For my sister and her husband that is! They run the SanFran marathon tomorrow. I know they are going to do amazing and kick BOOTY!!!
I will be thinking of them and waiting for the much anticipated post-race report that my sister gives after every race!
My thought are with you Beth and Brian!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Big Change
I knew that life would change once we had Sky. I was ready and looking forward to all the changes, and for the most part it has been a pretty easy adjustment. Mostly because Sky is such an easy baby.
One thing that was not going to change was me working. Our plan has always been for me to go back to work after my leave was up.
Well, I got a phone call from my manager when we were on vacation and he let me know that MultiCare was laying over 300 employees off and my department was taking a pretty heavy hit. Not only were we losing employees, we were being restructured and possibly combined with HR and reporting up through my old manager (would rather eat worms then work for her again!).
He also let me know there was a voluntary layoff option. If I volunteered to take a layoff the severance would be MUCH better.
Mark and I talked about it and realized that with the severance, our savings/investments, the money we get back on our taxes in the adoption credit it would all combine and allow me to stay home with Sky for her first year.
So, with a bit of trepidation in my heart I signed the voluntary layoff paperwork over a week ago. I found out today that it had been accepted.
I go in tomorrow to sign the final paperwork and clean out my desk.
I have zero reservations about deciding to stay home with our baby for at least the first year. The only thing that is hard for me is not being self sufficient. If something happened to Mark I don't have a job to support myself and Sky with.
But, it was an opportunity that could not be passed up, so I took it, and now I get to spend every day with the most wonderful little lady in the world.
One thing that was not going to change was me working. Our plan has always been for me to go back to work after my leave was up.
Well, I got a phone call from my manager when we were on vacation and he let me know that MultiCare was laying over 300 employees off and my department was taking a pretty heavy hit. Not only were we losing employees, we were being restructured and possibly combined with HR and reporting up through my old manager (would rather eat worms then work for her again!).
He also let me know there was a voluntary layoff option. If I volunteered to take a layoff the severance would be MUCH better.
Mark and I talked about it and realized that with the severance, our savings/investments, the money we get back on our taxes in the adoption credit it would all combine and allow me to stay home with Sky for her first year.
So, with a bit of trepidation in my heart I signed the voluntary layoff paperwork over a week ago. I found out today that it had been accepted.
I go in tomorrow to sign the final paperwork and clean out my desk.
I have zero reservations about deciding to stay home with our baby for at least the first year. The only thing that is hard for me is not being self sufficient. If something happened to Mark I don't have a job to support myself and Sky with.
But, it was an opportunity that could not be passed up, so I took it, and now I get to spend every day with the most wonderful little lady in the world.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Wedding Weekend in Hood River
Mark and I spent the weekend in Hood River for my friend Lesley's wedding. I have known Lesley for a long. We had all sorts of fun when we shared an office, she hosted our wedding reception in her back yard, and through all the years and her move to Portland we stay in touch and manage to visit in person several times a year.
I can't tell you how excited I was for her and Trevor to tie the knot. They are perfect for each other, and picked a wonderfully beautiful setting to share their love and commitment with friends and family.
I can't tell you how excited I was for her and Trevor to tie the knot. They are perfect for each other, and picked a wonderfully beautiful setting to share their love and commitment with friends and family.
Lesley holding Sky. This was the first opportunity she had to meet Sky.
Trevor and Lesley enjoy traveling together and Trevor is a very good photographer. So instead of assigning guests to table's using numbers, we were all assigned to a destination. Each table had a picture (taken by Trevor) of a different destination that the two of them have visited together. We were sent to the Grand Canyon, and I love it that there was a name card for Sky as well!
We have found that Sky LOVES laying in the grass, free to kick her legs and arms and burn off some steam. She had been in her car seat most of the day and had been held by Mark and I to get through the ceremony. During the reception she kicked it in the grass for at least an hour if not longer. All kicks and giggles!
Sky and I waiting for the ceremony to start.
She likes how pretty she looks in her wedding outfit!
Before heading home today we decided to explore a bit and drove the "Fruit Loop" around Hood River. There were a lot of fruit stands, orchards, and wineries to visit. We made a few stops for fruit and preserves and ended with a wine tasting at one of the award winning wineries.
