Masters and More Rest

I have been in a state of thankfulness since my last post. I am still in awe of God's greatness and the joy I have in the hope of many more tomorrows with my hubby. Living with a miracle is pretty darn cool.

I began graduate school 2 years ago with the idea of taking a class here and there. This plan changed quickly upon my hubby's diagnosis. We decided instead of quitting or taking a break we would instead try to bust it out as fast as possible. This involved many, many days and nights in my homework cave. It meant doing papers during surgeries and time in the hospital. Most of the time I wanted to quit but I was always encouraged. My hubby would tell me I could do it when I didn't think it was possible. There were tears and fits but somehow I would always get it done. I was motivated to push on for my amazing hubby who was busy fighting for his life. I wanted him to know that I would do everything I could to be in a position to support our family. Well last Saturday I was finally able to walk across that stage and graduate with my Masters. I now have a M.S. in Adult Organizational Learning and Leadership. To translate I pretty much get to teach, mentor, consult, and lead others.

A few snap shots and off to celebrate with close friends.

It really has been a journey. One that I did not want to go on. But God is good and His promises are true. I have been surrounded by a support system that has given so much. Spring has been a blessing. With our miracle and no more chemo topping the list by far. Eugene was just icing on the cake. I did not have much time to devote to training as I spent most of the months leading up to Eugene solo or up at the hospital. I pushed when I knew my body was hurting. My first long run of 18 miles I began to have pain on the inside of my ankle, going up the side of my leg. I ignored it. Eugene represented my battle and I was not any way shape or form not going to show up to that start line. Every long run after that (thank goodness there weren't many more) my ankle hurt. In Eugene it really hurt. The last 3 miles were pretty painful. I rested for a week post marathon and then ran a easy 3 mile run.

It hurt again.

I have RESTED since then. Yesterday I went to the foot doc. He did some tests with like a tuning fork thing, squeezed and twisted some things and decided that it seems I am having a STRESS REACTION. Stress? What stress? This can be a precurssor to a stress fracture which in the running world is a really bad word. So I am thankful. My doc was nice enough to give my credit for time served so I will need to rest for a minimun of another 4 weeks. He basically said when it stops hurting I can start running. He said I could do a MRI but did not think it was necessaryl. I am a bit bummed but hopeful that by mid June I will be able to get some summer miles in. I plan to cross train as much as I can. I want to heal so I can play ball with my One and Only, Volleyball with Lovely L and soccer with Sweet J. So again I need to patient, bump up the calcium and give thanks. I would love some fun new workouts or exercise suggestions to get my heart rate up. Just needs to be low impact. Hoping to finally get around to sharing some fun reviews and giveaways as well.

But for now I just want to be with my family and soak up the miracles of each day. Keep On Keeping On.

I Believe.

I have some amazing news to share. As many of you know my husband has been fighting cancer for the past 20 months. So much has happened. We have had a change in diagnosis, radiation, two major surgeries, physical therapy and nearly 6 months of in patient chemo. To say that our life has been turned upside down is an understatement. April was suppose to be the month that chemo would end and we be in the clear and just sit, wait and hope. Never ever in a million years did we think the cancer would grow during chemo. Well that is exactly what it did and to make things worse it moved to his lungs. Not just a spot or two but 20 plus spots in both lungs.

We were heartbroken beyond words. We met with our Seattle doc and he very lovingly told us that at this point there was no chance for a cure we could just hope to find chemo that could extend his life and give us a little more time together. It was terminal. He suggested we begin getting our "affairs" in order. Mid thirties, three amazing children and madly in love. WHAT?? This was not what we wanted to hear. Again our heart hurt.

We came home and seemed to sit in sadness and darkness. It was all too much. We knew God was with us but we were having a hard time finding the strength to draw near to Him. LONG STORY...but we ended up in place of prayer and having a sweet man pray for us. We wrote down our prayer request which was pretty horrible. The guy just looked at the paper and smiled. He put that paper down on the table and said, "God is so much bigger than this piece of paper". We were shocked and slightly confused. But what happened next made us both know that he was exactly right.

