A blessing to me

So, as you all know, I like to run, and have been doing so for the last few years pretty consistently. Running to me has been my release, my exercise, my breath of fresh air, and a challenge when I run in races. But it also is time away from my family when I train for a race. This has been a spot of contention in my marriage over the last couple of years, and mostly because my husband did not understand what running means to me, and was not happy with my absence. So as we worked and talked through this rough spot, Chris began to let it go, and at least partially understood why it was so important to me, and became less angry with me for taking runs. This year has been even more amazing, as God has now given my husband a desire to be more healthy, and he has lost 40-50 pounds, by eating healthier and RUNNING! I had secretly hoped that one day I could run with my husband, that he would see the joys of exercising outdoors and that we could do this together. It is hard to get away for runs together with small children, so when my mom came to visit in June we went on our first run together, and I must say, I got a little emotional. I feel like I have a new husband, and it is so wonderful to enjoy running together! Pics of weight loss will come soon :)

Shamrock Run!

So I got the chance this morning to run in the Shamrock Run with my good friend Jenn. She is a new runner, so we trained together, and did the 5K this morning with 21,000 other Portlanders (well they had many different legs...the 5K had 7500 people). It was quite crazy, but fun, running through the streets of downtown Portland! I did not bring my big camera with me to the Finish Line, so the pic I have is of us in the parking garage, and then one at breakfast. We celebrated with breakfast at the Tin Shed in North Portland. It was so good! Usually there is a long line on the weekends, but it also happened to be the time change this morning, so we got in there before the crowd hit! It was an awesome way to start my Sunday! Happy St. Patty's everyone! Hope you will enjoy some corned beef this week. I know I will :)

I did it!

I, Amber Curry 3 days after my 33rd birthday, ran my first half marathon (13.1 miles) in 2 hours and 30 minutes along the Vancouver waterfront and around Fort Vancouver. I have been training for the Vancouver "girlfriends" half marathon since May. I have thoroughly enjoyed this experience. I am much grateful for my family's support and patience as I spent many hours each week out on runs. Training for this gave me the motivation to push and challenge myself physically, doing something I really enjoy...plus a great release of endorphins! Such a sense of accomplishment! Looking forward to next year :-)

Crossing the finish line!

My "I did it" pose....

A pic with my girlies and the sign they made that you can't see! It said "Good Race Mom!)

For the Runners

Since so many of you gals are runners, I thought I would share something I found on itunes with you. You may already know about this, but if not....there are free podcast downloads for your ipod of upbeat, energetic "house" music. If you are interested, check the music out soon, because they may not exist anymore as of November, as they are losing their sponsorship. Just go to itunes.com and search for "podrunner". Happy running...whatever you listen to!