Ice Bath's

I hate em and love em.  I have a genera rule that if I run 10+ it's an automatic ice bath after.  Anything between 7 and 9 miles is negotiable depending on how my legs are feeling. 

After Michelle and I made a last minute decision to run 9 this morning, instead of tomorrow morning while camping, my legs are shot.  18 miles in 3 days...that is a lot for me! 

So it was ice bath time when I got home...

...so cold!  But my legs feel so much better after!  I think it's sort of funny how long my legs look in this picture! 

I may or may not have been swearing while sitting there.  It felt extra, extra cold today.  But, it's done, running is done for the weekend and now we get to enjoy hot weather up at the lake! 

No blogging or cell service where we are going.  Everyone have a great weekend, if your running take care of yourself in the heat and enjoy!!! 

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful for:

-Getting 5 miles in tonight and that my legs loosened up after 3.

-Sky has a 2 year molar half broken through and we had no idea.  Either teething doesn't bother her or the amber necklace really is that good.  I vote for the necklace, because the first two teeth that came in (pre-necklace) were hellish for all involved. 

-I'm just really super over the top thankful that this is what my day was like today.  Well what most of my days are like actually.

 LOVE the sound of her laughter!

 

In the middle of playing with my phone and taking pics she just got tired and laid her head down.

 

 

Man, I love this littler girl so much and am so thankful she is what shapes each and every day of my life. 

 

-One last thing, also very thankful for an impromptu camping trip this weekend. 

 

-Oh, and one more one last thing...thank you Dad for making sure I get to enjoy the race expo!  I'm getting excited!

 

 

 



Trust the Training!

I have to keep reminding myself to trust the training.  It's been my mantra for Michelle...trust that if you stick to the training plan you will be ready for our 1/2.  My problem is last year I had an injury and after my 12 mile run I didn't run again (for more than a mile or so at a time) until race day.

While I'm thrilled to be healthy this time around, I'm struggling with the idea of running 9 miles 2 weeks before and 8 miles 1 week before our race.  I didn't run hardly at all the last 3 weeks last time.  I keep chanting in my head "trust the training" over and over again and again.  My legs are tired, I feel it (in a good way) after each run, so it's making me a little scared.  But, I'm being really good about stretching, foam rolling, trigger pointing, icing...I'm taking the time to take care of myself, and that's keeping me in the game! 

Today's run was sort of nice.  I was the only runner for the Stroller Group today, so ran 4 miles just Sky and I.  She is the best because when the hills hit and I slowed down she yelled "go, go, go" and when I walked to cool down she yelled "run run, run run, run run".  She just may end up being a running coach some day! 

Speaking of Sky...

Those eyes!

So dang happy to drink a little bit of sprite in her tower!

 



Frog n Kiwi

Thank goodness for Frog n Kiwi, especially since our play date was a no go today, and it was raining.  While I have no problem playing in the rain I needed (or rather my legs needed) a break. 

Best part was I found out that through summer we get a free visit every time we come in!  She already has a ton of visits pre-paid for, and now we get an extra one every time we visit this summer!!! 

 

Her favorite thing there is the slide!  Now she has started sitting at the top and savoring the anticipation instead of dashing up there and sliding down as fast as possible.  It's pretty cute!

 

Mark has been reading Brave to her, it's one of the books that seems to be a Sky/Daddy thing as she never wants me to read it to her, anyway that book explains a ton of things she says during the day that I can't decipher.  She was looking at a book while I was doing dishes and talking up a storm and I had no idea what she was saying.  Until I walked over and saw the picture...

 

 

...bull's-eye!!!!  Over and over and over...future hunter in the making!  Mark's work is done!  ;-)

 

I spent my day gimping around.  My knees are really feeling the 12 miles from yesterday.  Siting with ice on them right now, and my feet in a cold foot bath.  It's actually been stressing me out a little bit how tired my legs feel this time around. 

 

It just seems like they are tired for longer.  Last time around I didn't have any trouble with the training schedule and was always ready for the next run.  But, this time around even though I'm injury free and feel like a stronger runner, my legs are just tired and when the next run comes around I kind of dread it. 

