Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Frog and Kiwi

Sky and I had a surprise "last play date before new baby is here" play date with Reagan and Jodi this morning!  FYI - If all goes well Harrison should make an appearance tomorrow and Reagan will be a big sister!  Sending all my well wishes for a smooth, fast, pain free (well at least as little pain as possible!), easy delivery to Jodi! 

I had just snagged a coupon offer for 1/2 off visits to the Frog and Kiwi, an indoor playground located next to the library we do story time at, last week and was excited to start using our discounted visits!  It's not a huge space, but great to get out of the rain and there is a big climbing structure on the back wall and a small area for babies (that's what the yellow and orange mats are next to Sky).    

 Sky rummaging through the shopping cart Reagan filled with groceries.  You can see Reagan watching her in the background. 
 
Yummy grapes!!! 
 
Since we were concerned her Wicket costume caused her rash I found these black skeleton PJ's on clearance, and they glow in the dark!  I wanted her to be festive if we went out and about.  Best part is, I can give them to Jodi for Harrison once Sky is done with them!  
 

A few other random Sky pics from Monday, we made a dash to the store even though she was still pretty sick.  I bundled her up with a hood even though it wasn't raining, just to hide the red blotchy rash she still had going on. 
 
 I'd rather play with the bag than the blocks!
 
I see you taking my picture.  That is actually her "I have been up for a while and now need to cuddle and take another nap because I'm sick" look. 
 
She has been into stacking things lately, so it was time for some building blocks.  Nothing like a new toy and being naked to get over being sick!  Only problem is she keeps giving them to Ollie, who promptly chews them to pieces.  Good thing there were on sale!
 
On the running front, I snuck in a quick little run with Ollie last night...3.2 miles in 27:11 minutes...better than 5K PR pace!!!  Ok, only better by 20 ish seconds, but there is an extra .1 mile thrown in there!  That was with practically dragging Ollie along, at one point she sat down and flat our refused to move.  But, I got her going quickly and booked it home.  Still having blister issues, but am choosing to manage it the best I can while running through it.  I can't sit it out forever! 
 


Tuesday, October 30, 2012

BIG NEWS!!!!

I just signed the agreement about 30 minutes ago to be the Coordinator of the Stroller Running Group at the new Fleet Feet Sports Tacoma location!!!! 



Every Wednesday at 10:00 am Sky and I will be running with other running mommies (or daddies!) in the area, and we will be supported by Fleet Feet Sports!!! 

I am so excited I can hardly stand it!  Every week I will determine routs, coordinate with the store for events and education the group is interested in, make sure everyone makes it back to the store at the end of every run, and hopefully play a part in helping others become strong healthy runners! 

No, I'm not getting paid, it's a volunteer gig, but there are some pretty great perks that while totally unexpected are very much appreciated!

Check out the store site here!

If you are a stroller runner, or know a stroller runner that is interested let me know!!!

Next week is the grand opening week, and the first Wednesday we will be meeting!  There will be swag for group members, bra fitting after the run along with coffee and treats!

-Wednesday 11/7/12
-10:00 am
-Fleet Feet Sports
3812 N 26th St, Tacoma, 98407.

Please join us for the first Stroller Group run...I really don't want to be the only one there!!  :)  

Monday, October 29, 2012

Weekend Update

Was a busy weekend of trying to guess if Sky was still sick, or getting better and feeling well enough to not cancel our plans.  We tried to lay low Saturday so she could rest and be ready for Bob and Michelle's Halloween party.  We were able to go to the party for a couple hours and then came home early to get Sky to bed.

We heard there was a rebel rebellion at the party...

 Mark and I had fun putting together our Planet Endor Rebel Soldier costumes.  Mark did all the work really, painting his pants and our ponchos, guns, belts, his hat.  All I did was help shop the army surplus stores for the ponchos and cut the sleeves off.  And, scour the Star Wars forums for pictures and commentary on replicating the outfits.

Wicket showed up as well...

 She makes a cute Ewok!  


There were some other party peeps as well...

 The gang

Notice that we are on one side of the room and Bob and Tina on the other?  Sky was not ok with either one of them.  She was really concerned with Bob in particular.  She would peek around corners and check to see where he was before deciding where she was going sit down, play etc.  If he looked at her she started crying.  She was a champ though...I was ready for her to lose her mind with all the decorations etc.  But she did pretty good!  


