Run Far & Strong

NYC marathon or bust

2011-11-03T07:00:00.002-04:00

Today is the day..... I'm leaving on a jet plane and headed to NYC. The marathon is on Sunday.... that's just 3 short days folks. If you are interested in traking my performance (eek) then you can go to the NYC marathon website and there are several options. One of which is an APP for your phone, and you can even track my EXACT where abouts-mile by mile, along the course. Awesomeness-

My bib number is : 19722
I am in the 9:40 start wave.... so happy to be in the first of the three waves. Let's get this party started!!!!!

Ok, so I found some fun Stats for the NYC marathon. Enjoy!!!

-To get to the starting line, runners will board 12 ferries leaving from Manhattan. About 500 buses will take runners to the start at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island from points in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Long Island, New Jersey and beyond.

-At the start there will be 1,694 portable toilets, 42,000 PowerBars, 90,000 bottles of water and 563 pounds of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee beans, enough to make 45,000 cups. About 500 volunteers will collect more than 10 tons of sweat suits, sleeping bags and Snuggies, much of which will be cleaned and given to charities. The bridge must be cleared within an hour of the last runner’s leaving. More than 70 United Parcel Service trucks will take the athletes’ belongings to the finish line.

-Along the course, 62,370 gallons of water and 32,040 gallons of Gatorade will be served in 2.3 million paper cups that can now be recycled, thanks to new technology. Another 60,000 PowerBar Gel packets will be available at Mile 18.

-About 11 tons of trash will be collected at the 24 fluid stations, much of it cardboard, plastic jugs and cups. The 24 station “captains” have more than 400 years of experience combined. Along the course, 137 bands (all vetted by New York Road Runners) will perform on dozens of stages. Runners can check their times on the 106 clocks on the course.

-Among the more than 6,000 volunteers on race day are medical workers at the 38 aid stations. They will have on hand 11,410 pounds of ice, 13,475 bandages, 57,059 salt packages and 390 tubs of Vaseline.

Three things Thursday

2011-10-27T14:54:00.002-04:00

1- Inspiration #1....
I was picking up my cute little beagle, Nellie from the vet yesterday. (She was getting her teeth scrapped and cleaned, no more, kill me with your breath-breath) While I was waiting for the front desk girl to go in the back and bring her up, I was watching this little old man.
He was in his early 70's (just a guess) and he was so funny with his dog. I don't know what kind of dog he was, but man-o-man he had an ugly face. The old guy kept saying "Calm down son" to the dog. He would talk to this dog like he was seriously his human son. It was so cute. Then when they stood up to go into the check up room to give this dog his allergy shot... I noticed the old guy had a seat belt like buckle strapped to his waist, and the dog's leash was attached to the buckle. I was very curious and at first kind of laughing in my head. I thought it was odd. I over heard him with the vet tech talking about the dogs poor vision and how dependant they are on each other. I started to think these two were just adorable. As the tech was ringing us up for Nellie's treatment, I mentioned how cute that old guy and his "son" were. She then told us that the dog is really old, and that he use to run marathons with his owner.
Rewind.... did she say marathons... that always catches my attention. The old guy still runs but can no longer take the dog because he can't see (hence the strapping of the seat belt buckle and dog leash) and the "son" has gone through chemo therapy, and numerous other surgeries. I am a huge dog lover and it just warmed my heart knowing these two loved and needed each other so much. Plus they are runners... well the son no longer runs but apparently he is still really active. Loved it!!!

2- Inspiration #2....
Had to run into the local GNC looking for a supplement for muscle recovery. Got to talking to the guy working.... maybe 28, and when I mentioned that I ran a marathon a week and a half ago and getting ready to run another in 10 days (now 9) he told me he is training for his first full marathon coming up this January in Florida. He told me he started out at 350 pounds and could barely walk up the stairs. He has now run several half marathons and weighs about 230 lbs (my guess). He was asking me all kinds of questions about motivation for reaching the 20 mile mark, and then finishing the marathon. I found it funny, because I was very touched my his inspiring story. I love hearing about people who have made a drastic life change to become healthier and to put the cherry on top... run a marathon. Awesomeness!!!!

3- Not about inspiration... just random
My quads have had a seriously hard time recovering completely from my last marathon. They don't HURT but they are super TIRED all the time. With the NYC marathon just 9 days away.... I have hit panic mode. Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Here is what I have been trying as of Tues.
- Heat therapy daily
- Salonpas patches (even though there isn't any pain)
- Took 2 rest days in a row.... didn't help
- wearing compression socks
- taking 6 pills a day of this muscle recovery stuff the GNC guy recommended
- Drinking After Shock shakes after work outs

Oh ya... and I got my NYC outfit in the mail. It's so stinking cute. But I have decided NOT to wear the green top. It's kind of buggy in the arm pits. So I will be hitting up Dick's Sporting Goods for something to match.

What has inspired you lately?
When is your next race and where is it?
What kinds of Muscle recovery supplements do you take.... if you take any?

My NYC outfit

2011-10-19T16:41:00.002-04:00

I just ordered this outfit for the NYC marathon. I'm sure it wont look as good on this chubby girl, but who cares..... it's cute and it's the NYC marathon.

I am loving it!!!! I hope it gets here in time.

What do you think?????

Louisville Marathon race report

2011-10-18T15:55:00.006-04:00

The hubby and I drove the 3 hours to Louisville the day before. We left the kiddos with our friends and made it a little mini, alone time get-away. I checked in, got my shirt and chip and then we headed across the river into Indiana to do some shopping at Bass Pro Shops. The hubs was in heaven.

The race didn't start until 8am, so it wasn't an early wake up call. I took my time getting up and made my way to the start area, where I met up with these cute ladies. I use to live by them a year ago before we moved to Western Ky. I miss running with Coy. She is a super great chic.

Courtney-Coy (First in Philly) and I before the race

Before I came down with Strep just 6 days before race day, my goal was a 3:40 or under. After getting sick and losing all my strength and energy I had stored up for race day, my goal changed to a sub 4hr. I was hoping for 3:59 or under. I went out way to fast and my first 10 miles was in 1:24. I knew I needed to slow down, but kept thinking maybe strep throat didn't have that much power over me after all. Boy was I wrong.

I hit the wall at mile 16 and then by mile 18 my race turned into.... "Just cross the finish line". I was walking nearly every half mile. My hubby was able to come find me along the course about 10 different times, so it gave me something to look forward to (other then the finish line) I can honestly say I have NEVER walked so much in a marathon before. I think being sick, and not completely getting over it plus going out to fast played into hitting the wall so early and HARD.

Finish time: 4:13

Oh well....

# 18 wasn't my best nor was it my worst.

My quads are screaming at me, but not as loud as after most marathons. I went for an easy 30 minute recovery walk today. It was freezing cold, and I way under dressed.

Time to recover and get ready for #19 when I will be hitting the roads of NYC on Nov 6Th.

kicking strep and running a marathon

2011-10-11T18:16:00.003-04:00

I'm running the Louisville marathon on Sunday. This will be my 18th marathon. I ran this course 2 years ago, and it's flat and fast, but pretty boring. It's run along the Ohio river, and most of it is on asphalt. yikes... It's an out and back, which is what I do on my long runs, so obviously I don't mind.

This pic is me finishing The 2009 Louisville marathon

I started feeling sick on Saturday. I wasn't real surprised, it seems I always come down with a cold the week of a marathon. So I started the usual remedies....

Gargle warm salt water.... emergenC like its candy...... drinking warm orange juice, and rest.

I woke up at 5am on Monday to drive my sister to the Nashville airport (she and her daughters were here from Utah visiting for a week). By the time I got home at about 10:30, I knew it was more then just a cold. I called and made an apt with the doc, and by the time I got there 6 hours later, my tonsils were covered in white sores. Yep, I have strep throat, the husband has strep and my 6 year old is running a fever. Seriously? Why this week??? Ugh.

I took the penicillin shot in the left butt cheek like a champ. It hurts like a mother freaker. Y-ouch, but I'm hoping it will get me feeling better before Sunday, so that I can go on at least one easy run to test the waters.

One of my girl friends that I run with had a stroke on Sunday. She is my age....34. She has 3 small children, and she is in amazing shape. She had just come home the night before from a week long family vacation to Disney World. They were able to catch it quickly and get the medicine in her that she needed. She was able to walk down the hall in the hospital with some help. The doctors are telling her, that with 6-8 weeks of Physical Therapy, she should be able to get most of her mobility back, and even run again.

I've decided to dedicate this marathon to Lorane. She is a fighter and I know she will fight and work hard to recover quickly. I know she is looking forward to putting on those running shoes again and hitting the road. She is such an inspiration to all that know and love her. When it gets tough or when my body wants to quit, I will think of the fight Lorane is giving everyday and hope to find the strength to push through.

running-running-running

2011-09-08T15:34:00.004-04:00

Just a quick pic of my 10 year old and I. This was the night of their first big performance. Of course she did an amazing job. She loves being a cheer leader. It keeps her super busy, and has brought her out of her shy and quiet little shell. Her team gets to compete at Nationals in Dallas this coming January.

Running, Running, Running.... that is what I have been up to. What about you?

The hubby is out of the running scene for now. He is suffering from Plantar Fasciitis and some weird ankle pain that wont go away. So I am back to running with the ladies on Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat. I enjoy it because it gives me a little bit of a social life. Being a stay at home mom in a town that you are new and not familiar with, makes it hard to feel social. The ladies are fun and push me to be a more efficient runner.

I ran a 20 miler on Labor day. I kept putting it off because I knew the temps were going to drop to ideal running weather. I'm glad I did. It was about 62* but pretty windy. I had been feeling yucky for several days, so I was just happy to finish in 3:10 and some change.

I rounded out the month of August with 150 miles under my fuel belt. How many miles did you get in? I am hoping Sept will be a bigger month. I sure love logging some serious miles. The Louisville marathon will be here before I know it. (Oct 16Th) And then a few weeks later I will be chilling in NYC with 3 of my sisters and running the ING-NYC marathon. I am more then excited. What better way to see NYC then by foot, with 40,000 of my closest friends. teehee

I read this on someones FB page today: "It's all about the experience, putting another bib on the wall, hanging up another medal and having another story to tell."

This pretty much sums up how I feel about running marathons.

Bring it on.....

Doggie days.....

2011-08-08T12:12:00.008-04:00

Sometimes I feel like this when I haven't blogged in forever...... like I am in trouble.

Sometimes I feel a little like this..... like I am just to busy watching the world go by. (Or just busy with the kids)

Sometimes I feel like this.... Just wanting or needing some attention from anyone. It sure gets lonely when you live 1500 miles away from your friends and family.

But I was able to go out to Utah for a quick visit and had some awesome sister time. Five of us (plus 2 nieces) went to Southern Utah and played. We went to Zion's National Park and hiked all day. We went and saw Grease at the outdoor Tuachan theater. We shopped, ate to much junk, swam, got to much sun and laughed a lot. It's so refreshing to spend some quality time with those you love and miss.

The twinner and I on our way to Angels Landing

At the end of our already super fabulous day at Zion's.... we were blessed with this beauty. Oh my gosh, it was the perfect ending to the perfect day. GORGEOUS!!!!!

My 2 little bugs started school last week. I am not one of those mom's that cries about having her kids gone all day. I kind of like it. My house stays clean and quiet for more the 30 min. My babies are little bookends in the elementary this year. My baby started kindergarten and my oldest is in 5th grade. How am I old enough to have a 5th grader. Yikes.

Running is going great. Still on track for my Oct 16th marathon in Louisville. I am getting nervous about NYC in Nov. Not sure where we are going to stay. I have got to get this figured out asap so that I can rest my mind a little. Best news ever..... for the next week and a half, we are fore casted mid 60's at 5 am. Wahoo. This is going to be a lovely break from the heat.

Where have you been lately? Are your kids starting school soon? Does it make you sad, or do you do the party dance?

Sweating with the sharks.....

2011-07-23T12:24:00.006-04:00

This morning on my run, I was wishing I had a squeegee or a shammy to keep the sweat out of my eyes, and off my face. My imagination went crazy and I started to create a cross of both. I started imagining me in front of the "Shark Tank" (Love that show) investors asking for money. My smile went upside down when I pictured the mean guys shooting me down and calling me a crazy runner lady.

This is mile 5 of the 10 miles I ran... alone today. Don't you love the gold glitter Active Band?!?! I sure do. No..... I did not jump into a pool after my LR. This is what happens when you run at 5:30 am and the temps are 76* and 90% humid.
Were you a sweating mess after your run?

Do you ever create a product that you think could help us runners?

Have you ever watched "Shark Tank"?

Crappy runs.... but not that kind of crap

2011-07-17T14:52:00.005-04:00

Sporting another one of my favorite Active Bands. Have you tried them yet? They are so cute, and they seriously do what they say..... stay in place. Check them out here.

Last Wednesday was my 34th birthday. We were able to drive the 4 hours to Paris and visit with a few friends. Our house hasn't sold yet, so we decided to rent it out for a while. We used that trip to meet up with the renters and get things squared away. I miss my house. I miss running in Central Ky. It's gorgeous there.....

I was also able to meet up with these beauties for some lunch, and girl time. You may recognize the sexy momma on the right. That's Coy from First in Philly.... she is super fun, you should check her out.

We decided to eat our lunch out on the patio (hot and humid, what were we thinking) and about 10 minutes later, we had another lunch guest. Look at this nasty creature. Sick sick sick.... it ran off pretty quick, but not before a snapped a pic.

My last 2 runs have sucked rocks, and I even cried after yesterday's 6 miler. (Rested today) I usually do my long runs on Sat but had to switch to Sun just for this one weekend. I ran 14 miles and struggled the entire last 5.5 miles. (Still averaged a 9:25) I almost cut it short and quit but just slowed down and got it done. I have been feeling like I am running through mud, while breathing through a straw. I know that with distance running, you have good days and bads days, and usually I tend to have more good then bad. The kicker this time is that I had to crappy runs in a row. I know it's hot and SUPER humid.... but I am really feeling like I've been slapped in the face and the world is laughing at me. Just feel so down in the dumps today.

I had several friends on FB give me some great one liners, and some nice pick me ups, and ideas of how to find my groove again. I decided to rest today and then head out tomorrow morning with zero pressure. Just me, the road, my running shoes and hopefully I will find my happy place again.

where have I been you ask????

2011-07-11T06:00:00.001-04:00

Or most likely you haven't noticed that I have been MIA in the bloggy world.....

But I have been home, with my kids.... playing and enjoying the end of summer (School starts Aug 3rd here) I've been running the 10yr old to all sorts of Cheer leading fundraisers and practices.

I have also been dreaming of many things.

#1- My up coming trip (alone) to Utah, to spend a few days with all of my sisters. This is "Sister's retreat" #11, and I haven't missed one yet, and I am not about to miss one now. Shopping, laughing, cards, swimming, hiking, the theater, and LAUGHING... here I come..... well in 2 weeks.

#2- I've been dreaming of buying and wearing one of these adorable skirts in my next marathon. (Oct) You can check out Team Sparkle here. I have heard they are super cute in person but that they look pretty cheap and like they could snag and rip easily. hmmmm.
#3- Dreaming of Winter.... I am so sick of running in the heat and humidity. It slows me down, make me feel sluggish and just plain ole pisses me off. I promise here and now, to NOT complain about running in the snow and cold temps ever again. I always forget how tough it is to train for a marathon in the summer. When it's 70 degrees and 95% humidity at 5:30am for nearly every one of my runs, that's just ridiculous. Oh well... nothing I can do about it, but put my big girls panties on and deal with it. I took this picture just before my 10 miler on Saturday morning. It was 72* and 100% humidity at 5:30 am. This week it's suppose to be even hotter.... 77* at 5am. ugh.
#4- I am dreaming of my 3 fall/winter marathons. Marathon #18 will be in Oct in Louisville. #19 will be in NYC... ya baby, I am running the ING NYC marathon on Nov 6Th. My baby girl made me these notes and paper fan to wish me good luck on my NYC marathon. I must talk about it to much and dream out loud. #20 is in Huntsville, AL... The Rocket City marathon on Dec 10Th. So stinking excited.

The one thing I am not dreaming of lately is turning 34 on the 13Th or running in New running Shoes. Actually, I don't mind getting older, and I realize that 34 is still very young. I love my new Asics, and LOVE LOVE LOVE running in new shoes.

What have you been dreaming of?

What are the temps when you run?

What fall/winter marathons or races do you have planned?

***Stay tuned for my next guest post... written by my gorgeous sister in law.

Big Fat Giveaway.....

2011-06-27T10:38:00.003-04:00

Active Bands is having an awesome giveaway over at their blog. You could be one of 2 lucky winners to get a free $50 gift card to their web site. This is the time to check them out and see what Active bands is all about. Click here to find out about their contest.

Running shoes please.....

2011-06-22T09:23:00.003-04:00

Last week I spent 3 days with a bunch of teenagers from my church. I plan on posting about my experience, it was difficult mentally, and physically.... just waiting on some pics from others who went. I forgot my camera. I was very grateful to be in shape and in marathon condition. I am so grateful for my health.

I Love my Active Bands.

The hubby and I started our marathon training this week. I don't usually follow a specific plan. I kind of just do my own thing. But since this will be hubby's first full marathon, we decided to have a written schedule to tell us what we should be doing. (Hal Higdon) The marathon we are running, which is Oct 16Th, is flat and fast.

