Take That, 13.1 Miles

This past weekend was the first LIVESTRONG marathon. LIVESTRONG is the title sponsor of this annual event for 3 years and so, of course, I wanted to run.

I've been training for months and actually felt stronger than ever. But the day was tough.....

It was a bit windy, humid and warmer than I'd like for a run. And while it may not have been my best time (it wasn't my worst), I felt so inspired the whole time. Here's a list of what inspired me:

1. My running partner, Kelsey, and her constant positive attitude

2. The LIVESTRONG water stop and yellow mile

3. Along with that....my committed colleagues and friends who cheered

4. Seeing my family, including my adorable nieces, cheering me on

5. Carl riding his bike next to Kelsey and me playing Katy Perry at my request

6. Finishing at the same time as the first woman marathon finisher (ah, the cheers...)

7. Seeing my childhood friend, Laura, who came from Connecticut to run the marathon

8. Hearing Eye of the Tiger as we were about to take on (and conquer) our biggest hill

9. Seeing my two friends, Jen and Haley, finish their first half marathon

10. Receiving the Celebratory Haiku from Devon upon our finish:

Thirteen point one miles
Clear eyes, full hearts, could not lose
Wow, you ran Austin!

Kelsey and I officially renamed the 'half marathon' to the 'full half marathon'. We felt like saying we're doing 'just the half' was happening too often. We're not doing 'half' of anything. We're doing our full training plan.

It was an amazing event and I'm honored that LIVESTRONG was a part of it. We went from 50 runners last year to over 500 this year and raised more than 300,000 dollars.

So, I've officially postponed my retirement for at least 2 more years. How can I not do the next two years?

Until then, I'll take some time off running and maybe start rock climbing....

Audrey's Baptism

Last weekend was a big week in the Sileo family. Not only did Lucie turn two (and get to celebrate it for many, many days), Audrey was baptized.

Missy's parents and her two siblings along with their significant others came into town as did my parents.

The weather was amazing all weekend and we even got a chance to take my parents out to Dripping Springs to see Carl's land and new Airstream Trailer. My parents aren't super outdoorsy but I think they appreciated how pretty it is out there and enjoyed getting out of town for a few hours. Now hopefully the weather will also be great for my half marathon tomorrow morning. Wish me luck!

Birthday Girl

Yesterday Lucie turned two! It's hard to believe that she's already two. Two years ago, when she was born, there was so much happening. This year was all about her.

She still doesn't seem too much into birthdays. She enjoys pulling open the wrapping paper and eating the sprinkles (jimmies) off her cupcakes but was easily persuaded to take a bath and get ready for bed. Just like her every night routine.

She continues to be adorable and one of my favorite people.

This weekend, my family descends upon Austin for Audrey's baptism and Lucie's bday. I'm just glad that the weather is supposed to warm up. We've had an albeit delayed, but chilly, winter. We even had snow last week.