 Sky won best costume!  I think she got the cute vote.  

We went to Nolan and Michelle's to watch the Steelers game.  It was a fun game to watch despite the horrid throwback uniforms!    
 

Bumblebees or jailbirds?

The uniforms did grow on me a bit.  By the end of the game my eyes weren't crossing anymore.  They won in them though, so I'm not complaining.  And, I liked the socks.  

We were even able to sneak away last night for an adult evening of wine tasting and a quick dinner after.  We got a couple of bottles of Fire Breathing Mead.  It's a mix of Honey and Jalapeno wine sounds yummy no?  We were skeptical too, but it is good and it's screams to be pared with a Mexican meal.  Since I love cooking Mexican food we got a couple bottles to enjoy!     

Thank you to Grandpy and Grammy for watching her for us.  She was not in top form as she had a slight temp and a cold related rash from head to toe,and tired from the active weekend.  

She is better this morning, the rash looks like it's on it's way out, but we are laying low today just in case.  Originally we thought the rash was from her Wicket costume as it only showed up where the costume had direct contact with her skin, but as the day went on it got worse and worse and spread over her whole body.  To be safe she won't be putting the Wicket costume back on...glad we got a couple of pics of her at the party! 

The good news is I can still stick her in the jogger and go for a run even when sick.  As long as I bundle her up, give her snacks and toys she is good to go.  It's a nice way to get out of the house without sharing germs with others!  After taking a week off for the blister situation I'm really looking forward to getting a run in!  


Speaking of running...check back tomorrow.  I have some BIG exciting news to share!!! 





Friday, October 26, 2012

Snuggles and Sniffles

That's what life is full of right now.  Sky was a little better today, but still not eating much or drinking much.  But, it's better than yesterday.  We are giving her a mix of Pedialyte and water and anything we can get her to eat.  Chocolate Cheerios and M&M's anyone?  We have gotten some real food into her though. 

Lot's of snuggles, and a play break outside.  It was pretty clear to us that she was going a bit stir crazy even though her energy level is low.  So I let her walk around the yard for a bit. 

 Playing with one of Daddy's tool thingies.  


Her fave chair to snuggle in and her fave guy to snuggle with! 

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful for this young lady...

My 10 year old niece Emma crossing the finish line of her 10K...I wish you could see her face better, pretty much looks like how I feel every time I run.  LOL

True story, I hated running.  I did everything I could to avoid running at all cost.  I even posted on this very blog "I will never be a runner" and I posted it with absolute certainty. 

Then my sister and her hubby started running and I was (still am) very proud of them.  Running changed their lives, probably saved their lives.  While I was proud of them it did not make me want to run, not even one little step.  

Fast forward a few years and the tragic killing of the Lakewood officers at the coffee shop happened.  One of the officers killed had responded to one of the car accidents that took out our fence.  She was very helpful and understanding of our frustration.

About a year later there was a benefit 5K at Ft. Steilacoom in memory of the officer that helped us.  I wanted to support the cause, and it was taking place in my back yard practically, but I reminded myself how much I hate running, and repeated my mantra I will never be a runner.  

Well sometime between the tragic shooting and the benefit race Emma started running her own races.  I remember crying and crying seeing the pics of her first race and reading my sisters post.  I was so proud of Emma.  And, it got me to thinking if she can run a 5K why can't I?  Just one to support a fallen officer that had helped us, that's all one silly little 3.1 mile run in the park.   

Fast forward a few years and today I love running.  I have made amazing friends, and have gotten to know some of my friends in a whole new way while running with them, I even ran a race with my Dad!  I have learned things about myself that I never knew.  I know how amazing it feels to train hard for something, run through pain and develop mental toughness and determination I didn't know I had, and cross the finish line!  I feel healthy, and I get to spend some pretty special running time with Sky.  

I'm thankful that Emma ran her first race and in turn inspired me to run my first race.  It's pretty powerful to realize your actions can inspire others, and I hope some day she understands the ripple affect her first race has had.  

Thank you for the inspiration Emma! 

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Running Bucket List

Since this is a blister recovery week I'm not running, but that doesn't mean I'm not thinking about running.  I want to run, frustrated that I need to take the break, and I guess that desire and frustration make me feel like a "real" runner.  Yep there are other things I can do, like yoga etc., but I want to run!!! 

