Some days are good running days while others are not good running days. It is the nature of the beast. This is why a runner trains. You hope to get out those bad runs during training and be at peak performance during your race.
I started training for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon sometime in October. I was excited. BUT, the deeper we got into the holiday season, the harder it became to train. In the month of December I had a whole 7 days off. I was able to get a run in here and there but that was about it. I was able to get up to 7 miles. That was a painful 7 miles. Inconsistency in training aided in that pain. Add a cold on top of that and we've got an interesting road ahead. My cough kept hanging on and I was starting to worry I would have coughing fits during the race.
Mentally and physically I didn't feel prepared for this race. I was nervous. Really nervous.
My friend, Jamie, and I walked to and from the expo to pick up our race packets. When we got there I could feel a blister forming on the bottom of my foot. I was surprised. I was wearing shoes I've worn plenty of times. I didn't walk all that far. By that evening, there were blisters on each foot.
The race started and I stayed with Jamie for the first 2 miles or so. We got separated around the first water station so I was on my own after that. With each step I could feel the blisters getting worse. It is the most uncomfortable feeling!
I was actually on pace for the first 6 or so miles. At mile 7 the large blister on my right foot popped. First of all, that's a really gross feeling. Secondly, it stings! I knew it was only a matter of time before the ones on my left foot popped.
I was really starting to feel the fatigue and muscle pain. I tried doing a walk/run combo. 5 min run, 2 min walk. I really started struggling to finish those 5 minute segments. I walked most of miles 9-13. I didn't care how long it took me to finish. I just wasn't going to give up. During those last 4 miles I was really wishing Jamie was still with me. I needed the encouragement to keep going. There were moments when I started getting frustrated and disappointed with myself. I started to cry but quickly stopped myself. I was going to finish, no matter what.
I ran the last 1/4 mile into the finish line. I wasn't going to walk past the hundreds of people lined up. I was going to run. I was going to dig deep and have a strong finish.
This was , by far, the most difficult race I have ever done. My body was rebelling against me and reminding me that training is a necessary part of a long distance race. I learned that no matter what my body is going through, my mind will not give up. I learned that I can push myself to my very max, mentally and physically, and still reach my goal.
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Monday, January 20, 2014
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Labor of Love
"You're Crazy" is something I hear pretty often. Usually followed up by "you're so busy".
I do my best (and usually fail)not to let those statements hurt me or annoy me. My life is my life and no one else really needs to be concerned with my schedule.
I will admit that I sometimes take on a little more than I can handle. I've learned over the years how to juggle my schedule. I think I am getting pretty good at it!
I am currently working on a fundraiser project that has earned a lot of "you're crazy" comments. I developed "Cookies For A Cure" a number of years ago. It's not an actual business. No business cards or business bank account. It is simply a title to mass cookie making and selling to raise money for something I care about.
I believe in God. I believe He gives each of us talents and we are given a choice on how to use them. Do I believe God has given me the talent of baking? It may sound ridiculous but I truly believe He did. It is a skill I have learned over time and I believe He has placed the desire in my heart to use it for a bigger purpose.
My current "Cookies For A Cure" project is definitely a labor of love. Although 80+ dozen cookies seem overwhelming to others, I find it exciting and humbling. I am thankful I am able to help a deserving family. I spend hours and hours baking, making royal icing, coloring royal icing, thinning the icing, filling the cookies with the icing and waiting for them to dry before I add the details. I absolutely love every moment of that. But the dishes... I don't love the dishes. I simply deal with them as quickly as possible.
Do you have a project that can you consider a labor of love? Surely I cannot be the only "crazy" one out there...
I do my best (and usually fail)not to let those statements hurt me or annoy me. My life is my life and no one else really needs to be concerned with my schedule.
I will admit that I sometimes take on a little more than I can handle. I've learned over the years how to juggle my schedule. I think I am getting pretty good at it!
I am currently working on a fundraiser project that has earned a lot of "you're crazy" comments. I developed "Cookies For A Cure" a number of years ago. It's not an actual business. No business cards or business bank account. It is simply a title to mass cookie making and selling to raise money for something I care about.
I believe in God. I believe He gives each of us talents and we are given a choice on how to use them. Do I believe God has given me the talent of baking? It may sound ridiculous but I truly believe He did. It is a skill I have learned over time and I believe He has placed the desire in my heart to use it for a bigger purpose.
My current "Cookies For A Cure" project is definitely a labor of love. Although 80+ dozen cookies seem overwhelming to others, I find it exciting and humbling. I am thankful I am able to help a deserving family. I spend hours and hours baking, making royal icing, coloring royal icing, thinning the icing, filling the cookies with the icing and waiting for them to dry before I add the details. I absolutely love every moment of that. But the dishes... I don't love the dishes. I simply deal with them as quickly as possible.
Do you have a project that can you consider a labor of love? Surely I cannot be the only "crazy" one out there...
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Rock N Roll San Diego 2013
Today's race marked one year since I ran my first half marathon. I cannot believe it has already been a year! The days leading up to the race have been full of reflection.
We started the morning off with some laughs. When a hummer limo pulled up in front of the hotel just after 5am, Kari says "oh our ride is here". Funny enough... that was our "shuttle" to the start line.
Just before the national anthem there was a moment of silence for Boston. Sitting here now, I have tears in my eyes thinking back to April 15th. Terrorists tried to strike fear in our hearts. They tried to take the innocence of our sport away. They didn't. Today 28,000 runners united and ran. Nothing was going to stop us. I proudly wore my "Run 4 Boston" ribbon, "Beat Cancer" ribbon and "Boston Strong" head band.
There was a quiet reassurance before the race today. A large law enforcement presence. Look outs on rooftops and all sorts of dogs and handlers walking around. I was so thankful for that presence today.
If anyone tells you running is 100% physical, they are very wrong. You see, there's this little voice in your head that doesn't want to shut up. It wants to tell you how tired your body is after 3 miles, how the twinge you once had in your foot it going to come back, how you "only" ran 9 miles to get ready for this race and that wasn't enough. Around the 3 mile mark, those were the things going through my head. So I did what I normally do... rebuke that inner voice. I tell myself to snap out of it and to keep pushing. I pray and thank God for giving me His strength to run this race. I remember that this is something that I love and I was ready for. That inner voice lost today, as usual.
I checked my watch periodically and knew I was a bit slower than I had wanted to be but I was ok with that. There were a few more hills than I had anticipated. I normally walk hills. Not today. I powered up those hills. I wasn't going to let that little voice back in. I walked way less than I have in the past. I can't run and drink water at the same time so I try to pair the two so I am not taking extra breaks.
My favorite memories from today (in no particular order)
1) A marine running in full gear. Back pack, helmet and all. I made a point to tap him on his shoulder and tell him thank you. I actually saw a lot of runners do that. One lady might have misjudged her shoulder "tap" because it almost looked like she shoved his shoulder. I know she didn't. She was just running fast.
2) A US Navy fire fighter running in full bunker gear (the big heavy turnouts they wear on structure fires), helmet and BA (breathing apparatus they were on structure fires). I also tapped him on the shoulder, high fived him and said thank you.
3) Around mile 9.5-10 I was struggling a little. The race benefits the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. I turned the corned and it was lines with purple banners and white signs. Signs saysing "thank you" or who we are running for etc. One purple sign stood out to me. "Remember why you're running". It was at that moment that I thought about Kayla and all she has been through. At that moment I dug deep and remembered this was yet another celebration run because she continues to be cancer free. I also thought about a fire captain that works for CAL FIRE and my cousin Joshua that have both been diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphona. It was for them that I ran. It is for them (and me) that I will continue to run.
4) I love seeing people on their porches, coffee cup in hand, cheering for all of the runners. They don't have to. They could sit inside with the TV turned up and be angry that their street is occupied for half of a day. There were people on every.single.street. Amazing.
5) I am a runner. I am still shocked by this. I am even more shocked that the farther I ran, the better and stronger I felt. I wonder if I all of that will every fully sink in!
