Is May Over Yet?

Let's get caught up to speed real quick.

 

1. I got my StrideBox for May

The big item this month was the Klitch which is a clip that holds your shoes on the outside of your bag. I used it at the Fargo Marathon this past weekend and it seemed to work rather well. However, since the Klitch occupied so much room in the box I didn't get much more than that.

 

 

2. I accompanied Hannah on her field trip to Itasca State Park. Let me just say I appreciate what teachers do everyday and commend them for their patience and dedication. Oh yeah and I'm glad I don't have boys. Holy moly! That being said I can't wait to go back and run some of those trails.

 

On both sides of this fence is an Indian burial ground

 

3. Miss Olivia graduated pre-school.

 

So sad that my baby is growing up

 

4. Caitlin had surgery to remove a Branchial Cleft Cyst. On the surface it looked like a big pimple but the surgeon said underneath it was the size of half a kiwi.

 

Minutes before surgery

 

4. I ran the Fargo half marathon in 1:49:09 which is a new PR (personal record) for me.

 

New socks ruined from lots of rain

Finisher Medal

Some NARC members

 

5. My laundry room cabinets are finally installed. Yes this is a huge deal for me because now I can get my kitchen cabinets that I've waited 13 years for.

 

Finally have some extra storage

 

6. We got some more painting done on the mural in one of our Sunday School rooms. I estimated about 15 hours have gone in to this fun project. We're hoping to be done by the end of summer. Thank you again Leopold for lending your drawing skills to Bethlehem.

 

 

 

 

7. My sister and I are discussing the possibility of running a half marathon in Nashville together. Women's Running Magazine partnered with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) to put together this half marathon series. I priced out airline tickets and rental cars and this is what my sister text me: Ahhhh. Perfect. We should rent a powder blue old ford convertible and listen to Elvis and wear little neck scarves.

 

 

 

Our Aunty M lives outside of Nashville so I asked if she could put up Thelma and Louise for a few days. Time to start my running travels (I hope, cross my fingers, and say a prayer). 

 

There have been many exciting things happening around here and the month isn't even over. My running partner Bryan and I have a summer running project that we'll be working on so I'll announce that hopefully in the next few weeks.

 

Remember the road behind you has brought you where you are today so don't forget to thank God for all His blessings.

The Week That Got Away

You'll have to forgive any grammar issues on this post because I'm using my cell phone. Thumb blogging isn't easy.

I'm laying on a hospital cot next to my sleeping 15 year old who had surgery today. Back in January we found out that she had a bronchial cleft cyst. So today she went through 4 hours of surgery to have it removed. It was a long process but the ENT got all of the cyst out without any complications. Hallelujah!

I worked one day this week, ran one day, and did Jillian (you guessed it) one day. This was suppose to be a big week for running but my 43 mile week has turned into a 6 mile week so far. The Fargo Marathon is only 2 days away and that half isn't looking so promising. I'm not concerned with time because this one was more for fun but my concern is Grandma's Marathon. I need that 43 miles on my legs so I'm able to hit my goal. Sometimes life has a way of putting things into perspective at unexpected times. Although I'm a bit bummed about my progress my mothering always comes first.

Our youngest graduated Pre-school this week. Since I was a chaperon for the 5th grade field trip to Itasca State Park hubby had the privilege of getting her ready. When I got home and saw her I almost cried. She looked so grown up and beautiful. I swear I was only gone for a day.

The boxes behind her taking up lots of space are the laundry room cabinets that were dropped off Monday. Thank you to Nico and my hubby for hanging them last night- you're awesome. It's funny how little things like that can make an adult so happy.

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If I can get some miles in, run the half marathon, and make it back for all the high school graduation parties I'll feel almost successful. So with that I'll leave you with this:
"If God brings you to it He will bring you through it."

Running is Like Giving Birth

I finally finished up with my Firefighter training and testing this weekend. I guess it's safe to say that I'm officially Firefighter I certified (big smiles). I have to wait for my Firefighter II test score, which could take 6 weeks, so until then I'll try not to stress over it. I'm just so relieved that the testing is finally complete. After 4 months of classes every other weekend all weekend long it'll be nice to have some family weekend time back.

 

I was trying to cram lots of studying and reviewing in Friday and Saturday but I still had to squeeze a 20 miler in also. It was no easy feat to complete all of this with hubby gone for the weekend and a 4 year old being...well a 4 year old. I'm happy to report that I successfully made it through the weekend intact. *Bow*

 

The run was pretty interesting and of course there were moments of pure entertainment. So here's a little summary of our 3:26:53 run.

 

Mile 6- Bathroom Break

Mile 9- Stretch and Energy Bar Break

 

Mile 11ish- We met a lab who decided we were way more fun than his owner. Sorry about your wet dog sir but we tried to bring him back. We assumed in his little doggy head he was saying, "I'm freeeeeee!!!!!!!" and "They want to play with me." and "Let's play hide and seek." as he ran through a narrow culvert. Bryan said he's never seen a dog do that before. It was pretty funny.