I have 433 miles on my "newest" running shoe. I do alternate my shoes, and I don't usually wear the same shoe 2 days in a row. I always know when it's time for new shoes. My shins start telling me... first kindly, and if I ignore them, then they start to scream. I didn't want them to start screaming this go-around, so I ordered some on Monday. I always buy my running shoes from runningwarehouse.com. In fact, I buy everything from there. Their customer service is awesome and it's free shipping, and I don't think I have ever waited more then 3 days to receive my goodies.

*How many miles do you put on your shoes before you NEED a new pair?
*Where do you buy your running gear?
*Do you like to follow a training plan?
*Have you checked out activeheadbands.com yet? You should.

Guest post by the twin sis... enjoy

2011-06-16T07:00:00.002-04:00

Hey blog peeps... I thought I would have my twin sis write up a guest post.

In fact, I have asked several of my sister's to write up a guest post... so stay tuned, more fun guest post to come.

Janice asked me to write a guest post here on her running blog. That makes me happy because I can now say, I AM A RUNNER! Sometimes I don’t think of myself as “A Runner” because I compare myself to my two sisters who are crazy runners…. but I am a runner. I know this cause I am at a point that I LOVE to run and WANT to run.

I have run 4 half marathons, and several 5k’s and my sister Janice kept asking me when I would run a full marathon with her, and I just wasn’t interested. I didn’t believe 26.2 miles was a distance I could finish. Well just over a year ago she talked me into running my first full. She would be in Utah visiting and so my sisters Maria, Janice and I were going to run the Deseret News marathon in Salt Lake City. Training was going great and I had just run down in St. George (Gorgeous Southern Utah) 13 very happy miles. I remember coming back from that run and texting Janice, “I finally feel like a runner”.

Well what would you know, the following Wednesday as I was doing hill repeats, I injure my IT Band. Ugh it was bad. I rested, iced, and stretched. I did all the things I should and it wasn’t getting any better. I had to cancel running the marathon with Maria and Janice. I was there throughout the course cheering them on and then at the finish, but the jealousy and sadness still overwhelmed me. Well I rested most of that summer and babied my knee, but all I could think was “I want to run”. The ache within my heart, confirmed I was indeed a runner. By August I started running short distances with no pain and just kept getting stronger. I ran all winter and then it was early January or February that Janice said she would be in Utah in April. So we signed up for the Salt Lake City Marathon. This would be my first full marathon, and I was excited and nervous all at the same time. I had the best support throughout the race. Janice, Maria, and Jason (Maria’s husband) stayed by my side all 26.2 miles, which helped so much. It was hard, but I finished happy and strong. I was immediately determined to improve my time of 4:31.

This brings us to my 2nd marathon.

June 11th…. The Utah Valley Marathon, which was suppose to be mostly down hill. I started my training, but due to only having 2 months between the two marathons, I knew this training would be shortened. With about a month left in my training I started to slack and lose motivation. I wasn’t running as much as I needed during the week. It really showed on my Saturday morning long runs. After shortening several runs by 4-5 miles of the scheduled miles, (due to lack of motivation) I finally got a full 20 miler in, just 2 shorts weeks before marathon #2.

Race day came and I knew I could finish, I just wasn’t sure how fast. I wanted a sub 4 hour, but with the lack of training, I wasn’t sure if that would happen.
Alarm went off at 3:15am, I got up, got dressed and ready for the race. Do I have everything.?. checked all the items off my list and made myself a peanut butter and honey bagel. Grabbed my drink and ate in the car as my husband drove me to the buses. This was really weird because in my first race I had 3 others telling me where to go and what to do…. now I’m all by myself. Time to put my big girl panties, on and figure it out on my own. I Got in line and caught the 4:00am bus. Took the 50 minute bus ride to the top of the canyon, where I waited for about an hour for the race to start. I got in line for the potties which took some time.

(She needed the GO GIRL-- LOL)

Then I wandered around and ran into a few people I knew, and then got ready to start the race. The gun went off and there I was, running my 2nd marathon. Never thought I would say that but so glad that I can and that I am.

Felt great it took a couple miles for it to thin out to a comfortable crowd. I Shed my jacket and gloves at about mile 3 or 4. The aid stations were great they started at mile 3 and were every 2 miles which was nice because when I got tired I knew I could just get to the next aid station, and then I could walk while I drank. Mile 7 was my first GU, and I kind of had to pee, and knew we would be starting to run DOWN the canyon. At this point we were just coming out of Wallsburg and I didn’t want the downhill pounding to cause me to pee my pants. (Janice insert--GO GIRL) The downfall of waiting in line is losing those precious minutes. (Go GIRL) I lost about 3 minuets. I was really looking forward to some downhill running…. Oh no, that didn’t happen, there were more hills then I had planned on. It caught me off guard a bit but I would run up the hills till I needed to walk. I was feeling great, and at the half way mark I was at 2:02…

Mile 25....

Well by mile 17 my legs started crashing. I don’t think I ever hit the wall mentally but my legs were done. I had to really talk to my body and legs to push through it. I saw my husband and daughter at mile 20.5 and was so happy to see them. Stopped and stretched and he took a picture. (To send to Janice) This took a few minutes then I was off again. Mile 25…. to my surprise a beautiful tall, spunky girl jumps in with me. It was my sister Maria. She had so much energy it just about killed me. I was dead by now and trying to put on a smile. I slowly made my way to the finish line, and finished in 4:21… taking 10 minutes off my SLC time. I’ll take it.

YUMMY CHOCOLATE MILK

I am running the St George marathon (#3) in October, and by golly, my training will be different with this one…. Better.

Thanks everyone for listening to my novel of a story about running.

You GO GIRL.....

2011-06-13T10:03:00.007-04:00

So congrats to my twinner on her PR. She ran The Utah Valley marathon in 4:21... and beat her SLC time by 10 min. Wahoo!!!! Thanks to you all for the nice words of encouragment for Franny. I'm sure she channeled your words during those last few, super hard miles. Drinking her chocolate milk.... one of my favorite post run treats.

The other day I was flipping through the Cabelas catalogue....( the hubs and I are getting ready for a 3 day Trek with the youth from Church.... This requires an entire post of it's own) Any who... I was flipping through and looking at all the fun things I would love to have, (even though I am not much of a camper/outdoorsy kind of gal) I found the funniest item.... and then last night my sister in law emailed this to me, because when she saw it... it made her think of me. TEEHEE... I must have mentioned one to many time about my peeing problem I tend to deal with sometimes while running. Oh the joys of child birth......

Folks I introduce the.... GO GIRL

Hello people, is this the funniest, yet coolest invention ever?!?! I have always been jealous of men and their ability to stand up and pee. It just kills me when I have to hide behind a bush at the start of a race (I hate those long lines for the porta potties and don't usually have to do #2) I hate it when we are at about mile 2 or 3 and all those men are just whipping out their prized possessions and hitting the road again, with hardly any time lost. Where us women have to find the perfect bush, and take the time to pull every down, squat (and sometimes this is tough, depending on where you are in your race) and then you pray you wont get it all over your shoes and or legs. Drip, drip, drip, and on your way. No more need to worry about spraying the legs, or squatting.... all you have to do it pull out your GO GIRL and follow the instructions. I really want to try one of these.

Would you ever use one of these? Or if you are a man and possess the "parts" in which make peeing convenient, do you know any super Chics who would want to try one of these babies?

I'm thinking I may need to order one, try it, do a review and then maybe a giveaway.... haha, we'll see.

A family shout out.....

2011-06-09T12:44:00.004-04:00

**Don't forget to redeem your discount code at Active Bands....
offer good through the month of June.
------------------------------------------------------------------------->

I am a family person, I love my family. Have I ever mentioned that I come from a family of 9 kids? Yep, my parents are pretty much the most amazing people ever. We are all married and have kids, except for the youngest, she hasn't started her family quit yet.

So 9+9 = 18 + 24 grand kids = one very large family. And we all REALLY TRULY like each other, of course we love each other... but we LIKE each other and we like to be around each other. It makes for loud, crazy, fun, and interesting family get together. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

My Parents only had one set of multiples. That would be me, and my super awesome twinner sister. We are fraternal and really are quit different from each other. We always have been different. I was loud and crazy and out going in school and twinner was almost painfully shy. By the time our senior year of High school came around, she came out of her shell and never went back in. She is now the loud one, and far more outgoing then I am. We are best friends and it really sucks that we live 1500 miles apart.
Especially when there is a function that I really want to be at.... Like this Saturday.

She is running her 2ND marathon, which is the Utah Valley marathon. We finally have a hobby in common and we don't get to run together real often. I know she will be fine and she doesn't need me there, but it doesn't take the ache away. This marathon is pretty much in her back yard, so she gets to sleep in her own bed. Jealous!

Anyways... so this post is a shout out to my twinner.... Feel free to leave her a comment and give her some words of advice or some motivational words to help her through the 26.2 miles she will endure on Saturday.

I Love you Franny.... You are going to rock UV marathon.

** Side note.... I am already so super sick of running in the heat and humidity. Talk about fun sucker.

It's our Holiday peeps.....

2011-06-01T07:00:00.001-04:00

National Running Day

First: I want to remind you all that Active Bands is offering my super cool readers a discount for the month of June. (check out the sidebar) ----------------------------------------->

Thanks Active bands lady.

Second: I got out and ran this morning for OUR holiday.... did you? Woke up at 5:30, and was out the door by 5:45... the temp was *70 and 83% humidity. It wasn't as miserable as I thought it would be. Yesterday I woke up with a nasty head cold, but not even plugged ears, a runny nose, and a sore throat would keep me from celebrating OUR HOLIDAY!
Third: I read this quote on someones FB status the other day and today, with it being National Running Day.... It made me think back to my 50 mile Ultra back in March.

"Believe and dare. Stretch far. Dig deep.
Only those who risk going too far can possibly know how far one can go."
T.S. Eliot

It's OUR holiday peeps.... get out and RUN FAR!!!!

Winner... and a couple of surprises.....

2011-05-31T17:10:00.003-04:00

First of all, I want to thank those of you who posted such kind words on my last post. It's always been really difficult for me to express my inner most feelings and thoughts on my blogs. Nice to know I am not the only one with swirling thoughts. ;)

Ok.... So I am sure you are all on the edge of your seats waiting for me to post the winner of the most awesomeness giveaway.... (I used random.org to generate the winning number)

The winner is Chris..... email me and I will send you 2... yes, my friend 2 (randomly picked) headbands.
janni329 @ yahoo dot com

So for the first surprise..... drum roll please...... I am giving away one more headband to one other lucky winner. I had random.org generate 2 numbers and the winner of the other headband is....
Coupon Person email me your address and I will get your (randomly picked) headband in the mail.

For the last and finale surprise... no, I'm not giving away anymore headbands... but Active Bands is giving you all a great 20% off discount for the entire month of June. All you need to do is go shopping HERE and then enter the code jcblog20 at checkout. This is the time to stock up on all those coveted headbands, that we love so much.

Now get out of here, and go shopping.... ;)

Swirling thoughts

2011-05-29T16:30:00.006-04:00

So many thoughts are swirling through my head these days, and I'm not sure that is such a good thing.

I can't believe I am about to admit this on my running blog for all of the world to read... but it plays into what I want to type about... I know you all will be SOCKED to hear that I see a councilor. I know... you're shocked. You probably thought I had it all together and had no worries or issues in my life to drag me into "blues land". Well, I have lots of thoughts that just swirl in my head and talking to a professional has helped me work through these wild and crazy thoughts and low self image views I have of myself.We have decided that one of my very deepest root issues is perfection. Now, let me just tell you... I am not perfect at anything. The problem is that I try to do something to the point of perfection, and since no one is perfect, and I can't seem to get there either, I give up and beat myself up about not being good enough....blah blah blah and the cycle goes on and on. With the exception of RUNNING.... sigh....

I was talking to my husband yesterday about how I have been so disappointed in most of my races this year. Don't get me wrong, I am very proud to have crossed the finish line, and to even get to the start line. (I am most proud of my 50 mile Ultra marathon. What a great day that was.) I feel so disappointed and unsatisfied because I guess in the back of my mind each race needs to be run fast- or without any hiccups- or problems. I have been running long enough that I realize running is one of those hobbies we all enjoy that is NOT perfect. We can't always be on or in tune every run. We will most definitely have good and bad days. I think this is what creates the addiction in us. We keep trying to master the sport, when in reality... it doesn't need to be mastered... or solved. What matters is that we continue to enjoy our time out on the road/trail, and learn something new about ourselves in the process.

So after running a marathon, is it wrong of me to feel unworthy of the entire process I just completed? Is it selfish and hot headed of me to not be happy with my performance when I know there are millions of people who would just be happy to have the chance to run a 5k?

You're probably wondering what the point is to this post.... I don't really have one. Remember, I said I have lots of thoughts swirling. I guess to sum it up.... I want to be the perfect runner, who never misses a running day, who always eats right and thinks positive and has all amazing races. I want to snap my fingers and have it all figured out. I guess this is why I am so obsessed with running marathons. Because each one is different and they are NEVER perfect.

***If you haven't yet entered my Active Headbands Giveaway... Go Here!

Active Headbands giveaway....

2011-05-25T22:33:00.003-04:00

It seems every time I run a race, half of the ladies are sporting a fun and flirty headband. Last May, when I went to the Flying pig marathon expo, I picked up my first non-slip headband and LOVED it. Well, my sister has recently launched her own headband company and sells the same product as all those other, but much more PRICEY headband companies. Her company is called Active Bands. <----- click link to visit their website

What Active Bands has to say.....

Active Headbands is a company started by a mom who loves to run and workout – We believe that all females no matter their age, weight or size can benefit from an active lifestyle. So, whether you are a person who lives to work out or works out to live. We are dedicated to you our friends, family, our customer. Our mission is to provide you with a quality product that will provide style, comfort, and best of all NO-SLIP! Every woman should feel the freedom that comes from working out without having those irritating little hairs in your face!!

Our Headbands are hand-crafted by individuals who care about our customer's style and the quality of the product. We would like you to know that each Active Headband you receive from us contains a little love, and hope that you can enjoy a more comfortable, NO-SLIP work out. Thank you for visiting us! To show our appreciation, we would like to offer you a 10% discount on your next order, by letting us know what you think about the headbands or our website!

and I am not exaggerating when I say.... "They are the best headbands and truly don't slip." Plus they are so affordable, you could buy one for each day of the week... ha, or one for each outfit.
Are you one of those people, like me, that likes to cheer for the underdog? Or support local business'? Well then why don't you check Active Bands out and see for yourself how amazing they are. I have sported an active band in each of my races this year.... including my 50 miler back in March, but I never took of my BUFF, which was worn to keep my ears warm. But I assure you, I had an active band on underneath the BUFF.

How would you like to win 2 active bands for you (or your significant other)?

For numerous entries do the following....

1- Become a Follower of this blog, if you are already, just tell me in a comment.
2- "Like" Run Far on Facebook.... Here
3- "Like" Active Bands on Facebook.... Here
4- Link back to this giveaway via, blog post, Facebook post or twitter... you may post daily for an additional entry. Just be sure to let me know in a comment.
5- Visit ActiveHeadbands.com and tell me what your favorite headband is.

This contest will run till Tuesday, May 31st. A name will be randomly drawn and the winner will be announced by 5 Pm.

**On a side note..... Y-ouch. I set out for a 3-4 mile recovery run this morning and only made it 2 miles. It was already hot and humid... my first mistake. My blisters... or should I say Scabs, were rubbing and hurting something fierce. My legs were heavy and tired... I sound like such a whiner.... sorry. I plan on trying again in the morning and crossing my fingers for 4-6.

Scenic City Trail Marathon = super tough

2011-05-23T12:36:00.004-04:00

The scenic trail marathon (just outside of Chattanooga Tn) was my 4th marathon since March, and my 3rd trail race. I love running on the trail. It is definitely a different beast then road racing, but probably more rewarding then a road race..... at least this one was. Take a look at the elevation. I ran that loop twice. Ouch is right.

This is Coy and I before the race. The race was delayed 30 min, due to runners still showing up. This irritated me because why should us on-timers be punished just because they couldn't get their crap together and get to the start by 8am. It's not like it was a 6am start. I guess this may be due to how laid back trail runners are.

Coy's husband was on the trail at about mile 8 and snapped a few pics of me. I look like a weird-o.... I think I was talking. Ya, that's it. ;)

This is at about mile 11. We are running along the bottom of the dam. Picture... courtesy of Luis Martinez.. thanks dude.This was just one of 4 blisters I got. Ouch.

I realize that I claimed to have had one of the hardest runs of my life back when I ran the Country Music marathon.... but that was a cake walk compared to this course. The terrain was dirt, sand, rocks, boulders, roots, and gravel. I tripped at mile 3ish and skinned up both knees. A war wound I like to call it. The terrain was very comparable to the Land Between the Lakes trail marathon I ran back in March, but Scenic City is much hillier. Their website downplayed how tough a course it really is.

By the end of the race, the temps were up to *87. I had some pretty rough heat exhaustion and I was sick the rest of the day. I didn't go into this race with a goal time.... but by mile 15, my only goal was to finish and not be dead or last. I was neither of those things and I did finish. Isn't that all that matters?

So what did you do the day the world was suppose to end?

Determination

2011-05-17T10:17:00.004-04:00

I'm running the Scenic Trail Marathon this Saturday in Chattanooga TN. I am meeting up with my friend Coy, (First in Philly) who is running the half. I am excited to see her and to run with her. We haven't run together since Sept. She has been thrown several curve balls as far as injuries, so she is more then ready to attack the trail and get some miles in.

Found this pic today. Love it.

