Top 5: Things to Get You Through the "Polar Vortex"

Hey guys!

Dal and I have been back in the southern states for a few weeks now. Our visit to Missouri was wonderful, but incredibly cold compared to the typical 50 degree winters felt in GA. It does appear that karma will be catching up with us down here though... we are officially under a winter weather warning for Wednesday! However, the storm, which is approximated to dump a massive 1 inch on Savannah, might not be up to "Polar Vortex" standard. Do not make the mistake of assuming local news channels are not trying their best though. Listening to the recent weather reports is almost as entertaining as hearing the WA weather stations call the dusting of 2012 the "SNOPOCOLYPSE." Not to be outdone, AASU along with all of Savannah has already cancelled school for Wednesday. It's Monday. And 65.

That being said, Wednesday will pull temps into the 20s and we will be reaching for our tried and true cold weather gear. These five "go-to's" kept Dal and I toasty during 6 degree temps in Missouri over Christmas break and will keep you warm if hit with the chillies this winter too.


1. Feetures! Brand Heavy Cushion Socks

Battling the winter shivers starts from "the feet up" (phrase shamelessly stolen from "American Hustle") I don't know about you guys but the moment I can't feel my toes, is the moment I'm heading back inside for a scolding hot shower. However, I have never had a problem once these biddies are slipped on. Warning: they are so thick that you might want to wear a shoe in a half size up to give yourself some room. Oh yeah, they are that good.

http://www.feeturesbrand.com/index.php/cushion/heavy?id=363




2. Oiselle Flyer Jacket

This little baby looks like it couldn't keep you warm on a 70 degree day, but don't let its lightness fool you! Personally tested in 30 mph winds and 6 degree temps, it performed with flying colors, blocking out the ice cold blasts with ease. It's definitely a staple in the winter wardrobe, while running or not. Downside: It's only made for the ladies, sorry gents. 

http://www.oiselle.com/shop/outerwear/flyer-jacket

3. 110 PlayHarder Bandit


I'm still in shock that this piece makes as big of a difference as it does. Multifunction at its very best, the 110 bandit is a ear saving head band, neck guard, face guard, hair accessory... the options are limitless... literally, it is delivered with a card showing 10+ ways to wear it. At 15 dollars, it is the biggest bang for the winter buck, pretty much, ever.

http://110playharder.com/shop/110-bandit-buff-pink/

4. Brooks Adapt Glove

Gloves are a must have. However, Brooks sets these gloves apart by giving them the capacity to become a wind blocking mitten. They are also a nice weight--not too heavy, not too light--so that they are a great option through a wide spectrum of temperatures.

http://www.brooksrunning.com/Adapt-Glove-II/280230,default,pd.html







5. Starbucks Hot Drinks of All Flavors

Last but, most definitely not least: The coveted Starbucks hot coffee, espresso, or tea of your choice. I have to admit that Georgians just don't know their coffee the way Washingtonians do. Coffee shops are sadly few and far between, with the nearest Starbucks miles away from a trailhead. What happened to being able to wave to a fellow coffee drinker at the Starbucks across the street while you are receiving a hot Vanilla Mocha from your own barista? Long gone is the life of Starbucks on every corner (literally). But Georgia can not keep us from earning our Starbucks stars and your geographical location should not deter you either. Go grab yourself some delicious, heavenly, creamy drink that will warm you from the inside out!

What are your best ways of battling the winter elements? We'd love to hear them!


Keep toasty out there!

Asher

Foot Log Drawing Winners!

The drawing day is here and a big congratulations must go out to Scott Maloney, Michael Robertson, and Greg Hipp!! They are the winners of the first ever catchingupwithdasher giveaway! Please send your shipping address via this blog, Twitter, or Facebook to receive your free Foot Log.

Happy New Year everyone!

Asher

CatchingupwithDasher Christmas Giveaway!

School is out for winter... and my lazy side could not be happier! It is ironic that the more time you have to run, the more miles you cover, and the lazier every other part of your life becomes. I must admit that I have re-watched all three seasons of Downton Abbey... in the last 5 days. No regrets.