 

Thankfully I think I have a potential reason as to why.  Last year Sky was a baby, still taking multiple naps a day, and not as active.  This time around I have a non-stop 2 year old and just don't have the time sit and rest.  Lot's of running (or today limping) after her, going on walks, making breakfast, lunch, and dinner, picking up and on and on.  So instead of thoughts of maybe I'm getting too old for this running thing, I'm going with it's the 2 year olds fault.  ;-)

 

Thankfully we moved our Tuesday night run to Thursday, so I have tomorrow to recover before I get to run again on Wednesday.  I see more trigger pointing, foam rolling and ice tomorrow.

 

   

 





12 Miles DONE!

Don't worry this isn't only a running post...there are Sky pics!

Longest run of the training cycle today, and Michelle and I got it done like pro's!  12 miles, done and it was fun!  Yep, it was hard at times, but I felt strong and more importantly totally have 1.1 left in me to finish the half in a few weeks!  And, we are on track to blow my 1/2 time from last year out of the water!!!  While I have zero time goal this time around (my only goal is to run Michelle's first 1/2 with her/run our first 1/2 together and have fun doing it!) it would be pretty great to PR as well!   

I can't get over how different I feel this time around.  Last year at this point I could hardly walk let alone run because my foot hurt so bad and my legs were so sore all the time.  But, I have been super smart this time and did what I needed to leading up to the training cycle and it has paid off big time! 

I love getting the longest training run under my legs.  I feel like we are totally ready and able to run See Jane in a few weeks! 

Best of all my race day outfit issue solved! 

Worth every penny!

(Only reason this is a but shot is so you can see the orange stitching across the back of the skirt...the reason why I "needed" to get a matching top and socks...I don't have anything that matches neon orange in my running wardrobe!)

 

I know I said the other day I was a little irritated about getting new running gear.  But, it was so worth it!  I was only irritated because I don't like spending my fun money to the last penny.  I like having some on hand for opportunities that pop up last minute like drinks with friends, or for other unexpected stuff. 

 

I guess realizing that all my skirts that work well on short runs (seriously I have at least 6!)  don't work well on long runs is one of those unexpected things.  I am very grateful that I had the money on hand to spend on a new outfit, and even more grateful to find out today that it's perfect!  Nothing rubbed or irritated during the run at all!  I'll totally get my money's worth out of this outfit by the time I run 3 1/2's in it!

 

Doesn't hurt that the colors are fun and I feel like it looks good on me.  Come race day not having to think twice about my clothing is going to be really nice!     

 

The skirt is THIS Lululemon skirt.  I have a black one already, but it's in the long length, and the new one is regular length and a size smaller.  The length of the shorts and the fit of the skirt is much better.  Everything stays in place as it should! 

 

Top is THIS Oiselle Winona Tank top.  I already had it in another color so knew it was what I wanted for race day...LOVE this top!!! 

 

Socks are THIS new neon orange from ProCompression.  There is regular marathon orange, but I went neon since they were on special this month. 

 

Once again thank you Dad for randomly sending me fun money, I truly appreciate it! 

 

A few Sky pics from the last few days...

 

 



First popsicle!

 



Putting the new safety tower to use.

 

The safety tower was one of her birthday gifts from Grandpa Steve.  More of a gift for our peace of mind really, but she loves it.  I forgot that it folds down flat, had I remembered that I would have opened it and put it together much sooner.  I was anticipating a big project, but it popped up, locked in place and I only had to screw the feet on.  Now I don't have to worry about her falling off the bar stools all the time!  Can't wait until she is ready to start helping more in the kitchen and cooking with me...this thing is going to be put to work for sure! 

 

Anyone else race/run this weekend or do anything fun?



From The Kitchen

Yep, I skipped Thankful Thursday yesterday.  I have plenty to be thankful for, but was also very busy.  Sky and I ran errands/grocery shopped all day long.  She was a super trooper for sure!

My from the kitchen tip today is only purchase wine at stores that give you a discount!  We have had to change our wine purchasing habits since we became a single income home.  No we haven't given it up, but I do only buy wine that is on sale and only from stores that give you a discount for buying multiples.  For example Safeway and FM both offer 10% off when purchasing 6 bottles at a time, so if you get 6 bottles that are on sale major score!!!  Our wine rack is currently overfull because of the major scores I made on wine the last few weeks! 

It doesn't hurt that with al the training runs I don't have many opportunities to drink.  Maybe I should always have a 1/2 to train for?   It certainly makes the wine last longer!