Have you seen my motivation anywhere? I seemed to have lost my drive for running the last 2 weeks. I would really like to get it back. I think with my morning schedule being has been turned upside down since my 5 year old has been out of school. I use to hit the road/YMCA after the girls went to school, now I have to either wake at the butt crack of dawn, which I hate. Or I have to drop the little munchkin off at the YMCA at the child watch, so that I can run, or hit some weights. The temps are creeping up and so my decision is being made for me by mother nature. On the mornings I can actually drag my butt out of bed, I love it. I love running as the sun comes up, and being showered and ready by 8am.

Determined, that's what I am. I am going to be good about hitting the road in the early AM hours. What are you determined to accomplish this summer?

A wet, stinky, cheer leading, trail running mess.... ;)

2011-05-11T09:32:00.004-04:00

I get to wear my trail shoes on my next 26.2 ...... which happens to be next weekend. Wahoo!! So thrilled that my 10 year old made the traveling cheer leading team at her school. Life is going to get really busy.... and I think we will be playing in Dallas real soon.

After 2 weeks of non stop rain, and tornado threats.... this is what my yard looked like. It was a wet, stinky mess. We had a HUGE tree fall at the front end of the storms, and so it layed there for more then 2 weeks before we could clean it up. We were able to recruit some help from our friends from church, and My little 5 year old was quit the Diva.

Even though I have my next marathon in just a week and half... I am finding it hard to scrounge up the motivation I need to get me out on the road.... ugh. Hope it passes quickly.

Country Music Marathon Race Report

2011-05-06T12:40:00.003-04:00

It's about time I post this race report, it's only been 6 days.

I admit I am not a writer. I'm not funny. I'm not witty. I'm not a great blog read. I don't post on this blog for anything other then having a running journal, so you all get to read some of my thoughts, even if it resembles vomit on a page. So I struggle with what to blog about. Sometimes I feel guilty for not being a daily blogger (or journal-er) But I'm pretty sure no one wants to read my daily thoughts or concerns, even if it is about running.

So when I have a marathon that I am super disappointed in and not excited to journal about, it takes some serious teeth pulling to get me to update the ole blog. So here it is... my sucky marathon #16 race report.

We (the hubby and I) made the 2 hour drive down to Nashville on Friday, and barely had time to get into the super crazy and crowded Expo before it closed. Here we are just after picking up our numbers.

As we made our way out of the Expo, I spotted this beauty. I found this to be funny. I'm kicking myself for not going inside and snapping a pic of the inside. Greg and I at the start line.

We were in Corral #6 out of 30. Greg ran the half marathon and I ran the full. We were able to run the first 11 miles together before splitting off. We went out way to fast (my fault) and with the hilly course, going out to fast, and the heat, this was a recipe for disaster. UGH.....

After Greg turned off at mile 11, I plugged into my ipod for some much needed tunes. By mile 14 I was feeling really tired. I had to stop many times to stretch my Achilles tendons. Not sure what was up with that. They were both screaming at me the entire run. At mile 17, we run past the LP field, which is where the finish line is. This totally sucked. Running past the finish line and seeing half marathoners finish, and even several full marathoners finish, messed with my head, and I still had over 9 miles to go. Oh man..... I walked for nearly 5 min at this point. Even though I never fully pulled out of my funk, by mile 19.5 I was feeling much better, and found I was running more then walking. I'm not against walking in a marathon. I walk through every water station, but to walk the amount I did was devastating and a blow to my ego. By mile 25 I was hot (temps reached 76*) and starting to feel really dizzy. I didn't want to walk during the last mile, but I was seriously worried I might pass out.

Finally the finish line.... Not happy with my time at all, but happy to have finished.

This marathon is super big. With over 30,000 runners, it could have been a lot more chaotic and frustrating, but all in all, not bad. I don't plan to run this one again anytime soon. If I do.... I will train differently and attack race morning differently, and maybe make sure I hadn't just run a marathon 2 weeks before.

As for the half marathon we were registered to run May 7th (tomorrow) It's been post-poned till June 18th. Our local area has been hit with some pretty serious flooding and the start/finish line looks to be right smack in the middle of all the chaos. We wont be able to run it on the new date. We have a church activity we are committed to. No worries... I've already registered for my next marathon (#17)... I'll post about that later.

CMM is #16

2011-04-29T14:26:00.004-04:00

Country Music marathon in Nashville Tn, is tomorrow..... and I am running it. My hubby is running the half. Love that we will be able to run the first 11 miles together.

Kara Goucher is speaking today at the expo, but I couldn't work it out to get rid of my little ones in time, and make the 2 hour drive down by 3:00. Ugh... double ugh. I really wanted to hear her.

As for the NYC marathon..... I have been changed from "selected" to "accepted"... woot, I've never been more excited to lose $200.

Isn't this shirt super cute?

This is the shirt I get for running the Iron Mom half marathon next Saturday, in Paducah Ky. I love the slogan..... "Run like a mother" What a great way to celebrate mothers day.

Have a great weekend!!!

NYC marathon... I GOT IN!!!!

2011-04-27T13:49:00.003-04:00

Holy Crap, I am so excited.

When I put my name in for the lottery drawing for the NYC marathon back in January, I didn't think I would get so lucky. Guess what???? I GOT IN!!!! I am going to be part of the madness, running across this bridge on Nov 6th.

"Friends" / Easter eggs/ and Tornado Warnings

2011-04-24T16:01:00.003-04:00

A few nights ago we had a bed full..... 2 kids, 2 parents and a Beagle shaking like a leaf under the bed. Serious thunder storm + hail + wind + TORNADO warning = a scared family from Utah. This is what we found in our back yard the next morning. The tree fell into the back door neighbors yard. Yesterday I walked out of Wal-Mart and heard the sirens blaring crazy loud... apparently a tornado had touched down a few towns over... eek. When I took this picture of the sky, it was actually green. Not a good sign.... shortly after I was chased into the Chuckee Cheese (where my babies were celebrating a friends birthday) with wind and rain and thunder. Not gonna lie, I was scared... yet again. I love the rain, and I love thunder storms, but I am not use to the tornado warnings and watches. Growing up in Utah, we didn't have storms like this. You would think after living in Kentucky for 3 years, we would be use to it. Nope.

This is what I felt like and what we all looked like after a 17 day family vacation.

Happy Easter!!!!!

And this is what a lonely wife does while her husband is away for a week hunting Turkey. One question..... what doesn't "Friends" Cure??? Love this show. So happy the hubs got me the entire series for Christmas.

Salt Lake City Marathon Race Report

2011-04-22T09:26:00.006-04:00

I was so super excited about this marathon. This was my 15th but this was my twin sisters first full. I was so excited to be able to run this with her and help motivate and inspire her to the finish line.

We drove up to the finish line, where we parked, and then caught Trax to take us the 25 min to the start area which was at The Legacy Bridge, on The University of Utah campus. We hit the porta potties right away, the lines were long (shocker). We had about 10 min till the gun went off, so we made our way to the start line madness.

Yes, my cute sisters and I wore matching outfits. I had the orange top and those two sported the pink tops. We had all kinds of lookers, some laughing (I'm sure they thought we were dorks) but most people complimented us on how cute we looked. Ha ha, that was the plan, to look cute and stand out.... not really, I just saw these cute skirts and we thought it would be fun to match. The cute headbands were made by my twinner. She is getting ready to launch her website. Her prices are much more reasonable then some of the other NON-SLIP head band company's I'm sure you have seen at expos.

The half marathon and the Full marathon start together and then we spilt off at mile 4. So we were able to run the first 4 miles with my hubby. He was battling a nasty headache, so at mile 3 I was yelling around at the runners trying to bum some Tylenol. An angel came over and offered the 2 extra pills she had and hubby was feeling much better by the 4 mile split off.

Frances didn't really have a time goal, she just knew she wanted to come in under 5 hours and maybe get to as close to 4:30 as possible. By mile 13 she hit the wall. I felt so bad for her. I knew exactly what she was going through and knew she had 13 more miles to suffer through. She was a trouper and kept moving forward. Maria, Jason (maria's husband) and I tried to talk her through the miles and remind her of body position and the length of her stride. We tried to tell jokes, sing, laugh and just be with her. I am sure she wanted to slap us in the face and tell us where to go and how to get there, but she didn't. She just kept moving onward.

At mile 24.5 we had a long up hill, headed us toward The state Capital. This was my favorite stretch. I loved running in downtown SLC and once we got to the top, we turned left which ran us right past Temple Square. Running past the Salt Lake temple was definitely a high light for me. But just before we got to the top, I started to tear up and really got emotional. I was thinking about how crappy and tired Frances was feeling, and all I wanted to do was pick her up and carry her to the finish line, but I knew that wouldn't teach her anything. She had to fight through the exhaustion and pain and get herself to her finish line. I knew she would be a different person when she crossed that finish line. After 13 miles of trying to run through the wall, how could you not learn some serious life lessons. Digging that deep into your soul, mind, body and spirit helps you see things completely different, especially the way you see yourself.

Here she is, the twinner.... we crossed the finish line in 4:31

Doesn't she look way to cute to have just run her FIRST marathon?!?! Here is the crew..... Jason felt left out... we didn't buy him a matching skirt.

And good news.... this was Greg's first road race (he ran a trail run 14.2 miler in March) and he came in right at 2 hours. Woot Woot... so proud of him. We are running a a half together on May 7th and our goal is a sub 2 hr.

Here I am after marathon #15. I had so much fun, and I am very much looking forward to running another one with my sisters.

P.S.... Frances already has marathon #2 coming up on June 11th. She is running the Utah Valley Marathon. This is in my home town and I am so super bummed I can't be there to run with her.

P.S.S..... 8 days till marathon #16 ....... Country Music Marathon in Nashville. Bring it.

Marathon #15 coming up

2011-04-12T12:38:00.003-04:00

It's that time in my schedule when I wake up with a cold.... must mean it's marathon week. It seems I come down with some sort of physical ailment the week of a marathon. My 15th marathon is no different.

I flew to Utah on the 1st, (spring break) my kids came down with the stomach flu on the 6th and 7th, luckily I never fully came down with it. Yesterday I woke with the start of a cold. I am doing all of my tricks, along with extra rest and hydration. I am not going to let this cold get me down.

I am so excited for this marathon. Not just because it's #15, but because I am running this one with 2 of my sisters, and my handsome hubby is starting the race with us, where he will leave us at about mile 7 and finish the half. This will be my twin sisters first FULL marathon and I am so excited for her. The weather looks as though it is going to be ideal running temps... at the start 40's and by the finish... 50's... nice!!!!

I ran this (Slat Lake Marathon) 4 years ago, I don't remember much about the course or really if I liked it or not. I think my time was about 3:57 ish.... Twinners time goal is 4:20-4:30, so Maria and I are hoping to be good pacers and get her to her goal.

It's going to be a GREAT day!!!!

** What are some of your tricks to stay healthy during race week?

My 50 mile race report

2011-03-28T16:59:00.011-04:00

I am an Ultra marathoner..... warning: this is a really long post .....

also, not sure why, but blogger wont publish this post with my spaces for paragraphs. ugh. ~I have known for 5 years that I would try not just any ultra, but the 50 mile distance. I kept telling myself..... "When your kids get bigger and you have more time to dedicate". Well a month ago I got the Ultra bug big time. I was training for my first trail marathon, and the thought popped into my head that I should do the Buffalo 50 mile Ultra run on March 26Th with my sister Maria. This was her 3rd year and I knew she would help me out along the way and keep me mentally focused as much as possible. ~Race morning: We got to the start line with only about 10 min to get signed in, put our drop bags where they needed to go, fill our water, and take one last potty break. Turned out to be perfect timing... no waiting around in the cold. There were about 100 runners doing the 50 mile distance. (The 25K and the 50k started 2 hours later, and the 100 mile started the afternoon before) After about 1/4 of a mile, it's already time to hike the first hill. Using flashlights and headlamps we made our way to the top. We were able to run again. The entire day was a run, run, run.... recover.... run, run, run..... recover. This is to ensure you will still have energy the last 5 hours of the day. Of course we hiked/walked up every hill, to save energy. ~At mile 14, (first drop bag) Maria and I shed our warm(er) clothes and ate a few crackers, I also filled my water back up. We headed back down toward the parking lot, (start/finish line) where at mile 19 was another aid station. (pic below) Then we made our way along the fence line, which going this direction is uphill. We walked. Then we had to go down a steep section, make our way on an small out n back section. When we got to the turn around, (mile 21ish) I stopped and had my sister Frances bandage a blister. I also got to talk on the phone with my husband. (He and my daughters had to stay back in Kentucky) It was such a mental boost to talk to him and hear his voice. This is where the longest stretch of out n back starts. This is also where the race veterans say the race really starts. Their reasoning is because there are very few hills, (so not many excused walk breaks) If I am working the numbers correct in my head, this next section is a 10 mile out and then 10 mile back. ~Back track a few miles.... Maria started having stomach issues at mile 17ish... by mile 24 she wasn't able to get any GU or any form of nutrition down. Just the thought was causing her to dry heave. She decided to walk it out for a while. The bottoms of my feet were on fire and walking seemed to enhance the burn/pain. I decided to run ahead, knowing there was an aid station at mile 27.8ish ..... Lower Frary aid station: This is where Maria's husband, Jason was going to jump into the race and pace her. My twin sister Frances was jumping in to run with me to the finish. When I got to the aid station, my not-so trusty GPS watch had died. geesh. I was really annoyed. I changed my socks, drank some Mt Dew, and ate some crackers. By the time I was ready to head out, Maria came into view. I decided to wait and see what she was going to do. She was so sick to her stomach, and couldn't get any nutrition in, and felt it was best to drop from the race. I was very concerned for her, and also wondered how I was going to finish the next 22.2 miles without my "coach" by my side. ~I had Frances with me, and she was very cheerful and had a lot of spunk and energy. It felt nice to have her with me. I wasn't real talkative, but still felt pretty good. The 5ish mile stretch to the turn around spot, and next aid station felt looooong and daunting. I felt like I was waiting for and starring at paint to dry. It felt like I was never going to get there. Obviously we made it.... Mile 32ish- Ate a small piece of peanut butter and jelly sandwich, ate a few crackers, more mt Dew. I stopped to pee ON A REAL TOILET.... I also text Greg and let him know what mile and that I was feeling good. Off again we go. I was happy to be headed BACK from where I came, knowing this meant I was getting closer to the finish line. ~At mile 36 I kind of lost it. I started to walk and cried.... crocodile tears. I started wondering how in the world I was going to be able to continue on for another 14 miles. My pity party only lasted about 3 min and then I was good, and off we ran. Made it back to the Lower Frary aid station, where Maria and Jason were waiting for us. They grabbed my pack, filled up my water, got me some warm broth to sip on, and helped me change my shoes. It felt so good to be in fresh shoes. I was a little worried about not running the last 12 miles in trail shoes, but the trail from there on out was great. No problems. ~Mile 39ish (pic below) We had to detour off the trail to get away from the wild buffalo. I also found a second wind here... ran a great pace for the next few miles.... Feeling great, we came to the 44 mile aid station. Again, ate a few crackers, and drank Mt Dew... (I also had been snacking on trail mix through out the day) This is where we had to hike a steep uphill. Half way through the hill we came upon a paved road, where Maria and Jason were parked. I needed to fix up that first blister, plus a new one. (pic below) Finished up and off we went. The last 3 miles or so are out on the north/western peak of the island. This is where it gets pretty technical. There were so many rocks, and BOULDERS. I am not sure how anyone could run through this section. My right hip flexor started screaming at me at mile 45, so each time I lifted my legs up to step over the rocks, it was painful. We did a lot of walking/hiking through this sections, but I was determined and still tried to run any flat, clear section, even if just for 15 seconds. ~We made our way out of the rocks, and I could see the finish line.... about 2 miles. I was really feeling exhausted and spent. I was doing a lot more walking then running. I had about 3/4 of a mile to go and my stomach decided to turn and make me queasy. I had to walk it out. Once we got about half a mile to the finish, I was determined to run the rest of the way. I did. Frances dropped to the side where Maria and Jason were cheering me on, (just before I turned the corner) and I ran the last 1/4 mile into the finish alone. Maria, Jason and Frances were at the finish line snapping pictures and cheering for me.... ~I crossed that finish line in 11:04:36.... and I cried my eyes out. (I am crying while typing this, just reliving the memory.) Now after reading my horrendous version of my 50 mile adventure, y'all deserve some pictures to look at..... Hope you enjoy them, I sure do. ~This is Maria and I the day before the race. We went out to the Island so she could drive me around and let me get a feel for what the course was like. I am so happy we did. It helped me feel a little more at ease going into race morning. In the 1-2 short hours we were out there, we saw tons of wild Buffalo, several Antelope and 2 coyotes. Awesome. Here is my finishers medal.... a mug. I think I will keep it out for everyone to see... at least for a little while.

That is part of Antelope Island where the race is held. We are driving on the Causeway that was built to be able to drive out. This was the day before the race. That snow was dumped earlier that morning.

The hill behind us is called "Elephant Head". They say if you look at it right, it looks like an elephant is laying down with it's trunk stretched out in front. This section is the first 14 miles or so.... There is lots of hiking through here because there is so much uphill.... I am sure the lead guys and girls run it all, but we tried to conserve out energy by walking/hiking up all the hills.

This is mile 19.... we had just come off of Elephant head and we were back at the parking lot where the race started. This is when we saw Frances, and Jason for the first time. It was so refreshing to see their faces. I ate a small piece of banana, some Cheese nips and some Mountain Dew at this aid station.... along with a Roctane (gu).

