Pilgrim Pacer 3rd half

I'm not sure where to start this post....So I will start by saying it's done!!  I finished.  I had no time goals just to go out and have fun.  I did want to PR on the course, but knew that if I didn't, I would be okay.

On Friday night Brandon was supposed to be off work between 4-5 so we could hit the road to KC.  At 9 he finally gets home....Gotta love the restaurant industry.  At this point I was exhausted, had a major headache and a tad pissed.  I was honestly just debating on getting up at 5am and driving to KC.  I decided however to just head out and get some good sleep in KC.  We leave JC around 10 get there around midnight.  Luckily I was able to sleep in the car. 

We got to Brandon's folks house and headed straight to bed.  I set my alarm for 6:30 so we could leave for the race.  I actually hit snooze until 7:30.  I was so tired.  I woke up with the headache I went to bed with, and  I felt queasy.  I chocked it up to nerves, and knew that once I started running my headache would go away.  My mother-in-law had picked up my race packet for me so I didn't have to do it that morning.  I got dressed and went to put my Garmin on and noticed it was off.  I pressed a button and it said low battery and started flashing.  Strange, I charged it all day on Friday.  I was peeved, how am I going to run a race without my Garmin?!?!?  I walked downstairs and told my mother-in-law I wasn't going to run.  Everything was pointing in the wrong direction. 

Beautiful fall day

My mother-in-law took me to Shawnee Mission Park where the race was held.  We left Miles and Brandon sleeping.  (Lacey stayed the weekend with my parents)  We got to the park and it is absolutely gorgeous.  The weather is perfect, though it was WINDY!  I walked around a bit, stretched out my hips, they have been bothering me lately.  I saw Bryan  and he was busy chatting it up with Marathon Maniacs.  We got lined up and were chatting a bit, and I finally got to meet Bryan's wife, she was running the half.  The race started and I could tell something was off.  My left foot started to bother me half a mile into the race.  It was probably my new shoes, however I have ran in them and they never bothered me.  I was talking to a girl name Jenn who was using this race as a training run for a marathon she is running in February.  Bryan was running with us and it felt good to not have any goals.   Bryan even joked that "It's all down hill from here!"  Which totally made my day! 

The start of the race

I picked up my pace and lost Bryan and eventually Jenn picked up her pace and I lost her.  I was enjoying the beautiful day and the beautiful course.  Around mile 4 I took a cup of Gatorade from the aid station  and it turned my already queasy stomach sour.  I felt like I was going to throw up.  Around mile 5 I started dry heaving and took a slice of banana from the 5 mile aid station.  Had Brandon and his mom made it to the 5 mile marker I may have asked them then to take me home.  Everything went down hill from there.  I knew that the turn around point wasn't too far ahead and I could keep pushing through.  I ate some Stinger bites and just kept going.

Bryan and I

I made it to the turn around point and drank some water.  We climbed a big  hill to get to the turn around and I knew that I could run down it.  I saw Bryan and cheered him on, it was nice seeing a friendly familiar  face. It kept me going a little more.  I started to walk a lot more and it was nice to run with people that were doing the same.  They would walk and I run past them and then I would start to walk and they would run past me and each time we would cheer each other on.

At mile 8 I saw Brandon, his mom and Miles.  I blew Miles a kiss took some water, Gatorade, and a banana and started walking.  My heart was racing and it felt like I was having a heart attack.  I would run and it would pound out of my chest.  With 4 miles left a guy who was running I think his name was Dave he had twisted his ankle running on Wednesday.  He asked if the marathoners had started coming back as the marathon course is an out and back twice.  Right after he asked the leader came running by.  We ran/walked together for a mile or so.  He said we had 3 miles left and I asked how long we had been running he said it had been an hour and 47 minutes.  My heart sank a little, even though I didn't have any time goals my goal to PR on the course wasn't gonna happen.  He started walking and I kept running.  We wished each other good luck and kept going.   

With a mile left a marathon maniac was running past me and told me it was only mile.  I could do it.  By this point my knee is killing me, my feet are killing me, my body is sore, and I still felt like puking.  We ran for a little bit together and I started walking.  I caught up to a lady and we talked about the hills and the weather.  I started running knowing that this was it.  I saw the finish line and got a huge smile on my face.  I didn't even notice the time.  I WAS DONE!!  I finished got my medal and a sticker and went and laid down on the grass. 

DONE!!

I ate some pumpkin pie and headed home.  It was DONE!  WOOHOO!!  3rd half marathon done!!  

Next week I run a 5k Turkey Trot! Then on the 25th a 5k in KC with Brandon.  Then on December 16th  another 5k then my racing for the year is done!!  I will have surpassed my goal of a race a month.  By the end of this year I will have run 16 races.

1/2 makes 3

I just sucked it up and registered for the Pilgrim Pacer half.  It is November 10th.  My goal is to run 6 miles on Wednesday.  Then 12 miles on the 29th.  I'm not planning on PR'ing on the Pilgrim Pacer.  I may try to beat my 2:12 from last year.  I don't think I will get under 2:03.  I will try but if I can't it won't be the end of the world. 

