Melbourne, Australia

Our 2013 international trip was a visit to Melbourne, Australia. My amazing hubby planned the whole adventure and surprised me on our fifth anniversary in June. And oh boy, was I surprised!

Twelve Apostles

Great Ocean Road

Love the wildlife!

Grampians National Park

Foster Care: Year 4; Months 5-12

We finished up 2013 with the following dogs, bringing our grand total to just under 100 dogs so far during our four years as a foster home! 

Robert (Bichon, Friends Of Animals)

Max (Lab, Paws For Life)

Zoe (Terrier mix, Friends Of Animals)

Teddy (Papillon, Friends Of Animals)

Australia 10K Results

This year's international travels lead us to Melbourne, Australia! My darling hubby surprised me for our fifth wedding anniversary with a wonderful nine-day visit to the land down under. But before I get to the travel write up, here's the scoop on my first international race!

Our last day in Melbourne, I ran the Sussan Women's 10K race. Again, my coach laid out a progressive plan for me to follow. I had a set time to hit the first 4 miles, and the last two miles were an all-out effort. This race was an incredibly fun out-and-back course along the St. Kilda beach. I was right on with my race plan and crossed the finish in 51:48.

Thanksgiving 5K Results

Post-race elation! 

Last 5K of 2013. I followed the same game plan as the American Fork race. Though my finish time was a bit slower on this course, I again nailed the race plan. I finished in 25:05 and earned 2nd overall female.

American Fork 5K Results

Second 5K focused on progressive running. Nailed it! 24:47 finish. 

Sandy 5K Results

After I concluded my half marathon running in 2013, I switched gears to focus on speed. In the summer of 2013, I began working with a running coach (best decision I've made!), and we wanted to use the winter months to nail some progressive runs.

First race was the Sandy 5K. My coach gave the time to hit for my first mile, and my job was to make each subsequent mile faster. Though I was a few seconds fast on that first mile, the game plan went well, and I earned a 25:08 finish.