It's a Success

So this crazy girl talked me into doing the hardest thing I've ever done: complete 13.1 miles. Our goal: cross that finish line together even if we have to drag the other over it.

 

I can't say that I stuck to my training plan or even half of the training plan, but I crossed that finish line with my best friend by my side. It was the Disney Princess Half Marathon and it was the most exciting race I have completed so far. The atmosphere is electric and tutus are everywhere.

At mile 6... See we are still smiling.

At the starting line, I couldn't get my music to work (note to self for the next one: make your playlist BEFORE being surrounded by a bazillion people on the phone network). Panic set in. I've never run without music. My fingers frantically click at the screen, trying every app and music storage I have downloaded, and nothing worked. My best friend took one look at my wide-eyes and slightly-sweaty-from-the-panic-and-humidity brow and yanked her headphones out. She talked me through the first half of the race, keeping my mind off of my struggling muscles. 

At mile nine, I felt like I was dying. And again at 10. By the time 12 came around,

I was next to hysterical, running on fumes and cheerleading not only BF's feet but mine to keep moving as well. All I can think that if I stop moving and I'm not going to finish.

"Oh my God, I see the finish" faces

 

 

In the end, we crossed the finish line and my best friend of 15 years gave me my medal. A sense of invincibility hits you, followed quickly by utter exhaustion, which we quickly countered with a trip to Universal. 

Moral of this story: try because you may surprise yourself. I'm applying this mentality to my writing now as well. I keep stopping because I am afraid of not succeeding, but I can at least try.

Side note: We also got to see these crazy kids cross the finish at the Disney Princess 10K... One of whom it was her first race ever. She also just signed up for the Peachtree Road Race 10K. Looks like we have a runner. ;)

eBooks and Audiobooks: Not So Bad

I have to admit that I was an adamant (albeit annoying) about my feelings toward eBooks and Audiobooks. There is something about holding the book in your hands, the smell of paper and ink wafting around you as you sip hot tea. It's serenity found in every location, whether a coffee shop, park bench or curled up on the couch. These aesthetics do not translate from a screen. 

As of late though, I am finding less and less time to make time for reading, making eBooks and Audiobooks viable options for once. I've listened to the likes of Tina Fey and Chelsea Handler reading their own books to an in-depth history of Catherine the Great and touching Heaven is for Real.  I miss the smell of books, but I just miss stories more, so I'll just have to miss the tactile aspect in return to actually finishing novels. Next on the docket is to finish Game of Thrones and start Insurgent on my Kindle. Thank God for technology. 

Changing the Name of a Character

I am struggling with the name of one of the main characters/love interest in my story Chasing Katharine. His name is currently Andrew, and it feels hollow, like it somehow doesn't fit him anymore. I envision him differently now compared to when I first came up with the name years ago. He is kind, smart, and honorable, as any good knight should be.

Names I am considering (note the n-endings):
Ian
Ethan
Loren
Owen

I'm not sold on the names; I just know it can't stay Andrew...