I am also registering for the Garmin Marathon.  I just realized tonight that registering for the Garmin Marathon means that I don't get a break from marathon training.  Which is fine...who am I kidding I might as well keep training.  

I started counting my calories again today.  It has been easy keeping around 1400.  I did 30 minutes of Jillian Michaels and ran/walked 2 miles.  It felt absolutely amazing!!

So my weekly weigh in....162.2.  I would be happy with next week being 159.  Just seeing a 5 in the tens place would be nice.  It's been a few long weeks since I've seen the 150's. 

Waddell and Reed Full

Yesterday I tackled some hills, some personal obstacles, and the pain.  I am going to start by saying when I finished running yesterday I swore I would never ever again run another marathon but looking back on the day I would do it again in a heartbeat.

The day started out at 4:45am.  I got up and got dressed.  Brandon and I left his mom's house at 5:15.  Enough time to get through traffic and get a parking spot before the 7:05 start time.  We got to Crowne Center a little before 6.  I sat in the car stressing.....debating on whether or not to run.  Finally I sucked it up got out of the car and headed to Union Station.  We got inside I stretched for awhile.  At 6:40 we headed over to the starting line.  We found the 4:40 pace group I planned on running with. I found Bryan and met our pacing team. 

I will give you a little back story on Bryan, this was his 9th marathon.  I "met" him last year during the Pilgrim Pacer.  He was running the full, I ran the half.  He is running a 50k next weekend, a marathon on November 10th and another 50k on November 17th. 

The race started and we took off.  The first few miles flew by.  I almost forgot I was running a marathon.  I met some amazing people while running.  I know that I have said it before but the camaraderie in the running community is impossible to describe.  It is so amazing that people that you have never met or may never see again cheer you on.  At mile 10 I was cruising, feeling great.  Brandon was there at mile 10 to cheer us on.  I handed Brandon my long sleeve shirt and kept on trucking.   At the half way point I was feeling good.  My knee was beginning to bother me a bit but I knew that it was mind over matter.  Mile 15 the pain radiated from my left hip to my left knee.

Our pace group pacing was all over the place.  At one point we were a minute behind pace and then 2 miles later we were a minute ahead of pace.  We were running a 9:30 for a couple of miles and I knew that there was no way I could continue at that pace.   

Mile 16 I wanted to stop.  I hit the infamous wall.  I lost my pace group but knew that I had to continue.  Brandon was at the top of the hill on 75th st. cheering me on.  At this point Bryan was somewhere behind me.  I guess Brandon could tell something was wrong because at mile 19 he was there.  Even though we had agreed to meet at 10, 15, and 22.

Thank God he was at 19.  I was ready to throw in the towel.  The pain was unbearable, I felt like I was running on nails.  My feet hurt, my toenails hurt, my calves hurt, hell I'm sure everything hurt!!  I asked Brandon to please just take me home.  He walked with me, I cried, he said he believed in me and that I could do it.  A couple of runners told me to kept going, I was almost there.  I asked him at mile 22 to have a pack of shot blocks with him.  I had already eaten all of the ones I had with me.  Bryan came up from behind and told me he had some tummy problems.  Let me tell you tummy problems SUCK while running, and anyone who can continue with tummy problems is AMAZING!!  I told Bryan that the pain sucked and I wanted to quit.  He told me that I could do it.  I started to walk and he continued running.

I met some other people and we all started talking.  There was a man who was 54 running his first marathon.  He, one day 4 months ago decided to quit smoking and start running.  He finished right behind me!  I met a couple who were running it together.  We walked and ran together.  At mile 22 Brandon was there with my shot blocks.  I had broken down the wall and didn't need them.  Brandon said I was looking better and that Bryan wasn't too far ahead of me.  I saw Bryan in distance and knew that I could catch up to him.

It was so amazing to catch up to him.  I knew that we only had a 5k left.  The 5 hour pacers passed us.  I won't lie I was a bit crushed that I wouldn't finish in under 5 hours but I knew that I was going to finish and that was amazing!  We kept plugging along, running and walking.  Pushing each other to finish.  At a little over a half mile I knew that there was no way I wasn't going to finish.  The pain was excruciating.  Every time I put one foot in front of the other I wanted to scream.

When we turned the corner and I saw the finish line the pain subsided or the adrenaline kicked in and I ran like there was no tomorrow to the finish line.  I crossed the finish line in 5:06:12.  I started crying the second the guy announced my name and that I had just ran 26.2.  When I heard them call Bryan's name I went over to him and gave him the biggest hug ever!  If it weren't for him I may have called it quits at mile 19.

It was an absolutely beautiful course.  Running through KC you get to see it for it's true beauty.  The colors were beautiful, the city is gorgeous.  It was a tad hilly but as a friend said "It's all down hill after this."