6) Seeing Jimmy, Jessica, Justen, Alissa, Ali, Preston, Asher and Ansel screaming and cheering my name as I ran toward the finish line.
7) Running a major race with Michelle. She asked me if I wanted to do a 5K with her and Preston back in 2011. I have loved being on this running journey with her. We have different goals, training styles, paces etc but she "gets" me when it comes to running,among other things.
8) Ali was here!9) Free Jamba Juice at the fnish line. It was the bestest smoothie I've ever had!
10) Finishing my 4th Half Marathon in 1 year.
11) Being there to witness Veronica's first half marathon and Kari's second full marathon
12) Petting the black lab puppy after I picked up my gear :)
13) The enormous amount of support from my family and friends. You are all priceless
14) Riding to the start line in a hummer limo
15) Inspiring my brother Jimmy to start running. Who knew a baby sister could do such a thing?
I ran this race 12 minutes, 35 seconds faster than I did last year. My time was 2:32:34.
It was not my fastest half marathon (2:28:50 in Feb) but I am ok with it. I thought I would be disappointed but I'm really not. The course in Feb was completely flat. This one... was not. I think being only 3 min 44 sec slower than my fastest time while running hills is pretty darn good. I am proud of myself. It will just keep getting better from here!
Friday, April 26, 2013
Ragnar Relay, Run #2 & #3
I forgot to mention during the first leg of my race (5.4 miles in the heat) I was having technical difficulties withmy iPhone and the music I had planned for that leg of the race. It played the same song over and over. For 5.4 miles. Not annoying at all.
Second leg of the race was at night. Approx 230AM or so. It was a beautiful night. I had a short race of 3.8 miles. My teammates didn't have to stop. They could've gone straight to the next exchange. Much to my surprise, they pulled over just in front of me. ALL of them cheering for me as I powered up a hill. These people are amazing.
I killed that leg of the race. My fastest pace and fastest 5K time ever.
When we were done we headed to Torrey Pines to get some rest. We sprawled out in various parts of the van and "slept". Abby and I couldn't sleep so we were texting back and forth, planning the next portion of the day.
My stomach was not happy for the entire morning on Friday. I was extremely nervous about my final run of the day. It would be the longest and most difficult. 7.4 miles in the middle of the afternoon. It included a lot of turns, a steep hill and my team wouldn't be able to stop for me. Not to mention only having about 30 minutes of sleep in 36 hours. It was all part of the Ragnar fun though.
About 3 miles into the race I passed an adorable black and white puppy. I HAD to stop and pet her. I actually wanted to take her with me but I have a feeling her owner would've said no. I texted Abby when I was half way and I was right on pace. Then I got to Newport Ave.
I didn't see a sign to turn so I started up the hill. I could see another runner in front of me so I thought I was good. Until I got to the top. Here came that other runner. "This isn't right way" she said. Great. Anyone who knows me knows I am slightly directionally challenged. Long story short, I found the right hill. I ended up doing 8.6 miles instead of 7.4 miles. At the start of the second hill (the correct one) I met a woman named Linda. She wasn't sure she could make it so I told her we would do it together. We made it to the top and took a picture together. I remember thinking "this is what racing is about". Her teammate handed me a gatorade then I was off to finish the rest of the race. Later I handed another runner the rest of that gatorade when his legs started to cramp. I stayed by him and his teammate for the remaining mile and a half.
After I handed off to Abby, we headed for the finish line. The entire team met up so we could run into the finish line together. We wore Boston FD t-shirts to honor the first responders in Boston and pay tribute to everyone effected by the bombings. The finish line was emotional. I know Abby got choked up. I did as well. I am sure others did. We accomplished so much more than running a race. We pushed ourselves physically and emotionally. We stood for Boston and against terrorism. We survived Ragnar.
Second leg of the race was at night. Approx 230AM or so. It was a beautiful night. I had a short race of 3.8 miles. My teammates didn't have to stop. They could've gone straight to the next exchange. Much to my surprise, they pulled over just in front of me. ALL of them cheering for me as I powered up a hill. These people are amazing.
I killed that leg of the race. My fastest pace and fastest 5K time ever.
When we were done we headed to Torrey Pines to get some rest. We sprawled out in various parts of the van and "slept". Abby and I couldn't sleep so we were texting back and forth, planning the next portion of the day.
My stomach was not happy for the entire morning on Friday. I was extremely nervous about my final run of the day. It would be the longest and most difficult. 7.4 miles in the middle of the afternoon. It included a lot of turns, a steep hill and my team wouldn't be able to stop for me. Not to mention only having about 30 minutes of sleep in 36 hours. It was all part of the Ragnar fun though.
About 3 miles into the race I passed an adorable black and white puppy. I HAD to stop and pet her. I actually wanted to take her with me but I have a feeling her owner would've said no. I texted Abby when I was half way and I was right on pace. Then I got to Newport Ave.
I didn't see a sign to turn so I started up the hill. I could see another runner in front of me so I thought I was good. Until I got to the top. Here came that other runner. "This isn't right way" she said. Great. Anyone who knows me knows I am slightly directionally challenged. Long story short, I found the right hill. I ended up doing 8.6 miles instead of 7.4 miles. At the start of the second hill (the correct one) I met a woman named Linda. She wasn't sure she could make it so I told her we would do it together. We made it to the top and took a picture together. I remember thinking "this is what racing is about". Her teammate handed me a gatorade then I was off to finish the rest of the race. Later I handed another runner the rest of that gatorade when his legs started to cramp. I stayed by him and his teammate for the remaining mile and a half.
After I handed off to Abby, we headed for the finish line. The entire team met up so we could run into the finish line together. We wore Boston FD t-shirts to honor the first responders in Boston and pay tribute to everyone effected by the bombings. The finish line was emotional. I know Abby got choked up. I did as well. I am sure others did. We accomplished so much more than running a race. We pushed ourselves physically and emotionally. We stood for Boston and against terrorism. We survived Ragnar.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Ragnar Relay 2013, Run #1
I haven't blogged in nearly 3 months. Life has been good. Busy, mostly.
I am sure friends on Facebook got really sick of my posts about Ragnar. Oh well! Most people were probably thinking "What is Ragnar". So here you go:
Over a course of 2 days and 1 night, a team of runners run close to 200 miles between Huntington Beach, Ca to San Diego, Ca. The teams are either 12 person "Regular" teams or 6 person "Ultra" teams. The race is broken up by "legs" aka portions of the race. Each runner does 3 legs of the race.
For example, my team was a 12 person regular team. I was Runner 11. I ran legs 11, 23 and 35. Clear as mud? Good.
We, The San Diego County Firefighters Endurance Sports Team (SDCFEST), had 2 teams. A 12 person Regular team and an Ultra Team.
Our Team:
Runer #1 Ron
Runner #2: Jamie
Runner #3: Heather
Runner #4: Jill
Runner #5: Catie
Runner #6: Ahman
Runer #7: Chris
Runner #8: Melissa
Runner #9: Ramon
Runner #10: Katie
Runner #11: Me
Rummer #12: Abby (Team Capatin)
Thursday we picked up our vans and headed to J's house to decorate them. He was the captain of the Ultra team.
Our team was broken up into 2 vans. Van #1 had runners 1-6 and Van #2 (my van) had runners 7-12.
Poor Van #1 had to leave San Diego at 2am to be at the start line by 4:15. Van #2 left San Diego about 5:30am and got to our starting point about 8am.
