Nashville's Top 30 Under 30

I rarely talk about my work (other than to complain every once in awhile) or about the various types of volunteer efforts I am involved with, but I am going to make an exception and ask for a little bit of help from you my reader, all 35 or so of you, and hopefully a few new readers too!

On September 11 I will be honored as one of Nashville's Top 30 Under 30 for my various volunteer efforts in the Nashville Community. This event is sponsored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and all of the honorees are helping to raise money for this great cause. I love this city and I love how so many non-profits are able to THRIVE here. It truly is a great community.

I know not all of you will be able to attend the party, but there is still a way you can participate. I am about half way to my goal of $500. And I would be so honored if you would help me reach my goal! Every little bit counts. Online donations can be made here. In the donation message, please put "Sarah Brown Top 30 Under 30". More information about the event can be found at the Nashville Top 30 Website.

AND if you live in Nashville you should come out for the party! It will be a lot of fun! Tickets can be purchased here.

Thank you all for your support over the years on this blog! And welcome new readers!

Sing It To Me John

Gravity isn't one of my favorite John Mayer songs, but last night at the Gorge, I absolutely loved the interlude. And it spoke to me. Spoke to me

"Going forward in your life, just think about it, just think about it.

Think about how much energy you are using

on criticizing yourself before anyone else criticizes you.

Just think about how much energy before you leave the house.

Think of how many words you are using in someone else's voice when you tell yourself you aren't good enough.

.

.

.

We are living in a world where too much energy is spent on criticizing ourselves.

.

.

.

There is too much self-hatred going on.

.

.

.

No more self-hatred. Just love yourself."

Amen John Mayer. Amen.

The full video can be seen here and it starts around 5 minutes:

Vacation Time

This time tomorrow I will have just landed in Seattle.

And.

I.

Can't.

Wait.

I need this trip.

I will be running on these roads

Don't worry. They aren't all hills.

And waking up to this

And most importantly, relaxing and spending time with family I don't get to see often enough.

I'm Coming Slow But Speeding

Today was the last day of Summer Speed Sessions. It's been a 10 week program geared towards increasing speed for a specific distances. The summer speed session was focused on shorter distances like the mile and 5k. Since this was the first time I have ever participated in this kind of work out it took some time getting the feel for it. From trying to hit my times, to making sure my watch was working, it was a little bit of a learning experience. Actually it was a huge learning experience. The past 7+ months have been huge. I have learned so much about running from some very knowledgeable and accomplished runners and I am pretty darn lucky they are supportive of not only me, but anyone who has expressed an interest in running.

Running has never been one of my favorite things to do. Ever. I hated mile day in gym class and for the Presidential Fitness awards. (Do they even do that anymore? If they do, I am pretty sure the majority of the US youth would fail...)

So 2 years ago I started taking a boot camp class at the Y. The very first day we had to run a mile. My time? 9:06. I was THRILLED with this time. In middle school my best mile might have been in the 10 minute range and I think that may have only happened once. A year ago I ran my first 5k. And today? I ran my fastest mile ever. 7:19. I know for some this is pretty slow, but for me it's amazing. I started speed with a 7:45 mile and improved by 26 seconds.

There is going to be an informal speed session as part of my half marathon training and I might even be a tiny bit excited about it.