The first week and a half of break has not only blessed me with the title "TV Slug" but provided a chance to try out some new running paraphernalia. One item Dallas and I have particularly been in love with is the Foot Log.  Since Dallas has tried, and failed, to get foot rubbins' from me since (what seems like) our first date, this item is just what the doctor ordered. After chilly winter runs with numb achey feet, the Foot Log brings circulation back to the toesies and keeps our plantar fascia from tightening up.


The best news, however, is that you don't have to take our word for it!! Foot Log has provided a few of these beauties for a CatchingupwithDasher Christmas Giveaway! So how do you throw your name in the pot?

3 Ways:

1. Comment below with your name and contact information
2. Retweet the post on Twitter via @ashkhenry or @dallashenry149
3. Like or share the post on Facebook



We will be announcing the three, yep THREE!, winners on Dec 31.

I can't wait for you guys to try out this product. If you already have, comment below and tell us what you think! If not, add your name for a chance to test it out for FREE.

Happy Holidays!

Ash and Dal

Winter Ways

Hi Everyone,

Things are moving right along for Asher and I. Asher continues to

excel in her DPT (Doctorate of Physical Therapy) program at Armstrong

Atlantic State University. While I am plugging along in my Army

Captains career course.

My fellow classmates and I have begun our training for the infamous

"RANGER SCHOOL" which will begin this spring after my graduation. I am

so excited for the first rate training experience and the opportunity

to extend the family tradition of earn "the tab!!"

Asher and I spend just about every weekend on the road driving to see

each other. Asher is attending school in Savannah, GA and I am in

Columbus, GA. If you are good with your deep south geography you know

that we are on the opposite southern tips of Georgia. No worries

though, I have the trip down under 3 hours and 45 minutes. Asher is

still a rookie and struggling in the 4 hour range. Giver her time,

she'll drop that PR.

A quick update on our training, and then back to my school work.

Asher and I are both after it as hard as ever!

Now that Asher has mastered how to manage both a doctorate program and

elite athlete training she is plugging away at the mileage and looking

forward to a few big races this late winter and into the spring. She

will be looking for a road 5k PR in March as she joins her Oiselle

teammates for the Shamrock run in Virginia. Who knows she may even

decide to make that her 1/2 marathon debut (that's my vote=)

After a little set back with a hamstring injury, and what seemed like

and endless month in the pool and on the bike, I am loading back up on

volume. Much like Asher I have a full slate of races planned for the

winter and spring. I will be looking to go after my first major 1/2

marathon win at the Birmingham 1/2 marathon in FEB. Also depending on

my course requirements I might be racing in Boulder at the USATF cross

country championships as a member of the All-Army cross country team.

As always everyone thanks for all the support and a special thank you

to our sponsors. You guys do so much for us. Giving us that little

extra motivation to run on the cold early winter day or help us

recover from our big weekly workout, you are a HUGE part of our daily

success. We love representing you!!!

Thanks for Catching up with Dasher.

A lil' change here, a lil' change there. Ill fly with it.

Hey out there!

You might notice a couple changes to the blog. First, I had to remove the pacific northwest background as both Henry's are now in the state of Georgia. Oh yeah, you read that right. Dallas has finally reached the East coast! Even better news is that he gets to hang out in Savannah for a few weeks before trekking southwest to Fort Benning, Ga. Once there he will complete a few army schools and--fingers crossed-- will be able to visit a few weekends a month.

The second change might be a little harder to find: so for kicks, and due to my excitement, I will add the blog badge image to this post. :) Today Oiselle officially announced the names of the new members to their running team, Olé Volée. It is such an honor to be chosen as one of their athletes for the coming year! On their blog you can find a wonderful intro to the Oiselle team, a history of their company and the passion behind their mantra, "Live. Run. Fly." It is incredibly interesting and, if you have the time, should check it out.