Sky's from the kitchen tip...

I really have no idea why she made this face.  But I do know some day she is going to hate this blog and all the pics!

 

...eat out at the local taco truck!  She loves the $1 tacos and rice and beans!  I don't love the resulting diaper, but she loves the food!

Shout out to everyone running the Seattle Rock n Roll 1/2 tomorrow!!!  And, to anyone else running this weekend!

In Her Happy Place

I'm in my happy place...longest run of this cycle is Sunday!  Partly excited to get a long run in and partly excited to run in my new skirt/top.  They are super cute which is so important right?  I guess I do feel a little bit of pressure to look cute for See Jane, it's all ladies!  The most critical creatures on earth!  Therefor I want to try and have a cute outfit to counterbalance the sweat and beat red face I run with. 

(Truth be told I'm sort of irritated about having a new outfit.  I really didn't want to spend my money on that right now.  But, after finding that my skirts and shorts were not working well on the longer runs and I was having issues I have not had in the past I didn't have much choice.  So I bit the bullet, ordered a skirt that fits, and because I was sort of dumb about it and got fun colors then had nothing to go with it.  I really mean nothing.  So had to get a top and socks.  I don't mind clashing a little, but not as much as I would have with this skirt.  The upside is if it all works then I have my outfit for the rest of the races this summer!) 

Plus, I'm ready to bring on the taper!  It freaked me out last year, dialing down the running the weeks leading up to the half, but now that I know it works I'm so ready!  Ran more miles in two days this week than I did all of last week!  I feel great though, so the down time last week worked! 

Sky was in her happy place last night hanging out with Daddy...

Sorting nuts and bolt in the garage with Daddy!

 

Mark and I have had several conversations lately about how cool it was that I grew up on property in the woods with horses, goats, pigs, dogs, cats, cows (nest door) and plenty of room to run around and have fun.  Those conversation lead to how cool it would be to give that same experience to Sky.  I agree I would be fun to give that to her, but you know what...I think it's pretty cool that she knows her way around Daddy's garage and want's to help him with his projects and yard work. 

 

Her heart is always leading her outside and if Mark is outside and she can "help" him even better.  That's her happy place for sure!  And, maybe the park.  She loves the park and we can walk to one just down the street.  Oh, and camping...she loves camping.   Yep, not a bad way to grow up at all!

The Feet Of A Runner...

...are better off hidden in running shoes.  I will spare you all the pictures, but my summer sandal situation is not looking good.  My toe nails are literally disintegrating before my eyes, I have cracked bleeding spots, and while I love Tuf-Skin for the blister prevention it must take a magic wand to get the stuff off after a run!  I think there is months of it built up on my feet and it just will not come off. 

All of this for the girl who gives herself a foot soak and pedi every 2 weeks, has more nail polish than most salons, and a summer sandal wardrobe that is way more extensive than it should be considering we live in the PNW!   

I really thought that because I don't run "crazy" distances like marathons or ultra's that my feet would continue to be pretty, sandal ready year round feet.  But, I have found that frequency of running can be just as bad for your feet as distance.

And, yes I have the right shoes.  I'm very confident in my shoes and my socks, and even in the Tuf-Skin.  When you mix the sweat, foot powder and Tuf-Skin it just takes a toll on your feet no matter what.  :( 

Putting the sandals away and going with Toms and ballet flats should keep everyone's eyes safe for the summer.  Actually I'll be wearing my running shoes most of the summer with all the training going on!  I love it though.  Looking forward to 6 miles tonight! 

Since I won't share a foot pic, how about a Sky pic instead?

 Yesterday's Play Date.

 

 

Those two are so darn cute together!  Letting them walk on the sidewalk in the shopping center worked great until Sky lead Reagan astray by jumping from the curb into the parking lot.  Sky ended up locked in the stroller.  She just couldn't resist the "I JUMP!" urge. 

 

A few more from camping that aren't on Mark's photo site...

 

 She has a Hydro Flask just lime Mommy and Daddy!  Pretty much how she looked then entire drive over and back.

 

 This is how she wakes up from naps.  Groggy and wanting to cuddle.

 

 Her spot in the trailer. 