We had some time to kill before brunch this morning with the newlyweds, so Mark put his camera and her smiles to good use.
I love her little fists...she always looks like she is ready for a fight.
The last week or so she really loves, and needs some time to just be a baby on her own and kick her legs and arms.
We had horrible traffic on the way home...ended up taking twice as long as it should have to get from Castle Rock to Lakewood. We had to make a few more feeding stops than we thought we would, this was the last one before getting home. It had been a long, hot day in the car for her and she was out before I could finish burping her. I think she fell asleep just to block out the horror of being stuck in the car seat and stuck in traffic.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Dear Sky
I love you so much baby girl, and I really can't remember life before you joined our family. It's been two months and I still look at you in awe that I get to be your mommy. I love EVERYTHING about being your mommy. Even the waking up in the middle of the night, the daily over-filled diapers, and getting spit up on 3 or 4 times a day.
I love our standing 3:30 am date every morning. It's my special time with you when the rest of our world is asleep. It's just you and me with no one asking to hold you or wanting time with you. That middle of the night feeding is the most peaceful feeding of all. You don't fuss much and you are usually totally asleep as you finish the last of the bottle.
I actually kind of dread when you old enough that you don't need that 3:30 am feeding. I'm going to miss the night light reflecting off you big beautiful eyes as you gaze up at me. And, even though everything I have read says to not interact with you so that you go right back to sleep I just can't help but whisper in your ear how much I love you and smile back when you grin at me.
I so hoped we would get a baby that liked to cuddle and we sure got that with you. You LOVE to be snuggled in our arms. While that makes it difficult, if not impossible, to get some tasks around the house done, I know soon enough you will be crawling and walking and you won't be interested in snuggling with us any more. So, I spend however much time you need snuggling to be happy. Yep, it makes it hard to keep up with the housework, but I don't care. I love knowing that all I have to do is pick you up and snuggle, and you are happy and it fixes everything for you.
You diaper changes have become much more entertaining. The last few days you have started smiling like crazy and giggling when I change your diaper. You absolutely do not like having a dirty diaper, and are so happy when I put a fresh clean one on you. We have our best conversations at the changing table.
Part of me wishes you could stay this way forever. But, since that isn't possible I'm focusing on enjoying every minute of every day that I have with you. You will be a grown up for such a long time, but you are only a baby for a few months and I'm cherishing every moment.
I love you little girl!
I love our standing 3:30 am date every morning. It's my special time with you when the rest of our world is asleep. It's just you and me with no one asking to hold you or wanting time with you. That middle of the night feeding is the most peaceful feeding of all. You don't fuss much and you are usually totally asleep as you finish the last of the bottle.
I actually kind of dread when you old enough that you don't need that 3:30 am feeding. I'm going to miss the night light reflecting off you big beautiful eyes as you gaze up at me. And, even though everything I have read says to not interact with you so that you go right back to sleep I just can't help but whisper in your ear how much I love you and smile back when you grin at me.
I so hoped we would get a baby that liked to cuddle and we sure got that with you. You LOVE to be snuggled in our arms. While that makes it difficult, if not impossible, to get some tasks around the house done, I know soon enough you will be crawling and walking and you won't be interested in snuggling with us any more. So, I spend however much time you need snuggling to be happy. Yep, it makes it hard to keep up with the housework, but I don't care. I love knowing that all I have to do is pick you up and snuggle, and you are happy and it fixes everything for you.
You diaper changes have become much more entertaining. The last few days you have started smiling like crazy and giggling when I change your diaper. You absolutely do not like having a dirty diaper, and are so happy when I put a fresh clean one on you. We have our best conversations at the changing table.
Part of me wishes you could stay this way forever. But, since that isn't possible I'm focusing on enjoying every minute of every day that I have with you. You will be a grown up for such a long time, but you are only a baby for a few months and I'm cherishing every moment.
I love you little girl!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
More Vacation Pics
These are in no particular order...blogger gives me nothing but issues when it comes to pics!
