TGIF!

It's a sunny Friday and that makes me happy! No school or lessons today, Friday is sort of our free day to play or just do whatever. It's nice to have one day a week open to whatever pops up, it's even better that's it's beautiful in the PNW right now. And, even better that two of my favorite people sent texts asking for fun time today!

TGIF indeed...it's always nice to kick off the weekend with some wine!

It's hard to believe that I'll be drinking wine in SB in about 2 months! Until then I got this yummy bottle of Riesling at Trader Joe's for $4.99! That's a great deal for a nice Riesling. We are not huge white wine fans, but this one is good without being too sweet, so it get's my stamp of approval!

Oh, and I'll be running a 1/2 in SB as well, I guess it's not all about the wine even though it's a wine half marathon.

Traveling to run a half = running away I think. This training cycle is starting out rough so I'm super thankful I have an awesome trip to SB, with my BF, I'll get to visit my sis in law and her boys, and I get to run what is going to be a mostly flat/downhill race through beautiful vineyards. Seriously thinking about how awesome the reward will be is the only thing keeping me going. If this were a local race I would probably scrap the whole darn thing.

I don't even know how to convey how hard this silly little 5 miles at that pace felt. It's hard to not let it get to me mentally. Those numbers are so far from where I was after the last half I ran. I keep telling myself that I have to let that go. There's been injury and illness since that last race and this is a comeback. To be running at all is an accomplishment. I'm trying really hard to trust the training, stick the plan (only .5 miles off from the total miles for the week, so I'm catching up quicker than I thought after being sick), and believe that I will be ready for race distance and pace when the gun goes off.

Have to keep the big picture in mind!

Something funny on my run yesterday...

There was a plunger in the outhouse. I don't even understand how that would work, or why it would be needed. I don't think I want to understand actually. I'm predicting that is the least used plunger in the state. I mean, why, just why would you need a plunger in an outhouse?!

I'm going to try to photograph and odd or funny thing every run...maybe that will help keep my mind off of how hard it feels right now.

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Cute Sky Pic....

She loves that yellow Steelers dress and picks it out for school at least once a week. Her teachers get a kick out of it. She also loves tromping around the house in Mark's work boots. So silly.

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Anyone have fun Friday or weekend plans?

Who's running this weekend?

6 mile training run Sat am and a 2.5 easy shake out Sunday for me.

Running Goals - I'm Done For the Year

The good news is I ran this week, and I felt pretty great!  It was hot, 5:30 pm on an 80+ day = not great, but it's what worked for the family.  The heat I tell you it's just not good for me.  Only did two miles, and kept a nice easy pace, and still started feeling sick. Safe to say I won't be moving to the south ever!

But, I was happy to find that my legs and back felt really great, which was a bit of a surprise given I haven't run in 3 weeks.  I'm doing 4 miles this morning, much cooler, and keeping it nice and easy still.

My goal this year was to PR all my distances (1/2 marathon, 10K, 5K), and I'm realizing now that was sort of a dumb goal.  It takes a lot of training physically, mentally, and emotionally to PR, and honestly I'm tapped out.

The one I really wanted was the 1/2, and I did that so I'm officially letting go of the 10K and 5K.  On top of the fact I'm in no way ready to try and PR the 10K I have in 2 weeks.  Just not going to happen...Plus, I'm sort of over the numbers game that running can turn into.  

I'm already working on setting up next years races to = max fun, and think I may take a year off from having a big running goal for the year.  Don't get me wrong...it's important to have goals because it keeps you moving forward.  But, setting a goal for an entire year doesn't leave much room for illness, injury, or life in general, and when you only have one big goal the whole year is a pass or fail in one swoop.    

Maybe next year is the year I focus on being a more well rounded runner by bringing trail running back (Dad that means you and I finding a race to do!), volunteering more (it's stressing me out how little I've given back to running this year), getting back to my regularly scheduled runs with friends, setting goals for each training cycle/race (if I decide to set any at all for each race) and just running to run because I love it and it's fun.

All this running talk = it's time for my morning run!  Before I go though a few Sky pics...

No big deal, just climbing on top of the trailer while no one is looking.  

Most mornings start with "You want to cuddle me on the couch Mommy" 

This book is going everywhere with us lately.  She won't leave the house without it. 

 Today is the last day of the challenge and I'm starting right over with day 1 and doing it again...I love my Mind Body Mat time with her that much! 

