Big Apple Run for the Warriors

Yesterday, I had an amazing time at the Hope for the Warriors Big Apple run!  I woke up bright and early to head down to Wagner Park in Battery Park City.  The night before, actually the whole entire day yesterday, was raining continuously!  The forecast said it would clear up, but I was still a little weary. 

It ended up being a beautiful morning!

 

 At first, I was really nervous to do the run by myself.  I've been running straight through on my own for awhile, but there was still a part of me that worried I wouldn't finish the run.  I was pretty pumped when I made the turnaround on the course!  I had a delightful view of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and New Jersey from the track.

When I approached the finish line, I actually slowed down because I was relieved I was almost done.  Then, I saw my girlfriends in the corner, screaming and yelling!  It was awesome to have them there to support me!

It's also been a long while since I've been in Lower Manhattan!  We got a chance to look at the Freedom Tower from a different angle.  They were saying next year the race would start and end at the base of the Freedom Tower.  I might have to participate next year too!!!

 

Run for the Warriors in NYC!

 

I'm gearing up for this Saturday's Hope for the Warriors run!!

Yesterday, I tried out the Nike + running app.  It's pretty neat because I love to listen to music as I work out and when you're listening and achieve a certain distance - it would notify you on it and your running pace!  I'm very impressed at the rate my running as improved.  I managed to run 3 miles in 30 minutes!  Hopefully I can keep it up and finish this Saturday!

I'm VERY nervous because I haven't done anything in this capacity in a LONG time.  Plus, I'll be doing the run by myself (with special friends waiting for me at the finish line though!).

Anyway, Hope for the Warriors is a fantastic organization!  Here is the link to my donation page in case you were interested to contribute!

MISSION (from the website):
The mission of Hope For The Warriors® is to enhance the quality of life for post-9/11 service members, their families, and families of the fallen who have sustained physical and psychological wounds in the line of duty. Hope For The Warriors® is dedicated to restoring a sense of self, restoring the family unit, and restoring hope for our service members and our military families.
Wish me luck!!

Brides Across America: only one day left!

Last November, I participated in a free bridal giveaway event at Sposabella Bridal in Feasterville, PA.  It was made possible by a program called Brides Across America, which partners with local bridal shops to giveaway designer bridal gowns to military brides.  Of course, I jumped at the chance to utilize this fantastic opportunity because my soldier and I need all the help we can get!  It's already difficult enough to go through a year of separation because the military says so, and now, we have to wait to have our formal wedding.

There are a lot of things in life that you have to make compromises for and this was a big one for me.  Brides Across America understands that a lot of military brides might not have the chance to have the "wedding of their dreams" because of their fiance's service.  It's more common than not for military brides to marry without having an actual wedding and/or reception - it's a hard reality.  Because my soldier had orders to go to Korea, we had to make big decisions quick.  We had our civil ceremony before he left, just so I can have the benefits while he's away, just in case anything happens.

This program was made for our situation.  We had a civil ceremony and will have a formal wedding when he gets back.  It's comforting to know that there is a whole organization thinking of military brides and understanding the struggles we face.  Being a part of this program lit a fire within me though. After picking my dress with some of my closest girlfriends, it gave me some motivation to look forward to our formal wedding.  Not only will my soldier and I get to start our life together when he gets back, but now I have the perfect dress brought to me by a team of very thoughtful women to walk down the aisle in...I see light at the end of the tunnel!

When I registered, there was a $20 service charge that goes to the organization.  The funds ensure that the great mission of Brides Across America can continue to reach out to more military brides.  I found out that Groupon Grassroots had an option for everyone to donate $10 and it will be matched by Impression Bridal, so logon to Groupon today to help out future military brides!!  It's such a fantastic organization that has effected me dearly.

Only one day left!!

Click on this link: http://www.groupon.com/deals/brides-across-america-inc