National Coffee Day!

I do love my coffee, and you would think as a blogger I would have an awesome coffee pic to share, but I don't.  I'm currently drinking a salted caramel iced coffee that I made myself this morning! Sometimes it's hot coffee, but more and more it's iced because it's less acidic and kinder to my tummy.

Whatever coffee you're drinking today enjoy it!

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We found ourselves with an unexpected free Saturday, nice weather, and no plan as to what to do when our original plans fell through.  Thankfully we stumbled across the Watershed Festival on the Nisqually Nature Preserve, it was free, and there was a ton of activities that we knew Sky would love!

We had so much fun watching her have fun and exploring the boardwalk through the preserve!

 There was fish painting, printing a fish on a shirt, face painting, henna, beading, bird house building and it was all free!!!  Sky just went from booth to booth having a blast painting, building, playing and exploring!

This was by far her favorite thing!  They are colorful capes but most of them are animals so the hood is the face and the arms are the wings, or legs, or whatever.  The arms had sticks in them so when you lifted your arms if you were a bird the wings flapped like you were flying.  There was just enough of a breeze that the caps were all fluttering so pretty in the breeze.  Once there were enough kiddos dressed up a volunteer would lead them through the festival in a parade.  Sky LOVED it!!!!  We wen't back to this over and over and by the end of the day she had tried every cape on, and talked Daddy, Grampy and me into as well.

 Getting the sticks ready so she could flutter her arms in the parade.

 I love this pick because for one she's listening to Mark explain how to do it, and because when she concentrating she sticks her tongue out and it's adorable! 

School bus selfie!  Sky was so excited there was a school bus ride involved!

 So much green!  It was a pretty walk and it's crazy to think this is right next to I-5!

There is something so exhausting about being out in the sun on your feet all day long!  Chasing after Sky and managing her just adds to the exhaustion.  I was very happy to bundle up in a blanket after dinner and enjoy a glass of wine on the new wine patio!  Have to make the most of it when it's not raining because soon enough there will be not sitting out there enjoying wine.  

I only had one glass though because Sunday Morning I was up early making sure I was ready to offer run support to Michelle the second half of her Half Marathon.  I'm so proud of her for even starting the race.  It's a hard course when fully trained, but given she hadn't been able to train due to her back issues, an already hard course becomes so much more daunting!  

I was able to get to the aid station right before mile 7 to wait for her, and cheer on a lot of friends including Alicia who was running her very first half!  

I'm so proud of both of them.  Alicia finished 4 minutes faster than her goal which is amazing for such a hilly race!  Nice job Alicia!

I know Michelle was having a hard time at the end, and had to really dig deep to get to the finish line. It's so hard to know your friend is having a hard time and there really isn't much you can do about it. It seems so insignificant to just be there next to her offering encouraging words that don't really make it any easier.  She stuck with it  though and finished, and I'm so proud of her!

We were talking during one of the walking breaks about how difficult races are so valuable for perspective.  You learn how deep you can dig, that you can keep going even when it seems like you can't, you appreciate the runs/races that are magically perfect more than before, you learn the value of a full and injury free training cycle, and you have empathy for others that you may have lacked before.

While I know it wasn't fun there is value in perspective, and in knowing what you are capable of accomplishing under difficult circumstances.  Ultimately Michelle did it all on her own.  She made the decision to keep taking step after step when it would have felt a whole lot better to not even hit the start line, or stop when things started hurting.

Now it's time for both of us to rest for a while, cut back on the running, if we run at all, and get ourselves set up for a strong training cycle for Santa Barbara!

I'm actually starting a couple of 30 day challenges Oct 1st, pilates, planks, and squats to focus on and keep me busy while I'm not running (as much).  :)

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What kind of coffee are you drinking today?  

Who raced/ran this weekend?  Tell me about it!    

Thankful Thursday

Things I'm Thankful For Today:

-We have a new freezer in the garage (I'm too lazy to go take a pic of it), but I had fun trying to fill it up today!  I have wanted freezer space for years to take advantage of sales/purchase organic meat in bulk etc.  I put about 20 lbs of stuff in there today!

-Kid free time in the car today so I could jam to the new Maroon 5 album!  Most of the songs are ok for Sky, but some aren't and I like it turned up!

-That Sky loves her piggy bank that Grandma Jackie painted for her.  I love that she has some special hand made items/meaningful gifts that have been given to her from the people that love her to pieces. As an adult I treasure the special mementos and gifts I have from my Grandparents and I love that Sky will have that experience as well.  (Provided the piggy bank survives...she was carrying it around like a favorite toy and I finally had to rescue it to a higher shelf). She is always asking if I have coins for her piggy bank!

-For how much faster grocery shopping is solo...in and out of Costco in under 20 min!!!  I get so much done in 2.5 hours!

-That I found this new water bottle for $6 today!  My old one got tossed when I started loosing it at mile 10 during Tacoma Narrows Half.  It started feeling too heavy and irritating.  I wasn't planning on replacing it until training for SB Half starts next year.  But, Michelle is running a half Sunday and I'm  meeting her around the 6 or 7 mile point to keep her company until the end. (She's been dealing with some back issues and unable to train normally, and is going into this feeling not as ready as she'd like, sometimes a distraction is helpful).  Since I have not paid for the race I will not make use of the aid stations, and it's going to be warm.  So I needed a water bottle. Score!

