NYC marathon or bust

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

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

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

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

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

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.....

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.....

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

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????

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.....

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.....

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

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.....

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.....

**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.....

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.....

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

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....

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

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

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?