Gettin Crazy Bout Runnin

Last weekend I decided to run my first 8k. I've been training pretty hard and knew five miles would be pretty easy, but I still get the jitters right before the race starts. It reminds me when I use to run hurdles. No matter how confident I was I always felt like puking right before the race. I guess some things never change!

Every year in my hometown we have a big festival called Fun Fest. It normally lasts about ten days and during those ten days there is plenty of activities to participate in. Every year I've wanted to run in the 8k, but just never managed to get around to it. I guess that's life, something is always popping up. This year though nothing popped up and I actually got to run in the race! It was so much fun too. The race is a night race and the course is loaded with spectators, live music and plenty of encouragement. Little kids were lined up along the track just waiting for a high five from a runner.

I think I'm starting to get a little addicted to this whole running thing. I decided my next goal will be a half marathon this October. Steve is already working on a running timeline that should have me ready for the big race! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he will be home in time to run the race with me. Having him along for the run will be loads of fun and he's always an expert on positive encouragement. Hopefully in a few months I will be typing of my half marathon accomplishment. I guess there isn't any turning back now!

The Crowe's Come to Clarksville!

This past weekend Steve's parents and brother came to visit me at our home in Clarksville, TN! A couple months ago I was treated to a very nice visit from them both when I went to their home in Frederick, Maryland. It was only proper for me to return the favor. While Steve has been away I jump at the chance to travel and I love when family and friends travel to see me. I love entertaining and it's always nice to have house guests.

I picked them up from the airport in Nashville late Thursday night. Their flight got delayed, so we didn't even make it back to Clarksville till after midnight. Rocky and Bella were very excited to see their grandparents. They love having house guests too. Mike joined us on Friday after work. He lives in Louisville, KY which is only a few hours away. It's been great living that close to each other.

We had a great time! Of course we had to do some tourist stuff. I was actually looking forward to it. I've been to Nashville several times, but never had the time to go to any of the popular landmarks. We went to The Hermitage, former home of President Andrew Jackson and the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum. While we were at the museum we even got to see Faith Hill. She was there doing a video that will be used for the museum. We could only see her behind the Plexiglas window, but we could tell it was her. People were waiting anxiously for her to come out in hopes of getting a autograph. We didn't wait around for that, but we were able to steal a picture.

Back in May the heart of Nashville was hit pretty hard by some major flooding. Landmarks such as The Grand Old Opry were forced to close temporarily from all the water damaged it received. We drove past The Grand Old Opry, but weren't able to go inside. Unfortunately the attraction is still closed and won't reopen for several more months.

I've mentioned before that our townhouse is located just up the street from a winery called Beachaven Winery. During the summer and into the fall they have what's called Jazz on the Lawn every other weekend. That is where the pictures were taken above. It's pretty cool because people can bring their lawn chairs and picnics and stretch out over the winery and listen to live music. Of course there is plenty of wine tasting and if you like what you taste you can buy a bottle or two. I think our favorites of the night were peach and blackberry wines. The perfect blend for a hot summer night! We were even advised to mix the two together which created a very sweet, almost fruit like punch taste. Very good!

All in all we had a great weekend filled with plenty of good food (thanks guys for grilling), laughter and good company! Thanks for the visit guys! Looking forward to seeing you all in September!