This morning I escaped and enjoyed a solo gravel trail run… my birthday run. While on the run I had some time to think and reflect upon my 34th year of life. Today I am 35. I thought it would be fun to reflect upon my 34th year. I may be getting older… but I am finding that life is much more fun and interesting with each passing day.
It was a cool, crisp and sunshine filled morning. I wasn’t planning on being out for a long run, so I decided to head to a new-to-me trail to explore and run. I enjoyed the comfortable and steady pace of running the gravel trail near the lake. It was peaceful and calm.
I loved not having an agenda with my run… but running purely for the love of running. Today is my birthday. I am 35. I am so thankful and blessed that I am able to run. I may not be the fastest or slowest at my craft… but I am very thankful that I am able to do what I love.
Thankfully, the only critter I saw on the trail during my run was this shy box turtle. We had a staring contest for a few minutes. I won. We separated and went our own ways on the trail.
It was a beautiful morning to go for a run. I could have run longer, but I was on a tight schedule. I had the morning free… yay 3 kid-free hours. It was spent running errands, quick trail run, and doing a Daily Burn workout.
While on my run I reflected upon my 34th year on this earth. I had a great year filled with some amazing memories, travels, and adventures. I thought it would be fun to share them with you too.
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I homeschooled the three boys, three different levels and lessons for the first half of the school year.
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I solo parented 75% of the time from September – December.
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The boys and I hiked and explored the Consumes River Nature Preserve many times.
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Our family camped and hiked Tahoe multiple times.
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The boys and I hiked and explored San Francisco a handful of times.
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Our family hiked, camped and explored Big Basin (camped under the redwoods).
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Our family hiked, camped and explored Yosemite National Park.
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Our family hiked Indian Grinding Rock.
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The boys and I hiked Hidden Falls Regional Park.
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Our family enjoyed exploring the Pacific Northwest., and learned the value of making hotel reservations on road trips!
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We explored, hiked, and enjoyed Bainbridge Island.
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I went SUP in the Puget Sound.
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We enjoyed country living in Port Angeles: milking goats, riding goats, hanging with cousins and more!
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We enjoyed hiking and exploring Tide Pools along the Oregon and Washington coasts.
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Our family spent a busy day exploring Seattle… and taking a ferry!
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We explored, hiked, and enjoyed Apple Hill.
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I took the boys to Six Flags Vallejo.
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I ran my first mud run with girlfriends.
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I ran my first color run with girlfriends.
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Our family ran our first 5K race together!
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I ran the ZOOMA Napa Valley half marathon.
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I ran the Sacramento Women’s Festival half marathon.
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I ran the San Jose Rock N Roll half marathon.
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My husband got baptized!! (this isn’t something about me… but it was pretty epic).
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I became a brand ambassador for some amazing companies that I love!
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I taught my Precious P how to read (oh the struggle and drama).
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We spent Christmas in Coos Bay, OR.
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Our family returned to everyday schooling in 2015. We love it. Yet it has been an adjustment.
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We moved cross country from Sacramento to Kansas City.
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I have seen my side of the family MORE in the last 3 months than I have in the last 3 years!
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I ran in snow for the first time in 10+ years!
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I watched as my heart exploded with joy as my boys went sledding, threw snow balls and built their first snow man… ever!
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I ran my third full marathon (the Boston marathon!).
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I fell in love with trail running all over again.
I am looking forward to the many adventures, memories, and exciting lessons that will happen the coming year. Today I am 35… and feel great! Thanks for following along with me on my many adventures… as I run through life one day at a time!
Jill Will Run says
Happy Birthday! It sounds like 34 was a good year and I’m sure 35 will be a great one too!
Corrina says
Happy Birthday! Birthday runs are the best 🙂 You’ve had a busy year and so productive! May 35 be even better!
AJ @ NutriFitMama says
Happy birthday! Sounds like you have had a great year- so many amazing things. I hope you have a wonderful year this year as well 🙂
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! I think 35 is going to be your best year yet, though 34 seems like it was pretty great and filled with adventures!
Ange @ Cowgirl Runs says
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
What an amazing year 34 was for you! I hope 35 brings more happiness and blessings 🙂
Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club says
Happy birthday. Looks like you had a great run and a great time to reflect. Being 10 years older than you I can remember being 35…….that was a great year. 🙂 That’s when I started running.
Artney @ My Pretty Brown says
Happy Birthday!!! I just turned 35 in April too! I started my “birthday run” tradition 3 years ago. It’s a great way to celebrate life! Congratulations to your husband (#24)! That’s a very proud moment worthy of celebrating! Seems like you had a great year! Wishing you all the best in this new year and may blessings overtake you!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
Hope you had a great birthday! Escaping by yourself is always a nice present isn’t it?
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
Happy Birthday! It sounds like you had a great 34th year. Here’s to an even better 35th year!
Kate @KateMovingForward says
It looks like you had an amazing, active year! I love how much hiking you have done this year, that is so cool!
Bri says
What a great way to spend the day — I always try to run on my birthday! Happy birthday!
Shay @ Whine Less, Breathe More says
Happy, Happy Birthday!
Sandra Laflamme says
Sounds like a pretty amazing 34th year!!! Happy birthday and cheers to many more amazing years of adventure!
Safari @ Tri-ing To Run Boston says
HaPpY (belated) BIRTHDAY!!! Sounds like you had an AMAZING year!!! You are super awesome for homeschooling THREE children..I can’t imagine homeschooling ONE!! Well…I did homeschool my oldest son his freshman year of HS but the computer did all the work. 🙂 Congrats on running Boston!!! That is my Ultimate running goal…I try not to get discouraged but the more I look at my pace the more laughable it seems. :-\
Stephanie (@FitMomTraining) says
That’s a pretty awesome (And FULL) year! Happy birthday friend! Here’s to the next 35 🙂