 

That ledge used to have all our cute "welcome to our trailer" stuff.  But, now it's Sky space. I don't mind though because it works pretty perfectly!  We pull the table out and her travel crib fits in the empty spot.  We pile all the cushions for the bench seats on one side of the crib so it's tall enough to change her diaper without killing our backs, and leave the other side open to put her toys and cloths.  We hang a curtain across the whole space at night to give her the sense of her own room/space.  It's works pretty well.  This is actually the best camping trip we have had for her sleeping.  She made it through the night all three nights! 

 



Can't wait to go back!

 





Father's Day Camping Trip

We were able to sneak away for a long weekend of camping for Father's Day, and it was just what we needed. 

A slow, easy trip, jus the 3 of us to hang out and relax. 

(I have to admit, that while I was not happy my 11 mile run ended being just short of 6, I could tell that my legs needed the time off.  Every day I woke up in camp they felt stronger and stronger and more rested.  I feel totally ready to finish this training cycle and kill it come race day!)

I was a little worried because it was a new campground for us, and I had to trust that the lady on the phone would put us in a "good" spot. 

The view from our spot.

She put us in what we think is the best spot in the campground!  The view of the lake and mountains was just beautiful especially at sunset!

The Methow Valley is amazing.  Just beautiful!  I didn't want to leave and feel like a little piece of my heart was left behind.  I can't wait to plan our next visit! 

I can't tell you how nice it was to have a "just us" camping trip.  Nothing against our camping friends, we always have a blast every trip.  But there is something to be said for knowing we can camp on our own and enjoy each others company, have fun, and not feel like anything is missing.  I'm so content to just spend time doing nothing with my babe and my baby! 

A few more pics from the weekend...

We missed the turn for the campground, but ended up finding this Cider Farm.  Hard cider on tap, and it was amazing!  Right in the middle of the orchard, with a big tent and couches underneath.  We could have spent hours there.  Sky was a big fan of the cider doughnuts!  

I think she is saying, "I need a horse!"  Winthrop is such an Old West town, it was fun to walk down main street and see all the old store fronts.

.

Since it's a mountain valley even though it was hot during the day the mornings started out cool and the evenings ended cool.  We spent the morning's trying to stay warm and snuggly until the sun did it's job.  It was perfect though for camping because you don't feel overheated all day and night. 

It was even warm enough for her to splash around in the lake.  The water was cold and she was shivering so bad, but she had so much fun!

Mark got to spend his Father's Day doing something he loves with the little girl he loves.  It made me happy all weekend to see the two of them together all smiles and hugs.

More pics here: Winthrop Camping Trip   

 

Thanful Thursday

I'm thankful to have such good running friends that they wait for me even when my alarm doesn't go off and I end up being 45 minutes late!  I have a 15 minute window, after that I'm done waiting, so they were extra generous today! 

Because I was late we only had time for 5.68 miles, not the 11 I needed.  But, since my legs still feel way over tired, my good knee was acting up, I literally jumped out of bed and left the house with no food, or blister prevention I called it a day at 5.68. 

I really felt like I was "running compromised" the last few days and would be lucky to end up without an injury.

Sometimes knowing when to quit is just as important as knowing when to push.  I'm not worried about it, I know I can run 13.1, and have my 12 miler next weekend to get back on track. 

Now, it's off to Winthrop for a long weekend of camping! 

Have a great weekend all!

A Post About Nothing Important

-Goodbye to an old friend.  I filled out the transfer of ownership papers and handed the key's to the Kia over to Justina!

She passed her driving test with an almost perfect score!!!  It's exciting to be able to hand the car off to her, and that she is excited about it.  It's actually not a bad first car for a new driver.  It already has a dent, doesn't go very fast, and not much $$ to fill it up.

-Summer sun-dress success!  I can't tell you how hard it is for me to find a dress that fits.  Being curvy makes it almost impossible to find a dress that fits on top and isn't way too big on the bottom.  Which is why I stick to skirts and tops.  But, even though I know it's mission impossible I still try.  On a whim I popped into Old Navy weeks ago and scored big time! 

  Some of my non-running purchases.

 

You can't really tell from this picture (yes I'm a lazy blog photographer...I just don't have time to take the time to take good pictures!) but it's navy blue, with little silver disks on it that look like mirrors.  It will be perfect for a summer BBQ, or drinks with the girls on one of the many decks along the waterfront. 