I took my trusty old friends "Roctane" every hour. I also took 2 salt tablets each hour. When my hands were so puffy and swollen by mile 16, I had to take my wedding ring off. I also decided to cut back to 1 salt tablet by mile 27.

(Mile 39) Those Wild Buffalo were on the trail. We had to detour up into the weeds and shrubs, to stay clear of them. We had to do this three times during the day. These suckers are HUGE. I found my second wind about here.... I was ran 9:45-10:15's for the next 4-5 miles.

Pushing on.... Janice and Frances... the twinners.

(Mile 44).... This was in the middle of a huge hill we had to hike up. In the next picture, I am having my blisters fixed up.

Finish line... here I come..... I cried my eyes out after finishing. I had no idea it would be such an emotional experience. The first thing I said to my sisters and my brother in law was "That was the hardest thing I have ever done"..... that includes giving birth to 2 babies.

I ended up with 3 blisters. One on each of the inside of my heels, and this nasty blood blister.

Even though this was the absolute hardest thing I have ever done, I can't wait to do another one. Next time I wont take so long at the aid stations, and I will actually train for it. I will also plan so that I don't have to travel half way across the country the day after the race. I had the time of my life and to be able to experience the entire weekend with 2 of my sisters was a dream.

toe nails, 20 mph, and a jet plane

2011-03-23T20:07:00.005-04:00

****As I type this, I am listening to American Idol, drinking a diet Dr Pepper and praying I will be able to sleep tonight. haha..... shouldn't be drinking caffeine at 7:00, but that's what sleeping pills are for... right?

I just painted and trimmed my toe nails, but not before I snapped a picture of my 3 ALREADY black toe nails. I haven't even run the 50 miler yet. As a runner, one of the things I have decided to sacrifice, is pretty feet and toes. Oh well, it's worth it when I am crossing that finish line.

Went out for an easy 5 miler this morning.... 20 mph winds turned it into a NOT so easy run. I have felt exhausted all day, of course this could be due to the lack of sleep the last week or so. The picture below is from a few weeks ago... when I had an effortless run. Look at that smile... Hope I am still smiling on Sat after the race.

I'm leaving on a jet plane tomorrow.... here I come Utah.

*** If you haven't yet hit up Coy over at First in Philly, I recommend you do so. She is a great read and full of korky off the wall posts. Love her.

What do you give up to be a runner?

New trail shoes and dreaming

2011-03-21T15:28:00.004-04:00

WOW- just 5 days till the 50 mile Buffalo run. I am anxious and excited. I have been dreaming way to much about it. You know, the same old thing.... getting to the start line late, and getting lost on the trail. I am sleeping like a baby.... meaning not well at all. Hoping I can catch up on some zzzzzz's in the next couple of nights.

These pics are from our LBL trail run on Sat the 19th. We went and and ran the same course as the marathon.... (well half of the course) I got my new trail running shoes last week and I wanted to get them out on the trail for a test run. Plus I wanted to try out my new Nathan Hydration pack. Loved them both.

What do you dream of the week before a big race?

My first trail run marathon

2011-03-16T14:31:00.004-04:00

When I registered for The Land Between the Lakes Marathon several months ago, I really didn't realize it was a trail run. I guess I knew, but didn't think anything of it.

Going into race day I was a bit nervous. I had heard this course was technical... um, at the time I wasn't sure what that meant, now I know it means lots of roots, rocks and other obstacles on the trail. I heard the hills were killer, and it had rained a lot the week before the race, so I was anticipating the trail to be muddy. (it was, but only in a few spots) I hadn't trained on trails at all, and I didn't have trail running shoes.

Race day couldn't have been more beautiful. Temps at the start were in the 40's and at the finish close to 60's (which started to feel a little warm) This race event has 4 different lengths. The 23k, (14.29 miles) which is what my hubby ran, the marathon, 60K (37ish miles) and the 50 miler. There were about 400 runners total and all distances started together. We started out in the town of Grand Rivers Ky, and the first 1.7 miles were on the pavement, then the next 22.8 miles were on an 11.4 mile trail loop, which I ran twice. (hubs ran the loop once)

Once we hit the trail, it was single file line, which makes it difficult to pass a slower runner in front of you. We learned pretty quick to keep your eye on the ground in front of you. The leaves from the fall were still covering most of the course, so it made for many irritating twists of the ankles, because we couldn't see what we were stepping on. I was kicking myself for not buying trail shoes. There were a few muddy spots, but for the most part, pretty dry. The scenery was gorgeous... just wish I could have taken my eyes off the ground to enjoy it more. The lakes we ran around were beautiful and smooth as glass. My favorite little section was when we finally came down off the MANY hills and ran through a swampy section with frogs singing to each other. Who needs an ipod when you can listen to the frogs croak. Loved it.

Hubs finished his loop and ran his 1.7 miles to the finish line on pavement. He finished in 2:32, which is great considering it was his first race EVER, and the trail slows you down quit a bit. I ran on the trail for one more loop, and ate the dirt not once, but twice. The first fall (my left toe grabbed the tip of a tree root) was at about 16 miles, and I ate it hard. Both knees, hands and my right shoulder hit. Once I made it to the next aid station, I was able to clean up a bit and get back on the trail. I was very hesitant after my first fall and slowed my pace, which was OK, because the hills were coming up. I walked up each hill, they were mostly short but STEEP, and went on for about a mile and a half. My second fall was about mile 22 or 23 not real sure, but no blood was shed.
Look at this gorgeous view, to bad I didn't get to enjoy it much.

This is my hubby taking the lead for a bit.

The left knee... it was pretty tender for the first couple of days. Feeling much better today and the right knee is just all kind of blue and purple.

Aww, so nice to be finished and back with my hubby, on the pavement.... ;)

I finished my first trail marathon in 4:46. I didn't have a time goal, because I didn't know what to expect on the trail. I am hooked. I loved the trail. The time goes by so much faster, even though you are moving so much slower.

This is a very well organized race, and has a gorgeous course. The volunteers were all super friendly. We will definitely be back to run this one again next year.

Next trail run is in 10 days. Buffalo 50 miler in Utah. I plan on taking it easy for the next 10 days and letting my body recover as much as possible.

No Joke.....

2011-03-04T11:43:00.004-05:00

No joke, I saw this little old man (maybe 70) at the YMCA today with this exact Walkman. I almost laughed out loud. I even witnessed him turning the tape around to listen to the other side. I wonder what he could possibly be listening to. I was kicking myself for not bringing in my phone, would have loved a snap shot of that one. -teehee

Thanks for all the up lifting words on my last post about my bum hip. It is doing much better. No pain at all yesterday. I did an intense 60 minutes on the elliptical, and continued to ice and stretch through out the day. This morning I was almost giddy with excitement to try running. The 5 year is out of school of Fridays, so I had to do a treadmill run at the YMCA. (hence the witnessing of the Walkman hilarium [is that a word]) I was hoping for 3 pain free miles, and I got 4... YAY me!!! I kind of pushed the speed, but it's hard not to play with the buttons while on the dreaded mill. I finished my YMCA time with 25 minutes on the elliptical. I love to sweat. There is something so rewarding about all that stinky sweat I seem to fling across the cardio room. I dread running on the mill, but I sweat buckets, and feel so cleansed after a run on the mill, followed by some elliptical time.

Tomorrow is an easy 10 miler, which I will run with my hubby. Land Between the Lakes is next Saturday, and I am anxious to see how the hubby does with his first race EVER. It will also be my 14Th marathon, and 2 weeks before my 50 miler. Three Cheers for some fun running ahead.

**Don't forget to check out this sweet compression sock giveaway HERE.

RUN FAR!!!

Wouldn't you know it......

2011-03-02T17:05:00.003-05:00

Wouldn't you know it, the day after I registered for my very first 50 mile Ultra marathon, my left hip decides to freak out on me. I'm not exactly sure if it's my hip flexor, or the IT band. I have tried to diagnose it on my own, with Googles help, but I can't pin point it. Weird. I have never had hip issues in all the years (9) I have been running marathons. I ran my 5 miler on Monday... pain free. I went about my day with out any issues. After coming home from the grocery store and putting away the goodies, the hip started screaming at me. I immediately put ice on it, and took ibuprofen. The next morning, still pain. I have been icing, resting, stretching, massaging, and praying for it to get better.... quickly.

Last night my sweet hubby, rubbed my legs out. When I woke up this morning, the pain was gone, but I can still feel that something is going on there. I am blessed to be able to stay at home with my kids and not have to work outside the home, so after my Power pump class at the YMCA, I came home and have iced it every other hour for 20-30 min. I am hopeful this is just a random act of sabotage, from what, I don't know. I plan on trying an easy 3-4 miles on Friday, most likely on the treadmill, to see how it's doing. I have missed running so much, and it's only been 2 days. I hate having my body tell me I CAN'T run.

So I am crossing my fingers, toes, and everything else that I will be able to run my marathon on the 12Th and of course run and finish the 50 on the 27Th.

Crazy.Insane.Motivated

2011-02-28T12:06:00.003-05:00

Guess what I did last night? I registered for my first Ultra race. I paid $85 to put myself through 50 miles of..... fun? pain? torture? The crazy part is that I am super excited. Who gets excited about 50 miles of torture? Runners do.... and I am so proud to call myself a runner. No matter what that makes me. crazy? insane? motivated?

So I am running The Antelope Island Buffalo Run in Utah on March 26th. I have already booked my flight, so praying I don't injure myself in the next 3 weeks. I think I may have bitten off a tad more then I can chew... I guess we will find out in the next few weeks. I have a trail run marathon on March 12th, then the 50 miler in Utah on March 26th, April 16th is Salt Lake City Marathon, and April 30th is Country Music marathon. eek. I love it. I am so giddy and excited today.

Itching for a 50.....

2011-02-23T18:04:00.007-05:00

I feel like a very proud momma these days.... well, wife.

My hubby IS A RUNNER!!!!

He started running a mile here and there last May. Slowly over the summer and into the fall I was able to get him to run a couple 5 milers. He hated it. Most runs were terrible for him, and he learned he needed to use an inhaler before a run, other wise he couldn't breath. He began running more this winter (on the treadmill) and decided he was ready to try a half marathon... what the heck, he hasn't even run a 5k. Anyways, we found him a very beginners training plan, and he started following the schedule. I decided I didn't want to.. train him, so to speak, because I didn't think mixing husband/wife with our recreational learning would be the best idea. I have still given him plenty of advice and he has been able to chat with a few of his friends who run.

He broke his right leg pretty badly when he was 16. His family didn't have insurance so it wasn't fixed properly. He still has problems with that leg, especially the more he runs. He has constant pain while running, and he can't seem to stretch enough or massage it enough. He has powered through and now his first half marathon is in 2 1/2 weeks. I will run his half with him then continue on and finish with the full 26.2. If all goes well, he is planning on running his second half on April 16Th in Salt Lake City, the day I run the full with my sisters.

On Saturday I ran my 22 miler and then Greg needed to run his long run of 13 miles on Sunday. I was able to work it out and was able to run his 13 with him, which made my total in 2 days 35 miles. Greg asked me at the end of his 13... "Does this make me a runner now?" teehee. I was tired and sore, but extremely happy about my distance. I have to admit, I am now itching to run a 50 mile Ultra, sometime.. hopefully sooner then later. I just need to pick one and my sister said she would even run with me. Wahoo!

Build your own....

2011-02-16T20:01:00.005-05:00

You can build your own bumper sticker too. Go check out build a signs web site (click here), they have many options to pick from. I am not computer savvy at all, but their design center was super easy to use, and it's really fun. You can upload your own image or choose from hundreds of their clip art options.

I should have some bumper stickers in hand soon, let me know if you would like one.

Email me your address at janni329@yahoo.com,

I never knew....

2011-02-07T11:37:00.002-05:00

Started my run this morning before 8 am and the snow wasn't sticking. I headed down the road with some Taylor Swift on the ipod and made my way to my favorite out and back route. As I turned directions, the wind was blowing the snow so hard into my eyes that I had to squint to keep from going blind. I tried to hold my hand up to block the snow from my eyes, but my arm got tired. haha
By the time I turned around at 2.5 the snow was really starting to come down and was sticking nicely to the road. I was running through slush and getting all kinds of looks from the passer bys. I loved it. I loved every bit of my run today. I didn't get to hit the speed I wanted, had to slow a tad for the slippery slush but I don't care. It was so much fun and I had the time of my life. When I got home I had a message that the 5 year olds school was closed and she needed to be picked up. We now have several inches and I couldn't be happier. I never knew how much I loved the snow till I moved to Kentucky. It doesn't snow big amounts here, but even an inch or two will shut everything down. They are just not equipped to handle the snow here.
I miss my Utah home.

$$$... a chunk of change

2011-02-03T14:50:00.006-05:00

Wahoo!!!!

I just registered for not one, not two but three marathons.... all for this spring. YIKES

Marathon #1 of 2011 (#14 overall) is March 12Th. Land Between the Lakes trail run.... there is a 14.2 miler, marathon, 37 miler and a 50 miler.... wow... I am just happy to be healthy enough to run the marathon this year. I am hoping to run the 50 next Spring. Let me rephrase that.... I WILL run the 50 Mile Ultra next Spring. My sister runs 2-3 Ultras per year and I am itching to join the elite club. I am just not ready this year. Even though I lost 11 pounds in Jan, I still have a ways to go. Hoping for another 10-15 by March 12Th.

Marathon #2 of 2011 is Salt Lake City Marathon. I ran this one back in April of '07, but this year I am running with 2 of my sisters and so far, I have 2 friends planning on running as well. This will be marathon #1 for my twin sister, and I am doing everything in my power to make it a positive experience.... (can you tell I am trying to turn her into a full marathoner?)Marathon #3 of 2011 will be the Nashville Country Music marathon on April 30Th. I live with in just a couple hours of Nashville and decided this year is the one for me. I think it's big, I think it's going to be loud and I have heard it's going to be hilly and hard. I am OK taking on this challenge. I am all about taking on a new challenge. Hills kill me. I love them, but they kill me. In preparation for Country Music, I will run hill repeats at least once a week.

Registering for all 3 of these marathons was a chunk of change. $$$ I am so lucky my hubby just wants me to be healthy and happy. Actually he is planning on running the 14.2 miler on March 12Th and the half marathon on April 16Th. I couldn't be more excited or more proud. I am turning him into a runner, and I am thrilled to the gils about this.

What do you think of???

2011-01-29T13:48:00.003-05:00

What do you think of when you say "I had a great long run?"

It has been weeks since I have had a GREAT long run. Remember in my last post I mentioned running with a new friend here in my new little town?? Well it didn't happen... because.... duh duh duh.... My hubby surprised me with my twin sister... that's right, he flew her out here (Ky)and I had no idea. They had it planned for 3 weeks. I walked in the door and turned the corner and BAM.... there she was in all her glory and beauty. I screamed, then jumped up and down, then hugged her super tight and cried my eyes out. I was in shock. So for my long run last Sat (which was a drop down week) I wanted to spend that time alone with the twinner so we could chat and catch up with out little girls begging for our attention. Our 12 miler went great and we felt even better. We were able to get 3 more runs in together before she left me yesterday to go back to her home in Utah.

This is the twin and I last summer. We had just hiked to the top of Angels Landing at Zions National Park in Southern Utah. I am on the right. So I got another plan together with my new running buddy. We met up at 6am at the YMCA, today. It's kind of weird meeting up with someone you have never met. But can I just say... it was great. She was absolutely adorable and we have several things in common. The pace was a tad slower then I have been running on long runs, but I didn't mind.... I had a running buddy. I don't know about Erin, but the time flew by for me. I felt great. I took a roctane GU every 5 miles (I swear by that stuff) and we finished up with 18.5 miles under our fuel belts. It was so motivating for the marathon I have coming up on March 12th. {This one is called "Land between the lakes trail run" They have a 14.2 mile run, a marathon, a 37 mile run and a 50 miler. I am hoping next March i will be ready for the 50. Click here to check it out. }

Anyways... so as for my title.

I have sore toes, one was even bloody when I got home. I have bubble gut, (everyone calls it something different) My sports bra rubbed pretty good and left some nasty chafed marks.

Y-Ouch. My neck and shoulders are tender and I am almost to exhausted to take my girls roller skating... but I had a GREAT long run, and I am one happy little runner.

RUN FAR!!!!

Wahoo!

2011-01-20T14:19:00.002-05:00

I am pretty excited. I was invited to run with 2 other ladies on Saturday. Wahoo! I haven't had a training partner, well ever. OK, a little exaggeration, but I really haven't.. not really. When I trained for my long runs during my first marathon training (8 yrs ago) I ran long with a friend. That is really it. Of Course I have had the occasional run with a friend here and there.

I have been very pleased with the amount of people who run here in my new town. I keep hearing or meeting of new people who have run a half/full or just interested in running. Any who, Through Face Book, I met a gal here in my town who is training for an April marathon and invited me to run long with her and her friend on Saturday. Wahoo. I guess I am kind of nervous. What if I slow them down. What if they are to slow. Will they GU when I am ready? Where do they run? This small town is hard to log a distance run. Even though I have a million things running through my head, I am super excited to run with someone.

I have been struggling big time with my long runs. Remember in one of my previous posts I mentioned needing to lose weight? Well, I have lost 15 lbs.... because I have cut my calories and making sure I burn enough calories each day. Well, I think my long runs are suffering from this. Have you ever trained for a marathon while trying to lose weight? If so... advice would be great.

Oh ya, my super awesome hubby, gave me a body bug for Christmas. I love being able to see just how many calories I have burned in the day. Wahoo!

Did you see it too?