Instead of running, I'm daydreaming about the races on my bucket list.  If $ and travel were not an issue I would so be signed up for these races!

-Bird In Hand 1/2

 I have always wanted to visit Amish country, something about the simple way of life really appeals to me.  I don't want to give up my cell phone, computer, tv or car, but a break from it all in a beautiful country setting, plus a running view of the land?!  Sign me up!  



Super expensive in my opinion, but I totally want to do it.  Ever since my first visit to Disney Land as a kid I've been hooked.  It's not just a kid destination people.  I think I enjoyed my visit there as an adult as much as when I was a kid!  Nothing like running in the Happiest Place on Earth to make a 1/2 less painful!  I'm not one for running in costume, but for this I would have to reconsider.  
 


I enjoy mud runs/obstacle courses.  It's a nice break from "serious" races.  Just once I want to do one of the big boy mud runs.  That means Warrior Dash or a Spartan Race. 
 
 


I have heard a lot of mixed reviews as far as the organization (or lack of), large number of participants, people getting sick from the water etc.  But it looks like so much fun, and I love Rock-n-Roll music and the distraction of bands playing along the way would be nice!  At some point I will break down and do the Seattle one I'm sure, but for now I'm not a huge fan of how large this event is.  It does support the ACS though, and that is something I'm passionate about!

That's just a start.  There are others on my list, but these are the ones that I can actually see happening some day.  There are a few international races I'd love to do, but they are all marathons and at this point in my running life I'm not ready to take on 26.2.  

Anyone else have a race wish list?  What's on your list? 

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Nothing But Sky Pics

Thought a Sky Pic post would be A OK with the grandparents!  Can you believe she is 17 months old?!  Learning new things every day and talking up a storm!  We got A-Q yesterday saying her alphabet!  Such a smarty pants! 


Black Eye Update: 


As requested updated black eye pics.  As you can see in the top pic it's hardly noticeable, you can see it a little in the bottom pic. 


 Reading!

 Reading to her Bebe



 Loves her books and loves sitting in Daddy's office chair to read them and spin in circles.  

Another reading to Bebe pic. 
 
 
Learning how to color!
 Best purchase so far...may just be this little Sky sized table.  She loves it, and it's perfect for sitting at learning all about crayons!  


Actually coloring on paper and not eating the crayons.  
 
 
Using a spoon!  

 She has gotten so good at eating with a spoon!!!  She is good for about 10 minutes and then after that she is so hungry she switches to her hands and or wants us to help her out.  But she is determined and keeps at it like a champ!  
 
Just for fun...
 
 Sky loves playing in Daddy's recycle bin!  That thing gets moved all over the house.  

She likes the new bathroom floor!  

Monday, October 22, 2012

Nice Job...

To my my 2 nieces Emma (10), Sophie (8), and my nephew Miles (6).  They all finished their races in great time and each one placed 3rd in their age divisions making them all double medal winners this weekend!  Did I mention that Emma's 10K had around 2,000 feet of elevation gain!  She climbed a mountain!  Very nice job! 

I love it that my Sister and her husband have not pushed running on the kids at all.  They run with their kids, sometimes with the kiddos in the jogger or on bikes, but eventually over time the kids run more and more.  They have done a great job of setting an active life style example, but giving them play/snack breaks and or skipping runs altogether if the kids were not on board.  They seem to have found a great balance, and it has paid off with three little runners in the house.  I love that they enter races as a family.  I hope that Mark and I are able to accomplish the same thing with Sky.  I don't care if she ever enters a single race, but I hope she embraces an active lifestyle and continues to enjoy biking and running with Mark and I!

I am taking the week off from running thanks to my nasty blisters.  I need to give my feet time to recover, and really don't think running in the rain will help.  I did get a walk in with Jodi this morning which was nice.  It could be our last pre-baby walk!  She is due next week, I hope we get our walk in next Monday, but if not I will settle for holding Harrison instead!  Can't wait for the little guy to be here! 

Thank you to Amy for this book...more importantly thank you for the personal message inside.  It means a lot to me! 

Since I'm not running this week, I can read about it instead!!!  

