tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81856619066638488752024-03-04T21:28:53.984-08:00My Midlife (Marathon) CrisisDiary of a (wannabe)Badass Mother RunnerMidlife (Marathon) Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15255074929123611387noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185661906663848875.post-7915442503468630172013-07-07T19:47:00.001-07:002013-07-07T22:02:41.611-07:00ABC of Me!!<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;"><div><br></div><div><br></div> I was so excited to get tagged by fellow <a href="http://2chixrun26.wordpress.com/2013/06/">2Chixrun26</a> to do the ABC game ! (Felt like one of the cool kids). So here it goes.....<div><br></div><div><b>Attached or Single- </b>attached to my wonderful husband Jason :)</div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img78b41004-464c-4e4a-992d-6a373de3690a" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kWPCO0yU-_E/UdpHvwaSThI/AAAAAAAAAzI/acBTSsSCt2o/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:213.8785348534584px;width:159.9834133386612px;opacity:1" class="" rotate="-2.216796875" scale="0.4"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Best Friend- </b>See above </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Cake or Pie- </b>typically chocolate cake but I'm really craving fruit pie lately</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Day of the week- </b>Saturday usually tends to be a great day...no stress!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Essential Item- </b>Chapstick! I'm an addict.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Favorite Color-</b> I would say purple, then I'd say yellow, or maybe red. So I'm not sure.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Gummy Bears or Worms- </b>neither. I'd prefer chocolate to anything gummy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Hometown- </b>currently living in Hollister, CA but originally from Morgan Hill, CA</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Indulgence- </b>wine </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>January or June-</b> definitely June. Not a fan of the cold.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Kids- </b>4 kids and 2 grand kids.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img80120725-8634-4a0c-b57a-69045fef9412" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UhDh_4jpehE/UdpHy-DKeEI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/WKBKgS6RyU4/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:332px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:226px" class="" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">(This was taken 2 years ago)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is Abilene and Braelynn </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img2dbebcc3-e2f1-46a2-ace5-709914d79b59" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TuptPpfhdpQ/UdpHzooRMLI/AAAAAAAAAzY/U7ay6keZFHU/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:366px;width:366px"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Life isn't complete without-</b> my family.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Marraige date- </b>September 15, 2002</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here we are gettin' hitched....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img5bcecef3-2158-47e2-af5d-fd0e4106fdc0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9WKWeXYml3M/UdpH2eLVlHI/AAAAAAAAAzg/wJ26fGUZ5xw/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:424px;width:500px;opacity:1"></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Sorry for the crappy, blurry pic:)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Number of Brothers/sisters- </b>I have 2 older sisters.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Oranges or apples- </b>hmm...probably oranges. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Phobias- </b>my family teases me mercilessly over my fear of escalators. Crazy, I know.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Favorite Quote- </b></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img0b2d3b73-dab2-4772-b4c8-0ec3a7812ed7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g5c0cYLge10/UdpH4fyjowI/AAAAAAAAAzo/PlyICQUg8p4/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" class="" style="height:517px;width:500px;opacity:1"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Reasons to Smile-</b> when I get to hang out with these two....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img0c2c8605-7df0-4568-bd5b-06a8997c2690" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YNEFBZza5x8/UdpH7ecpFLI/AAAAAAAAAzw/akwqXhpsfVs/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:394.37182211875916px;width:295.6310510635376px;opacity:1" class="" rotate="-3.024169921875" scale="0.6"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Season of Choice- </b>probably summer but I also love fall.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Tag 3 People- </b>The Pavement Princess ( <a href="http://www.thepavementprincess.Lindsay" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="link" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0">www.thepavementprincess.</a>com ) Lindsay in Training( <a href="http://Kate" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="link" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0">http://</a>lindsay.blogspot.com ). Kate Moving Forward ( <a href="http://katemov" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="link" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">http://katemov</a>ingforward.com ) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Unknown fact about me- </b>I HATED any sports or physical activity when I was younger. I was the girl that would cut PE class. In college I took fencing. Now I love exercise! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Favorite vegetable- </b>asparagus and homegrown tomatoes</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Worst habit-</b> my husband says its organization, or lack of. (I am a secret slob, closets and drawers are the worst)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>X-ray or Ultrasound- </b> ultrasound</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Your favorite food- </b>pizza and cold beer</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Zodiac Sign-</b> Pisces but I don't follow that stuff. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, that about about sums up little random facts about me! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Side note: my stupid iPad Blog app isn't letting me link to the 3 bloggers I choose but go check them out. I've "met" them all thru Instagram and so go check them out! Thanks to 2Chixrun26 for tagging me. (Check them out on Instgram as well :)</div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><br><br><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div></div>Midlife (Marathon) Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15255074929123611387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185661906663848875.post-14633006473126226012013-05-19T19:49:00.001-07:002013-05-19T19:49:40.051-07:00Capitola Half Marathon<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;"><div style="text-align: center;"> It's been a crazy couple of months. Haven't blogged in awhile because...well...my father in law passed away. It just seemed so weird to blog about running and healthy eating while we were dealing with such a serious, heartbreaking and personal issue. He passed away 2 weeks ago of pancreatic cancer and we had the service on Wednesday. I might talk more about my thoughts on everything in a future post. But let me also catch you up on the latest. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">While we were helping with my father in law, fitness was very difficult to fit in. Chaos was the norm for about 2 months. We did try to run and hit the gym as much as we could.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img38481adb-800b-43a5-bb32-7ccae92ceba4" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZUZBraZ6JMU/UZmOpd6GKbI/AAAAAAAAAvs/Js3VD2Bpw0o/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:500px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:310px" class="" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was along the Truckee River in Reno. Very pretty.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">And this is on Mother's Day- 6 miles with my sweetie.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imgf023c32a-7e5f-4610-9a90-d282fbacdfae" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-atuPYh1LXqM/UZmOur9kCkI/AAAAAAAAAv0/qNNL_Dnphjg/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:667px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:393px" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had the crazy idea a couple of months ago to sign up for a half marathon to take my mind off things and have a healthy outlet for everything. So I signed up for the <a href="http://events.lifestyleescapes.com/">Capitola Half Marathon. </a> Well....things got worse with my father in law and the training really didn't happen. This past week was really very heart wrenching with his funeral on Wednesday and then our pastors funeral on Saturday. Ugh. Very draining. </div><div style="text-align: center;">So against our better judgement, my friend and I decided to go ahead and do the half marathon anyway. No training, no fueling, no tapering. Even had wine the night before. It would be a beautiful day and if we wanted to walk, we would walk. What the heck. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imgcbe6e4cc-3a83-4630-90d4-34f87b22a28d" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iGl4SDIzJcs/UZmPAAWbK3I/AAAAAAAAAv8/qvd7eYVSL4E/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:500px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:310px" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">We left for Capitola at 5:15 and found parking easily. It's a pretty small race ( too lazy to check how many people were in it...sorry not sorry) and the crowd seemed small when we got there. As we were waiting for the start I recognized Skinny Runner! OMG!!! The race was about to start any second so I quickly went over there and got a pic with her.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imgff5b0f23-101b-46a6-b178-2e27e2d48d97" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ORH_6TNXg-E/UZmPCQdXk9I/AAAAAAAAAwE/a46bG4KQXlM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:500px;width:500px"></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Now cursing that I didn't put some make up on. She's so pretty!) </div><div style="text-align: center;">Then I went over and grabbed my buddy Maribel who follows her blog as well and got another picture.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imga3d6a42b-703d-4a37-befe-9009704df311" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-orLbGTJl1D8/UZmPErXRO1I/AAAAAAAAAwM/HYvSpp0dnhU/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:500px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:310px" class="" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">SR was so sweet and encouraging and it was fun to chat with her. (Of course I now refer to her around my house as my new BFF, with my husband rolling his eyes.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">As it turned out it was really a beautiful day. Perfect weather, run along the ocean, time to chat and catch up with a friend. It was just what I needed. Maribel's foot has been bothering her and I hadn't trained much at all so we walked a bit. ( I was a little embarrassed when my new BFF saw us walking as she passed us on her way back) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are some pictures from the route.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img26ef3b96-f008-4745-9acb-aca8df6a0c01" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-efTIPuzlveQ/UZmPHLQSo3I/AAAAAAAAAwU/x9u8m4uvlXM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:500px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:310px" class="" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img7005f55a-fe1a-4d71-9db9-b86a72dc819d" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_KiNHOd1_ZQ/UZmPI32JmDI/AAAAAAAAAwc/cCS0YZUlI4E/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:375px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:247px" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">If there is ever a race in Santa Cruz or Monterey/Carmel I will run it because it is so gorgeous over there. I will definitely do this race again. It was a bit hilly so I don't think I would do the full over there but I would do the half again. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">A few other announcements in a pictorial:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img71d12801-7c0b-42e4-8b8e-dcafd95e5f37" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76CUrW91ATSvoXWHL37H8s6DKQJHvBnh3jvQ5T9KiEk4mPjPgzkCJxCfOwNC_xBqSAyycc_OvIEJywgPhTFnmKHpOMccTTKleZarysyqhIOk3NXlPvaaVMu04jr_AUuGWN0Nc9R7FH4g/" style="height:667px;width:500px"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">My daughter turned 21 and we made her a "drunk Barbie" cake. This is her with my 16 year old:)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">My son and daughter in law welcomed my second granddaughter (yes I'm a grandma).</div><div style="text-align: center;">Braelynn Hope was born May 11 and she is perfect.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img3a12c213-363d-4527-991d-1ddd1d3f3d8d" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Am1fBh1g1uE/UZmPN2EfAfI/AAAAAAAAAws/6RsLmPZqqV0/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:500px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:310px" class="" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is her big sister Abilene .....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img4035d0d3-80c5-4f47-98b6-ca4d6fe14f6e" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1lRblErCIpeHiwQ0gxlOP4X7wZTarjmpJfSjAksYQfmqm9LAtY-xszg1bg8gpjyYb7noGX9WkgfqkterSmV3A75rCNdT6L2LvVN24W9n6sL_TmoVLed3LABQ7T3w_Xxje4QntKP2HZ4/" style="height:747px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:433px" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">One more of little Braelynn. Life is precious.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img747f1cb6-e4e8-461d-b6d2-09936fa259b4" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sh6ZLwgmkNY/UZmPQYJDJKI/AAAAAAAAAw8/y1czOnnIDK8/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:334px;width:500px"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><br><br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><br><br><br><br><br></div>Midlife (Marathon) Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15255074929123611387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185661906663848875.post-87242244191173632792013-03-17T15:17:00.001-07:002013-03-17T15:17:20.698-07:00She Is Beautiful-Pinkest 10K Race<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;"><div style="text-align: center;"> Today I ran the <a href="http://www.runsheisbeautiful.com/">The Pinkest 10K</a> in Santa Cruz. I first heard about the race from my friends and when I heard about the "pinkest" I just assumed it was for breast cancer. However this race benefited the Walnut Avenue Women's Center (domestic abuse counseling). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had never done an all girls race before and really wasn't too excited about it. I never really have been drawn to the whole "pink", "girl power", etc. stuff. But I had a great time!! The website is pretty cliche about running so we can "eat more chocolate and drink more wine" (!?!?) and racing for the "cute shirts" or to "impress a cute guy". (Ick!!) So I wanted to run with my running buddies but the website almost made me not sign up after I read that nonsense. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">This morning I really was lagging due to a couple of bad nights of sleep but I picked up my friend Maribel ( and yes she DID sign up for CIM!!!) and we were on our way.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">They had parking about 2 miles away with lots of shuttles to the start. ( Parking was a bit expensive at $12! ). We got there right as the sun was coming up. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imge83b00e5-5694-49d9-989a-7e544a66c782" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KdUNEI-Bip4/UUZAuiHsEQI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/dkI0O_p-x1s/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:375px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:247px" class="" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">The start/finish was at the lighthouse.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imgbcfe52e9-92b2-4218-94cf-4666d63ea67f" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78r6qsr6tvE2bVLoVAmQGWRMrrbx_2bMHkwtRH_ep7Qr6LRT_OssMpu8YKm_Is2Aauvw0nGLp99Mz9AkZj5zFbiPSgtbVB2VrXS7FzbU3Q3GGoZBlU9v0OmOZoJZoRPcYzo9ZdFFXhsw/" style="height:375px;width:500px"></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">They had lots of fun signs throughout the course and at the start. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img57b298c7-0794-44a3-9e30-7eb0ee28bae5" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5v35uUnMbrlkysqF1bUs7pon435Dw3mOwvs4VbMOIirzCmElPeyTF3VwPavE_ijegJmJg21rFvPwn9kigyo3_ewGkMxkTUjRGIWGt5BKjSzbYEWeFuJZJ6ayaK7MCOXrF3PhRCY6hgks/" style="height:375px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:247px" class="" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">We took a quick pic when we got there.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img54fe5dc6-9d34-4c59-9149-11144236735f" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-O3jQvvjZWWQ/UUZAy4eG5LI/AAAAAAAAAuo/Mp3OXhsSv_A/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:375px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:247px" class="" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">The 10K started at 8 and the 5K started at 8:15. We did our bib pickup that morning but you could have done it early on Friday night or Saturday morning. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img0e631c2a-d2aa-4d65-8e2e-876647aa279d" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4iKV7j6ckpQ/UUZA2NPFeAI/AAAAAAAAAuw/jO0-cYlA52s/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:667px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:393px" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Waiting to start.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">The course was an out and back mostly along the water and was well marked. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imgfe7cba6c-27fd-4e4d-85be-7359a8a484ea" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-m2BGU7p-e94/UUZA3vNUtXI/AAAAAAAAAu4/53g-z6dhLeM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:375px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:247px" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">They had maybe 3 water stops with pottapottys.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">My goal was to run the whole course without stopping ....and I did I! Yay for me:)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">My time was 1:06 with a pace of 10:40. I would love, love love to run a 10K under an hour but I'm super happy with my time. At the finish line we ran into our other running buddies. And we picked up our shirts (which I assumed would be pink but were white. Interesting). And walked around the vendors before we grabbed a shuttle and went to breakfast. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imgbfa1e693-f70e-45e3-a26e-06daaf44a21f" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqnvrR2RazcjpiCr1Q4WchAD6a4YiqulZEqgNmnyz6c-txTmTRdzmSGZdeYrwgVLuyG9RTQj2S4QDx8HiopwToZKeHWZuDft5EhDRMrz-3XEk9jGQfnjY5p_fK05WkCNJYvUci8CSjwE/" style="height:500px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:310px" class="" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">And took one more picture and you can barely see the surfers out there but they were all over the place.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imgdb7315f7-0be6-4317-8de2-370fedd767be" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UfyT4oSj5QA/UUZA7IT3Q1I/AAAAAAAAAvI/jqKQkEqyIc4/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:375px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:247px" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">I will definitely run this race again. I really love running near the ocean and love running with my friends so I will throw on the pink and enjoy every minute of it. Today really was good for my soul.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><br><br><br><br><br></div>Midlife (Marathon) Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15255074929123611387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185661906663848875.post-58440024067571807712013-03-15T19:07:00.001-07:002013-03-15T19:07:51.530-07:00Signed up for.......CIM!!!!!<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;"><div style="text-align: center;"> Well.....I did it. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I signed up for my second marathon!!!! Not only that, but I talked my husband into signing up, too. I also have a couple of friends I'm working on (Maribel, Terese! I'm talking about you guys!) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">The whole time I was running CIM in December I knew I would try again. It was such a fiasco with the weather and my shin splints (you can read about it <a href="http://sandeesmidlifemarathon.blogspot.com/search?q=+++The+magic">here</a>). I knew I had to do it again. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">So that's the big news. </div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imgdf3a492d-54d2-445a-9c45-b9b40809549b" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4aU-Nl77--M/UUPTy_56gYI/AAAAAAAAAtg/tOgmwMJ7EVE/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:333px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:226px" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've also really been working on my diet this week. I'd like to lose 10 pounds. I have tried to not weigh myself much this past year for several reasons. I found I was obsessing over my weight too much. The number itself was becoming too big of a deal. And last year I was doing Crossfit so I really just wanted to get fit. Toned. Awesome. Well....I didn't get that awesome so now I want to lose a few. I'm kinda sick of just doing things half-assed so I'm putting it out there that this is my goal. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">So far this week went well. Monday and Tuesday I walked on my lunch hour with co workers 2 miles each day. On Thursday I went on a great 4.5 mile trail run with the hubs, it was gorgeous!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img81024a96-ec93-4eae-b0a0-308e742498a2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g9E-0f0dqXU/UUPT1BhPExI/AAAAAAAAAto/4-kAT5yYKls/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:375px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:247px" class="" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img39ae5686-cc2d-48e4-baa9-1cbf11b7b536" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dPTMwMQmh0s/UUPT4IhYysI/AAAAAAAAAtw/tpznPQ4iAj0/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:500px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:310px" class="" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img60754c11-500a-4475-994b-2750309c5d76" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BfAvUt-7TpI/UUPT7LQWS-I/AAAAAAAAAt4/GZn-VvOmg3A/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:500px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:310px" class="" mvc="false"></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img1a47df66-d256-44de-8251-3ebbe118d659" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-16vCaubY5UY/UUPT9NtnLCI/AAAAAAAAAuA/Bx04Olfcle0/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:375px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:247px" class="" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">It ended up being hotter than I would have liked. It was upper 70's when we left. And I should have brought some water. We had never been out here before and it was beautiful. Especially now with the hills all green. Enjoy these pictures now because this summer my California shots will be all brown and dry. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thursday evening I went to the gym for Pilates. She added some light weights and it kinda tweaked my shoulder a bit. I got up at midnight for some frozen peas and Ibuprophen. Feels a little better this morning. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sunday morning I am running <a href="http://www.runsheisbeautiful.com/santa-cruz">She.Is.Beautiful Pinkest 5k & 10 K</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">I will be running the 10K with my running buddy, Maribel. This is a girl only race. It benefits a local charity Walnut Avenue Women's Center which helps women with domestic violence counseling. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The race is in Santa Cruz and the weather has been awesome so I'm looking forward to running along the water. They encourage the whole "wear pink, etc"but I was hoping to wear my Green CIM shirt.. Oh well....pink it is. </div><div style="text-align: center;">(Seems weird not to wear green on St. Paddy's day)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've also been working on my diet. Ugh. The dreaded diet. Last year I heard about the Paleo Diet for the first time and to be honest I just hated the idea. Seemed just like Atkins. Also wasn't too found of giving up all grains, and beans, etc. I hated the name as well. Gads....who wants to eat like a caveman? Anyway.. Now I see the benefit of giving up some gluten. I will probably never give up my morning cereal (with...yes...real cowsmilk! ) </div><div style="text-align: center;">So this week I started cutting back on the gluten and cutting out the sweets. So far I'm ok. A little grumpy. And I noticed a headache at the start of the week. </div><div style="text-align: center;">More on the dietary changes on a future post. Still trying to figure it all out. And to be honest I still struggle.Every. Day. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><br><br><br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div></div>Midlife (Marathon) Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15255074929123611387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185661906663848875.post-16112350270423203312013-03-10T22:14:00.001-07:002013-03-10T22:14:03.015-07:00Happy Birthday to Me!!!<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;"><div style="text-align: center;"> So I decided to run my age on my birthday like all the cool runners do. I just had to add a decimal point in there ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imgb766c3bc-29e8-4da4-a362-b999362277ec" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wiuZcd5u5Cw/UT1nz08VnjI/AAAAAAAAAsA/7GuHGOlvs0I/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:500px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:310px" class="" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">There was no way in hell I could do 46...so 4.6 was a nice little compromise. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I actually ran with my husband and while he allowed me to stop the Garmin at 4.6 (for blogging purposes) he made me keep running to complete 5. He is a very strict coach. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">So let me fill you in on all the birthday details. I celebrated first on Wednesday at one office I work at and went to lunch with everyone. And then again on Thursday at my other office. There I got lunch and a new Coach purse! (It's our little tradition- everyone gets a new purse for their birthdays-love it!!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">On Friday- (my "real" birthday) I had the day off work and celebrated with the family.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Errands with Kid#3:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img715a62a1-6f44-4854-ac2d-1520b21825ef" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xJYp0ugC728/UT1n1xVXYqI/AAAAAAAAAsI/434Zik7zZQQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:500px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:310px" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cake made by Kid #2-completely made by scratch -no mixes!! The frosting had 3 </div><div style="text-align: center;">sticks of butter-yikes! But it was phenomenal!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img2032df56-a061-4f0a-8729-83d507d75d5d" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-L-u6qFLOxKg/UT1n4kcSnbI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/WRlAo0vw070/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:500px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:310px" class="" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">After dinner with Kid#2 :</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imgef525676-d8a2-40be-80c9-f2909381baff" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3nfOcsL2DTI/UT1n6o8Nv7I/AAAAAAAAAsY/1dePuSPdYjo/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:374px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:247px" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">The next morning my husband and I headed for San Jose for the rest of the celebrating. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">We had a bunch of gift cards so we headed for the mall. If you know me at all you know I HATE shopping. I hate looking, I hate trying stuff on, I hate all of it. I had recently cleaned out my closet and it was really pathetic. Like only bare bones essentials in there (which means scrubs and running gear ). </div><div style="text-align: center;">My purchases were not very exciting and I'm afraid it did little to fill my closet but it was a start. I think I bought 2 shirts and a pair of shoes for work. Eh. I guess I'll have to go back out again. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway, after the jaunt to the mall we headed over to Burke Williams Day Spa for my 2:00 massage. Whoop!!! That's right....a little pampering was just what I needed to recover from all that shopping.</div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img463e2da3-0173-4eb5-8138-0a0bae0f5110" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yoeCRm2UIrw/UT1n8B-jYZI/AAAAAAAAAsg/lFX0Va5idD8/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:500px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:310px" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love a good deep tissue massage. I love when they ask how the pressure is and I say fine...then they keep telling me to make sure I let them know if its too much. Ha! I will never cry uncle...ever. I may whimper, flinch, even cry, but I will never give in. I loved every second of it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">I then walked over to the Hotel Valencia right next door where the hubs had already checked us in and before his massage. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's some pics of the room:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img8b540730-8626-42d1-a637-3a54aeda9043" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Owyk_1dnzOs/UT1n-DdxNKI/AAAAAAAAAso/LN8NLM1D7qc/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:383.46563589572906px;width:287.4554991722107px;opacity:1" class="" rotate="-3.9175491333007812" scale="0.6"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img26f14619-03da-4df0-b9df-8a017fb34525" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0el1jcO4TjU/UT1n_qEk62I/AAAAAAAAAsw/d5e4LcfwGds/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:291.79278016090393px;width:389.0570402145386px;opacity:1" class="" rotate="178.55587768554688" scale="0.8"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img97ecbf42-b772-4f7d-bc49-4113e2ba22d6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_eosp3KPxxM/UT1oBrK7AEI/AAAAAAAAAs4/8PKprL2JvR4/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:293.05118322372437px;width:390.7349109649658px;opacity:1;left:255px;top:206px" rotate="177.8529052734375" scale="0.8" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;">The view is out onto the patio where they have the bar to the left and restaurant to the right. Last time I stayed here for a girls weekend we watched a wedding out there. Very pretty.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imgfc418d48-f67b-48df-b48e-90cf5ae95683" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2ZeTlHEU-4M/UT1oDn5LICI/AAAAAAAAAtA/ppONLhkF3UQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:406.77292466163635px;width:304.9272298812866px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:393px" class="" mvc="false" rotate="-1.6373748779296875" scale="0.6"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then it was time to get ready for dinner. We had 4 other couples joining us at </div><div style="text-align: center;">Maggianos for dinner. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">I wore my new birthday shoes from my daughter:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img001e4624-892e-43a0-80df-533b4d409cd8" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UomKbzvGiGA/UT1oFGcT2JI/AAAAAAAAAtE/kF9riO2YK3I/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:306px;width:306px"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img7392153f-9623-47c2-9283-8670913014c8" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvxirTbzmvNuXi7UX0yRADdOgpLcRUhEJoaw3v7_JFAq5URCkW2zZAag3zE8y_qNLcTR1xTsqsrCbJSLdUGHlJRHnonVlIUEgrQcn7rt0iFDFRtdRxH-MuGp4ScsHYQPthXBYtF7e4y8/" style="height:409px;width:500px"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">(We took more pics of the group but I don't know if they all want to be plastered on the blog so you just get me and the hubs;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">We had the absolute best time. It was a great evening filled with great friends, good food and alot of laughter. Feeling very blessed to be surrounded by such great friends. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><br><br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><br><br><div><br></div><div><br><div><br></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><br></div></div></div>Midlife (Marathon) Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15255074929123611387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185661906663848875.post-33198918447800715762013-03-01T12:59:00.001-08:002013-03-01T12:59:22.078-08:00Taji 100 -DONE!!<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;"><div style="text-align: center;"> Yesterday I completed the Taji 100. Basically, the challenge was to run/walk/elliptical 100 miles in the 28 days of February. It was a $20 donation to the Wounded Warrior Project and logging the miles with Daily Mile. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">First of all, I was so impressed with the incredible runners that logged more than 300 miles in the month. Very impressive. I am still such a novice runner that I am in awe when people are logging in 20-30 mile training runs. I muddled through the challenge with many miles of walking. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Five days of the month I was sick so that left 23 to run/walk the miles. On Mondays andTuesdays it is always harder for me to work out. My schedule is packed on those days with work and kids so I ended up walking 2 miles on my lunch hour those day. Thanks to my co-workers that (usaully) happily joined me. It was also a catalyst for them and they have started working out more. And one of their husbands has started working out as well. Interesting dominoe effect. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">So yesterday I needed to run 9 miles to finish the challenge. I was going to run some on Wednesday after work but watching a movie with my huscand won and I saved it all for the last day. I had been picturing the month as a progessvie increase in miles and hoped that I would be up to 10 runs at the end but I never really increased passed 5 miles. So needing to run 9 was a bit of a jump for me. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">I talked my husband into joining me . Thank God because I love trail runs but I'm so scared of seeing a mountain lion that I love having him with me;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">We went to <a href="http://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/Ride%20Here/Pages/Coyote-Lake-Harvey-Bear-Ranch-County-Park.aspx">Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear County Park</a> in south Santa Clara County. The weather here has been gorgeous with the highs in upper 60's to low 70's and I was really looking forward to going with the hills all green and beautiful. This park is 4500 acres with 35 mile miles of trails. It has a lake and camping. The trails are for hiking, bikes and horses. Very nice facilities. This is also where our local running club <a href="http://svrchome.org/">South Valley Running Club</a> runs on Saturday mornings. (I am not a member but I'm hoping to join this year----really! I am!