I didn't start my first leg/ run until about 2pm. I was running along Temescal Canyon Road in Riverside. It was about 88-90 degrees outside. There was very little shade along my 5.4 mile route. It was very hot and dry. The course itself was mostly uphill. I was struggling. I've done 5 mile runs more times than I can count but this one was so different. Even running hills on a regular basis, this one was different. Our team vans were able to stop along some of the route so they could support their runner. My team stopped a couple of times but I was still doing ok. When I first started running I had a guy behind me and I was determined to stay ahead of him. When you pass another runner and they stay behind you it is called " road kill". He was my one and only kill for that leg. He'd get close and I'd pick up my pace. I finally told him " I'm not letting you pass me". He laughed and told me it was ok because I was pacing him (helping him keep a steady pace). We talked a little, joked around. We finally hit a small shady spot under a freeway. I walked that portion to savor the cooler temp. Thanks to my job I am aware of symptoms for heat stroke, heat exhaustion etc. I got a quick chill just before the shady spot so I capitalized on the other teams' offer for water or gatorade. It helped and I continued on. I had water and energy gels with me but I knew my body needed sodium. The last 1/2 mile or so was the hardest. I was really hot and the hills zapped my energy. I could see my stopping point at the top of the hill. I took a deep breath and dug deep. About the time I wanted to quit, a lady came up behind me, wrapped her arm around my shoulder and said "Let's kill this bitch. We've got this". I laughed. We powered up that hill and I handed off to our team Captain, Abby.
I was disappointed with my run. My mile pace has been in the mid 10's and sometimes dropping below 10 min/mile. For this leg I had an average of 12:40/mile. I cried once I got back in the van.
1) I completed a very difficult run that I never thought I could do.
2) I was really doing the Ragnar race
3) I felt like I let my entire team down because my pace was SO much slower than it should've been. I wanted to do better.
My amazing friend, Michelle, sent me many encouraging texts right after that leg of the race. I cried harder but my heart wasn't as heavy. Sometimes I need to remember that I don't have to be perfect. I don't have to have the fastest pace of my life. I simply need to give my all and leave it on the pavement. I absolutely did that on Friday afternoon.
Once Abby was done, van #1 was back on the course and we were off for a few hours. We grabbed dinner at IHOP, changed and headed to our next meet up spot. Lawrence Welk Resort was packed full of people waiting for their runners and/or their other van.
Friday was so much fun! We screamed, cheered, shook a cow bell and honked the horn for as many runners as we could. One guy was powering up a hill so we were cheering for him. Another team had a miser and sort of put mist on him. A second later he looked at all of us like we were absolutely crazy. Soon there after we realized he wasn't wearing a race bib. He was just some guy out running. haha oops!
We blasted music and joked about anything and everything. We supported each other. We asked each person "what do you need when you get to the exchange" and we had those items waiting for our runner when they arrived.
I talked to random people at the exchanges. Weather, courses, life, running... we talked about everything then went on our merry way to the next portion of the race, never to see eachother again.
Friday night we arrived at Lawrence Welk Resort to wait for Van #1 to finish. We attempted to get some sleep but it was just too loud. Sleepy conversations and a giggle fest broke out in the van. Everything and nothing was funny. I was so tired, I don't even remember what we talked about. Soon we were off on our second portion of the race.
I am sure friends on Facebook got really sick of my posts about Ragnar. Oh well! Most people were probably thinking "What is Ragnar". So here you go:
Over a course of 2 days and 1 night, a team of runners run close to 200 miles between Huntington Beach, Ca to San Diego, Ca. The teams are either 12 person "Regular" teams or 6 person "Ultra" teams. The race is broken up by "legs" aka portions of the race. Each runner does 3 legs of the race.
For example, my team was a 12 person regular team. I was Runner 11. I ran legs 11, 23 and 35. Clear as mud? Good.
We, The San Diego County Firefighters Endurance Sports Team (SDCFEST), had 2 teams. A 12 person Regular team and an Ultra Team.
Our Team:
Runer #1 Ron
Runner #2: Jamie
Runner #3: Heather
Runner #4: Jill
Runner #5: Catie
Runner #6: Ahman
Runer #7: Chris
Runner #8: Melissa
Runner #9: Ramon
Runner #10: Katie
Runner #11: Me
Rummer #12: Abby (Team Capatin)
Thursday we picked up our vans and headed to J's house to decorate them. He was the captain of the Ultra team.
Our team was broken up into 2 vans. Van #1 had runners 1-6 and Van #2 (my van) had runners 7-12.
Poor Van #1 had to leave San Diego at 2am to be at the start line by 4:15. Van #2 left San Diego about 5:30am and got to our starting point about 8am.
I didn't start my first leg/ run until about 2pm. I was running along Temescal Canyon Road in Riverside. It was about 88-90 degrees outside. There was very little shade along my 5.4 mile route. It was very hot and dry. The course itself was mostly uphill. I was struggling. I've done 5 mile runs more times than I can count but this one was so different. Even running hills on a regular basis, this one was different. Our team vans were able to stop along some of the route so they could support their runner. My team stopped a couple of times but I was still doing ok. When I first started running I had a guy behind me and I was determined to stay ahead of him. When you pass another runner and they stay behind you it is called " road kill". He was my one and only kill for that leg. He'd get close and I'd pick up my pace. I finally told him " I'm not letting you pass me". He laughed and told me it was ok because I was pacing him (helping him keep a steady pace). We talked a little, joked around. We finally hit a small shady spot under a freeway. I walked that portion to savor the cooler temp. Thanks to my job I am aware of symptoms for heat stroke, heat exhaustion etc. I got a quick chill just before the shady spot so I capitalized on the other teams' offer for water or gatorade. It helped and I continued on. I had water and energy gels with me but I knew my body needed sodium. The last 1/2 mile or so was the hardest. I was really hot and the hills zapped my energy. I could see my stopping point at the top of the hill. I took a deep breath and dug deep. About the time I wanted to quit, a lady came up behind me, wrapped her arm around my shoulder and said "Let's kill this bitch. We've got this". I laughed. We powered up that hill and I handed off to our team Captain, Abby.
I was disappointed with my run. My mile pace has been in the mid 10's and sometimes dropping below 10 min/mile. For this leg I had an average of 12:40/mile. I cried once I got back in the van.
1) I completed a very difficult run that I never thought I could do.
2) I was really doing the Ragnar race
3) I felt like I let my entire team down because my pace was SO much slower than it should've been. I wanted to do better.
My amazing friend, Michelle, sent me many encouraging texts right after that leg of the race. I cried harder but my heart wasn't as heavy. Sometimes I need to remember that I don't have to be perfect. I don't have to have the fastest pace of my life. I simply need to give my all and leave it on the pavement. I absolutely did that on Friday afternoon.
Once Abby was done, van #1 was back on the course and we were off for a few hours. We grabbed dinner at IHOP, changed and headed to our next meet up spot. Lawrence Welk Resort was packed full of people waiting for their runners and/or their other van.
Friday was so much fun! We screamed, cheered, shook a cow bell and honked the horn for as many runners as we could. One guy was powering up a hill so we were cheering for him. Another team had a miser and sort of put mist on him. A second later he looked at all of us like we were absolutely crazy. Soon there after we realized he wasn't wearing a race bib. He was just some guy out running. haha oops!
We blasted music and joked about anything and everything. We supported each other. We asked each person "what do you need when you get to the exchange" and we had those items waiting for our runner when they arrived.
I talked to random people at the exchanges. Weather, courses, life, running... we talked about everything then went on our merry way to the next portion of the race, never to see eachother again.
Friday night we arrived at Lawrence Welk Resort to wait for Van #1 to finish. We attempted to get some sleep but it was just too loud. Sleepy conversations and a giggle fest broke out in the van. Everything and nothing was funny. I was so tired, I don't even remember what we talked about. Soon we were off on our second portion of the race.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Living
“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” – (John 10:10 KJV)
This scripture really hit me. Am I truly living my life and enjoying it? Are you? Life may not be perfect but are we taking the time to truly count our blessings?
I think it is safe to say that this latest shooting in Connecticut has rocked our Nation. It has taken our already broken hearts and beaten them down even more. I don't know about you, but on December 14 I felt like I shouldn't go on with my happy day. It felt so wrong to have fun, joke around and enjoy the day because precious, innocent people were dead. My heart was heavy that day.
