running: the dawn

So, Janae at Hungry Runner Girl, Anna at Random Thoughts of a Wanna Be Runner, and Liz at Running with a Baby on Board each tagged me to answer some questions.  Here goes:

Most fond running accomplishment of 2010: This would definitely be qualifying for Boston.  True I barely got in with my 3:40:21 finish, but I’d taken off 50 minutes from my PR in less than a year, so I still feel pretty accomplished!

2011 running goals: Honestly I don’t know.  I know that I want to run Boston strong and soak up everything about the experience.  Other than that I don’t have any other races or goals on my agenda.  I figure I’ll focus everything on Boston for now and then regroup.  Boston has been my goal for so long, I don’t want to breeze by it cause I have my sights set on something else already.  For now I just want to savor this accomplishment.

Favorite race: Shockingly this isn’t the Grand Rapids Marathon (BQ).  While I did LOVE that race and would recommend it to anyone looking for a great small town race…my favorite race last year was the Notre Dame Holy Half Marathon.  It was just so fun.  I didn’t have to think much about pacing or holding back.  I just got to run all out the whole time.  I enjoyed every step of the race.

Favorite guilty pleasure: Honestly?  Reality TV.  More specific?  The Bachelor.  One of my favorite things about Bachelor season is the blog ihategreenbeans.com.  Lincee does a bachelor recap that is HILARIOUS.  I actually watch the show mainly so I can better appreciate her take on what happened.  Seriously.  You should check it out.

Most embarrassing running moment: Ummm…anyone who has been around here knows what I’m going to say.  When I peed.  On myself.  At the San Diego Rock ‘n Roll Marathon.  True story…I was at a wedding over Christmas break and someone from my old church started talking to be about how they read my blog.  And all they wanted to talk about was that moment.  Awesome.

All time favorite workout song: So, I’m going to go with a Jazzercise song here cause with running I’m more of a podcast/audiobook kinda girl.  For me…Brittney Spears songs always pump me up at Jazz.  Especially the song “Do Somethin.”  LOVE.  You should see the dance moves that goes with it.  So fun!

If you could chose your last meal, what would it be? Our homemade veggie Fajitas.  With fresh pico de gallo.  And guacamole.  Mmmm.

What is the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen? Honestly…every marathon finish line is so beautiful to me.  I think I’ve cried at 4 out of the five finish lines that I’ve crossed.

4 TV shows I watch: Community, Modern Family, the Office, Rules of Egagement…I want to keep going, but I’ll leave it at that.

4 things I’m passionate about: I am passionate about youth.   Even the times in my life when I haven’t been teaching I’ve been involved with youth groups, summer camps, and other youth focused organizations.  The times in my life when I’ve been employed in non-youth focused work it DRAINED the life out of me.

I am passionate about leadership and team development.  My master’s degree is in organizational development.  I love reading and thinking about the structure and effectiveness of organizations.  Most specifically I love working with non-profits and figuring out how they could better implement business strategies to be more successful.

I am passionate about marriage.  I feel so strongly that the foundation of a healthy society is the family.  The only way to have a strong family life is to cultivate a healthy and nurturing marriage.  For me, being married has helped me to become the best version of myself.  I love working with Mr. Dawn as we are shaping our marriage from day to day.

I am passionate about running.  I’m currently reading three different running books.  I feel like such a beginner.  Even though I’ve been running marathons for six years, I have just recently developed the desire to learn more about this sport.  I want to be a stronger more educated runner so that when new runners have questions I can help them be successful.

4 words/phrases I use too much: “NH.”  It stands for Not Happening.  I use this a lot in my classroom.  “Amazing.”  “Yes please!” and “You’ve got to be kidding me!”

4 things I’m looking forward to: Our trip to Boston/New York.  Hopefully a trip over spring break. Mr. Dawn’s graduation in May.  Did I mention Boston?

4 things I love about winter: Snow!  Soup.  Board Games. Snowboarding.  and SNOW!!!!

Now, I know with the tagging game we’re supposed to pass it on…but I’ve already done that once….so…. feel free to answer any of the questions that you feel a connection to!