And the Award goes to…

I had a sweet surprise when I woke up this morning! Jess over at RUNNING BETWEEN THE LINES (love her title, by the way!) gave me the Stylish Blogger Award.  It’s my first blogging award EVER!! Thanks, Jess!

I’m actually new to Jess’ blog and spent a few minutes this morning reading over some past entries and let me tell you, you need to check it out! Jess is truly inspirational and has some really cute dogs too that make me smile! 😉

And, of course, with a great reward comes great responsibility:

1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this award.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Award 10 other bloggers.
4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award!

First things first – thanks again, Jess!

Seven things about me:

1.  Besides running? I am passionate about helping people, which is one of the reasons why I am super-excited about helping to coach the 13 minute-per-mile pace group with my local running club MIT!
2.  I am married to the love of my life, Michael, and we’ve been married for three years.
3. I LOVE animals, especially dogs, and we have two – Gracie and Sadie. Both make me smile when the day is rough. I’m “one of those” dog-moms, I’m afraid.
4. My favorite holiday is the 4th of July. I love summertime, fireworks, and grilling out with friends and family. Michael and I went on our first date to the fireworks way back in 2003 (I think), and he proposed under the same fireworks the year before we got married in 2006. We got married on 07/07/07 – not because everyone else was doing it – but because it was the week of the 4th of July! We still celebrate every year by going to the same fireworks, by the way.
5. One of my favorite hobbies is scrapbooking. I have a running scrapbook (complete with all of my race bibs), a honeymoon scrapbook (which I haven’t started yet), and a scrapbook for our trip last summer to Hannibal, Missouri, where I was born (which I haven’t started yet).
6. I love the ocean. I wish I could see it everyday. I miss it all the time.
7. My favorite sound (that’s right, sound) is the sound of a train whistling, especially when it is in the distance. Oh, and I love country music. Won’t ever change that, don’t try to make me!

AND I’m giving the Stylish Blogger Award to…drum-roll please…(I wish I could give it to you ALL because you inspire me everyday to keep running!!!)…

1. The Hungry Runner Girl – A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. BLOGGER and even better FRIEND! Funny, inspirational, and full of mouth-watering treats on a daily basis! A must read!
2. Life, Love, and Marathons – My hometown lady! She runs like a pro, is about to get married, and posts about a variety of topics, including some great recipes. Check it out today!
3. The Hotlegs Runner – Can we say H.O.T. blogger? If you want to be inspired to be your best – beautiful, sexy, intelligent, and strong – or if you just love pink to pieces, then this is the blog for you!
4. From FAT to FINISH LINE – Motivational and supportive beyond belief! Read this blog if you are on your own weight-loss journey or are on the road to becoming a better runner or if you want to fit into your very own pair of skinny-jeans. Need a friend who understands where you’re at and will help you get to where you want to go? Don’t wait, follow this blog today! 
5. Lovin’ My Life – Another one of my hometown hero’s! If you want to read about running and also about the everyday happenings of a stylish and fun-loving woman who happens to be a friend of mine from high school – this is the blog for you! Not to mention, her design is fabulous!
6. Shut Up and Run – Ah, yes, SUAR, we know her and love her well. Her bumper stickers grace our cars (get yours on her site today!). Her swimming stories secretly make us all wish we spent a little more time in the pool. And she keeps us laughing and talks about what we all think, but don’t want to say out loud. Pure Funny. That’s all you need to know. 
7. The Crafty Jogger – So. Darn. Cute. This blog inspires not only my running side, but also my crafty side, plus she always has something super-nice to say to me, especially when I am feeling down. Want to see an entire outfit made out of 4 decks of cards!?!?! What are you waiting for? Read it today!
8. Making Healthy the Norm – A woman after my own heart. I love her blog because it inspires me to keep achieving my health and fitness goals even when I would rather give up. She has a heart-warming story and her blog makes me smile every time I see it. Trying to eat healthier too, but getting bored with your current selections? This blog is the way to go!
9. Impossible Is Nothing – Sometimes I just read her title before I head out for a run! This lady balances running, a family, and the curve-balls life sometimes throws at us. Plus, she’s not afraid to show us what a real runner looks like – sweaty and all – which gets me out there and gets me going!
10.  Running To Health – Another lady who takes her running to the next level by making it part of her everyday healthy life! Also one of my go-to resources for healthy running advice and great personal stories!

I’ll be letting you know this morning, unless you read it here first! 🙂  And, if you’re one of my recipients, please make sure you pass on the blog-land love!!

Happy running everyone,

Follow