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imgb67f07c4-5fdb-4244-bf8e-2eeb7c4f2683" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_VmVgOEugvw/UTEWUxYPE9I/AAAAAAAAAqo/yQH1f-NcVlk/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:500px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:310px" class="" mvc="false"></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">So we dropped the little one off at school and hit the trails.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imgffb2ac3e-cd43-487a-b4de-85c4125b9fa2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ALBIvnZ0wPU/UTEWW-QG7eI/AAAAAAAAAqw/8zny4VytN20/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:375px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:247px" class="" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imgec59788d-6baf-4a49-83b5-33cc4f711cb9" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeCvgN41OXCjJcuO6dw6oWocENnMgdHrg2gCR0uEwrSxDPepfzLI5ku5qXQBj4T848eE3uuwDzFstvuc47Y3uLdVXg8zdN-iJN8S_sY5XC_Fxtk8fNnnWyazg2hHZixBtQ4fr8ysDB14/" style="height:376px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:248px" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Coyote Lake</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imgaa971165-9bdc-47e2-a285-3432517020f5" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-k4wiyMwIVhs/UTEWcJJYaGI/AAAAAAAAArA/fpAry4wOksE/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:375px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:247px" mvc="false" class=""></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">beautiful views of the valley.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imga7ef051a-b4d4-4605-a54c-0551db5ff5f6" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pJtpqVf0gUI/UTEWeS_valI/AAAAAAAAArI/5fLCuKZvsx8/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:376px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:248px" class="" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">nice trails </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img3b7a6d49-bd09-4f31-9e46-d2bb1d3533c7" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vMP3cWjOC0U/UTEWhKH3g5I/AAAAAAAAArQ/RhqnzQAz7cs/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:375px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:247px" mvc="false" class=""></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img46e584a7-5874-4e5a-8759-de5b676fc164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZhNC_DrTM88mwU0YvqXM2mUCrUsCeL43wcjzN2aqRMSAISLIF0V4miMdBE_I1OX2rVlZu9hYefnBy-zBZYWzo-E-KCbVLRWxqIv0kJWq5SdNxjO4NmX_M63oieStaL2hpII_JY8B7-QI/" style="height:375px;width:500px"></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you've never been to Northern California-most of it looks like this. Rolling hills with Oak trees. SoCal has the palm trees :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img773ec1d9-57e9-4c13-a1a2-5fe0250dbe2f" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqcfkfWKHmG-kL1A8kYKFbFi0ZpBrdFJJCt4iP3G8YKIQzz3WZY3QFCbKEf6VWSp-dLYavyWAJ5WXeXfZtNBtkleT1rLddj3nRiZD9SwxBgp8kcxg9UOymj-gYN6BugJ4ZBlRxYL1Y3Q/" style="height:375px;width:500px"></div><br><div style="text-align: center;">And here is my husband who always patiently waits for my slow ass to catch up with him. I 'm usually about a quarter of a mile behind him until I hear something rustle in the bushes , get scared of a possible mountain lion and then hurry up to catch up...where I find him standing like this waiting for me. ( And extra points to him for not rolling his eyes when I'm taking pictures. )</div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img2f367d1b-96e8-47fe-9f36-81191aed487f" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cHBil_uPqfA/UTEWmyBYM8I/AAAAAAAAAro/yWir4VW0qMU/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:375px;width:500px"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Had to wear my Taji shirt to finish!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img60d9935d-55e1-42db-82e9-3468a0fb196a" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pR_mW7gjjXI/UTEWpvnoGLI/AAAAAAAAArw/vB-ezFgiyXM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:375px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:247px" class="" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Of course, after we were done we were starving and had to refuel (and celebrate) with some tacos and beer:)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">We ended up with 11 miles. 102 miles total for me for the month. I was pretty proud to jump in mileage at the end. My hip has been hurting lately and I was pretty sore at the end but today I feel pretty good. Now I am really motivated to sign up for a half . I also really , really need to work on cross training and strength training, in addition to the exercises the PT had given me for my hip. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Taji 100 was a really great experience for me. I will fill you in on the final stats when they send them out next week. It really helped me to stay on task and be consistent. I really learned to just fit in any miles I could at any spare time I found in my schedule. It reminds me that if it's important to us we will find the time for it. </div><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br></div>Midlife (Marathon) Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15255074929123611387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185661906663848875.post-69101147904094051772013-02-19T20:32:00.001-08:002013-02-19T20:32:58.122-08:00The Month in Pictures (and Oprah)<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;"><div style="text-align: center;"> Wow! The weeks have just been flying by. Where did we leave off? Oh, yes....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Helvetica"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><a href="http://taji100.com/">Taji 100</a></span></font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img6268d099-2089-4366-8b5d-83d8eaf8b854" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qA7UbxqV9pM/USRRnFQZw1I/AAAAAAAAAoo/xEBMvndsHf0/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:199px;width:500px"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Taji 100 started February 1 and we are now on Day 19. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">So far this is how its going:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img71fcba68-4bb8-44b9-9224-df0608bdc0f1" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qNIg81z1xlA/USRRnxR9dSI/AAAAAAAAAow/1KXdYkYD7js/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:155px;width:288px"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pretty awesome:) If anyone would like to donate to the Wounded Warrior Project you can go <a href="https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/individual-fundraising/SandeeKadluboski/">here.</a></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">And how am I doing in the challenge? Glad you asked. Well, the first week I was doing ok and then a got a bit of a cold the second week. But now I'm back on track. I have done 60 miles so far. 40 miles to go. The hardest part is fitting it in around work and everything. It even seems harder than when I was training for the marathon. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">I did join a gym so most of the miles have been done like this:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img0f1235e4-a53f-4b93-a57a-48712e87bea2" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EzRKPH-1jWM/USRRplYbtcI/AAAAAAAAAo4/SRJUcYBpVlo/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:223.72129559516907px;width:223.72129559516907px;opacity:1;left:171px;top:171px" class="" rotate="-6.9240264892578125" scale="0.4" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">On the treadmill watching Downton Abbey. I got all three seasons and now I'm completely addicted to it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've also gone to Spin Class, Body Shred (like step aerobics), and Pilates. I think I like the Pilates the best :) I live in such a tiny town the gym doesn't even have a Yoga class. Crazy, right? I joined this gym for three months and at the end I might try a different gym . There are 2 others in town . I figure one of them should have a yoga class. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">I also tried to give up sugar for Lent. It was the longest 15 hours of my life. Last year I gave up alcohol and sweets and was fine. This year I failed. :(</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img89626698-f882-45f4-b7c7-b3b4814fce42" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OXq0gjWesDc/USRRqzCICHI/AAAAAAAAApA/pw2gecVhrKI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:191.87629580497742px;width:274.1089940071106px;opacity:1;left:197px;top:155px" class="" rotate="-2.5742340087890625" scale="0.7" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are a few pics to catch you up on the rest .</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img3c14d5b8-e26f-4947-8630-a1712749a48f" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4EYFzzNqoYk/USRRs5mAUhI/AAAAAAAAApI/8e6b_WWUUlA/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:324.7299301624298px;width:328.6740183830261px;opacity:1;left:224px;top:222px" class="" rotate="-182.78875732421875" scale="0.7" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Skyped with my son and grandbaby. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img4b2333d0-feef-43b7-83b7-be55bca474a1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XM5iakkndbKrCyVyhaoFMaGLgdIh8CAkIHpQqc9TVgtt7ilx2blz1YWHY-xnQCMxtUFu_q39FeCZ8ipNmyEPv5A0hRNh9oJRTCiovZL_oMPtcQVCxrfVV1p8_csiSv3o5CWwqGtuM-w/" style="height:288.94543647766113px;width:288.94543647766113px;opacity:1" rotate="-3.5798377990722656" scale="0.6"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Rachel has her drivers permit. Yikes!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imgeb196529-f575-40ce-ab4f-1840d98f7c42" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-35gMLR-d74k/USRRxKRgG4I/AAAAAAAAApY/vc17DLkFrtU/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:500px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:310px" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Walking to get my miles in. We've been having a beautiful weather. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imgfa911452-cd2d-4ae4-9094-67518b2483df" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DVGOszvIxZM/USRR0NWi_4I/AAAAAAAAApg/K6ldU3N6q1A/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:500px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:310px" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">We did drive up to the snow for the day. Very fun :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imge097a910-c5ba-4bdf-8764-db858f7c38d7" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-I0GWoSBpk5M/USRR2-lJK-I/AAAAAAAAApo/S_Wt-S4mOR8/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:500px;width:500px"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Beth got a bunny for her rabbit project with 4H. And we also got new baby chicks. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imgd9fff07d-08d5-412b-9902-98b6eabf8645" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8ITIXnsX1sgnPMu0J9aekA0SfNheRj2CNG3q9mKCkHBzntRSzd5f050Am94dGQ6IUATJ6CdawIMbKjRa0fouckXvbMVmQRp9C36f2UkIRyTzes-nk_KkIkuWNnxDBI3yOadjg9opqjI/" style="height:500px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:310px" class="" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">I finally ordered my CIM jacket and I LOVE IT!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img501a389c-f344-46a6-aada-c7ca7a243495" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpX-2BUD0CihM_2o5XyjQeAhmeH_iRSPukHzTihWHDk2FKm2hjH1JyaNI1Up6q3ipXB9TC-K1dEKEDXINu-k5-N8Yr31jMaoN-NB4fYr-V7qGBskDv9wWPIXSIxgY31viQ5dyMY4WFKB4/" style="height:642px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:381px" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">We met this guy on our last walk. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ooh! I almost forgot!! So I recently joined Twitter. ( @SandeeK if you want to follow me). But I was watching the Super Bowl and when the Jeep commercial with Oprah came on we were all touched because it was saluting our military ( and I miss my son terribly). I just happened to check Twitter right when she mentioned the commercial so I just said thank you and guess what????? Yes!!! Oprah replied to my tweet!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img463ba943-5231-48da-894e-dd8c20f8baad" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h473k2_HkWQ/USRR9zuvt4I/AAAAAAAAAqA/fWEM7V1hYM0/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:668.4151468276978px;width:376.35987997055054px;opacity:1" rotate="-4.680530071258545" scale="0.8"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was so excited!!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway. That's about it. I'll keep you posted in my final 40 miles. ( And my continued attempt at cutting out sugar.) </div><br>PS- you can follow me on Instagram @midlifemarathoncrisis<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><br></div>Midlife (Marathon) Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15255074929123611387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185661906663848875.post-79449263004016546242013-01-27T19:49:00.001-08:002013-01-27T20:19:49.480-08:00Taji 100 <div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;"><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imgad6c238e-a276-436a-9168-cd119d27ae32" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jDiyp9muao8/UQX8Vb80fcI/AAAAAAAAAnw/CQeJNkR7PMU/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" class="" style="height:199px;width:500px;opacity:1"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">So I finally signed up for something. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Remember when I told you about the<a href="http://sandeesmidlifemarathon.blogspot.com/2012/10/chi-running-workshop.html?m=1"> Chi Running Worksop </a>I went to? Well the coach, Ed Malley, started a newsletter on running tips, events, etc. and in the last email he described the <a href="http://taji100.com/">Taji100. </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Basically, in 2010 some troops in Afghanistan challenged themselves to run 100 miles during the month of February. (And it might have been Iraq but can't find it on their website...sorry).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway, when their tour of duty was over they continued the challenge stateside. I think in 2011 they had 12 participants. Last year over 100. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now it is gaining in popularity. It is open to anyone and the rules are you can walk, run, jog, hike or elliptical 100 miles in 28 days. Sign up is $20 donation to Wounded Warriors. You can participate as "non-competitor" for free. You can also support the cause by either sponsoring or by a simple donation to Wounded Warriors. All miles are tracked through Daily Mile.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">T-shirts are for sale for $25. All proceeds above cost go toward WWP. </div><div style="text-align: center;">We ordered the shirts and we all recieved a pin, magnet, and sticker. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img5aee6150-7053-440c-8df9-62643930af93" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jqr5sUUatoA/UQX8XI01n2I/AAAAAAAAAn4/95oEKUvnNNo/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:375px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:247px" class="" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">According to the Wounded Warriors Bouchure beyond the hospital room they provide "Peer Mentoring, Combat Stress Recovery, and Warriors to Work to help serve the long-term needs of our dedicated servicemen and women.From educational opportunities to employment assistance programs."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">As a military mama (my son Alex is proudly serving in the Army) I do have a soft spot in my heart for our troops that trully give so much while they serve our country. I feel honored to help in any way possible.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imgae4d8138-e74a-4093-b475-5d223b6649fb" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnJ29Q_H2dbl7g9vwby6rOqQ4k4xN6TfE452okk08Xu_7aC2V_rlVHPoEnoXyIMQdinwGrm2txR1XqR7qEU3o4gTs2pZ3U7KFo5AW9mcuqQYmqPS515GpgxxlNyDnHesCmQct2EG7ZKE/" style="height:720px;width:451px;opacity:1;left:285px;top:420px" class="" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is my son reunited with Lacie and Abilene when he came home from Afghanistan</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm also so grateful I was able to talk some of my favorite running pals into joining me. Thanks Maribel, Terese, Melissa, Brandi and my husband. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you'd like to join the <a href="http://taji100.com/">Taji100</a> please click on the link. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">(They don't have the sponsoring figured out quite yet but I will keep you posted. )</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">(PS-please feel free to share this link on any blog, Twitter, and Facebook)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div></div>Midlife (Marathon) Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15255074929123611387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185661906663848875.post-55506384387086605202013-01-18T21:14:00.001-08:002013-01-18T21:14:30.017-08:00A Year of Overcoming Fear<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;">So, I've been reflecting on this past year and I realized I really did alot! Most importantly I did alot of things that really scared me. Last year was packed full of things things that challenged me and helped me grow, gain confidence and learn that I can do more than I realize.<div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">February-<a href="http://www.mtryrapecrisis.org/content/together-love-update">Together WIth Love</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">5K/10K to benefit Monterey Rape Crisis Center</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img23fd5e05-3ef2-4ecf-9f32-b176e5d2c686" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FiBuliY1EQQ/UPorXgxpYwI/AAAAAAAAAlI/YzwNBIYb4kI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:415.4855728149414px;width:311.61417961120605px;opacity:1;left:215px;top:267px" rotate="348.11474609375" scale="0.6" class="" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a beautiful course right along the ocean. Super fun race ( my second 5K ) and I loved it!