FIVE Years at COWTOWN!

 

I am so incredibly proud of my husband. Five years ago, he and his best friend began a running journey. This path lead them through many different race locations, events, medals and memories. This year marks his fifth year at Cowtown in Fort Worth. With a final medal in hand as well as a new and exciting PR of 4 hours and 30 minutes, Ray has completed his STAR as each medal makes a point. Before the race, Ray printed pieces of scripture for each mile as a reminder that... We can do all things through Him! Philippians 4:13.

So enjoy a picture post of our Cowtown experience over the past five years!

Mile 1: Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of age. Matthew 28:20
Mile 2: The Lord will work out his plan for my life. Psalm 138:8

Mile: 3: I tell you the turh, if you had faith even as small as the mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, "Move from here to there," and it would move. Nothing would be impossible. Matthew 17:20

Mile 4: To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. Luk3 19:26

Mile 5: I can do everthing through Christ, who gives me stregth. Philippians 4:13

 

Mile 6: Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we can not see. Hebrews 11:1

Mile 7: I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Mile 8: Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 1 Timothy 4:12  

 

Mile 9: We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28

Mile 10: Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1

Mile 11: Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. Psalm 37:5

 

 Mile 12: With God's help we will do mighty things. Psalm 60:12
Mile 13: We can rejoice, too, when we run into prolems and trials, for we know that they help us develope endurance. Romans 5:3
Mile 14: We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:9

Mile 15: The Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you. 2 Thessalonians 3:3
Mile 16: Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10



Mile 17: It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. 2 Corinthians 3:5
Mile 18: Be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded. Chronicles 15:7

His power is made perfect in our weakness.

 

Mile 19: Whatever you do, do well. Ecclesiastes 9:10
Mile 20: He will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. Psalm 91:11

 

Mile 21: Anything is possible if a person believes. Mark 9:23
Mile 22: The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. Luke 6:38

Mile 23: I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize... Philippians 3:13
Mile 24: Our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for the us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 2 Corinthians 4:17

Mile 25: I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.
Mile 26: Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3

Mile 26.2 But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

Ray found these 26 scripture pieces here. Thank you MilePosts for the inspiration. 

2 Corinthians 12:9 at Cowtown!

This morning, the husband and I woke up at 4:00AM to travel to Fort Worth, Texas to attend our 4th year of Cowtown Half Marathon.

HIS power is made PERFECT in our weaknesses.
Corinthians 12:9...
the perfect words of encouragement!

This year, with Michael and Kristin vacationing in Belize, Ray was looking at running the first Cowtown race of four years by himself. However, a good friend and previous co-worker of Michael's ran in his place.

A great finish by both Johnathon and Ray (a new PR at 1:54 for the husband). Of course a picture in honor of Michael had to be taken. While we absolutely missed our Fant friends, I am so thankful for both Johnathon and Gretchen... Gretchen being my race day partner. We had a blast and I look forward to many more races in our futures!

I am very proud of you Ray! Here is to great parking, 39 degree race start temperature, a picture perfect spot at mile 9, delicious IHop lunch, and perfect words of encouragement!

One Day...

"I'll start Monday."

These words have come out of my mouth probably over a hundred times in the last few years. I have found myself becoming a huge procrastinator and lazy has been my typical attitude. A few years ago, I was pumped about working out. What can I say I had a pretty great running partner. :) Of course it did take months of persuasion and then a small slip of speech by me, but after half a year of running, I felt greater than ever. After completing our desired half marathons, I took a break. I always told myself that I would never let this go. Being in shape felt amazing, I could run for hours... literally. Then the day or two break turned into weeks, months, and eventually I am where I am today. One day... I always tell myself. But that needs to be today. I know myself. I would like to think that I am motivated and ready to be in great shape. But this is not the case. I love my job and I love my kids, but it is tiring. I get home and the first thing I want to do is throw my stuff on the floor, change into over sized pjs, and relax on the couch while watching television. But because I know this about myself, I know I need a change. I want to be active, I love the feeling of having those random muscle aches knowing that my body is changing and developing. We want to teach this same healthy lifestyle to our kids one day. So one day isn't Monday or next week. One day is today. Now please know that I am human and there will be days that I fail. I know this. But as long as I do my best, and continue to make changes, I will succeed.

This afternoon Ray and I found our way to Academy. I left with two pairs of brand new workout pants. On my way home and after adding this new status to facebook, I received a text from my friend Kristin. She gave me information about a gym that I am pretty excited about and am looking forward to joining. The price is inexpensive and includes classes! Looks like this year will be a great year of getting into shape and making some great changes. More updates to come.

What are some of your workout/healthy lifestyle goals for 2012?

"Who's Idea Was This Again?"