Silly girls!

Big step...meeting her teacher and exploring her classroom...she loved it!

She was up there talking about going to school and meeting her teacher, and in the process also started waving to everyone we know and calling people out by name.  "Hi Daddy, I go to school", "Hi GammyGampy, I go to school" (she runs their names together for some reason), and on and on and on through all her family and friends.  She ended with, "I go see Reagan now"...(we didn't go see her btw).

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How do you set your running goals?

Anyone racing over the long Holiday weekend?

What are you last weekend of summer plans?

 

Friday Fun!

Really I just have a bunch of fun'ish pictures to share from the week.  Today is being spent watching soccer, which is fun, but not really blog worthy fun. 

I did start my day with a most awesome run!  This training cycle I have felt off.  Things, not even sure which things, just haven't felt like they should.  I was starting to think that maybe this time around was going to be a complete disaster and I could kiss my PR attempt goodbye (a bit dramatic given I'm only 3 weeks in I know).

But, today was different.  I felt good.  The pace felt good and I felt like I could have kept going for as long as I wanted to.  Granted it was only a 4 mile run, but this weeks average pace was 20 seconds faster than last weeks 4 miles.  And, nothing hurt, nothing irritated me, and my mind felt like it was in the game!

  Goal pace race day is 9 even.  I'm getting there! 

Looking forward to Sunday's long run now for sure!  

Ok, on to some random, fun pics from the week!  

Looks like we may need to look into T-Ball for her!  She was really hitting it hard.  And, in cowgirl boots even! 

We had a very important book to pick up for her at the book store (Her very own copy of Princess Of The Potty) and we ran a Father's Day errand as well.  Her reward was a triple chocolate chip cookie bigger than her head!  

Giggles and snuggles...this is how she starts almost every day.  She wants cuddles and she is almost over the top happy every morning when she wakes up.  Love it! 

Really yummy summer beer!  It's going to be even better camping next weekend!  

Her absolute favorite thing to do in the whole world...swing on her swing.  It makes her feel like she's flying.  :)  

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend planned and Happy Father's Day to all the Father's out there! 

My Personal Cheerleader

Happy Earth Day!  It is truly a beautiful morning in the PNW and we just had to get out and enjoy it! 

Since this may be the last sun we get for several days Sky and I headed out for a run.  It had been almost a week since my last run and I was so ready to get out and stretch my legs!  I needed the break though.  I now feel ready to run, ready for the next few races, and ready for the next training cycle to start!  All the inspiration from Boston yesterday helped as well!  

Snacks, sunglasses, books, Daisy Duck...Sky is ready for a run! 

 

It's been a long, long time since I ran with Sky on our own.  The Stroller Group runs are always a pretty easy pace (that doesn't mean they feel easy though), but when it's just the two of us I like to push the pace.  I figure if I can get within 20 to 30 seconds of race pace while pushing the stroller then race day will feel super easy.

It felt hard, I haven't put effort into a sub 10 with the stroller in a long time, but I did it.  Average was 9:32 (or close to it, I forget exactly).  That's pretty decent.  I noticed it felt way harder after this last training cycle than it felt back before Whidbey.  But that was months ago and I know Sky has grown since then, it's just going to keep getting harder and harder the bigger she gets.

 She loves the reverse camera option on my phone!

Thankfully Sky is the best cheerleader ever!  She's usually pretty quiet in the stroller, but today she wanted the the sun shade and screen left open and she was yelling her head off. 

All I heard the whole 3 miles:
"Faster mommy, faster"
"Come on Mommy you can do it"
"Bump, be careful, don't hurt me"
"Watch where you're going"
"Don't hurt yourself"
...and the best part was when I hit the one short yet steep hill "Go mommy, go, you can do it", and as soon as we got to the top, "Mommy you did it, good job"! 

Every time she told me to go faster I let her know I was already going as fast as I could and her response every single time was "No!  You go faster".  Seriously better than any running coach!

After that it was time to play and let Sky run around the soccer field.  I offered to drive down to the playground, but she said no.  She really just wanted to run around the fields.

 Loves the breeze on her face!

 Reading the Cherry Tree sign to herself.  This picture doesn't even come close to showing off the pink and white dogwood trees.  So pretty!

