That is the hardest thing for me to wrap my mind around. I have never allowed anyone to tell me what I can and cannot do. In fact, the quickest way to get me to try something is tell me that you don't think I can. I am not sure where I picked up this mindset but it has served me well over the years. I never give up and I give everything I do; all that I have.
In high school and college I was determined to get A's, just so I could prove to myself and everyone else that I was smart. Studying was something that I enjoyed and I liked to see the results. Making the Dean's List was something that only fueled my desire. This was something that I had control over. I knew that if I studied hard, I would do well.
I have carried this mindset into my physical aspirations. If I work hard then I will perform well. Makes sense doesn't it? In the last three years I have competed in three triathlons, at least five 5K's and two 50 mile bike rides. In each event I improved in some way on my last attempt. That is one of the reasons I love to compete. I have control over my results. Or do I...
This morning I ran a 5K in 31 minutes. That is awful! My 5K time from last weekend (which I ran after a 600m swim and a 13 mile bike ride) was 30 minutes. And my last 5K time (not in a triathlon) was 27:50. So you can see that my performance this morning was horrendous. There are many reasons for my poor performance-
-I had the flu for three days prior to the race
-Due to the above situation I did not drink any water this morning
-I was overdressed for the weather
-At mile two I began to feel faint and dizzy, precursors to my tendency to faint in the heat
-I suffer from restless legs and did not sleep much last night or the night before
-It was VERY hot and humid (making me even more dehydrated)
I could go on and on and make a long list of excuses. But that is all it would be, a list of excuses. I have got to let this race fall by the wayside and learn my lessons.
Lesson #1- I do not have control over everything. I cannot control that fact that I was sick, have restless legs, and the weather was hot and humid.
Lesson #2- Remember what I do have control over and make sure I get those things done (HYDRATION, dressing appropriately)
Lesson #3- In the grand scheme of my life how I performed in any race has little to no value in God's eyes. Sure I can have a Godly mindset with those around me. But really, am I sharing the gospel during my run? Am I pursuing the plan that God has set out before me? Am I doing all that I can to bring God glory? No, I am pursuing my goals and my ambitions.
So when I have a bad race day I will endeavor to remember those three lessons, especially #3. Racing is fun, but it is not important. I have learned in my life that the truly important things in life cannot be attained by my strength, but by God's loving hand.
Elliana and I spent some girl time at the hair salon :) She got her very first hair cut (just a trim) and I got a trim too... :) 
On the days that we were not out of town we headed to Lake Evergreen. We ended up spending three days on the Lake. We rented canoes, a paddle boat and a motor boat (through out the three days). We LOVE being adventurous and getting out into nature. We even saw a bald eagle :)
We ended our week with an overnight trip to the Quad Cities. We were able to visit my mom and Aaron's grandparents. It was so sweet to see the way Elliana talked and acted around her Grandma's. She could tell that these ladies were something special :) I remember being the same way around my grandma's :) During our stay in the Quad Cities I ran the Bix (a 7 mile run up many hills..it was awesome!) and we visited with some wonderful friends that we don't get to see very often. Jared and Beth are amazing people that inspire me to be a better parent. I love visiting with them :) We were so busy having fun we didn't take any pictures of our time up north.