I added this one because her Red Eye's make her look totally evil and she is totally sweet and cute and not evil at all. Not even when she wakes me up at 3 every morning. :)
Her first time in the pool. It looks like she is freaking out, but she loved it! And when she is not in her swaddle this is her normal sleeping position, so it must me how she is the most comfortable.
Is she dancing or boxing in her car seat?
Sky meeting Great Grandma for the first time! On our way to Park City we spent the first night in Benton City with my Aunt and Uncle so they could meet Sky, and then the next morning we had breakfast with Dad and Val and the rest of the family so they could all meet her. It was a nice way to start our vacation.
Our first day in Park City and mark already has a best friend.
Kiera kissing Sky. This happened every 2 minutes it seemed. Kiera was very into being near Sky and helping out with burp cloths and giving lots and lots of kisses.
Our first evening in Park City we didn't do much other than check in and get settled. We were welcomed by a Thunder, Lightning, and Hail storm. This was how Grace chose to watch the storm.
Can't tell they are sisters can you? Same smile or grimace, not sure what that look is.
Mark and I took a day to check out Deer Valley the next town up the valley and drive up to the top of the peak. This is one of the lodges we say. Part of it is at the bottom of the hill and the other part is at the top and there is a elevator/carriage that take people from bottom to top and top to bottom.
This was a cool barn we drove past several times. There were very nice paved trails all around the barn and one of our evening walks took us past the barn.
This is a bridge in Idaho, on our way home we say base jumpers jumping off the bridge.
This is a Banksy piece...google him...very cool graffiti artist!
In the distance you can see a beach and past that the Great Salt Lake. We swam in the lake and let me tell you it was the most disgusting water I have ever been in. Due to the poop from the brine shrimp and all the fly's the water is literally poop water. Your feet sink in up to the ankle. But once you get out far enough into a little cleaner water you float like crazy because of how salty the water is. You just sit down like in a chair and lift your feet up and float around like mad. But, still the most yukky water EVER! Plus we had a layer of salt covering us when we got out of the water.
Antelope island is an island in the Great Salt Lake with tons of wildlife. We saw Antelope, Buffalo, Deer, Pelicans, and lots and lots of fly's and bugs.
All in all a very fun trip. Love Park City. Hope we get to go back some day.
I added this one because her Red Eye's make her look totally evil and she is totally sweet and cute and not evil at all. Not even when she wakes me up at 3 every morning. :)
Her first time in the pool. It looks like she is freaking out, but she loved it! And when she is not in her swaddle this is her normal sleeping position, so it must me how she is the most comfortable.
Is she dancing or boxing in her car seat?
Sky meeting Great Grandma for the first time! On our way to Park City we spent the first night in Benton City with my Aunt and Uncle so they could meet Sky, and then the next morning we had breakfast with Dad and Val and the rest of the family so they could all meet her. It was a nice way to start our vacation.
Our first day in Park City and mark already has a best friend.
Kiera kissing Sky. This happened every 2 minutes it seemed. Kiera was very into being near Sky and helping out with burp cloths and giving lots and lots of kisses.
Our first evening in Park City we didn't do much other than check in and get settled. We were welcomed by a Thunder, Lightning, and Hail storm. This was how Grace chose to watch the storm.
Can't tell they are sisters can you? Same smile or grimace, not sure what that look is.
Mark and I took a day to check out Deer Valley the next town up the valley and drive up to the top of the peak. This is one of the lodges we say. Part of it is at the bottom of the hill and the other part is at the top and there is a elevator/carriage that take people from bottom to top and top to bottom.
This was a cool barn we drove past several times. There were very nice paved trails all around the barn and one of our evening walks took us past the barn. 
This is a bridge in Idaho, on our way home we say base jumpers jumping off the bridge.
This is a Banksy piece...google him...very cool graffiti artist!
In the distance you can see a beach and past that the Great Salt Lake. We swam in the lake and let me tell you it was the most disgusting water I have ever been in. Due to the poop from the brine shrimp and all the fly's the water is literally poop water. Your feet sink in up to the ankle. But once you get out far enough into a little cleaner water you float like crazy because of how salty the water is. You just sit down like in a chair and lift your feet up and float around like mad. But, still the most yukky water EVER! Plus we had a layer of salt covering us when we got out of the water. 