I have never actually read a single running related book.  I read my running magazines cover to cover, but never cracked open a running book.  I'm really looking forward to reading it!  
It's a pretty chill day today, Sky recovering from a cold, my fighting a cold, and Mark home sick with the same cold.  Thankfully Sky slept in to 8am which was lovely since Mark and I were both up until after 1am unable to sleep last night.   We are all cozy in the house staying warm and dry.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

I Love Sunday's!

It's FOOTBALL day enough said!  And, Steelers have the Sunday night game...we will be decked out in our Steeler gear tonight!

Been a busy weekend!  Started yesterday with the Cupcake Virtual 5K.  It was cold, rainy, and really windy, but everyone showed up and toughed it out.  And, we had strawberry cupcakes at the finish!  Shout out to Jon and Winona who finished the Chambers Bay Loop (crazy hills yall!) in 21 ish minuets and 24 ish minutes respectivly.  That is crazy fast for a 3.2 mile super hilly loop!

 Elya and the 3 kiddos (she pushed 2 while her son rode his bike), Michelle and Kiera, me and Sky, Winona, Jon, not pictured Alex and Abi, who walked the whole hilly loop and were down at the bottom during the pic.  

 Got sky all ready for our run and next thing I know she has climbed in the bathtub and apparently she thinks I need to shave before running! 

This will be my last run until I get my blisters under control.  Yesterday jacked them up even worse, so I'm giving my feet a break this week and focusing on yoga and pilates, with a few dog walks thrown in.  

After we got home Sky decided to work on her prize fighter look...

Her first black eye, it looks way worse this morning.  Best part is we have no idea what happened.  Turned my back for a second and next thing I hear is crazy crying and her whole eye and cheek are red and swollen.  Great Mommy moment right there!  

 Purple eye...totally looks like she was in a fight!

 Ended the day carving and painting pumpkins with the Beckham's and watching Harry Potter...
 Mark's Day of the Dead ghost pumpkin.  He had a pattern to look at but free-handed the painting. 

 Small black and white painted pumpkins with silver glitter paint in the ridges are mine.  The black one looks really cool, the white one not so much. 

Kiera doing karate in her sleep.  
 Mark Kiera and Sky. 

 Mini build your own pizza's...easiest guest dinner ever!  Bonus, Mark's gluten free crust I made was the bomb!  

 Grace, Michelle, and Bob working on pumpkins.   Bob's pumpkin was cool...he painted a lantern in black and then carved out the glass part of the lantern so it will light up when they put a candle in it!  Pretty cool! 

Mark and Ali painting.  

Bonus pic...check this out: Finish Line for a finish line pic from the Pt. D Ultra, and I don't look like I'm about to die or pissed off!  Really trying to look like I'm having as much fun as I'm actually having while running!  


Friday, October 19, 2012

Playing in the Rain

Sky loves being outside, even in the rain.  She is a crazy baby if she doesn't get time outside to play! 

 She loves her "pop pop" toy! 

Yesterday afternoon was kinda perfect.  Mark came home, hooked up the bike cart and we took off on a bike/run.  Mark and Sky biked, Ollie and I ran.  It was fun, Ollie is a great little runner and Mark was pretty content to stay at my pace which is nice because I like watching Sky play in the bike cart and flash me smiles.  :)  He did speed up here and there and then double back to hang with my slow butt for a while. 

We got home just before the nasty wind and rain started.  I love being cozy inside when it's yucky out.  My splits were kinda funny Mile 1 - 11 ish, Mile 2-3 10:45 ish, Mile 4 - 8:30 and I felt good at that pace.  I wanted to go faster but Ollie was at the end of the leash behind me and I didn't think dragging her down the sidewalk would look good.  I don't know why, but my first 3 miles are always so dang slow, but mile 4 and beyond I hit my zone and turn it up.  

Shout out to Kristine who is running the Ft. Steilacoom Trail Run this weekend, I love Ft. Steilacoom, I hope you enjoy it!  Sorry running with you didn't work out, lets find another time to hit the trails together!

Also shout out to my sister and family who are running the Brazen Rocky Ridge run this weekend.  Brian and Emma (10 or 11?) are running the 10K, Miles (5 almost 6?) and Sophie (8?) are running the 5K and my sister is running support for Miles.  I really should know their ages shouldn't I?!  Seems like the kiddo's are PR'ing every race they do know, can't wait to see how they do. 

I'm running the Cupcake Virtual 5K Saturday morning at Chamber's Bay. 