Jared and I went ice skating that afternoon. We had so much fun. We are already talking about when we want to go again. Then we shared a delicious dinner. Although I was having fun, the people of Newtown were on my heart.
On the way back to his place, Jared and I got to talking. I told him how strange it felt to go on with our good day when something so horrible had happened. Then it hit me... the parents/friends/family of those that are dead would want us to live. They would want us to go about our day, spread love to others and not take one single moment for granted. This is an assumption, of course, but I am pretty sure at least some of them would agree with me.
Yesterday we had our annual cookie exchange. The house was FULL of our family and friends. The moment I got there I hugged my youngest niece(4) and nephew(2) so tight. The older ones came later ( 14, 13, 12) and I gave them hearty hugs as well. To me the teenagers are still babies too. I'm not a parent so I cannot begin to understand what you might go through when you lose a child. I am, however, an aunt. An Auntie that loves her nieces and nephews as if they were my own. I want to protect them just as their parents do.
I so enjoyed the day full of laughter, friends and family. I think it was good for all of our hearts. We took the day and we lived. We enjoyed the food, the company, the music and a whole lot of cookies. We were living and it was beautiful. I never want to take that for granted.
This scripture really hit me. Am I truly living my life and enjoying it? Are you? Life may not be perfect but are we taking the time to truly count our blessings?
I think it is safe to say that this latest shooting in Connecticut has rocked our Nation. It has taken our already broken hearts and beaten them down even more. I don't know about you, but on December 14 I felt like I shouldn't go on with my happy day. It felt so wrong to have fun, joke around and enjoy the day because precious, innocent people were dead. My heart was heavy that day.
Jared and I went ice skating that afternoon. We had so much fun. We are already talking about when we want to go again. Then we shared a delicious dinner. Although I was having fun, the people of Newtown were on my heart.
On the way back to his place, Jared and I got to talking. I told him how strange it felt to go on with our good day when something so horrible had happened. Then it hit me... the parents/friends/family of those that are dead would want us to live. They would want us to go about our day, spread love to others and not take one single moment for granted. This is an assumption, of course, but I am pretty sure at least some of them would agree with me.
Yesterday we had our annual cookie exchange. The house was FULL of our family and friends. The moment I got there I hugged my youngest niece(4) and nephew(2) so tight. The older ones came later ( 14, 13, 12) and I gave them hearty hugs as well. To me the teenagers are still babies too. I'm not a parent so I cannot begin to understand what you might go through when you lose a child. I am, however, an aunt. An Auntie that loves her nieces and nephews as if they were my own. I want to protect them just as their parents do.
I so enjoyed the day full of laughter, friends and family. I think it was good for all of our hearts. We took the day and we lived. We enjoyed the food, the company, the music and a whole lot of cookies. We were living and it was beautiful. I never want to take that for granted.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Ragnar Relay Series and 2013 Race Plans
I have an addiction... to running. I planned my 2013 vacation calendar around races. Yeah, that happened. In 2012 I conquered a half marathon. I never thought I would do that! So I needed a new goal for 2013.
Lucky for me I have friends like Abby, Kari, Missi, Michelle and Katie that push me to bigger goals. The newest racing adventure coming up in 2013 in the Ragnar Relay So Cal.
Q: What is a Ragnar Relay?
A: "Ragnar is the overnight running relay race that makes testing your limits a team sport. A team is made up of 6-12 individuals; each individual runs 3 legs. The legs of the race vary in difficulty and distance, from 3-8 miles, allowing elite and novice runners to run together. Over 2 days and 1 night, teams run across 200 miles of the country’s most scenic terrain. Pair that with crazy costumes, inside jokes, a great finish line party and unforgettable stories. Some call it a slumber party without sleep, pillows or deodorant. We call it Ragnar." -from www.ragnarrelay.com We will start in Huntington Beach, Ca and end in Downtown San Diego.
There you have it folks! I am doing an overnight relay race. We are doing a 12 person team. This will be the first race Abby, Katie, Missi and I will do together. We went to high school together and each of us have had our own journeys in weight loss and running. I rarely use this word but I find it appropriate to say; this race will be EPIC! I am nervous but excited.
Other races on the Menu for 2013:
Jan 20: Tinkerbell Half Marathon
Jan 25 : Runs For Cookies Virtual 5K
March 2: Chelsea's Run
March 24: Hot Chocolate 15K
April 19-20 : Ragnar Relay
May 11: Girls on the Go 10K (maybe)
June 2: Rock N Roll San Diego Half Marathon
November 28: Lake Murray 10K Turkey Trot
December 26: Bumble Bee 5K
Wow. I didn't know I had so many lined up for 2013. There's a possibility I will do the Las Vegas Half Marathon with Kari and Abby in December but I will have to see how much it will cost and if I can work some overtime to cover the cost.
Lucky for me I have friends like Abby, Kari, Missi, Michelle and Katie that push me to bigger goals. The newest racing adventure coming up in 2013 in the Ragnar Relay So Cal.
Q: What is a Ragnar Relay?
A: "Ragnar is the overnight running relay race that makes testing your limits a team sport. A team is made up of 6-12 individuals; each individual runs 3 legs. The legs of the race vary in difficulty and distance, from 3-8 miles, allowing elite and novice runners to run together. Over 2 days and 1 night, teams run across 200 miles of the country’s most scenic terrain. Pair that with crazy costumes, inside jokes, a great finish line party and unforgettable stories. Some call it a slumber party without sleep, pillows or deodorant. We call it Ragnar." -from www.ragnarrelay.com We will start in Huntington Beach, Ca and end in Downtown San Diego.
There you have it folks! I am doing an overnight relay race. We are doing a 12 person team. This will be the first race Abby, Katie, Missi and I will do together. We went to high school together and each of us have had our own journeys in weight loss and running. I rarely use this word but I find it appropriate to say; this race will be EPIC! I am nervous but excited.
Other races on the Menu for 2013:
Jan 20: Tinkerbell Half Marathon
Jan 25 : Runs For Cookies Virtual 5K
March 2: Chelsea's Run
March 24: Hot Chocolate 15K
April 19-20 : Ragnar Relay
May 11: Girls on the Go 10K (maybe)
June 2: Rock N Roll San Diego Half Marathon
November 28: Lake Murray 10K Turkey Trot
December 26: Bumble Bee 5K
Wow. I didn't know I had so many lined up for 2013. There's a possibility I will do the Las Vegas Half Marathon with Kari and Abby in December but I will have to see how much it will cost and if I can work some overtime to cover the cost.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
The 50/50 Plan: Update
I have to say, I am kind of on a roll. I knew this weight loss journey wouldn't be easy but I have so much support, it almost seems easy. I have to do the work myself but it is great having others around me that are on a similar path.
This month I started a 6 week health challenge called "Elf For Health". Every 2 weeks we are paired with an "elf". During those two weeks we encourage each other, send recipes and work outs etc. My current elf is Amanda. She's just the sweetest! I love getting emails from her and hearing about her two littles! ( 6 weeks and 2 1/2 yrs). It always amazes me how moms have time to eat healthy and/or work out. I can barely find the time and I have no kids. hehe.
We also have daily challenges. So far we've had these challenges:
Day 1: Go meatleass monday
Day 2: Send a handwritten card or note to someone
Day 3: Try a new workout
Day 4: Get up 15 minutes earlier to meditate/reflect/pray
Day 5: How many different colors can you eat today
Day6/7: Clean out your closet1 Fill a bag and donate it
Day 8: Track your fiber intake. Shoot for 30g
Day 9: Have a salad today and make your own dressing
Today was the day we made our own salad dressing. I was pretty impressed with myself for making one. It was incredibly easy. Here's the recipe for you! I only made a small amount but it can be doubled or tripled even.
Apple Balsamic Dressing:
1 Tbsp Apple Butter
2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
3 1/2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
fresh ground/cracked pepper to taste
Add all of the ingredients to a bowl or cup with a lid. Shake it up and serve!