The man prayed for us with a boldness and confidence that I have never seen or heard. The words he said were like medicine to our aching hearts. His words reminded us that illness is NOT from God. Instead His word is filled with the promise of healing and refuge. Christ already bore our illness on the cross. We don't have to carry that burden. We live in a sinful world. This does not mean we do not have a great God that heals. We left feeling great. It was as if a darkness had been lifted and we could see clearly again. That night we both felt peace and joy that we had not felt since the diagnosis almost 2 years ago. We felt healed. As weird as it was to say and think that, we both felt it. We felt strength again. The joy of the Lord is our strength and we felt ourselves feeling stronger. Our circumstance had not changed but we still were abke to feel joy. That night we belived that a healing had begun. We decided to grab some ice cream, smile until our cheeks hurt and head home.

Fast forward to this past Friday. Things got crazy with scheduling and my hubby was able to squeeze into an appointment while he was over in the Seattle area for work. One bad thing about that was I wasn't able to go with him. Even though we were bummed about this we felt ok about it.

You can go to TEAM DAVIS to read the long version but what happend next was nothing short of a MIRACLE. When the doctor came in he told him that in one of his lungs an area of spots had just DISSAPEARED. The other spots that were left seemed so so tiny and had shown no sign of growth and if anything had become smaller. The dotcor was grasping at straws saying maybe it was inflamtion. My hubby and I both know that 6 weeks ago when he told us that there was no hope, that there was no talk of inflamtion or any other possible last ditch hope. This was a TRUE MIRACLE from God. God is real and he heals.

So no chemo. Nothing. We get to just be a family. My hubby will go back in 8 weeks for another scan. We are praying for complete healing and that the spots will be gone and that God will continue to work this amazing miracle. I believe.

So needless to say my heart is FULL of thanks. I feel like I am in a bible story and I want to Go Tell it on a Mountain. Glory to God! My hubby and I have had a shift of thinking. We can not pick and choose the promises of God that we believe. I am so thankful for the people prompting us to get in the word. By doing this I was able to read over and over again that it is God's will to heal, restore and change our hearts. We want to grow to know him more. That is what life is about.

This what my hubby texted me right after the appointment. We are so thankful but in many ways not surprised. Go God!

Thank you all for your prayers.There is always always hope in the Lord and I believe that now more than ever.

Eugene Marathon 2013: Race Day

Well Marathon #3 is in the books. The weekend overall was amazing. Fun road trip, rich conversations, laughter and time with friends fueled the weekend with absolute joy. I loved having my hubby there and sharing him with my friends. He not only supported me but ended up taking care of a whole "gaggle" of women. I would have to say that this is the marathon that I learned the most about myself as a person as well as runner.

When Sunday rolled around I had no plan. Even though I started with friends we all had decided that we could go ahead and behind as needed. No pressure. No stress. We knew that we would see our amazing support crew at some point to help us along. I started off way to fast. Of course at the time my watch was not working and I was just running. Later I found out I ran the first 5K at a 7:33 pace. Way too fast for me. My watch started working again I had a better handle on my pace but still was going too fast. I felt good and Megan was with me at this point. I knew we were pushing each other along so I want to keep it up. At 10K we were at a 8:00 min mile. Again too fast. By the time Megan and I parted at mile 11 I knew Megan was on target for a sub 2 half. I wished her luck and told her she better be waiting at that finish line with sub 2 news for me!