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">March -<a href="http://www.usaproductions.org/events/South-Bay-Sprint-International-Duathlons">South Bay Duathlon</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imge7f5ad52-731d-4d8d-910a-7e9b8834700b" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BO7D-qSWPuw/UPorZV_E2TI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/XHovEiDv_VE/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:427.75577545166016px;width:320.8168315887451px;opacity:1;left:220px;top:273px" class="" mvc="false" rotate="-12.964508056640625" scale="0.7"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was a huge , HUGE deal for me. It was a 2 mile run, 10 mile bike ride, 2 mile run. Training for this caused hip pain in my right hip so by the end it was really bothering me. It was also very intimidating because a lot of the participants are triathletes training for bigger races. However, we did it! Kinda sucked we didn't even get a medal though:)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">April-<a href="http://www.wildflowerrun.org/index.html">Wildflower Run</a> 5K/10K</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imgb424f8b0-42c3-43df-8034-000b59427882" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Uty1_vTMmA0/UPordymcNaI/AAAAAAAAAlY/d0C1yg3zuQQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:381.87763154506683px;width:284.9833071231842px;opacity:1;left:202px;top:250px" rotate="-16.955089569091797" scale="0.6" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had signed up for the 10K but stepped it down to the 5K due to my hip problem. Doc said it was bursitis/tendonitis and said "no running". To me this translated to cutting back to the 5K. It was super windy that day I I realized that I HATE WIND!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">April - <a href="http://tierrabella.org/">Tierra Bella</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img85a0277a-bb59-461d-a17b-da71cc913feb" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_Kil2YYCVT8/UPorgYxgSBI/AAAAAAAAAlg/CHKV4IqJbA4/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:356.75926208496094px;width:267.5694465637207px;opacity:1;left:193px;top:238px" class="" rotate="179.0056610107422" scale="0.6" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was a bike ride. My first real, organized ride. There was a 60K, 100K, 100 M, 200 K. We did the 100K. It was brutal. I was not as prepared as I would have liked and not confidant at all on my bike. I basically walked up the steepest hill and the ride took me forever. This was when I realized I really preferred running :/</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">May <a href="http://www.ranchromp.com/">-Ranch Romp</a>- 5K mud run</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img59a448e3-f0ba-4cf2-a524-31de494fdef1" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--qEdhIZhYxY/UPorkKLdr7I/AAAAAAAAAlo/diFsrs92HmU/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:408.8962107896805px;width:305.1464259624481px;opacity:1;left:212px;top:264px" rotate="346.245849609375" scale="0.6" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was quite interesting. I think it had 13 obstacles and mud pits. This was the first year for this run so it needed some improvements. The obstacles we clogged, so you had to wait which kinda screwed up the timing. Also, there was not enough water to hose off at the end. Too many people waiting for tiny little sprinklers. We decided not to wait, which meant we were in the parking lot with water bottles trying to clean up. Hopefully this year will be better. ( Not sure if I'll do mud again)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">June <a href="http://www.bikethewest.com/americas-most-beautiful-bike-ride/">-America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride</a>-Tahoe</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imgb1a8e0dc-bf89-4836-a95e-30092ff6d6a2" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6OMv3Lx-jDs/UPorm9pL78I/AAAAAAAAAlw/q14EdtMIkiY/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:437.938392162323px;width:291.95892810821533px;opacity:1;left:205px;top:278px" rotate="341.56439208984375" scale="0.6" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"The 72-mile America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride circumnavigates the highways clockwise around Lake Tahoe in both Nevada and California. It includes a challenging 800 foot climb to a rest stop overlooking Emerald Bay and a 1,000 foot climb to Spooner Junction. There are also many short rolling ascents and descents totaling over 4,000 vertical feet of elevation gain! The altitude ranges between 6,300 feet and 7,100 feet above sea level and the ride is recommended for conditioned recreational bicyclist, not for beginners"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This was probably more terrifying to me than running a marathon. I still was not confident on my bike, still scared of falling on hills. In fact, I did fall. I have a small scar on my left knee. and that was from a fall at Emerald Bay just getting on my bike and trying to clip in. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It was a beautiful ride, but exhausting and terrifying. Did I mention the part of riding on Hwy 50 with traffic? Thank God my husband booked us double massages right afterwards. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">July- <a href="http://wharftowharf.com/">Wharf to Wharf</a>-Santa Cruz</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img4c680ba2-7a21-446c-9e51-c43ea8cbaee9" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Fp480rXojhU/UPoropUT6fI/AAAAAAAAAl4/KPx3qqqHclQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:329.7035217285156px;width:247.27764129638672px;opacity:1;left:183px;top:224px" rotate="-4.9565887451171875" scale="0.5" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">This race was amazing!! So, so much fun. It is 6 miles starting at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and ends at Capitola. It was the biggest race at that point I had been in with 15,000 racers. Very well organized and had tons of music/bands on every corner and lots of spectators . I will definitely do this race again. I was also so happy my husband ran it with me (and he didn't ditch me-he is much faster than me:)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">August-<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8185661906663848875#editor/target=post;postID=1759457677887084753">Salinas Valley Half Marathon</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mhmarathon.com/"><img id="imgd4bf6b7f-5ddf-4464-b498-6a18ee53d88d" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgqIevs2oIW6OLIpjHHwGW1SRpY2XmScsDePNsqrFMdIZQqvs_YfDWuzUn7xL04fH035pPNKl2fh_NErFxyRS-liDqlkOcPzqFrofV_xsM65uatlzB3Iypt2wdoMzyE1NVaCYyooKSeE/" style="height:466.5653944015503px;width:311.0435962677002px;opacity:1;left:215px;top:293px" rotate="4.162769317626953" scale="1.6" class="" mvc="false"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Great race! my Half PR 2:20 and I loved every second. Click on the link to read my recap.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">October -<a href="http://www.mhmarathon.com/">Morgan Hill Half Marathon</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">No picture of this one. This was tough for me. I was hoping for 2:30 because but I had a hard time with my left IT band. When it started hurting I started freaking out because I was training for CIM so I really didn't want it to set me back. Here's my <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8185661906663848875#editor/target=post;postID=1217028910594141003">recap.</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">November- Big <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8185661906663848875#editor/target=post;postID=8052253338500178478">Sur Half</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another great race. So beautiful and right along the water. We expected rain but the sun came out and it was gorgeous. Not a great race to PR due to a lot of walkers and picture taking opportunities but it was an awesome race. Another race I will do again. I might try to get in a better corral as to get away from the walkers. Big Sur has such great events and all so well organized. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">December-<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8185661906663848875#editor/target=post;postID=8646447536743596926">CIM</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">And the perfect end of my year was my marathon. it didn't go as planned with the weather and with my shin splints but it was the perfect end to a year of me overcoming my fears. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imgfc4b829e-ead3-4cc2-84e2-bd36b1180ef3" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QDOFdx8-HKA/UPorsFZG37I/AAAAAAAAAmI/J7emngMK0ds/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:221.54852759838104px;width:180.4141104221344px;opacity:1;left:150px;top:170px" rotate="-9.835468292236328" scale="0.4" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking back I can't believe I did so much this past year and I'm excited to see what else I can do. </div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><br><br><br><br><br><br><br></div>Midlife (Marathon) Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15255074929123611387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185661906663848875.post-16107722395288103272013-01-11T13:36:00.001-08:002013-01-11T13:36:17.515-08:00I'm Back!!<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;"> Happy New Year!!! It has been a busy couple of weeks with not much running involved so the blogging came to a screeching halt after CIM. But....I'm back!! Here is December :<div><br></div><div>After CIM I went to the doc about my shin splints. Not much help. Basically her answer to all my woes is "Don't run". Its been a month and it still bugs me but not as much. I might go back or I might talk myself into seeing an accupuncturist (even though my insurance won't cover it.) . I'll let you know.</div><div><br></div><div>I went to Colorado to visit my son and daughter in law and sweet grandbaby. </div><div><br></div><blockquote style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;"><div><blockquote style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;"><div><img id="img24da1c8d-efe7-4553-97df-51cf279b9a33" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6csid2g7vxChAWecU-NpPptJn5E2_lb0_YTuXFoWT0nZtxWw9pDoYRXnB9xGjtqmNEgzbbkCaYC8FQ1D7POqegewOKNUqXURDeZ_oNQuIp-hZTPftFhTAeXpQS5vS8z5H9Yp_Kk8PR1o/" style="height:352.59058594703674px;width:352.59058594703674px;opacity:1;left:212px;top:212px" class="" rotate="-1.2653045654296875" scale="0.7000000000000001" mvc="false"> <img id="imgf0b0c245-d0ad-434a-9376-8be298c10393" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1HLnjCCqcL0/UPCFU-UoYLI/AAAAAAAAAjE/MoEEUjueMLQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" rotate="1.1156730651855469" scale="0.6" class="" mvc="false" style="height:344.1309324502945px;width:257.85309183597565px;opacity:1;left:188px;top:232px"></div></blockquote></div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>My DIL is pregnant and suffering with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperemesis_gravidarum">hyperemesis gravidarum</a>. It is horrible and when I went out there she had lost a lot of weight, had been on IV treatment for weeks and had been hospitalized for 6 days. And even needed a feeding tube. Poor thing.My son was trying to care for her and their 2 year old and work. It was a mess. I had a wonderful time helping out. Mostly by playing with Abi (my favorite thing thing to do ). But I also got to go to the ultrasound and found out it's another girl!! Yay!! I was there about 5 days and just played, played, played and cooked a little for my son. </div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img95ff6def-5446-438d-a053-fa67cfd50d6b" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TXNpfYVWxiQ/UPCFWpD5j0I/AAAAAAAAAjM/rz8rYPHYLe8/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:500px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:310px" mvc="false" class=""></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img01e7713d-0590-4a62-870e-fec487d93ea4" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lgCCbp5lNg0/UPCFYW6zazI/AAAAAAAAAjU/mSo-_z39sHQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:500px;width:500px"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img3a89ab06-9d94-41a6-b737-c125563b0883" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7kka86LGgek/UPCFa9puDvI/AAAAAAAAAjc/kycRsRclPO8/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:371.964218378067px;width:278.8337469100952px;opacity:1" rotate="-2.497467041015625" scale="0.6"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">I am happy to report that Lacie is now 20 weeks pregnant, and feeling better. Still has some sickness but not nearly as bad as it was. Her spirits are better now that she is feeling that baby kicking around,too. :)</div><div style="text-align: left;">After Colorado, I came home with a cold that lasted about a week. I didn't feel all that bad, just run down and I sounded awful but I powered on....it was the week before Christmas and we had cookies to make....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imgfa44ab30-5d4b-4987-b69c-1521e13380f8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GbMlKmVLFYg/UPCFduIETyI/AAAAAAAAAjk/CS5fCqR21TY/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:509.8408041000366px;width:381.3925395011902px;opacity:1" rotate="-176.11900329589844" scale="0.8" class=""></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><blockquote style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;">and parties to attend....</div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imgc0621d65-ce90-45ec-a202-461fd4771332" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iGCxiyYVwUg/UPCFg5Wah_I/AAAAAAAAAjs/MERV5enf-7g/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" style="height:651px;width:364px;opacity:1" class=""></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">ok...one more of Christmas...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img4af7c5ce-e5ee-4f22-9eae-350da85707cd" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvWOYEKcoxxxvuTFNZb-xY1pxbSbxaVnKF0ens248sXFUq03E4gnTqFDDvfUnosnOjpfUjaCjlpUGWyjTrTZUNi0uVl5smO9k5BHZYE_vcCHhMBbr4htbZ3voXajKm5bEZHlIoZmQVxs/" style="height:310.67565083503723px;width:310.67565083503723px;opacity:1" rotate="-6.518096923828125" scale="0.6" class=""></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was very impressed this year because the day after Christmas ( and this NEVER happens) I suggested we take down the tree. My husband about fell over and immediately started taking things down before I could change my mind. I was so glad we cleared it all out because we were leaving for SoCal!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">First we went to Newport Beach for 3 days just to relax.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img30607b85-b640-4ba8-a1ef-b1b8600d5203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaQ71K4pI6wfEK8hm-JQpOR6pXQQEdmM0-INc1iAqxY_uwbDjZh4PqD5eDQitjZWPmtRV_52NdlRSkm_Y7L2xN35jCDKyJNLm5M4uQQd5_9_93rYuRgORSm0eK3CGTd9R1-4nDN-qxeg/" style="height:500px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:310px" class="" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img251c29a4-5e1a-4b0a-bcc1-2d180c95c68e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7q0rQFUSDt4/UPCFn2PbIMI/AAAAAAAAAkE/jTDzTxH7CHE/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:259.46885347366333px;width:345.9584712982178px;opacity:1;left:232px;top:189px" class="" rotate="-3.3483734130859375" scale="0.7" mvc="false"></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;">And we had to celebrate Rachel's Sweet 16!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img1955fff6-246e-4bd9-9d19-29e55d482a10" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PVhLIwjd81M/UPCFqtsiFnI/AAAAAAAAAkM/yo_yyxbtkXM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:481.113345682621px;width:360.65468192100525px;opacity:1;left:240px;top:300px" rotate="-2.7258148193359375" scale="0.7" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">I also went on my last run of the year :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img5958c35c-4e13-4925-b814-71987e2f61cb" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtXXAGdSTC5ZYYof0ffAjwCeIeU66XURWB45wvotzSBxtVBXS2TekLOPERF4WNMys0FuOO27GrQpLM_UYIgblSTT6hTXrNMzZ7fHmbD6bo8DB1YUHjVB7y9PYJiZMn46uJ7iRrEGxknU/" style="height:375px;width:500px"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">On New Year's Day we headed over to DISNEYLAND!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img2dfcba2a-a8b2-4378-b9f2-b19dbd2f9934" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_2S5dJduLI4/UPCFv-VF-GI/AAAAAAAAAkc/ZcqZ6XcPCto/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:750px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:435px" class="" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was the perfect way to start the New Year. </div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="imgfceaff46-e535-43c6-82b1-9bd39f7a62e6" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zSl77NUQuDE/UPCFzC67aUI/AAAAAAAAAkk/fjx6VWyENdY/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:500px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:310px" class="" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Follow me on Instagram @MidlifeMarathonCrisis)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have a lot of goals and plans I have been working on so stay tuned. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><br><br><br></div>Midlife (Marathon) Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15255074929123611387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185661906663848875.post-86464475367435969262012-12-04T06:28:00.001-08:002012-12-04T06:46:28.441-08:00CIM and the Magic From the Back of the Pack<div id="dE_H" style="height: 100%; width: 100%;">
Well. I did it. It was the craziest experience ever. I don't even know where to start.<br />
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We left on Saturday to head to Sacramento to pick up my bib at the Expo. I was so thankful for my family going with me. Their support was so important. Each time I would see them during the race I got choked up and so grateful to have them believe in me and cheer me in. I don't think I would have made it without them. </div>
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The weather was already starting to rain. I had been diligently checking the weather about every five minutes. Dreading the incoming storm. </div>
