I ran a 25k. That’s 15.53 miles.

And I ran it fast as the wind.

I can’t even believe I did that!!!!!!!!!!!

I can’t believe my legs could carry me for 15.53 miles.

I can’t believe that I kept up a 9:20 mile pace for that long when that’s the farthest I’ve ever ran and the quickest I ever did in training on long runs was a 10 minute mile pace.

I can’t believe that I trained for it in the year that my life felt like it was falling apart.

I ran a half marathon in Santiago, many many moons ago, right before I got hit by a car.

The start time of the half in Santiago got pushed back by an hour so it ended up being horrendously hot out. There weren’t a ton of water stations and at the stations there weren’t enough volunteers so you’d often have to stop and wait for other runners to get their cups first before you could have a drink. There were barely any spectators aside from those at the finish line. The last couple of miles was on a road that wasn’t shut down for the marathon, only half of the street was closed. So you were running alongside a horrible traffic jam, breathing in the fumes.

This 25k, the Grand Rapids River Bank Run, was incredible. Seriously, cheers to the organizers. There were so many spectators! Cheerleaders from various high schools along the way, groups of girls scouts, boy scouts, whatever. They were spread out too, so the density of the crowd was pretty even along the way. We had a perfect grey, cloudy, cold day. There was water and gator every mile and more than enough volunteers handing out cups so you never got stuck in a runner’s traffic jam. They had oranges along the way as well if you need a food boost. Your results were available instantly when you finished, by scanning the QR code on your race bib.

Everything was so nice and fancy pants that it made me feel like the Santiago half marathon had been some kind of Inca trail run in comparison.

When I reached the finish line I had such an intense sense of, “I can do anything!” As soon as I was crossed it, I burst into tears. For some reason, completing that race made me really emotional. I haven’t felt like myself for so much of the past 12 months, and in that moment I did again.

Granted, the euphoria ran off pretty damn quick — as soon as I stopped running and started walking my legs cramped up and told me they didn’t want me to move them for the next 4 days. Then I went to the watermelon table and ate and ate and ate watermelon until my stomach felt like it was going to burst. My mom did the run with me and came in shortly afterwards (hell yeah, she’s in her 50′s and she just ran a 25k and she did it with a great time too!). We were so excited and proud just to have finished. Then we found out our times and realized we’d both done it so much faster than we’d expected that we were over the moon.

With the cool weather, the flat course and the shots of gatorade every mile, it really was the perfect storm of good running conditions. I don’t know that I’ll ever run that fast again. But, my mom and I are still celebrating our victories. We continued hugging each other every day afterwards and commenting, “I can’t believe we did it!”

I’m so proud of us. And excited because it made me realize that physically, and mentally, I’m capable of more than I’d thought. Next up…half marathon in Scotland!

A. Vibrant

B. Scary smart

C. Beautiful

D. Hilarious

E. Charismatic

F. Amazing

G. All of the above.

I was friends with Anya in Chile. We knew we liked each other, but I don’t think we realized how much until well after she’d left the country. This little reunion in Chicago was INCREDIBLE. We laughed. Pictures were taken. Fun was had. We re-kindled our flame, so to speak.

So stunning.

Looooove this shot!

Tinest tiny people shot EVER! We win!!!

Last year, after visiting 12 different countries in approximately 6 months, I decided that this year I’d slow down on traveling. I tried to plan out three months of travel. Which was then extended to four. Then I booked a few more weddings and now I’ll be going back to Chile the month of August and then traveling again for two months. Oops. How did that happen?! I’m going to be on the road for 6 months again this year!

This trip started off with a visit to my daddy’s house in Florida.

I did a lot of running and TRX training and I finally got to meet the hilarious Mica of Kaypacha Travels. She’s amaaaaazing! Highlight of this city: Daniel’s face when he saw my first ever college roomie, Jeannette, walking down the aisle.

After that, I headed to Vegas for my second ever college roommies wedding! I was a bridesmaid for Joy and it was So.Much.FUN.

Highlight of this city: splurging on an evening of some of the best bubbly I’ve ever tasted while catching up two of my favorite people in the entire world whom I hadn’t seen in a million bajillion years.

After that, I flew to Michigan, where I’ve been hanging out with my mom and enjoying quality time with my niece and the rest of my family. Highlight of this city: Moral support all around from Kayley and Mae, whom I love and adore with all my heart.

After Michigan, came Vancouver. What can I say? The trip started out right! On my flight from LAX to YVR the flight attendant brought me the whole bottle of bubbly, instead of just a glass, when I told her I was getting a divorce.

I was there for a photo conference and I don’t even know how to describe the fun that was had. Getting ready in a house with Nessa, Sara and Heather every day was my FAVORITE. Ryan, Dylan and Sam just laughed while we’d spend hours sharing lipstick and telling each other, “You’re pretty.” “No YOU’RE PRETTY.” “No YOU are!” “awww, I love you.” I love YOU. SO much.” Lovefest, all around.

I’ve known these beautiful ladies online for so long. From left to right: Me, Sara, Heather, Xanthe, Bec, Nessa and Mary.

Highlight of this city: Epic dance party. Photographers get DOWN.

I drove to Seattle with two of these amazing women. I was so inspired by them. Their company was good for my soul.

Now I’m in Milwaukee. I’m here to photograph a photographer friend (Andy) and his wife. And so far I’ve met up with one of my best friends from college, saw two friends/former clients and their beautiful baby, and get to have dinner with another online buddy before I go! Highlight of this city (so far): Hot date with a hot pilot

Next up: New York City, London, Edinburgh, Iceland, Las Vegas (again) and Florida (again). I’m always always happy to try and connect, but try is the operative word of this sentence. I am one human being who happens to have 3,000 contacts on Facebook. In Milwaukee alone, I’ve had every single meal (breakfast lunch dinner, breakfast lunch dinner) accounted for with social commitments. And that’s in Milwaukee! Places like NYC and London, there are so many friends there that I honestly can’t even try to catch up with everyone. I don’t have enough time (not to mention money!) to grab a bite/drinks/coffee with everyone that writes me and I’m SORRY. It makes me feel bad, but I also hate that people get offended because I say no. Please don’t forget that just because I’m traveling does not mean I’m on vacation (I mean, sometimes it does but I have to get shit done too, I can’t just spend weeks at a time goofing off and ignoring my business).  Don’t be mad, please. I probably won’t see you while I’m in New York. I’m there for four days and am working two of those. That doesn’t mean I don’t still love you