For as much as she stumbles she's running...

I have a feeling a lot of my post titles are going to be song lyrics. Just a fair warning.

So I've been doing a lot of running lately. 9 weeks of running actually. Can I just say the iPod Touch is one of the most motivating inventions for running I have ever experienced. I found an awesome 5k training program on there that has totally motivated me (again) to run in a 5k. Now, I know a 5k may be nothing to some people, but for me, that's huge. I want to take this time to thank God that he has given me the health and ability to run like I am able to. I'm so excited that I can actually run one without stopping. And the reason I know that is because today I finished the whole 9 week training program and I feel great. I have a lot more energy and I can tell a difference in the way I look. Love it! Over the past few weeks as my running duration has increased little by little, I've actually looked forward to each day's running schedule! So much so that when I realized I had finished the program today, I immediately downloaded another app that bridges what I've just done and pushes me on to train for a 10k!

Which brings me to my connection to Mackinac Island this summer. I have about 3 1/2 weeks left until I leave. Time is going by so fast and I'm getting more and more nervous and excited. Running has kind of given me something else to focus on and push for. Since I won't be home to do any races this summer, I've resorted to finding some on the island. I found three: The Lilac Festival 10k on June 12, 2010; The Mackinac Island 8 Mile Road Race on September 11, 2010; and the Great Turtle Half Marathon and 5.7 Mile Run/Walk on October 23, 2010. So, as you can see, if I want to run a race this year, as has been my New Year's Resolution/yearly goal for the past 2 years, I'm going to have to step it up and go big or go home. All three of these races are longer than a 5k.

So that's just one more thing I'm looking forward to experiencing on the island. Running. I should be able to train quite a bit since the only way to get around the island is on foot or biking.

Oh yes, and my sister wants me to seriously sit down and write a book. I guess I'll look forward to doing that AND running. God is so good for giving me this opportunity. Life is awesome.

The beginning...

It's official. I'm going. I'm following a dream I've had since I was 12 years old. On April 14th, I will be moving to Mackinac Island to work for 5 1/2 months and I am so excited! I applied for a few positions at different hotels and shops and a few weeks ago, I received a call saying that I was hired there to work in a store. I don't know that it has really hit me yet, but the reality of just how close April 14th is is a bit overwhelming.
I'm just very excited to have the summer to work a job that hopefully won't be too stressful, and that I can share my love for Jesus with people who may not have a solid relationship with Him yet there. I want to build relationships and meet new people and have a fun, exciting time on the island!
I am so excited to have time to write on the island. That's been a dream of mine for awhile now, too. Sit out on my front porch with a cup of tea and write my little heart out. Sounds so good right about now.
I've had so many questions in my mind about whether this is the smart thing to do or not, but I feel that God has been opening doors for me and now is the time to do it. While on the island, I'm going to start looking into Master's programs in either counseling or social work, and looking for other full-time positions in different areas. I'm not completely sure what I want to do with my life yet, but I know God is handling my life and is in control, leading me down His path.