If you have already heard of Oiselle or tried out any of their made-for-women-by-women products, you know why my excitement is overflowing. If you haven't, let me take a lil' mo' to fill you in. Racing takes you to many locations around the nation and to a variety of venues. I can honestly say that I have never experienced a brand firmly stand behind, enthusiastically support, or have the contagious passion for their athletes/the sport as Oiselle does. Oh, and it doesn't hurt that their products are all developed specifically for women. Which means that they not only fit fabulously, but are super trendy and unique. If you are skeptical, one look at their rundies will win you over.

Anyway, it is late here on the east coast so I better get to bed before I end up on a Oiselle tangent and write all night. I hope the summer has been treating you all well!

PS: I forgot to mention that Dal and I took a quick vaca to the Carribean last week. The pictures alone are worthy of their own blog post; I will make them a priority for the next write up. Cheers!

Much love

Asher

USA Mountain Running National Championships!

Hey y'all! ...Figured since I (Asher) am now settled in the great state of Georgia, and currently sipping on some sweet tea, I might be allowed to toss "y'all" into the vocabulary:)

Well, the past few months have been a wild ride! Moving coast to coast, starting school and trying to survive weekly exams has created a decent amount of mayhem, to say the least. In fact, as we speak I am taking a break from studying physical therapy modalities to jot a quick note to everyone out there.

Big news of the day: Tomorrow morning at 9:15 EST Dallas will be competing in the USA Mountain Running National Championships! It is his first experience with this type of race and he is extremely excited to test his capabilities. In preparation, he has been training in the Cascade Mountains; running up and down steep hills and rough terrain. The race is held at Mt. Cranmore, New Hampshire, a few hours north of Boston, MA and the USA Mountain Running Team is providing LIVE updates (Link) for anyone who would like to keep up with Dal's progress throughout the race!

The top 6 men to finish qualify for the USA Mountain Running Team that will compete in the World Mountain Running Championships in Poland on September 9th. Although Dal's main objective is to get some experience in this venue, he has his eye on beating some amazing athletes as well as throwing his name out there as a legitimate  threat. Hope you guys have a chance to watch him do just that!

Hope everyone is doing well! Big thanks to our sponsors 110% Play Harder, Brooks ID and Honeystinger for helping Dal earn this great opportunity.

Much love,

Ash

Couples That Play Together, Stay Together: An Ode to the Great Month of Love.

Hey All!

Recently we received a call from our local newspaper, The Northwest Guardian. They asked to feature our lives as a running couple. Using this theme as inspiration, I wanted to take a moment to honor the great month of love by expanding on said interview. (Which, for those interested, can be found here.) 

Dal & I after the pre-race shake out
run for our National Cross
Country meet, 2005

Dal and I have been married for two and a half years but have known each other for many more. Our first meeting, six years previous to the day of our wedding, was at my first day of collegiate cross country practice. Dallas was a sophomore at the time and quite pathetic looking riding a stationary bike with a cast on his leg and forearm. Luckily, the car crash that temporarily took his mobility did not claim his sense of humor and we hit it off. 

Dallas, our good friend Mark, and I
after our Regional Cross Country
Championships, 2006

While Dallas signed with MidAmerica Nazarene University as a cross country/track athlete, I entered primarily as a basketball player who, upon arrival, was recruited by the track and cross country team. Initially skeptical about running, Dal made it enjoyable and addictive. I developed a passion for the sport through his enthusiasm. Basketball verses track quickly became the proverbial "monkey on my back." However, as my athletic worlds were colliding, Dallas was healing. Soon we were able to train together, race together, and face aches, pains, laughter, joy, ups, downs, successes and failures together. To further develop my abilities as a runner, the tough choice was made to transfer to Missouri State University in 2007. I was lucky enough to have Dallas begin his Master's degree there the following year. He became the Graduate Assistant for the cross country team and continued to race on the national level as a post-collegiate while I finished my eligibility at MSU. 