Antelope island is an island in the Great Salt Lake with tons of wildlife. We saw Antelope, Buffalo, Deer, Pelicans, and lots and lots of fly's and bugs.
All in all a very fun trip. Love Park City. Hope we get to go back some day.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Back from Vacation
We got back Sunday evening and we had a great time. There are a ton of pics which Mark is still working on uploading and editing. In the meantime here are a few pics Bob and Michelle took.
At an overlook somewhere between OR and ID.
Michelle and I with a bear in Park City.
Michelle's mom watched all the kids one evening so the 4 of us could hit the town. We went out to a nice dinner and then found a saloon to have a few drinks in. This is us goofing around on the way back to the truck.
We were able to do a bob sled run on the Olympic run from the 02 Olympics. It was 4g's at 78 ish mph and over in about a minute. What a blast though and crazy to feel what it's like for the bob sled teams. It was an actual bob sled with a pro driver. I wouldn't do it again, but I'm glad I got to do it.
As for running on vacation, well I had no idea Park City was at 7,000 plus feet. Lets just say that I get altitude sickness starting at 5,000 feet. So, the running didn't happen. I felt like crap pretty much the whole time we were there. Michelle and I managed some great walks, but I couldn't breath and felt sick to my stomach.
Once I have access to Mark's pics I will do a more complete vaca post. We did a lot of fun things and Sky had some firsts, but they are better with pics.
Once I have access to Mark's pics I will do a more complete vaca post. We did a lot of fun things and Sky had some firsts, but they are better with pics.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Vacation Time!
We leave for Park City tomorrow! While I'm not looking forward to making the drive with a 5 week old who doesn't seem to enjoy her car seat much, I am really looking forward to being away from it all for a week.
While we have free WiFi in the condo, I'm not sure how connected I'm going to be. We tend to try and take a break from it all when we are on vacation. So there may not be any posts again until the 18th or 19th.
Since I know most of you really only check the blog in hopes of new pictures of Sky I will leave you with two new pics.
Her new swimsuit fits! Even though she still can't be in the sun yet she is going to look cute at the pool! There is an adorable cover-up that goes with it as well.
Her new Baby Legs! I love these things. I have been patiently waiting for the pair my cousin gave me to fit. My friend El gave us this NB pair and they fit! So cute!!
While we have free WiFi in the condo, I'm not sure how connected I'm going to be. We tend to try and take a break from it all when we are on vacation. So there may not be any posts again until the 18th or 19th.
Since I know most of you really only check the blog in hopes of new pictures of Sky I will leave you with two new pics.
Her new swimsuit fits! Even though she still can't be in the sun yet she is going to look cute at the pool! There is an adorable cover-up that goes with it as well.
Her new Baby Legs! I love these things. I have been patiently waiting for the pair my cousin gave me to fit. My friend El gave us this NB pair and they fit! So cute!!
I'm a little sad that it seems like it may be time to see if the 0-3 month stuff fits. Some her NB stuff is getting tight, and since the swimsuit and cover up are 0-3 months and fit perfect I think it's time to try some new stuff in the next size up. After her morning nap I'm going to play dressing room with her for as long as she will tolerate it.
P.S. I feel like a real runner...I'm packing my running stuff and plan on hitting a few trails in Park City. I have found a few runs that look like they will be really pretty. The thought of not running for over a week makes me crazy!
P.S. I feel like a real runner...I'm packing my running stuff and plan on hitting a few trails in Park City. I have found a few runs that look like they will be really pretty. The thought of not running for over a week makes me crazy!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
My Legs Hate Me
Maybe I'm being a wiener, but my legs hurt. A lot! Still!
I know it does not help that I am walking every day with Sky in her Moby. Seems to be the only way she calms down when she is really fussy. Put in the Moby wrap and talk a walk and she is out within 2 minutes, but the walks last much longer than that.
It also does not help that I'm doing P90X as well, and I'm not skipping workouts because my legs are sore form a little trail run.