All in all it was amazing!!  Knowing that I had accomplished what was once just a dream.  There is nothing that can stand in my way!  I called my dad right after I crossed the finish line and he asked if we were going to run a marathon in the spring.  I told him it sucked so bad I would never do it again!!  After thinking about it I'm going to register for the Garmin full in April.

Waiting

Bryan and I at the start

Mile 10

Bryan and I at mile 25.5

FINISHED!!  Crying tears of joy and pain

Bryan and I!  Marathon Finishers!

I am officially a Marathoner! 

 Thank you all for all the kind words and words of encouragement.  It really means the world to me!  And to Bryan I know that I have said it a million times already but THANK YOU!!  If it weren't for you, I probably wouldn't have finished.  You are one of the most amazing people I know!  

Watching mommy run a marathon wears them out

Slacker

I am slacking horribly on this blog.  I think about it often but by the time I go to write I am ready to go to bed.

I am 2 days out from the marathon and I am nervous, scared, excited, wanna curl up in a ball and cry...All these emotions rolled into one.  I know that I can do it, or that I have the stubbornness to push myself to finish.  Awhile ago I asked someone who I "met" running the Pilgrim Pacer if he was going to be running the KC Marathon.  Bryan said that he would be running.  I was thrilled.  We have talked more since then and we are planning on running together, as long as we can keep up with the other. 

On to other news...the weight.  The weight is creeping on.  I have gained nearly 15lbs since I started marathon training.  I have been to a Dietician and a Dr.  After the marathon I will cut back calories and start doing more then just running.  I know that weight isn't an issue because I am in the best condition of my life.  Starting next week I am going to start weekly weigh ins.  This will help me be more accountable.

I knew that I was crazy when I signed up for the marathon, but my craziness has expanded.  My goal for next year is completing the Heartland Series.  The Heartland Series is 3 halves in 4 weeks, but since I'm crazier than that I'm planning on doing either 4 halves in 4 weeks or 3 halves and 1 full in 4 weeks.  How the schedule will work April 13 Rock the Park half, April 20 Garmin half or full, April 21 Kansas half, April 27 Warrior Dash,  May 12 Running with the cows half. 

Lost in my own little world

I know I know....It's been 525,600 minutes since I last posted.  But I've been busy.  Like busy busy.  Running crazy amounts, working, vacationing, a baby starting Kindergarten.  I have excuses okay!!  And they are good excuses. 

I will start with the 200 mile relay that was the best fun of my ENTIRE life.  I got to not sleep for over 24 hours because I wanted to, not because a baby kept me up.  (Okay actually I did get some sleep in that 24 hours, but it wasn't a good sleep.  I got to bond with friends.  Yes we were friends before but being crammed in a car and have to follow them and cheer them on you really bond!!  I realized that I'm a lot stronger then I give myself credit for.  I ran 5.4 miles up a mountain where I gained 1200 ft.  Yup I did it!!  In the end we finished in 28:16 minutes 1st place in our non competitive division!! 

Our crazy amazing team from left to right front to back
Katelin, Kim, Cleo, Myself
Stacey(my dad), Tom, Richard, Randy, Blake, Talon
Ethan

Next Lacey started Kindergarten this morning.  There were tears in my eyes and I lined her up and kissed her goodbye.  I can't believe MY baby is already a Kindergartener.  Where oh where has time gone?

After I dropped her off I did something I thought was impossible.  I ran 15 miles....by myself.  It felt so good.  Since Brandon was working I parked my car at work and ran 7.5 miles out on Old 40 and back in.  I let my boss know that I was planning on doing this.  I let him know for 1 so if something were to happen someone would know where I was, and 2 because he is a runner and if I couldn't do it he would be able to come get me.  I sent him a text at 11 miles letting him know that my hips were killing me, he asked if I wanted to a pick up...I responded with NO just tell me I can do it.  He told me I could do it and I did!!  Just having the support of EVERYONE I knew that I could do it.  Sometimes you just need to hear from someone else that you can! 

Freedom Run

I know this is 3 days late, but hey I've been busy!

On Wednesday I got up at 5am.  I think I only slept 2 hours.  I hate race day sleeps.  I am so anxious and excited that I can't sleep! 

My only time goal was a sub 55.  I knew it would be pushing it, being as my shins SUCK!!  They've been feeling fairly good, but I haven't really pushed myself. 

I got to the race and found my dear friends and my dad.  We stretched, walked, talked, did more talking then stretching.  I was feeling good.  We got in line and it was time for the race to start.  I was feeling really good.  The first mile was an 8:05, 2nd mile was an 8:30, 3rd mile was an 8:40, a sub 9 mile, I WAS FEELING GREAT!!   Then mile 4 hit, I hit a wall....My shins were sore, my legs felt good, but I knew there was no way I could finish with my shins acting up. 

I decided to walk, knowing that taking a walking break would help with the pain.  That mile a 10:39 mile.  The 5th mile was a 9:10 mile, the last mile a 9:11 mile.  I finished with a time of 55:48.  I was hoping to PR, but a minute slower isn't all that bad!!  All that matters is I finished. 

