuously puts out good music. This project is truly from his heart. 

Damar Hamlin's Recovery/// One of the scariest moments in football, Damar Hamlin has been making a remarkable recovery and seeing him with his medical team at the Super Bowl brought almost everyone to tears. He talks about how he's doing great BUT there is a lot to process.  I am so proud that he is taking the time to process everything that has happened and assess 

Solider Goes to the Super Bowl/// A bucket list item that was finally checked off this year despite the Solider passing away in 2009. An anniversary, a phone call and the stars aligning made for a heartwarming story. (Grab the tissues!)

Are Blogs Coming Back?/// I have followed Carly for a good decade. I have been an avid blog reader for just a long and while I am firmly in the blog-world, I would love to think this is happening. EVERYONE seems to be creating content lately and I crave more than a few seconds of content. I enjoy reading blogs and I hope that bloggers stay their authentic selves (at least the ones I read) and AI is not going to ruin it that much. We shall see!

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Looking forward

This upcoming week is the last few days in February what?!  and the start of March! I am so excited to see what March holds for me. February was pretty awesome. I have yoga and some things around the house to do. I am also hoping to get ahead with some blog work this weekend.  

I know workwise I will have lots of end of month things to do on top of my ever-shrinking to do pile. 

Also the weather is supposed to be pretty mild, like upper 40s and lower 50s and I couldn't be happier. Maybe that silly rodent was wrong. 

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Did you miss any of my recent posts? Find them below: 

2023 Superbowl Predictions | Galentine's Day | Penelope's Birthday | Valentine's Day | 12 in 12: February | SeeHearNow vol. 2 | What's Up Wednesday | WGJ Vol #38 |

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[[You are unrepeatable. There is a magic about you that is all your own]]

WGJ #38

 

Whooo! The men of country really know how to write a love song. This month's playlist is filled with all the new love songs I found and even a mention of my favorite beach location. Enjoy this sweet and lovely mix. 

WGJ vol. 38

The Way She Loves Me- Cody Johnson
Bench Seat- Chase Rice
All I Need Is You- Chris Janson
Small Town Me- Tyler Hubbard
No Limits- Fueled by 808, Kid Rock, Austin Mahone, Jimmie Allen
Lay Down With You- Dylan Scott
Before You- David J
Miss That Girl- Ernest
Never Thought I'd Be- Corey Kent
Second Guessing- Griffen Palmer
Next to You- Kyle Fisher
Dive Bar Darlin'- Brian Fuller
I Wrote The Book- Morgan Wallen
Country Music, Girls & Trucks- High Valley, Granger Smith
Thank God-Spring Symphony Verison- Kane Brown, Katelyn Brown
Out This Way- Tyler Hubbard
1x1- Jake Owen
The Way You Are- Mitchell Tenpenny
Still Thinking "Bout You- Mitchell Tenpenny
Better With You- Parmalee
All Dogs Go To Hell- Chase Rice
Life Part of Livin'- Chase Rice
Home Sweet Love- Brett Eldredge
Better Boy- Nate Smith
Greatest Hits- Matthew West, Granger Smith
Blindsided- Kelsea Ballerini

Listen here.

[[ And love's where you find the life part of livin'- Chase Rice]]

What's Up Wednesday

Love catching these beautiful sunsets from the front yard 

Hi friends! I'm linking up with Shay and Schaeffer today for Whats Up Wednesday! I can't wait to read your posts! 

What I'm Eating// 

Everything as usual! Haha

((I know this may seem funny I mention this every month but there were years when I was in a Crohn's Disease flare and I didn't want to eat anything/ate only for calories.  I am always so excited to be able to want to eat))

What I'm Loving//

This random spring like weather we have been having. I ger so excited to wear a lighter coat or go out for an afternoon walk. 

What I've Been Up To//

Living my best life with some really awesome people. 

What I'm Dreading//

Nothing, I am pretty happy to be in the here and now.

What I'm Working On//

Posts for the upcoming month; a more sustainable workout plan and what I am going to eat for lunch.

What I'm Excited About//

Life!

What I'm Watching/Reading//

Re-watching New Girl. 

Still off the reading train. I did read the introduction to Growing Boldly by Emily Ley but I haven't picked it up yet. 

What I'm Listening To//

Chase Rice's I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell

Hardy's the mockingbird & THE CROW

On repeat. These two albums are SO good!

