The Best Run Ever (Proposal Story Part 1)

First of all, thank you EVERYONE for all of your sweet words. This insane outpouring of love the past few days has been SO overwhelming. Honestly, I have the greatest friends & family in the entire world. (Even those of you who have been nagging me to hurry up and blog my version of the story. You know who you are!)

So let’s start from the beginning. As you guys saw, my best friend Allison stayed at my house on Wednesday evening. After the push ups, and the very sneaky intentional nail painting party, we went to bed way later than I’d planned. The next day Allison told me she had to meet clients for a photo shoot down in the stockyards, so she was just planning on bumming around my house the day so she would be close to her shoot. Since she was right down the street, we met up for my lunch break.

Let’s back track for a second. Remember when Taylor told me he wanted to start running with me on Thursdays? Well, I have good news and bad news. Good news is – WE’RE ENGAGED. Bad news is, the only reason he’s been running with me is so that when he finally proposed, it wouldn’t be weird or out of the norm for us to go on a run. 

Back to lunch. I was at lunch with Allison when Taylor texted me and told me he’d be stuck a little late at work for a meeting, so he’d be late coming over to my house. He also reminded me that we were going to run in Trinity Park that night, so we could go out to eat at Chuy’s afterwards (something I’d completely forgotten). Well after a while, I decided I didn’t really want to wait on Taylor, so I texted him and told him I was going try to squeeze in a couple miles of speedwork before he came over. But he made me feel bad and convinced me to wait for him to run. (I now know it was so I wouldn’t be a sweaty disgusting hideous MESS for his proposal. He’s sweet like that.)

 So after work, I raced back to my house so that I could hang out with Allison for a little while before she had to leave for her shoot. I made her my famous/delicious smoothie, and she nonchalantly tried to talk me into wearing cuter running clothes. I basically told her to SHOVE IT because my cowtown shirt was my favorite and I was just going to be sweating my ass off anyways. We hung out for a while and then she had to leave to go to her photoshoot. I politely asked her to cancel and just hang out with me for some Chuy’s chips and salsa and she responded with something about her career, livelihood and responsibility, yada yada. I don’t really know I tuned her out. :)

Once Allison left, I caught up on blogs, and I texted Taylor telling him I was bored and ready for him to hurry up and get to my house.

He finally got to my house around 6:45. He was acting a little funny, getting a bunch of phone calls and not answering them, but I was pretty distracted by the sound of my own voice so I didn’t think much of it. We pulled up to Trinity Park and he kept saying “I’ll lead the way, let me lead the way.” Now y’all, I love Taylor. I love him more than anything in the whole entire world, but the man is not fast. Him “leading the way,” is pretty much unheard of. So I just thought he was being a smart ass. So, we started off on our “run.”

I kept trying to get in front of him, and he kept cutting me off! Annoying. Which is what I’m pretty sure I called him two seconds before I saw this:

Don't worry this picture wasn't taken until afterwards.

Even though I really was convinced that this wouldn’t be happening for at least another year, the minute I saw that first sign, I knew what was happening. And I started freaking out. Like near-hyperventilating freaking out.

After the first sign, Taylor took my hand and walked me through five more trees, each with a giant picture symbolic of a special time or event in our relationship. As we walked, Taylor explained the story or meaning behind each photo.

The first was a rubiks cube, which symbolizes the long, hilarious story of how we met.

The second was a picture of us on a pier in Pensacola, Florida, where he told me he loved me for the first time.

The third was a picture of us from the first time we went "hunting" together. It was the first time I shot a gun, so obviously it was very sentimental for him :)

The fourth was a picture of us at one of Taylor’s college baseball games. Taylor played baseball all four  years of school. He explained that this picture reminded him how I was always there at every game  supporting him and cheering him on.  

The last picture was one of us from our trip to Colorado this summer. He said that it was our first “solo  trip” just me and him, and he hoped it was one of many more to come. 

We continued walking, and I noticed we were walking towards a bridge. It’s funny, because I run these  trails all the time, at least every weekend, and I’ve never once noticed this adorable bridge. Now I will  always notice it.  

As we walked onto the bridge, I’m pretty sure I was shaking. I was so nervous and excited. He turned me  towards him. 

  

He told me the sweetest things, and had me on the verge of tears when he said, “I have one more sign for you.” I  turned to look up and there on the bridge of Lancaster street were his two best friends and roommates  were holding a sign that said “Will you marry me?” 

  

So I told him I'd think about it.

KIDDING. I said hell yes I'll marry you!

  

And then his partners in crime showed up. 

With the sign :)

This thing is BEAUTIFUL.

And then it was best friend time :)

Allison, I am so beyond grateful that you were a part of this. I will never be able to thank you enough for  being there to capture the joy of the moment, but more importantly, to celebrate with us. Love you  MORE than you could know.  

LOVE him to death!

Y'ALL. We're getting MARRIED!

 Check back tomorrow for part two! 

LOVE&HUGS,

Nat

Update: You can find part 2 here!