Dallas and I during a MSU
track meet, 2009

Don't let me fool you, as in any relationship there were tough times between us. We were young and fell apart here and there. However, running always seemed to be one of the many strings tying us together.  It gave us a foundation to build on when things seemed down, brought us closer together when our careers were at their highs or lows, and gave us a daily bond; for unless you are immersed in it, one doesn't truly understand the vast emotional, physical and spiritual range of running. 

Competing at The Army Ten
Miler together, 2012

During the winter of my senior year Dallas proposed on a snow covered trail in the middle of Vermont's beautiful back country. We were married on a lake in southern Missouri and, after a honeymoon in Costa Rica, found our way to Fort Lewis, WA where Dallas began his work as an Army Officer. Our lives are currently submerged in the running world as ever before. We are supported by some great companies (see side panel) and are blessed to race at regional and national level competitions. The best part is that we accomplish it all as a pair. We spend our weekday free time logging the miles together. Weekend trips frequently consist of traveling to competitions. Vacations are planned to areas that are conducive to training. Dal, whom I am still convinced is a super hero, does all of this on top of a commander's 50-60 hour work week...A commander that recently returned from Afghanistan, no less. Most of our non-running friends see us as "unique" and frankly, crazy. Some of you might think the same and, to a point, you are perfectly correct. However while we sacrifice some parts of life to run, we get to experience an entirely new part of it together. You will never make a friend faster than on a Sunday long run. You will never experience a new area in a more beautiful way than running through it. Being in the Army, this is even more important as it allows us to acclimate to the area almost immediately and make close, life long friendships in the few quick years we are given at a location.

Dallas and I on a sunrise run. The
coast of the Olympic Peninsula,
2013

Through the experiences of being a "running couple" I have learned that in life Dallas will always, no matter the circumstance, be in my corner. He will be cheering me on, supporting me to the end and be right by my side through the toughest parts of the journey. He will be my most valuable rock of encouragement through the ups and downs of my career. And I will strive to be the same to him. For through the years, running has been training us to be better people, less selfish and more supporting, more loving and strongly committed that we would have been without it. 

I hope you and yours have a lovely Valentine's Day. Share a run, share an experience. The day isn't about gushy romances with stereotypical gifts. Its about connecting with another person; be it friend, family, training partner, significant other, or in our case, all of the above. 

XOXO

-Ash

Dallas is back! Commence happy dance!

Hi All, 

Great news--Dallas is back in the states!!! Hurray!!! 

He made the 15-hour (airtime) trip fairly easily, although it took him a few days. Since he was returning separate from his brigade he did not have a set flight schedule. Luckily, he was able to grab an open seat with a random redeploying brigade and found his way back to Washington without any major hiccups. After a few days of much needed detox time, he is currently preparing to take over the Rear Detachment Battalion Commander or "Rear D" position. Although substantially different from his previous duties, the job will have many challenges and he is excited to tackle them head on. 

He wanted me to pass along his love and grateful thanks to everyone once more. I'm not sure he, or I, will ever be able to express the appreciation we have for everyone's amazing support over the past months. 

So what's on to docket for the Dasher now? Well, I am still logging about 70-80 miles a week and looking forward to my second race of the season this Saturday. Last week's race was a decent opener but I know having Dal at future meets will help things go more smoothly. Speaking of, Dal is ramping up for a go at the steeple chase this summer--an event that he hasn't competed in since the beginning of college, but that he was always good at. Should be an exciting time for him!

Additionally, I am looking forward to beginning my doctorate program in Physical Therapy. Honestly, (and primarily) I am looking forward to solidifying all the plans surrounding the start of school.  I am required to be in Savannah, GA for the start of classes in early May but the means of travel and all details are not yet completely decided on. Once Armstrong Atlantic sends the initial welcome packet, we will be able to tie up the lose ends... Which will allow the focus to shift to the rigorous coursework of the first two semesters. 

In the meantime, Dal and I are going to take advantage of the time we will have together here in Washington. He will not be able to follow me for quite a few months and, although a depressing prospect, we would have to be separated regardless due to military training in the fall. Following this path will allow me to work towards a DPT while he completes a few schools of his own. After completion he will (hopefully) be joining me in Savannah and be stationed at Ft. Stewart. 