What I'm Wearing//

This month's color palette is pinks, purples and leopard print for Valentine's Day.
Still doing my #ootd work edition on Instagram.

What I'm Doing This Weekend//

Working on blog posts, going for a walk and getting ready for MARCH 

What I'm Looking Forward To Next Month//

THE TACO TROT!!!!!!!

Daylight savings and more days outside.

Favorite Amazon Find Of The Month//

Game Day Football Shirt for the Superbowl

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Love sharing what I have been up to each month and I look forward to reading your posts!

[[Anyone can find the dirt in someone. Be the one that finds the Gold- Proverbs 11:27]]

SeeHearNow vol 2.

Shoot! Has it really been 6 months?! Lots of things took place in these six months! 

We are picking up where we last left off, really enjoyed sharing what I SeeHearNow from 

August 25, 2022 to February 20, 2023

 Podcasts

The Do You Even Blog Podcast
-The Unsexy straegty that WORKS
-What focus ACTUALLY is
- 14 Strategies for a Better 2022

Pass The Prosecco
-01. How I Became A Blogger

Nonmembers Only
-#49 Geriatric Millennials
-#1 Listen to Latest episode, not this one

Girls Next Level
-Ep. 101 The Prequal: Getting Naked
-Ep. 102: In the Bedroom...
-Ep. 103: Rules of the House
-Ep. 104: The Mean Girls Era 
-Ep. 105: Lies and Goodbyes
-Ep. 106: The Unaired Pilot: "Hef's World"
-Ep. 107: Your Burning Questions
-Ep. 108: The First Episode of Girls Next Door! "Meet the Girls"
-Ep. 109: Being Sabotaged in Episode 2 "New Girls in Town"
-Ep.  110: The Triple Standard: "Happy Birthday Kendra," Pt. 1

Dark History
-50: Gossip, Glitter & WHimsical Disgrace- WTF is up with Lisa Frank

Just Like Other Girls
-Just Like Other Girls- Pilot
-Just Like Other New Yorkers
-Just Like Other Swifties
-Just Like Other Autumn Lovers
-Just Like Other Italians
-Just Like Other Dates
-Just Like Other 90s Kids
-Just Like Other Spooky Girls
-Just Like Other Fiancees

The Simplified Podcast with Emily Ley
-82: Four Ways Paper Planners Improve Life (At work + Home!)

Ted Talks Daily
-How Dance Can Unleash Your Inner Joy | Ryan Heffington
-What's Your Happiness Score? | Dominic Price
-Give Yourself Permission To Be Creative | Ethan Hawke
-Fun Fierce & Fantastical African Art | Wanuri Kahiu
-Empathy Is Not Endorsement | Dylan Marron
-You don't actually know what your future self wants | Shankar Vedantam
-The art of paying attention | Wendy MacNaughton
-The benefits of not being a jerk to yourself | Dan Harris
-The truth about faking orgasms | Karen Gurney
-The benefits of not being a jerk to yourself | Dan Harris
-The emotions behind your money habits | Ted Business

The Sevan Podcast
-#597 Josh Bridges
-#570 Justin Mederios
-#657 Rouge Invitational Recap
-#735- THE DAVE CASTRO

Back to the Beach with Kristin and Stephen

-Bonus Episode #1: Fan Voicemails
-Ep. 105 "What Happens in Cabo" Part 2
-Ep. 106 "The Best Part of Breaking Up"
-Ep. 107 "The Last Dance"
-Ep. 108 "Grin  & Bear It" Feeating Dieter Schmitz
-Guest Episode: Christina Sinclair And Morgan Smith
-Bonus Episode #2: Fan Voicemails
-Ep. 109 "Graduation Day"
-Ep. 110 "The First To Go"
-Guest Episode: Alex Hooser
-Guest Episode: Liz Gateley
-Bonus Episode #3: Fan Voicemails
-Ep.111: "Dunzo"
-Looking Back at Season 1 with Special Guest Lauren Conrad
-Welcome Back to Back to The Beach
-Ep. 201:"Since You Been Gone" 
-Ep. 202: "You Can't Trust Him"

9/11 Stories
-Frank Siller, Chairman & CEO of The Stephen Siller Tunnel To Tower Foundation