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We got to Sacramento and walked around the Expo a bit. Bib pick up, t shirt pickup, bag pickup. And I also wanted to buy some body glide knowing that chafing would be a problem with the rain. I also bought a CIM t shirt because I didn't like that one I got. (Icky green color). I kinda wish I had been able to attend the expo longer as they had speakers both on Friday and Saturday. Oh well, maybe next time. </div>
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We left the expo and headed for Folsom to check into our hotel. We stayed at Larkspur Landing, the same place we had stayed for my husband's Half Ironman in August. I had been second guessing the decision to stay near the start of the race instead of the finish but it turned out to be the perfect decision. You see if you stay in Folsom you get a VIP sticker that gives you access to a VIP warming tent and private porta potties at the start. This would be a God send the next day during the torrential rain and wind. </div>
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We checked in and had some time to kill before dinner so we watched The Holiday. My daughter, Katie, and I love, love love this movie. Then it was time for our dinner reservations at Viscontis. Some friends of ours live up there and met us for dinner. I was so thankful to have a great distraction as I was getting more nervous as the day went on.</div>
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Back at the hotel I took a nice hot bath and checked and double checked everything. I knew I wouldn't sleep well but I was thankful the night before I had slept great. </div>
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The next morning the alarm went off at 3:50. I ate some breakfast, had some coffee and got ready. I was ready a bit early so I just watched tv for a bit before the bus got there. The bus pick up was 5:15 and I knew the start wasn't that far. We had to stop at one other hotel for more people but we got to the start at about 5:40. </div>
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I thought I would go straight to the warming tent to keep as dry as possible before the start. Ha! The second I stepped out of the bus I was drenched. Even my shoes were drenched. Are you kidding me? </div>
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<img id="img55c4118c-e26f-481e-9ef0-35508800a51c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUbsRv3kms-319G-ctMYPG6YuPB3pByl_yjb-Hc7gH_aJrxuKkTtfnOLlLND4kVYmarZIDRTszGZsGevUsHUxa3CHa4zcdbr3FBcq4X7pp3VckNv3xaiV5w8-ku15tCLfXvpgn9gXL2o/" style="height: 374px; width: 500px;" /></div>
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I had been dealing with shin splints for 2 weeks and had readjusted my goals big time. Ideally I would have liked to have a goal of 4:40 (doubling my best half time). Then I added 20 minutes so I was hoping for around 5 hours. I read about the pacers and the 5:10 pacer sounded like he would be fun to run with. He said he liked to laugh a lot had have a good time. Perfect . I figured I would like to have a good laugh during this. So I found the 5:10 group and fell into place. </div>
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The first 6 miles were ok for my legs. The rain was just a downpour. My plastic garbage bag basically allowed rain to run through the neck hole down my top, and I was completely soaked. We had several flooded intersections where the water was about mid-shin we had to wade/run through. Saw a police car in an inter section with water up past it's door. Saw some flooded porta potties (ick). </div>
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Miles 6-10 was getting harder to keep up with the pace group as my lower legs were very tight. I stopped to uses a porta potty and stretched while waiting in the short line. As much as I loved the 5:10 pace group I fell behind and knew I wouldn't be able to catch back up. What a fun bunch though and the pacer was sooo funny. </div>
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Miles 10-13 was when my left shin pain started to radiate up my IT band. I was heartbroken. I saw my family at 13.1 and started crying my leg hurt so bad I didn't know if I could finish. But I kept going.</div>
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I saw my family again at mile 16. I decided I needed dry shoes and sox. My family quickly helped me swap out my chip and I also ditched the garbage bag and changed into a dry shirt. Wow. I felt so much better. And off I went.</div>
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After this things changed. By mile 18 the sun came out. Hallelujah! I also saw photographers for the first time. I realized I was smiling. I almost felt giddy. I kept thinking "Look at me! I'm doing it!" </div>
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This is also where I saw the magic from the back of the pack. Several things came into focus for me. I had been so bummed at my pain, and how my time was going to suck. I kept thinking I didn't want to be last. Now I realized...who cares. Even the person that comes in last is still amazing! And still a "marathoner". Awesome. And soon I would be too. </div>
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I know magic was also happening at the front with the elites and the BQers and the people PRing. But I really felt so blessed to be there. I appreciated how beautiful the course was. The beautiful terrain, the pretty houses decorated for the holidays. Every kid I saw trying to high five, I went out of my way to high five them and thanked them for cheering for us. I thanked every volunteer that gave me water. I guess I tried to just embrace it. </div>
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At the back of the pack I heard other stories. A man with the 5:10 group was running something like his 94th marathon! Amazing! Everyone in the race has a story. First time. Trying to BQ. Overcoming an injury. Trying to PR. </div>
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There was a point where we ran by a nursing home and I looked up to see a man in a wheelchair watching from the window. I waved, he waved and cheered us on. Almost made me cry. I was blessed to be able to run. A few miles later there was another nursing home. Same thing. A man in a wheelchair on a patio with his caregiver so excited when I waved to him and he kept cheering and smiling. I was blessed to be running. </div>
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After that I knew I would finish. It hurt. I was in more pain then I thought it would be but I could do it. I was blessed to be finishing. </div>
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<img id="imgb5e7b3a5-8037-4b16-9771-d228072072dc" mvc="false" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiye5_K9YR_lAH2Y6lG9EM_ZzeVmr7IbN83GEdVffDMFfuIQ0SiDzZAGSNUFUHyts1qTDBNYDdlqJmBfNDuKeg0NU6_8WdPMHS8QqUi3MJts_TxHsp2qkjlzTbHK0WS3q49jKITvNW9-J4/" style="height: 667px; left: 310px; opacity: 1; top: 393px; width: 500px;" /></div>
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This experience was amazing. The weather was crazy. The training was long and grueling at times. It was harder than I could have imagined but the feeling at the end was more than I could have hoped for. </div>
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Midlife (Marathon) Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15255074929123611387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185661906663848875.post-81130602301553529272012-12-02T18:58:00.001-08:002012-12-02T18:58:35.526-08:00I DID IT!!!!<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;"><div style="text-align: center;"> Well......I DID IT!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'M a MARATHONER!!!!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img id="img3e061345-4996-4204-8387-d020aec9b3d9" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MWxz1QS7S10/ULwVWOgvhgI/AAAAAAAAAgs/eDQn7MwAiss/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:671px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:395px" class="" mvc="false"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Recap to come. I'm exhausted. And very, very sore. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;">Any tips for good recovery ?</div><br><br></div>Midlife (Marathon) Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15255074929123611387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185661906663848875.post-84731349403407326042012-11-30T12:34:00.001-08:002012-11-30T12:36:32.233-08:00CIM and Stormaggedon<div id="dE_H" style="height: 100%; width: 100%;">
Less than 2 days to go. As I look out my window I see my future. And it includes grey skies and down pouring rain. I have heard our storms described as Stormaggedon and an Atmospheric River. Prepare for flooding, gusting winds and power outages. Perfect. I am trying to stay optimistic. Really I am. But I do find it ironic that when I found CIM I thought it was perfect. Mostly downhill, and over 30 years the weather is close to perfection. Well jokes on me. Ha!<br />
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My husband came home yesterday from his business trip and tried to cheer me up. He said I should view running in this storm like Lt. Dan in Forest Gump. Remeber him yelling "Is this all you got!?" So that will be me on Sunday, yelling to the heavens "Is this all you got? Bring it!"</div>
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Well...it is what it is. </div>
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So in a perfect world, my best case scenario goal would have been to double my best half time (2:20) and my goal would have been 4:40. But I was realistic, I knew it was my first full. I'd get fatigued, so I would add some time. So my next goal would have been under 5. Sounded reasonable and obtainable. Even 4:55 would make me happy. </div>
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Now with Stormaggedon upon us, (and my left shin still feeling wonky) my new goal is to be alive. Yep. Just finish. Maybe finish before they take down the porta potties and finish line. </div>
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Just kidding. My goal is still is to just finish but hopefully right around 5. Give or take 15 minutes. I plan now to meet up with a pace group. I might find a Clydesdale to draft behind :) Maybe they won't notice I'm back there. </div>
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I was looking for motivation today and I found this. It's awesome. </div>
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<object height="305px" id="e85a852e-a741-4d37-b2a4-2fcc22c42bac" width="500px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XbZnCGyPneo?fs=1&hl=en_US&border=0&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed class="objR ytube" height="305px" width="500px" id="e85a852e-a741-4d37-b2a4-2fcc22c42bacemb" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XbZnCGyPneo?fs=1&hl=en_US&border=0&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></object></div>
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<a href="http://m.youtube.com/results?q=how%20bad%20do%20you%20want%20it#/watch?v=XbZnCGyPneo">http://m.youtube.com/results?q=how%20bad%20do%20you%20want%20it#/watch?v=XbZnCGyPneo</a></div>
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I especially loved the kid in the bike helmet.</div>
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My new mantra will be " Look up. Get up. And never give up."</div>
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That, or "Which way to the arc?"</div>
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Midlife (Marathon) Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15255074929123611387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185661906663848875.post-11896453878438926802012-11-28T20:57:00.001-08:002012-11-29T11:03:44.263-08:00CIM Countdown Continues<div id="dE_H" style="height: 100%; width: 100%;">
Taper crazies continue around here and it's been a bit of a hectic week. My husband is out of town so I've been a single parent all week. I usually don't mind when he goes out of town because its kinda fun and I don't feel the pressure to stress about cooking, etc. But this time I was bummed because I had some short runs planned and I was just overall stressed about CIM.<br />
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Speaking of CIM I saw this today and definately freaked out:</div>
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Two weeks ago I ran 20 miles and felt great but now I've lost my confidence when my shins started giving me grief.</div>
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I got off work early today and decided to go for a quick 3 mile, very easy run just to test out my legs. Mile 1 was fine. No problems. But then my left shin felt super tight. I stopped and tried to just move my foot in circles. First to the right then the left. That seemed to help a little. I pushed on and I can't really tell if its better, the same, or worse. Maybe I'm just freaking myself out. </div>
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On my run I was trying to decide what to do with the shin splints. Should I just continue icing, massaging/pressure points, foam roller, ibuprophening? Or should I see the doc and can she do a cortisone shot for shin splints? Would that help? What about acupuncture? A massage? I have tomorrow to take action on something.</div>
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I also wanted to get in a run today because California is finally having some weather. You know if it is on the national news than its something. Today was the first of three storms expected this week. Warnings about flooding, power outages, etc. (usually I take it with a grain of salt because its never that bad...we just aren't used to anything other than sun and occasional sprinkles. ) When I was on my run I definately saw the clouds but luckily no rain. And I got done before the sun went down. Score.</div>
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I saw this on Facebook and I laughed so hard. :) </div>
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I wanted to get a shirt with "You just got passed by a Grandma" on the back but my family just rolled their eyes at the idea. This shirt is great though.</div>
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Any tips from anyone that's ever had shin splints? Or has known of anyone with shin splints? </div>
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Midlife (Marathon) Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15255074929123611387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185661906663848875.post-75714239164329062412012-11-26T13:48:00.001-08:002012-11-26T13:48:42.284-08:00CIM Countdown (Taper Crazies)<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;"> Six days til CIM and I am officially freaking out. <div><br></div><div>I did the Big Sur Half (+7) for my last long run last week. I rested Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday I ran 5 and was glad I did. Like always, the first run after a long run sucked. My legs felt heavy and I was slow. But at the end I was glad I went and felt good. Thursday I pigged out and felt like I gained 10 pounds. On Saturday I went for another run. I wanted to run 10 but holy moly I felt like crap. My calves felt tight and my shins were killing me. So I hobbled along and ran 3.5 then I talked my nine year old into walking 2 with me and the puppy. (She moaned and complaining the first mile ....grr) I felt so discouraged. What was wrong with my legs?!?!? I spent time diagnosing myself (thank you World Wide Web) and now I think I have shin splints. I have been icing, stretching, massaging, ibuprophening and foam rollering. </div><div><br></div><div>I found some great You Tube videos with pressure points, stretches, etc. and I'm hoping it gets better quick. I wanted to run today just to see how it felt but now it's looking like tomorrow will work out better. Which is probably better because my left leg still feels sooo tight. The massage and foam roller seem to work the best. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm also freaking out about the weather. As I sit here enjoying our 70 degree weather I'm also checking the weather for this weekend and apparently a big wet, windy storm is coming. Yikes. I don't run in bad weather. Not wind. Not rain. I even try to avoid over 70 or below 50. I'm a big weather wimp for sure and have no idea what to wear for the marathon. Maybe shorts, short sleeves with arm warmers. Still can't decide on which shoes to wear. My well worn tried and true Brooks? Newer Saucony? New Newtons? I'm leaning toward to Brooks especially dealing with my shin issue now I think that might be the best bet. </div><div><br></div><div>As I mentioned above I feel like I've gained at least 5pounds. That certainly can't be good for a marathon so now that all the leftovers are gone I'm going to really watch what I eat this week. I'm also trying to drink a ton of water. </div><div><br></div><div>So there it is. I've looked forward to this for so long. I've visualized each and every mile marker. My long runs have mostly gone ok. Argh!!!!!! Tapering stinks!!!</div><div><br></div><div>(Sorry for all the complaining. I will add some pictures to cheer up this post some:)</div><div><br></div><div><img id="imgd04df9f6-2f35-45bb-874b-7a53e5dd156d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dCDfxVzoJVE/ULPjgdimnVI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/-ldsVOFMMFE/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height: 539px; width: 500px; "></div><div><br></div>So pretty. This is down the street from my house. <div><br></div><div><br><img id="imga82d1c77-ccbf-4a6d-9473-e0e0d00bd9f2" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-57FvWUS7lP0/ULPji6sDJzI/AAAAAAAAAeY/itYQpWwsP3w/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height: 374px; width: 500px; "></div><br><div>My yard. The apricot trees look beautiful this year. </div><div>Here's another :</div><div><img id="imgde4c6cfd-9cb5-4904-b43f-576c1e4cc46b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H3xRDGz5nkY/ULPjq7D8kGI/AAAAAAAAAeg/uZtpqjFtoWE/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height: 500px; width: 500px; "></div><div><br></div><div>Neighbor's vineyard that I was messing around with the editing...</div><div><br></div><div><img id="imgb5b7c764-1b6d-4d4c-9a32-a59ee2cadf57" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpCZh3PK9EqQwf4l8t_s6suJhCM8OGRIVoH4WPGkPlBdGBGk7psLM1U9BF6FXjtT12riAPl9r2HWl8pQbjmNbnzwSXPUSLHijQ8DlhwuD-dVQ18iaHep421SJg7gGPq5a5NF-VQKy11g/" style="height: 357.09789395332336px; width: 357.09789395332336px; opacity: 1; " rotate="-10.185153007507324" scale="0.7"></div><div><br></div><div>And here's me (in the midst of crazy tapering):</div><div><br></div><div><img id="img40febd50-0e19-4f25-acb2-4bfca7f19159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-U0Uip0OWoQmB8srVawjaRmkHDXl4P-cGIm7JH5771rambFbkeWQjNkfiT012VbAcsKwv0XgqjDBRS9_Jho3X5EJOq6EzVft60DmmGKXuwS7TLMIT180VQOYkt4O-c6rt4Cd74TQTP_o/" style="height: 500px; width: 500px; "></div><br><br><br></div>Midlife (Marathon) Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15255074929123611387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185661906663848875.post-80522533385001784782012-11-24T08:03:00.001-08:002012-11-24T10:09:14.746-08:00Big Sur Half Marathon Recap<div id="dE_H" style="height: 100%; width: 100%;">