 

Mile 12.5- Bathroom Break; I had to run down the railroad tracks to find a more hidden spot. I realized after the fact that I couldn't get back over to the highway because there was too much water in the ditch. So I had no choice but to run down the tracks to the next road. These tracks were absolutely horrible to run on.

 

Bryan did inform me before I parted that the train only travels at 10 mph on these tracks. Now I know why. There are mounds of rocks, broken and rotted railroad ties, and holes that really slowed me down. I had to look down the entire time so I wouldn't trip or twist my ankle. Bryan said it would have been a cool picture of me but it sure didn't feel very cool.

Back on solid ground

After running the tracks I noticed my tailbone felt really sore. Then the muscles in my tush really started to feel tight. I've never felt anything like that during a run before. So then it dawned on me that I really needed to start doing some squats and lunges to tighten up that junk in my trunk.

Laugh it up. I started Jillian Michael's Body Revolution yesterday.

 

Mile 17- One last bathroom break; time for music. Oh and there was definitely something scratching around in the woods behind me so maybe the Shewee would have come in handy here.

 

Oh where do I begin

Mile 18- I did my best to give a certain someone a pep talk. It must have helped at least a tiny bit because...

 

Mile 20- We made it!

 

These long runs never seem to get easier but somehow we always make it through. It's kind of like childbirth. After a certain amount of time the pain you endured seems to fade in your memory while the anticipation gets you ready for the next one. Sometimes you scream, cry, pee and/or poop when you don't want to; you feel pain, dehydration, sweaty, exhausted, hot, cold, angry, frustrated, overcome with emotions, but always happy with the end result. Yep, just like childbirth.

 

I Love Zulily

I meant to post this yesterday but with a sick kid and studying for my Firefighter test this weekend I didn't have time. Even more shocking is that I didn't even get my pace run in. There is never a dull moment around here but sometimes I wish there were. That way I could do more research and find cool things to share with all of you.

I haven't checked Zulily in quite a few weeks but with a couple birthdays approaching I decided to browse a bit yesterday (I found a few free minutes). I scoped out two deals to share with all of my active/athletic readers.

The New Balance event has some cute activewear for the ladies with a variety of workout pants and tops. For the men, women, and children check out the Nathan Hydration event. Hydration is an important element of staying active so if you need a new water bottle, hydration belt, or hydration vest look no farther. The vest that I own is actually available here for a very reasonable price.

Speaking of buying things...how often does someone say they bought something but they have no idea what they bought? No I'm not talking about a box of randomness at an auction. Apparently you really can buy something online but you won't know what it is until it arrives in the mail. So I bought something yesterday. I don't know what, but I know it's something. Sound crazy? An employee came in to the office yesterday and piqued my interest by telling me about the Something Store. I believe it was featured on Tosh.0- yep now we know it's stupid. It cost just $10 and there's no tax or shipping cost. I like to try new things- remember my philosophy is "I'll try anything once." This might be a brainless endeavor, but who knows I just might get something cool. The Something Store says the items value will be at least $10 but something could be anything. It's kind of like StrideBox but not as cool or rational.

Another really cool item that I recently purchased was Jillian Michael's Body Revolution.

Super pumped about it

90 days, 15 DVDs, 3 levels, 6 days a week, 30 minutes a day, a journal, a meal plan, a fitness plan, resistance band, determination, stamina, and lots of sweat. That's all I need. I may have to adjust the meal plan a bit to accommodate my daily miles but I haven't dissected the plan yet. Once I make it through the weekend I'll be ready to get started. Oh and Sheri- I love you...r pants!

A Mother Can Dream

I have 5 daughters and no sons; their ages are 17, 15, 13, 10, and 4. This past Saturday was our first prom experience but definitely not our last by any means. I can't even imagine all the weddings. Just for this prom we had to pay for:

 

1. The Dress

2. Jewelry

3. Nails

4. Spray tan

5. Hair

6. Prom Admission

7. Pre-Prom supper

 

Plus, junior parents were in charge of the after-prom party (that's us). The things we do for our kids.

 

Our 2 oldest girls before Prom

Planning, buying, and decorating all for this one night.

 

 

 

I ran 18 miles Saturday morning before all the chaos began and luckily I made it until 5 a.m. Sunday without feeling too bad. My feet were really sore while running so I wore some fashionable slippers to after-prom with hope for some relief. It took me a few days but I'm feeling rested and ready for my 20 miler this weekend.

 

Yesterday was a tempo day but I decided to change it up a bit. I geared up and got my 15 year old to get out with me. She needs to start training for Run or Dye in June so I gave her a little nudge and off we went.

