Day 491: Lakeshore and Kris

The only thing that could be better than the 2 mile loop around Lakeshore is walking it on Thursday afternoons with Kris.
I love to run or walk at Lakeshore. This 2 mile loop treks around the former Lakeshore mental health institute. It is a part of the Knoxville Greenway system, has great views of the river, and is situated among 60 acres. That's all nestled in just a few miles from our house. What makes it even sweet are memories from soccer practices and games my brother and played there 25 years ago.
Since moving back, Brad and I often enjoyed it and I have met several friends there.
Lately, I have gotten to spend lots of sweet time there with Kris. She's great and such a blessing. We all need so one to talk to, to learn from. And she is becoming one of mine. She gives great advice and thoughts - on life, marriage, ministry, work, change, and lots more. i am not too involved with Young Life things here in Knoxville, but i am thankful that even the minimal involvement has let me get to know Kris. Here are a few thoughts that have been rolling around in my head as a result of these good conversations...
...we are really concerned with our loved ones being happy or having fun, but God cares more about their character.
...God's teaching is full of lots of hard truth, but most of all, it has hope!
...it's all about relationships.
...relationships take time.
...we are so clearly made for more than this world can ever offer.
...I can never be perfect or make anyone happy all the time (sounds obvious, but it's hard for me to believe sometimes)
...marriage is like the greatest gift this world brings!

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Day 490: Sequoyah Greenway

Now that I am thinking about ending this blog, I have got to make sure I tell you about one of my favorite places to run. The Sequoyah Park and Greenway are so great that I probably could have written about them half a dozen times. So, here are half a dozen of my favorite things about this running location:
1. It is so close. I can run there from the church, or hit it between church and home
2. I always see someone I know. Always.
3. There is a bathroom.
4. Lovely view of the water
5. Lovely homes all along
6. The gentle roll of the hills give just enough variety to a pretty easy run.
Bonus: At 2.6 miles - it's exactly one tenth of a marathon!

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Day 274: Saying goodbye

Recently, I have said "Hello" to driving a new-to-me car. I love that it's pretty, it's a jeep, and it has heated seats. It is great and I am so thankful!
But, I've still driven The Civic from time to time. Yes, "The Civic." Note the caps. This car is a part of me. Since the fall of 2000 and Shenice's wedding and Knoxville rush hour with Valerie combined to bring about the end of my high school car, I have been driving a silver honda civic. Now, with 188,000 miles on it, and thanks to Craigslist and my selling-savy fiance, I am saying good bye to the car today. In honor of this historic moment in my life, here are the top 9 most memorable moments I have had with this dependable friend.

9. Saturdays. 6:05am meet at exit 290. 6:07am pile 5 girls into the small car. 6:35am arrive at Furman. Run 2-18 miles. Pile back in the car. Drive to Spartanburg. Find rap music on the radio. listen to Bess and Loring break it down with their bad selves.
8. Folly Beach with the windows down with my brothers.
7. A Honda Accord. A Honda Civic. A Honda CRV. All at home at 701 Dupree Drive.
6. Having campus safety call me to move my car while it was parked in front of Dexter residence hall while I was a student at Converse...and again while I was a staff member.
5. February, 2009. Zaxby's to Carolina Country Club. The longest drive of my life.
4. Driving though the Dorman Center parking lot with the windows down, as some of my fav middle schoolers attempted to "row" my car with their arms.
3. Winter Break, 2001. Me, Renee, Casey and the quest for Canadian hockey.
2. Miss Lexi, then age 7, hollering from the backseat, "I love this car! I can use these things to make the windows go up or down anytime I want!"
(Clearly, the girl had never experienced non-power/non-child locked windows.)
1. Approximately 100 drives through the Smoky Mountains. Whenever possible singing "Wide Open Spaces" by the Dixie Chicks at the top of my lungs

Day 206: The Dogwood Mile

Come run with us!
See how fast you can run the mile down Gay Street. Post-race party on Market Square with music, refreshments, food vendors & more. Produced in partnership with YPK.
Friday, April 23 @ 8:30 pm
Immediately following the Dogwood Parade.
Downtown Knoxville - Gay Street
Entry is $15 adults, $10 children ages 7-12 (add $5 if registering day of race)
Each runner receives a t-shirt and goody bag.
Register at www.dogwoodarts.com or see Brad and me at the onsite registration, on Market Square on Friday, April 23, 5:30 – 8:15 pm.
Photo Credit and More Information

Day 186: Knoxville Greenways 5K

A perfect Saturday morning to check out 5 kilometers of Knoxville Greenway System. There are now over 40 miles of Greenway across the city of Knoxville, along wiht additional mileage in Farragut, Maryville and some of the surrounding areas. The race was highlighted by Melissa and Darci - Florida natives who love running the hills of East Tennessee. (Note the sarcaism.)

Here's the info from The Knoxville Track Club (see Day 180) about the 19th annual event: "The Greenways 5K race is unique in that most of its route is on the most scenic portion of the Third Creek Greenway, but it also features live music, plenty of food, and living plant awards to overall and age group winners."

Photo Credit

Day 180: Knoxville Track Club

So, on Sunday, I did not run the Knoxville Marathon. I confess that my plans to run 26.2 in honor of my upcoming 30th birthday have fallen victim to the business of moving, career, house hunting, and (most of all) being engaged! I am certainly glad I have not tried to overcommit myself. But the spring-like weather we are getting and all the upcoming races and all the excitement of this weekend has reminded me - I am a runner. Running makes my life different. It motivates me, clears my head, and gets me out in the sunshine. So, I've pulled out my mag from the Knoxville Track Club and determined to get back in the game, not just raining, but getting in some good distances.
So, now I am off to find some Ktown running buddies!

Day 49: Team In Training

Here I go again! I am training for my 3rd Marathon with Team In Training. I wanted to do a race to celebrate turning 30 next Spring. I also wanted to support this transformative organization. At the same time, I didn’t want to take attention away from Rice Bowls. So, I am replying on old friends, teammates, and supporter, who already know about Rice Bowls, to help me run this race for the Leukimia and Lymphomia Society. My goal is $1300.
With this race, I would like to do things fast - run 26.2 miles faster than ever before and raise the $1300 soon! So, I am praying for some $10 gifts and a couple $50 contributions to get this ball rolling. I'll also be mentoring a team of runners. I am here to help them with their first TNT experience. Your support will help me set an example and encourage them. Help me show them that this can be done and watch your gifts multiply!
Please click here for my fundraising page. Check back often, I’ll be adding details!

Day 2: Farragut

A year ago, I never would have guessed I would move to East Tennessee. Even more surprising to me, have moved back to the town of Farragut. Located just west of Knoxville, Farragut has been my family's home since 1992. Now, I am living there again. In addition to it's proximity to my family, my boyfriend Brad, and my roommate Kristin, I am already excited about all the Greenways and Parks. I am lucky to be living in a cute "guesthouse" on some property that is tucked away amidst trees and Tennessee hills. But, it's still convenient to everything. This is going to be a great place to run, relax, and reconnect.
Check out the Town of Farragut and it's Parks and Greenways.