I got really emotionally afterwards thinking how a year ago I ran the 5k, and my very 1st race, now a year later I have finished 12 races. 

Me and the Girls after finishing

Me and My Dad

I filled out my Marathon training schedule.  Talk about intimidating!!

Color Run or shall I say walk

Yesterday was the Color Run in KC.  It was not at all what I expected...It was fun, but it's not something I will ever do ever again.

First packet pick up,  it was from 12 to 9pm.  We got there at 8:45, they tell us to go up the stairs Saturday on one side Sunday on the other.  Once up the stairs both days merge.  The line is forever long.  It took us 45 minutes to get through the line to get my bib number and a shirt.

Saturday morning we get up early, and get on the road at 6:15.  We stayed at my mom in laws house, they live about 30 minutes away from Arrowhead.  We didn't get parked in the Stadium until 7:30.

We make it over to the Starting line, they are releasing 1000 runners every 5 minutes.  Lacey wanted to run with me, so I knew we would run/walk it.  However NO ONE ran!!  The walkers were so thick there was no way to get around them.  We probably got to run the first mile and then we ran through the paint stations.  I did carry her a bit but my baby held her own and was able to walk the majority of it.  

I will say I will cherish the memories of doing it with Lacey forever. 

New shoes!!

I don't think that there is anything that makes a runner more excited then new running gear!!  Whether it be shorts, a new top or new shoes!!  It always makes me want to get out and go run.  On Saturday my friend and I went to MRC and I tried on a couple pairs of shoes.  I decided not to buy a pair because I was sure I could find them cheaper.  After spending hours online I decided that yes I could very easily get them cheaper however I need to support a local business. 

Today was the day I decided to go buy them.  I was going to buy two of the same pairs, but when talking to Josephine she told me that I should go with two different pairs. 

I can't wait to go running in them!!  

Shin splints for real?!?

It's been a crazy few weeks. 

But my shin pain was of course shin splints, which isn't cured, but when my quads hurt worse than my shins I think we're okay!!  It just takes Aspercreme, ice and a prescription for Aspirin.

 My Mother in law is super sweet and when I told her about my shin pain and how now looking back the cause may be my shoes....you remember my new running shoes back in January?  

 

Yes the pain has been there since February (Jaw Dropper)....Anywho my Mother in law told me she was going to the bank and putting money in our checking account so I could buy myself a new pair of shoes.  I told her there was no need to that because I was planning on buying a new pair anyway because IT IS TIME!!  But she insisted and said buy 2 new pairs.  So I am going tomorrow with my friend and buying 2 new pair of running shoes.  

Yesterday I was told I am getting a dollar raise at work!! WOOHOO!!  One month at my new job and I'm already getting a raise.  I am loving my job.  It is laid back, fun, and gets me out of the house!!

Well that is all for now.  I have a 7 miler scheduled tomorrow morning at 7, followed by boot camp.  I am also registering for the Freedom Run 10k on the 4th!!  

 

Tears

I've been training hard.  Getting my mile time under 8 minutes for more than 1 mile.  Monday I ran 4 miles with an average of 7:58!! 

My shins (or tibia bone) have been giving me fits.  I stretch, ice, stretch, ice...and the pain never goes away.  I had Brandon rub my legs down last night 12 hours after my run and rubbing them moved me to tears.  Today they still hurt.  Brandon ran to Manhattan Running Company for me to see if maybe compression socks, or new shoes would be needed.  Brandon explained everything that was wrong and the owner said "If the pain is still there hours after the run, it is probably something more wrong." 

I took today off and called the Dr.  Hopefully it is nothing wrong, or if there is something wrong it is something that can be taken care without me losing too many training days.  I already feel guilty about taking today off and probably the rest of the week.  But taking a week off to heal is better than taking a month off because of an injury I could have prevented.  I go to the Dr. on Monday, so keep your fingers crossed it isn't too serious!! 

Reasons I Run

I read a blog today and the title was "Reasons I Run."  I got to thinking about the reasons I run. 

1. I run because it makes me feel good
2. I run because it helps keep my weight in check
3. I run because it is cheaper than therapy
4. I run so I can have tranquility 
5. I run so I am a positive example to my kids
6. I run so I can see how far I can push myself
7. I run because it is in my blood
8. I run because I may just be crazy
9. I run because it gives me energy
10. I run to solve my problems
11. I run to buy new running gear
12. I run so I can eat all the sweets I want
13. I run to see the world at a slower pace
14. I run for me
15. I run because I CAN

Someday I will not be able to run; Today is not that Day

My run today was pretty crappy.  I ran a fast first mile in 7:43.  I pushed through the pain of my shins, and my calves.  I was hoping for 8 miles.  I ran the 2nd mile in 9 minutes.  I finally gave up and walked knowing that it wasn't going to get better.  At mile 3 I called Brandon and had him come pick me up.  There was no way I could do 5 more miles. 

