About

The short version:

I’m a 27 year old teacher, runner, reader, tv lover, doggie mommy, and Army wife.*

The long version:

As the saying goes, I wasn’t born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could. I lived in five different states by the time I was ten, but I’ve been in Texas ever since. I played volleyball for seven years. I made lots of great friends while playing, although I don’t think I was ever really athletic. I met my high school sweetheart, Stephen, in eleventh grade. (I was transfered into his physics class.)

The two of us in 2001

We both attended Texas Tech University, and I majored in Multiple Disciplinary Studies. I graduated (summa cum laude, might I add) in 2007. My (now) husband and I moved to Allen, TX where I got a job teaching 7th grade English. While it is stressful at times, I love my job. (I get to talk about reading and writing all day long!)

Stephen worked a variety of jobs that he enjoyed, but wasn’t passionate about. In 2010, after we had been married for a while, he decided to pursue a life long dream and enlisted in the Army. He attended OSUT (One Station Unit Training – which is Basic Training plus Advanced Training for infantrymen) at Ft. Benning.

Graduation day!

Stephen was relocated to Grafenwoher, Germany following his graduation. He is currently deployed in Afghanistan. I am remaining in Texas while he is deployed, but I am planning to join him in Germany after his tour of duty is up.

Running:

In 2010, I made the New Year’s Resolution to run a 5k. I followed the Couch to 5k program with great success. I ran my first 5k with my best friend in March of 2010. That first race got me hooked, and I haven’t looked back since!

My first 5k!

My races:

5k’s:

• Impossible Possibilities  – March 2010 – 41:15
• Jog with the Frog  – April 2010 – 28:49 (First in my age group)
• Jim Utley Test Yourself – May 2010 – 28:58 (First in my age group)
• Dadfest- June 2010 – 27:27 (3rd in my age group)
• Hot Chocolate – January 2011 – 29:34
• Cupid’s Chase – February 2011 – 26:43 (3rd in my age group)
• Allen Eagle Run – March – 2011 – 26:00 (3rd in my age group)
• Jog with the Frog – April – 2011 – 26:14 (1st in my age group)
• Heart & Sol – April – 2011 – 26:36
• Trek or Treat - October – 2011 - 26:48
• Turkey Trot – November – 2011
• Rudolph Run – December 2011 – 26:32
• Firefly Run – March 2012 – 27:43
• Dash & Dine – May 2012 – 24:21 (PR & 1st in my age group)

10k’s:

• Hottest Half  – August 2010 – 1:06:05
• ACO Fall Fest - October 2011 – 1:00:07 (2nd in my age group)
• DRC Frigid 10k – January 2012 – 57:13
• Trinity Levee Run – March 2012 – 53:27 (PR)

Half Marathons:

• Honored Hero Run – October 2010 – 2:18:32
• Big D Texas Marathon - April 2011 – 2:13:04
• Hottest Half – August 2011 – 2:34:29
• Dallas White Rock Marathon – December 2011 – 3:45:58
• New Year’s Double - December 2011 – 2:08:13
• New Year’s Double – January 2012 – 2:13:58
• Texas Half – January 2012 – 2:00:58
• Livestrong Austin Marathon – February 2012 – 1:57:56 (PR)
• Dallas Rock n Roll Half Marathon – March 2012 – 2:07:22

Marathons:

• Dallas White Rock Marathon – December 2010 – 5:37:39
• Big D Texas Marathon – April 2012 – 4:24:54 (PR)

Other:

• Warrior Dash (3.5 miles + obstacles) – May 2010 – 37:47
• National Veterans Day Run (11k) – November 2011 – 58:35
• Shake Your Shamrock Virtual Race (7k) – March 2012 – 44:16
• Tal Morrison Classic (15k) – April 2012 – 1:36:49

After finishing our first Marathon!