-After realizing that I can't manage a 2 year old darting around or trying to fling herself out of my arms and keep my purse on my shoulder, or worse have to drop it and take off running after her, I decided I needed a smallish cross body bag.  One that only has my essential stuff in it so it wouldn't hurt my shoulder, and so I can run after Sky easily.  It took a while but I found the above bag a few days ago, and it's working perfectly.  Even better, Sky has decided she needs her own bag and is perfectly happy to carry her little diaper bag herself.  Score for me!  It's pretty cute actually. 

-I'm also on a never ending mission for the perfect pair of sunglasses.  Something that is cute, that Mark likes (he has opinions about sunglasses!) yet doesn't make my ears and head hurt because they are so dang snug.  I think the glasses will work. 

This is why I try to hold onto my spending money, so I can shop when I need/want to.  Thank you Dad! 

Oh, and yes I covered my face while take the picture on purpose...was fresh out of the shower and didn't want to put the war paint on to try and look pretty for a picture.  :)

Off to sleep so I can get up early and get 11 miles in before leaving for camping! 


 

Running With a Migraine

I don't like migraine's and I really don't like ending a run with one, especially when I still have to drive home!  Not a fun way to finish a run at all!  Thankfully it was an intense yet short one and was gone by the time I got home.  I still felt hung over, which is pretty normal after a migraine for me, but at least the vision issues and intense pain were gone. 

I think my blood sugar was a little low.  I've been trying not to snack with Sky as much, but at the same time my weekly miles are going up and up and I'm hungry ALL THE TIME!  I can tell though that I'm at the sweet spot of any running or workout program I take one.  About 6 weeks in (tends to take longer and longer the older I get) the pounds drop and my body starts changing.  Probably can't tell by looking but I can feel I'm on the verge of dropping some pounds and all my cloths, running and non-running, are starting to fit looser. 

Migraine aside the run last night felt hard.  I could tell my legs are still beat from S2N.  I didn't push too much since I have the stroller group this morning and my 11 miler at 5 am tomorrow morning. 

I don't like, and never really do it, running 3 days back-to-back.  I know some runners do it and it works for them, but it's not something I do, and my body is not used to it.  I know this is the most likely injury time since my legs are tired and I'm not giving them a break.   I'm trying to be smart and not push the pace, just focus on getting the miles in.  Today is going to be a slow easy run with the stroller group.  Tomorrows 11 is with Elya, and I'm thankful we walk the hills to keep her heart rate down since she is pregnant. 

The only reason I'm running 3 days in a row is because I really want to get all the runs for the week done since we leave tomorrow for Mark's Fathers Day camping trip to Winthrop.  I want to be able to rest and enjoy us camping, just the 3 of us, for the first time.  Don't get me wrong I love camping with our friends, but there is something to be said for family time.  Plus, I was not looking forward to running in 80+ heat in an area I don't know.  If it was a short run no problem, but not 11 miles! 

Sky pics...she was excited to have yogurt for breakfast this morning.  So much so she ditched her spoon and stuck her face in the bowl to lick it up!

Now time for both of us to get ready to go run with the stroller group!

Happy Monday!

As a stay at home Mom sometimes every day feels like a Monday and sometimes every day feels like a lovely never ending weekend. 

Even though today started with a cool shower (water heater was not working, but Mark fixed it this evening!) it still felt like a lovely weekend day to Sky and I. 

We took our time having a yummy breakfast and I even had time for two cups of coffee!  We were super excited the sun was out since play dates are so much more fun in the sun.  Even though the clouds came out we still managed to get a lovely walk to Starbucks in with Jodi, Reagan, and Harrison, and still had time to play outside.  My legs felt great on the walk, not tired or sore at all!

I took advantage of the sun and not having much planned for the day to plant my "in memory of my grandparents pots" that have been sitting empty in the yard for longer than they should have. 

I was kind of waiting until I found the perfect pot for Grandma Jean, but I ended up going with the most cost effective option instead and used a pot we already had, and even got great bargains on the plants.  I know Grandma would appreciate that since she was the queen of garage sales! 

Grandpa Jack and Grandma Nore's plants.

 

Grandma Jean's plant.  Sky picked this one out.

