I Did It

That's right, friends, I registered for the 2010 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. I can't believe it! This will be my first ever marathon and I am excited. The marathon is October 10th (a day after Mr. Hoosier's birthday). I thought October would be a perfect time to run a marathon: the weather (let's hope) will be mild, I won't have to deal with snow for my training, for the majority of my training I won't be in school, and I will already have a solid base from the half marathon. So, with all of this being said, I have no idea what to expect while preparing for this race. I don't even have a time goal set for myself. I know it's my first and I should just be concerned with finishing, however, I am much more motivated when I have a time in my head to shoot for. I can run a half marathon in under two hours (about 1:55), so for all your vetran marathoners out there, what would be a good time goal to shoot for?

I will be running it with my good friend and running buddy R. I am so excited she decided to do it and that we are going to be able to train together. I am not confident I would have been able to make it on those long runs without someone else.

I will be happy to take any tips and advice while training for this race. I can't believe I am doing it, but am so excited.

In addition, R and I will both be running this marathon as a Girls on the Run SoleMate, which was actually the determining factor in me choosing to actually do this. As a SoleMate, we will be running to raise money (at least $262) for Girls on the Run of Hamilton County. When I found out that the Chicago Marathon was the official partner of Girls on the Run SoleMates I decided that I must do it, so here we go! As I am training, my motivation will be that this is not just for me, but also for the girls of my community. I am doing this to provide them with the opportunity to "live a life full of self respect and healthy living".

So, please follow and support me on this journey to not just 26.2, but also $262 for Girls on the Run of Hamilton County! If you would like to donate to my efforts, follow this link- any donation is greatly appreciated and will be applied to efforts to continue to offer Girls on the Run to the girls of Hamilton County.

http://www.active.com/donate/SoleMates2011/HNichol44

Until next time,
H =)

Saturday Morning Ramblings

Yes, I know, I haven't written anything with substance lately, nor have done any Snapshot Saturdays. I am boring, I know, but maybe that is just how this overdue winter has me feeling. In fact, that must be it. I am over this weather. I am tired of being indoors, I am tired of long pants that must be worn with closed toe shoes, thick sweaters, and my long, heavy coats. I am ready to be able to run outside, take my dog for a walk where she isn't filthy when it is over, be able to walk to grab dinner with my husband, and sit out on our deck. I am also ready to get up in the morning and NOT think, "what can I wear that will keep me warm all day," and my only options being thick sweaters. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE sweaters, but it is almost March, so I am over them. I am ready to wear no socks with my shoes, my light weight jackets to work (hey, I am okay with wearing a jacket still), and short sleeve shirts. So, my request is Spring, please GET HERE SOON!

Besides the weather, here are some more of my rambles:

- These girl scout cookies need to leave our house pronto. They are doing nothing positive for me! Nothing at all!!!

- I have done a horrible job of A) tracking my running on my little gadget on here and B) actually getting all of my miles in. 10 weeks until the mini marathon and I have to "kick it in gear" this week and hit all my training days!

- DAIRY is the DEVIL! (minus eggs and cheese they have been okay so far) So, I had to leave work at about 1:30 yesterday afternoon. We had a pitch-in lunch and someone brought in some apple crisp. Well, for all of you that don't know me, any dessert with APPLES is my absolute favorite and especially when it is warm with some ice cream. So, I ate some with, I promise you, only a small spoon full of ice cream. Oh, well about 30 minutes later, I was in the library with my students when I had to dash to the restroom because I had such a pain in my stomach and all I could do was bend over. The pain continued and I couldn't even stand up straight. Little to say, I am 99% sure I can't have dairy. I haven't been able to drink milk or eat ice cream in large amounts for awhile now, but this was so small I didn't think it would have an effect. I am so sad... I LOVE ice cream. Mr. Hoosier and I love to walk to the little ice cream shop near our house in the summer =( For those of you that are non-dairy eaters, what do you eat for ice cream replacement??? As for the milk, I have tried soy, and YUCKKKK!

