Howdy Ho!
Wow! I have really failed at keeping this thing up! I guess eventually getting to update it is better than not at all, right??
Well there's been kind of a lot of stuff happening since I last posted in like August.
I'm still going strong in training. Well I wouldn't necessarily say strong, but I'm a lot better than I ever was. I now run between 2-3 miles each time I go running. I still run outside, around town, even though it is winter. Normally I don't have that much of a problem, I just put on layers and go. Plus the cold helps me to keep running, if I don't run I get cold! But it has been insanely cold here! The temperature with the wind chill gets down to -30 degrees! That's far too cold and dangerous to even think about running outside. Unfortunately I still don't have a gym membership anywhere, so running inside becomes a problem. Luckily we do own a treadmill that I use as a last resort.
The date that we leave is getting closer and closer! We leave in about 24 days! That's not a lot of time! I'm starting to feel the pressure a bit, some days when I think about the half a lot I start to get a little stressed. Then I just remind myself that I am doing this for fun, and for me. Not to prove it anything to anyone. I will do completely fine, I am stronger than I know, and I AM going to cross that finish line! Sometimes just taking a step back and giving yourself a small pep talk helps the most. Every time I think about crossing the finish line at the end of the 13.1 miles, I get so happy. I remember what it felt like when I crossed the finish line of the Color Me Rad 5k I ran in October. It was one of the best feelings in the world. Knowing that I just completed a 5k run. Granted I didn't run the entire thing, but the fact that I was brave enough to try and start this whole running journey and haven't given up makes me insanely proud of myself. I still can't believe that I'm going to be running a half marathon. It's so scary but so amazing at the same time. If you would have asked me even 2 or 3 years ago if I would ever run a half marathon, the answer would have been "No." or "I wish!". It's amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it.
Running has really become such an important thing in my life. I don't always want to go out and run, but when I suck it up and go anyway I always end up feeling amazing...and sweaty. Those people that say you get addicted to running or exercising, are right. You do get addicted. Once you find a form of exercise you really enjoy, you will forever do it. During the Holidays season at work, when I was working almost 50 hours a week at Target, running was a really great thing to do. Even if it was darker and 7 pm, I would still go for a run. I love blowing off steam and stress by running. It makes me push myself harder and I can leave everything out of the pavement. I have ran my personal best when I was completely stressed out and ran until I couldn't run anymore. 3.5-4 ish miles STRAIGHT! Hardly any stopping, only for minor things, tying my shoe, waiting for a car to pass, the important things you take a pause for.
So far, since I've started working at Target and exercising more, I have lost a total of almost 20 lbs! That puts me back down at 185 lbs. That is the heaviest I weighed in high school. I've been able to tell some slight changes as I lose weight. My stomach being a little flatter, clothes fitting a little better. I am by no means focused on my weight, or how much I lose, or if my stomach is flatter. I am focused on being health and getting strong and fit, but it's nice when you notice that your hard work is paying off. I've also noticed that as I lose weight and have gotten so many new and amazing friends at work and through other friends, I am a lot more confident than I use to be. I don't care nearly as much if people don't like me, or my style, or my taste in music. If they don't like it, it's their problem. I am focused on me. Being the best, healthy, fit, strong, confident me that I can be. I've grown a lot, even in the last 6 months, and it feels amazing.
One last quick thing about my half marathon, you may or may not know that when you do a RunDisney event, you dress up! I mean it's Disney, of course you make a costume! I have decided to run and dress up as Elsa from Frozen. For those of you that have not watched Frozen yet, I suggest you run to the nearest movie theater and see it right away. It is a fabulous movie. Disney did an amazing job, as usual. Elsa is the character that has white hair and the beautiful blue dress. Obviously I will not be wearing a floor length, gorgeous dress....I am however wearing a TUTU!! A sparkly tutu even! It is very puffy and I am so very happy with the way it turned out.
Below are picture starting out, during the process, and the finished tutu:
Beginning stuff: Tulle (sparkly blue, blue and white), scissors, measuring tape, and of course, Disney Tunes
A little part finished. Each small section I tied around the elastic has 7 layers of tulle.
1/3 or so done.
Finished Tutu! (Front View)
And I must say the tutu and Black Veil Brides shirt go together perfectly.
Tada! (Back view)
I think it turned out perfectly and I cannot wait to wear it!
Me and me my family babysit a little, 6 year old girl, names Emily. At least once every week. She is my little buddy and absolutely loved my tutu sooooooooo I made her one! (Emily is the adorable little girl photo bombing with my little sister Mikayla in the background)
See? Matching tutus! I made her with ribbon so it has a cute little bow in the back. We now have dance parties to Disney music in our tutus when we watch her.
Other than my working, training hard and working on my costume. Not much has been happening in life, except for, of course, the one thing that never changes. MUSIC!
As most of you know, I absolutely love music and discovering new musicians and bands. I haven't done a post in a while. Since i just discovered an amazing new band, I figure it's the perfect time to do one!
The amazing new band I am IN LOVE with is...... Volbeat. Some of you may have heard of them, some may not. They are a really cool Dannish rock band. I love rock music, including heavy metal rock, which is not for everyone. But these awesome guys are more like "regular" rock with a slight metal twist. Kind of like Metallica or Dropkick Murphys. I hope all of you know who at least Metallica is, Dropkick Murphys are a little lesser known.
I really love Volbeat. The lead singer's voice is something you aren't totally expecting. His voice sounds slightly like Daughtry. Has a distinctive sound, but is absolutely beautiful.
My absolute favorite song by Volbeat is Lol Montez. It's a super catchy, dance-able song, that you can rock out to.
<----This is a lyric video of Lola Montez, go take a listen.
Their other song that I really like is Heaven Nor Hell
<----Again, a video for Heaven Nor Hell
These guys are really great, and they have a lot of different songs that sound way different, but the same too. They have a lot of different genres and other bands and musicians that influence them, and even sneak some Danish in their middle of a song or two.
I know that this kind of music isn't for everyone, and I personally love all kinds of music. But I ask anyone who is willing to give a listen to these songs, even if it's 20 seconds. And to listen to them with open ears and an open mind. That is one of my biggest pet peeves, when people dis other music. I don't mind people saying that they don't like rock or metal or country, whatever it may be. But you do not get to degrade it just because you don't like it. For someone out there that kind of music, or that special band or musician is their saving grace. Something that is always there for them no matter what, something that never changes. And as one of those people, I ask you to keep all negative comments to yourself. Whether your talking to me or anyone else. It's perfectly fine to say that you don't like a genre or band, and to have a discussion about why, that is you opinion, but never, ever, ever, degrade someone for listening to a certain kind of music or band. And that is my little speech of the post. (I apologize for ranting a tad bit, I see people do this all of the time and it drives me insane).
And there you have it. My life as of late. Hope you all enjoyed and if you ever want to talk music or get some music suggestions, or anything else, I am the girl for you! ;)
Lots of Love,
Shelby Morey xoxo