Until then we will continue to train, race and enjoy our time taking weekend trips in our "new" old school VW Bug. :) 

Look for a new update from Dallas soon! I can't believe he is actually back! So awesome!

Xoxo-

Ash

Excitement abounds.

Hey everyone,

Just a quick update from the Henry house. I am currently enjoying a nice breakfast while anticipating my first race of the Indoor season at 430 PST today! I will be racing the 3k at the UW Husky Indoor Preview. This will be my first big track effort in, what feels like, forever. Needless to say, a lot of excitement is mixed with nerves and a solid case of the butterflies. My awesome Brooks gear is packed and ready and I am hoping this race will conclude in a substantial personal best. We shall see. :)

It will a strange feeling to race without Dal there to yell until he has literally lost his voice. However, it is looking more and more likely that he will be able to do just that at my next indoor competition... which is right around the corner! Ill let you guys know more when everything is official :) Until then, I thought I would share this photo Dallas recently sent. He is standing with our friends Alex and John, both really good guys.

I hope that everyone is having a great weekend! I will try to update you on Dallas, as well as race results later this week. I might even be able to snag a photo of me in action--rep'ing the sweet florescent Brooks uniform. :)

xoxo--

Ash

The Many Happenings of The Past Two Weeks.

Hello All,

Christmas is almost here! Dallas is doing well and has a mini christmas tree and stocking to celebrate the season! (Thanks Tammy and Joe!) To everyone who has sent something: Dal wants me to relay how grateful he is and how thankful his soldiers are for the goodies. It really lets them know that people are thinking of them back on the home front and there are no words to convey the appreciation they have for that knowledge.

The patch ceremony for Dal's company has taken place. He now gets to wear a deployment patch on his uniform; something he has been looking forward to. Dallas has been in a cross training frenzy as of late. He is getting anxious without his normal 80 mile a week running schedule and has taken to the stationary bike to release some of his pent up energy. In the past he was able to run occasionally however the weather is no longer allowing that. As a result, Dal has been riding about 2-2 1/2 hours a day. Haha. Training is going well for me too. I am still running about 80-85 miles a week and have been to race a few times during the month. My road PR in the 5k is now down to 16:56! A fact that is very encouraging after a year of not being able to race at all. On top of that lift, Dallas and I have heard back from Brooks and our Brooks ID sponsorship has been renewed! We are very excited as we love training and racing in their products. If you have never worked out in Brooks shoes, try on their PureProject line the next time you are out buying athletic gear. You'll never look back. :)

My good friend Eric
and I back in MO

The Lights at Silver
Dollar City

In other news, I traveled home a week ago and was able to see family, close friends and celebrate an early christmas. Of course spending some time at Silver Dollar City with its millions of lights, as well as watching the musical version of "It's a Wonderful Life" has a way of quickly putting you in the holiday spirit.  It was amazing seeing everyone after over a year of being away.
I was able to spend a few days with family, a few days with my very close friend and a few days just hanging out on the farm. :)  I really appreciate how everything falls so effortlessly into place when I go home... Like I haven't left at all.

Hope everyone is able to spend some quality time with their family this season! Love to you all and Merry Christmas!


XOXO

Ash

Dallas Update

Hello!

First off--before heading into any other not-as-important information--I just want to let close friends and family know that there should be an email heading your way from Dallas (forwarded from me). I did not want to post it directly to the blog, as it is not as secure as email.

In other news, I will be heading home to Missouri soon. I am very excited to get to see the midwest family and friends that I have been missing so much. It should be a great time all around. Hopefully we will have time to sit down and FaceTime Dallas together since he has not seen them in a few years. Oh the miracles of technology :) Back home plans include the traditional Silver Dollar City trip, Christmas dinner with the family, possibly buying a vehicle for Dallas and hopefully spending a good amount of time with friends.

Other than the trip back home, there is not much to report. I am up to my highest mileage count of my career this week, topping off at 90. I am hoping all the time on the trails will pay off during the indoor season that is right around the corner.