BTW - I started out doing a 90 program, but have switched over to a hybrid between P90X and the 90 program I started. The 90 day program is the EXACT same cardio routine for the whole 90 days...boring! It is the exact same strength training for 10 days, I get a new strength training program every 10 days, but I HATE doing the same workout day after day after day! Boring!!!
So I have decided to do my own thing...shocking I know. I'm doing P90X 2 to 3 times a week, running at least 2 to 3 times a week, and doing the strength training portion of my 90 program on the days I'm not doing P90X.
I do my workouts in the mornings and then meet up with Michelle in the afternoons for our runs.
Anyway. My legs are not getting a break. Mark suggested last night that perhaps I should take it a bit easy this week as we leave Friday for Park City and the one thing that fires up my bad hip is riding in the car for hours. Starting out a long car trip with an already sore hip is probably not the best idea.
In a twisted way I sort of like being sore. At least I know I'm getting good workouts in.
I know it does not help that I am walking every day with Sky in her Moby. Seems to be the only way she calms down when she is really fussy. Put in the Moby wrap and talk a walk and she is out within 2 minutes, but the walks last much longer than that.
It also does not help that I'm doing P90X as well, and I'm not skipping workouts because my legs are sore form a little trail run.
BTW - I started out doing a 90 program, but have switched over to a hybrid between P90X and the 90 program I started. The 90 day program is the EXACT same cardio routine for the whole 90 days...boring! It is the exact same strength training for 10 days, I get a new strength training program every 10 days, but I HATE doing the same workout day after day after day! Boring!!!
So I have decided to do my own thing...shocking I know. I'm doing P90X 2 to 3 times a week, running at least 2 to 3 times a week, and doing the strength training portion of my 90 program on the days I'm not doing P90X.
I do my workouts in the mornings and then meet up with Michelle in the afternoons for our runs.
Anyway. My legs are not getting a break. Mark suggested last night that perhaps I should take it a bit easy this week as we leave Friday for Park City and the one thing that fires up my bad hip is riding in the car for hours. Starting out a long car trip with an already sore hip is probably not the best idea.
In a twisted way I sort of like being sore. At least I know I'm getting good workouts in.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Pics of Sky
A few pictures of Sky that I don't think have been on the blog already.
Mark and I decided today was the perfect day to have our first picnic at the park with Sky. We did our 4th festivities with Bob and Michelle at their BBQ last night, so today was just a chill day for us. We got take-out and headed to Pt. Defiance. Bonus was we could see the fighter jets performing over Ruston Way. Was pretty cool!
My favorite picture. Mark kissing Sky while burping her.
Mark feeding Sky.
Sky's first picnic and the park was beautiful!
Enjoying sitting up time in her new Boppy. It seems to be a big hit with her. Thank you Grandma Val and Grandpa Steve!
Not enjoying tummy time so much. This is an odd shot because for the most part she actually likes tummy time.
Mark and I decided today was the perfect day to have our first picnic at the park with Sky. We did our 4th festivities with Bob and Michelle at their BBQ last night, so today was just a chill day for us. We got take-out and headed to Pt. Defiance. Bonus was we could see the fighter jets performing over Ruston Way. Was pretty cool!
My favorite picture. Mark kissing Sky while burping her. 
Mark feeding Sky.
Sky's first picnic and the park was beautiful! 
Enjoying sitting up time in her new Boppy. It seems to be a big hit with her. Thank you Grandma Val and Grandpa Steve!
Not enjoying tummy time so much. This is an odd shot because for the most part she actually likes tummy time.
Lord Hill Photos
A few pics from the race...there are a few more on my sisters link. Was a wonderfully sunny day, I was thankful for that. This would have been miserable with rain and mud.
Race start. I'm forth back on the right of the picture in all black. Michelle is on the left of me in a green shirt. At this point we had no idea what we had gotten ourselves into. We purposely started at the back of the pack. We feel better when we can pass people rather than being passed. Not that there was a lot of passing going on either way.
One of the many hills in the first 1.7 miles. This was not the steepest one by any means.