I am going to take the next couple days off.  I would rather take 2 or 3 days off then have to take 2 or 3 months off for an injury I could have prevented. 

7:30 mile pace

On Thursday Richard, Cleo and I ran together.  Richard is a much faster runner then Cleo and I.  However, Cleo and I thought it would be a good idea to run with Richard on his "slow" day.  His slow is my fast, his fast is flying to me...

When I talked to Richard about it he said we would run 6 miles at an 8 min pace.  I laughed and told him there is no way.  We decided on six at an 8:30 pace.  Fast forward to Thursday morning at 5:30.  We all meet at the Duck Pond and head South on Eisenhower.  UPHILL FOLKS!!  We turn East on Ash with a downhill that we deserved!!  Our pace for the 1st mile was 8:04!  I ran a mile in under 8:30 for the first time in months.  When I started training for the half I quit worrying about pace and just concentrated on mileage. 

We continued on to Jackson where we got to endure another UPHILL!  THANK YOU RICHARD!! We turned West onto Golden Belt and I was a bit ahead of Cleo. At mile 2 our mile was around an 8:10.  Richard thinks mine was faster but who knows....We continued on Golden Belt until Caroline where we got to Beast the Bluffs Hill.  I don't know our time for this I just know it SUCKED!!  We are 2 days later and my legs still feel like Jello. 

While we were running we decided that we will continue to run with Richard on his slow days.  And hopefully we will get faster.  Our goal is to run a 7:30 pace for the Holiday Hustle 5k in December.  Hopefully I will be able to, after a full and another half we shall see. 

Thank you Richard and Cleo for believing in me.  Believing that I can run an 8 min. mile again, pushing me through when I feel like quitting, and for always being there!!  I am truly blessed with amazing running friends.  And a special shout out to Jo!!  She is on vacation and my workouts have sucked without her!! 

Big things are happening

The end of April beginning May has been full of great surprises.  Brandon and I have been talking for a couple months about me getting a job that I work more then 6 hours a week.  I love staying at home, but the truth is Lacey is starting Kindergarten in August, and Miles needs other kids his age to play with.  Brandon and I agreed that in July I would start looking.  Paying daycare for two kids would be my entire pay, so it wouldn't be worth working.

Well a couple weeks ago my mom and dad were at a Wedding Shower and they were talking to some friends.  There's a guy named Tom that my parents have known for a long time.  He owns a business here in town.  Well he told my parents that his secretary is moving and that he is looking for someone to work part time.  My mom called me and said "I gave Tom your number, you need to call him."  Well I got his number and the day I was planning on calling him his secretary called me and asked me to come in and interview.

On a Thursday I went in and interview with Kelsey.  We laughed, she asked me questions, I answered with my sarcastic "No I won't clean other people's messes."  Which we both laughed at.  That Saturday I was out running with Jo and Tom happened to run up to us.  He asked me if Kelsey had called me yet, because she really like me and wanted to offer me a job.  Monday Kelsey called and offered me a job.  Told me I would be starting on the 17th of May.

We found daycare for Miles (which has me a bit freaked out.), and then I get a letter from Lacey's school that she has her field trip on the 18th.  I quickly called Kelsey and asked her if there was anyway I could start the following week.  She of course said yes.  So as of Tuesday the 22nd I will be a part time employee for Silo Enterprises, Inc.  Even working part time the pay is enough to cover daycare and stick the rest into savings.  Brandon and I both believe that since we only live with one income that we should continue to do so.  (Lacey will be staying with my parents this summer so we don't have to put her in daycare)
 

What's nice is I will only be working three days a week, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.  Leaving Monday and Wednesday as days to do whatever I please.  Brandon is planning on taking Wednesday's off so we will have a day off together without any kids....I wonder what kind of trouble we can get ourselves into?!?!  I will also be able to a Classroom Mom for Lacey's classroom.


This is my last full week of being a Stay At Home Mommy.  It is bittersweet.  It has been a blast the past 3 years.  Watching my babies grow, listening to the bickering EVERYDAY, cleaning the house numerous times a day, not having anything to do but lay around and watch movies, playdates, picnics at the park, I will miss it but I am so excited about the opportunity that God has put before us!

I hope everyone has a great Week!!  I know that I will enjoy it as my last week as a stay at home mom!            

Warrior Dash

Yesterday was the Warrior Dash.  It was the most fun I've ever had while running!!  The obstacles were fun, the company was more fun!! 

Brandon and I met Jo and Jamie at a fun little shopping center at 11:45.  We got there early and lucky for me there was a Famous Footwear I could go to, to buy a pair of socks because I didn't bring any socks.  Jo and Jamie got there a little late.  We parked at the airport and were shuttled by buses to the Warrior Dash site.  We took a few pictures on the bus to hopefully calm of nerves of being late....our wave started at 1, we didn't get to the Warrior Dash site until 1:05.  We picked up our packets and the lady said it was fine and that we could start with the next wave.  THANK GOODNESS!!