Also, a good friend has moved into the upstairs apartment-ish area. I am so grateful for the added security of another person in the house. It is also keeping me sane, as Bellarmine is in the middle of a short break between cross country and track and, although it is giving me ample time to figure out details for PT school in May, there isn't a lot to keep my mind occupied. Therefore, it is really nice to have a friend to hang out with.

Anyway, I hope everyone is having a great holiday season and taking full advantage of all the amazing christmas movies playing right now. I know we are here in Washington. :)


Sending love,

Ash

This Week's Dallas Update

Hey again everyone,

Getting to FaceTime a bit. He caught
me off guard with his call---No
makeup! Eak!

Dallas has made it safely to his final location, a bit ahead of schedule. Yesterday a flight opened up and he was able to push out. The FOB (Forward Operating Base) that he flew from was large-- it had coffee shops, restaurants and a shopping complex on sight. As Dallas put it: Weird.  Time change is a full 12 hours and he seemed a little tired the first few times I spoke with him. However, he was not too tired to be extremely exited about Texas A&M upsetting Alabama. He also wanted to know how everyone was doing, including the players on his fantasy football teams. :) Internet is better now and, speaking selfishly, I'm very excited about. We were able to FaceTime this morning (for me)/last night (for him).

Dal tweaked his foot a few days before he left for AFG but it is feeling much better now. He's able to get into the gym fairly regularly to work out which, as you know, makes him very happy. After all that travel, he is excited to get back to running again--even though it will take place on the tredmill.

If some of you are worried, the FOB he is at is very safe with many protocols in place to ensure it stays that way.  He really likes the situation he is in now. I think being in continual transit was beginning to wear on him a bit. Now that things are more constant he has better control over his daily activities and can begin to proactively work on the mission at hand.

Additionally, he was able to get his hands on his address. As soon as I learn which mode is more secure I will be sending it to those of you who requested it. If you are planning to send a care package plan on it taking up to 2 weeks for him to receive it. Rumors say it only takes 7-10 days, however that's from an officer on a larger FOB and I'm not sure if it is accurate for Dallas. For those of you sending baked goods, I heard packaging them in zip-locks and then in a second airtight container helps them keep while shipping. While on this subject, I must say: Thank you for your kindness and willingness to send dal a little piece of home. I know it will make the time much easier for him.

Lastly, with Dal having better access to internet I hope to send updates fairly frequently. If you would like these blog updates automatically sent to your email inbox there is a link on the side panel of the page for you to enter your email address.

XOXO

Ash

Dallas deploys; Bellarmine wins 3rd place State Trophy

Hi everyone!

To start things off, a few days ago I sent out an update to friends and family via a Facebook message. It occurred to me however, that I might be missing a good number of people wanting an update on how Dallas is doing as he begins his deployment in Afghanistan. Therefore, I am attaching the message at the end of this post. Please ignore the redundancy if you are on of the individuals receiving the message a second time :)

In other news the Bellarmine girls cross country team placed 3rd at the State meet last weekend! Once again, we traveled to Pasco to compete after both the girls and boys teams qualified for WIAA State in the District meet. Our boys finished 14th, and will be looking to make some real noise next year. One of our Senior girls lead the team with her 8th place finish and simultaneously qualified for the Oregon-Washington Nike Border Clash! The girls are competing today at Nike Cross Regional today in Idaho which is also very exciting and a mark of their regional success.

Personally, I am trying to keep busy while Dallas is away. I am ramping my training back up after racing the Army Ten Miler with Dallas and Aunt Charlene at the end of October. I finished 24th over-all among the women with a time of 62 minutes. I am hoping that strength will propel me to a solid indoor track season. My friends here in Washington are great and have been helping me keep my mind off things with dinners, movies and hangouts.

Thanks again to everyone that has reached out or send notes of encouragement! If you haven't already recieved it and are interested, here is the update sent out via Facebook:

"Hey friends and family!