It's a fun excuse to get some friends together and do a quick little fun run and then eat cupcakes after.  I have Strawberry cupcakes cooling right now, waiting for some Vanilla frosting!  




Thursday, October 18, 2012

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful for:

-A sense of humor

Me - Are you cranky?
Sky - I kinky. 

ummm...ok.

-New floor in the bathroom!  It's been a project in the works since March people!  March I tell you.  No Mark is not a slow worker, but we have run into one problem after another like rotted sub-flooring, bad plumbing etc.  So, each thing we run into we fix (by we I mean Mark) so it has taken way longer than anticipated.  But the first step to having a competed master bath remodel is flooring!  Check it out...

  

-A new running partner...meet Ollie


She is a surprise addition to the family, and happens to be a great runner!  She is a 7 year old Australian Sheppard, great with kids, loves being inside/right next to you.  So far is getting along with Bishop, and I have taken her on a 2 mile run, just to test her out.  She did great, tired out quickly, but she is in an adjustment phase as well.  So with some time and training I think she will be great!

-For an afternoon run while Mark and Sky bike!  

 

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Debates...

The only thing I was debating last night was Red or White!  Will be glad when all the political stuff is over!!! 

 
Went for my first run since the Pt. D race Saturday.  I've been giving the blisters a chance to calm down and figured running in the rain wouldn't help.  Yesterday was lovely running weather, but the blisters were still at the throbbing in pain point, so rested instead.

Anyway, did a quick 2 miles, kept the pace under 10 min for both miles although my legs felt way more tired than I feel like they should have.  Pretty obvious to me I need to trail train a bit more.  Have been mostly road running this year and can tell by the fact that the trail runs are kicking my a$$ big time!!!

Good news is the blisters hurt a bit but were livable.  I have dodgeball tonight, am a little worried about that, but will wrap my feet up really well so the side to side movement won't do more damage.

I'm thinking new trail shoes may be in order.  My toes were hitting the end the entire 11 miles, and my toenails still hurt so bad I can hardly stand to have socks and shoes on.  Kinda wish they would just fall off and get it over with.  Either new shoes or try longer laces and lacing them different to keep my feet in place.  I don't have any more trails races in the near future so have some time to work that out.

Has been a quiet few days with Sky being sick with a cold and me resting my feet and legs.  Finally starting to feel like things are getting back to normal today!

Monday Sky was not feeling the food thing, so to get some breakfast into her I busted out the chocolate chip baked oatmeal muffins I made for Mark.  Needless to say that did the trick and she loved them so much that she went directly into the bath (which she calls "dub, dub" because I sing "scrub a dub dub Sky's in the tub" during bath time) when she was done.  


Look Mommy, I'm using both hands!  

Your the one who gave it to me!  
 

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Amy's Interview Part 2!

Welcome to the second part of Amy's interview.  Today's questions cover general running questions and topics.  Enjoy! 

Amy with her running partner SuLee.


-Do you have a pre-race ritual to mentally/physically prepare?  
I can't think of anything specifically that I do before every race.  I typically get up an hour and ten minutes before I need to leave and during that time I drink a cup of coffee, glide my WHOLE body, force myself to eat, stretch, take about 3 trips to the bathroom, triple check my garmin and ipod shuffle and for some reason I always put my dtag on my left shoe.  That's about it... nothing fancy.

-What is your pre-race dinner and breakfast, and how do you fuel during a race?  
My favorite pre-race dinner is sushi; I feel like it has the perfect combination of protein and carbs.  I am not big into stuffing myself with pasta, I can't think of anything worse than waking up feeling heavy.  In Chicago, I couldn't find sushi around my hotel, so I ordered a bowl of pasta, although I didn't even eat half.  For breakfast, I've changed it up a bit.  Up until Chicago, I would eat a plain bagel about an hour before the race.  Training for Chicago I bought picky bars (pickybars.com) that I love... I feel like it's the perfect combination of protein, fats and carbohydrates.  During a marathon I typically take in 5 to 6 GU and drink one or two swallows of gatorade at each aid station; this works for my body, I have never "hit the wall" and always feel strong at the end of the race. 

-How do you fit running into working woman/being a wife life? 
 
