Can you handle all this sparkle?

So I'm turning 30 this year and I decided I wanted to start a blog because I don't already have enough on my plate with working full time, being a mom of four (my husband and I have 2 together and we have 2 that are from his first marriage), maintaining a running/training schedule, and trying to keep up with other projects that fulfill my life! Riiiight!! Actually around this time 2 years ago, I began a quest to get my body back after my pregnancies and since then, I have lost 60 lbs and become an avid runner, having completed 3 half marathons, as well as a variety of other races! At that point, I decided I wanted to start a blog sharing my story with others to try and inspire others to find a healthier self. I also thought this would be a great way to network with others that have things to share! Finding inspiration is an on going process no matter what goals you have set! 

The idea to title my blog "The Good Morning Runner" came to me on a run (shocking, right). When I first started running on the fabulous trails that we have here in Iowa (which are currently snow covered -boooo), I couldn't figure out if or how I should greet others on the trails. It didn't take me long to discover that I enjoyed giving a "hello" to others almost as much as I enjoyed receiving one back! We're all out there with the same goal in mind - to get fit - so why not share a little greeting along the way? I know people can be focused while they're exercising, but I think everyone's capable of a little head nod and smile at the very least! And if they aren't because they're really struggling, then hopefully my "howdy" will put a smile on their face and help them out a little! So I've basically been on a mission to encourage others to share a "hello" of some kind while they're on the trails! I say some sort of greeting to everyone I meet and my favorite is "good morning" because, honestly, what morning isn't good if you're able to be enjoying some fitness outdoors?? 

While I want my fitness to be a part of this blog, I am by NO means an expert on the topic and have much to learn along the way and I feel like I have many other interests that are relatable to many groups of people so I'm hoping to include things related to scrapbooking, reading, fashion, cooking, parenting, and any other random hobby I might undertake! 

Im sure throughout the blog it will become very apparent that I have a real attraction to sparkle! I'm pretty well-known for my bedazzling skills and have even earned the nickname " The Bedazzler" from some! Christmas time, with all its sparkle and shine, is a taste of heaven to me! Since I'll be taking down my Christmas things over the next few days, I thought I'd start this blog with some pix of my Christmas decor this year! 

So hopefully I have something useful to offer you and you'll enjoy following me on my continued journey through this crazy life of mine!