Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...

It's about getting out there and running in the rain!

Freezing rain, that's what.

Rain that doesn't stop pouring

Or curling your hair into a fro

Well ma'ams and sirs, it happened...

I ran my first freakin' half marathon.

Oh baby it was an adventure

I loved it!

But let me tell you, it was eaarrrrly

Getting up at 4:45 isn't my kinda thing

My dad picked me up and we sped to the tracks station.

Everyone and their dog (literally, let me tell you in a sec) was on there.

But what's better than meeting new people? 

Once we almost reached our starting point, we stopped

And the girl next to me gasped

There was a huge line of K9 dogs to greet us

The people were were standing filed out and the dog came in with the police officer

We were all silent because we knew, but we were grateful for the extra security.

The dog was actually really cute. She couldn't leave one lady's bag alone, but the lady started to nervously laugh as she said it was only a banana that the lab was wanting.

The officer was nice too as he let out a small laugh and said she loved bananas...

The officer and his lab left and everyone else came back on as we went to the starting point.

We got off the train, and were a little disappointed to find out it was raining.

The helicopters hovered above as well, and it took us a moment to realize it wasn't just the news crew.

We loaded our bags off to be sent to the finish line, used quick restroom breaks, drank some water.

And before I knew it, Sweet Caroline started to play near the starting point before the moment of silence.

The countdown began, and my new friend Leah from the train and I took off.

It didn't stop raining.

Mile 1, then 2, then stretched, and then the miles continued with water and Powerade at every stop.

Long story short, the miles continued, it didn't stop raining, but it felt surprisingly wonderful!

There was support everywhere we went! 

Kids gave us low-5s as we passed.

Cheers and cowbells came from the watchers as we cheered back.

And these posters cracked me up.

Not to mention many showed their love for those in Boston

We all felt cray. We felt wonderful. It was an experience we will never forget. Everyone went at their own pace. Some walked after some time, but I was one of them who couldn't stop. It was a mental fight for all as hips, knees, and calves wanted to give in after some time. I lost track of people and caught up with them later on. It felt great supporting each other. Also, there's something about rain that gives an extra boost to a natural high, and nothing could beat the feeling of crossing the finish line!

Afterward, there was a large feast of food everywhere for everyone to enjoy. Trader Joe's food, Jimmy John's,  fruit, veggies, chips, cookies, yogurt, meat, cheese...you name it. It was my kind of paradise. I never realized how cold it was until after the run as my knees were screaming, but we were all in the same boat and we still felt good for getting past the finish line.

Who doesn't want to be like Kandi when they grow up? She raised money for cancer and ran for Tyler. This was her third half marathon for this year!

And yes, it was freezing! My lips were blue and I could not stop shivering! Hugs were welcome. Almost nothing could feel as glorious as the hot shower when I came home.

 Well folks, there's a summary of yesterday. I can't wait for my next half, whenever that will be :)

Final project for sewing class: finished!

That darn final project for my sewing class is finished!

Oh man, I won't even tell you how many mistakes I made in the class

Or how many questions I asked

Well, anywho, I wouldn't have even attempted to keep count!

But once the practical and written finals are over for the class, I will be fully glad I took this class!

Here's a pic of the skirt I just finished today

New mission skirt? I'd say yes!

My Hate/Love Relationship

I woke up this morning, feeling the busload of soreness.

Again.

And it's starting to hit...

Half Marathon...in a week?

How did this happen?

Run, weights the next day

Run, weights again

Sit ups. Push ups. Planks. Feeling like a fool with free weights at the weight room.

Run

Run

Yeah...That's been about it

But at the same time, it's been more than that

It's the pounding of my feet against the sidewalk

Feeling my stomach plummet while seeing the top of the hill miles away

My muscles screaming

The sensation of a corset wrapped around my lungs

Reminding myself to breathe properly.

Going into limbo around mile 7

Skipping through songs that I'm sick of on my Ipod

The looks of faces when I need a sudden restroom break and hurry into some random cafe.

Yeah.

Yet again

It's reaching the top of the hill, seeing over the whole valley

Or finally seeing the temple, while being at eye-level with the Angel Moroni Statue

Or jogging across a trail at the top of a hill, seeing my high school across the valley at the top of another gigungus hill.

Where I just ran from.