(Some of these may be out of order as I can't really remember which order they came in)   


At 1:30 we lined up and started.  It was hot, super hot, good thing it wasn't longer then a 5k!!  You ran the first half mile up a hill.  When we got to the first obstacle that was Army Crawling underneath barbed wire.  The girls and I went through that fairly quickly.  The only thing that stunk was that you had to wait for people to go before you start.  A foot to the face only happened once or twice. 

We get through that and start running to the next obstacle....I believe it was the tight rope over muddy water.  There was only allowed 3 people on each rope at a time.  I knew that I could possibly not get my entire upper torso wet with my balancing skills.  However, the other people get on and pull in all directions so I held on to the rope and swam across. 

When all 3 of us had made it out we walked a little bit as the ground was muddy.  We didn't want to risk hurting ourselves.  Once the ground had dried a little we picked up our running to our third obstacle which had me nervous.  It was a tunnel that you had to crawl through.  Mud on either side and planks on top.  HELLO CLAUSTROPHOBIA!!   I don't think I've ever moved so fast in my entire life.  I wanted to be done!! 

We made it to the fourth obstacle which I believe was the "rock wall."  It was basically a vertical wall that had places to put your hands and feet.  Once you got to the top and to the other side you had to slide down a fire pole.  It was SCARY!!

The fifth obstacle was the Capsized Catamaran.  You get into some muddy water and sludge your way to the Catamaran.  You have to push yourself to the top and either A) jump back into the water and swim to the other side and pull yourself back up over the other side or B) Balance your way across one of the sides and then jump off at the end.  I went with the latter, knowing I have good balance.  I made it across and almost lost my shoe in the mud. 

We walked until we could run to obstacle number 6 The Clifhanger.  It's a wall you have to scale with the help of a rope, once you get to the top you have to climb down on some planks.  This obstacle was one I wanted to hurdle.  I have no upper body strength so using a rope to climb a wall; I WANTED TO DO IT!!  Once I started I was beaming with pride!!  I am stronger then I think. 


The seventh obstacle was the tangled nets.  It's like a spiderweb you have to crawl across.  Sounds easy right?  Well it was until you get 43,566,433 on them with you. 

The eighth obstacle was the Barricade Breakdown.  Basically you have to jump over a wall, climb under a wall with barbed wire on top, not just once but several times.  When you get to the middle it gets a bit higher, and a bit lower.  Jump high, crawl low; once again proving my upper body strength.

Number nine the Teeter Totters.  Run up one inclined plank, walk across planks, run down a plank.  Not to difficult, but with muddy, wet shoes...it made for a sight!

10 The tire pit.  All I kept saying was "HIGH KNEES!  Get those knees higher!"  We BEASTED through the tires!  

THE GREAT WARRIOR WALL!!  A straight vertical wall that you have to scale and climb down the back side.  Another obstacle where upper body strength was put to the test.

#12 the Cargo climb.  Climb up a cargo net, and climb down the other side.

The 13th was jumping over fire.  I was so worried about catching on fire.  I tried to jump as high as I possibly could so I wouldn't!!

The last obstacle was swimming through mud under barbed wire.  It definitely made for some great finish pictures!!

All nice and clean before

All muddy after

WE ARE WARRIORS!! 

Finally we rinsed off

All in all it was great fun!!  Something I would do again in a heartbeat!!  I overcome fears, pushed myself, and got to spend time with 2 of my dear friends!!     

1 week

One week without sugar or salt...this week has gone by so slow and yet so fast at the same time.  I've overcome major headaches, thanks to my sugar addiction.  I'm finding fruits to be my lifesaver.  I am missing bread like no other, but at the same time I seem lighter.  I can eat whole grain pasta that has no sugar or salt.  I add a little lemon juice, some garlic, and some chicken.  It tastes wonderful, even though Brandon won't kiss me after I eat it. 

I think a lot of my success this week has to do with having my head in books...I read the "Fifty Shades of Grey" trilogy in 5 short days.  From the time they arrived on my doorstep Monday afternoon I couldn't put them down.  My face blushes when I think about what I read...but they were good.  The language was crude, and the things that were written would turn any man's face beet red.  It was a great love story however.

I was very impressed with my getting up at 5:30am 3 days this week.  I just reminded myself that I have a very clear goal in mind for the next three weeks. 

This week I am down 2lbs!  Which is amazing!!  I wasn't expecting to lose so much in a week. 

This upcoming week is the Warrior Dash....I am so excited to get down and dirty!! 

Detox/Bikini Bootcamp

Since I started running more miles I cut back on my working out. My  reasoning was because I was running burning tons of calories...however it kinda backfired.  I lost the body I had when we went to Mexico, and I've gained a couple of pounds. 

So yesterday while talking to Jo about it we decided to start a detox bikini boot camp.  Our routine will start on Monday with a 5:30am legs, core, and arms at the gym.  Tuesday we will do an interval run, Wednesday back to the gym, Thursday our long run 8-10, Friday gym, Saturday's will be our days off, Sunday's will be our mid run from 3-5 miles.  I am also going to start doing Jillian's workouts again either every day or just on the days we run, I haven't decided.

