Let me introduce Lauren - Today's Runner Spotlight

Today is Spotlight Thursday 
Each Thursday I spotlight a different runner from around the world.

This week I'd like to introduce Lauren.

I asked Lauren, to tell part of her story and introduce you all to her.  So sit back and enjoy and gain some inspiration!

Lauren Blogs At:
Breathe Deeply and Smile

What are your favorite distances you like to run?

I race in distances 5K-13.1 regularly with a marathon thrown in there. 5Ks are fun because you can include so many "non-runner" family & friends and have fun. I really like the half marathon distance. It's long enough to be serious, get tough, and need some recovery but also doesn't leave me wrecked afterwards. 

How long have you been running?  Or when did you start running?

I started running 3 years ago to first get in shape and ran my first 5K Oct. 2011! 

Have you ever run a race in costume?

I have worn tutus before for half marathons and races. It's silly, but I think it can make races fun, and you get lots of extra cheers when you are dressed up! 

What goes through your mind when you cross a finish line?

I get pretty emotional during some races so it may be relief. I usually am super happy or smiling. I always try to push it and run fast through the finish line! 

Do you have a specific distance and PR that you are proud of?  Tell us about it. 

Running a marathon was something I never thought I could do. I ran my first last October and ended up getting my goal time of 3:45 even though my legs were strangely tight and it was painful, especially on a hilly course. I think it's pretty fast for a first time marathon and has given me to drive to only improve and continue to dream big!

What is your favorite kind of running, solo running or running with a friend or group?

It depends on my mood. I definitely love running with friends and groups, especially when I've got longer miles to tackle.  I love running solo for the way in which I can think about things through, work through a bad mood or day, and relieve stress in my life.  

Do you listen to music while you run?  If so, what are the top 2 running songs on your playlist.

I sometimes listen to music when I run-I love songs I can sing to and anything with a great beat or rhythm! My top 2 running songs on my playlist are "Dog Days Are Over" by Florence and the Machine & 

What is your absolutely must have running gadget, or item?

Nut butters-my pre-race fuel of choice with bananas and cinnamon raisin bread. I'm not kidding! Also Nuun for hydration and my Garmin has been amazing at helping me train and learn to pace myself! 

What type of things motivate you and push you towards success in life?  

I'm most motivated about by my dreams and happiness-isn't that what everybody is working towards? Honestly, I am pushed by how I keep surprising myself by doing things I never thought I would or could do. One of my mantras now is to "dream big".

What is one of your favorite tips to give someone who tells you they may want to start running?

One of my favorite tips-after getting fitted at a running store and buying some quality running shoes is to just have fun! I think it's really .

Any goals you are currently working on, that you'd like to share?

A super long term goal is to qualify for the Boston marathon, like a lot of runners. I think I have 8 years left in my age bracket to shave 10+ minutes off my time. I believe I can do it!

What is your favorite cheat food you love to indulge in, and you do it because you know you can just run the calories off, or you earned it?

I have a major sweet tooth so anything chocolate or involving ice cream. Also I'm a huge pizza fan. After races I feel I've usually earned an enjoyable meal, but day-to-day just write off anything that is a "cheat" as fuel for the next day's workout!

What are a few of your dreams or give us a few top "one day" bucket list items.

A big running dream, like many, is to qualify for and run the Boston Marathon. I never thought I'd run a marathon, but ran my first last year and am planning my second for the fall! There are so many places I want to travel-in the U.S. and in the whole world! 

You can find Lauren blogging at:

http://www.breathedeeplyandsmile.com/p/about-me.html

She is also on Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/breathedeeplyandsmile

Also on twitter:

@BreatheBlog

Wedding Wednesday - Sapphire Blue Wedding

It's been a while since I shared some pictures from wedding's I have done.  I really liked how the wedding last weekend turned out, so I wanted to take today to share them with you.

If you don't know, I am a Wedding Planner, I own an event decoration company in Utah.  Which besides running, weddings are also what I am 2nd most known for, hence the blog name, Runaway Bridal Planner:)

Above is the backdrop we used for the ceremony.  We used the lattice behind it to hide a part of the wall that we didn't want to be front and center for the couple.
The brides colors were Sapphire Blue and turquoise, although I only tied in Sapphire Blue into the backdrop, to not over do it on blues.

The next picture is yes the same backdrop.  However, we moved it into an open atrium in the hotel.  Because of this we didn't include the lattice.  It is basically the same backdrop with a few modifications to fit the new room.

This is one of the room views for the reception area.  Although the lovely yellow don't slip sign was removed later:)  It was a beautiful atrium, so I decided it didn't need much, so we went with a classy simple yet elegant look to everything.

We used Sapphire Blue runners, with mirrors, and then every other table either had 2 or 3 glass vases that were filled with different types of water beads.  I actually dyed the water beads to match the brides colors.

The above is just another view of the room.  There were 17 tables in total for the event.  The white linens are not my own, they actually are the hotel's.  I generally always go with linens that drop to the floor.  Only the runners were from my stock.

I mentioned we went with different looks in each of the centerpieces.  Some were small beads, some larger beads.  Some clear, some blue.  Some with the rock look, others with the crushed ice look.

I personally think adding a different variety to each tables centerpieces, and different vase heights gave it a great look and feel.
Like I said above, simple yet elegant.  Sometimes when you are dealing with rooms of large grandeur, less is more and small elegant touches show bigger statements than huge items that can take away from a finished look.

Just another view of the room.

And another view.  I should have grabbed a better shot, but this was actually a huge waterfall and colored water display, lights in the wedding colors.

I will admit, this table was not of my doing.  But I had someone show me how to do this fun new look.  I just loved the piles of ruffle look for the cake table.  Loved it so much I made sure I was taught how to do it, and I will be hopefully giving it a try this coming weekend at my next wedding.  The difference will be, I hate table legs showing, so I will make sure when I do it, the bottom portion is a bit different:)

So that is it, like I said simple and elegant.  I actually loved how the centerpieces turned out, and the backdrop although hard to tell in the above pictures fit the rooms perfectly.  Additionally as the light in the atrium dimmed with the setting sun, all the softer lights in the room, as well as the softer lights I used all over the backdrop, really set it apart and gave it the romantic dreamy feel.

So, hope you liked these pictures, maybe they'll give you idea's for weddings or events you are planning in your future:)