-ISTEP testing beings on Monday and I am ready to scream! For those of you that do not live in Indiana, ISTEP is our state-wide standardized tests that the students have to take. I feel so sorry for my poor kiddos- it bores me, can you imagine how they feel?

- I received yet another letter from my brother this week. He has been so great about writing me! My mom also received a call from him. He is doing wonderful! It has actually gone by so fast and in four weeks we will be watching him graduate! I am so excited to see where the Navy takes him and what it has in store for him. I am such a proud big sister!

- California Dreaming! That's right, Mr. Hoosier and I will be going to Carlsbad & San Diego, California for a week this summer! Mr. Hoosier's cousin is getting married out there and we are turning it into a week long vacation after the wedding festivities. Last night, we planned out the things we want to do and looked into the condo we want to rent. I can't wait!!! We plan on going to a Padres game (our goal is to visit every MLB stadium), visit the San Diego Zoo, take a trip to Southern California wine country (Temecula- this is going to be my favorite day, I just know it), take a whale watching trip on a sail boat, and do some hiking & kayaking. We also plan on spending some time at the beach, taking a trip to the farmer's market, and exploring the different restaurants of the town! I can't wait! I haven't been to California since I went with my mom in third grade. This is going to be a wonderful trip!

- What is a post from Mrs. Preppy Hoosier without talking about Girls on the Run? I have been very busy with preparing things for our 3/11 "Interest Meeting", meeting with a variety of people, and working with the attorney on our bylaws. It is difficult to do all this with a full-time job, but I absolutely LOVE it- I wish it was my full time job! We are having an interest meeting to recruit board members and coaches. I am also going into the third week of the season I am running at my school and loving it. I received 10 shoe scholarships this week, which was so exciting! This means that 10 of my girls are going to receive a pair of brand new New Balance shoes. New Balance is an official sponsor of GOTR. I am thinking I need to switch to New Balance as well. I am an Asics girl now, but if they NB supports GOTR, then I should support NB. Anyone run in New Balance? What are a good pair of shoes? Molly, I know you do!!!

Well, I am off to head the library to pick up another book, and go for a run when Mr. Hoosier gets home from work. Have a great weekend, friends!

Until next time,
H =)

It's the little things in life...

... that get me excited! So, I made a quick trip to Target this evening to pick up some ortega (Tacos for dinner at the Hoosier household tonight) and a snack for Girls on the Run tomorrow. As I was shopping around Target, I came to the hair accessories section, and came across these...

LOOK closely at the bottom right hand corner for the Girls on the Run logo.

That's right, I did buy barrettes just because on the corner they have the Girls on the Run logo. Goody is a national sponsor of Girls on the Run. I purchase Goody hair accessories always, but have never noticed the logo on the bottom. Now, not everything contained the logo, just select items. So, I decided to buy them. I thought, well, I can give them to my girls, OR put them in my own hair. Afterall, I do wear barrettes to keep my hair out of my face while running, and sometimes just because I enjoy feeling young again. Also, if you are asking yourself the question, "is this girl so obsessed with Girls on the Run she buys barrettes just for the logo on the bottom?" Your answer is, "YES, actually I am!"

Now, I just hope that some other lady is strolling around Target and wants to buy barrettes for her daughter, and she suddenly comes across these so she buys them. Then, she comes home and notices the GOTR logo and decides to Google it and finds out that we are starting in here in Hamilton County, and BAM the word begins to spread. Wishful thinking, at your finest, but hey, I can hope....

Excitement All Around

This week I received my very first letter from my brother; I can't remember the last time I was so excited to get snail mail. I was incredibly impressed by his significantly improved penmanship, but more so impressed by the eloquence in his writing, and the positive attitude. I am certain that bootcamp is very difficult and often times absolute hell, but he seemed very positive and to be enjoying it immensely. In fact, he received one of the top jobs. He is a division leader, which means that he is in charge of 88 other guys, and is the "go to" man for his Chief. After speaking with a friend husband is a Chief at Navy bootcamp, she said that this job is a "big deal". He will be leading his group at graduation, he gets to carry a sword, and gets to have a collar device. With this job, he also has a chance to advance quicker. I am so proud of him! Before we know it, he will be graduating from bootcamp. I know that this experience is changing him for the better and making him a more responsible and ambitious man. I am going to write him again today, send him a valentine, and then get a newspaper tomorrow and send him an article from the Superbowl; even though he is rooting for the Saints because he hates the Colts. I continue to pray for his safety, courage, and knowledge.