I was then solo but still felt pretty good up until mile 13ish. Solid sub 2. By mile 14 is where things get a little foggy. I had missed seeing Ryan and the crew at mile 6 so I was desperate to see someone at this point. Ashley, who by the way is one of the sweetest people I have met was going to "join" me for a few miles at some point and I at this point I was really looking forward to that. At mile 15 I see my hubby. Tall, handsome, smiling and ringing that cow bell. I gave a weak wave and reached out towards Ashley hoping she was getting ready to jump in. I think she said something like, "not yet". So I just kept running. My pace had slowed but was I was doing ok. At mile 18 I see the crew again. This time Ashley joins me wearing her Boston 2011 t-shirt and that in itself made me smile and want to keep going. A few more cheers and HIGH high fives to my hubby and super star friend Devon and we were off. My hubby and his trusty sidekick got in the pick up and gave us a few honks. As they slowly drove along side us I yelled "this is for you babe". I felt tearful, tired and thankful all at the same time.

Here I was running the Eugene Marathon. Undertrained and full of hope. My mind was not really in the run at this point but more in wanting more moments just like the one above, the blessing of more time togeteher and of course more cowbell. I mean you can never have too much cowbell.

Ashley was great. My pace was really slowing by mile 20 and I was starting to have to talk myself into 2 miles at a time. My feet were killing me and any change in terrain seemed to make it all the worse. Ashley was super sweet to me. Next time I give her my permission to yell at me a bit more...I really needed to pick it up. Sheesh! We then heard from Marnee who was also part of the super star support crew. My dear friend Mere was having issues and Marnee had gone to run with her. She was having some leg and hip problems and was hurting and wanted to stop. Due to my past conversations with Mere I felt like I needed to push her to finish. You finish, you win. You just ran 26.2 freaking miles!!!! She did finish and I am extremely proud of how deep I know she had to dig to keep going.
< Ash took a few snapshots and I am so glad she did. This pic below is at mile 23. I love that you can see that I am wearing my friend Michelle's ring that she wore when she ran Boston around my neck. I grabbed my necklace many times throughout thinking about the victims of the Boston bombings and what a gift is was that I could even be there, running and feeling pain.

As Ashley left me I knew I was just minutes away from seeing my hubby's face and that stinkng finish line. I finished and threw my hand over my heart for Boston. I felt thankful and amazed that somehow I finally got across that line. I saw Megan and Tracy who ran the half and both PR'd. Woo Hoo!! My main thought was I have to go to the bathroom. I got a little surprise when I went to the bathroom...ladies you know what I am talking about. Seems like something else had "started" as well a few miles back. Oh well...this story is getting better and better. When we left the finisher's area I saw my little sister J there and it warmed my heart. She drove just to see me finish. Even though I was salty, gross and tired and could barely talk in normal sentences, she was there. She will probably never know how important that was to me. Finally I got to see my hubby and give him a big hug. He had been through it ALL that day. From start to finish. Not ony taking care of me but his gaggle of women that he now can now call friends. He stayed in a hotel with 4 women the night before a big race! I loved it and felt like he was able to get a better understanding of running and how it can be so good for my soul and how it bringe people together in a very unique way. It was a beautiful day.

I have so many MORE thoughts and pictures of the beautiful people that were part of this special weekend. But until then here are a few pics to give a snap shot of our great weekend.

It was not my best time but it was my BEST that day. 4:15 finish. With the things life has been throwing my way I will take it and say THANK YOU, I can not wait to see what my next BEST day will bring.

Knock, Knock, Eugene...I'm Back.

So I am going to try really hard to talk just "running" for this post. It will be challenging as running is not where my mind or heart has been the past month. However I am feeling blessed for the opportunity to go to Eugene. Yes. Eugene is just 3 sleeps away and only 1 more sleeps until race weekend. Last year I had signed up for the full but darn PF caused me to have to downgrade to the half. I ran the half with one long run of 10 miles the week before. I was able to finally meet Meredith and her friend Marnee, who is now my friend as well. You get close real fast when you sleep with someone and get up at the crack o dawn for race day.
It really was a joy and blessing. I loved the course and did not want to stop at 13.1 but the cheers of the stadium somehow drew me in.