I paired this with a salad that had: Mixed greens, pomegranate arils, shredded carrots, apple, walnuts and bleu cheese crumbles. It. Was. Delicious.
I don't know why I don't eat more salads like this. They are so incredibly tasty, good for your and very easy to make.
I don't know if I am 100 % on track to meet my 50lb goal in 50 weeks but I am getting SO close! I don't care if it takes me 55 weeks, I just want to get there. Running has been great lately. I ran my first 10K race on Thanksgiving day and did better than I had hoped. The Tinkerbell Half Marathon is in about 6 weeks. I feel mostly ready. I just need to get a few more long runs under my belt.
So here's where I am at right now:
Current weight: 158.8 lbs
Total loss: 37.2 lbs
Current size: 10
I cannot even explain how good I feel these days!
This month I started a 6 week health challenge called "Elf For Health". Every 2 weeks we are paired with an "elf". During those two weeks we encourage each other, send recipes and work outs etc. My current elf is Amanda. She's just the sweetest! I love getting emails from her and hearing about her two littles! ( 6 weeks and 2 1/2 yrs). It always amazes me how moms have time to eat healthy and/or work out. I can barely find the time and I have no kids. hehe.
We also have daily challenges. So far we've had these challenges:
Day 1: Go meatleass monday
Day 2: Send a handwritten card or note to someone
Day 3: Try a new workout
Day 4: Get up 15 minutes earlier to meditate/reflect/pray
Day 5: How many different colors can you eat today
Day6/7: Clean out your closet1 Fill a bag and donate it
Day 8: Track your fiber intake. Shoot for 30g
Day 9: Have a salad today and make your own dressing
Today was the day we made our own salad dressing. I was pretty impressed with myself for making one. It was incredibly easy. Here's the recipe for you! I only made a small amount but it can be doubled or tripled even.
Apple Balsamic Dressing:
1 Tbsp Apple Butter
2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
3 1/2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
fresh ground/cracked pepper to taste
Add all of the ingredients to a bowl or cup with a lid. Shake it up and serve!
I paired this with a salad that had: Mixed greens, pomegranate arils, shredded carrots, apple, walnuts and bleu cheese crumbles. It. Was. Delicious.
I don't know why I don't eat more salads like this. They are so incredibly tasty, good for your and very easy to make.
I don't know if I am 100 % on track to meet my 50lb goal in 50 weeks but I am getting SO close! I don't care if it takes me 55 weeks, I just want to get there. Running has been great lately. I ran my first 10K race on Thanksgiving day and did better than I had hoped. The Tinkerbell Half Marathon is in about 6 weeks. I feel mostly ready. I just need to get a few more long runs under my belt.
So here's where I am at right now:
Current weight: 158.8 lbs
Total loss: 37.2 lbs
Current size: 10
I cannot even explain how good I feel these days!
Friday, October 12, 2012
Lauren's Ride Fundraiser
Most everyone knows that i have been talking about Lauren's ride since it began in early September. Sometimes things just grab ahold of your heart and take root. When I heard about what John Byrne was doing, I was impressed and touched. I was all in.
Having two older brothers, I understand how close the bond can be between a brother and sister. Especially older brothers and younger sisters.
I've followed John's journey since the first day.Every day they post a blog or update, I am amazed at how doors are opening and how many good people are stepping up to be part of it.
The Oakland Raiders have been a huge support for the ride and much to my dismay, the Chargers haven't returned any of our phone calls or emails. The original idea came from Dottie, the front office administrative assistant at Monte Vista Headquarters. On September 25th, she mentioned getting a bunch of Charger's fans together and taking a huge picture. I immediately loved the idea. Unfortunately it is nearly impossible for me to do something simple. I suggested we turn it into a fundraiser but we knew cookies and cupcakes probably wouldn't raise much. So my mind started racing. I told Dottie we could keep it simple. burgers, chips, water. Easy. My text to her was : "That's a great idea!! Wonder if we'd have time to put together a little fundraiser. Like sell burgers or something. That's probably too complicated though". Then it was on like donkey kong! Well that lead to cupcakes then face painting. Then someone offered to dress up as Smokey Bear (side note for those that didn't know.. the "the" is no longer in his name). Then someone offered a sound system so we would have music. The water was donated by the fire station on the compound. The Union chapter donated $250 to help with the cost of food. Everything fell into place. We had about 2 weeks to get it all together. 12 days to be exact. Because we were having it at a CAL FIRE facility, there had to be quite a few Chiefs involved and many approvals made. On October 1 we got the final approval we needed and we were off.
Today I went to Costco to pick up the burgers etc. While in line I was able to share with a couple people about Lauren's Ride. One of them made a donation right there.
Rain had been coming down most of the morning and all day yesterday. I was praying the rain would stop. I also kept having this feeling that no one was going to show up. Right there in the Costco parking lot, I prayed. I asked God to bless this fundraiser. I asked that things would continue to fall into place like they had been over the previous 2 weeks.
Tonight was more than I could have ever hoped for. The music was great, everyone was pitching in to help, the kids were having a blast playing with Smokey Bear, the kids got to ride in the fire engine, two engines from San Miguel Fire came over. When San Miguel Truck 15 pulled in, I looked at Ali and started crying. All I could say was "wow". The rain had stopped a couple hours before the BBQ started and people just kept coming. We even got a phone call from John and Tony! I had no idea they were going to call. Dottie knew and thought she had told me but I never got the memo. That was definitely the highlight of my evening. You can hear the deep gratitude they have for everything people have done. I have greatly enjoyed following John on his journey across the country.
Once we counted the money we realized how much we had raised. $1100!! My hope was for $500. We bought enough food for 100 people and we wanted to sell all of it. We definitely thought that was a realistic goal. When this first started I had the number $1000 in my head. I didn't think we would get to that but I really wanted to. My hands were shaking while I was counting the money. That total isn't the final amount just yet. i have a few returns I need to do and that money will go into the donation as well.
Thanks to all who supported this ride, fundraiser and my crazy ideas! And most of all thank you to God. He opened every door for this and blessed it. My cup runneth over.
Having two older brothers, I understand how close the bond can be between a brother and sister. Especially older brothers and younger sisters.
I've followed John's journey since the first day.Every day they post a blog or update, I am amazed at how doors are opening and how many good people are stepping up to be part of it.
The Oakland Raiders have been a huge support for the ride and much to my dismay, the Chargers haven't returned any of our phone calls or emails. The original idea came from Dottie, the front office administrative assistant at Monte Vista Headquarters. On September 25th, she mentioned getting a bunch of Charger's fans together and taking a huge picture. I immediately loved the idea. Unfortunately it is nearly impossible for me to do something simple. I suggested we turn it into a fundraiser but we knew cookies and cupcakes probably wouldn't raise much. So my mind started racing. I told Dottie we could keep it simple. burgers, chips, water. Easy. My text to her was : "That's a great idea!! Wonder if we'd have time to put together a little fundraiser. Like sell burgers or something. That's probably too complicated though". Then it was on like donkey kong! Well that lead to cupcakes then face painting. Then someone offered to dress up as Smokey Bear (side note for those that didn't know.. the "the" is no longer in his name). Then someone offered a sound system so we would have music. The water was donated by the fire station on the compound. The Union chapter donated $250 to help with the cost of food. Everything fell into place. We had about 2 weeks to get it all together. 12 days to be exact. Because we were having it at a CAL FIRE facility, there had to be quite a few Chiefs involved and many approvals made. On October 1 we got the final approval we needed and we were off.
Today I went to Costco to pick up the burgers etc. While in line I was able to share with a couple people about Lauren's Ride. One of them made a donation right there.
Rain had been coming down most of the morning and all day yesterday. I was praying the rain would stop. I also kept having this feeling that no one was going to show up. Right there in the Costco parking lot, I prayed. I asked God to bless this fundraiser. I asked that things would continue to fall into place like they had been over the previous 2 weeks.