P.S. I don't normally support banditing races, but I also know how hard a half can be, particularly when you don't feel 100% ready for it, and are in pain.  So I'm making an exception for this one.  I won't use the aid stations nor will I cross the finish line.

-For a busy yet happy life with my munchkin and my man!

What are you thankful for today?        

First Run of Fall!

I just had to do it!  I had to get out there and enjoy the first full day of Fall with a run!  It was perfect weather, cool, but not cold and even got a bit of drizzle at the end to help cool off.  The only downer...my back is not super happy with me.  But it was worth it...I loved every second of it and smiled at every single person I passed, I was just so happy!  I'm beginning to think Oct will be a no running month.  I'm not totally willing to give in yet, but it's looking like a break may be in order. Boo!

We spent the weekend making the most of the last few days of Summer!  We have had some beautiful weather for sure, and finished a big project!

 Chamber Bay Golf Course, always a pretty place to walk!

 Mark and Sky watching football together. She is all about the cuddles. 

 The weather was so nice Sunday we opened the door to the deck and watched football through the door, lounging in the sun.  Perfect if you ask me! 

 Another pic from Chambers Bay.  Sky rode her bike/walked for well over a mile, and was beat the rest of the day. 

 Saturday Sky and mark finished our new outdoor wine patio!  There are still some decorative things we are going to add, but the biggest, hardest part of the project is done and ready for us to enjoy some not too cool sunny fall days with some good wine and a toasty fire!  I'm working on a before/after post with step by step pics/directions.

 I had a Jamberry party Saturday so Sky stepped up and helped Mark with the gravel.  She is an awesome little worker!

 This is how Sky kills time while I'm getting adjusted at the chiro.  She likes a good workout!

My phone just could not handle the motion of the swing, but I just had to post because I love how much she loves swinging with Daddy!

How did you welcome in Fall today?

Thankful Thursday

Things I'm Thankful For Today:

-That if I have to be sick with a cold that I at least get to stay home and not do much today.  Thank goodness Sky is happy to cuddle and watch movies...that's about all I have in me today.  (Sorry for the unedited less than pretty pics...just don't feel good enough to care).

-It's Thursday Night Football!

-Solo grocery shopping!  Preschool for the win!  Cash n Carry is my home chef's shopping dream and now that I have Sky free time I can shop there to my hearts content!

-White wine on sunny days...and we are having some abnormally sunny days for almost fall in the PNW!

-That this didn't end with her falling off backwards and hurting herself!

-That Sky likes working out with us...starting the good habits early!

-That I have my car back and keeping my fingers crossed that it will run for a while longer now.

-How much Sky loves school.  She gets up every morning talking about going to school and gets so upset when I tell her it's not a school day.

-For how much I can get done in 2.5 hours while Sky's at school.

-That it's just a cold...lot's of people out there are dealing with much worse health issues than a cold.

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What are you thankful for?  

You Go Girl Recap

What is there to say really.  I went, I ran, I finished.  10K 58:53 only 2'ish min slower than my 10K pr pace, which I guess is a good thing given the lack of training, injury recovery, and the fact I went into it with one goal...to start the race.

I wanted to start, have fun running, not get caught up in numbers, not set myself back at all, and just run according to feel.  Mission accomplished!  The only time I looked at the watch was to see what the pace was compared to how I was feeling.  I have a pretty good idea now of what pace I can run before pain sets in, (the not good kind of pain, not the "normal" running related pain), and now feel like I can still run a bit and not do damage.  

It felt really good to get out there and just run, enjoy my music, not think about goal pace etc.  And, while 13.1 is my jam, and I would choose that distance over any other every time, I can't tell you how nice it was to turn off at the 6.2 mark and not have to think about the out and back the 1/2 marathoners were doing!

You know what's nice about a 10K though...it doesn't rule your day.  For me 1/2's still require recovery and kindness to my body the rest of the day, but with a 10K, it's life as normal whatever that may be.

It just so happened that this Sunday it meant a sick kiddo, and husband when I got home.  Blah.  I have it now too...so nice of them to share their germs with me!  First things first though...

Before I took care of them I took care of myself first!  Peach Fusion champagne is a pretty great recover drink!  If you have not tried this, do so asap!  If you can find it!  The local liqueur store ordered it because I requested it (awesome!), but it was back ordered for over a week...so good luck getting your hands on it!

Sky was sick for days which = lot's of cuddles, laundry, and mopping of floors.  Sadly Mark gets every bug that Sky does, so it's been lot's of fun around here.  Actually, to be honest, they both just want extra cuddles and love...them being sick isn't the worst thing in the world...for me anyway.

This was after vomiting all morning.  She was really miserable. 

So after vomiting all morning, and sleeping for 4.5 hours she asked to go to the park and play.  We get there and she decided she needed to rest because she was tired.  All that sleep and rest must have paid off because she was back to normal today and able to go to school!  Thank goodness because that's all she talks about.  She LOVES school!