Coptales & Cocktails
-OP Live Week 3 Recap

The Lazy Genius Podcast
-Bonus: How to Lazy Genius the Start of a New Month

Besties & Businesss
-26. An inside look into our first networking event + a reminder to KEEP GOING
-28. [Interview] A talk on creativity. Entrepreneurship, and having business besties with Gianna Intile from Feelin' Blue
-30. [Part 2] Show up for your business by scheduling REST on your to do list 

The Law of Living Well
-Jess Bought a House! Home Styling, Getting Ready and Our Favorite Interior Design Ideas

Mayim Bialik's Breakdown
-Charlamagne Tha God: Harness Your Superpowers

Tom Kelly Show
-129: Shannon Fiedler Tik Tok Star
-239: Rachael Ray Lessons and Adult Happy Meals

Archetypes
-The Stigma of the Singleton with Mindy Kaling

Happy To Be Here
-Ep. 0 Happy to be Here Intro
-Episode 1 
-Episode 2 
-Episode 3
-Episode 4
-Episode 5
-Episode 6

Bold
-Ep.1 Defining Bouldering

Boulders & Breakdowns
-Getting into Bouldering

Adulting with Teala & Nia
-Galentines!

Living & Learning with Reba McEntire
-The Power of Listening with Hoda Kotb

Talks In Class
-Ep. 1:True Life I was a 2000s Party Girl

Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel
-Disney Adults, Disney Trauma, and How They Priced Out the Middle Class

The Bestie Breakdown
-S3 EP4: Breaking Down Bravo

The ABCs of Greek: A Greek Recap Podcast
- Pilot
-Was Gilmore Girls Cancelled?

Granger Smith Podcast
-#167 How To Find Happiness Every Day

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In addition to finish listening the above podcasts, i have a bunch that i half finished, i am hoping to make my way through these too: 

The Simplifed Podcast with Emily Ley
35: Making Debt Free Decisions for Your Home and Your Business
70: You are Always Enough
100: Celebrating 100 Episodes 

Dark History
45: Making the Band: Dark History of Boy Bands 

Nature Nerds
Butterflies 

20 For 20 
Caryn Pfeifer: My husband was a gentle giant 

9/11 Stories 
Former EMS Chief Jim Martin 

Nonmembers Only 
#3 First Audio From Mars 

The Do You Even Blog Podcast
The Genius Strategy that Lacey Langford Uses to get Blog Sponsorships

Science Vs. 
A mystery in the air 

Preppy Podcast 
Episode 100: Carly 

Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness
How do you know if your Bae is the one 

Youtube

Get Ahead by Getting Started... Now| Tilton Brighton | TEDxRanney School
"What are we doing for 2023?" & Games Thoughts | Tia-Clair Toomey & Shan Orr
Get to KnowMarina Squerciati, Amy Morton & Tracy Spiridakos | NBC Chicago PD Women
Keath Urban- We Were Us Ft. Miranda Lambert | Keith Urban
Justin Moore- Point At You
Alo Blacc- The Man
Randy Houser- Runnin' Out of Moonlight
Billy Currington-Hey Girl
Eli Young Band- Drunk Last Night
Shore Shot! | Casino Pier
America's Most Wanted 9/11 Special Edition | Perry DeMarco
John Walsh- 9/11 and Ground Zero
The Man in the Red Bandana |SC Featured | ESPN
First Response | 9/11: One Day in America | National Geographic
Jelly Factory scene Despicable Me 2 | CG Full
James & Jellies | G Panagiotatos
What Happens When A Pro Climber Sign Up For A Beginner Course | Magnus Mitbo
Chromebooks: Black Screen, Won't Turn On? 2 Easy Fixes | WorldofTech
Sherk (2001)-Do You Know the Muffin Man? | Movieclips
I Like THAT BOULDER, That is a NICE Boulder | HasMan2000
 Russell Dickerson- Yours (Official Video) 
eLEMENTAL | Teaser Trailer | Pixar
Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical | Official Trailer | Netflix
DIT Giant 6Ft Christmas Light Bulb Decorations | Holiday Lighting & Creations
AP Santa Run Start | Spilt Second Racing
Paper Bag Snowflakes | Craftie
How to Make a Sbowflake with Paper Lunch Bags- Fast & Easy- Libraries of Stevens County
Buick Enclave/ Encore Keyless Smart Key Fob Battery Replacement-DIY | Key Fob Rob
New Year' Eve Live Times Square Ball Drop  | ABC News
Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem- Full Ridge Through POV | Mike Karschti
Cody Johnson- 'Til You Can't (Official Music Video)
Cody Johnson- "Til You Can't |Live at the Grand Ole Opry
Gabby Barrett- Pick Me Up (Official Music Video)
AEGIS Missile Defense System Intercept Flight Test | AirSource Miltiary
Roll Call in 10 Years | Trey Kennedy
Rescue beaver makes Christmas Dam in House | Holley Muraco
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On- Official Trailer | Animation Society