Tonight was more than I could have ever hoped for. The music was great, everyone was pitching in to help, the kids were having a blast playing with Smokey Bear, the kids got to ride in the fire engine, two engines from San Miguel Fire came over. When San Miguel Truck 15 pulled in, I looked at Ali and started crying. All I could say was "wow". The rain had stopped a couple hours before the BBQ started and people just kept coming. We even got a phone call from John and Tony! I had no idea they were going to call. Dottie knew and thought she had told me but I never got the memo. That was definitely the highlight of my evening. You can hear the deep gratitude they have for everything people have done. I have greatly enjoyed following John on his journey across the country.
Once we counted the money we realized how much we had raised. $1100!! My hope was for $500. We bought enough food for 100 people and we wanted to sell all of it. We definitely thought that was a realistic goal. When this first started I had the number $1000 in my head. I didn't think we would get to that but I really wanted to. My hands were shaking while I was counting the money. That total isn't the final amount just yet. i have a few returns I need to do and that money will go into the donation as well.
Thanks to all who supported this ride, fundraiser and my crazy ideas! And most of all thank you to God. He opened every door for this and blessed it. My cup runneth over.
 |
| Some of the people that came out to support the fundraiser and Lauren's Ride. |
Monday, August 27, 2012
The 50/50 Plan: Update
I hope you're not bored with these updates. They are more for my benefit and a reminder of the journey I am on. I do hope you find it interesting and inspiring.
I am learning SO much on this journey. Thankfully I am not alone in this. My good friends Ali, Melissa, Michelle, Kristen, Crystal and Suzy are also on a journey of healthier living and shedding a few LBs. The nice thing is that we are all doing things differently but 100% supportive of each other.
There are so many ways to lose weight. Healthy ways. I , personally, don't believe in no carb diets, diet supplements etc. I don't believe those are all together healthy. Rapid weight loss shouldn't be a goal. One thing a lot of us talk about is how this is a lifestyle change. It is slow and steady, daily changes and awareness.
I haven't changed my eating in any dramatic way. I cut the number of calories I consume and I make smarter choices. One mini york peppermint patty is 50 calories. That is not going to fill me up. Not even come close. A medium apple is around 80 calories. So for 30 more calories I get something that tastes good, is nutritious and it fills me up for a while. I choose leaner cuts of meat, whole grain /wheat breads and pastas. You know what I also do? Allow myself a cheat day. *GASP* I know.. cheating goes against so many "dieting rules". But guess what.. I am not on a diet. I am changing my lifestyle. The thing is, I love food. I am not going to stop living and just chew on lettuce all day. I am going to cook fresh, good tasting and healthy food. I give myself a little bit of wiggle room though.
On Friday night, Jared and I had plans to go to a new burger place in Poway. "The Burger Joint". Knowing I would be pigging out on burgers, fries and onion rings, I ran 6 miles Friday morning. Even though it was my "cheat" day, I tried to at least exercise enough to counter some of what I would be eating. Believe me... it was SOOOO worth the calories consumed. The only problem was that I ate half the burger, 2 onion rings and a few french fries and I was full. I eat multiple times a day so my portions are small. Therefore my stomach can't hold as much as it used to. How I wish I could have expanded it that night. The unbelievable rosemary garlic fries would have been enough incentive to expand my stomach for an evening.
Jared has been so amazing during this process. Supportive , patient and encouraging. He doesn't even bat an eyelash when I am scanning bar codes or checking nutrition facts. He's trying to eat healthier as well. Maybe I have been a good influence on him?
I've become so comfortable with my weight and body.I am no longer afraid of the number. I have embraced it. I cannot even tell you how liberating it is. I am not longer embarrassed. I am happy with how I am doing, how I look and feel. So down to the nitty gritty:
Weight as of 8/3/12: 169.9
Weight as of 8/24/12: 167.4
Difference: 2.5 lbs
Total loss to date : 28.6 lbs
Current size: 12!!!!
Next month I start training for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon... I can't wait!
I am learning SO much on this journey. Thankfully I am not alone in this. My good friends Ali, Melissa, Michelle, Kristen, Crystal and Suzy are also on a journey of healthier living and shedding a few LBs. The nice thing is that we are all doing things differently but 100% supportive of each other.
There are so many ways to lose weight. Healthy ways. I , personally, don't believe in no carb diets, diet supplements etc. I don't believe those are all together healthy. Rapid weight loss shouldn't be a goal. One thing a lot of us talk about is how this is a lifestyle change. It is slow and steady, daily changes and awareness.
I haven't changed my eating in any dramatic way. I cut the number of calories I consume and I make smarter choices. One mini york peppermint patty is 50 calories. That is not going to fill me up. Not even come close. A medium apple is around 80 calories. So for 30 more calories I get something that tastes good, is nutritious and it fills me up for a while. I choose leaner cuts of meat, whole grain /wheat breads and pastas. You know what I also do? Allow myself a cheat day. *GASP* I know.. cheating goes against so many "dieting rules". But guess what.. I am not on a diet. I am changing my lifestyle. The thing is, I love food. I am not going to stop living and just chew on lettuce all day. I am going to cook fresh, good tasting and healthy food. I give myself a little bit of wiggle room though.
On Friday night, Jared and I had plans to go to a new burger place in Poway. "The Burger Joint". Knowing I would be pigging out on burgers, fries and onion rings, I ran 6 miles Friday morning. Even though it was my "cheat" day, I tried to at least exercise enough to counter some of what I would be eating. Believe me... it was SOOOO worth the calories consumed. The only problem was that I ate half the burger, 2 onion rings and a few french fries and I was full. I eat multiple times a day so my portions are small. Therefore my stomach can't hold as much as it used to. How I wish I could have expanded it that night. The unbelievable rosemary garlic fries would have been enough incentive to expand my stomach for an evening.
Jared has been so amazing during this process. Supportive , patient and encouraging. He doesn't even bat an eyelash when I am scanning bar codes or checking nutrition facts. He's trying to eat healthier as well. Maybe I have been a good influence on him?
I've become so comfortable with my weight and body.I am no longer afraid of the number. I have embraced it. I cannot even tell you how liberating it is. I am not longer embarrassed. I am happy with how I am doing, how I look and feel. So down to the nitty gritty:
Weight as of 8/3/12: 169.9
Weight as of 8/24/12: 167.4
Difference: 2.5 lbs
Total loss to date : 28.6 lbs
Current size: 12!!!!
Next month I start training for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon... I can't wait!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
The 50/50 Plan: Update
This has definitely been a journey. One that I didn't know if I could stick with. I am a bit stubborn sometimes so I have never been willing to give up. Sometimes I think my scale is lying to me. It is hard to look in the mirror and think I look exactly the same as I did 5 , 6 months ago. Don't get me wrong, I know I look different. I certainly feel different. But sometimes I see the same old me in the mirror.
When I put on a running shirt that I've had for a while and I notice it is loose, that's when I realize my body is changing.
I know I am tracking my calories and what I am eating. You know what is awesome about my journey? I eat whatever I want!! I'm serious. Cereal, hamburgers, fries etc. The difference is I make good choices. Leaner meats, whole wheat buns, baked sweet potato fries. I also only eat those things on occasion. I like me some food but there is a balance between eating healthy and eating what you want. I incorporate more fruits and vegetables, more fiber and grains.
Most people think dieting is a death sentence to your taste buds. It doesn't have to be that way. You can have great food while eating healthy. One of my most favorite websites is Skinny Taste. She takes normal, every day recipes and tweaks them so they are healthier. She also gives the calorie amount and weight watchers points.
The fact of the matter is, you have to fuel your body. You can't live off fruits and vegetables alone. You can't go without carbs. Most of those fad diets are the quick fix. Shortly after you stop their diet, you slip back into your old ways and gain weight again. It has to be a lifestyle change. It is work at first but eventually you will get into a good groove and it will just happen.