It is pretty easy for me to fit running into working and being a wife.  I get up in the mornings and run before work and on the weekends when I do long runs I tell my husband to go play golf in the morning and we typically finish our activities at the same time.  I think it's hard fitting running into being a friend - my close friends don't run and it's hard when I want to go out on Friday night while eating, drinking and chatting until the early morning hours.  I feel like a party pooper  when I'm looking at my watch and thinking about how many hours until I need to get up and run.  What I have done to work on that part is have my off days on Sundays... which means I try to make my social plans for Saturday nights.  My friends are totally supportive, but it's just something they don't quite understand.  It will be tricky when I have kids, that will be a different ball game.... I'll deal with that when the time comes.

-What do you do to take care of yourself/recover from runs and races? 
 
In the perfect world after a long run and a race I would drink a protein shake, stretch, taken an ice bath followed by a massage the next day.  I was really good about that last year, but now after a long run I like to sit with my running partner at coffee for at least an hour  while talking about things we weren't able to cover in the previous hours while running together ;-)  We will get our coffee (I have an americano) and share a bagel.  I do try to stretch afterward, but I'm not always the best at that.  I will say I am a HUGE believer in massage.  I've got a great masseuse and I faithfully get a massage 24-48 hours after a long run or race.  Also, I do a lot of foam rolling while I'm at home in the evenings watching television. 

-What is the #1 item you have to have when you run? 
That is a toss-up between my garmin and ipod.  If I am going for a long run with my running partner, we always talk the whole time so it would be my garmin.  If it was a race, I think I would need my music.  And as a side note, I wear the old school kind of ear phones, for the life of me I cannot find ear phones that work for my ears, they always fall out.  Recommendations?  

-Any advice for those contemplating their first marathon?
When I was training for my first marathon, I got a lot of advice from different sources and there were a few things that stuck with me.  #1 It is better to be 10% undertrained than 1% overtrained.  #2 For your first marathon, your only goal should be to finish while feeling good. And a few of my own ideas #1 You first goal when training for a marathon should be to make it to the start line... a lot of people get injured and can't even start the race. #2 The race really starts at mile 20, it's amazing how many people slow down starting at mile 20.  #3 If you can do a half, you can do a full... mind over matter. 

-What has been your favorite run ever?  
Chicago obviously is the first race that I think about. Also, the Yukon Do It Marathon was meaningful because I became an official Maniac (Marathon Maniac).  
I have had a lot of great long runs with my running partner - in the beginning when we first started running together I asked about her daughters (she has three adopted daughters) and she started telling me each of their birth/adoption stories.  I could have run hours on end listening, crying, and running.  It's those times when we run together and get into deep conversations that gives us a strong bond on the streets.  We have a had of hilarious moments together running during the week,  on weekends and races.  We are both loud and probably slightly  obnoxious to others, but we don't care.  For most of our races we wear matching clothes, as if we're not dorky enough.  
 
-What is the one thing you can't deal with while running?  
I can't deal with having to go poo... my body doesn't give me any prior notice, it just goes into "high gear" and I have to find a bathroom immediately.  When SuLee and I first see each other in the mornings before our runs, the first thing we ask each other is, "did you go poop?"  - It is important to get the system moving... a good poop = a good run!  

-How do you get through the hard running times...those times when you don't feel like running, or miles that make you want to cry?
I find that the hardest thing sometimes about running is lacing up my shoes and getting outside.  It is really helpful that during the dark and cold months I have my running partner who I meet in the morning, otherwise I am sure I would skip some runs. Furthermore, it helps when I am registered for a race and have a schedule to follow,  It is difficult when I am running just to run and not following a program.  During a run, if I am feeling slow, sluggish or tired, I have no problem slowing down - some runs are just better than others.   
 
Rapid Fire Q&A

-Favorite distance to run? 26 miles and 385 yards. 

-Favorite post-race treat?  Beer - after all that GU, I need something that isn't sweet.

-Music while running?  I listen to everything from Taylor Swift to Jay-Z to Bruce Springsteen

-Next Race?
I am planning on the Seattle Marathon (November 25th)

-Is there anything you would like to add? 
 
I really love running - it is not something I make myself do.  I thoroughly enjoy the pomp and circumstances of races and seeing hard work pay off.  For some, running is a form of exercise and that is all, but for me it is so much more than that.  I have learned a lot about myself through running and it helps me a happier person! 

Thank you so much Amy for taking the time to answer all the questions and share your running experience with us!  If you find earphones that work, let me know!  I need a recommendation as well!