Movies/TV

Woodstock 99 | Netflix

Love is Blind Season 2 After the Alter | Netflix

The Bear | Hulu

Laguna Beach Season 1, 2| Paramont

The Hills Seasons 1-5 | Hulu

Abbot Elementary Season 2 | Hulu

Chicago Fire Season 11 | NBC

Luckiest Girl Alive | Netflix

A Friend of the Family | Peacock

Falling for Christmas | Netflix

Love is Blind Season 3 | Netflix

Illidan Scherzinger | Netflix

One of Us is Lying Season 1,2 | Peacock

Gone in 60 seconds | FX

Glass Onion |Netflix

Knives Out | Netflix

Accused ep.1,2 |Fox

Greek season 1,2,| Hulu

Quantico Season 1 | Hulu

Siesta Key Season 1,2 | Hulu

The Office Season 2,3,4 | Peacock

New Girl season 3,4,5 | Netflix 

Pepsi, where's my jet | Netflix 

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What have you been watching and listening to? 

[[Please never stop being odd in the most wondrous ways.]]

12 in 12: February

If your are new here, start with The Plan. Then come back to this post.🏃 

I registered for the Cupid's Chase 5K back in November! Let's just say I've been eagerly awaiting this race. What drew me to this 5K was it was Valentine's themed. Fresh out of a break up, I thought this would be a fun themed event. I honestly thought there was going to be a Cupid Chasing us. I was a little off in that thought...I'll explain below.

Are we surprised that I started looking for a shirt and socks to wear to this in December? HA! I didn't settle on a shirt and socks until January. I found my shirt on Amazon and my socks at Walmart. 

Cupid's Chase is sponsored by Community Options. Community Options supports individuals with disabilities obtain housing and employment. Cupid's Chase is being held in 41 cities across the United States on February 11, 2023. How neat is that- thousands of people will be racing on the same day for the same cause. This made me really excited to run, even in cold weather. 

Week of Race

Got out my Valentine's shirt and socks out; found my red bow and cold weather accessories out. I was excited for this race. I stretched and took it easy. I didn't want to overdo it like I did before   the Jingle Bell 5K. 

Night before Race

Thought about what time I wanted to have as my goal time, I ended up settling on a realistic goal of 35 minutes. I made a playlist for approximately that time. I figured out what I would need to do the first leg of the race in to get my goal time. 

 I knew I should get a good night's rest for this race. I double checked my headphones were all charged and I had hand warmers. It was going to be a cold one. I was ready for this. 

Morning of Race

I got up bright and early ready to take on this race. I was so excited. I kept thinking to myself, slow and steady, slow and steady. 

Mama wanted a selfie

I was ready extra early! It was a colder morning and I was nervous- did I dress correctly? Am I able to do this? Did I train enough? I tried to shake these thoughts out of my head. I said to myself " You will do great, you will have fun and you will be by the water." 

Keith and I arrived early to the race to pick up my packet. They had a breakfast spread (shoutout to Wawa!) in the hospitality tent where I got my swag bag. We made our way back to the car to hang out before the race. I went through my bag to find my bib (#431) and to my surprise, the shirt I was given was white. I was kind of bummed because I was hoping for a red shirt. I said oh well, maybe the changed it this year. Another thing I thought was weird- it said available on the back of the shirt, in large letters. I thought the sponsorships section has available space and they forgot to remove it. I was so confused!

My parents arrived and we ended up waiting in their truck with them until about 15 minutes before the race. It was the greatest idea-we got the best people watching! We saw people warming up, wandering around and that poor parking attendant had a rough morning parking cars. 

Right Before Race

 2/3 of the Cheer Squad 

1/3 of the Cheer Squad

#ootd: Race Edition
Gosh, I love a good theme!