 You can see Sky in the upper left of the pic, the white smudge between the two trees.  We were the only ones on the soccer fields and she loves seeing how far she can get from me before I run after her.  

I was feeling kinda blah/irritated this morning, no reason really, couldn't put my finger on it.  Figured a run in the sun would fix it, and I did feel better.  But, the tipping point was the labyrinth.  Just being calm, following a path that's already there, and not having to think about anything calmed my heart and cleared my mind.  

Lovely way to start the day and get myself back on track.  Looking forward to whatever the rest of the day brings!  

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Who watched the Boston coverage yesterday?

It's why I didn't post yesterday, all I did really was watch the marathon coverage and track my friends who were running, and that makes for a boring ass blog post!  BTW - Amy finished and beat her time from last year!  

How do you reset your mind/attitude when you need an adjustment?

Aside from running I also like a glass of wine and my book, even for just 20 minutes.  Always makes me feel better. 

Happy Friday Everyone!

Two families have a three day weekend just to celebrate my birthday!  Watch out OR Coast...here we come! 

Before I get to the great wine, amazing grilled steaks and fun with good friends I must run!  Getting 8 miles in before the festive weekend starts!  Although I'm not gonna lie if Michelle texted and said lets skip it I totally would!

I leave you with some pics from the week...

   3 of my fave magazines came yesterday...reading material for the trip!

 Birthday flowers from the babe and baby! 

Elya's girls and Sky enjoying not so hot chocolate.  

 From Monday's play date...Sky loves baby time with Quinn!

I hope everyone has a great weekend!  I'll take lots of pics and catch you on the other side! 

Almost Taper Time!

This training cycle has actually been a lot of fun, and while I feel ready for race day I also feel like I need a break before we hit the start line. 

I know most runners hate the taper, but I love it!  Mostly because I feel like I need it by the time it rolls around.  I have zero issues bringing the miles down and letting my legs rest.  I suspect that the birthday in a few weeks may have something to do with why I'm feeling so ready for a break.  Getting older doesn't bother me in the least, (I'm not one of those girls who's 29 every year), but I have to say the further I get from 29 the more I need my rest.

In an effort to get through the highest mile week of training healthy (fighting a cold/cough) and injury free (foam rolling and trigger pointing like a mad woman) I totally switched things up.  I skipped run group last night, and pushed off all the running to the second half of the week.  Once the long runs get long it's just too hard to run Tuesday night and turn around and run with the stroller group Wed morning.  Since my commitment is to the stroller group, Tuesday gets dropped for a few weeks.  

The last high mile push starts today, and I'm ready to enjoy the last few long runs with Elya, then start taking it down a notch and resting up/getting ready for race day!

Sky and I spent the last few days enjoying the lack of running, and the nice weather by playing outside as much as possible!

I love that she gets up early because it means we are usually the first ones (and only ones) at the park and have the place to ourselves for the most part.

 Love the sunlight in this pic!

Look Mommy...no hands!

It took a while, but she finally got brave and slid down all by herself!

 

 After a full morning of play she asked to watch a movie in our bed so she could rest.

Thankful that today is the last day of winter!  Ready for spring showers that bring flowers, and summer!  Ok, really I'm just ready for summer sun and camping...I cold do without the spring showers!

 

 


 

Rest Day's

You know how every parent has an adorable picture of their tater tot asleep in the highchair with their face in a plate of food?! 

It's silly to admit, but we don't have a picture like that of Sky, and it makes me sad.  She never, not once fell asleep in her highchair, and you know what I tried to make it happen.  I would let her stay in it even though it was nap time with food all over the try just hoping to get that one picture of her.  It's so cliche I know, but I wanted that picture! 

Well it only took almost 3 years, but she finally fell asleep during dinner...

 
...no she didn't land in a plate of food, she had already pushed it away (without taking a single bite) because she was just too tired to eat.  But, it's as close as I'm going to get to "that" picture, so I'll take it. 

Love my tired little bug. 

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I'm totally enjoying a few days of not running.  I figured after running Friday night, then a hilly Sat am 5k, and fighting off a bit of a cold, that a few days of rest would be a good idea.  I took Sunday completely off, but worked in Pilates yesterday and today. 

Back to regularly scheduled running tomorrow.  My legs appreciate the break for sure!

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How many rest days do you take a week?
However many I need/largely depends on what we have going on as a family.  Rest days don't bother me like they do a lot of runners.  I LOVE running, but I don't mind not running either. 