 

I only went with one plant for Granma Jean because the pot I had to work with is small and I'm bad about overplanting.  I have my eye out for the perfect pot for her, I think it needs to be bright and turquoise with bright colorful flowers in it.  She would like that I think.  Pot's and plants are expensive though, so it will have to wait until I can find what I want for a good price, something she would appreciate. 

 

After nap time Sky decided she wanted to work on her balancing.  She pulled all the balance beam stuff out herself and moved it around until it was how she wanted it then asked for my help putting it together.  Smart cookie! 

 

 

While she played I enjoyed relaxing in the yard with a book and my first issue of Food and Wine magazine. 

 

I don't know who got me a gift subscription to Food and Wine, this is the second mystery subscription I have received the other one is Cook's Illustrated, I love them both and Thank You whomever you are! 

 

It was really nice to have a easy relaxed day today after a hard race and busy weekend.  My body needed the break!



Sound 2 Narrows Recap

WE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!  1:17 and change for my first 12K.

 

 

That's me in the yellow shirt and Michelle in the blue right next to me.  Wow is all I can say.  It's a hard course, some say the hardest road 12K in the state, and we did it!!!  I'm still so proud of us that I can hardly stand it.

 

Before I get to Michelle and I though I have to give a shout out to El.  She has had a goal time for this race, and over the last several years she has gotten faster and faster and closer and closer to her goal.  This was kind of it for her, she either hits her goal or accepts it's just not going to happen.  Guess what...she totally knocked her goal out of the park!!!!!  I'm so proud of her and all the hard work she put in to surpassing her goal!   

 

While El was crossing the finish line Michelle and I were busy hill climbing.  Let me just say that yes it is a hard course, it's all up or down hill, very little (if any) flat to give your legs a break either way.  Having said that I was so pleased with how strong I felt during the race and at the finish.    Based on all the gloom and doom I have heard about the end of the race I figured we would be clawing and crawling our way up the last hill(s) wishing we had never registered for the race.  

 

Again, it's not easy, but it was easier than I thought it would be.  I don't know if it was because we ran a warm up mile before the race, or if it's because we run 5 Mile Drive for fun even when we aren't training for anything.  Maybe it's because I'm training so much better this time around thanks to hard lessons learned (and shared with Michelle) from last year, or because we hydrated at every station.  I suppose it could be because I had my Fleet Feet Run Club Shirt on, or my new shoes are magic, or because I had my BFF running with me.  All of the above maybe? 

 

I'm still on a runners high from Saturday!  Not only because it went well and we felt strong, but because I feel great today!  I remember last year everything from 8 miles up I felt miserable later that day and for a day or two after.  Could hardly walk and lot's and lot's of pain in my legs and feet.  This time around while my legs feel tired there is zero pain.  Nothing hurts in a bad way, it's all just good old fashioned I ran hills for over an hour fatigue. 

 

While this was a race it was also a training run for our 1/2 and I learned a few things.  What not to eat the  night before!!!  That's all I'm going to say about that.  And, I'm back to the drawing board with what skirt I'm going to wear race day.  The new skirt is super cute but after mile 4 it started rubbing in places that should not be rubbed.  All my other skirts are a little too big, or once I cross the 6 - 7 mile mark they start rubbing or the shorts underneath ride up too much.  So, now I either need to find a new one, or figure out which one is going to cause the least amount of discomfort/irritation during See Jane.  Big picture though, I'm injury free and would rather have to deal with adjusting my skirt every mile than deal with pain from oh lets say tendinitis in my foot (like last year).  It's all a matter of perspective. 

 

Sky had a good weekend too...

 

 

Love her eyes peaking over the swing.  Girl loves to swing!

 



 

Sound 2 Narrows 12K Tomorrow!

I'm excited for tomorrow.  Mostly because a new distance = an automatic PR not matter what.  Well, as long as I finish that is, which I don't see why I wouldn't.

Never mind that I am desperately regretting the P90X Yoga workout I did Thursday.  I even skipped lot's and lot's of stuff and took out all the pushups (too many pushups make my upper body so stiff when running) and hard leg stuff, and my hamstrings are still so sore I could cry.  The worst part is I'm not totally sure it's I worked my muscles hard sore, or it's I over stretched my hamstrings sore.  When they were doing hard stuff on the DVD I stretched my legs and really got deep into the stretches.  I just wanted a little bit of a workout with making myself too sore for race day.  :( 

And, never mind that I put too much chili sauce on my noodle bowl tonight and am pretty sure I will regret that at some point during the race tomorrow.  At least the bathrooms along 5 Mile Drive are open this time of year! 