I'll begin my Big Sur Half Marathon recap with the expo. On Saturday, my friend Maribel and I drove to Monterey to pick up our bibs. The Expo was at the Monterey Convention center and it was the biggest expo I've been to. There were very short, quick lines to pick up the bibs.<img class="" id="imgf84df861-a6d5-4972-a520-fde0ad8490e2" mvc="false" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5byfKY6oZRA4sOijNM8YPdpnHBxB-YxIszSiL3rQJYjUDBjRby1NpZV4vi0vsEzM7-r6H9UsaihyRv1wrk6Sgom3F-21T_L3NAoGbHUMEyVJizKejUIzzQPOZ9ZfB5oZfqr-HJnmdvJM/" style="height: 375px; left: 310px; opacity: 1; top: 247px; width: 500px;" /><br />
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Then we checked out the vendors. It was was twice as big as any expo I've been to but all the races I've done so far have been pretty small. </div>
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Basically lots of booths for shopping and they were having runner workshops. We didn't stay for the speakers but we did shop around a little. </div>
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Sunday morning Melissa, Maribel and me all met at 5am to drive over to Monterey. It was very well organized and their website and the emails they had sent us had lots of information about where to park to get the shuttles to the start. Parking was no problem, shuttles were all waiting for us and it was a quick 5 minute ride to the start. This was my first experience with corrals and we were way in the back in corral I. We hit the porta potties twice and there were tons of them so the lines went very quick. </div>
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That night we kept checking the weather because it had been raining and every weather report we saw said rain throughout the morning. I was not looking forward to a half marathon in the rain. Luckily when we got there the clouds were disappearing and the day ended up beautiful. I just wish I had worn shorts instead of capris because I was expecting cold and wet. And it ended up bright and beautiful. </div>
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Here we are waiting to start.</div>
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Here is the start as our corral inched its was up. There were 9000 runners!</div>
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After running thru the small downtown area we made it out to the water. It was so beautiful and the weather was perfect. It was a realatively flat course with a few rolling hills. Water/Aid stations about every 2 miles. Lots of volunteers , support and lots of cheering crowds. </div>
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There was also some bands along the route and these drums were super fun right along the water. </div>
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Toward the end of the race, maybe around mile 10 or 11, I saw a lot of walkers so I was passing a lot of people. That really boosted my spirits and I just kept at it. I don't think this would be a good race to PR at due to the crowds. There were a lot of people and when people decided to walk they just stopped in the middle if the road which was annoying trying to dodge around everyone. It is also so pretty a lot of people (myself included) stopping to snap a few pictures. (The key is to step out of the way though :). </div>
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It really was so breath taking running along the water and Big Sur puts on such great events. Now I am motivated to try the marathon in the future. Next years marathon is sold out so maybe 2014. Everything was very organized, plenty of water stops, some music, great crowd support. The expo was also great and the after party was huge and packed with people meeting up with their families. </div>
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Interestingly, the winners were newlyweds Ben Bruce and Stephanie Rothstein-Bruce. His time was 1:04 and she came in at 1:12. So his overall pace was 4:56!!! When he passed us he was flying! Amazing. On the news the next day they said they were going to use their winnings on their honeymoon to South Africa. </div>
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I was using this as part of my long run so I had to go home and run 7 more. I was dreading it but it worked out perfectly and I felt really good. I ran the half in 2:33. Not a PR but I stopped to take pics and once for the potty. Then when I can home I ran the 7 more. Overall ran 20 miles in 3:50 (slow , I know) but good for me! Then I walked one more mile home because I just couldn't run it. </div>
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Now I'm into the taper crazies surrounded by Thanksgiving leftovers...very odd combination. 8 more days to CIM!!!</div>
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Midlife (Marathon) Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15255074929123611387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185661906663848875.post-34132947489035035992012-11-16T12:03:00.001-08:002012-11-16T13:38:28.214-08:00The Day my Work Burned Down<div id="dE_H" style="height: 100%; width: 100%;">
This week has been a weird one for sure. Let start with fitness. I did another DIY Crossfit workout after work on Tuesday. It was simple Dirty Thirty.<br />
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I broke them up into tens and did three sets. It was a good little work out. I also did a 1 minute plank. </div>
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Wednesday morning I went for a five mile run before work. But when I came rushing in the door about to go racing around getting ready for work my husband tells me there's no need to rush. I look at him crazy like of course I need to rush don't you see the time. He smiles and says no, no work today. I'm a dental hygienist so I think hmm, did all of my patients randomly cancel all on the same day? My husband says no, no work today and maybe not for awhile. What?!?! Am I fired? Did something happen?!?! Then he tells me the phone has been going crazy and my job burned down!!!! Holy moly! Yep. It sure did. </div>
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So we drove over to see it. </div>
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Hard to see the damage but its pretty much gone. Everything destroyed. We didn't get too close because they had it all taped and waiting for fire investigators. </div>
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So I found myself with the day off and my mind swirling with questions. Now, as a dental hygienist I work at two offices. So this office I only worked at 6 days a month, every Wednesday and every other Thursday. So I do have work at another office too. This is bad and it will hurt our monthly income for sure but thankfully I do have another income source. </div>
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Luckily no one was hurt. This fire started in the middle of the night and no one was there. It was limited to one building in the office complex but it affected three different offices all connected in this building. So alot of employees out of work right before the holidays. Yikes. We are looking for temporary space to work in until it can be rebuilt. </div>
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Here's a funny little story. So when we first heard about the fire and the whole family is in the kitchen scrambling around to get the kids off to school my nine year old daughter hears about the fire and says "Oh no Mommy! What are you going to be now?" Not missing a beat I say, "Mommy's gonna be an astronaut!!" She seems quite happy with my career change. ;)</div>
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So the week has been a bit strange. Here's the rest if my week in random ramblings:</div>
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-my husband has been sick so I've been avoiding him like the plague. Then I got a sore throat and was cursing him all week knowing I was going to get sick. Starting taking Airborne which I believe to just be a placebo but it worked! Sure throat gone and no other symptoms. Yay! But now the 9 year old is sniffling. Ugh</div>
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- the rain has started and I wish we had a treadmill. Still need to get my miles in but dread trekking thru the rain. Now that income is not as it was I can't really justify joining a gym . </div>
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-My church is having a Hoilday Boutique tomorrow and I volunteered to bake 6 loaves of pumpkin bread to sell at the bake sale. So lots of baking this afternoon. </div>
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-Tomorrow I'm heading over to Monterey to the Big Sur Half Expo to pick up my bib. Looks like rain for Sunday's race and after the race I plan on running 7 more. That will be my last long run before CIM. I <i>really </i>need to find a treadmill if its raining. Maybe I can get a guest pass for the gym .</div>
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Well, I think that about sums up my week. </div>
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Midlife (Marathon) Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15255074929123611387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185661906663848875.post-3832991183810085552012-11-08T20:11:00.001-08:002012-11-08T20:11:10.767-08:00Favorite Health and Fitness Apps<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;">Before I get started let me show you this weeks homework. It was a project for the whole family but ended up just Beth and I working on it. (Which was actually nice to have some one on one time) <div><img id="img39a0670a-ece8-4987-ba83-d488b4ec04a5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-laf206nmfqY/UJyBx4WbckI/AAAAAAAAAZY/CQY_6xUGzHw/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:393.35476809740067px;width:296.6476380825043px;opacity:1;left:208px;top:256px" class="" rotate="-13.98815631866455" scale="0.6" mvc="false"></div><div><br></div><div>She brought home this turkey and he's super scared because Thanksgiving is coming. The mission is to disguise him. Past disguises have included hula dancers, Santa, football players, etc. Beth decide on a princess and then half way thru she added bride so it ended up a princess bride. Here is the final project after much hot glue and burned fingers (mine, not hers). </div><div><br></div><div><img id="imgaa433ca0-a69a-43d5-8127-61bcf65e232d" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NkfGEZejNCD9VuxvRD_CC3GTSNkB-MiiDKuEeHnRfVaTFd_XEXgBS7kpxyVpF4zN7acxlEuIP_wmzyFpovbVl_8M3_y497OTYw3gAXcOY78LKTemr4a8ALXUiNEUhLNZkd7wVQw85Cg/" style="height:495.99405109882355px;width:370.1448142528534px;opacity:1" class="" rotate="-9.174591064453125" scale="0.7"></div><div><br></div><div>So I've been meaning to post this for awhile now because I'm always looking for useful apps for my iPhone. I'm super cheap so I usually only buy the free ones so I can delete them without guilt if I'm not using it. </div><div><br></div><div>So lets get started:</div><div><br></div><div>My first app I want to share is Fooducate. I use this app just about every time I'm at the store. You scan the barcode and it rates it for how healthy the item is. It really comes in handy when comparing items and you'd be surprised at some of the things being advertised as "healthy" and then you find out its not so healthy. </div><div><br></div><br><br><div><img id="img37471d88-6240-44f2-83e0-3241161e01c9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o59E8jBZpZk/UJyB2q1UcXI/AAAAAAAAAZo/RhJv-x3IT0s/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:412.32536602020264px;width:274.6119532585144px;opacity:1" class="" rotate="-7.4552154541015625" scale="0.6"></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><img id="img25d33339-cf6d-4a9d-99e3-4022e0b6be04" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MpjfE2NDqzw/UJyB49DcwdI/AAAAAAAAAZw/NahxQ3CjMYI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:413.5658816099167px;width:275.44445782899857px;opacity:1;left:232px;top:319px" mvc="false" rotate="-9.77459716796875" scale="0.6" class=""></div><div><br></div><div>This is a great app and you can browse similar items or find out why it got a low rating. Since I started using the app I try to only buy "A"and"B". Snack items are tougher so my kids don't get a lot of snacky type items anymore. But it has really helped clean up our diets. They also have a new Gluten Fooducate if you are gluten free. I haven't looked into it but it might be helpful to people sensitive to gluten. Check out their website as well. <a href="http://www.fooducate.com/">Fooducate.</a></div><br>The next app is Couch to 5K. I love this app as it got me off my ass and convinced me that even I could be a runner. Love love love it. Super easy and you can listen to music and just wait for the little British accented voice to encourage you to run for a few minutes. <br><img id="img7e9a7671-a4ef-4a61-8fc7-81623fc45b16" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TzH5_CK4Fc0/UJyB72FUvjI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/bvgANv1KXZg/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:750px;width:500px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:435px" class="" mvc="false"><div><br></div><div>After I finished the program I ran my first 5K and seriously hoped they had a Couch to Half Marathon (sadly they do not). </div><div><br></div><div>After I graduated from Couch to 5K I got Runmeter. I didn't have a fancy Garmjn watch so this worked perfectly. I could listen to my music and similar to C25K a voice told me my distance and pace. It logs all runs and has elevation, maps, pace. Everything. <br><br><br><img id="imgcc2e8aae-54bb-43c2-b42e-a08593cfd1e0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WPU2uomIrSo/UJyB996gS8I/AAAAAAAAAaA/J-Jv12fEF6g/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:468.08767318725586px;width:312.0584487915039px;opacity:1;left:216px;top:294px" mvc="false" rotate="-12.612716674804688" scale="0.6" class=""></div><div><br></div><div><img id="imgdb2f2dda-5758-44f4-90f6-788148dfccc9" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eenwDfpGVUc/UJyB_0RQ-0I/AAAAAAAAAaI/i0cH0p9BFwo/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:466.31302893161774px;width:310.5820739865303px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:435px" mvc="false" rotate="-5.790679931640625" scale="0.6" class="">,</div><div><br></div><div>JogFM is great for music. It analyzes your music and then matches BPM to your pace. Totally awesome. Go check out their website for more info. <a href="http://jog.fm/">JogF</a>M. On their website you can enter your pace and it gives you playlists that match. The app has a bunch of options that I really haven't explored it all but I really like it. </div><br><img id="img627a1a85-9b69-4405-8d89-221473cd108c" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2NhDQiYbvaw/UJyCC-x6xAI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/qeSQMcQDfG4/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:412.87676990032196px;width:275.251179933548px;opacity:1;left:197px;top:266px" rotate="-21.852516174316406" scale="0.6" mvc="false"><br><div><br></div><div><img id="img2ed2568d-e5ac-4847-927d-8637cf70f7e4" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VZSw-DOKgeI/UJyCEvErNGI/AAAAAAAAAaY/39LwJ0qP-zk/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:447.63994216918945px;width:298.42662811279297px;opacity:1;left:209px;top:283px" rotate="-20.188236236572266" scale="0.6" mvc="false"></div><div><br></div><div><img id="img4804e4b9-80b1-4adb-bb22-0ff4ac905989" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZCReaH9kkM8/UJyCGUfZ0hI/AAAAAAAAAag/9i2TyHDetD0/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:528.8200378417969px;width:352.54669189453125px;opacity:1;left:236px;top:324px" class="" rotate="-13.157257080078125" scale="0.7" mvc="false"></div><div><br></div><div>Cool features. Check it out. </div><div><br></div><div>If you are really watching/tracking your diet and exercise check out Nutrition Menu.</div><br><img id="img68c6bd07-9de8-4485-8da2-5f6cbb8829dd" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PRdjHpDqv40/UJyCIidy4sI/AAAAAAAAAao/2GSsBMx-7hU/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:520.5157846212387px;width:347.0105230808258px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:435px" class="" mvc="false" rotate="344.2064208984375" scale="0.7"><div><br></div><div>You can track everything you eat, exercise, even water you drink. I don't use this app for tracking but love it for eating out. Here in California chain restaurants are required to have nutrition info available which comes in handy. But if you are trying to decide what to eat when your out and about this app comes in handy so you can make better choices. <br><img id="img508b46d2-e1ee-411c-a1eb-5d07f43abf63" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mGkly7E2xcc/UJyCKXJ4-qI/AAAAAAAAAaw/Uq4Yr_MThZ4/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:468.57185661792755px;width:312.38123774528503px;opacity:1" class="" rotate="344.0933837890625" scale="0.6"></div><div><br></div><div><img id="img33d66d17-771d-4484-9b2e-d477be6aa1b4" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fpQIY9F_jwk/UJyCMX4KGhI/AAAAAAAAAa4/UT0EpDmYV2M/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:750px;width:500px"></div><div><br></div><div>That journal is neat if you are tracking your diet. We had to do this in college in Nutrition. For days we had to track out diet, enter it into a computer program on campus and then it analyzed it, and we had to write a paper on the findings. Very insightful. Now years later this is so much simpler. Instant feedback to see where you are meeting your needs and what you are lacking. </div><div><br></div>If you are into Crossfit or just looking for some DIY workouts check out the WOD app. At Crossfit their workouts are named after people. Mostly heroes, soldiers that have lost their lives, or have other inspiring stories. <div><br><img id="img7f1f947e-8ad3-40f5-b8b9-63a0d967501b" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cD3f84lQLok/UJyCPEJnLfI/AAAAAAAAAbA/I5YJQfLPl4U/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:487.11660504341125px;width:324.74440336227417px;opacity:1;left:222px;top:303px" class="" mvc="false" rotate="345.1982421875" scale="0.6"><br></div><div><br></div><div>So the app tells about the hero the workout is named for and some of them (not sure if all of them) have a video and a description of the workout.