2011-01-17T18:24:00.002-05:00

The hubs and I had to travel out to Lexington for the night for some family stuff, and so I used the opportunity to see "Hood to Coast" with 2 of my gal pals. (on January 11Th) We were not disappointed. I loved every moment. There is nothing like watching your passion on the big screen. Now I have to admit, I haven't yet had the chance to run a relay yet, but I hope to run Ragnar's Wastach Back or Red Rock relay in Southern Utah. 197 miles
15,000 runners
4,100 volunteers
August 26-27 2011
Largest relay in the world
From Majestic Mt. Hood to beautiful Pacific Ocean in Seaside

Click here for the link to Hood to Coast's website.

1,200 in 2010

2011-01-01T00:16:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year!

I am not going to lie... I am happy to say goodbye to 2010 and hello to a new year. I wont go into details, but 2010.... not the best year for me or my little family, 2011 WILL be better....

I reached 1,200 miles for 2010. Not bad considering I had 4 months in a row with 60 miles or under. Not the best few months for me, running, physically or mentally, but I am back at it and headed for new goals in 2011.

I was able to keep track of my miles easily with Tall Mom's 1,000 club spreadsheet. She is amazing and has a great blog, if you haven't read her, you really should. Her favorite number is 33, so for 2011 the goal is to reach 1,033 miles. Go check her out and let her know you are interested in the 2011 club. Click here.

I will be ringing in the new year with a lonely 14 miler. Just happy to have the health to run at all.

winning and losing

2010-12-14T16:38:00.003-05:00

With temps in the low teens at noon, and -4 when I wake up.... I have been hitting the treadmill for the last week. I have to admit, I really don't mind the treadmill. The first few runs kind of mess with my head, but after a week.... I am settling into a routine and only missed half of my long run on Saturday, due to needing to be a mommy. ;)

After my 7 miler today, I had a gentlemen next to me ask if I had won my race. I laughed, because I guess I did. I felt great today and really felt as though I could have run forever. I sweat like a pig on the treadmill and it makes for some gnarly chaffing. yuck. I like that I can play with my speed, and the incline to make for a more entertaining workout. I don't own a treadmill, so I hit the YMCA. I am such a people watcher. Running for over an hour on the mill, at the YMCA makes for some great people watching. I am scheduled for 14 miles this weekend. I pray it warms up enough for my wimpy butt.

As for the Sporty Girl Giveaway I posted about last week... guess what?!?! I won. Wahoo. Time to shop for some bling to showcase my passion. I love winning. As for losing, the only thing I like to lose is weight... which I have been doing well at. YAY ME! Double yay to The Biggest Loser Finale on tonight. Go Aida. I will be tuning in after my 5 year old's Christmas program at school. Did y'all watch the Biggest Loser Marathon last week? I love that episode. Even though I have run 13 marathons, it is still so motivating to watch them cross the finish line.

The hubby is still doing well in his half marathon training. He ran 6 miles last week, his longest run ever. I am so proud of him. Also, my twin sister started her marathon training to run her first full in April.... which I will be able to run with her. So exciting.

RUN FAR!

Give away....

2010-12-06T09:41:00.003-05:00

me me me... I want one.

Holy crap. Go check out this super cute athletic jewelry by Sporty Girl.

Stacey over at Runner Girl is having a giveaway I want the race bracelet.

I am not sure which marathons I would put on the tags.... I think 13 tags would be a bit much. Maybe Boston '08, STG '07 and RUN FAR.... huh??? I will have to think about it.

Time to fix it.....

2010-11-20T11:24:00.003-05:00

Hello, my name is Janice and it's been 3 1/2 months since my last post.

Funny how my last post was on August 10th and I was posting about being a blog slacker. I have kind of fallen apart since my last post... physically, mentally, Spiritually and emotionally. I am working on getting this all back to normal. I focused on the Spiritual side and the mental side first. The emotional part is kind of being fixed just by fixing the other stuff. Time to fix the physical part. I am embarrassed to admit I have gain a lot of weight since July. I have not been watching my calories, and I have not been running or exercising like I use to. Time to fix that and get it together. Not the best time of year to get focused on LOSING weight, but I have to. I want to run a marathon on March 12th and training started like... last week.... eek. I was able to squeak out 7 miles this morning. It was slow compared to where I was 6 months ago. Time will fix that too. I have also been checking out the marathon calender for 2011 and I am thinking about running 3 marathons in April.

March 12th Land between the Lakes marathon, Grand Rivers, Ky
April 3rd Knoxville, TN
April 16th Salt Lake City
April 30th Kentucky Derby

I am also looking at a few in May and June. I figure... "train" for one marathon and then squeeze a few in and kill 2 birds with 1 stone. Or maybe I am just a little crazy with a few screws loose. ;)
Since my last post, we have moved. The hubby got a new job at a bigger hospital. We are still in Ky, but moved 4 hours west. So far so good. I am hanging in there and trying to not think about myself... except when it comes to running. I think I may have convinced the hubby to train and run his first half marathon.... He is a busy guy so "time" will tell.

Which races are you planning on running in 2011?

marathon #13.... and other stuff

2010-08-10T21:17:00.007-04:00

Why yes, I am a blog slacker.

I had a fabulous trip to Utah.... of course. It couldn't be anything but fabulous. I was able to see plenty of family and friends. My cup (heart) was running over with joy by the time I went home.

Just a few things we did... bullet point version.

* Sisters retreat. (I have 6 sisters, 2 sister in laws and a wonderful mother, and 1 niece that made it this year for our 10Th annual retreat in southern Utah.)

* Hiked Angels Landing at Zion National

* Saw "Tarzan" at the outdoor theater (H.O.T)

* met up with this amazing lady (Stacy).... most of you know her as Runner Girl. Check her out. She is amazing. We were able to have dinner, chat it up and she came with us to see "Tarzan"

* Swim with lots of cousins

* Lunch out with family members

* Do plenty of hair cuts

* Play Bunco with my twin sisters group of lady friends

* Run my 13Th marathon with my older sister, Maria. It was fabulous. We had such a great time. I loved every minute of this marathon. OK, the last mile was torture for me. Hot, and I was hitting the wall fast.

* girls night out.... miss my peeps

* date night with my hubby and his family members.... I was missing him after a week and a half

* My hubby's sister is a photographer and she took our family pictures. They turned out great....

Here are some pictures of the Deseret News marathon (in Salt Lake City) I ran with my sister. It was an early start, very DOWNhill, It got super hot toward the end of the race, but all in all, I loved it. Of course this may have something to do with the fact that my hubby, twin sister and niece met us along the course at 3 different spots and gave us ICE cold water, Gatorade and salty treats. Between the two of us, we ended up stopping 7 times along the course. We were not in any kind of a hurry to get to the finish line. We enjoyed being together and running a race TOGETHER for the first time. We still managed to finish in 4:08. I was pretty pleased with our time. Here I am catching ICE that my sister was throwing at us as we approached. YUM-

Here we are at the finish line. Hot and very sweaty.... and very happy to have crossed the finish line together.

Des News marathon

2010-07-09T17:49:00.004-04:00

In 2 weeks I am running the Deseret News marathon in Salt Lake City. That's right folks..... a July 24Th marathon in Utah. What the heck was I thinking? Oh that's right. Vacation+Sister+marathon= awesomeness. Can you tell I am super stoked about running #13 with my super cool older sister?!?! She is only older by 16 months, but she is still older. This is Maria while running her last 50 miler.... yes, that is snow behind her.

She is amazing. Maria just recently ran her 4Th 50 mile Ultra marathon. She inspires me everyday to be a better mother, sister, wife, friend and runner. If you have been reading my previous posts, you will wonder what happened to the twin sister, who was also suppose to be running this marathon with us, as her first 26.2..... well, let's just say ITB... ya, sucks.

This marathon takes place on one of the hottest days of the year for Utah. It also happens to be on a state Holiday, so the last few miles are run down a huge parade route. The race starts up the canyon, so it will be about 50 degrees to start, but will warm up quickly. It is a fairly small marathon. I think I read somewhere that it only has about 500 runners each year. Needless to say, I am still very excited and feel ready. Well, after tomorrow's 22 miler, I will feel ready. Hope the humidity stays low. Good luck to all you runners racing this weekend.

question

2010-06-28T16:50:00.002-04:00

Any of you other runners who are suffering through this awful humidity.... I have a question for y'all. Does the humidity slooooow you down? I have felt as though I have slowed down my average speed so much in the past 6 weeks or so. The only thing I can think of is the humidity. Growing up in Utah and living there until just 2 years ago, I am just not use to it. I hate it. It makes for a loooong and hard run. I find I lose my energy faster. I feel as though it is sucking the life out of me. Any of you other runners feel this way?

B.L.A.H.

2010-06-12T19:38:00.002-04:00

HUMIDITY + LONG RUN + POURING RAIN = BLAH

It has been so humid here the past couple weeks. I know other parts of the country get it a lot worse the Ky, but where I grew up in Utah and then moving to Ky 2 years ago, it is still a shock to my system. BLAH. I got up at 5:30 to run and still was slapped in the face with humidity and rain. Blah.

It has been over a month since my last post. You may be wondering what I have been up to. Hmmmm, nothing. Running and trying to keep my kids busy and keep them from whining. I love/hate summer break. I fly to Utah in a month and I will be running marathon #13 in Salt Lake City with at least one of my sisters. My twin sister was training for it, (her first) and then her ITband went wacky. I suffered from ITband about 8 years ago, and went through a month of PT. She can't run at all right now and so she most likely wont be able to run with us on July 24Th.

My hubby has started running since my last post. He started out slow at about an 11 min pace an now he is between a 9:30- 10:00 min pace. In a month. He is up to 4 miles, but he is suffering from shin splints, so he has backed down. We are picking him up some new shoes next week. Should help. He was also having some trouble breathing and I kept telling him to be patient, it would get better. Well, he started to have tightness in his chest and talked to one of the doctors he works closely with, and they decided it was exercise induced asthma. So he is using an inhaler and it has helped tremendously. YAY! How great it will be to get him trained and doing a 10k and then maybe eventually a half/full.

Hitting the wall, from a kid's point of view...

2010-05-07T13:06:00.003-04:00

I have the most wonderful friend who I can count on. She is so kind and always willing to take both my girls when I ask her too. So when I asked her to take my girls while I was in Cincinnati for the marathon, she of course was happy to help me out. They had a great time and of course played till they were worn out. They also attended a Derby party, where the kids all picked the horse of choice and also hit a pinata shaped as a horse. So cute. Anywho.... When we picked up the girls, and as we were driving home, Greg and I were chatting about my race and I said something about HITTING THE WALL..... well my hilarious little 4 year old asked....

"Mom, you hit the wall? Is that why you have a bruise on your elbow?" lol ~

I didn't even have a bruise. She just assumed I had really run into a brick wall. Kids say the funniest things. I did how ever feel as though I had truly run into a brick wall..... all week. This was my 12th marathon and also the hardest recovery. I have been so sick, and my legs have been toast. More then usual. UGH.... No wonder I didn't BQ.... something is up with my body right now. I have qualified before (twice) and I know I will again... hopefully sooner then later.

On a happy note... we are running in a 5K tomorrow morning. It is going to be my 9 year old's first, and my husbands. I will post all about it on Monday. We just need to figure out what we are going to do with the 4 year old while we are running... maybe my trusty friend can come watch her for me... ha ha

Flying Pig race report.

2010-05-03T11:48:00.003-04:00

This wont be a long post. Short and simple.
It rained and it poured and there was even thunder and lightning at the start. We were soaked before the race even started. I started with the 3:40 pace group. Lost them at 6, when we started with the hills. From 6-8 it is almost constant hills. At about mile 8 the hilliest part of the course was over. But there were still more little hills to come. I caught up to the 3:40 group at mile 12. Stayed with them till 16.5ish... and by mile 17 I was having a hard time keeping up. I knew I had to slow my pace. I was so mad. I was fighting with anger, and doubts and frustration. By mile 18.5 I told myself it was OK to not BQ. Once I agreed with myself... I was fine. I settled into a new pace, and felt happy. I did slow down a touch more as the miles went on. My left hip was killing me, I couldn't stop and walk through the water stations anymore because it was to hard to get running again. At mile 24 the 3:50 pace group passed me and I thought I could keep up with them... nope. So I slowed back down to my 9:30 pace and just finished.

3:51:06... avg of an 8:50 pace... not my best, but not my worst.

I am a little bummed I didn't BQ, but considering I had been sick all week, the hilly course, and the rain and really my lack or training... I am happy with my time and I am even happier that I am able to run. I am so lucky and blessed to be a runner and to love it. I am amazed each time I cross the finish line that I am able to push myself for 26.2 miles. (garmin said 26.5)

So whats next you ask? Marathon #13 will be in Utah with 2 of my sisters. Frances, my twin, will be doing her first full. We are running the Deseret news marathon on July 24Th in Salt Lake City. I am so excited about this one. No pressure at all. Just 3 sisters running together and crossing the finish line together... no matter what. I will have to wait to BQ in Sept or Oct, and I will find a much flatter/faster course. Greg was standing above me on an over pass thingy, and so the pictures are from a distance. Here are a couple. He took them with the super fast shutter speed option... so I have about 30 shots of me running. It's fun to scroll through them fast on the camera and watch myself run.

Crossing the Finish SwineWalking back to the hotel, I made him take one of me with my medal.

Bring on the Flying Pigs

2010-04-29T12:46:00.004-04:00

Everyday for the last month I have been receiving an email notification, informing me how many days till the FLYING PIG MARATHON. Today it says 2 days till race day. (More like 2 days and 17 hours) Am I ready??? Maybe.

I want to feel ready. I didn't REALLY train for this marathon, as far as time. I trained for a half marathon which was at the end of March and after that race, I realized it was time to register for the Pig. I was also very behind on my long runs. So basically my training for this marathon was one 20 miler, then a 10, then a 23 miler. Ya... not the best idea. I am still holding out for a decent time.

Also, this week I have been fighting a little head cold. I seem to always come down with something during taper. What is up with that? My last few runs have kind of sucked rocks, and my 25 min swim yesterday was not to much fun either.

The weather is also showing Scattered thunderstorms. hmmm, could be fun.

Aunt flow will be visiting that day as well. Lucky me.

So my plan for race day is to stick with the 3:40 pace group until I just can't hang on any longer. I really hope I come in under 3:40:59.... BQ baby. If I don't, no biggie.

Did I mention this is marathon #12? This is also the Pigs 12th annual marathon. How great.

Good luck to all my other fellow racers this weekend. Make it a good one.

The ultimate running athletes

2010-04-25T09:14:00.003-04:00

Have you ever been to a horse race? They are so much fun. My husbands Grandpa and his new wife were out visiting from Utah, and we were able to take them to the Keenland horse races. My friend's hubby is the general manager of one of the local horse farms, and they hooked us up with box seats. The view was awesome, and we had a great time. Eric, my friends hubby, taught us how to bet, and we tried to understand the process... we didn't win anything, but we had fun trying.

These Thoroughbred race horses are gorgeous and they are some cut, and healthy creatures. When I come back in my next life, I want to come back as a Thoroughbred here in the Bluegrass of Kentucky. They are treated like royalty. We also took them to tour the Adena Springs Horse farm, (which is the Farm Eric runs) where we watched a breeding... that is always a good time. My little 9 year old picked this horse below to win it's race. She told her dad to bet on him, and he didn't. This horse ended up winning and she was so mad at her dad for not listening.

Boston

2010-04-19T11:41:00.003-04:00

I crossed that Boston Finish line 2 years ago.

Had the time of my life there, even with a terrible run (stomach bug). Even with the stomach issues, I had a great time. My qualifying time was a 3:27 and my Big Boston marathon time was a disappointing 4:15. I have some unfinished business there. I am hoping to qualify on May 2ND when I run the Flying Pig marathon. This is the first time I have really said this out loud, because I haven't wanted to jinx it. If I don't BQ in Cincy, then I will sometime this year. I know I have it in me again. I would just love to get it out of the way, so my other marathons can be a bit more enjoyable.

So Congrats and good luck to all running Heartbreak hill. Enjoy your experience.

I love me a great long run.

2010-04-17T19:17:00.002-04:00

Today for my long run, I was hoping for 20-22 miles. I was a little anxious about my run. Some weekends, I just get nervous about running alone. Have I told y'all I train alone? I do. I don't mind it most runs, but occasionally, I think it would be nice to have someone who lives around me, who runs my same pace-ish. I love running, and I love training for marathons, so I don't give up.

I love running, and today was no different. I ran and I ran and I ran... alone. I was able to make it 23 miles... alone. hee hee. My feet, toes, legs and mind are tired. I choose to do my long runs on Saturdays, because church is at 9:30 Am on Sundays, and I don't want to run after. I feel terrible I choose running over yard work, family fun, and over nighters on Fridays. My hubby will get so much finished in the time I run 20 miles. He cleans the house, gets the kids ready, does some yard work, and will be showered before I am done running on a Saturday morning. I feel guilty. Do any of you feel this way? If so, what do you do, to make up for it?

P.S. The hubby never complains about my running so much. He loves it. I love him.

I want to give a shout out to my girl Stacey. If you don't read her blog, (click here) you really should. She has a goal of running 40 marathons by the time she turns 40... in 14 months. She has 25 marathons to run till then. She is so amazing. Today she ran marathon #16, in Salt Lake City.

Flying Pig.....& All about the ladies.