As well all know, it is SUPERBOWL SUNDAY, and YES, I am excited as I will cheer on my TEAM to another LOMBARDI TROPHY. The Colts make me so happy! I love living in a city that has such a respectable football team on and off the field. The Colts bring so much to the city of Indianapolis! However, I am a little sad that this means that football season is over after today. I have thoroughly enjoyed my Sunday afternoons with my husband watching football, and keeping up with our fantasy football teams; which, I forgot to mention that I got second place in our league behind my father-in-law. So, here's to the INDIANAPOLIS COLTS!!! BELIEVE IN BLUE... I DO!!!

This week is going to be such a great week! Tomorrow I will wake up, go to work for a half of a day and then board the plane to Charlotte, NC. I have been waiting for this day since September when I decided to do it, to start an independent council of Girls on the Run in Hamilton County. This week I will be attending council training in Charlotte. I will be learning how to get my council up and "running" (no pun intended). I will also have the wonderful opportunity to meet the founder, Molly Barker. I know that my three days there are going to be busy, full of great information, and will instill an even stronger passion for Girls on the Run than I already have, but I can't wait!!! I have been so blessed to have the opportunity to work with such amazing woman to start this council. Here we go GIRLS ON THE RUN HAMILTON COUNTY!!!!

Until next time,
H =)

Running "Things" That Make Me Happy

I clearly write about random things in my blog.  After all isn't that what blogging is about; random thoughts?  Well, I don't just blog about random things, but I also read random blogs that vary from running, to design, to health, to my favorite radio station dj, to my idol (the founder of Girls on the Run), and mostly all things preppy, of course.  One blog I follow the Happy Runner  writes about all things running.  She is a true inspiration, and I even won a free running shirt on her blog- bonus!  Anyway today she posted ten things running related that made her happy, so I decided to copy.  What better things do I have to do right now then to do the same?  I could actually write my brother a letter, organize my third bedroom, or continue my goal to read more, but instead this is what I am doing... enjoy!

I've decided to list 10 running-related things that make me happy. So, here goes:

1.  Morning Runs- Yes, I am crazy and thoroughly enjoy morning runs; that is, when it isn't below freezing.  Whether its meeting my favorite running bud at the park at 5:30 to do our 4 mile pre-workday course, or heading out on the path by our house with Mr. Hoosier, morning runs ALWAYS get the day off to a great start!  Not to mention, when Mr. Hoosier and I do our morning runs, he usually cooks me two egg whites and one egg scrambled when we are finished.  

2.  My new, green running shorts- Mr. Hoosier got me these awesome, new kelly green nike running shorts for Christmas, and I love them.  They are like all my other running shorts (all Nike and the same style), just green!  

3. Race tee shirts- I am a huge nerd when it comes to race tee shirts; I always have to have one.  I don't even wear them half of the time, except for the long sleeve ones, but I always have to have one.  It is something about digging through my drawers and remember that certain race, that certain finish line, and that certain feeling.  However, I now have too many to fit in my tee shirt drawer so they are stacked else where.  Mr. Hoosier always asks me what I am going to do with them, and the answer is still uncertain.  Someday, I might make a quilt out of them.  Have you ever seen tee shirt quilts?  They are pretty cool; I think its a good idea.  But then, where would I put the darn quilt?  Until then, I will continue to LOVE my race tee shirts.

4.  My pink and white striped running socks- Between my favorite shorts and socks, my favorite running outfit may not coordinate, but I am okay with that.  After all, I have to be wearing something pink if I am running a race.  My pink socks are my favorite.  My mom bought them for me at the Indy Mini convention.  They are so comfortable, and of course PINK!

5.  My framed picture of my mom and I crossing the finish line at the 2009 Indy Mini-  Pretty self explanatory, my mom bought a picture of the two of us holding hands, crossing the finish line, and had it framed for me for Christmas.  It is pretty awesome;  it is in my "Girls on the Run Office", also known as the third bedroom.

