Nick’s Run Ambassador

One of my goals for 2016 is to run more local races. I’m very lucky to live in an active community and there are no shortages of races and events to participate in.

When I began searching for local races to fill up my calendar with, I came across Nick’s Run and was immediately intrigued. I like running locally because most often the race is benefiting an organization or charity and that really adds to the meaning of running the race. I feel like my money is going towards me and someone else.

Nick’s Run was started because of a boy who was seriously injured in a hockey accident. Nick was 16 and doing something he loved, never thinking that it would someday risk his entire life.

He fought hard to recover and when he did, he didn’t let the near death experience keep him from his sport, and he returned to the hockey rink unafraid.

What bravery! I’m not sure that at 16 I would’ve had the strength to go back to something that almost cost me my life. At 31, I’m not sure I would!

Nick’s Run helps support Angels for Athletes, a non-profit organization aimed at getting children and teens more involved and active in recreational and competitive sports. As a mom of two toddlers and high school teachers, wanting my kids and students to get involved is always something I strive to encourage them to do.

Being an ambassador for this race is helping me do that on a larger scale and I’m so excited and grateful, as I’ve never been the sole ambassador for race before. I never knew where this blog would take me when I first started, but I’m surely glad it’s given me a platform where I can give back to my community. ❤

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If you’re interested in participating in Nick’s Run February 21st, use HELLY5 for $5 off the 5k, 10k, or Double Challenge. A Kids’ Run is also offered at $5 (discount does not apply).

-Do you like running local races? Is there one in your town you really like?

 

 

Flashback Friday: 10 Years Ago Today

Okay, well not today today but like, around this time 10 years ago 🙂

Linking up with the DC Trifecta ladies Mar, Cynthia, and Courtney for their Friday Five! Loving this blast to the past theme!

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10 Years ago around today

I was a sophomore in college studying Secondary Education with an emphasis in English. I knew what I wanted to study as soon as I started at the university and was in and out in 4 years. This time in my life was basically me going to class, going to work, and going to the library to type essays. I didn’t own a computer and took advantage of the 24 hour labs on campus. Working a full time job in college meant having to squeeze in homework at crazy, insane hours of the night. I’d go to class dressed in my uniform (I worked at a Sports Authority) and then go straight to work from school and straight to the lab from work.

Because of ^^^^^, my Coke addiction was for real. I was a regular at 7 Eleven filling and re-filling my Big Gulp cup with the brown stuff. I needed to stay awake.

One of my fave movies. Ever.

One of my fave movies. Ever.

I got lucky with my college roommates. Not like that you dirty minded little devil!! I stayed in the dorms my freshman year and ended up living with my roommates the rest of my college life. They ended up being the most awesome girls ever, enough for us to want to stay together all the way through and enough to become bridesmaid material when we all got married. ❤

One of my roomies at my bachelorette <3

One of my roomies at my bachelorette ❤

Me and my other roomie at her wedding <3

Me and my other roomie at her wedding ❤

I wasn’t running but I was more involved with keeping up to date with my other sport addiction: basketball.

Now if only my Suns could be winners too.....

Now if only my Suns could be winners too…..

And finally, most importantly, 10 years ago this guy asked me to be his girl….

High school friends, college sweethearts <3

High school friends, college sweethearts, husband and wife 5 years strong ❤

I hope everyone has a good weekend!! It’s Friiiiidaaaay!! ❤ , helly

–What were you doing 10 years ago?

–What’s the biggest change in you from the you 10 years ago?

A Mid-Week Q&A

Happy Wednesday! My beautiful fast friend Hailey @StridingStrong tagged me on this fun questionnaire. I like reading other people’s answers to random questions–I’m not sure if people like reading about me but I’m gonna do it anyway 🙂

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?

Oh there’s a lot I’m sure I could surprise people with lol!! Um, let’s see.

First, and probably most shockingly, I swear a lot.

Second, I really, really like sports. Not like the, “oh I wanna be cool and pretend to be interested in sports so I can seem cool” but legit enjoy watching sports and ESPN, reading about sports, and talking about sports.

Finally, Hailey mentioned how she is super shy and would purposely misspell words in school so she wouldn’t win the Spelling Bee. I’m a word nerd (and not shy) and won the Spelling Bee when I was in middle school lol.

And when I tell people I'm an English teacher....

And when I tell people I’m an English teacher….

Have you ever met someone famous?

I’ve met a couple of people–Rihanna, Ice-T. More athletes– Amare Stoudamire, Mark Cuban, Erik Spoelstra, to name a few. I’ve also met one of my favorite authors, Jeffery Deaver. He wrote The Bone Collector that was made into a movie with Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie.

What is something you hope will never come back in style?

I like Hailey’s answer. Glitter lotion and glitter lip gloss. There’s no need.

What is one thing on your travel must-see bucket list.

I saw it last year. I really wanted to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa for some reason lol. Next on my list is Mt. Rushmore. 🙂

Who would you want to play in a movie of your life?

Julia Roberts. Love her.

Who is your favorite Disney Princess?

Belle, duh.

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What would you sing at karaoke night?

Oh, no no no no no……. (I def sing in my car solo though–love me some Pink)

Who would you want to be stranded on a deserted island with?

My husband. ❤

What is your biggest pet peeve?

The condescending “Sweetie” or “Honey”. Unless you’re 60 or my grandmother, don’t “Sweetie” me.

52542585 What clothing item/accessory/shoes do you have way too many of in your closet?

Everything. My closet is pretty insane 🙂

I hope you all have a great rest of the week!!! ❤ , helly

–Answer one of the questions! 🙂