I also don't deprive myself. Jared and I go out to eat a couple times a month. Most of the time I make good choices but sometimes I want a big ole cheddar bacon burger and a milkshake. And I have it. *gasp*. I also know that means I probably need a really good workout the next day or within a couple of days of that.
You also have to do what works for you. My friend, Melissa, is also on a weight loss journey but she is doing Weight Watchers. She has a fabulous blog and every Wednesday she has "Weight Watchers Wednesday". Hop on over there are read her post from last week then go back tomorrow to see her latest post!
Here's my newest stats:
Weight as of 7/27/12: 172.2
Weight as of 8/3/12: 169.9
Difference: -2.3lbs!
HALF WAY!!!!!
When I put on a running shirt that I've had for a while and I notice it is loose, that's when I realize my body is changing.
I know I am tracking my calories and what I am eating. You know what is awesome about my journey? I eat whatever I want!! I'm serious. Cereal, hamburgers, fries etc. The difference is I make good choices. Leaner meats, whole wheat buns, baked sweet potato fries. I also only eat those things on occasion. I like me some food but there is a balance between eating healthy and eating what you want. I incorporate more fruits and vegetables, more fiber and grains.
Most people think dieting is a death sentence to your taste buds. It doesn't have to be that way. You can have great food while eating healthy. One of my most favorite websites is Skinny Taste. She takes normal, every day recipes and tweaks them so they are healthier. She also gives the calorie amount and weight watchers points.
The fact of the matter is, you have to fuel your body. You can't live off fruits and vegetables alone. You can't go without carbs. Most of those fad diets are the quick fix. Shortly after you stop their diet, you slip back into your old ways and gain weight again. It has to be a lifestyle change. It is work at first but eventually you will get into a good groove and it will just happen.
I also don't deprive myself. Jared and I go out to eat a couple times a month. Most of the time I make good choices but sometimes I want a big ole cheddar bacon burger and a milkshake. And I have it. *gasp*. I also know that means I probably need a really good workout the next day or within a couple of days of that.
You also have to do what works for you. My friend, Melissa, is also on a weight loss journey but she is doing Weight Watchers. She has a fabulous blog and every Wednesday she has "Weight Watchers Wednesday". Hop on over there are read her post from last week then go back tomorrow to see her latest post!
Here's my newest stats:
Weight as of 7/27/12: 172.2
Weight as of 8/3/12: 169.9
Difference: -2.3lbs!
HALF WAY!!!!!
Monday, June 4, 2012
Rock N Roll Half Marathon Pictures
Friday at the expo:
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| Abby signing up for the Las Vegas Half Marathon |
Saturday Night Pre-Race Dinner:
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| Katie lives on the East Coast so she was with us in spirit |
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| Back: Missi and Abby Front: Me and Kari |
Race Day:
The Runners...
The Runners...
My family and friends:
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| My love. He's been so incredibly supportive during my training! |
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| My youngest niece, Peyton. She was pretty proud of her auntie! |
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| This is my favorite picture. We didn't purposely make funny faces but that's how it ended up. Hilarious! |
 |
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| My Parents |
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| One of my big brothers. The other one couldn't make it but he was there in our hearts. |
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| Kaelah, me, Mindi. Mindi's mom has leukemia. I ran part of my race in her honor. |
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| My sis in law ,Katie. Her sister Kayla had Lymphoma. I ran my race in honor of Kayla too. |
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| My sweet friend, Summer. I've known her since 3rd grade. |
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| Jared's family came too! |
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| Jared's Mom and I |
Homemade signs for Auntie Shannon:
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Rock N Roll Half Marathon
I did it!!!! I ran my first half marathon!
On Friday Abby and I went to the expon to pick up our race packets. We had a good time checking out all of the booths and merchandise.
Saturday evening Abby, Kari, Missi and I went out to dinner to the California Pizza Kitchen. Delicious! I love carb loading! Our friend , Katie, lives on the East Coast but we had her there in spirit.
My hotel wasn't stellar. The room was nice but lacked a microwave eventhough on their website they said every room has one. The shuttle to the start line was full. Imagine my surprise when I found that info out during check-in. The person making my reservations in March failed to mention a separate reservation had to be made for the shuttle. Thankfully a very nice person checking in cancelled her husband's spot on the shuttle (he wasn't running the race) so I could have it.
Race day I woke up bright and early at 415. I got on the shuttle no problem and to the start line. On the shuttle I met a woman that is a "Legacy" runner. Meaning she has run in all 15 of the San Diego Rock N Roll Marathons. It was her 65th marathon over all. Her goal is to run her 70th Marathon on her 70th birthday in August. Pretty amazing!!!
I met up with Abby and Kari at gear check and everything became real. It was happening! Kari went ahead to her start corral while Abby and I waiting in a very long line to use the restroom. Running has broken many of my germaphobe rules. At races there are only porta potties. YUCK.
The waves went a lot faster than we thought they would. We projected our start time to be around 7:03am but we started at 6:50am. Abby and I stayed together for the first mile but then went at our own pace. I knew I had to leave her early or I would want to stay with her for a long time. I love running with Abby. I am comfortable with her and the pace we run together. I needed to get into my own pace early. This day, the half marathon was mine and mine alone.
I was feeling so good through most of the race. My pace stayed mostly in the 11-11:30 min/mile for the majority of the race. The slower paces are when I stopped at the water stations. At about 5.5 miles I got really emotional. I was running along the 163 freeway and I looked up at the bridge. There were people lining the bridge cheering, holding signs and I was listening to a Britt Nicole song about making love your legacy. I nearly broke down sobbing but i held it together. I still had 7.5 miles to go! Mile 11 was the hardest for me. My knee was hurting for some unknown reason so I walked most of it. I started back with the running in mile 12 and wanted to run through the finish line.
There were spectators everywhere. Most of them lined the streets to give out high-fives. There were a few awkward high fives when someone washolding out their hand, I go to high- five them and I realize they are looking at someone behind me that they know. oops.
There were a ton of signs along the way. Some of my favorites:
"Chuck Norris never ran a marathon"
"This is a motivational sign" next to a person holding a "This is another one" sign
"If you're reading this, stop. You should be running"
There were also a ton of different running shirts:
"If they can do 9 months, I can do 13.1 miles"
"Sweat is just fat cells crying"
"Dear God, Please let there be someone behind me reading this"
It was the "Rock N Roll" series so there were bands and DJs along the way. Some of the volunteers at the aid stations dressed up for the occasion. Some of the runners did too. I saw Mario (as in mario and Luigi), KISS, Gem (or she atleast looked like Gem), Elvis (like 3 of them), Barbie, Wonder Woman etc.
My goals were to have atleast one negative split time (run a mile faster than the previous one) and finish under 3 hours. My goal time was 2 hrs 45 min. My official time was 2 hrs 45min and 33 sec. Spot on!
I was greeted by a huge group of my family and friends at the end. I was handed homemade signs and all kinda of beautiful flowers. I am so thankful and blessed that they were all able to make it. A few couldn't for various reasons but there were definitely there in my heart! Surprisingly I didn't cry until well after my finish. I was hugging Jared and it all started to hit me. Delayed reaction much?
When I got home i found two pieces of paper taped to my door. My best friends little boys had made signs for me. It was the perfect ending to the day! SO incredibly sweet!
I have a ton of pictures but I will post those in a separate blog.
Today was incredible. I can't even tell you how amazing I feel! I accomplished something I never thought I could or would do.
If you care, here are my times:
Mile 1: 11:27
Mile 2: 11:48
Mile 3: 12:09
Mile 4: 11:29
Mile 5: 12:26
Mile 6: 12:20
Mile 7: 11:19
Mile 8: 11:51
Mile 9: 12:46
Mile 10: 12:37
Mile 11: 13:42
Mile 12: 14:31
Mile 13: 13:27
On Friday Abby and I went to the expon to pick up our race packets. We had a good time checking out all of the booths and merchandise.
