Well, it’s about that time …
(Source)
… time for another race! 
This afternoon, Brandon and I will be heading to Nashville to meet up with some of our Ohio friends …
… including those two lovely ladies to my right and their husbands!
We tried to convince Nichole (on the left) to participate in the half-marathon with us, but she had some lame excuse of being pregnant with her third kiddo. Nice escape, Nichole. 
Nashville holds a special place in my heart, so I’m really excited to be returning.
Nashville is one of the very first places where Brandon and I met for the weekend when we were first dating! He had to travel there for work, so I flew up to meet him.
As you can see, we spent most of that first day playing dress up in downtown Nashville.
And the first night, we explored the Opryland Hotel (which is super cool, by the way … you need to check it out if you’re ever in Nashville).
The following summer, we returned to Nashville. But by this time, we had transitioned from a “dating couple” to an “engaged couple!”
And about a year ago, we took one more trip to Nashville … as a newlywed couple! 
Notice we’re sitting on the same bench at the Opryland Hotel, wearing the same outfits from when we first started dating. Hmm … I wonder whose idea that was … 
And now we’re headed back one more time. This time, as a much older and wiser married couple.
OK, maybe we’re not that much older or wiser, but it’s amazing how much can change in just a year!
—————–
Wish me luck, everyone! This will be the first race I run without Brandon. He and the rest of the guys are going golfing, while Ali and I conquer the half ourselves!
For those who may be somewhat new to my blog, I’ve only been running for a year now, and Brandon has always been my running buddy.
We did a 5k in June …
… a 10k in September …
… and a half-marathon in November.
But sadly, Brandon didn’t quite catch the running bug the same way I did. He apparently prefers to spend his Saturday mornings on a golf course, rather than running for two straight hours. Go figure. 
Have a great weekend, everybody! I’ll be back on Monday to fill you in on how the race went!
Question for ya …
What are you up to this weekend?
Anyone ever run in one of the Rock and Roll races? How was your experience?
Ever been to Nashville? If so, have any favorite attractions or restaurants??
We usually hit up Jack’s Bar-B-Que at some point during our visits. It’s so yummy!
Good luck on your race! I’ll definitely be praying for you! We are looking forward to sunday!
natalie @ southern fit foodie recently posted..Randomness at its best
Yay can’t wait!!
GOOD LUCK!!!! (And I hope Brandon has all boogies on the golf course since he’s not there cheering you on–haha!)
Christi McGuire recently posted..Sick Days
Hahaha thanks, sis!
Love you. We prayed together for MA last night. Please keep us updated!
Good Luck Kristen and to the girls on the right who are also running
Gary is golfing today –lucky him he gets to golf with customers and get paid for it.
Haha Gary has a pretty sweet gig!
Good luck this weekend Kristen!!!!!! And have so much fun in Nashville! I’ve been there once and loved it, but I didn’t really get to see much of it haha….I would love to go back someday! You and Brandon are seriously so cute together. If only Chris and I loved near you…I think the 4 of us would get along fabulously
Lindsay @ In Sweetness and In Health recently posted..Food Survey
I know!! I think you need to move south. If y’all are in Florida, there’s a much better chance of us getting together haha!
Yes, I think so too! I keep telling Chris that I want to haha
Lindsay @ In Sweetness and In Health recently posted..Food Survey
I’ve never been to Nashville, but I’ve always wanted to go! As for running, have fun with that one! I’m happy that you like it so much, it’s just not for me. Luckily, I have a good excuse too. I’ve got a very bad back that prevents me from doing anything high impact…like running. SCORE! I wouldn’t run anyway…unless of course I was being chased by a plethora of acromantulas (the giant spiders in Harry Potter). That would definitely make me run ;
Amber with Slim Pickin’s Kitchen recently posted..Pineapple Jalapeno Salsa
Haha I never ran in my life until a year ago, so never say never.
But if you have a bad back, then that’s certainly a different story!!
Good luck lady!! I know you are going to do great!
Kat recently posted..Spelt Pancakes–Two Ways
yay!!! good luck and i hope you have a blast! i love half marathons!
Theresa recently posted..My decision to join Team in Training and Kevin’s story…
oh my gosh you are going to rock this race! you don’t need any luck sweetie
but I give you LOVE and strength instead 
You seriously are going to do so good 
I BELIEVE IN YOU
Meg recently posted..High Five Friday #13: Personal Bests
Good luck!! Have so much fun in Nashville! And, super adorable that you wore the same clothes from when you started dating. Love that!
Laurie @ Love, Laugh, Laurie recently posted..Great Food, Great Company
Thanks, Laurie!!
Good luck!! That looks like a blast!
Corrie Anne recently posted..Know How Blessed You Are To Be Able To Work This Hard
Good luck! And have a blast in Nashville. I love the timeline photos
Yellow Haired Girl recently posted..Heels Off, Earrings Out
Good luck! You guys are too cute! I loved your pictures.
Thank you, Cristin!!
ok the fact that you guys are wearing the same outfits on those different days is hysterical! I love it. I’m so excited for your run!!! You are gonna rock it!! Can’t wait to hear all about it.
Cinnamon @ eatpraytri recently posted..The day from heck and Coldplay
Good luck on your race! I’ve never been to Nashville before…may have to add that location to the list:)
Yeyyy!! The best of luck to you on your first single-lady race! And Nashville is beautiful– quite the place to run it
By the way, the matching outfits is SO something I would force Will to do with me too HAHA!
Brittany @ Itty Bits of Balance recently posted..Friday Things, Second Edition
Good luck at the race!!! I’m sure you’ll do fantastic
Liz @ iheartvegetables recently posted..Dinner: Healthified
Ahh Good Luck at the race! I know you will do so so well.. no worries at all and I can’t wait to hear of your successes!
Tessa @ Amazing Asset recently posted..Worth Mentioning
Enjoy Nashville! And good luck in the race!
Baking Serendipity recently posted..Brown Butter, Brown Sugar, Hazelnut Flour Cookies
Good luck! I’m sure you’ll do great!
Emily @ Perfection Isn’t Happy recently posted..My First Bridal Shower
Good luck on your race! I’ve done a couple of 5ks, but a marathon or even a half-marathon still seems out of reach for me right now!
Have fun in Nashville!
If I can do it, you can do it!
But maybe don’t do this particular race … those hills were a killer! 
Yay for your race! That’s amazing! I’ve been to Nashville once a few years ago, and agree that the Opryland Hotel is pretty nice!!
Kelly @leafynotbeefy recently posted..Saturday happenings
Have fun in Nashville!
I ran the Savannah RNR half in November… pregnant and under-trained. haha I’m ready to try again!
Presley @ Run Pretty recently posted..Black Bean Quinoa Salad
Oh my goodness!! Good for you, Presley!!
Nashiville sounds like such a fun place!
Shannon from Healthiful Balance recently posted..Saturday Scenes {17th Birthday Recap}
Good look for your race!!!
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes recently posted..Sunday Catch Up: Rainy Days
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