2010-04-11T17:36:00.003-04:00

My next race (marathon #12) is the Flying Pig Marathon on May 2ND, in Cincinnati. I ran this marathon last year, but it was 8 days after I ran Kentucky derby. Remember last year Kentucky Derby was super hot, and miserable... then 8 days later ran the Flying Pig... I ran both races in the same exact time to the minute. 4:23.... I am hoping to beat that time this year in Cincinnati. Unless something terrible happens, I am certain I will.
I want to run this ALL women's Half Marathon, In Nashville, TN this Sept. I went to register last night, to receive the early bird price of $50..(or first 250)... to late... So I will be waiting a few weeks... the price goes from $85 to $90 on June 1st... May 31st, I will register. :)Look at the goodie bag you receive and the the super cute medal with charm in the center. I can not wait to run this race. I will also get to meet one of my bloggy friends "Runner Mom".

half marathon post race post, and my hubby must really love me.

2010-03-30T13:27:00.003-04:00

Kristal-Tracy-Shana-Tera-Joe-...bottom...Jamie (think that is her name) Me- Wendy (we are missing a few of our YMCA family... just didn't find them before the race) I forgot my camera, so this is the only picture we have of us. It was taken with an iphone. I look like such a dork. The back row is up on a sidewalk and I was in front slouching and made myself look like a hunch back. Terrible.

Good things:
*My hubby and my twin sister were both there to cheer me on.
* Had lots of friends from the YMCA to meet up with.
* Didn't have to stay in a hotel the night before.
* Couldn't have had more fun cheering for my friends across the finish. For most of them, this was their first.
* The honey on the wheat rolls at the finish line.
* Beat my goal time of 1:50... crossed in 1:45. 10th in my age group out of 222.
* Beautiful and scenic course......Lexington is the horse capital of the world, rolling green HILLS.

Not so good things:
* The parking (getting in and out)
* Hilly Course..... but really that is all I train on around here.
* The finish line timing clock was on the wrong side, so you had to cross the finish line and turn around to see the time. How lame is that.
* It rained the entire race..... of course the sun was out shining by the time I got home.
* With the rain was a cold, wind... ugh.

I did have fun, and I am very pleased with my time. I loved cheering for my friends, and they all did such a great job. So proud of them.

For five weeks my hubby and twin sister had a little surprise up their sleeves. Last Wed my twin and her two daughters flew in from Utah, and surprised the girls and I. They did so well keeping it a secret. I did however figure it out the day before they got here, but the girls were pleasantly surprised. We have had a great time. My oldest turned 9 on Saturday, so it was nice to have family here to celebrate. They go home tomorrow. Sadness.

Lexington Half Marathon

2010-03-15T00:00:00.000-04:00

My next race is going to be the Lexington Half Marathon. I am so excited about this one. I live just minutes from Lexington (Ky) and I am thrilled I will be able to sleep in my own bed the night before. I think this is the first race over a 10K where I have been able to do that. I always travel to my races and end up on a friends couch/floor or a hotel room. I have several girl friends from the Y (trained for the Tri with these lovely ladies) who have been training and are also running this half. For most of them, it's their first half. It has been so exciting for me to watch them turn into runners... (not that they love/like it) The race is March 28Th, and I am very excited to get out there and do my thing. I also need to decide which Full marathons I will be running this year. Not exactly sure why I haven't done this yet, but it's partly because I am just lazy. :) I think I will do the Kentucky Derby Full marathon again at the end of April, but I know I am way behind on my miles and where I should be at this point.

huh, oh well. I will be fine.

First Tri = SUCCESS

2010-03-13T16:07:00.003-05:00

I did it. I finished, and I had the time of my life. I am in love with this thing called the Triathlon. It might have only been an indoor, but it was so much fun. All my Y girls kicked some serious trash. My goal for the swim was 20 laps, I got 21. YAY. My goal for the bike was to hit 6.5 miles, because that is what I was able to do in the Mock Tri's.... once I got on the bike, the tension felt great, I decided to tank the bike part a little and save my legs for the run... dumb idea, I know. I got 5.8 miles on the bike.... didn't place well on this event. Then for the run, I wanted to hit about 52 laps on the tiny little track (18 times for a mile) I was hurting on the run. My legs were tired at first, the kind of loosened up, but my belly up into my shoulders were on fire. I was hurting. I felt as though I was dragging a$$... When I finished, my counter told me I ran 59 laps, I was shocked. I will take it. There were 13 women who completed the race, and I came in 2ND. I was very happy with that. My friend Brenda, who has been coaching all us ladies, came in 1st, and my best buddy Wendy, came in 3rd. It was so much fun. After the race, I decided to do my 10 miler. I was a little worried I would drag because of the tri, but I felt great. 10 miles after a Tri in 1:25.. not to bad.

Top row: Debra, Kristal, Brenda (1st) Cathy Bottom row: Wendy, (3rd) Shana, Me (2ND)
This is a pic of the girls I workout with at the Y and who I have done most of the training with.

Ready or Not....

2010-03-11T14:51:00.002-05:00

Ready or Not... the Tri is Saturday.

I am so excited. I couldn't sleep last night. We have done 4 Mock Tri's and I have felt awesome with each one. This last Monday I improved my run from 50 laps to 52 laps in 20 min. My swim didn't feel as though it was improving, but today I got in the pool and swam for 20 min. The first 10 I warmed up and just focused on my breathing and on my arms. The last 10 min I pushed it hard, and did 11 laps. That is my fastest... YAY.....

So ready or Not... Here I come. I am addicted.

I received some goodies in the mail today, and I will be testing and posting a review soon.

Mock Tri #1

2010-02-25T22:52:00.003-05:00

I did it. I made it through 20 min of swimming, 20 min of biking and 20 min of running. Can I just tell you..... IT WAS SO MUCH FUN. I loved it. During my swim practices, I have already run, or lifted weights, so today it was nice to be fresh and 100% ready for the water. My goal for the swim is 20 laps in 20 min. I think I did that today. Think?? ya, well I lost track, so I was either 19 or 20 laps.. I'll take 20.

We rushed into the locker room, changed into our cardio gear. We made our way into the spin room, and jumped on our bikes which were pre-set at the tension we will have on race day. I guess the man who set the tension puts them on what he claims is a 5.... girls who did this Tri last year, say it feels more like a 7, so we are training on a 7. It is tough for me to hold a 7 at the RPM's I want for 20 min. I have some work to do. The bike was the hardest on me for this reason. We can't touch the tension at all, and they watch us and time us, and check the pedometer on the bike before and after to see how far we go. We didn't check our distance today. Maybe during next weeks mock.

So like I said before the run is on he indoor track. It is a tiny track. 18 laps make a mile. I have never really run up there for more then a few laps to warm up for boot camp. I stayed on the hills of Brenda, who is the person who won the entire thing last year. She rocks! Our first mile was 7:11... wow, then she said the 2ND mile was 7:33 or something like that. We were 4 laps shy of 3 miles. So we decided our goal for race day is 3 miles. That is 54 laps around the track. We are going to try running with little clickers. The run was not to as bad as I thought it would be. I was very happy with it.

We had so much fun that we decided to try it again.... 2 more times before March 13Th. :)

So my sister received her package today, so I can tell you what I ordered. I didn't say in my last post because I sent her my old one and I knew if she knew what I ordered, she would figure it out, and I didn't tell her what I had sent. Anywho.... I got me a new GPS watch. YAY!!!!

I got the Garmin 405. I didn't ever use the heart rate monitor with my old one, so I ordered just the watch, No heart rate monitor. I haven't run with it yet, but I already love it. I am running long tomorrow, so I will be able to test it then.

Running Warehouse

2010-02-23T13:57:00.003-05:00

I love to use runningwarehouse.com to order my running shoes and clothes. Of course I like to try the shoes on first, but when I find the shoe I want, I order from here. They are always at least $10 cheaper and it's free shipping all the time. I also receive my package within 2 days, always.... it may say 8-9 days but I get in within 2 days... I am in Ky, they are in Ca (i think) They were really good with me when I had to send back a pair of shoes last year too. Last night I ordered me some Roctane (GU) and some Luna Moon chews (yum). I also got me a new somethin somethin... but I can't tell you all just yet... I will in a few days when my twin sister receives her package I just mailed today, to UT...... she is going nuts not knowing what is in the package. I sent her a Web cam, which she knows about, so we can Skype (I miss her dearly) plus a little surprise. I love you Franny. After I made my order I started looking at the New Balance, Breast Cancer awareness line, on the running warehouse.com site. Oh my word. I need these shorts, ($23.95)

and this shirt ($14.95).... They are cheap too. Maybe this weekend I can butter up the hubby and make another order. I love to run in slightly longer shorts, and this top is so cute. What do you think?

Thursday we wont be having Yoga class, because the instructor is in the process of moving. The sub is also out of town. So a few of us girls from the Y are going to have a mock Tri. I am so excited, because I want to get an idea of what to expect on March 13Th when we have the REAL tri here at the Y. Have I mentioned it's a 20 min swim, 20 min bike (on the spin bikes) and 20 min run on the very short indoor track. (18 laps makes a mile) yikes

Last week my friend timed a few of us in the pool for 20 min. I was able to swim 19.5 laps. WOW. I surprised myself with this. Remember, I just started swimming a little over a month ago. I hope to get a full 20 laps on race day. Not sure what to expect on the bike, because I only bike during spin class, and it is still only once or twice a week. The run is going to be tricky on the indoor track too. I hope to run 2.5 miles, but not sure I can do it on the stuffy, short, congested track. I will let you know how Thursday goes. Prayers my way would be wonderful. tee hee

just some stuff..............

2010-02-17T19:41:00.003-05:00

I have been MIA lately due to NO INTERNET... argh. We have been in the process of switching providers and no Internet for me. Back online today, with faster, super speedy Internet. :)

Updates....

Still swimming, and loving it. I am swimming about twice a week, and feeling better with each swim. My friend from the Y is going to start teaching me flip turns.... yikes. This will be nice. I feel like such a newbie (OK I am a newbie) when I touch the wall and turn like a child. hee hee.

I snagged me some new kicks the other day. I have needed some new shoes for a while and finally dug into the check book and picked some out. I love them. The last few pair have been the Asics Kayano's, but I heard the 16's were not so great. I decided on the Asics Nimbus and I am happy with them. Two days after buying them I ran 12 miles in the new beauty's. Felt great and now I am thinking about snagging another pair for the other days. (like to switch my shoes each day)

I came down with a little cold last week. It didn't turn into much of anything but annoying. I am flemmy and yucky all day every day. I feel like such a puke when I am at the Y in classes and snuffing and sniffing and sounding like a RHINO. errr. :)

My little Beagle (Nellie) got super sick a couple of weeks ago. She spent the night in the doggie hospital and they never really knew what was wrong with her. A few night later she got even sicker and started vomiting blood and even had it in her diarrhea. Poor baby. She is doing better now. Pretty sure it was something like "Gastritis" (sp?) She is doing better and I am looking forward to warmer, dryer days when she can run with me again.

My left foot has been bothering me. It's right where the toes bend. I think it is wanting to be a stress fracture, but I am hoping with new shoes and babying it, things will get better. :) Rest.... what's that?

'Shut up and Run'..... giveaway.

2010-02-09T17:30:00.001-05:00

Have you ever bloggy met Miss "Shut up and Run"? She is Hilarious. She is also hosting a great giveaway sponsored by Champion (Target). Click here and check it out. I lover their sports bras and would love to try the long sleeve top and fleece jacket+ the pants sounds great. I need/want it all.

feeling good.....

2010-02-08T14:54:00.002-05:00

Um, it was in the low 20's here this morning. I hate running in the cold, so I hit the dreadmill at the YMCA.... I don't mind the treadmill to much. I like it actually. I have a lot of friends at the Y, and the treadmill allows us to run 'together' but separate, (lol- now I sound like my 4 yr old speaking) For instance, today, I ran 7 miles on the treadmill, while my girl friend ran her 3 right next to me. We run at very different paces, so the treadmill gives us a chance to chat it up while getting our sweat on.

After the treadmill I jumped in the pool for a swim. I went 3/4 mile today, and felt GREAT doing it. I am really digging this swimming thing. I need new goggles.... mine really do a number on/around my eyes. I looked all puffy and funky for an hour after I finished. (the 4 yr old made sure I new I looked funny)

Headed back to the Y tonight, with the hubby. He will warm up while I do the abs class. Then we will hit the bikes for a 45 min Spin class. I love Monday's. I get to workout twice. :)

friendly.giving.motivator

2010-02-04T10:45:00.002-05:00

I just had to let you all in on my new adventure. Not new to most of you, but something I have not done in several years and I am picking it back up. Swimming Laps..... I love it. There is this girl back home in UT, we use to be friends. She is a GREAT swimmer. We fell out of friendship love, and we don't really care for each other anymore. So every time I would think about swimming again, I would talk myself out of it, thinking..... "I don't want to be like her, nor do I want her to ever think I am trying to be like her". Well, I live 1500 miles away and I have also come to a place where I just don't care what she or anyone else thinks of me. (well I do, but I kind of don't) So with the new thinking of "Who gives a crap" I started swimming again. It has helped that I really really want to do this indoor Tri here at our YMCA. It is in about 5 weeks and I thought I had better get swimming. It's 20min swim, 20 min bike, 20 min run... hey I can so do this. So I started swimming last week. I am in heaven. Last week I swam Mon and Thur and it was tough. It took me 25 min to swim 1/2 mile. (I have to stop to catch my breath a lot) Monday I went again and I am not sure how long it took me, but I know it was closer to 20 min. YAY ME! Going to hit the pool again tomorrow. I might even push it and go 3/4 mile. :)

So, for the title of this post. Today was yoga day. I love yoga. It is very challenging for me. I can't really reach my toes and I hurt and shake and it just kills me to get through the 75 min. I do it for the stretching part of it. I don't really care for the head stands and funky upside down poses and things... I can't do them anyways. I still go and I feel as though it has helped. At one point in today's session, she had us meditate for about 2 min on 3 positive attributes we have. WOW.... I didn't realize how hard that was going to be for me. By the end of the 2 min I was tearing and runny nosing it a bit. It felt good to think about me, for a min. I came up with.....

Friendly.Giving.and Motivator.

I feel as though I am a friendly person, always willing to meet new people and except new friendships. I enjoy learning about other people and I try to show kindness and sincerity. I also feel as though I am a giving person, of my time, friendship, and anything else someone I care for might need or want of me. Sometimes this is not a good thing, but I feel as though I have controlled it pretty well. Lastly, Motivator.... I have been told by many, that I am a motivating factor in their decision to run a 5k or to even just start exercising. WOW, how nice of people to tell me this. But I have found it to be true in other ways as well. I am always the first one to push someone to try something new. A new hair cut, new outfit, new workout, and to motivate to push through the hard parts of life. I think today, I need to take my own advice. :) It's been a long week, and all I can think about is when I will be able to visit my friends and family next in UT. Not sure when that will be, but until then..... I will 'just keep swimming.'

feeling grateful

2010-01-27T10:31:00.004-05:00

I am feeling very grateful for my body today. Most days all I can think about are the things I would like to change about how I look. Today, I am feeling blessed to have the health and strength to run the way I do, and to add all the extra workouts I enjoy on top of that.

My dad will be 70 this year and on Monday he had his left hip replaced. He has been in pain for many years but the last 6 months or so the hip has gotten more painful. He and my mom were serving a mission for our church and so he waited for it to be over to have the surgery. The mission ended in Dec, so they set the surgery up for this past Monday. He lives in Utah and it just kills me that I can't be there to visit him, to hug and kiss him, to support my mom. I have a huge family (6 sisters 2 brothers) so it's not like my parents are alone on the journey to physical free-ness (is that a word?) I love you dad..... heal up quickly so you can get back in that pool to swim laps and back on the streets taking those walks you enjoy so much.

While I was on the treadmill this morning at the Y, a man came in. He is in a wheelchair and he has had both legs amputated. I don't know him, I have never talked to him. I was making up all kinds of stories in my head about why he had to lose his legs. But then I started thinking about what an example he is to all of us. He is bound to a wheel chair day in and day out, yet here he is at the Y, hopping on and off his chair to different weight machines. I noticed that I was feeling a bit lighter and happier with each step I took. I am grateful for my body and I am even more grateful I enjoy staying active. I hope my love for physical fitness will rub off on my daughters.

I also have a few friends who are going through medical ups and downs right now. One friend, after 7 1/2 years, is being weened off her heart medicines. She is such a trooper and has come a long way. I am so proud of her and she inspires me daily. I have another friend who seems to never catch a break when it comes to medical issues for her and her family. She was given some crappy news last week about her 7 year old and also about her own health. I love these girls more then words can express, so I wont try. But they both inspire me to be a better mom, wife, and friend. Thanks for being such amazing women in my life and for being my friends. (you know who you are)

I am also very grateful for my husband. He works so hard for this family. He is always looking ahead and trying to make sure we are happy and healthy. I couldn't ask for a better husband. I am not the easiest women to live with and he sure puts up with a lot of crap. Thanks for loving me.

I'm not worthy

2010-01-19T20:04:00.002-05:00

I have been the worst blogger lately. I rarely come by my blog, when I do, it's just to update my mileage tracker. I have been a slacker in reading other blogs as well. It's not that I don;t have the time, or that I don't want to read them... I love reading all of your blogs very much. I have just become a very lazy blogger. I try to post at least once a week on my family blog, so our families in Utah can view recent photos of my kids.... but I have been terrible on the ole running blog. I am struggling with finding anything worth the effort to blog about. My life is very... plain. I love my life, it is just very uneventful since moving to Ky. So I apologize. I wanted to thank you all for coming by and visiting and leaving me such sweet comments. I 'puffy heart' comments. So I have to say... I am NOT worthy of having 100 followers. WOW. Thanks. I will be catching up soon.

