Going for the Gold

July has been a whirlwind! I can scarcely believe as I'm sitting here it is already the 22nd, it has been a month full of blessings as well as challenges.

I was able to participate in Moonlight Chase 2013 in Eldridge, IA which was an absolute BLAST! I gave myself permission to just relax and have fun so no PRs there. If you ever get a chance to go I HIGHLY recommend it. The people in town are friendly, and the 4 mile course is flat and fast! The race starts at 9 pm as you run through town people play music for you, there are even a few live bands. Spectators hand out glow sticks and high fives as you run by. There are usually a few sprinklers set up for you to run through on the way and it ends with a huge party on main street. This year I ran with my girl Kelli (more small town running royalty, she is the pretty blonde in the photo) and couldn't have had a better night! The "Girls Gone Muddy" were up to no good again!

Me + Kel = Girls Gone Muddy...even at a non-obstacle race! 

Last month my husband noticed that a mole on my back had changed and "didn't look right" so I scheduled an appointment with my dermatologist. She took one look and said it needed to go, it was most likely malignant. A few weeks later it was removed and sent in for a biopsy which confirmed their suspicions. The good news is she felt no further treatment was needed and as long as I didn't notice any other changes I could come back in 6 months. This really wasn't a surprise, being a fair- eyed redhead with 7 of the 10 warning signs for skin cancer, but I hadn't expected it to hit at 27. The good news is as long as I stay on top of my sunblock and my checkups this shouldn't be a problem down the line. We can catch any other problem spots before they become a real issue. I would be remiss if I didn't throw it out there, if you haven't had a check, you should get on that. It doesn't hurt and most insurances will cover it. Get it done!

Training with the stitches in my back has been a challenge. They had to cut deep to get all the tissue removed so I need to keep them in until the beginning of next month, and they seem to be seriously throwing off my game. They pull with every movement and I can't wait to have them taken out and get back to normal.

On July 20th I hit up the Puckerbrush 5k in Forest City, IA and had the privilege of running with my 2 brothers. The race course was fun and well organized, as well as awards for the overall male and female winners they awarded medals for 1st and 2nd place in each age group. They also gave out a TON of awesome door prizes courtesy of the race sponsors.

My little brother Dan took home the overall win with a time of 18:18, and my older brother Johnny landed a respectable 4th in his age group, I am ridiculously proud of them. I knew going into it I was off, my stitches were pulling and I was sore but I gave it my all. Disappointingly, I ended up missing a medal by 1:00. Even so, I had a awesome day. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful family and it was special to get to run with the guys.

My Brothers and I! Dan on the left, Johnny on the right! 

Dan accepting his Award for overall winner! 

After coming so close to another medal for the summer I'm moving forward with a new purpose. My next 5k will be the Lisbon Kraut Route on August 10th and I am going for the Gold! I'd like to take 1st in my age group as well as PR for a 5K, it would be extra special since the race is right outside my front door. I'll also start hitting the weights again in August, working on my upper body and core strength.

I have less than 50 days until the big one, it's time to get pumped, and get down to business. I couldn't be more excited! Life is good!