Other than that I'm excited for tomorrow!  I was registered to do this race last year, but  missed it.  Since it was a death in the family the organizer was kind enough to comp my registration this year!  So, Michelle and I are using the 12K race as part of our 10 mile training run tomorrow. 

My mindset for training runs, especially longer ones that are new mileage for Michelle, is totally different than my mindset for a race.  I'm really going to have to remind myself that ultimately this is a straining run for our 1/2, and I need to pace like I plan on pacing for the 1/2.

I'm just glad Michelle decided to register for the race.  There are some nasty hills and it's way easier to run hills when your best friend is right there with you!

So you don't miss the From The Kitchen post I usually do on Friday's here you go...

 

 

It really does work...after using the green part of green onions put the white part with roots still attached in water, let it catch some sun and soon you have new green onion growth.  I'm going to get a whole batch of these going and never buy green onions again! 

 

And, so you don't miss your Sky pic fix....

 

Helping Daddy while he worked under the utility trailer.  She handed him tools and sorted all the bolts and stuff. 

 

 

Of course she had to get under there with him.  Thankfully Mark is extra careful and I was confident it was safe for both of them to be under there.

 

 

 From her play date today...her favorite thing is being chased behind the couch!  Selah (Elya's youngest) was happy to oblige.   

 

 

Note that sharing her chair is NOT her favorite thing!  Sky - "Get her out of my chair right now!"  Selah - "Fat chance, I'm comfy and I'm not moving!"

 

They worked it out and had fun playing together.  Thank you Elya for letting Selah hang out with us! 

 

Enjoy your weekend and run fast if your racing!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Thankful Thursday

Things I'm thankful for today:

-I'm thankful that I have such awesome friends to run with, especially because I'm not a pretty runner. 

El, Elya, and Michelle in particular get the joy of running with me at my best, and at my worst! 

From little things like my face turning a scary shade of red and sounding like I'm taking my last breath when I try to talk while running.  To having to spit a lot (thank you chronic sinus issues), GI issues, randomly blurting out lyrics from whatever song is playing in my ear, to flailing shaking my arms out periodically.  It's not always pretty, ok it's never pretty, but we have fun, or at least I do.  They are probably counting the miles until every run is done! 

Thank you guys for putting up with me! 

-That Sky is a foodie!  She eats anything and everything we give her.  There are only two things I know she doesn't like - cilantro and mushrooms.  Other than that she will eat anything from fish eyeballs to spicy salsa and curries, to...

...chicken bones.  She loves chicken and steak bones and will get every last little bit of meat off them.  She actually ended up cracking the bone open and trying to eat pieces of bone.  Our little cave girl! 

-The SUN!  We just don't have this nice of weather this early around here.  So, we are making the most of it and spending as much time outside as possible! 

-This picture of Sky and Gentry...

 

...just hanging out having something cold to drink.  Playing in the yard it hard work!

 

-Sky and I have a day at home today.  No errands to run, and no running to be done.  I will sneak in some yoga during nap time, but we get to spend time in the sun playing and I get to get a few things around the house taken care of! 

 

-Oh, and I'm always thankful for Thursday morning breakfast!  Since I don't run on Thursday's I get to eat whatever I want for breakfast without worrying about having the runs while running.  Yep, I went there!  Bacon, eggs, and some strawberry honey Greek yogurt, kind of perfect!

 

Happy Thursday!  What are you thankful for? 

Play Time, Running Time, SUN Time!

It's National Running Day!!!  What are your running plans? 

Sky and I have a new 3 mile route to lead the Stroller Group on this morning, it has one killer hill right at the end...not sure how that is going to go over, but we will see.  I always figure we can just stop and walk it, let's not kill ourselves while pushing strollers!

It was a hot run last night...I'm not complaining though...bring on the sun, I would rather have sunny (play outside = happy Sky) days and hot runs than rain! 

Our 5 miles felt harder than I was expecting.  My legs were still pretty tired from the weekend.  All the walking around and chasing Sky at Relay on top of the 8 miles.  But, I'm still injury free and thankful for that.