Here we are a year later and my life has been forever changed since that day a year ago in Eugene. I have come to know the Lord in ways I never imagined. My faith has been stretched to the point of barely hanging on. When I signed up for Eugene this year it was for a distraction from life. I needed to find someway to battle and stay strong. It did seem a little crazy. Chemo, Grad School, 3 kids and a full Marathon...why not?? I have to say signing up for Eugene has been one of the best things I have done. I had no training plan. Well actually I did, but I lost it for 2 weeks so that kind of shot that idea down. It was also a good reminder that plans are not something I have the luxury to experience very often these days. This "training" has been full of blessings. Short runs, missed runs (lots of them), long solo runs, runs with my buddy Quads, and even unexpected runs from distant buddies.

A few shot of some sweet friends who drove 6 hours to join me on my long run. We had so much fun and ended the adventure with well deserved cheeseburger bonding.

The running community has come along side me in prayer and encouragement as I have been slowly try to grind out the miles to get to Eugene. I have sweet friends who have loved me through a lot.

So here is what we are looking at. I ran 14 this past weekend, which I know is a little long but I needed the confidenece boost. Monday: 20 miles on trainer
Tuesday: 4 miles.
Wednesday: 25 minutes on trainer
Thursday: REST
Friday: REST/Travel

I haven't had much motivation to run...must be saving it for Eugene? Right?

Tomorrow I leave for Eugene with my good friend Quads. I am anticipating a fun road trip! I am also going to meet with Jess from Run with Jess for a shake out run on Saturday. This just sounds cool...even though I have never done it before. It will be chill and probably just a few miles. Then off to expo and waiting for my Vancouver posse to arrive. Best of all we have found a way for my hubby to be there. This was not the original plan but I knew if he wasn't there my motivation and heart would be low. I can't wait to get to that finish line. I am going to enjoy every step. I will be running for Boston and the people still hurting. I will run for my husband. Each mile I pray brings us closer to a miracle of healing. No P.R. in sight. No stess in sight. Just want to be there with my friends and husband. I am fully prepared to run through the pain. Pain that is so much more than physical.

God continually reminds me that I can do nothing without Him. There is no accomplishment or feat that will make me worthy or more bada$$ in his eyes. He loves me just as I am. Each and every step will come from Him. There is no training plan or number that will make my life more significant in His eyes. I share this because I feel that the world creates a culture where that is what counts. That is how you measure success. In reality that can be an empty lonely road. I am not saying you don't need goals or growth, this is all good. It is when those goals over shadow life that I feel it can get tricky. Bottom line we all want to get to the finish line of "something". Then after we do...we say what next or that's it? When really it can be just the beginning. I want to look around and say who do I need to thank, who can I help along the way and give thanks for my able body that got me there. So I will run, skip, walk, shuffle and crawl my way to that finish line as I know it is just one way God has me "strength training" to get through this thing called life. I won't be boasting that I am hard core, because I am not. Far from it! (which reminds me of a great post from my friend Kerri that made me laugh) I really don't have any desire for that. Instead I will say this. I try. I try everyday to balance my life and come to know God more in all I do...and that includes running 26.2 in Eugene!


Now...let's do this.

Be the Light.

It has been over a month since I last posted. I have thought about it but didn't have the words. Didn't want to share. Or more scared to share for fear that it would make it more real. I felt overwhelmed and discouraged.

However God has brought us hope and comfort in his Word. He continually places people in our life that care and love for us deeply. I am in awe at how strangers have become friends as they have reached out in prayers and love. Bottom line is that God is good. His love endures and His light will always outshine darkness. I feel like my hubby and I are continually learning how to draw near to God. Darkness and evil tries to break your spirit and make you live in fear. This is not from God. We stand firm in the promises of God and stay strong in our deep love for each other.

The horrid events of the Boston Marathon breaks my heart and made me want to write. Even though my heart is broken...my spirit is strong.

So much hurt and suffering. It can become too much. However I am encouraged to see God's light and spirit rise up and declare that this is not ok, that we will overcome and that darkness always, always loses in the end.

My prayers go out to every life that his been impacted by such horrible events. Prayers for healing and comfort that can only come from God. Thankful for the running community and the kindness of others. We are a resilient bunch!! Much love to you all! Choose to be the light.