I can't stop smiling

We are engaged!

 Words cannot describe the happiness and love I am feeling right now! I'll be posting the full story soon, but for now you can check out the recap and amazing pictures over here at Allison Jean Photo!

LOVE&HUGS,

Nat

Enchiladas & filming your best friend doing push ups is totally normal

She's here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry I just really really really like her.

But first...LUNCH.

The name of the game for this week is "see who can eat the most food." I am winning.

And then Tater texted me and confirmed that we are in fact food soulmates cause he had Pei Wei for lunch too. 

Around 4, the excited/anxious/mostly ridiculous BFF texting began.

5:01 came and I rushed out the door and headed home to meet the roomie to begin cooking a super delicious and not at all healthy at all (unless you consider ranch dressing and shredded cheese to be two major food groups) dinner.

I know it doesn't look like I contributed but I swear I did. 

Sometimes when dinner is cooking I get really anxious and excited and I just camp out in front of the oven and watch it cook. 

After what seemed like 97 hours of waiting, out came the most delicious chicken ranch enchiladas that have ever been prepared in our happy little kitchen. I mean they are the only chicken ranch enchiladas that have ever been prepared in our kitchen...but still - AMAZE BALLS USA.

Couple it with black beans, corn, and some Chipotle guacamole? PER-FREAKING-FECTION! 

 

Then after dinner, I decided to do some pushups to make myself feel slightly less guilty about the quarter pound of cheese I will still be digesting 8 days from now. And then Allison thought that sounded like a good idea too. Which was kindove amazing.

And the rest of the evening will consist of this + HIMYM + serious slumber partying. And tomorrow morning I will have to convince my body that it is only Thursday and not Saturday.

LOVE&HUGS,

Nat

I really should've known

I just washed my car so I really should've known that in less than 48 hours it would be POURING rain.

Okay you can't tell but it was totally pouring in this picture. Way to go Iphone camera. 

Just before the storm rolled in I got in a really fun 6 mile treadmill run. There was one slightly dramatic moment where I tried to grab my water bottle and take a sip while simultaneously sprinting which resulted in an over the top choking scene, but other than that - GREAT run. 

Wanna know what else was great? Lunch.

There's something really sweet and comforting about the way your co-workers come to know you and the things that you hold really near and dear to your heart.

Yep, you read that right. Outlook calendar reminder for Red Robin grand opening. I will be there, BIG purse in hand, ready to stuff that sucker full of bottomless steak fries. A to-go box would also work. 

After the gym I headed home to eat some leftover veggies from last night's dinner and then had a protein shake because I forgot to thaw chicken and I am far too lazy to wait for that nonsense. And OMG Y'ALL. I am blogging and simultaneously watching/listening to New Girl on Netflix and I just laughed so hard that I almost peed on the kitchen chair so please watch this so you can laugh with me. (And yes, that is me snorting laughter in the last 2 seconds of the video.)

This really is the greatest show on television. 

Anyways, when I got home tonight I did some 8 minute arms and 8 minute abs. My least favorite part about this video is at the beginning when homeboy tries to convince me that we are about to do 9 "safe and FUN exercises!" Um, NO. I call your bluff man in spandex. 

Best news of all: T-minus 24 hours until BFFs unite again! It has been almost an entire month since our last hang out sesh. Something about her being all busy with her traveling photography "career" nonsense ;) 

Whatever really. All I know is that there will be lots of talking, chocolate, and most definitely wine. CAN.NOT.WAIT!

LOVE&HUGS,

Nat

McMuffins, Katy Perry, and a ridiculously hot run.

First things first. I have officially perfected my homemade version of a McMuffin. It wasn't easy. It took serious research of the bowl to english muffin size ratio, but I did it,  and it is DELICIOUS. So obviously I had to take a picture of myself eating it. 

I am better than McDonald's. Also poorer.

So Monday was off to a good start. 

And then the roommate texted me with the INCREDIBLE news about Katy Perry's new song. And y'all know how I feel about Katy Perry. Major fan girl freakout over here. 

It's kindove amazing. 

 So something came over me this afternoon while I was at work and I thought, 

"Hey, I think I'm gonna skip the treadmill. I want to be one with nature. I want to run outside tonight."

Fantastic idea.

All it took was the thirty second walk through the parking lot to my car to make me realize this was probably the dumbest idea I've ever had. But I'd already committed to it.

I came home, cut up some vegetables for dinner, and tried to pump myself up for my run. 

That wasn't super effective...

Soooo off I went. What was supposed to be four miles quickly turned into three and at one point I really thought I was going to die. 

She's sweet.

And I also thought I was hallucinating when I finally reached three miles and saw the most beautiful sight a panting thirsty runner could see...

A dirty outdoor fountain with 85 degree water! Hallelujah! 

And then I called it quits

Do I care that I cut my run short by a mile? 

Um, NO. Not even sort of. I am thrilled that I made it home alive. THRILLED.

Yes, this is my thrilled face.