6.  Finish lines in general- No matter if it is your PR, your worst time ever, you cross with an injury, or you are a spectator, finish lines are such a happy place.  You don't know ever runner's story, and that's it everyone has a different story and that is what makes finish lines so wonderful.  If you have crossed a finish line, you know that feeling; it's indescribable.

7. My running watch- Yes, it is pink and white, and no, it isn't a Garmin; it is just a cheap Target watch, but I love it.  It does exactly what I need it to, time my run and help me beat my time for a certain course I am running.  It is easy to use, and it has a light so I can see my time if I am finishing an early morning run.  Perfect for me.   

8.  Girls on the Run- Every single aspect of Girls on the Run; I just love it!  It is my absolute passion.  I never thought I could be so excited about something.  I can't even choose one thing about it that I love the most: I love crossing the finish line with my girls, I love watching the expressions on parents' faces, I love each and every practice, I love planning for the future of Hamilton County- I just LOVE GIRLS ON THE RUN!

9. Asics- I love Asics running shoes even after they're worn out and I wear them with jeans. 

10. Post Race Activities- Whether it is listening to a post-race band, driving home from a race and stopping to get coffee, stopping at the Farmer's Market with Mr. Hoosier to load up on some yummy post-race snacks (one of my favorite things to do), or taking a nap on the couch, activities after you complete a race are that much better!  Actually, the whole day is just fantastic

Bonus (because I can't choose which to take out): Logging my mileage- I love to log my mileage; it gives me a feeling of accomplishment.  I especially like to log my times with my mileage so that I can beat my previous time even if it is just by 10 seconds.  

Well, that is my list.  How about YOU try your own!

Until Next Time,

H =)

Welcome 2010

Most people were excited to see 2009 pass, but not me. 2009 was the best year of my life; I married my best friend. I hope that 2010 is as great as 2009!

Mr. Hoosier and I had a BLAST ringing in the New Year with friends. We had a great dinner and then went out!

As 2010 begins, most people have New Year resolutions, but not me. I don't believe in New Year resolutions because most people forget about them after the first month. However I set goals for myself.

Here are my goals for 2010:
1. Read 20 books this year
2. Run 2 Half Marathons
3. This is still iffy, but I think I might want to run a full marathon... I will get back to you on that as it is still in contemplation.
4. Through Girls on the Run, I would like to inspire 5 parents to run a 5k along with their daughter.
5. I want to take a trip to NYC.
6. My goal for Girls on the Run is to use 2010 to make GOTR well known in our community and have solid partners and sponsors before we begin our first season in February 2011.
7. Health/Fitness wise, my goal is to continue to keep my body healthy through working out and eating clean!
8. Cook 2 NEW eat clean recipes per week! This doesn't include our regular faves such as eat clean sweet potato fries..mmmm! I will try and post the recipes that I cook, but don't rely on that ;)
9. Take my dog on more walks- 3 per week is what I am shooting for! Mr. Hoosier is much better at this than me.
10. Call my grandpa more- at least once a week!
11. Be a good, loving, and supportive wife!

Happy New Year, friends. May 2010 bring you the happiness you have always wished for!

Until next time,
H :)

Welcome Hamilton County Girls on the Run

The waiting game is over... our independent council of Girls on the Run for Hamilton County has been accepted.  I can't believe it!  

I had a phone interview with the girls at the international office at 11:45 yesterday.  I felt very confident about the interview because they said our application was very thorough and they didn't have too many questions for us because we answered everything.  However, they then told us that it was the most applications they have received; I was then nervous.  At 4:30 pm I then received an email letting me know the the council was accepted!  WOW!  I am still in shock!

The next steps...

I am now working diligently to form our steering committee, which will turn into our Board of Directors.  I will attend training in February in Charlotte, NC.  I can't wait to meet Molly Barker and the rest of the GOTR staff.  It is going to be fabulous!  After that, we will begin the process of gaining our 501c3 status and begin to fundraise and advertise in Hamilton County.

