Two Years of Tall Mom

Two years already?? I started this Blog to record my running journey, it was no frills and mostly for me. I still consider this my personal Journal but it has grown to be so much more.

An Obsession and Addiction? Yes

A chance to talk about ME? Yes

Fun way to review cool Running Gear? YES!!

BUT so much more than that. I have the unique opportunity to connect with people. I write and I am blessed to have amazing people like you read, or at least skim I can get pretty wordy. THANK YOU! THANK YOU for making me smile and laugh. For sharing your lives with me, coming to visit from across the country, leaving amazingly kind words and cheering for me. These past 2 years I have been called "Inspiring" if that is what Tall Mom (The Blog not the woman) has become, a way to INSPIRE people then I could not be more PROUD!

My brain was a bit frazzled trying for the perfect post for the 2 year Bloggiversary, so I opted to randomly upload a bunch of photos in no particular order and write a story.

If you have to ask WHY I run you don't know me very well. I run to connect with myself, my body, my friends, nature, to burn off my stress and fit in my skinny jeans. There are TOUGH days when I would rather stay in bed and CRY...this year I could not run after the death of my Dad but my running friend Tammy brought me back and I thank GOD she did.

There is beauty everywhere, you just have to get past the hard breathing and pain before you can get there. It takes a while, but trust me running can be ENJOYABLE. It is AMAZING to think about all the places my size 10's have taken me.

I could not do it without the love and support of my Partner and Best friend Muscle Man and our Little Studs. I know they miss me for breakfast every day, but they never make me feel guilty. I am a Wife, Mom and Runner.

And we are raising our kids to enjoy being outside and working out... OK maybe they just come along for the tasty snacks.. Those are carrots (not Cheetos) ;)

My Bloggy and Running friends have become a part of my extended family... This past Bloggy year we added a new little one to the group, Miss Goober is an adorable Addition. Sadly we said goodbye to the wonderful Amanda but we know she will be back SOON and we can always reach her via telecon.

Photos from Races and fun family days working out. The kids are not always on the best behavior but that is all part of the charm.

Muscle Man covered in sweat and me barely breaking a sweat and earning a ribbon.. OOPS!! I love that my husband will match with me, run with me, and kick it to the Finish Line not letting me win.. SNEAKY!!

I Run Like a Mother, although I don't do the heavy pushing very often..

The GOOD thing about running?? Hmmmm burning calories so we can EAT! And celebrating with friends to REFUEL. FYI Coffee post a cold run is wonderful.

We have special and precious moments, rare when those moments are caught on film. Congratulating Dear Friends for reaching life long goals and dreams.

And Welcoming New friends from across the land. I would have never met Marlene and Steph if it weren't for this Blog. Happy Birthday STEPH!! What a blessing!

There is so much JOY to be found. People hold back their feelings of excitement, WHY? Let it out!! Wave, smile, ham it up, be a dork, wear crazy outfits and enjoy life!

A Wave and a smile go a long way. You never know whose mood you may lift. I know it is HARD when you are tired, hurting or sad... but at least fake it for the photogs on the course.

The day may start with rain soaked pavement and end with a friend getting a HUGE PR! Don't let a little rain spoil your day, bring a poncho, put on some pink socks and create your own sun.

People from across the US are bonding via Blogs. We come together to race, eat and pose for a pre-race photo. It may not be a lot of time, but it is our time.

It is RARE when you can find a group who is just as goofy as you are.. people who don't care how fast you run or how high you jump ;) The joy in this sport can be found with the people you surround yourself with.

Memories you will cherish, and photos with just the right timing to make everyone chuckle.. Note to dude to the right.. This photo has been posted often but it is CLASSIC!!

Tall Mom has about a million self-portraits.. Some are pretty BAD, but others turn out kinds cool. Like this one pacing Jill to an 8 minute Half Marathon PR. Yes folks that was a GOOD DAY!

There are struggles, bad days, days when it is hot, you are sweaty and all you want to do is STOP! The Road Blocks are there to teach us to climb over, we gain strength in the challenge.

And at the end of the day if all else fails grab a few friends, have a Cupcake tasting party and Run it off in the morning :)

• Wow that was hard. Hope you enjoyed my little attempt at a story. Look out for loads of Giveaways this next week.
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• High Five to all of you for reading and making this Tall Mom feel special on a daily basis.
  

HAPPY FRIDAY!