Saturday evening Abby, Kari, Missi and I went out to dinner to the California Pizza Kitchen. Delicious! I love carb loading! Our friend , Katie, lives on the East Coast but we had her there in spirit.
My hotel wasn't stellar. The room was nice but lacked a microwave eventhough on their website they said every room has one. The shuttle to the start line was full. Imagine my surprise when I found that info out during check-in. The person making my reservations in March failed to mention a separate reservation had to be made for the shuttle. Thankfully a very nice person checking in cancelled her husband's spot on the shuttle (he wasn't running the race) so I could have it.
Race day I woke up bright and early at 415. I got on the shuttle no problem and to the start line. On the shuttle I met a woman that is a "Legacy" runner. Meaning she has run in all 15 of the San Diego Rock N Roll Marathons. It was her 65th marathon over all. Her goal is to run her 70th Marathon on her 70th birthday in August. Pretty amazing!!!
I met up with Abby and Kari at gear check and everything became real. It was happening! Kari went ahead to her start corral while Abby and I waiting in a very long line to use the restroom. Running has broken many of my germaphobe rules. At races there are only porta potties. YUCK.
The waves went a lot faster than we thought they would. We projected our start time to be around 7:03am but we started at 6:50am. Abby and I stayed together for the first mile but then went at our own pace. I knew I had to leave her early or I would want to stay with her for a long time. I love running with Abby. I am comfortable with her and the pace we run together. I needed to get into my own pace early. This day, the half marathon was mine and mine alone.
I was feeling so good through most of the race. My pace stayed mostly in the 11-11:30 min/mile for the majority of the race. The slower paces are when I stopped at the water stations. At about 5.5 miles I got really emotional. I was running along the 163 freeway and I looked up at the bridge. There were people lining the bridge cheering, holding signs and I was listening to a Britt Nicole song about making love your legacy. I nearly broke down sobbing but i held it together. I still had 7.5 miles to go! Mile 11 was the hardest for me. My knee was hurting for some unknown reason so I walked most of it. I started back with the running in mile 12 and wanted to run through the finish line.
There were spectators everywhere. Most of them lined the streets to give out high-fives. There were a few awkward high fives when someone washolding out their hand, I go to high- five them and I realize they are looking at someone behind me that they know. oops.
There were a ton of signs along the way. Some of my favorites:
"Chuck Norris never ran a marathon"
"This is a motivational sign" next to a person holding a "This is another one" sign
"If you're reading this, stop. You should be running"
There were also a ton of different running shirts:
"If they can do 9 months, I can do 13.1 miles"
"Sweat is just fat cells crying"
"Dear God, Please let there be someone behind me reading this"
It was the "Rock N Roll" series so there were bands and DJs along the way. Some of the volunteers at the aid stations dressed up for the occasion. Some of the runners did too. I saw Mario (as in mario and Luigi), KISS, Gem (or she atleast looked like Gem), Elvis (like 3 of them), Barbie, Wonder Woman etc.
My goals were to have atleast one negative split time (run a mile faster than the previous one) and finish under 3 hours. My goal time was 2 hrs 45 min. My official time was 2 hrs 45min and 33 sec. Spot on!
I was greeted by a huge group of my family and friends at the end. I was handed homemade signs and all kinda of beautiful flowers. I am so thankful and blessed that they were all able to make it. A few couldn't for various reasons but there were definitely there in my heart! Surprisingly I didn't cry until well after my finish. I was hugging Jared and it all started to hit me. Delayed reaction much?
When I got home i found two pieces of paper taped to my door. My best friends little boys had made signs for me. It was the perfect ending to the day! SO incredibly sweet!
I have a ton of pictures but I will post those in a separate blog.
Today was incredible. I can't even tell you how amazing I feel! I accomplished something I never thought I could or would do.
If you care, here are my times:
Mile 1: 11:27
Mile 2: 11:48
Mile 3: 12:09
Mile 4: 11:29
Mile 5: 12:26
Mile 6: 12:20
Mile 7: 11:19
Mile 8: 11:51
Mile 9: 12:46
Mile 10: 12:37
Mile 11: 13:42
Mile 12: 14:31
Mile 13: 13:27
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
More Blankets
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| Front of the Brochure |
Crocheting blankets definitely takes some time. Depending on the pattern/size it can take weeks. I've made a few fleece tie blankets but they have always been with two pieces of fabric. I noticed some of the ladies were mentioning tie blankets with only one piece of fabric. I googled the "how to" and realized it is incredibly easy and quick!
1) Measure the fleece to the size you want
2) cut a 2in x 2in square out of each corner
3) Cut 2in strips along each side of the fabric. It shouldn't go past the bottom of each cut out corner
4) Cut a small slit in the bottom of each strip you just cut. It should line up with the bottom of the cut out corner and the end of the strip.
5) Take each strip, put it through the slit and pull it through.
I hope that makes sense! It really is very very easy. I bought 3 pieces of fleece.
I got 1.5 yards of each pattern. I thought I could make 6 blankets total out of the 3 pieces. When I started measuring I realized I could make 12 blankets total!
I finished another crocheted blanket as well.
When I dropped off my blankets to my friend, Becki, I had made a total of 17 blankets. 12 fleece and 5 crocheted. It does drive me batty bug me just a little that it was 17, not 18. I like even numbers. I know, I have issues. Good thing you love me anyway!
OH and I got a few brochures for "Blankets For Brianna" in the mail the other day! I love them. Let me know if you'd like one so you can spread the word about this amazing organization.
Happy Birthday Maci!
My friend's baby girl, Maci, turned 1 on may 6th. She's an adorable little girl. I just love her to pieces!! I was privileged enough to make her very first birthday cake. For first birthdays I always make a small cake just for the birthday kid. That way they can smash, smear, drool and eat all they want withouth sharing. I try to be kind to the parents though...white or light colored frosting :). I think she enjoyed her cake...
I wasn't sure how the cow print and the "Cow Jumped Over the Moon" theme would work together. Sometimes you just have to jump in, do it and hope for the best. I actually really love how the cake turned out. One of my favorites.
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| My fondant animals need some work. He's quirky cute. |
Friday, May 4, 2012
Tyler is 2!
My youngest nephew turned 2 on April 22nd. I love his cheesy little smile and that he's figured out how to say my nickname "tee tee".
He's such a sweet little guy and always ready with hug. Unless he's in the mood to tease you. Then he gets a big smile and shakes his head no when you ask " can I have a hug?".
The day of his party was seriously the hottest day in April. The older kids had a great time shooting each other with squirt guns. They had even more fun shooting the adults and surprising them.
And of course i had the honor of making his birthday cake...
Boot Drive 2012
Each April members of the fire service in San Diego County line the streets to raise money for the San Diego Burn Institute.
The annual "Give Burns the Boot" drive has always been a huge success. This year I joined my brother, Brian, and his fire fighters in Jamul. It was the same intersection we were at last year. Unfortunately the school at the corner was on Spring Break so the traffic was a lot lighter this year. last year we raised about $3200 at our intersection alone. This year was about $2000. Still pretty awesome! All together, CAL FIRE raised about $25,000 for the Burn Institute. I'm not sure how much the other fire agencies in the county raised.
All of the money goes towards sending burn survivors to "Camp Beyond the Scars". It was a great morning. The guys were especially excited for the coffee and blueberry muffins I brought them.
The annual "Give Burns the Boot" drive has always been a huge success. This year I joined my brother, Brian, and his fire fighters in Jamul. It was the same intersection we were at last year. Unfortunately the school at the corner was on Spring Break so the traffic was a lot lighter this year. last year we raised about $3200 at our intersection alone. This year was about $2000. Still pretty awesome! All together, CAL FIRE raised about $25,000 for the Burn Institute. I'm not sure how much the other fire agencies in the county raised.
All of the money goes towards sending burn survivors to "Camp Beyond the Scars". It was a great morning. The guys were especially excited for the coffee and blueberry muffins I brought them.
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