</div><div><br></div><div><img id="imgf4b195e7-4bf1-43a8-a9f9-4113243a010b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-98Zzxi2lA14/UJyCTo98CuI/AAAAAAAAAbI/R-JJsJ5455A/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:545.0941175222397px;width:363.3960783481598px;opacity:1;left:241px;top:332px" mvc="false" rotate="-10.005379676818848" scale="0.7" class=""></div><div><br></div><div><img id="imgadb52375-d64d-4de4-a30e-31a13f9fb6ef" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-27qdVZ9Wnx4/UJyCV5Dx9II/AAAAAAAAAbQ/YFKgf0gJNHo/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:584.686204791069px;width:389.790803194046px;opacity:1;left:254px;top:352px" rotate="-8.481399536132812" scale="0.8" mvc="false"></div><div><br></div><div>Ok this one was chosen at random. Lol. Not all of them are this hard. But a lot of them are able to be done at home or traveling with no equipment needed. It also has news stories, timers (tabata, stopwatch, and interval).</div><div><br></div><div>Ok. I think that's about it. The only other recommendation I have isn't for an app but a website for free downloadable playlists. It's called <a href="http://www.rockmyrun.com/">Rock my Run. </a></div>You get credits that go toward downloading the music. Great way to get new music. <div><br></div><div>Any suggestions for healthy apps?</div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Midlife (Marathon) Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15255074929123611387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185661906663848875.post-32194728512647368502012-11-06T19:33:00.001-08:002012-11-06T19:33:21.752-08:00DIY Barn Workout<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;"> So happy today knowing that when we wake up tomorrow there will be no election ads! <div><br></div><div>I've been recovering from my long run on Saturday. As long as I keep moving I feel good but if I sit too long and at night I feel still. Sometimes my hip is sore, sometimes my left IT band,sometimes my hamstrings or quads. I've been using the foam roller and trying to be diligent with it as it seems to really help.</div><div><br></div><div>Today after work I wanted to come home and run but I saw this as I was driving home:</div><div><img id="img2639d49f-e742-4c36-81ab-c0011219bc78" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kWqnRBfqv3Q/UJnWPoGVj0I/AAAAAAAAAYQ/Vjdg3oHEXL8/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:545.9636187553406px;width:407.4355363845825px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:395px" mvc="false" rotate="-6.0017290115356445" scale="0.8"></div><div><br></div><div>I heard it was a controlled burn (which would surprise me because we've been having a heat wave here in California. And I also heard it was a house fire that spread)</div><div><br></div><div>It wasn't near my house but the smoke was all billowing toward my town and I heard it was pretty smoky so I decided to do a Crossfit WOD in my barn. We stopped going to Crossfit for several reasons. 1) hard to fit in schedule with more running. 2) too sore after some workouts so it made the runs really hard. And 3) too expensive if we weren't going very much. So here is my barn/gym and my workout.</div><div><br></div><div>Here is where I did my pull-ups (I actually did jump ups). See my stool :)</div><br><img id="imge55b322a-c72e-41f6-815c-06bf55b9bb7d" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NwJBUMeHBHA/UJnWTfh2yFI/AAAAAAAAAYY/yIcfnHLMHrw/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:468.8514333963394px;width:349.8891294002533px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:395px" mvc="false" rotate="-10.981491088867188" scale="0.7"><div><br></div><div>I did my push-ups on these towels. And box jumps on that green box:</div><br><div><div><img id="img4c7d862e-9356-4d93-9432-8f3dd0aa6de8" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wOoOHVczmpk/UJnWW0ZduII/AAAAAAAAAYg/H9alWK-EKss/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:437.55059266090393px;width:327.0183801651001px;opacity:1" class="" rotate="-13.822769165039062" scale="0.7"></div><div><br></div><div>My phone was on the hay too the left so I could time my workout.</div><div>Here is what I did :</div><div>AMRAP in 10 minutes</div><div>5 pull-ups (jump ups)</div><div>5 push-ups</div><div>10 box jumps</div><div>10 squats</div><div><br></div><div>I completed 8 rounds with some company watching me.....</div><div><br></div><div><img id="img0b54de56-67c0-4b91-a68b-80fc0931d572" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QkJm0RzlNn4/UJnWZ3XBBoI/AAAAAAAAAYo/saHvkbEkDZM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:486.7313814163208px;width:363.2323741912842px;opacity:1;left:310px;top:395px" mvc="false" rotate="-7.3397979736328125" scale="0.7"></div><div><br></div><div>Jake the goat. (Blurry because he's quick)</div><div><br></div><div><img id="imge2394eff-ff87-470e-b0ac-05a3214e2edd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AUiLg0NQ-qg/UJnWcn2X0TI/AAAAAAAAAYw/v4cPfOH1JrY/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:450.7864816188812px;width:336.9280403852463px;opacity:1" rotate="172.44996643066406" scale="0.7"></div><div><br></div><div>Shotsy our austrailian heeler.</div><div><br></div><div><img id="imgb8a6fd04-c2cc-4a3c-87de-53d0a3e376a1" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-onMMdS0mJgw/UJnWfqr9zQI/AAAAAAAAAY4/DoCnKEEWkwk/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:491.1538755893707px;width:366.53274297714233px;opacity:1" rotate="-10.178728103637695" scale="0.7"></div><div><br></div><div>And Beth was riding her pony Splash while I did my workout. We also saw 3 deer walking around while we were out there. </div><div><br></div><div>Planning a 5 mile run tomorrow with my friends after work. I've really been enjoying running in town with the girls because there's so much to see in town. I've been so bored out here in the country seeing the same route. </div><div><br></div><div>25 days til CIM!!!!</div><br><br><br><div><br></div><br></div></div>Midlife (Marathon) Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15255074929123611387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185661906663848875.post-38055519941245736132012-11-04T08:28:00.001-08:002012-11-04T08:28:26.243-08:00Challenges and a Long Run<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;"> Where to begin.....hmm. Well I've been glued to the news watching Hurricane Sandy news. The devastation has affected so many and I certainly hope that power and services get restored soon and people can start to rebuild their lives. <div>In the midst of all the storm coverage was the whole NYC Marathon fiasco. What a mess that was. I think cancelling was the right decision but I wish they had called it off earlier, before so many people had travelled so far and invested even more into a race that never happened. </div><div>I saw on Crazy Running Girl yesterday about a Virtual Race for Hurricane Sandy Recovery. Proceeds will go to the Red Cross. </div><img id="imgd2260dc6-b951-4362-b1ad-62dc77e85fbb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sURyn5eyZyM/UJaXpg5iSWI/AAAAAAAAAX0/wuLboq8abvw/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height:453.31322848796844px;width:583.0395221710205px;opacity:1;left:351px;top:286px" class="" rotate="2.6868629455566406" scale="1.6" mvc="false"><br><div><br></div><div>Basically you pledge at least $10, run any race during the month, send them results and pic after you do the race. For all info click here.<a href="http://crazyrunninggirl.com/">http://crazyrunninggirl.com/</a></div><div><br></div><div>I'm already signed up for the Big Sur Half so now I will be running it to benefit those affected by the storm. Living 3000 miles away while we are enjoying 80 degree weather you feel so removed from it so I think it's important to get involved and see how you can help. (So sign up!!)</div><div><br></div><div>On the lighter side: I am doing a Plank Challenge thru <a href="http://carrotsncake.com/2012/10/plank-challenge.html">Carrots N Cake</a>. It's a 4 week challenge and its hard. On Mondays we do a plank on elbows for as long as you can hold it. On Wednesday she posts a plank workout that takes less than 10 minutes. Then Friday you do another timed plank to see if you've improved time. I started at 1:20 and I'm up to 2 minutes now. It's hard but you sure feel it in your abs. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm also doing the Pile on the Miles thru <a href="http://runeatrepeat.com/2012/10/23/pile-on-the-miles-2012/">Run Eat Repeat.</a> It's a challenge to pile in extra miles instead if pounds during this holiday season. I figure I'm already doing this little marathon training counting the miles should be easy. I'm just going to add more easy walking as recovery from longer runs. </div><div><br></div><div>You may be desperately wondering how my long run went. It went fantastic!!! 18 miles!!! WooHoo! Saturday morning I met up with my friend Melissa (who is running the Big Sur Half with me) and we ran 11 miles all around our tiny town. I went home and needed to run 7 more but it heated up to 80 degrees so I waited for it to cool down a bit. Those 7 miles were so daunting and my little mind was trying to figure out how to get out of it. I just went for it and kept going. It really wasn't too bad. I did walk a bit at the end and I certainly was slow. I've decided to really not focus on speed at all anymore. I'm all about getting to the start healthy and uninjured and then just finish. Hoping for an awesome experience and if I ever run another marathon I will work on speed next time. </div><div><br></div><div>All last night and this morning I'm rocking the compression socks and shorts and resting. Tried to enjoy my extra hour of sleep but my 9 year old was up at 5am! What the heck!?! (May e I can sneak in a nap later?</div><div><br></div><div>Have a great day!</div></div>Midlife (Marathon) Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15255074929123611387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185661906663848875.post-12170289105941410032012-11-02T11:02:00.001-07:002012-11-02T11:02:35.201-07:00Morgan Hill Half Marathon (or The Race that Killed me)<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;">On Saturday I drove to Morgan Hill to pick up our bibs. This is a small town race (a little under 2000 signed up for both half and full) so the expo is pretty small. Just a few booth selling stuff. I did pick up a cap with light on the brim, some socks and some GU. <div>This year you had a choice of colors for the t-shirts. I think they had green, pink, grey, maybe purple. I got pink because I don't own any pink and grey for my hubby. </div><img id="imgb3e67f72-2ee0-49ac-8e47-abc9119ec418" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-W3269zbt2Hs/UJQKlD1bkQI/AAAAAAAAAXA/1-64fPBWxtg/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height: 374px; width: 500px; opacity: 1; " class=""><br><div><br></div><div><img id="imge0297ac5-8fa3-4bdb-bab7-18b0464beb3f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UiQrhPe0lwM/UJQKoMWuW4I/AAAAAAAAAXI/KCwuBOmghRo/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height: 670px; width: 500px; opacity: 1; " class=""></div><div><br></div><div>After the expo my daughter and I went to the outlets to look for a new sports bra because I've been having the worst time with chafing on any run over 14 miles. Ugh. It's horrible! We went to Lululemon, Under Armour and then finally Nike. I picked up a Nike Pro Compression bra. It worked out ok but just the slight beginning of chafing so next time I think I need to try some body glide. </div><div><br></div><div>Had a horrible night sleeping and woke up at 1 am and don't think I slept much after that and we got up around 5. We got to the race around 6:30 and hit the porta potties right away. Last year there was a huge line so I wanted to use them right away. My daughter's boyfriend was running the half as well (his first race!!). And we also met up with a couple of my friends Terese and Michelle. I was glad to have running partners and wanted to just have a nice run because I was planning to run another 5 miles later so this was just a training run. It was nice until about mile 7. The beginning of this race is gradual uphill. I ran this last year so I remembered the gradual up. What I don't remember was the steep downhill at mile 8. Almost immediately it went down and my knees just screamed! Terese and Michelle had pulled ahead of me and when the downhill killed me I knew I had lost them. </div><br><div>All the way down the hill my IT was just so painful. I don't know what happened. It wasn't this bad last year. I stopped several times and tried to stretch it. A very nice lady was also in pain and tried to encourage me . (She was also at the finish waiting for me and gave me a big hug. She was so sweet.) So anyway....the rest of the race sucked. It hobbled along and I knew I wasn't going to be able to go home and run 5 more to complete my long run. Fail. Fail. Fail.</div><div><br></div><div>I did beat my time from last years race. Last year was my first half marathon and it was 2:45. Super slow. This year a barely beat it at 2:38. Oh well. </div><div><br></div><div>I searched for the elevation map online but couldn't find one. I do have this one for RunKeeper on my iPhone from last year.</div><img id="imgfaf5a07e-cf19-48b9-9d89-653f05495a62" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cMppbDG7b_0/UJQKpKNaw_I/AAAAAAAAAXQ/EAUcqZfbKr0/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height: 278px; width: 500px; opacity: 1; " class=""><br><div><br></div><div>I know it looks a little dramatic and really isn't <i>that </i>bad. But it was miserable. </div><div><br></div><div>The best part of the race was getting another medal but I tell you the rest of the day I was not a happy camper and I think my whole family (and all my running friends I kept texting and whining to ) we're sick of me. </div><img id="imgb1f8d230-d618-4e42-93fd-8cf3b3e66835" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AoYntzKIo1c/UJQKt8nDaJI/AAAAAAAAAXY/SQVA2-t68gY/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height: 436.85727721452713px; width: 326.50020718574524px; opacity: 1; " class="" rotate="-9.8521728515625" scale="0.7"><br><div><br></div><div>So I didn't do my 18 miles. I iced and took ibuprofen . I drank some wine. And whined. I didn't even want to read any blogs hearing about how fast everyone is and all the PRs. I know it was pathetic. </div><div>Boo. </div><div><br></div><div>I rested for a few days and just did a few exercises at home each day. Thursday I went on a short run. Meh. IT band seems better but on my left knee right in front of the knee under the kneecap feels sore. Hope it doesn't become a problem as I am planning my next run tomorrow. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Midlife (Marathon) Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15255074929123611387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185661906663848875.post-29321752746267728362012-10-26T10:45:00.001-07:002012-10-26T10:49:56.789-07:00Running, Tahoe and Snow Patrol<div id="dE_H" style="height: 100%; width: 100%;">
I've been so busy lately it's been hard to keep up on this blog business. Where did we leave off? Oh yes... The sixteen miler. How did it go? Fantastic! The week before the fifteen miler killed me. Mentally and physically. This long run was so much better and I think running with friends was soooo much better. Here's how it went down-<br />
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We met about 8am on Saturday and did a 7.5 mile loop. There was three of us and it was fun just chatting and laughing. After that first loop "M" left us, and we had a quick potty break and refilled our water. Then "R" and I did the same loop in reverse. She is training for her first ultra and it was great to ask her a bunch of questions about training. She has a lot more experience and it was great to get her advice and get to know her. After our run we had only done 15 and I was wondering about that one last mile to make it to 16. She said not to worry about it and I could just pick up that mile on another run. Hmm...I thought about it on my 10 min drive home and I'm sure you know what I did. Yep. As soon as I got home I ran one more mile. Lol. I just couldn't let that last mile slip out of my plan. Crazy aren't we?</div>
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Last weekend we headed up to Lake Tahoe for my brother in laws wedding. It was beautiful and amazing. My husband and I got married there so it definately has a special place in our heart. Here are a few pics:</div>
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<img class="" id="imga78b96e3-66ca-405e-b52c-76deede55e71" rotate="-4.4438018798828125" scale="0.6" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliN80gMI5TA4SJtgy9GUksB7Im6DF6ZEvZsPNOSwkCsOzY1LL0b-7efc1p_AdK3E8MU3mGaA8xG-nDC5JUh2U0016aKhuW7eOtOj77p8A0XheZXsneX1fs1op5AX3UVRnfE_YZ6voZVE/" style="height: 351.0534814596176px; opacity: 1; width: 232.6258009672165px;" />The happy couple...aren't they cute? </div>
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Me and my beautiful daughter on the MS Dixie boat ride.<br />
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Me and the hubs. </div>
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Leaving Emerald Bay.</div>
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Emerald Bay. Gorgeous.</div>
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Beautiful wedding.</div>
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My husband and I did go for a run but it was only 7 miles. The weekend was full of family and friends so that was the only run we could squeeze in. But it was beautiful and the weather was amazing with lots of sunshine and lots of fall colors. </div>
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On Sunday we spent the day driving home and I was frantically trying to find a babysitter for our little one because we had tickets to.....Snow Patrol in San Jose!! My husband's cousin, Troy Stewart is with the band and this is the second time he's gotten us tickets. So cool. We also get the cool wrist band for the "after show party". Which is basically they take you to a room with some tables and I think most of the people are friends/family of the band and then some of the band show up to visit. This was a Sunday (school/work night) and it was 11:00 and we had a babysitter at home so we couldn't stay very long and missed seeing Troy. But the concert was fantastic and we had an awesome time. Thanks Troy!</div>
