Just a few social-emotional researchers for your #sciencesaturday! Been a blast working with the research team at @weareimago, helping collect data that supports our content development, in-classroom engagement, and overall approach to education. Plus, check out those snazzy lab coats! 👌🏼👩🏼‍🔬👩🏻‍🔬🔬// #womeninresearch #research #dataisbeautiful #womeninstem #weareIMAGO #imagofam #downtownfresno #vsco #vscocam #instasize (at T.W. Patterson Building)

Don't look now, but ya girl just registered for another half in April! Time to go to work! 🙌🏼 // #twocitiesmarathon #2CM #motivationmonday #halfmarathon #runnersofinstagram #runnerscommunity #runnergirl #fleetfeetfresno (at Two Cities 1/2 Marathon Finish Line!)

When you play the game of [cardboard] thrones, you win or you die. JK. Or am I?!? ⚔️👑📦 // #GoT #gameofthrones #thronesofinstagram #carboardthrone #CTE #ctetickettothefuture #downtownfresno (at Valdez Hall)

Here's a heads up: there's going to be a new blog post coming soon about the experience of finishing my first half marathon. In the meantime, here's a few words about my two biggest cheerleaders along the way. . I couldn't have done this without my parents. Not just finish this race, or get through the months of training, but also get through this season of life that left me battered, broken, and bruised. In January I told them over the phone, with tears running down my face, that I needed to come home. They welcomed me with open arms. They supported me in all I did: seeing a therapist, starting medication, eventually quitting my job, and permanently moving back in with them. . My mom held me when I cried for weeks mourning the end of a relationship, one with a man I thought I would spend the rest of my life with. My Dad told me I am strong, and I would overcome. He never questioned my tearful breakdowns, not once. I started running because I needed a distraction, and I soon I realized how much more it was to me, and them. . I watched myself come back to life through training for this race. My dad told me stories of his jogging days. We laughed over memories of sore muscles and sweaty evenings. My mom cooked homemade meals to fuel my long runs. There's nothing better than a hot meal after a grueling workout. And on Sunday when I approached the finish line, they were there. And I remember even though my body ached and my chest was struggling to expand, there was the biggest smile on my face. . I started off this year in the darkest place I've ever been. And I'm heading towards the finish line of 2017 feeling stronger, determined, and proud of myself. To my parents, and all the folks who have been with me along the way, I can't thank you enough. Thank you for helping me reach the finish line again. . #mylifeasleah #writer #blogger #runner #runnergirl #runnersofinstagram #motivation #parents #inspiration #twocitiesmarathon #2CM #halfmarathon #vsco #vscocam #instasize (at Two Cities 1/2 Marathon Finish Line!)

this girl just crushed 13.1 miles, and a huge-ass omlete from @dennysdiner! GREAT DAY FRIENDS! 😅🙌🏼 // @2citiesmarathon #twocitiesmarathon #runnersofinstagram #halfmarathon #fresno #running #runnergirl #vsco #vscocam #instasize (at Two Cities 1/2 Marathon Finish Line!)

@enriquemeza (of @mezafilms) killed it last night at #fresnoarthop! his creative spin on the #loteria game was incredibly colorful, bold, and just plain fun. congrats on a successful installation and job well done! 👏🏼🙌🏼😄 // #LOTERIASERIES #artwork #artistsofinstagram #art #artofinstagram #downtownfresno #jeffreyscottagency #arthop #color #vsvo #vscocam #instasize (at Jeffrey Scott Agency)

just a midweek appreciation post for these crazy humans who make waking up and going to "work" so damn fun. many of you know it's been one hell of a journey getting here, so I wake up each and every day thankful for the opportunity to get to do what I love with people who love it too. cheers to this team, more karaoke & tacos, all the social-emotional learning, and changing the world together! // #weareIMAGO #imagofam #downtownfresno #throwback #vsco #vscocam #instasize (at Fresno Convention Center)

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Sitting in an airport terminal, about to board our last flight to Fresno, and I'm still dreaming of crisp mountain air and these stunning views. It was a stunning week exploring the last frontier and all that Alaska has to offer. Till next time! 🏔❄️✌🏼 // #alaska #thelastfrontier #eagleriveralaska #eagleriver #mountainviews #mistymountains #vsco #vscocam #instasize (at Eagle River, Alaska)

don't mind me, just chillin' over here ❄️🏔 . . . . . . . . . . #alaska #alaskaglacier #matanuskaglacier #optoutside #adventure #patagonia #vsco #vscocam #instasize (at Matanuska Glacier)

Walked in the shadow of a few different giants today. It hasn't even been 24 hours, and I'm already blown away by the natural beauty here. Alaska, you are simply captivating. . . . . . . . . . . #1FullAsianInAlaska #glacierbyron #alaska #glacier #gopro #goproherosession #goprovideo #travel #ice #shadowofthegiants #vsco #vscocam #instasize (at Glacier Byron)

Anyway, enjoy the vlog and thanks for all the support!

A moment to slow down and breathe: I just spent two whirlwind days in #SanFrancisco with my co-workers for an educational training at the Youth Leadership Institute. Aside from gaining valuable resources, we spent some time in the city eating, drinking, and taking in the local sights and sounds. I'm back in Fresno for less than 48 hours, and spending that time packing up all my warm weather clothing and camera gear in preparation for a week-long trip to #Alaska. We fly out early on Sunday morning to visit our partners in Cook Inlet, and will also take a few days to explore the beautiful cities of Anchorage, Talkeetna, and more. It's been a busy season, but I wouldn't change one bit of it. Another adventure awaits! 🤙🏼 . . . . . . . . . . #mylifeasleah #SFmoma #breathe #sf #marketstreet #soma #modernart #artexhibit #travel #vsco #vscocam #inatasize (at San Francisco MOMA)

I hope you enjoy the content, and there may be a new video on it's way soon! Thanks again for all the support!

Here's a cool story for your Wednesday evening. I signed up for a @redditgifts running-themed exchange last month. Basically, about 500 of us around the world volunteered to ship a gift off to a random stranger, and receive one in return. It's a cool way to spread some kindness, encouragement, and pay it forward. . I sent some items off to a runner in Oklahoma a few weeks ago, and yesterday, received my gift from a runner in - who would have guessed, Boston! It's both a surprise and so awesome to have some running swag from one of my favorite cities, especially since this person picked out some items from their favorite running store in town, @heartbreakrunco. They also wrote a very thoughtful letter, and I thought I'd share some of their words, as they really hit home. . "I find that running makes everyone a little kinder, a little friendlier, and a whole lot happier." Couldn't agree more, internet stranger. Thanks for the sweet gift! 💙💛 . #reddit #redditgifts #runner #heartbreakhill #halfmarathontraining #bostonstrong #vsco #vscocam #instasize (at Heartbreak Hill Running Company)