With the detox we will cut out sugar, and I believe dairy.  Eating just meat, fruits and veggies.  I am scared  about cutting out the sugar...I CRAVE sugar, but who doesn't like a good challenge?

I will post weekly pictures on Sunday!   

2nd half

Yesterday I finished my 2nd half.  I had a huge goal for 2 hours flat.  I knew that it would be pushing it but I knew that it was doable.  My secret goal was anything below 2:12.  I didn't want to let myself down by not getting 2 hours.

I got up at 4am...yes 4.  I had to go to the bathroom and then couldn't fall back asleep.  I laid in bed until 4:45.  I had packed my bag the night before.  We were expecting bad weather.  Rain, wind, hail, tornadoes...the whole Kansas Shebang!!  My theory is I would rather have it and not need it, then not have it and need it.  I brought my leggings, my capris, two pairs of socks, underwear, three shirts, my shoes, my new hat, and flip flops.  You just can't be over prepared for something you can't control.  I got up this morning and the weather was beautiful!  They had pushed the nasty weather back until later that afternoon.

Jo and Cleo got to my house a little after 5:10am and we headed to pick up Richard.  After picking up Richard we headed to Abilene.  We got to Abilene around 5:40.  We walked a little bit, went to the restroom, waited around and talked.  Jo and I debated what to wear, if we were going to run with our hydration belts...it was then that we decided that we would run a comfortable pace and not worry about our 2 hour time goal.

The race starts in front of the Eisenhower museum and goes south highway 15 (I believe.)  You run on the highway for 2 very long straight flat miles.  You finally take a left into Brown's Memorial Park and run through the park.  Jo and I were running at an amazing pace, pacing ourselves perfect.  We had made the agreement on Thursday that I wouldn't leave her and she wouldn't leave me.  During the race she thought she was slowing me down and I thought I was slowing her down.   We both agreed that we were running a perfect pace for us.  On our way to the turnaround point we saw Richard flying by.  We were both impressed with how strong and great he looked.  We hooted and hollered at him.  He did a little bow and kept running. 

At the turnaround point we were at an hour.  Jo and I are perfect for running together.  We go by our heart rate instead of pace.  At mile 8 I asked what her heart rate was and she said "176, what's yours?"  I replied "178."  Jo's fairly taller than I am, so if we were the same height our heart rates would be the same.  My knee started to really bother me and I pushed through the pain.  Every other stride had me almost in tears.  Jo wasn't gonna leave me.  She said she felt like walking and I told her to keep going.  That we were almost there.  We could do it!!

At mile 10 with a 5k left we had 27 minutes left to meet our 2 hour time goal.  We picked up the pace a little but I couldn't hang and neither could she.  With a mile left all I wanted to was walk.  We could see the finish, but it was so far away!!  Richard was at the half mile mark, telling us we only had an 800 left.  2 laps around the track.  I told him to shut up, with a smile on my face.  With a quarter of a mile left Cleo was there cheering for us telling us it was a lap around the track.  To kick it in, give it everything we've got.  Jo and I started laughing and told her that we've used everything and we had nothing left.

I saw my parents and Brandon.  My mom yelled "Holy heck 2:03!"  There it was the finish line.  Jo and I grabbed each others hand and crossed the finish line hand in hand with a time of 2:03 flat.  11th and 12th in our age group.  We all did an amazing job.  Cleo finished 2nd in her age group, Kim finished 1st woman overall, and 1st in her age group, and Richard finished 3rd in his age group.

Jo, Richard and I before the half

Jo and I

Jo, Cleo and I (Cleo ran the 10k)

All of us before

All of us after

   

Ohh Richard 

Here are our splits

1	9:13.4
2	8:59.7
3	8:52.4
4	8:59.5
5	9:22.7
6	9:12.9
7	9:06.8
8	9:16.0
9	9:45.1
10	9:54.0
11	9:48.1
12	9:31.5
13	9:15.1
14	2:05.8

I am clincally insane

As if running a race every month, a half marathon, or a full marathon wasn't enough, I registered for a 200 mile relay for my August race.

It is a group of 12 people and we all run 2 or 3 legs of a 200 mile relay race.  It takes place the first weekend in August in Colorado.  We run from Steamboat to Ft. Collins.  I am so excited!!  My dad is also running with it with me, along with Cleo, Kim, Kelle, and hopefully Jo.  We are hoping that my Mother In Law will be able to watch the kids so Brandon and my mom can come along as well.  Wild West Relay is the name of the race. 

I have a doctors appointment today.  I've been feeling very sluggish lately.  My last run was last week Tuesday.  I tried doing some treadmill running on Saturday and after mile one I had to stop.  I feel like I have no energy whatsoever.  Just doing daily chores wears me out.  I think it might be a protein, or iron deficiency.

Easter was yesterday and I could have had meat, but it doesn't even look appetizing.

