Running Rots Your Brain

First of all, I've been terrible about updating this thing. I have lots of good stories to tell you (including how Al Gore became my new BFF). I just can't seem to make the time to write them all down! But, starting today my goal is to write at least one post per week. We'll see how it goes.

To kick things off, let's rewind to the end of April and I'll give you some  thoughts regarding my first half marathon and running in general. It's going to be bullet list style because I just can't bring myself to write a proper paragraph bullet lists are fun!

• Nashville is an encouraging city. Tons of people lined up along the route to cheer the runners on. Some had drinks and fruit to give out (which were in addition to the official race stations). Bands set up along the route to contribute to the party atmosphere (again, some of the bands were officially part of the race, but several others just set up and played). Lots of people held up entertaining signs like this one. The funny ones were so much more motivational than the sincere ones - not sure what that says about my personality...

• If you're going to run, Nashville is a pretty place to do it. Granted, there are hills. Lot's of hills. But there are also magnolias. Lot's of magnolias and they smell fantastic right now.

• You many not think you can run, but you can. I saw several inspiring runners that day. One guy had two prosthetic legs. Another woman was wearing a shirt that said "Lung Cancer Survivor". And then there's me. The girl who had a stroke with a hole in her heart not only finished 13.1 miles but also beat her goal time by 31 seconds. If I can do it, so can you. Seriously. No more excuses. 

• Running rots your brain. I don't really like running. I like finishing a run, but I don't really enjoy the whole process of running. I'm pretty sure that the runner's high they talk about is a form of brain damage brought on by oxygen deprivation. And that's probably why I've already signed up for my next event - The Nashville Color Run! If you're in the Nashville area, come run it with me and if you're not from around here, look for a Color Run in your neck of the woods!

Dancing Queen

My daughter was born wearing a tutu.

Her love of dance is something that's hardwired in her brain. And I really don't know where she got it from because Rob and I have absolutely zero dancing ability! (We didn't even dance at our wedding!)

However, we both love to watch Harper do her thing.

Last Sunday was her dance recital and it was awesome. All of the girls did a fantastic job.

Harper is in the middle of the top row. 

While Harper's dance is always my favorite part, I also really enjoy watching the older girls dance (the studio teaches kids from ages 3 all the way up through high school and does everything from tap to ballet to modern to hip hop). Sometimes I even get a little emotional watching them, which I didn't expect would happen.

There is something very moving about the human body relating to music in this way.

I'm sure a lot of you are rolling your eyes at me right now and I admit that this is a basic principle that probably everyone else has already figured out by now.

I'm slow to pick up on things sometimes and I'm just now starting to appreciate what a beautiful art form dance is.

So once again, Harper is expanding my horizons in ways I never imagined. And for that, I'm thankful.

Here's a video of Harper's class rehearsing their recital dance. She's the second one from the right.