I started this blog post as an ode to running sometime in January. I never finished, so I figured I should go ahead and post since I'm in CA for school and then I leave March 12 for Belize. So, if I don't write, I'm going to get way behind, and the blog will once again be abandoned....

A few things then I've been thankful for in recent months:

Running:

I love to run. This winter I was exposed to running/races from a lot of different angles.

First up was the annual Jiggle Butt (an all women's run). Now in it's 5th year it's become a HUGE event in Arlington. First was the 1k fun run (the wiggle butt).

All Wiggle Butt participants get a medal.

Then it was time for the Jiggle Butt. A group of us had made a team, and we (I) named ourselves Team Speedo. So that meant running in Speedos, goggles, and swim caps.

The next weekend I had another race. This time I didn't go out with a big team, but just with one other friend. There was no costume this time, just cold rain. But that cold rain was the motivation I needed to run fast.

And Nick and I both walked with snowglobe trophies.

A few weeks later the 2011 Belize hosted a 5K - the Tortoise Trot. I never realized how much went into planning a 5K! We had so much fun though on the day of the event. I didn't run, but loved encouraging others, taking pictures, and being a part of the race day culture.

And of course, we had our very own Tortoise.

Part of our Belize team after the race:

Rock Climbing Lock-in:

I might be crazy, but for the past 3 years I have organized a rock-climbing lock-in for the youth. Staying up all night may be a little brutal, but it's a fun way to spend time with the kids and meet to know their friends. We start off the evening by rock climbing from 10 P.M. to 2 A.M. My rock climbing skills peak around 12:30 A.M., but some of the kids could climb all night long.


Snow:

When you think of Texas I know you probably don't think of snow/ice. But, we had our own Texas size version of snowapaloza this year - we had an unprecedented 5 snow days! I really enjoyed the winter weather!

Superbowl:

Not everyone in Arlington was an excited about the winter weather, especially those who were affiliated with the Super Bowl (which was in Arlington). I stayed clear of the Stadium on game day, and instead had the youth group over for a party as we watched the Packers take on the Steelers.

It's been a fun month with lots going on. And I know the next month will be full as well!