Bucket List Item #39- Run a Full Marathon

Twenty Six point two miles. When you write it out, it doesn't look as scary. But put in numerals, the 26.2 mile trek has intimidated me since my first 5k, occurring when I was only fourteen years old.

Running cross country in high school up through my freshman year at college, I always tucked the idea of running the golden shrine of all running races into my back pocket to be forgotten. The coup-de-grady of all running races... if you will. But since quitting track in college due to a back injury, I have been asked over and over if I would go on to finally finish the fierce challenge. 

After a handful of flat out "no's", laughing in their faces, and eye rolls, I knew I couldn't ignore #39 on my bucket list any longer. 

Yes, it finally happened... I conquered my first full marathon. And not just any marathon... but the Disney Full! 

The weekend began with my arrival on Friday night to spend a day in New Smyrna with my parents and grandparents. Saturday followed with an amazing breakfast down on the marina, a walk through the farmers market, then a drive to Orlando to pick up my pre-race packet and carbo load.

Sunday morning came too early- a 3:30am wake up call and we were off to the starting line. Fireworks, a gun shot, and a pair of black ears later- we were off.

And a near four hours later... I crawled across that finish line to meet my incredible parents who picked me up off my tired feet and hugged me until any remaining lung function I had was completely depleted. Needless to say- even though the training process spanned from July to January and my feet underwent multiple injuries... It was worth everything and more!

 

 

Thanks Mickey! You made this some-what painful race into something magical and completely unforgettable! #39... You've officially been crossed off the bucket list!

The Whole Fam Damily! (&Cheesecake!)

Like I mentioned in a previous post, I am currently enjoying the summer-like temps and sunshine in Florida with family. The evenings have been somewhat surreal, being at 72 degrees and clear skies for sunset and then cool, clear skies for star gazing. 

I am so blessed to be where I am when I am- with most of my extended family in town from my dad's side of the tree. To celebrate a great family, us Kellers did the best way we know how- With lots and lots of food!

I'm not kidding, people! Fried chicken, coleslaw, hot dogs, cornbread, macaroni salad, baked beans, casseroles, fruit, and desserts! Little need to say, I went to bed stuffed higher than a Boyds Bear, and I couldn't have been happier. 

My contribution to the feast? Another Pinterest find (+ my own little addition) It was a hit! and I highly recommend making one of these babies for your next big occasion (Or just because your sweet tooth will love you in the end.)

Blueberry Kiwi Cheesecake

(Modified from THIS recipe)

What You'll Need-
CHEESE CAKE-
1 (9 inch) pie tin (greased)
3/4 cup milk
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
2 eggs
3/4 cup of sugar
1/2 cup Original Bisquick Mix
2 (8oz) Cream Cheese

___________________
TOPPING

1 Pkg Blueberries
1 Cup Water
3/4 Cup Sugar
2 Tbs Corn Starch (or flour)
1-3 Kiwi

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine all Cheesecake ingredients (except Cream Cheese) into a blender. Blend for 15 seconds
3. Add cream cheese. Blend on lowest setting for 1-2 minutes, until creamy.
4. Pour into greased pie pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes
5. Place in fridge IMMEDIATELY- Cool for 4+ hours
6. In a medium saucepan, pour washed blueberries, water, and sugar. Bring to a light boil.
7. Add cornstarch (or flour) to thicken. Stir as it boils. Remove and place in fridge
8. After cake and berries cool, top with kiwi slivers and blueberry glaze.

9. DEVOUR! 

Happy Thursday, lovelies!

5 Things- Weekend Edition

It's Friday (As if you need reminding!)

Tomorrow morning, bright and early, I'll be leaving on a jet plane to visit....

It's a grand ol' family gathering at our home away from home. I hope to accomplish TWO things from my bucket list (I'll let you guess which ones, check back to see if you're right!) and spend time in the sun getting the sports bra tan lines to recede from visibility. That being said, I would like to take this Friday to complete another round of....

During this weekend and the following days of my vacation, I hope to...

1. Get my toes painted a pretty pink for the celebration of Spring!

2. Cross off not only one, but TWO items from my bucket list!
3. Finish my fourth book since graduation.
Another fiction book I picked up solely for enjoyment purposes.

4. Get rid of my extremely noticeable sports bra tan lines (sock lines would also be welcome to exit the building...)

5. Get a Bacon Blue Cheese Burger from my favoritest restaurant in the area. Yummmm

Happy Weekend!

XOXO MK