... my husband would ask me. I again would reply mine. ha! This morning after being woken up by both Toby and Ray's support phone, it was then decided by me that we should get up, be productive, and go walking. But of course it couldn't be just any kind... it needed to be the 9 miles that is White Rock. Why you ask? I still may be asking myself this as it has definitely been over three months since this lady's body has seen work out clothing but I guess the idea of getting up, picking up a tasty Chick-fil-a breakfast, and heading downtown to be where all the other athletes practice (not including myself in that one just making a note). There is something so motivating about being around people that actively work out. So here are a few of our pictures from this mornings outing. Also it needs to be noted that there was never a real intention of doing all 9 miles its just you get to the point of no return... no literally it would be longer to turn around then to complete the whole thing and that's really kind of what happened to us. So here's to my walking partner, for an awesome semi-Texas cool 8 o'clock summer morning, to my fingers swelling up like sausages, and to losing 900 calories:)

I am way too excited to be up around 7AM

White Rock Lake

Beautiful morning sky

Random picture photo opt

Sore feet

9 mile sausage fingers

9 Mile Morning Finishers:)

All Worked Out!

With the Summer right around the corner and our vacation to Cozumel within the next few months, I knew it was time to get in shape. I have loved viewing friend's blogs reading their fitness and weight loss journeys. They were all so very motivational... so I too jumped on the wagon.

This past Monday both Ray and I joined the Plano rec center and the rest is history. Last week I worked out Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. Next week I will also add in 30-45 minutes of walking with a friend from work then the additional work outs. Today was one of the harder training days probably from all the amazing food I have had lately but definitely much needed. I will keep you all updated on my work outs as a way to keep myself accountable. So here's to enjoying a fabulous and healthy summer!

Get'n Down in Cowtown!

Sunday morning after a quick stop for Starbucks drinks, Kristin, the little man, and I were all packed in the car and ready to leave for Fort Worth, TX to see our husbands complete their third Cowtown Half Marathon.

To be honest we had gotten a little turned around and with constant road blocks in our way it seemed as though we might not see the boys cross the finish line. But upon our arrival we realized there was time to spare and watched both Ray and Michael cross with a time of two hours and five minutes. We were so very proud! For Ray, this officially makes 4 half marathons and 2 full marathon races completed!

Enjoy some pictures from the race day!





After the race, we said our good-byes to the Fants and quickly began to search for lunch options. We had first discussed IHOP as that was our previous year's lunch road trip, but began to throw out other options until Rosas was brought up. Ray quickly searched google maps for food and after the first location had been a bit of a bust I was ready to throw in the towel, but not my husband. He found us a Rosas!



Many of you may not understand my ridiculous love for Rosas tacos or for their homemade tortillas but oh my goodness it is so incredibly tasty. In college Ray and I would enjoy their Taco Tuesday special quite a bit... it really just brought me back and was such a fun way to celebrate!!!

What an exciting race day... a race above 30/40 degrees (it was actually in the 60s) and a tradition that keeps going strong. Here's to completing the 5 year star! Happy Race Day Runners & their favorite supports:)

Half for Me; Full for Ray; and ALL for Africa!

Today, December 5, 2010 at 8AM 22,000 plus runners ran the White Rock Marathon/Half/and Relay. Earlier this year our church was presented with an amazing opportunity to partner with Team World Vision in an effort to raise funds for a water project in Uganda. Many individuals from our ABF including both the husband and I joined to support such an amazing cause.

Ray and I were set... well I guess as ready as we ever would be for his Full Marathon which equaled 26.2 miles and my half 13.1. Since we had signed up we both had wonderful intentions of training; however, life happened and shall I say that we (probably only me) have been overwhelmed with this upcoming race. At the beginning of this year, Ray made a New Years Resolution to complete a half marathon each month. 10 half marathons were behind him until he hit a small snag in November where he was forced to take a break due to some major joint pain. It seems the break did him well.... because today we both completed our goal and ran for Team World Vision!

Enjoy pictures from Race Day! Here's a huge congrats to all those that ran as well as to all the fans for their love and support.

4:50 AM... Let's get the party started!
Hello Race Day!

The husband and I

A very cold race day sunrise... as we waited in a very long line for parking:)
Waiting (for an hour) to begin our race! It was COLD!

Our ABF Relay Team

2010 Finishers

The Zoutendams and their first Half Marathon!
Julie and I! Don't let those little legs fool you...
she is a champ!

2nd Full Marathon Completed. I am a very proud wifey!
Zellners for Team World Vision

Michael completed his second marathon with a new PR!

Steph completed her half marathon in under two hours!

Stretching out our sore feet

A beautiful (but chilly) Fair Park Sunday
...

Our amazing Honeymooner Supporters

Here are a few of the great moments from today.
- It was a very cold race day. 36 degrees with a wind chill factor of 31. Gotta love cold fronts:)
- Running for Team World Vision and supporting efforts in Uganda
- Beginning my run with some very lovely ABF ladies... I am so proud of ya'll!
- Hearing my name cheered in the crowd. You never realize what a great motivator this is.
- Love that tissues were handed out during the race.
- Poor Ray's ipods (2 of them) stopped working... so he was left without his music.
- I loved watching my husband's face as he crossed the finish line to complete his second marathon
- Getting lost of the way to the car... thank you sweet lady who drove us there!
- Getting shirt burns yet having no blisters?!?! I still can't figure this one out. ha.
- Dinning at Abuelos for a late lunch after the race
...

More pictures are sure to come. Now I am enjoying a day of relaxing and blogging of course:)


For more information about Team World Vision and how you can support and change the lives of Africa click here.