(((HUGS)))

what would you have done?

2010-01-13T19:05:00.002-05:00

So Tuesday's are boot camp day. I went and had a great/hard workout. When I leave the Y on Tue I always sign up for Spin class the following morning. (Wed) I think there are only about 10 bikes and so I like to be sure I get one. Normally, the class is NOT full, but I sign up anyways. Well this morning I head out the door, and off to the Y, Drop off the 4 yr old at child watch and in and down stairs for Spin. I walk in and all bikes are taken but one... the broken one. WHAT THE HELL. The one day I don't get there early enough.... So I jokingly say, out loud, "OK, I signed up, who didn't" and then I laugh and walk out, up stairs to the dreadmill. I was planning on running after spin anyways, but I was looking forward to a beating on the bike as well. So annoyed and frustrated, I start the treadmill... Two ladies did come up stairs and offer me their bikes, but I was NOT about to take them. They told me they hadn't signed up and that I really should have the spot. I just couldn't get myself to be the Bitch who took over their bike. So I didn't get to spin today, and instead I ran 6 miles on the dreadmill. My chest was hurting and it kind of scared me, other wise I would have gone a little longer. Oh well....

So... what would you have done? Taken the bike? Gone to the administration? yelled? laughed it off? I really am over it... but I haven't blogged in 13 days and felt I needed to get something out there. I don't know how all you amazing bloggers come up with something to blog about day after day. My life is just way to boring.

10 miles for 2010

2010-01-01T16:48:00.003-05:00

I ran my 10 miles for 2010 this morning.
When I left the house my little temp thingy said it was about 30 degrees.... this was with the sun beaming right on it. I checked the weather online and it was more like 20 degrees, and 57% humidity and a wind chill of... I am not sure, but OMGosh, it was cold.

I bundled up and headed out the door. I run alone, and today felt VERY lonely. The cold, and wind just really pissed me off today. I don't usually mind to much about running alone, but it seems on the first day of the year, while running 10 to celebrate 2010...... it was lonely. Oh well. I got it done and I was very happy about it. I didn't feel all that great. Heavy, sluggish and slow... not a great combo, especially when you are already miserable in the cold. I finished my run in 1:26 min.. not to bad, but I can usually finish a tad faster. Again... oh well. I jumped in the shower and it was such a strange feeling. I hadn't let my body temp rise to room temp, and so when the hot water hit my freezing cold skin, it just felt... not sure how to explain it.... weird. Then the skin started to itch.
Enough whining... I ran my 10 and I am very happy I did.
Happy New Year to you all and may 2010 bring love and happiness.

1230

2009-12-31T15:08:00.002-05:00

I ran 2 miles today.... I don't usually run on Thursdays. I usually do Yoga. The Yoga gal from the Y is out of town.

I noticed yesterday, that if I ran 2 miles today, (Thur) then I would be at 1,230 miles for the year of 2009. So I ran 2 miles on the treadmill. I thought about running 6 miles, then my number would be 1234, but I am planning on 10 miles tomorrow, for the 10 for '10. (You know... to celebrate 2010)..... so I didn't want to push the miles today.

I was planning/hoping to get around to posting about all my marathons in 2009.... not sure I am in the mood. Sorry. So this is what you get.

Happy New Year to you all. Be safe and happy.

Run 10 for '10

2009-12-23T16:46:00.002-05:00

RunnerMom is hosting... Run 10 for '10. Go check her out HERE.

Run 10 miles on Jan 1st 2010.

yay me... and Holiday GU?

2009-12-21T18:59:00.002-05:00

So a woot woot and a YAY me... I ran 8 miles on the treadmill pain free today. I felt so awesome. I really wanted to keep running, but knew I shouldn't push it. After my last post about running pain free, I ran a little more, and it was NOT pain free. So I have been really down and annoyed. I am just counting down the days till me Doc apt. (29Th) This was the furthest I have run since my marathon in Oct. We will see what tomorrow shall bring. Lets hope more pain free workouts.So Tall mom is hosting yet again another GREAT giveaway. I love GU. I actually use Roctane GU. I feel like it keeps me head strong longer while running long. Anyways, Tall Mom is giving away some Holiday flavored GU. So yummy. Go check her out here.

POP goes the ankle????

2009-12-15T20:07:00.003-05:00

I WANT TO THROW A TEMPER TANTRUM. MY ANKLE IS STILL HURTING WHILE I RUN. TODAY WHILE RUNNING ( on the dreadmill) I WAS IN PAIN.... UNTIL ABOUT MILE 2.8, THEN OUT OF THE BLUE, POP.... FOR REAL, IT WAS LIKE A POP, OR SNAP OF THE ANKLE, THEN THE REMAINING 1.2 MILES I RAN PAIN FREE. W-T-H- PAIN FREE? AFTER A POP?... NOT SURE WHY, BUT I DID.

SO I FINALLY CALLED THE FOOT DOC.... MY APT IS NOT TILL DEC 29TH. DAMN. I HAVE TO WAIT 2 WEEKS... YET I FINALLY MADE THE LEAP TO CALLING FOR AN APT... WHICH IS HUGE FOR ME, CAUSE I H-A-T-E SEEING THE DOC.

HBBC PTS FOR TODAY-

RAN 4 MILES = 4 PTS

BOOT CAMP = 4 PTS

*MISSED ANY EXERCISE YESTERDAY BECAUSE WE TOOK MY HUBBY'S SISTER TO THE AIRPORT AND THE EVENING JUST DIDN'T WORK OUT.

For Tall Mom.....

2009-12-09T10:34:00.003-05:00

I am terrible. Remember about a month ago when I won Tall Mom's, Brooks for her giveaway and I won this super cute pink running jacket? Well I have not blogged about receiving it, or posted a pic of me wearing it. Every time I think about taking a pic, it is me and the 4 yr old. I really have had her practice her photography skills on me in my killer jacket, but have never liked the photo's... so, this morning I finally just snapped one of myself in the mirror. I realize I covered my face... on purpose, (just woke up) and the mirror has a crack (where it opens) down the middle. So basically a terrible shot... but here it is anyways. I love the jacket. It is super comfy, I love to wear it to and from the Gym. I haven't tried running in it yet. I might try that tomorrow. Happy Wednesday.

* Yesterdays HBBC points
Boot camp for 75 min = 4 pts
15 min on the elliptical= 1 pt
* Today's HBBC points
Spinning for 45 min = 3 pts
3 mile run = 3 pts

what a random thing to do.... and I did it.

2009-12-02T14:21:00.004-05:00

My workout agenda for today was as follows:

45 Spinning (3 HBBC pts)
3-5 miles on the treadmill... ended up going only 3, had a bit of pain (3 HBBC pts)
15 min of abs (1/2 HBBC pt)
15 min on the elliptical (1 pt)
7 1/2 HBBC pts

So this morning I went to Spin class, it was wonderful, as usual. I love it. Kicks my trash. Then because it was raining outside and I am still trying to get over this cold/sinus infection I decided to run on the treadmill. As I got about 4 min in, I was feeling a bit of ankle pain again, not to bad, but I decided to jump off to the sides and massage and stretch my ankle area. As I looked down, I noticed I was wearing 2 DIFFERENT running shoes. They are both Pink and Both Asics. Oh my word, I was so embarrassed. I turned to my friend who was on the treadmill next to me and pointed it out. She claims you could barely tell a difference. What a strange and weird thing to do/happen. Only me... I swear if my head wasn't attached, I would lose it all the time.

Shot from above

Left Foot

Right Foot

question......... please help

2009-11-30T15:23:00.006-05:00

OMGosh.... she is going to kill me for sharing this photo. This is from this past summer at a camp out for church.

I have this marvelous friend. When we moved to KY, she was so kind to me and my family. She is one of a kind. She says it how it is and she is also just so much fun to be around. She lost around 40 lbs on weight watchers over the last 2 yrs or so.... (Karen, am I right?) and she has also become a runner in the process. She amazes me with her drive for more, longer, better. I don't know how old she is, and I am not even going to guess, but I know she knows a hell of a lot more about life then I do, and I really appreciate all advice I receive from her. Cool thing, she has been coming to me for running advice. What? who am I to give advice? Sure I have run 11 marathons, 12 half marathons, and countless other 5K's and 10K's, but me... really? So I do my best to answer her questions, and I love it. I love feeling like I have something I can give back to her. She has run a number of 5K's this year, and her distance is up to a 10K. She has made the goal and found the desire to run her first half marathon in Lexington Ky, this coming March. I am so proud of her.

So to the question. She has been reading a book on running, a beginners book. She couldn't remember the name or author as we were chatting. The book tells her NOT to lift weights on her lower body, on days she cross trains. I really have not thought about it. I am that runner that has NEVER followed any sort of running plan. I have always done my own thing. (which hasn't been to shabby as far as my times go) I only lift weights maybe twice a week and even then, it's mostly squats and lunges and dead lifts. I never use the machines. I NEVER do calve raises or anything to strengthen my shin muscles. So, I didn't have an answer for her on this one. So I told her I would shoot out this question or concern to all my wonderful, fellow running/bloggy buddies. What do you think?

Should she be lifting her lower body on her cross train days?

BTW- I was able to run 6 miles outside today... PAIN FREE. I am thinking the ankle is def on the mend. It felt so good to run outside. It has been 3 weeks. YAY!!!!!!!!

I am rocking my HBBC points. There are several others with much higher points then me, but I am very happy with where I am.

well maybe not.....

2009-11-24T16:34:00.004-05:00

I really thought after my Saturday run of 2 miles pain free, I was on the mend. Nope. I tried running again Monday.. pain... the warm up for boot camp this morning... pain.... however, no pain the rest of class, so I jumped on the treadmill after class and ran 3 miles. I really could have gone longer but my 2 hours were up with child watch. So, maybe this is a weird injury that is A.O.K with a decent warm up. What do you all think? Should I continue to do this, or still go in and have it checked out? I just hate going to the doc.

I found this funny comic... enjoy.

HAPPY TURKEY DAY ON THURSDAY!!!

*Oh ya... I am on day 2 of Amanda's HBBC... I am at 10 points... will be 13 if I decide to go to spin tonight. YAY!!!! The one I will struggle with is the 7 F/V a day... pretty sure I will never get that point per day. yikes.

can I get a WOOT WOOT........

2009-11-21T12:13:00.002-05:00

I have been sick all week and have struggled with any kind of workouts. Finally this morning I decided to toughen up and go to Boot camp at the Y. Loved it. Love the new trainer... he is some yummy eye candy. After class my friend was going to run for a bit on the treadmill. I decided to test the ankle and see how it was feeling. Guess what? I ran 2 miles.... PAIN FREE.... I am soooooooooooooooo happy. I had to force myself to stop at 2. I didn't want to over do it and make the pain come back, or make it worse.

I am grateful for 2 miles of pain free running,. WOOT WOOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HBBC and my ankle...............

2009-11-17T12:18:00.007-05:00

Run to the Finish is hosting her annual Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge. If you are interested in getting on board, click here to read the rules. Be sure to let her know I sent you her way... you know, so I can get some extra points... tee hee.

Starts Nov 23rd and end Jan 8Th....

My Fit by Fall challenge ends Nov 23rd and so this will be perfect for me. I really don't care if I LOSE weight over the holidays, I just don't want to GAIN. So this is definitely the challenge for me.

My ankle is still having issues. It is right on top, where the ankle bends, but radiates down the ankle bone as well. Yesterday, I couldn't even run 2 blocks. It has definitely turned into a pain, where at first it felt more like something was tight and needed to pop. I hope it is just a small over usage injury and with some time off running, icing, ibuprofen and maybe some soaking time in Epsom salt, it will be better in a week or two at most. I want to run my next marathon in Feb and need the training to not fall to far behind.

Grateful post

2009-11-15T14:20:00.007-05:00

I have been posting on my family blog daily about different things I am grateful for. So when Kristen reminded me in a comment on my last post about finding things to be grateful for and that should help pull me from my funk.... I decided I had better share with you some of the things I am most grateful for. BTW- sorry about the last post being so down... ugh. And as Tall Mom says... these are things in my life that fill my Pie.

I am of course most grateful for my husband and my two gorgeous little girls. They make me feel complete and whole.

I am also very grateful for my parents who raised me to know right from wrong. I have 8 living siblings and they are all wonderful people who love me. My twin sister is of course my other half.... for real. I know most people use this term for their spouse... not me. Frances is my other half and I love and miss her daily.

I am grateful for my girlfriends who picked me to be their friend, and don't give up on me when times get crazy. I miss my Utah girls so much, it hurts everyday. They are such amazing women.I am grateful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have not always been the most faithful member, but I know the church is true and it helps me to be a better wife/mother/women and friend.

I am grateful for diet coke, flip flops and chocolate.

I am EXTREMELY grateful for a healthy body that allows me to run the miles I endure weekly. I am grateful it has carried me through thousands of miles in training and races. I am so grateful to have the strength to run 26.2 miles and to work out as much as I do.

I am grateful for the ability to breath on my own, walk, RUN, bend, play with my children, hear, see and feel.

I am grateful to have been born in this Country. I am very proud to be an American.

a very sad and depressing 100th post

2009-11-12T19:11:00.002-05:00

How sad that this is my 100Th post on this blog, and it is all going to sound very down and boring.
*I do not have another marathon planned till Feb.
* Feeling pain in my left ankle/foot while out running yesterday.
*Not going home for the Holidays is making me very sad. Didn't think it would bother me much, but as we get closer to Thanksgiving and our families are finalizing plans, it makes me have a bit of anxiety that we are staying here.
*I have a nasty cold and it is kicking my trash. I just want to cut my head off.
* The 4 yr old needs to have about 8-9 teeth fixed. They are so severe, they feel the best option is to use general anesthesia in the OR at the Hospital. UGH.... $$$$$$
*The hubby is finally finished with budget season, and now he is spending his time hunting, so still no hubby to speak of. (although he just killed his first white tail buck, we have mule deer in Utah)
* I haven't lost any weight in about a week a half... pisses me off... gotta make some changes.

So how is that for sad and depressing???? Happy 100Th post to me.

you snooze, you lose.............

2009-11-09T00:00:00.001-05:00

Dear fellow runners:
I would like to advise you of something NOT to do in the bloggy/running world.
From my experience, I would suggest, you DON'T blog about your next race/marathon until after you have actually registered for the race/marathon and are an official contestant of that race/marathon. Other wise, if you do not follow my advice, you might find that after your blog post about your upcoming marathon, many friendly and kind comments were left on your behalf. You know.... like, "Good luck" "Wow, your 12Th marathon, amazing" things of this nature. All though the wonderful comments will make you feel like super women at the time, you will find how embarrassed you will feel, when you finally go to register for said race/marathon, and find the race is closed. So please my dear readers/running friends/bloggy Buddies......... take my advice, and register for the race before you inform the WWW, that you will be running X race, and hope for X time. You will save yourself some pouting time, and some serious embarrassment.

***if you have not caught on.... Janice here, blogged about my next race, and then finally after a week and a half, decided to actually register, and found it to be closed. Dang. Dang. Dang!
So whats next you ask?!?! I have no freaking idea. Stay tuned, and when she figures it out, she will blog about it. But not till after she registers..............

I am a winner..... and a witch vs Cinderella

2009-11-02T13:02:00.006-05:00

I love Halloween. I love to dress up and I love the spirit of ghost and goblins. I love watching the kids get excited about what they will dress up as. I love hearing them giggle each time a silly, cute or scary costume walks by. I myself, am not creative, nor do I sew or make anything. I always buy from the store... not so much fun, but next year I promised my kids we would come up with some contest winning costumes. My two girls are night and day different from one another. 8 yr old is very timid and suffers from some serious social anxiety. She wanted to be a CUTE witch, she wouldn't even wear the black wig. 4 yr old is polar opposite. She is loud, silly, wants all the attention and cracks me up daily. I love my little ladies so much and they bring so much joy and happiness to my life. Lately I have felt like a single mother. My hubby is the CFO at the hospital and it is budget season. So for about 2 months he has been working more and more. The last two weeks he has worked 14 hr days. So for Halloween we were able to spend a little quality time with our favorite man/daddy. Thank Goodness the finale budget meeting is Wed.

Guess what???? I did NOT eat one piece of candy... Not one... Candy Smackdown... and I was rewarded with 1 1/2 pounds lost.

Wow... I am still in shock. I won Tall Mom's giveaway and received this most fabulous jacket. I wonder what I will be wearing (and taking all kinds of pics for Tall Mom) on Dec 12Th at my next marathon in Huntsville AL. I definitely think I need the Capri's, or the Skort to finish the outfit.

my next poison

2009-10-27T14:25:00.003-04:00

On my post about "Post race blues" I had mentioned maybe running the Rocket City marathon in Huntsville AL, on Dec 12Th. My sister in law (who lives 1500 miles away) commented and informed me, her BFF moved to Huntsville a year ago. She also mentioned if I decided to run this marathon and not Atlanta, then she would fly out for a quickie visit, and come down to the marathon to cheer me on... or to visit her friend.. what ever :)

So this is my next marathon. Rocket City marathon, in Huntsville AL, on Dec 12Th. This will be marathon #6 for the year and #12 total. Nothing like those marathon maniacs out there. But, if you know me at all, if I had the time, kids were bigger and had the money, I would be a marathon maniac as well. A marathon every month sounds like so much fun to me.

Don't forget to check out Tall mom's giveaway. This is what she is giving away. Click here to view more great Brooks for her goodies.

Tall moms giveaway and my next poison....