Just wanted to send out a quick note updating everyone on Dallas. He left in the late afternoon on Monday and safely landed. He flew into AFG and is now on a base there safe and sound although technically still "in transit". Apparently the food is finally pretty good. Also, he is still accompanying the small group he flew over with which includes a group of his friends from his company. He is pretty happy about that, since he is able to spend his free time playing games on his ipad with them :) Wifi is pretty non-existent and the only Internet is in the MWR building, which you can imagine, is pretty packed.

I have received messages from a few of you, but please let me know if you would like to send Dallas something while he is in-country. I can get the address to you as soon as I receive it. 

Thank you all for your kind words and support over the last few days! Ill try to send out updates periodically and hopefully I have included everyone on this list. If there is someone whom I accidentally left out, or someone that you know would like updates please let me know and I can add them.

Xoxo

Ash"

NTC, Deployment, The Fisher House and Holiday Travel!

Hello everyone!

As always, its been a while since we have written. At least this means that we have tons of fun information to share with you!

Actually, there is so much to report on, I'm not exactly sure where to start! Seems right to begin with military news. Dallas has been in the field for roughly the last month. Specifically, he has been in the Mohave Desert, California at the National Training Center (NTC). His entire battalion is there preparing for their future deployment which, as of the latest information, will be in the fall. (*The actually date will fluctuate many times before deployment, we will try to keep you updated on the blog*)

On top of the military training, he has also been coaching a great group of military men and women for the Army Ten Miler in Washington D.C. this fall! During his NTC deployment, they have been training based on individualized training schedules he prepared. However, when his tan self gets back to Washington in a few days, the group will be back to full on team training with scheduled time trials and races used to get ready for the main event in October.

Luckily, this year I will also be able to run the Army Ten Miler with Dallas..... okay, "with" meaning I'll be on the course at the same time as him. That being said, it will be a great event for us to do together right before deployment. I will also be using this event to raise money for a great non-profit organization, The Fisher House. When military personnel or veterans are injured in war, become sick, diseased, or need to be hospitalized for any reason The Fisher House aids families and loved ones by providing comfort homes located next to military hospitals. I will be running the Army Ten Miler as part of The Fisher House Team and have pledged to raise $500 before I toe to line this fall. Please click on this link to help me reach this goal! Any amount you are able to spare will be used to ensure the care of military families during these times of struggle. Donations of any size are GREATLY appreciated!

In other news, this summer is going to be extremely busy! My mom will land in Seattle on Tuesday and will spend the 4th of July holiday with us! We are planning hiking, kayaking and, if the moms has anything to do with it, many miles on the trails! Shortly after she heads back to Missouri, we are blessed by the lovely Joe and Tammy Henry, to get to visit them in sunny San Diego: Coincidentally one of our favorite cities in America!  There are even rumors that Joe is going to hop on a surf board with us... Which, if this happens you can count on pictures showing up here soon after :) A few weeks later in August, Dal will be able to take his summer leave time. This block of time will be spent visiting family and traveling to Alaska! We are very excited to be flying into Anchorage and then boarding a cruise ship that will carry us back into the Seattle area. The ship will stop at multiple locations along the way, allowing for excursions into the frontier :) When we get back we are off to Colorado to visit Dal's siblings and mom for a mini family reunion.  We couldn't be more pumped to see them and are always prepared for some awesome craziness... usually facilitated by Lacey;)

Before I say bye for today, I will promise to try to write more frequently this summer. With all of the events and travel going on, you can count on some pictures being posted fairly regularly!

We hope everyone is having a lovely summer and as always, miss you all!

Dash

Coaching, Coaching, and Physical Therapy Acceptance!

As most of you reading this bask away in the unusually hot weather,
we are still battling the winter showers and 40 degree temperatures. However, this has not delayed the start of Bellarmine Track and Field. Last week was our first official meet, a duel meet against Olympia High School, and this coming weekend will be our first Relay meet: an all day event hosting around 25 teams. It will be exciting to see how our athletes perform against some great competition.