So, here the journey begins.  I can't even begin to explain my excitement.  Last night Mr. Hoosier and I went to dinner to celebrate and he kept asking me what was going through my head.  For the first time in my life I feel like I am unable to accurately articulate my feelings.  I am just so amazed that I have been chosen to bring this opportunity to my community.  At the age of 25, I will be starting my non for profit program for the girls in my community.  Some people dream of this their whole lives!  My dreams have come true!   I am not nervous, I am not second guessing myself, I am ready to "hit the ground running" (non pun intended).  I am so very grateful that God has unveiled his plans for me and for my life.  He has put me in a position that I am overly enthusiastic about, and I know I will enjoy and be successful.  

So, friends, I ask you to support me and follow me through this journey!  I am sure I will be blogging about it quite often.  

Here it goes... "All for the girls"  

H :)

The Waiting Game Begins

So, all the hard work is over and now the waiting game begins.  Yesterday, I submitted my application for the creation of an independent council of Girls on the Run in Hamilton County.  I will find out by December 15th if the council becomes approved or not.  

The application process was long and there were many components, but I am confident that we did a good job.  I know that Girls on the Run will thrive in Hamilton County, and this is the perfect place for this kind of program.  I hope the application committee feels the same.  

Until December 15, I just have to hope and pray that it gets approved.

I did get some GREAT news today!!! After the application is approved, I get to go to North Carolina to become trained by the founder, Molly Barker.  We need to have 1,500 raised by January 1 in order to attend.  Well, today, we secured an individual donor to pay for the WHOLE cost.  That quick, we asked one person and it was taken care of.  I hope that is a sign!!!!

Wish me luck, and keep me in your prayers- as well as the application committee :)

A few random notes:

-The Blind Side is a FANTASTIC movie, and I highly recommend it!!!  

-Happy 6 months of marriage to my wonderfully, perfect husband!!! Yesterday, we made it to the half year mark.  Wow, does time every fly.  I am more in love with him today than I was the day I married him.  I am so lucky to have Mr. Hoosier.  We celebrated with dinner (yummy Thai restaurant) and a movie (The Blind Side) last night after work!!

-The house is decorated for Christmas.  I love it!!! 

My Mother's Touch

In between application questions for Girls on the Run, I have been reading and catching up with the founder, Molly Barker's blog.  In September, she wrote about her mother's touch, and this inspired me to write about mine. 

My mom is the reason I am where I am today.  She has taught me to follow my dreams and to never give up; as cliche as it sounds, it is oh so true.  She is the reason I am so stubborn, the reason I always take control, and it is from her where I get my heart felt passion.  As my husband would say, "I am my mother's daughter."  

My mom overcame obstacles I can't even imagine.  A single mother at the age of 21, and losing her own mother at the age of 22.  It's no wonder she is as strong as she is.  I am not talking about the strength in her arms, as we all know she 

is physically strong, but the mental and emotional strength she possesses.  

I often times forget that my mom was only 22, and had a two year old daughter when she lost her own mother.  I am 25, I don't have any children and I couldn't even fathom what it would be like to lose my mom.  It has been 23 years since my mom has physically felt her mother's touch, however, I hope she often feels her presence.

Although my mom is 2 hours away there isn't a day that goes by that I don't feel her presence. As I am teaching in my classroom or coaching my girls after school I often times evaluate my actions and my personality and I feel my mom.  I turn more and more into my mom each and every day.  If you would have told me three years ago that I am just like my mother, I wouldn't have liked it, but now I am so proud to be like her. 

It's something about my mom's morning phone calls as I am driving into work that always seem to get my day off to the right start.  Or her emails during the day that often times just say "I love you" that makes me appreciate her unconditional love.  As I received an email from my mother last week that cheered me up, I thought to myself, "my mom hasn't heard those words from her mom in years."  I couldn't imagine...