Feeling the adrenaline while going down the hill

Knowing my lungs are working hard

Seeing the 10.5 mark on my Nike app at the end.

Becoming stronger

I remind myself I run because I can

And it gets me going.

Because I think of those with CF literally fighting each day.

I don't understand how some can live and depend on their O2.

Or find themselves again and again in a hospital room for weeks.

It could be me sometime down the road, but let's hope not.

As for now, I'm just going to embrace what I can do and enjoy the ride.

It's a love/hate relationship.

Pre-Mission Bucket List

Pre-Mission Bucket List

Here are a few things I am aiming to do before I leave for the mish for 18 months, and not all are in a particular order:

1. [ ] Finish this semester and finals and do well on them. I didn't realize how much of a struggle this can be! Focus, Rachel, focus. There's only about a week and a half left!

2. [ ] This includes finishing my final project--a new mission skirt (almost done! Pics will come soon :) )

 3. [ ] And finishing this semester also includes studying more into missionary work in my New Testament class. If any of you

don't know much about Paul, study about him!! His lessons taught and example are powerful!

4. [ ] Cross the finish line at the Salt Lake Half Marathon. One more week baby!

5. [ ] Write a thank you letter for my scholarship that I received again for the school year.

6. [ ] Go through the temple to receive my endowment.(And once I go through, attend weekly.)

7. [ ] Finish the Book of Mormon again.

8. [ ]Go Swimming a few times.

9. [ ]Go hiking a few times (Tymp Cave? I hope so! Maybe even Mt. Olympus?)

10. [ ] Finish the T-Shirt quilt I'm attempting to make with all my good ol' BHS shirts. I'm not expecting it to look any bit professional, but hey, I'll have it when I get back.

11. [ ] Run the Great Strides walk/run, as well as Millie's Princess run again. (More info here and here .)

12. [ ] Stay in touch with friends, which includes writing letters to those on missions.

13. [ ] Go on movie dates with my bro Brandon, since they will be free and we can get a good share ;)

14. [ ] Go to the Zoo.

15. [ ] Go to a baseball game.

16. [ ] Go to Disneyland with the fam! I caaaaaan't wait. (There will be another to do list for that.)

17. [ ] Catch up a little on my American history so I won't look like a complete fool.

18. [ ] Leave with no regrets. :)

Footprints in the Sand

Lately I've been thinking a little bit about the mission. As mentioned, and will be mentioned many times, I am thrilled. I am curious. I am amazed.

My mama called the mission home today with some concerns about my insurance records getting transferred, my mission president knowing about CF, and all that jazz. The person over the phone told her everything--how I already have a mission Dr, who is over 10 missions, but is always available if I need help right away, as well as making appointments with my CF doc or setting up, if needed, hospitalizations.

On top of that, there are several people with CF going to Boston for a mission (say whaaaa??) I know, crazy! But they even make strong precautions to make sure we're not in the same zone or anywhere near each other during transfers to avoid any spread of harmful infections or illnesses.

They also said Boston is where a lot of missionaries with health issues get sent to since they have some of the best medical care (did I mention one of the hospitals there with a CF clinic was ranked number one in the nation last year?) There are even 2 with brain tumors who will be serving in Boston soon. I don't know their names, and even if I did, I wouldn't reveal their information in respect to their personal privacy.

This made me think a little bit more. It amazes me to know we are not alone and there are no coincidences. There are many out there with "Invisible Illnesses," but there is help readily available. These mission leaders care. There are many like my future mission Dr. and nurse who are on missions themselves to take care of and serve those who are going forth to bring the world his truth. I realized we are all a team to build each other up. They serving missionaries by providing them care and making sure their needs are met by all costs.

It also amazes me to see people's dedication and willingness to serve. I don't know who these people are and there are many who may have an invisible illness besides myself, but their bravery amazes me and inspires me to do better and work harder. Although I have Cystic Fibrosis, I know I'm not the only one who has challenges, and that our Heavenly Father is there for each of us during our trials. It brings so much hope to know we will never be let go or left alone. This mission may have a few challenges, but I will say this now and probably many times from now on, I know I'll be in good hands.  :)

Thinking about the trials I have faced, face, or may have to face later on reminds me of this poem:

And I just couldn't resist posting a picture of the stunning temple