I hope everyone had an amazing Easter!! 

10 mile trail

Today was the Milford 10 10.  A race that consisted of a 10k and a 10 miler.  It was a great day for a race.  It could've been cooler, it was a tad hot.  My goal for this race was to finish in two hours.  I knew that it took me an hour to run Fancy Creek and that was five miles, so running a 10 mile trail should take about two hours.

I started the race running with Kelle.  Our first mile was in 8:36, a pace a lot faster then what I wanted to be running at.  However I felt good so I figured I would run with her until I couldn't any more.  Our 2nd mile was 9:16, by this point I knew that I wouldn't be able to keep up the pace for the rest of the race.  So I decided to slow it down to a nice easy to maintain 10 minute mile pace.  With the back half of the course a bit more technical I think I made a good call.

I ran by myself for a few miles, when I'd go to pass someone we would talk for a second wish each other good luck and go on.  I got to the half way point where my mom, the kids, and Uncle Harvey's wife Julie.  The boosted my confidence and I kept trudging along.

Around mile 7 or 8 I found a couple people and we started running together.  It was a guy and a very nice lady named Ruth.   Ruth and I ran together and she was a great help to keep me going.  We talked about our running, our families.  She is truly amazing, she has run marathons, ultras, 50k's, definitely an inspiration.  Did I mention that she is in her 50's?  And she just picked up running again in 2004 after taking 20 years off to raise a family.

At mile 9 I told Ruth that my goal was to finish in 2 hours.  She said that was her goal too.  We both looked down at our watches and we had only been running for 1:30 and something.  We both said we are going to crush that.

With about three quarters of a mile left I started pulling away from Ruth.  Once I hit the cross country course I saw my running buddies, Cleo, Richard, Kelle, and Kim.  They were there to cheer me us on.  I took off down the hill, I looked up and saw the time of 1:46!  I crushed my goal.  I cheered Ruth to the finish and went and found my running buddies.

Lacey asked if I was going to get a medal, and I told her probably not.  There were 71 finishers in the 10 mile race, I knew the chances of me placing were slim but I had finished and that was all that mattered!  When they called my name for 3rd place in my age group I almost fell over.  It was a great day for the group of ladies I run with.  Cleo ran the 10k and took 3rd in her age group, Kelle took 3rd in her age group, and Kim took 1st in her age group.

At the end of the award ceremony they do a raffle and I won a North Face pullover running jacket!!  WOOHOO!!

Add caption

In order from left to right
Me (3rd), Cleo (3rd), Kelle (3rd), and Kim (1st)

We are BEASTS!!

Bring on the half in 2 weeks!! 

I also got the pleasure of meeting fellow runner and blogger  Angela.  She is a Middle School Counselor and an awesome runner!!  I got to cheer her to the finish!

Have I lost my mind?

Tomorrow I run a wonderful 10 mile trail race.  I really have no time goals for this race.  I want to take it nice and easy.  It will be my last long run before the half.  Ummm seriously only two weeks tomorrow before the half?  Where has the time gone? 

Last night I bit the bullet and registered for my October race.  I sat here shaking before and after I registered for it.  There is no going back once you do it.  I would've waited but the price goes up $10 on the 4th and I just wanted to make sure I got registered.  The race is the Kansas City Marathon, and yes I registered for the FULL MARATHON!!

I'm hoping that with my training where I am now I can just start adding more miles on, and then in July when my friends who are running it as well start training I'll just start running with them.  I'm still scared outta my mind!  26.2 seems so intimidating. 

I hope everyone has a great weekend!! 

Birthday Party + Spring Break

What a whirlwind of a week.  It all started on Saturday, 10k, last minute birthday party details, running ragged.  The birthday party on Sunday was a blast!  Everyone had a good time, and the Mickey Mouse decorations were adorable!! 

The goodie table

Mickey Mouse wreath

Birthday Banner

The Yummy food and the birthday boy climbing the stairs

The cake!! 

 

 

 

The Birthday Boy

I had lots of fun stuff planned for spring break, the park, the zoo, playing outside....but Mother Nature had different ideas and decided to rain all week.  So I spent the majority of the week cleaning and rearranging.  Lacey spent the entire week with my parents so it was nice being able to spend one on one time with just Miles. 

Since it was rainy I didn't get to do as much running as I would've liked.  I went to the gym and did 7 miles on the treadmill.  3 miles of interval training, and then 4 miles of running.  Then Thursday Cleo and I did a 6 mile hill rain run.  Tons of hills, and it was raining.  It was a great run!!  We had plans to do 9  miles yesterday at the 10 10 course, but at 6 miles we I was good and done. 

I got home to 2 babies that were ready for naps.  After nap times Brandon was home and I headed to Topeka for a very needed relaxing evening with one of my dear friends.  I got home a little before midnight.

This week Brandon and I get to go to a movie.  We are going to see The Hunger Games.  I've heard wonderful things about it!  I can't wait for a date night with my hubby!!