My mom can take responsibility for many of my attributes and interests, but she really deserves all the credit for my love and passion for running and exercise.  Ever since I can remember we have exercised together.  I remember going to her aerobic classes with her when I was just four years old. They were in the basement of a church.  I always insisted to wear my bathing suit with leggings underneath to look like a true aerobics outfit.  I took a towel as my mat, and small shampoo bottles as my weight.  Even 20 years ago, exercising was our "mother-daughter" thing to do.  Some mom's enjoy taking their daughter's shopping, but mine would rather run or go to the gym.  

There was a point in my life where I would have rather gone shopping with my mom.  There was a point in my life where I hated going to the gym with her.  There is still some days that she drives me crazy as she pushes me to work harder on my runs.  However, as I read Molly's post, I began to realize that it is these times with my mother I feel her touch the most.  I am so blessed to have a mother that is healthy enough to go on a 5 mile run with me when she comes and visits.  I will surely appreciate it even more when she is able to go on runs with her grandchildren.  

I will always remember crossing the finish line of the 2009 Indy Mini holding your hand; it may have not been my fastest time, but it was surely the most heart felt race I have ever run!  As Molly said in her post, she misses her morning runs with her mom, I promise to you, Mom, that I will appreciate ours even more.  

New Adventures

Well, it has been forever since I have updated my blog.  However, I have tried to post wedding pictures, house pictures, etc., but my computer is horrible and it takes too long.  So, I give up and am not going to try anymore until I get a new computer.

So, this is my life...

I didn't get the job at the Healthplex that I was interviewing for.  They called me back to ask me what I needed as a salary and I am certain what I said was too much.  When I told the girl on the phone there was a long pause.  However, this is okay.  I am on to bigger and better things...

Which leads me to my NEW ADVENTURE.  I am starting an independent council of Girls on the Run in Hamilton County.  I am so excited!  This has been my dream for over a year and I cannot believe it is finally happening.  I am working on the final stages of the application and it is due on December 1st.  If we don't meet that deadline then the next one is February 2nd.  I am very confident about this endeavor.  I believe this program will take off in Hamilton County.  I know it will be a lot of work and consume most of my life for awhile, but that is okay.

If you have never heard or don't know much about Girls on the Run, check it out at www.girlsontherun.org

Other than that, Mr. and Mrs. Preppy Hoosier have been enjoying the joys of Fall in Indiana- rooting on our favorite football teams, enjoying nightly fires at our home, and thoroughly loving married life.  We recently had my mom and cousin down for the weekend and had a blast.  I love when my family comes to visit :)

Other than that,  we are looking forward to spending the holidays together as husband and wife.  We will be traveling to Bloomington on Thanksgiving Day and then to New Haven for the rest of the weekend.  It will be so great to enjoy some time with our family.

Teaching is going well , but I think it is because I can see an end.  I am enjoying my kiddos and coaching Girls on the Run at my school.  We are preparing for our 5k on December 12th; the girls are excited, and so am I.  

Hope you are all enjoying life and this beautiful fall weather.

Until next time...

H :)

The Waiting Game Begins

As some of you may know, I applied for new job last week.  The title of the job is Youth and Family Director for the YMCA.  The job description and qualifications indicated they were looking for the following:

1. Bachelor's degree in education or recreation- CHECK

2. Ability to work with children of all ages- CHECK

3. Experience in Non for Profit Management- CHECK

4. Managing a non for profit budget- CHECK

5. Experience fundraising and grant writing- CHECK

So, as you can see, I feel as if I am qualified for this job.  I can't stop thinking about it.  I think it would be absolutely perfect for me.  I would be in charge of implementing programs and activities for kids, teenagers, and families; right up my alley, plus it is contains the health wellness aspect that I love.  Plus, I would love to bring the Girls on the Run program to this YMCA.  

I catch myself daydreaming several times a day about this job; what programs I will implement, what the people will be like, what my office might look like, etc.  I am crazy, I know.  I don't even have an interview yet.  The job posting closed last night at midnight, so I should hear from them in the next couple weeks.

I am trying not to get my hopes up too high.  I know that I am young and that may be a downfall.  I will also be in charge of managing staff and being 25 years old may be a disadvantage for me.  But I am keeping my fingers crossed and saying my prayers.  I know God has great things in store for me and my career; I just need to have patience and wait for Him.

It's almost the weekend....

:) H