2009-10-26T18:32:00.004-04:00

If you have not yet read or found Tall Mom's blog.... now is the time. She is a fantastic blogger and she is so much fun to FOLLOW. She is hosting the BEST giveaway yet. Brooks for her is donating this super cute jacket to be given away by Tall Mom. Check it out, offer ends Sunday.

Stay tuned for which marathon I have picked.... and why. I know you are all on pins and needles. :)

Post race blues..........

2009-10-21T16:27:00.003-04:00

I ran my first recovery run yesterday. The quads were still screaming at me, but I knew I needed to get off my rump and get moving. 1 1/2 days of vegging and watching TV was enough. Just walking down the stairs was still killer for me. I knew it was going to be a very slow, easy run, so I didn't take MR Garmin or the iPod. Not sure how fast/slow I was, but it definetly was slow, not fast. It felt good to get the first recovery run (3 miles) over with.

Today I ran 4 miles at a much faster, yet still recovery pace. I took the iPod, not Mr Garmin. Legs are much better, but looking forward to Yoga class and a nice easy 3 miler again tomorrow. I am still in weight loss mode and so not pushing my workouts, is pretty frustrating. I know the recovery process is important, so I am trying to be patient.

Does anyone else get the post race blues??? I do, and I am trying to pull myself out of it by finding my next marathon....
I think I have my next marathon down to two choices.
Choice A.... Atlanta, Ga Marathon on Nov 26Th... Thanksgiving. How fun. We are NOT going home to Utah for the Holiday, so how fun to run a FULL marathon instead. Depends on what the hubby thinks would be fun, it's his holiday break as well.
Choice B.... Rocket city marathon in Huntsville AL, on Dec 12Th. This race looks fun, and sounds like an easy BQ. We shall see.

Louisville marathon race report

2009-10-19T12:09:00.002-04:00

This is the Louisville Water Tower. The race started and finished here.

Just a few feet from the finish line.

A few feet closer to the finish line.

Yucky me.... the medal we received was so not worth showing... cheap little medals for cheap little races.

I can't help but think of how stinky I was, every time I look at this pic. :)

We ate out on Saturday at P.F. Changs and my fortune said "The beginning is always the hardest" I would have to say, this was definitely the case in the race for me. Not hard as in hilly, but we were sent to run on an ever so small bike path. Just feet after the race started, I knew I needed to stop and pee. The port-a-john was right there and empty, so I stopped for a quick pee. Happy I did, I had to go bad. So once I came out and joined the crowd, and then hit the bike path, it was so frustrating. The path was so skinny, and the pack was not moving as quickly as I wanted to be moving. I ran on frosted grass a lot, and even twisted my ankle once. UGH... At mile 1.5 it opened up to the road. Pheww*

I was just running to run, I was feeling good. Came to mile 6ish and had a water stop. I walked through and took my first Roctane. Mile 8 it thinned out and the halfers turned around. It felt good to be a part of the few to continue forward along the boardwalk/path aside the river. It was so nice to have it thin out and quiet down. I love that feeling. The course soon turned into a covered bike/walking path. The trees were gorgeous, it was a little muddy at spots and we had to jump a puddle or two. I took another Roctane at mile 13. We looped around a neighborhood and a park, and back to the 13/16 mile marker. I was feeling great. Passing other runners left and right. I was beginning to think I should maybe slow down, to be sure I had some left for the end. I didn't slow down. :) I took another Roctane at mile 17.5, and continued to feel awesome. By mile 20ish, I was wondering if I would be able to keep up my pace. I did. I never really looked at my Garmin for my pace, I just knew I was feeling great and knew my pace was.. a good one. Took my last Roctane at mile 22 and by this point, I was wondering if a BQ was in sight. It was, I just didn't pick it up enough until mile 24, where I called the hubs to let him know I had 2 miles left. I was feeling so good, and couldn't believe at mile 25 my pace was faster then it had been all day. I was pushing so hard the last mile, thinking, just maybe I could BQ. I came in at 3:42:16.... close, but not enough. I am very happy with my time. I went into this race just hoping to come in UNDER 4 hrs. Coming so close to a BQ was a bonus. I have qualified twice in the past and actually ran Boston in '08. I now have a new goal for the next marathon.... I am hoping to run one more marathon before the end of the year. Any ideas which one it should be? I am thinking St Judes Memphis Marathon on Dec 5Th... we shall see.

Stats:

Chip time: 3:42:16

Gun time: 3:43:19

1st in my age group (30-34) {only 9 of us}

76Th overall out of 312

I haven't plugged in my Garmin to see my mile break down. Maybe I will do this later today.

Missing my sisters.... and what to wear

2009-10-17T09:54:00.004-04:00

*ME* The TWIN* The older SIS*

This picture was taken in Utah this past June. While I was out visiting, 2 of my sisters (I have 6) and I went for a trail run. Talk about fun fun fun...... I miss them so much. The one in the middle is my twin sister, and the one on the far right is 15 months older then us. I {heart} my sisters!

Just thought I would blog real quick. I am feeling antsy and ready. I want to jump in the car right now and drive to the start line and get this party started. I am ReAdY.....

I am trying to decide what to wear. I think for sure I will stick with my fave long shorts, but not sure what to wear on top. The weather reports are saying the clouds should clear, and it should be a high of 54, but I am leery. I think I will start the race with throw away gloves, and a throw away long sleeve top. I am always afraid I wont see my clothes again. I usually stop at the Goodwill and purchase something cheap and then don't need to think twice about losing that top. I will end up either in my "Livestrong" tank top, or just a green short sleeve top. I will see how it looks/feels in the morning.

If you have not yet entered Tall Mom's necklace giveaway... go check it out. She is always hosting the best giveaways, plus I think she wins the award for most colorful blog. She simply rocks.

T-minus 5 days.....

2009-10-13T13:35:00.003-04:00

WOOT WOOT.... 5 days till marathon day.

I am excited for this Marathon:

* because it is my #11.... YAY!

* because it is doubling as our 12 yr anniversary get away

* because I LOVE THE 26.2 distance.. can't get enough.

* I will be kid-less for 2 1/2 days

* the course is a flat and fast out and back (my kind of race)

* I am needing to scratch this itch I have had since my last marathon in June

* I am feeling good and positive about a sub 4 hr.... (I know I have BQ in the past, but after moving and a lot of weight gain (14 lbs down) it has been 1 1/2 yrs since a sub 4 hr)

* I have some new/fun songs for the playlist

Not so excited:

* feeling a slight twinge behind the right knee... yikes

Not sure there will be another post before Sunday, so to all other runners with a big race this weekend..

GOOD LUCK.

**Go check out "Will run for Margaritas" she is hosting a Drymax sport sock give away. I need me some of those babies.

It's taper time baby!!!!!

2009-10-05T13:24:00.002-04:00

I ran my last long run before the marathon yesterday. I was able to run 22 miles, and it felt AWESOME. I was surprised how good I felt. I really think I could have kept going, but already got a late start, so by the time I finished, it was already 11:30. The marathon is Oct 18Th in Louisville. The hubs and I will also be celebrating our 12Th anniversary that weekend. I know he would rather be hunting (opening day of Muzzle loader is the 17Th) be he is so good to me and knows I am itching to run another marathon. This will make for #11. I am already trying to decide where/when #12 will be.

Congrats to all those who ran/finished the St George Marathon on Sat.

So I got in the pool and swam laps on Friday for the first time in 2 1/2 years. It felt GREAT, and I was able to swim nearly 3/4 of a mile. Can't wait to get back in the water, maybe tomorrow.

My new side challenges for this week on my FBF are #1 Eat at least 3 FRESH fruits and veggies a day. (remember we are required to eat at least 5 f/v a day, but this they need to be fresh, no juice replacements, no applesauce etc etc) not a problem for me.

#2 is to pick my own indulgence and kick it for the week. I have decided to give up chips, and bread. The no bread will be a toughie for me. I know I can do it, it's only 7 days.

Have a great day.

My FIT BY FALL Challenge

2009-10-02T07:30:00.002-04:00

Denise over at Running Journal has been hosting a weight loss challenge. We just send her our % each Monday and she posts them on Wednesday. Really no rules, just eat healthy and lose weight. I have a 6% weight loss, and a few of you have asked me what I am doing.

First off.... over the last 1 1/2 years I have gained nearly 20 lbs. (moving,emotions,love food) So to start out, I was really needing to lose a bunch of weight anyways. It's not like most of the other girls, who I am sure are already teeny tiny and don't really need to lose in the first place. I NEED TO LOSE. I run all the time, and I have continued to train for and run marathons, but the weight seemed to sneak on. I was never watching or caring what I ate. I was very relaxed in my workouts, and I just didn't give any of it much thought. The Big move to Ky really messed me up. (emotional eater)

So about the time Denise started her challenge, my cousin offered up a challenge called......

There are 4 teams of 11.

Each person is responsible to get as many daily and weekly points as they can. Every Monday we turn in our points to Becky and as a team you accrue your team"s points. The 3 teams that DO NOT win for the WEEK, all (members) put in $5 to the pot. At the end of the 16 weeks (Nov 23rd)

the team with the highest grand total, wins the pot.

Here is the point break down:

Daily pts:

Exercise 6 days a week for 5 pts a day:

Drink at least 48 oz of water a day for 2 pts:

No eating after 9 Pm for 1 pt:

No sugar treats for 5 pts a day:

5 fruits/veggies a day for 2 pts a day:

Weekly:

lose 1 lb= 10pts.... has to be a whole lb

Monthly:

Measure hips and waist for 5 pts for half an inch or 10 points for a whole inch.

We also do different weekly side challenges like: No soda (14 pts) extra cardio (15pts) journaling (14pts) Fresh F/V (7) these points are all extra, on top of our daily normal points.

So my dear fellow running buddies... this is how I have lost 6% of my body weight in 2 months. YAY for me!

I will be starting up this same challenge in Jan, and it will be called Slim by Spring. Again it will be a 16 week challenge. If any of you will be interested then, let me know. I am on Facebook (I have my profile on this pages side bar) and that is how I keep in touch with most of my friends doing this challenge right now, seems to be easiest this way. It is so much fun and if you are competitive, this is right up your ally. I love having a team to chat with (on our FB group page) about my weaknesses and strengths. It helps me stay motivated, knowing I have an entire team depending on what kind of points I will accrue.

Facebook me, and we can start a list for the January (Slim by Spring) if you are interested. :)

Have a great day.

This and That

2009-09-30T11:51:00.003-04:00

I ran an awesome 10 miler this morning. It felt so good outside. *52 when I left the house. I wore a long sleeve top.... YAY! I love that. I love the smell of Fall. I love the way the crisp, cool air feels on my skin. I love the colors, and I LOVE the Holidays. Halloween and Thanksgiving are for sure my favorites.

My little Morgan will be 4 on Saturday. When did this happen? Geesh. She acts more like she is turning 16. I just adore my girls. They are both very different in personality and look. They bring me so much Joy.

My mother and father in law are here for a little visit from Utah. My girls couldn't sleep last night, knowing Grandma and Grandpa were on their way. They were also up at the butt crack of dawn with more excitement then I've seen in a while. :)

My hubby is so busy with work right now. He is the CFO at the hospital here in town, and the poor economy is affecting them big time. It is budget season and things are just not looking bright for them. He is always stressed and rarely wants to go out and do anything, he is always bringing home work and has his nose in his computer. I feel terrible for him. It is also hunting season and he is not getting much time, if any, to get out and do what he enjoys the most.

Miles for September: 139

My Marathon is in 2 1/2 weeks. I am running my last Loooong run Sunday morning. Crossing my fingers for 22.....

Good luck to all my peeps who are running the St George Marathon on Sat. I am so jealous. This is by far, my favorite marathon. To bad I live 2000 miles away. Maybe next year.

Why do Perverts have to ruin a good run?

2009-09-23T11:01:00.004-04:00

So what is up with all the PERVERTS out there that have to ruin a good run for us women runners?!?! UGH.....

Today while running, I left from the Y and head up main street... literally 100 feet from the Y is a Family Dollar. As I was running past I saw a dirty old man standing against the pillar playing with his cell phone. I was minding my own business and just slightly glanced over at him while I ran past. OMG.... can you believe he had his fly gaping open and wearing nothing under his pants, and his MR was hanging out. YES, folks... his MR was hanging out. I didn't say anything (of course) just kept running... FAST. Of course the rest of my run I couldn't stop thinking about how disgusting it was. I am sure this is what he wanted... Me, thinking about his MR. I wasn't really thinking about his MR... I was thinking about how RUDE, CRUDE, and WRONG it is for someone to be like that. The problem is... this is not the first time this has happened to me. About 8 yrs ago I was out running and caught a SICK-O PERVERT masturbating.... I know, right? I have crappy luck.

Anyways, what if I had been walking into the store with my daughters? I mean come on... I seriously wanted to call the cops, but #1 No Cell phone #2 didn't want to deal with any of the drama #3 I didn't have time to stop my run. I am so mad. Why do these sick-o perverts have to ruin our joy of running?

* Yes, I realize my last post was a video of Nike's Naked Running Camp.... oops.

Naked Running Camp.... so funny!

2009-09-20T21:58:00.001-04:00

Cemetery running?!?!

2009-09-16T11:09:00.004-04:00

So this is what my week is looking like so far:
Monday: 7 miles tempo
Tuesday: Boot Camp at the Y
Wednesday: 45 min Spinning, 6 miles and 15 min on the rowing machine
Thursday: 75 min of Yoga, 4 or 5 miles running, maybe the rowing machine
Friday: 30 min weights upper body, rowing machine, maybe 30 min Elliptical or rest day
Saturday: 20 mile long run
Sunday: rest or 3-4 mile recovery

I want to run everyday, and when I run, I want to run far and as hard as I can. I just love running, there is nothing else like it. I am a running FREAK!
I also really enjoy some extra workouts the Y offers, and I love doing the workouts and gabbing with friends. (since I always run alone) I am just tired. I have cut out the Diet Soda.. I am not a coffee drinker and I am just feeling tired. I know I need more vitamin C, so I am eating more oranges and I actually really enjoy a boiled egg at each snack. YUMMY- Seems to help.

I am not a big morning person. I don't enjoy being up before the sun, and so sometimes it is torture for me to get my long runs in on Sat before the heat hits. (nice the weather is cooling down) During the week I head to the Y and drop of my 4 yr old at the child watch and do my running and other classes. When I run from the Y, I have certain loops, or out and back routes that I enjoy. Sometimes I will be about .5 mile the Y and still feeling great so I will run into the cemetery and do one loop to add an extra mile. I love this loop. It is quiet, peaceful, it smells good, you know, like fresh flowers and trees. I had heard of people running in the cemetery before and always thought is was so weird. I am sorry to you all. I am now a Cemetery runner. I love seeing the older ladies that walk the cemetery and they always have a huge smile and wave for me. Do any of you run through your local cemetery? or do you think I am crazy?

BTW- Marlene is having a great giveaway on Halo Headbands. Go Check it out.

Musings during my 8 miler

2009-09-07T13:45:00.002-04:00

And were off.....

OK, I love the Dixie Chicks, but do I really want to run to their music?

That's much better....

I hope Mr Big Black Barking dog is not out today....

Phew, he must be sleeping still.....

I love me a good uphill.....

I think it might rain.....

It's super humid, but not to hot this morning.....

Oh, how cute are those old men Golfing?

Today is weigh in day, I wonder how much I lost.....

Sure hope everyone turns their points in on time today.....

I can't believe I am going to attempt the NO SODA for a week....

I know I can...

I know I can.....

Geesh, car... didn't you see me? Get out of my way....err...

Dead Frog... scared the $%^& out of me.....

Don't look at me you dirty old man.....

I am really sweating a lot today..... YUCK.

I miss my family and friends in Utah.....

It's sure pretty here in Ky though.....

Hello Horse........

Dog..... phew, behind the fence.

***10 min after my return to home........
I sure am Happy I got my 8 miles in before the HUGE-O THUNDERSTORM hit.

HAPPY LABOR DAY!!!!

my 20 miler 1500 miles away from home.

2009-09-03T13:36:00.003-04:00

My sister in law took these pictures at the cemetery. This is me and my oldest daughter.

My husbands Grandma passed away on the 25Th of Aug. We packed up and left for Utah and drove the entire 24 hrs. The kiddos did great, better then my hubby. We spent a week with family and friends and we really enjoyed our time in Utah. Grandma was diagnosed with Cushings disease about 2 months ago and she eventually couldn't fight it any longer. She was only 71. We miss her dearly and our hearts are full with the knowledge that she is in Heaven with her Heavenly Father and her two children that went before her. We love you Grandma...I sure love my man.

Well I was able to get in my 20 miler on Sunday while in Utah. I had severe hip and knee pain most of the run and the last 5 miles were pure HELL. I finished and then ended up in bed or on the toilet for half the day. But... yippee I got it done, for a total of 141 miles in August.

Well look at that......

2009-08-22T13:00:00.002-04:00

.....100 miles for the month of Aug and it is only the 22ND. Yowzer.....

I set my alarm for 6:30 and hit snooze once. Got up, dressed, ate and out the door by 7:00 am. I was planning on 14 miles but felt really good so squeezed in another mile. When I left the house it was 57* out and it sure felt nice. It was the perfect morning for a long run. There was a little fog out and around the trees and the farms. It was so pretty. I knew from the sec I walked out the door, it was going to be a good one, and it was.

15 miles......2:14

I keep going back and forth about which marathon to run. I am going to aim for the Air Force marathon which is in Dayton, Oh on Sept 19Th. It looks and sounds like a fun one.