 

Caitlin and I

 

We did a combination run/walk but she ran at a good pace and didn't complain one bit. She barely spoke actually and I had to remind her not to hyperventilate. She just giggled. It was very different running with her compared to my 17 year old. Caitlin's pretty quiet and has a great sense of humor but Claudia just tells it like it is.

 

If I said, "You're doing great!"

Claudia would say, "Whatever!" and scowl.

Caitlin would just giggle and smile. Yes, I learned this from first hand experience.

 

So as we were running along I imagined all the miles Caitlin and I could run together. All the bonding we could do and funny jokes we could tell (once she gets the breathing part down). Running races with her by my side and sharing our bathroom stories. I tried to share with her but she had nothing to contribute on that subject.

 

Anywho, she made it 3 miles and didn't think it was too bad.

 

This photo might suggest otherwise

What a trooper! My dreams might be a little pre-mature or even far fetched but I will hold out hope that at least one of my girls will be running a marathon beside me one day. Maybe even with Mike, bahahahahaha. Oh I think I peed a little on that one.

Race Weekend Highlights

Surprisingly people still read my blog because quite a few people have asked me how I did at the Autism Speaks run this weekend. Thanks for asking!

 

 Well let me just say I didn't place or win any door prizes and I wasn't as fast as I would have liked to have been but that's okay.

 

"I am bad and that's good, I will never be good and that's not bad, there's no one I would rather be than me." ~ Wreck-it Ralph

 

The sun was out, the temperature was decent, my friends were there, and life was good.

 

He looks like Flat Stanley

 

Life didn't seem so good for this guy though. I just ran over him [ahem] I mean around him. Actually I thought he looked a lot like Brock...nah. I also thought I saw this guy two blocks in front of me the whole race but that's impossible.

 

This very slick path was at the beginning and the end of the 5K. One of the race volunteers, who was on a bike, headed out in front of the racers and actually wiped out on this ice instantly. So that caused what I assume was a bit of panic because I could hear girls screaming behind me. I kept going determined not to fall or let anyone pass me.

 

It was at that moment that I thought of Tracy. While we were waiting at the starting line she told me, "My keys are in my purse in the car." Hmmmm I guess all I had to do was get the fob from the pocket of her lifeless body and I would have a safe ride home. Phew, I sure am glad she told me that.

 

I did my best to stay on the snow and not fall on my face for that short distance. I don't think everyone was as lucky as me but thankfully no one was hurt. There really isn't suppose to be ice in April. Mother Nature- I hope you're reading this.

 

I monitored my pace most of the run but I did struggle a bit. I haven't quite figured out why I couldn't pick it up but the last mile I did run with one shoelace untied. Good excuse? Nope. But that was the first and last time I single knot my laces. Anyway, I finished in 24:20 which isn't too terribly bad. I was hoping to at least get under 24 but you can't win em all (or any that college kids participate in).

 

I must have eyes in the back of my head. #117 for Autism Speaks.

 

Here's one more picture for you to enjoy.

 

Reenactment of real life events

I love the adrenaline rush that comes with racing. Now only 24 more days until the Fargo half marathon. Ugh! 

Show Your Support

Tomorrow I will be running the Autism Speaks U-UND 5K with my friend Tracy and I'm kind of pumped about it. My speed work has been going really well so I'm hoping for a decent finish time. I don't like to jinx myself by broadcasting my plans and goals so you won't get much more out of me. I hold back a bit because I don't want to let anyone down, especially myself. My goal for my first marathon was to hopefully finish with a sub 4:00:00. I didn't share this information with too many people just in case I wasn't able to achieve that time. However, when I saw my final time of 3:58:29 I was on top of the world and let everyone know it.

 

God has blessed me with the ability to run. I have learned to give all my worries and fears over to Him and leave the road behind me. So tomorrow I hope to release all the stress, tension, frustration, confusion, and sadness from a long tragic week.

 

In honor of this weeks events I ordered my Boston benefit shirt from Recover just before they sold out. All monies raised will go to the Aid for Boston fund set up by the Scott Rigsby Foundation. Thank you Moms RUN This Town for creating these awesome shirts and finding a wonderful foundation to donate to.

 

Don't fret, although these shirts are now sold out MRTT contacted their local printer, Stirling Promotions, and they are going to continue printing a similar shirt for those who want to order. The funds will continue to go to the Scott Rigsby Foundation.

 

http://www.stirlingpromotions.com/mrtt---never-forget-boston.html

 

Looking for other fundraisers for Boston?
Here are a few MRTT found:
 

Headsweats Boston Visor/Hat (benefits The One Fund)

 

 

Boston Bondi Bands: See their Facebook page for details.

 

Run Like a Mother Run/Heart shirt (benefits The One Fund)

 

 

Family Fan Club Boston Shirt (proceeds to the American Red Cross)

 

 

Women’s Running Community Tank (benefits The One Fund)

One More Mile Shirts (benefits The One Fund)

 

Please show your support!