 Watching a movie while we watched Monday Night Football. 

Sneak peak of a home project I will be sharing in the blog soon...Sky loves being outside with Daddy "helping" him with projects.  I would venture to say most of her help is not all that helpful, but this time she actually helped haul and shovel a lot of sand...while sick!  She really wanted to be out there with Daddy.

Not so sure helping place all those pavers was brilliant for my back, but our project is looking amazing!  :)

Anyone else race last weekend?

TGIF...Race Weekend

Oh my goodness I feel like a blog slacker.  I just have not had the time, which is funny because I really thought with Sky starting school I would have all this extra time.  Not so.  It doesn't help that as soon as we registered her for pre school I put off a ton of projects/tasks until school started, so now it's time to get stuff done!

It also doesn't help that I have multiple, lengthy chiro and massage appointments a week.  Just trying to get my back where it needs to be so I can run again!  It's better, and progress is being made, but I'm not where I was pre Tacoma Narrows.  It's hard not to get frustrated, but I'm doing my best to stay positive and stay active, but still be kind to my body.

Sunday is You Go Girl Half, and for the first time ever I'm dropping down to a shorter distance.   Given the fact I've run 4 times in a month and my longest run was 4.2 miles I don't think a half is in the cards.  I'll run the 10K and I'll run it at a very easy pace.  My goal is to start the race, beyond that I'm not thinking about it.  I'll start, I'll have fun, and whatever happens happens.  I kind of don't even care.

I was toying with the idea of not running the rest of the year actually.  Focusing on yoga, pilates, stretching, diet and getting back to running after the Holiday's.  But, my heart is happy when I run, and I really feel like I need to be running, even if it's short and easy.  So, I'll still probably do a whole bunch more of the other stuff, but keep a little running in my life.  

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A few camera pics from Whistler...thank goodness Mark has a nice camera and skills!

 Cheers at my favorite brewery in Whistler! 

 That is the face of a very satisfied chips and salsa fan! 

 Ready for adventure! 

 She was in love!  Her animal in the classroom that marks her bin and her coat hanger is a sheep sticker so we were exited to find real live sheep for her! 

 Man I love that little girl! 

Who's racing this weekend? 

Anyone had a Pumpkin Spiced Latte yet?
Not me...I'm an iced mocha drinker year round and iced pumpkin is nasty!

First Day of School!!!

Today was the big day!  Sky had her first day of preschool, and it was all very exciting!  She was so ready, and so excited.  It's all she's talked about for months, and we were just so dang excited for her and her new adventure!

I'm pretty proud of her for walking in, waving goodbye, and rushing off to play with new friends. Part of being a parent is getting your kiddo's ready to live their own life, and Sky is getting to do that. Granted it's in small blocks of time twice a week, but she now has a part of her life that is all hers.

She must like it, because while she hugged me when I came to pick her up she also asked if I could leave her there.  She wasn't ready to go.

I love her independent spirit so much!

 I'm going to school!!!  

 She couldn't get inside fast enough! 

Mrs. Lisa in the pink and Mrs. Michelle in red in the background.  She hit the classroom and had no more time for us.

First work of art from her first day!  While we will not be holding on to everything she creates at school this one is special!

I know it's mostly her personality, but as a stay at home mom to an only child I set out from day one to make sure she wasn't a velcro child, and that she was ok being left places without us for periods of time.  I'm so proud of her and how well today went.  No tears from anyone...we were all just really excited for this stage of her life!  

Last Day Of Vacation

I can't believe our time in Whistler is almost over.  It has gone so fast!  It's an early start it the morning to make it to the boarder before the back up is hours long.  

A look at what we've been up to the last few days...

 We explored some fire roads and found a well decorated abandon mine.

 This mountain lake was just behind the mine.  

 A waterfall we found. 

 I love the views of the mountain peaks.  It's so easy to just lay out a blanket and lounge at the park enjoying the view. 

 We have had some seriously amazing food!  Lamb Confit slinders = amazing! 

I am not a chocolate lover, and actually pass it up 9 times out of 10, but Canada has the best chocolate ever!  It's the one time I splurge and pretty much make myself chocolate sick!

 Laying on a blanket in the park, reading in the sun while Sky played...can't beat the view!

 Traditional margarita left and Cilantro margarita right.

Mango margarita left and Cucumber margarita right.

I'm not going to lie the two pictures above may be my favorite pics from the whole trip!  I love margarita's and I love chips and salsa...really I just love Mexican food in any form and margaritas. We decided to hold off on anniversary dinner until we were in Whistler, and while there are many, many amazing culinary adventures to be had in Whistler we opted for traditional Mexican food and hand made specialty margaritas.  Cucumber and Cilantro margaritas for the win!!!  I am going to figure out how to make that cilantro margarita...it was amazing!  

Back to real life tomorrow, but for now we get to enjoy one more mountain sunset!

P.S. - that second run that was supposed to happen...it didn't, and I don't really care.  I was having fun, so it was worth it!