I could tell my legs were not having it though because I was landing different on my right side, and have a sore spot that feels like a blister, but is more of an impact/pressure sore spot on my big toe.  It's really hard in my new shoes to even land on my big toes, so I was really doing something wrong/different.  I tried to adjust but just couldn't get my legs to do what I wanted them to.  But, we got it done. 

Next week is our last 5 mile Tuesday night run, we bump up to 6 and all our other runs during the week take a jump up as well.  I'm looking forward to it! 

In non-running news we have been busy playing around here. 

Sky and Reagan had missed play dates for a couple weeks so this Monday was a belated birthday gift exchange and long overdue play time! 

The girls have a lot of freedom at Jodi's house because it's all kiddo proof, so they get to roam around upstairs, downstairs etc.  Sky especially likes the stairs, because we don't have any in our house so it's a fun new thing for her.

Yesterday we spent the afternoon outside in the sun! 

No we don't make her wear her bike helmet to slide.  She was riding her bike earlier and didn't want to take the helmet off. 

She is getting good at the balance beam!!!  She was standing in the above picture waving her hand around saying balance, balance, balance. 

I'm looking forward to some time in the sun this afternoon reading my book with a glass of wine while she visit's the grandparents!  LOVE the sun!

Weekend Update

Busy, busy weekend!  It started Friday night at Lakewood Relay For Life.  I guess I don't have much to say about Relay, other than it was Relay.  We raised money, we walked, ran, and had fun.  I will admit I sort of felt out of the Relay spirit this year.  And, I think going home and missing some of the ceremonies leads to a bit of a disconnect.  I'm not complaining, it just felt different this year.

We did have lovely weather though, and Sky had a blast.  One of the things I love about the Lakewood Relay is that it's small enough for the kids to run around and you don't lose track of them.   

Bob & Kiera and Mark and Sky.  The girls wanted to hold hands around the track.

 

Hanging out at Relay.

 

 

I needed 8 miles this weekend for training and was able to get 3 of those miles in Saturday morning at Relay.  Track running is so boring, SO BORING!!!  But, the upside is it gives your body a break from pavement and it's pretty mindless.  Don't have to worry about cars, cracked sidewalks etc. 

 

After Relay was over I was able to meet Elya at her checkpoint for her last leg of Rainier to Ruston, a relay of a different sort!  It was a little over 5 miles so was perfect to help me round out my 8 miles for the day.

 

It started a little rough with knee deep mud puddles.  I will admit I was a little irritated about that because I was in my nice, less than a 100 miles on them, pretty road shoes.  Had I had my trail shoes on I wouldn't have cared in the least.  I tried tiptoeing around them, but they took up the whole trail and I almost fell in completely because of the mud.  I knew the first little part was on a trail, but also knew the rest was pounding pavement, so went with the road shoes.  

 

Elya told me to climb the bank and go around on the road up above if I wanted, but there was no way I was going to let the pregnant runner forge ahead on her own when I'm supposed to be her run support.  So, I got over it, plunged in and had a blast!  I was a little worried about blisters with wet socks and shoes for the rest of the run, but Tuf-Skin did it's job not even a hint of a blister!   

 

I had a blast running with Elya, no thanks to that leg of the race though.  It was hot with no shade, ugly industrial part of Fife and Tacoma, and I totally understand why Elya wanted company.  Even though that leg is an ugly one and not much fun to run, I love running with Elya and feel like the two of us can conquer any running challenge we take on together! 

 

It's a different perspective too running in a support capacity for someone else.  I was paying so much attention to her and how she was breathing, did she need water or gel, and how hot/hilly it was that I didn't have any time at all to think about any pain, discomfort, distain for the rout that I was having.  Easily the fastest 5 miles I have done, not pace wise, we walked the hills and kept her heart rate down since she is running for two, but in terms of it just seemed to go by really fast. 

 

I'm glad I had the opportunity to run with Elya, and hope I provided good support for her.  I'm excited for Rainier to Ruston next year!!!  I have been wanting to do a relay event and next year is the year, and R2R is the race!  The nice thing is I was sore after 8 miles, but not in pain!  I feel so much better this year in my training cycle than I did last year at this point in the training cycle!     

 

 

Today we got stuff done around the house and then hit Bob and the girls up for a BBQ this afternoon.  Yummy steak and play time in the yard and at the park with the Beckham girls = Sky not putting up a bedtime fight!