We made our way to the boardwalk to the starting line. They started announcing that the race would be starting soon so I decided to find my spot in the group. Mom, Dad and Keith wished me good luck with hugs and kisses.  Just like the Jingle Bells 5K,  I positioned myself in the middle and I kept thinking to myself, right now gab, keep moving.  I started moving my legs and looking around.

As I was waiting for the race to start, I started seeing people with their red cupids chase shirts on and then I realized something; I had an AH-HA moment. When I registered for this race at the end of November, they asked if I was single or in a relationship. At that moment in time, I was single, fast forward to race day, I wasn't single anymore. The shirts were the designator for "Cupid"- red meant they were in a relationship (it said UNAVAILABLE) and white meant they were singled (it said AVAILABLE). Judging from the colors, there were not many singles in this race. I couldn't stop giggling to myself about this as I remembered my WHITE shirt back in the car. How clever! 

There were so many puppers running in this race! They were even dressed up too! I had a friendly large dog next to me. This made me extra happy. 

Waiting to start

Checking my Fitbit

Strike a pose!

And we are off!

After the announcements and national anthem, the air horn blew and we were off. I started my watch, turned on my Cupid's Chase 5K playlist and I was off. 

During the Race:

It was beautiful and sunny! I loved running on the boardwalk, seeing the ocean right there. It was also so weird to be on the boardwalk in the winter with nothing open. I loved seeing all the different shops and boardwalk things. 

I kept thinking  in my mind, slow and steady. I knew what was going to be the mid-point in my playlist so I just kept a nice pace. 

This view was SO pretty!

Run Run Run

Gosh! I couldn't stop staring

Sky Sea Sand

Shadow me running

I ended up walking a bit but at a brisk pace. That seems to really work for me- run then walk and repeat. Once we crosses into Seaside Park, I knew the turn around point was coming soon based on seeing people running back and by my playlist. 

The middle song in my playlist- 'Till You Can't by Cody Johnson- started playing as I approached the midpoint. I was really excited. I said to myself okay gab let's go! You got this!

On the way back

Iconic

Loved this

As I made my way back down the boardwalk, I saw all the landmarks I saw before. I kept thinking, just a little bit more Gab. 

As I approached the end, I spotted Mom, Dad and Keith cheering me on. "YEAH GABBY!" "GREAT JOB!" "GABBBBBBYYYYYY!" That gave me such a boost of energy to finish the race. I kept on going and I crossed the finish line with a huge smile on my face, especially since I saw the time I was crossing. 

The finish line is SO close!

You're almost there!

Keep going!

Blurry but oh so JOYFUL

After the Race:

I made my way through the spectators to pick up my medal and to find my cheering section. Mom, Dad and Keith gathered around me to congratulate me on a good run. I was beaming ear to ear. I did it! 

My finisher's medal

Me and my Cheer Squad after the race
(I missed the memo about Sunglasses!)

This was such a fun race with a fun concept. I was a little bummed there was no actual Cupid, but I loved the shirts and venue. 

I couldn't leave the boardwalk without walking the shoreline to collect some seashells. It was a beautiful day! I ended up leaving with a pocket full of pretty seashells. I've said it before and I'll say it again, there is something extra special and magical about going to the beach in the winter. 

Keith and I stopped by the hospitality tent to get coffee and a wawa pretzel and we were on our way home. What a great way to spend the morning!

Results

Chip time: 36:07.18 

This means I was 25 seconds FASTER than I was in December! Whooo! My pace overall was 5 seconds faster too! 

My goal was 35 minutes. My playlist was 35 minutes and 5 seconds. I was really really proud of how close I got to my goal! 

I'm clearly improving with my times. I'm finding what works the best for me and that's truly inspiring. I am so glad I'm keeping up on this goal of mine. 

I cannot comment officially on how I placed in my age group or overall because I somehow (I must have missed that button registering) was in the male group not the female group. BUT unofficially I was overall 130 out of 256 women and 11 out of 22 in my age group. Middle of the pack, just the way I like it!

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Music

 I listened to this during this race. I highly suggest you make a playlist for the approximate time you want to finish the race in. Then figure out what the half way point of the playlist is and its a great way to pace yourself. 

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Well, that's #2 of the 12 5K's I'm running this year. YAY!

Did you miss last month's 5K? Check out January and the other races I've run previously:

August 2017 | August 2022 | December 2022 | 

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[[ your heart knows the way. Run in that direction- Rumi]]