The smile on Michelle's face is because we are at the finish line. One of the things I love about Michelle is her smile. She smiles no matter how gnarly things get.
At this point my earphones fell out and I was yelling finish line to Michelle. Even though it was a difficult race I felt pretty good physically, but was so excited to see the finish line and that it was over.
Race start. I'm forth back on the right of the picture in all black. Michelle is on the left of me in a green shirt. At this point we had no idea what we had gotten ourselves into. We purposely started at the back of the pack. We feel better when we can pass people rather than being passed. Not that there was a lot of passing going on either way.
One of the many hills in the first 1.7 miles. This was not the steepest one by any means.
The smile on Michelle's face is because we are at the finish line. One of the things I love about Michelle is her smile. She smiles no matter how gnarly things get.
At this point my earphones fell out and I was yelling finish line to Michelle. Even though it was a difficult race I felt pretty good physically, but was so excited to see the finish line and that it was over.
I Made My Sisters Blog!!
Check it out here...http://lathamsontherun.blogspot.com/2011/07/nothing-but-love-and-proudness.html
I can't tell you how much it means to me that she is proud enough of me to give me a shout out on her blog!
She is my insperation for running and SO much more in life!
Wish I had the nice Cali tan so I don't glow so much in the pics! :)
I can't tell you how much it means to me that she is proud enough of me to give me a shout out on her blog!
She is my insperation for running and SO much more in life!
Wish I had the nice Cali tan so I don't glow so much in the pics! :)
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Lord Hill - The Day After
My calf's feel like they are going to explode. They are so tight and sore from all the hill work yesterday. My quads feel strange...like they are really, really week. Not sore exactly, just like they are crying and saying "please don't make me work any more".
I was STARVING all day yesterday. No matter what I ate: fruit, veggies, carbs and protein, and no matter how often I ate I was still hungry and had a pretty bad headache in the afternoon/evening.
Aside from how my legs feel my head and hunger feel back to normal today thankfully.
It's probably a good thing that the only thing we have planned today is to bbq and relax with Bob and Michelle.
I was STARVING all day yesterday. No matter what I ate: fruit, veggies, carbs and protein, and no matter how often I ate I was still hungry and had a pretty bad headache in the afternoon/evening.
Aside from how my legs feel my head and hunger feel back to normal today thankfully.
It's probably a good thing that the only thing we have planned today is to bbq and relax with Bob and Michelle.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Lord Hell...I Mean Hill
First of all we finished, and I am PROUD of us for that!
Stats:
Time - around 1:10 hours. Average pace was 14.52 per mile. The first 2 miles were slow...over 17 per mile, but included three back to back really steep hills.
Distance - my GPS said 4.76 miles the race was billed as 5 miles so not sure who is wrong them or my GPS.
Elevation - Over 1100 total, with over 750 in the first 1.6 miles alone.
We enjoyed (insert smirk here) snakes, Lord Hill (which was so steep not a single runner ran it, and some of us had to use the tall grass along the side of the trail to help pull ourselves up), mud, horse poop all over the place, water crossing, fallen tree to climb over, HOT SUN beating on us most of the time, beautiful single track trails through the woods, some very steep tricky down hill descents, and trails that were narrow and were steeply slanted toward drop offs.
I answered the question to "do you have to run an entire race to say you ran it?" The answer is HECK NO! We fought for every single step we took walking or running. We ran that race and earned all the mud and sweat we crossed the finish line with.
Even if we had wanted to, and been able to run the entire way we couldn't have because some of the trails were so narrow it was impossible to pass. If the person in front of you was walking so was everyone behind them. There were some brutal up-hill climbs that no one ran, not even the hard core runners, and some of the descents were so riddled with rocks and roots that you couldn't really run or you would fall. Was more of a runners shuffle for a lot of it.
I learned a few things during this race. I LOVE single track trails there the woods that just wind around. So pretty and offered a really nice recover stretch as it was pretty flat. Michelle and I can run 5 miles no problem, as long as it is a "normal" 5 miles race with no crazy ass hills to climb.
This race challenged me in so many ways and I feel so good about completing it. Due to a lot of factors we had a serious lack of training and we have always been sort of lazy in our hill training, but we still made it. With a little more focus and a more steady running schedule longer races are so in our future.