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Snow Patrol!!!</div>
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Here is Troy and my daughter Katie when we saw him at the Fox Theater in Oakland last spring.</div>
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Sorry for the crappy photo but here is Troy on guitar in Oakland as well.</div>
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There was also this guy at the show dressed up like a wolf. He was dancing the whole show and taking pictures with everyone. I know it's close to Halloween but I can't imagine dressing up like a wolf. Here he is in front of us chugging a bottle of water. Hydration is very important for runners...and wolves. </div>
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Along with running, Tahoe and Snow Patrol concerts we've also been busy with....</div>
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Rachel playing water polo! She is loving it and has been playing on the varsity team as goalie! So proud of her!</div>
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And...</div>
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Beth celebrated her 9th birthday! Had her party at the local jump house/party place which was perfect...2 hours of fun and no need to clean the house . Win/win.</div>
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This weekend I'm signed up to run the Morgan Hill half marathon. Last year it was my first half marathon and I ran it in 2:45. So I'm pretty positive I will beat that time. After I run it my goal is to come home and run 5 more for a total of 18. I'm not going to push it too much in the race because its just going to be part of a longer run but I'd be happy if I can finish it in 2:30. (I PR'd in the Salinas Valley Half at 2:20 but Morgan Hill is a little more hilly. So we'll see). </div>
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Midlife (Marathon) Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15255074929123611387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185661906663848875.post-59879716162965955432012-10-12T16:04:00.001-07:002012-10-12T16:04:32.610-07:00Unchartered territory:16 miles<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;">So I recovered from my longest run so far just to turn around this week and go a mile farther. Trying to calm my nerves ;)<div><br><div><img id="img813d4a77-c900-406f-9b2f-a34b1716be91" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8SFfg4DP2CE/UHih-fvNj1I/AAAAAAAAAUo/L6IuYOabP1Q/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height: 461.1442565917969px; width: 461.1442565917969px; opacity: 1; " class="" rotate="6.566690444946289" scale="2.4"></div><div><br></div><div>On Monday morning I went for a 3 mile run before the sun came up. It was wonderful. </div>Then on Wednesday I ran 5 miles before work with my husband. It was pathetic and I started to cry at mile 2. I know. Stupid. I don't even know why. I think I was just freaking out. My mind was my enemy- what am I doing? This is crazy!I can't do this! My husband was a good coach and talked me out of my pitty party. He reminded me of the people I watched last year at his marathon cross that finish line. If they could do it so could I. I saw this picture and it made me laugh. </div><div><br></div><img id="img0f74caf5-d739-494c-a9ec-be8be3f68d36" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FpZoQSyW-uQ/UHih_WIm6DI/AAAAAAAAAUw/tigAdjWFjMY/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height: 463.4302785396576px; width: 307.8844757080078px; opacity: 1; " class="" rotate="2.5816078186035156" scale="1.6"><br><div><br></div><div>So then we finished the five and I felt great. After work I met up with my friends and I ran another 5. It was funny because we had a sudden rain/hail/thunderstorm roll though. It caught all us fair weathered Californians off guard so we had a slew of texts going back and forth about cancelling the run. Finally we decided it wasn't raining anymore and we would man up and get it done. It is so much fun running with others. I still worry about being slow, breathing to hard, not being able to talk, sucking going up the hills. One of the ladies is training for an Ultra. I just met her but she will be there tomorrow and I hope to ask more marathon advice. All the other ladies have more running experience than me so I feel very fortunate to have such great running partners. It felt so awesome to have run 10 miles in addition to an 8 hour work day. Luckily Thursday ended up being a light work day for me. </div><div><br></div><div>Today I did some push-ups, chair dips, tabata planks, etc. I tried to do stuff that would tire my legs. Tomorrow we are going to meet for 16 miles. I'm the only one that needs to go that far but the lady training for the Ultra needed to do 14 so she said she would bump it up and join me for the full 16. The others I think are doing 5 -11. They will just run part of it with us. I think we're just running around town to make it easy to add/drop miles as needed. And the weather will be clearing up and should be perfect. </div><div><br></div><div>Well....wish me luck on this next step for me. Yikes..I guess I'm ready:/</div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Midlife (Marathon) Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15255074929123611387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185661906663848875.post-44451555035964296092012-10-08T21:21:00.001-07:002012-10-08T21:21:35.115-07:00Long Run and New Music<div id="dE_H" style=";width:100%; height:100%; ;">So this is where I did my long run over the weekend....<div><br></div><div><img id="imgfd5bd79d-7920-4781-80cd-2f4d0c8d9312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-Ym_lrXOZooDxQztzuQ_Q03VY6MUCmFeyFqthvdEgvsCPDubXYtNc-PYisRAjCAqjBD0_5LHV7RpVATMNC1mupyvkDIJ3gBv9aRJT2JnRzHaciIr3fIIDBjSueYTpeDiER9kasxOgXU/" style="height: 670px; width: 500px; opacity: 1; " class=""><br></div><div><br></div><div>I decided to drive out to the boonies to do my 15 miler. I wanted to get this run done on Friday but it didn't happen. I was all dressed in my running gear ALL day and it never happened. How pathetic. Life responsilities got in the way and sucked up every minute. I have Fridays off so I thought that would be the perfect day to schedule the runs but it always turns into the errand/chores day. It is also the day I need to often take my mom on her errands as well. So I had to settle on running on Saturday.</div><div><br></div><div>Anyway...back to the run. I had never run 15 miles before. All of these runs now are all new territory for me. Last week my hubby went with me. (So sweet) But he was working and I was on my own. I started a little later than I wanted so it was about 9 am and 60* when I started. I drove out this country road (not far from where I live) and I drove out 7.5 miles to stash a water bottle. It really was beautiful with rolling hills and some traffic but not too much and wide shoulders. </div><div><br></div><br><div><img id="imgac00033b-be60-41ad-becd-90995026d322" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YD6CXxYqXi0/UHOmJQ_c7DI/AAAAAAAAATk/j7f8uBlfmt0/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height: 374px; width: 500px; "></div><div><br></div><div>It was a nice change from running around my neighborhood which gets boring! Luckily I had just read <a href="http://yomommaruns.blogspot.com/2012/10/icing-and-half-marathon-playlist.html">Yo Momma Runs</a> and her running list inspired me to get some new music. So this is what I listened to on shuffle for the first half:</div><div><br></div><div><img id="imgae3c949d-3546-4bd0-a64d-37a8167f3682" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KKqGOkeqgtg/UHOmK9imWBI/AAAAAAAAATs/oJn1rnJUA3E/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height: 608.6323099136353px; width: 525.4379653930664px; opacity: 1; " rotate="185.25363159179688" scale="1"></div><div><img id="img486bb31e-d2d5-4778-83e4-591bda6c0ef1" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HmlILBErhio/UHOmMIhUxjI/AAAAAAAAAT0/LKge8qOipAY/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height: 333.4416651725769px; width: 520.4589469432831px; opacity: 1; " rotate="-0.2432403564453125" scale="1" class=""></div><div><br></div><div>When I made it to my halfway mark I grabbed my water and took a quick pic to send to my hubby. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="img2b5be2b4-500a-47be-b8a4-a032f15bb1b5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WQzS_p3_3cE/UHOmOlZV17I/AAAAAAAAAT8/SQWANY11O3s/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height: 348.79947662353516px; width: 261.59960746765137px; opacity: 1; " class="" rotate="344.471435546875" scale="0.5"></div><div><br></div><div>Look! I still alive!</div><div><br></div><div>I then switched to an audiobook. Right now I'm listening to this:</div><div><img id="imgf28b360a-2366-452f-89a9-b7b5740b0c9d" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HM1aPKv3nRM/UHOmQVgFuNI/AAAAAAAAAUE/ubyFVrL5uAI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 300px; "></div><br>(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Everyone-Hanging-Without-Other-Concerns/dp/0307939804/ref=tmm_abk_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1349755303&sr=8-1">Source</a>)<div><br></div><div>So the second half was a bit rougher. It was getting a bit warmer and the hills were really fatiguing my legs. But I think I hydrated well (just got a fuel belt) and I had 2 GUs and several shot blocks. </div><div><br></div><div>Things I learned:</div><div>1)Running with a partner for long runs is more fun. I'm trying to get up the nerve to join the local running group.</div><div>2) I need to run more hills so I don't dead them as much.</div><div>3) start earlier</div><div>4) do not answer the phone or text from children on long run. (Keep in mind my children at home are 20, 15 and 8. And the 8 year old wasn't the one calling/texting)</div><div><br></div><div><img id="img4c7ed91d-353c-4be9-91a6-51c8e5181e89" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pkdCQTFgxdU/UHOmS60AbFI/AAAAAAAAAUM/jhRh5MpKjR8/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" style="height: 670px; width: 500px; "></div><div><br></div><div>Oh!almost forgot to mention that I did my first snot rocket! Yay me! Felt like I'm a real runner now. ;)</div><div><br></div><b>Do you like running alone? Or with a friend? Or a group</b>?<div> I just started running with some girlfriend ps on Wednesday evenings. Love it:)</div><div><b>Do you mostly run in big city? Small town? Or country roads</b>?</div><div> Mostly country roads but I think it's fun running in town.</div><div><b>What's in your play list</b>?</div><div><div><br><div><br></div><div><br></div><br><div><br></div><div><br></div><br><div><br></div><br><br><br><div><br></div><div><br></div><br><div><br><div><br></div><div><br></div></div></div></div></div>Midlife (Marathon) Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15255074929123611387noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8185661906663848875.post-21090140278653066402012-10-06T17:11:00.001-07:002013-01-27T19:40:08.029-08:00Chi Running Workshop <div id="dE_H" style="height: 100%; width: 100%;">
Last spring, while I was training for my first duathlon, I started to experience hip pain. It was very frustrating and I will post about that injury and how it was resolved in another post. But during the process of trying to heal it I stumbled upon Chi Running. I had first heard about it when I read the book<u> Born to Ru</u>n by Christopher McDougall. In his quest for more of a mid foot strike he mentioned Chi Running and POSE. I didn't really think much of it until my hip was bugging me and I was searching for answers.<br />
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One day, I was reading one of my favorite blogs,<a href="http://www.shutupandrun.net/" target="_blank"> Shut up and Run </a>and she had a post about a<a href="http://www.shutupandrun.net/2012/06/want-to-run-effortless-and-injury-free.html" target="_blank"> Chi Running Workshop</a> she went to. She was invited to a workshop that the author was putting on in Denver. How cool is that? I checked out their website for workshops in my area and lo and behold they were all over the place. I couldn't convince my hubby to go with me so I signed myself up. Oh...I did buy the book as well but I bought it the day before the workshop and basically just looked at the pictures an hour before I left. What a loser, huh?</div>
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I was a little intimidated because I really had no knowledge about Chi Running and expected all the other participants would be Chi clones with all their fancy minimalist shoes. But they were all so nice and most were new to the Chi Running idea. There was about 8 of us in the group ranging from experienced marathoner/triathletes to brand new runners who had never run more than 3 miles. So that made me feel better. ( they <i>did </i>have cool minimalist running shoes though)</div>
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The workshop was held at a nice little park in San Jose and the instructor was Ed Malley. He is from Santa Cruz if you are interested in a workshop in the San Jose/Santa Cruz area click <a href="http://www.runwalkcoach.com/" target="_blank">here</a> for a link to his site. </div>
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The workshop was from 9am til 1 pm and we were to bring a snack or light lunch but we never really had a lunch break. We stopped a few times for water but never did eat. It was very interesting and he kept it moving and informative the whole time. Never was a problem that I hadn't read the book and most hadn't read it either. Most of the others had been referred by friends. </div>
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We learned about the basics of Chi Running:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Posture</span>- straight line from crown of your head to the bottom of feet (column)</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Lean</span>- column is gently falling forward</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Lower Body</span>- gently pulling feet off ground. You don't propel your legs forward but more like kick your feet up towards your butt. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Pelvic Rotation</span>- I don't really get this part. Basically your pelvis rotates as your legs move</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Upper Body</span>- basically you imagine your upper body pulling you forward. </div>
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We learned new ways of warming up. Then he had us run for him while he recorded us. Let me just tell you my form really stinks. And I was even <i>trying </i>to look good. </div>
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The pic on the left shows me not leaning forward enough and my arms are always too far forward. We learned our arms should be at a 90* angle and we should swing back like we are elbowing the person behind us not reaching ahead. My arms are always at more of a 45* angle and I constantly work at it. </div>
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The pic on the right shows my heel strike. Not too bad but not good. Also my right leg should be falling right underneath my body not reaching forward. </div>
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Then he taught us all the moves. We practiced, practiced, practiced. As a group and individually. Ed spent time with each of us giving us all one on one feedback.</div>
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We also learned the Chi method of hills, both gradual and steep and downhill. Downhill was more difficult to master for sure.</div>
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After we were done with all the practicing he recorded us again.</div>
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The pic on the left is my after. Better for sure. Leaning forward, legs underneath me. Arms still tight though.</div>
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And the pic on the right is the author in the book do we could compare.</div>
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He also emailed us the video of before and after and gave us more feedback and pointers.</div>
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Ed also gave us a take home flyer on pointers to keep in mind as we practice at home. He explained there is a learning curve and it would take time to see the results. The idea is that over time with better form you would have reduced injuries and lower level of perceived exertion, so you fatigue less. </div>
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Ed recommend that we start slow. He said we should start focusing for a short distance just on one aspect like posture or leaning or mid foot strike and then focus on the next thing. Then he said to do that for a bit and then just run. Go have fun because if your spending the whole time focusing on it then it would suck. </div>
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After a couple of months I think it has helped. Overall I heel strike less. My posture is better. My arms still are hard for me to correct. I find them at a 45* bend alot. </div>
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So do I think it was worth it? Absolutely! It cost about $120 and it was so nice to have the feedback from someone. It was great how he recorded us running critiqued it and sent it to us. Ed also encouraged us to come back in about 6 months for a tune up. We could take the whole workshop again or he could meet with us individually. I think that would be a great idea and I'm planning to go back again. Not sure when but I think it would be helpful. </div>
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I would also like to get the<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chi-Marathon-Breakthrough-Natural-Pain-Free/dp/145161795X" target="_blank"> Chi Marathon</a> book. On Amazon they have a deal for the Chi Running book, Chi Marathon and a metronome for $36. I did read the Chi Running book and it has a great section on injuries covering most of the common ones with tips on healing and prevention. </div>
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So, if you find yourself with repeated injuries or are just interested in improving your running form I totally recommend attending a Chi Running workshop and get some feedback. </div>
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Midlife (Marathon) Crisishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15255074929123611387noreply@blogger.com1