Everyone Needs a Moment

I am back. Wow. The days have been full and I have not had much time to sit down and blog. As usual I have so much to catch up on.
But instead of trying to cram everything in one post I thought I would just share where I am today. Then hopefully I can then share all the other good "running" stuff that has just been on hold.

My hubby is in the hospital this week getting treatment. Round 3.

I failed a quiz today for school. (for real)

Lovely L had her first PACV Volleyball Practice.

Sweet J wore her ear muffs all day today for National Ear Muff Day.

I worked today for the first time in a long time due to life being crazy.

My house is still in bomb status.

My Eugene "training" plan is lost somewhere in my bomb of a house. (true story)

My to do and should do list is off the charts.

But what can you do? I have learned I can't be everywhere with everyone when I want to. This has been hard. My fat F on a quiz today reminded me that NO, I can not do it all...well. I can only push forward.

The past few weeks I have been working hard physically and mentally to get my long runs in. Praying that my foot will hold out and get me to Eugene.
As many of you know I have been struggling with planter fasciitis for over 2 years. No, that is not a typo...over 2 years. I have tried all sorts of things. I have been desperate and recently connected with a friend and tried doterra oils. I was skeptic and still am to some degree but can't deny that my foot is significantly better. I have been using lemon grass, wintergreen, and peppermint. The only thing I don't like is that it is quite the process. I have to rub each oil seperately and then wrap foot in hot towel several times. I then put my new handy dandy Feetures toeless sock on and I am golden. There is a lot of massage going on and I am sure that is helping in addition to my rolling and icing.

My 15 mile run was ugly and I ended doubting myself.

My 16 mile run was solid. I channelled my Boston Believer Michelle and felt like I could even go further.

My 17 mile run was hilly and physically challenging.

This weekend I have a very special gift coming. I am pretty sure it will have a huge impact on my 18 miles this weekend.

On a side note I am thrilled and shocked at my ability to run these long runs. These are the runs and numbers that make me freak out. I am full of gratitude and thanks. These long runs are not easy for me NOR did I ever think that I would ever be capable of running long miles like this.

I will have MOMENTS running where I think..this can't be my life. I don't want my husband to have cancer. I don't want to feel overwhelmed. I didn't ask for this. I want to cry. I want to quit. I grow tired of being strong. BUT then I will feel my legs burning and pushing through my next step. I will hear myself breathing. I will close my eyes. And that is when my thoughts change to I am strong. God is with me. I will not quit. I will fight. God is faithful.

So bring it. We are over half way through with chemo. Graduation is on the horizon...and Eugene is calling my name.

Buried but Not Alone

As I take a short "break" from my studies. I just wanted to say thanks for all the amazing people in my life. Doing life together is good. Today has been clouded a bit with worry and fear and I am trying to push that aside. I have HOPE and I have many things to be thankful for.

I am in crunch time mode so that is one way to stay out of pity party mode. I just finished grading 40 essays (break time) and still have to write a 7-10 page lit review. Ugh. I am not sure how this is happening? Lit review due Saturday by midnight yet I will be at an AUU tourney most of the weekend coaching? Starting off with a 8:45 p.m. Friday night game. Who get's the 8:45 slot? Really? Of course there is that other little thing called marathon training that I need to squeeze in as well. Sheesh!

I have so much to share in my running world as well and can't wait for some downtime. I have been experimenting with doterra oils with my foot (planter fasciitis) hope to have some progress to share. I also have some new kicks (Mizuno Wave Elixir7) and some new fuel treats (FRS) that I have been testing out.

As well as cool gear giveaway from none other than LUCY! This makes me very very HAPPY!
And....and a very special gift from Fierce Forward that I can't wait to share.

And I ran 30 miles last week. That was interesting....

Well, that is all the time I have for my BREAK. I need to get back to my lit search.

Keep On Keeping On and give thanks for the good in your life.