One again Thank You to Michelle! She is my perfect running partner. Offering support when needed and heads up on mud pits, roots and rocks to look out for.
I'm glad it's over, not sure how I feel about doing that one again, we have a year to think about it though. In the meantime I'm going to enjoy feeling pretty BAD ASS for accomplishing what we did today!
Stats:
Time - around 1:10 hours. Average pace was 14.52 per mile. The first 2 miles were slow...over 17 per mile, but included three back to back really steep hills.
Distance - my GPS said 4.76 miles the race was billed as 5 miles so not sure who is wrong them or my GPS.
Elevation - Over 1100 total, with over 750 in the first 1.6 miles alone.
We enjoyed (insert smirk here) snakes, Lord Hill (which was so steep not a single runner ran it, and some of us had to use the tall grass along the side of the trail to help pull ourselves up), mud, horse poop all over the place, water crossing, fallen tree to climb over, HOT SUN beating on us most of the time, beautiful single track trails through the woods, some very steep tricky down hill descents, and trails that were narrow and were steeply slanted toward drop offs.
I answered the question to "do you have to run an entire race to say you ran it?" The answer is HECK NO! We fought for every single step we took walking or running. We ran that race and earned all the mud and sweat we crossed the finish line with.
Even if we had wanted to, and been able to run the entire way we couldn't have because some of the trails were so narrow it was impossible to pass. If the person in front of you was walking so was everyone behind them. There were some brutal up-hill climbs that no one ran, not even the hard core runners, and some of the descents were so riddled with rocks and roots that you couldn't really run or you would fall. Was more of a runners shuffle for a lot of it.
I learned a few things during this race. I LOVE single track trails there the woods that just wind around. So pretty and offered a really nice recover stretch as it was pretty flat. Michelle and I can run 5 miles no problem, as long as it is a "normal" 5 miles race with no crazy ass hills to climb.
This race challenged me in so many ways and I feel so good about completing it. Due to a lot of factors we had a serious lack of training and we have always been sort of lazy in our hill training, but we still made it. With a little more focus and a more steady running schedule longer races are so in our future.
One again Thank You to Michelle! She is my perfect running partner. Offering support when needed and heads up on mud pits, roots and rocks to look out for.
I'm glad it's over, not sure how I feel about doing that one again, we have a year to think about it though. In the meantime I'm going to enjoy feeling pretty BAD ASS for accomplishing what we did today!
Friday, July 1, 2011
Lord Hill Trail Run
Michelle and I have our first 5 mile race tomorrow. I love that it is a trail run, I get way less bored on trail runs.
I'm going into this race without having had a full nights sleep in over a month, a serious lack of training runs, and not nearly as much cardio as I'm used to.
I have however had my pre-race massage's. Yes two of them. One to work on chronic hip pain the other one was today and was a little more than a feel good massage but not the usual deep tissue painful experience I usually go through.
I'm going in to this confident that I'm able to run 5 miles...we did over 6 a week or two ago...and I'm determined to run the entire way.
However, I'm also willing to cut myself some slack tomorrow. I have been a bit busy with a new baby and that sort of turned things upside down for a bit, and I'm supper tired. So while I will give it my all tomorrow, my all may not be what it used to be. No matter what happens I will enjoy the sun, the trails, and the awesome after race lunch being served.
I'm going into this race without having had a full nights sleep in over a month, a serious lack of training runs, and not nearly as much cardio as I'm used to.
I have however had my pre-race massage's. Yes two of them. One to work on chronic hip pain the other one was today and was a little more than a feel good massage but not the usual deep tissue painful experience I usually go through.
I'm going in to this confident that I'm able to run 5 miles...we did over 6 a week or two ago...and I'm determined to run the entire way.
However, I'm also willing to cut myself some slack tomorrow. I have been a bit busy with a new baby and that sort of turned things upside down for a bit, and I'm supper tired. So while I will give it my all tomorrow, my all may not be what it used to be. No matter what happens I will enjoy the sun, the trails, and the awesome after race lunch being served.
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