Dallas is also doing some coaching of his own. He was recently selected to be the Ft. Lewis 10-Mile Team Coach!! Last year, Dal flew to Washington D.C. to represent the U.S. Army in the international section of the Army Ten-Miler. In the same race, teams from each base raced against each other for rights to hold up the Commanders Cup: A coveted award that Dallas will attempt to coach his athletes into winning this year. In 2011, the Ft. Lewis team lost the trophy by a miniscule 8 second differential-something Dal knows they can overcome in 2012.  To accomplish this, we have been recruiting athletes at on-base road races, and plan to hold time trials in the months of April, May and July. After the first time trial, Dal will be forming individual training plans along with holding practices in the early mornings of every work day and Saturdays. By October, Dal will have six athletes on a Women's Open, Men's Open, Women's Master's, and Men's Masters squad hungry for the Commander's Cup honor.


In other news... :) About a month ago I received acceptance into the Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program at Franklin Pierce University! The FPU College of Graduate and Professional Studies campus is located outside of Phoenix, Arizona. I will be heading down in August to start graduate studies. The great thing about the program is that FPU front loads course work and back loads rotations. This means that the first ~year and a half will be studies, while the remaining third year is dedicated to rotations in clinics and hospitals-something that can be done in any place of our choosing, in any location in the US. For Dallas and I, this is the best option we could hope for. Dallas will be in Captain's schooling and possibly overseas during the first year and a half. Which means that we will inevitably be separated anyway. One thing is for sure, flying will become our new best friend. The plan is to fly to each other every three weeks and every holiday/break. I can't write about Phoenix without pointing out the vast difference in the environment. From the rainforest to the desert; it will be quite the experience!

That's pretty much all for us, hope everyone is going well for you guys!

Beauty Of The Washington Coast

When my mom visited Dal and I in late December we took a few day trips around Washington. Although Taters found it necessary to eat the memory card holding most of these pictures, we had used a few different cameras. Thus, we are still able to share some with you!

Deception Pass is approximately two and a half hours north of where we live. The ocean meets the Puget Sound and creates massive whirlpools under a green wrought iron bridge. It is an amazing sight.

Some of the WhirlPools

 

The Puget Sound from the Bridge.

There are trails throughout the area... Some leading up to the
whirlpools where crazies were getting too close for comfort. 

Two and a half hours in the western direction landed us in the Olympic National Forest. Highway 101 circles the Olympic Pennisula and provides some of the most beautiful views Washington has to offer. Dallas wasn't able to travel with us during this trip, so we had to bring the pups to keep us company. :) We jumped on 101 at Aberdeen and followed it through the Quinault Indian Reservation north to our first destination.  

 

Most of the photos are from this location. Ruby Beach is an area where large rocks the size of small islands jut out of the ocean and create magnificent landscapes. We were luck enough to be there on an incredibly windy day when the swells were, at times, fifteen feet high and crashing against the coast line. Ruby Beach is filled with pebble stones that appear drab brownish gray from a distance. However, as you look closer, the beach is filled with multi-colored beautiful stones: Green, white, gold, and vibrant red, which gave the beach its name. We collected a few of these and they now serve as decor for the house:)

      

                            

Along with the large waves, the forests of the interior peninsula provided some of the largest trees in the state. Continuing on 101 lead to many pull offs to visit some of the most amazing ones.

           

Visiting all of these areas left us ravished and we soon headed to Port Angeles to order Dungenous Crab Mac and Cheese at Woodfire Grill. It is one of the best meals I have ever had, made the trip perfect... and left us to drive the remaining two and a half hours home with stomach aches. :)

As a final note, as some of you might be wondering: Yes, we drove through Forks, and yes the whole town smelled of rotten fish... Although, the lattes were tasty. No vampires or wolves to be found. Sad. 

Hope you guys enjoyed the pics! We had an amazing time taking them. :) 

XO-Ash

Pacific Northwest Snowpocolypse 2012 :)

Here are the pictures from last week's storm. Clicking on any one picture will open an album that increases the size of all the photos. Hope you guys enjoy!