So anyways. I haven't mentioned it in awhile, but in two weeks (from yesterday) I'll be running the Hottest Half Marathon! To be honest, in the midst of all this busy-ness I'd kindove forgotten about this race. But after a good positive run this weekend, I'm actually getting really excited for it! This will be my second half marathon, and my goals for this race are way way way more laid back than they were for the first one. I haven't been training as hard, I'm coming off of an injury, and the temperature is approximately 60 degrees warmer than it was for the last half. All this to say - it's going to be slow. But I'm really really REALLY excited to have another half under my belt in the upcoming future. The race is in Dallas, and there's also a 10k, so if anyone is interested, come out and cheer, or even better, come out and run! :)

LOVE&HUGS,

Nat

Let's be honest

Not to be confused with lesbehonest...

 

(If you haven't seen Pitch Perfect, RUN, don't walk to a RedBox or Blockbuster or Walmart or WHATEVER and watch it right now! And then we can resume our friendship.)

Hi everybody! First things first - it is FLIPPIN HOT.

(Proof just in case you thought I was kidding.)

 I kindove hate August because it seems like every year around this time I start to go crazy and feel like there is no end in sight for this ridiculous heat that has me sweating around the clock. Not only is it super attractive, it also makes running approximately 17 times more difficult. 

Speaking of running, this is where the "let's be honest" part comes into play. Running this summer has been HARD. Hard because of the heat, hard because of my lack of motivation, and lately, hard because of a minor injury. 

A couple weekends ago, I headed out for a ten miler with the running club group. About two miles in, I began having a sharp/stabbing/shooting pain on the outside of my left knee. I fought it for eight miles until it got to the point where I almost fell over. I had to walk the last two miles. As I limped back, with about a million thoughts racing through my mind, I had an emotional breakdown. I cried and cried and cried. Not necessarily because it hurt (oh, but it did) but because for the first time EVER, I wasn't physically able to run. The drama queen in me came out, and as I cried I started panicking at the thought of having to stop marathon training, or worse having to stop running altogether. My favorite thing in the entire world. My pace group was super sweet, helpful, and sympathetic. After I described to them what I was feeling, the general consensus was that it sounded like something they were all pretty familiar with - IT band issues. 

So I came home, cried a little bit more, googled, iced, stretched, foam rolled, and didn't run for five days. Then Taylor and I went on a run date (those are a weekly thing now!). I took it easy, and my knee felt a little sore, but nothing like the pain I'd felt before.

I still decided to go to the doctor, who gave me an x-ray and confirmed there were no fractures (hallelujah) but that I did have IT band issues and just a whole mess of little problems with my left leg, and also figured out that I underpronate. Which means my outer knee pain, and the fact that I've previously had issues with inner shin splints make perfect sense. After hearing all that, I decided not to push it, and that it would probably be best to skip out on the eleven mile training run, and rest up. I think that was the best decision I could've made. This week, I was able to get in a really good, solid six mile treadmill run that had me feeling like things were finally getting back to normal.

But still, I was a little nervous for this weekend's long run. It was a pull back run, so we only went 9 miles, but I was secretly terrified that I'd start feeling the same pain. But luckily, I didn't. I had a pain-free 9 mile run, and I really feel like I am back in the marathon training game!

So here are my thoughts: I can't believe how ridiculously useless I felt not being able to run like I normally do. I read all the time about people having injuries, but I would've never imagined it would affect me in the way that it did. 

Running has changed my life. I knew that before, but I can honestly say it has never felt more true. Running is the constant that makes everything else seem a little easier. I feel so blessed to have found something that makes me feel so alive.

But enough of that. Let's move onto lighter subjects. How about some non-running related tidbits?

I can't get enough guacamole. Good news is neither can Taylor. 

I have officially developed strong strong feelings for Macklemore. Like lyrics playing in my head all day long and also creeping their way into my dreams type of strong.

Almonds. Almonds. Almonds. All day every day.

Want to know how to kick-start an awesome weekend? Jet out of work at 4:59 on Friday and head straight for a "I totally deserve this" pedicure and glass of wine with your awesome co-workers!

Is it sort of creepy that I took a picture of  man rubbing my legs? Mmm...probably. But it was AWESOME.

New YORK!

We are just a little bit excited. Every time Empire State of Mind comes on the radio I have send her videos like this...(please don't laugh at my "sing while simultaneously popping donut holes into my mouth" dance.)

Luckily she does pretty much the exact same thing. Minus the dancing.

Another honest moment - I have no idea what I'm going to do with my Mondays now that the Bachelorette is over! Except maybe count down the days until I get to watch Juan Pablo as the new Bachelor. 

Um, yes. Just YES. 

I'm racking my brain really hard to try and come up with a good way to convince Taylor that I should  probably audition. I'm thinking my opening line will be, "So I think what would be best for our relationship right now would be for me to take off a few months of work and travel to various tropical locations with an exotic Latino man." Thoughts? Yeah...it's still a work in progress. 

LOVE&HUGS,

Nat