When's the last time you were so tired you missed a meal?
I don't think I have ever been that tired!

Recovery Mode

I'm not going to lie, this 10 miler kicked my butt, and my knees, and my hips, and my everything else!  After a morning play date that resulted in Sky falling asleep on the way home (and staying asleep for hours!) I was able to foam roll, stretch, trigger point, ice and rest. 

Thank goodness because the night ended with a pre bedtime dance party, which I'm positive undid all the recovery work I put in earlier.  But, when the tater tot asks to dance with you, you don't say no, no matter how sore you are.  I tried to keep it low key, but every time I took it down a notch she called me out, so it was all out dance club mode for over an hour.  Extra cardio for the win!  

A few Sky pics to end Monday with...

 Playing with trains and singing along with the radio.  

 Because everything is better upside down. 

 Singing to her horse, more like yelling at it to go faster.  

Actually my day is ending with wine, compression socks, and The Voice.  Kinda the perfect ending to a great Monday!  

I hope everyone had a lovely Monday to kick the week off with!  

 

Home Safe!

Sky and I had an unexpected extended weekend thanks to a little snow storm in the passes. 

The Lex has a great traction control system, but it aint that great!  Wow is all I can say.  I feel bad for people who did get stuck in their cars/hotels/at the pass.  That possibility is what kept Sky and I safe at my Aunt and Uncles way past what was only supposed to be breakfast on our way back home. 

All in all it was a great weekend, and I didn't mind the extra time with Paul and Candy.  The best part is Sky got lot's of time with family on the other side of the state. 

The whole reason we even went over was to celebrate my birthday early with Dad and Val (I have some shopping to do!) and get a treatment.  Birthday dinner was amazing wine, perfectly cooked steak, and crazy good chocolate cake...the massage was amazing too, but not nearly as pleasant.  I thought I was going into this one without any issues.  Nothing hurt and nothing had been bothering me on my runs.  But, boy did some unexpected shoulder issues pop up!  I actually felt like I needed a barf bucket under the face opening on the massage table.  I'm thankful that we caught a few things early, and I know what to focus on with foam rolling and trigger pointing.

A few pictures from the weekend...

 Elya and I got in 8 miles before Sky and I left Friday morning.

I'm glad we ran before I left, and that I got back when I did, because I didn't take my running stuff with me.  I thought I would only be gone 1 whole day, so didn't think I'd need, or want it.  But, I did find two awesome trail running options for next time I'm there!  

Sky had ton's of fun!  Dad and I found Trampoline Playground, and then a few days later I took her to the Cheer Academy for the open play time, plus she just has fun hanging out with family!

 She loves that green hat!

 Lunch with Grandma!

 The Cheer Academy is crazy fun!

Movie time!

 

I can't tell you how much this stressed me out.  You can see that part of the beam has a raised platform with mats, so when you fall it's not far at all, the second half is regulation with no fall protection.  The first 6 or 7 times she did this she waited at the half way point for me to hold on to her.  But, then she got brave and looked at me and said, "No mommy help, I do by self".  What if she fell and ended up in a cast again?!  But, I stepped back and let her take on the balance beam all by herself, about 10 times, and she never did fall.  The smile on her face the first time she got to the end and jumped off all by herself was priceless!  

Top two pics are from the cheer academy and the bottom two are from Trampoline Playground.  It took her so many tries before she figured out how to make it to the top of the trampoline so she could slide down, but she kept trying and she did it!

 Sky did not want to leave her giant minion!

 Sunrise the morning we left, so beautiful!  

Got to play in a little bit of snow at my Aunt and Uncles, it didn't last very long though.

 

P.S. I have to say not only was birthday dinner amazing, but breakfast the next morning was pretty great as well!  Dad makes the best hash-browns period.  Great smokey flavor and extra, extra crispy.  I was a happy camper!

Thank you to Dad and Val for hosting Sky and I, and for Candy and Paul willingly hosting us unexpectedly!  It was kind of a nice little vacation for me, but I'm glad to be back home and back to "real" life.  

Now, time to focus on running and training! 

 







  

Little But Fierce

She is so proud of her new trick on her rocking horse, and she is pretty proud of her "little but fierce" shirt as well!  She TaDa's all over the place, it's her new way of making an entrance and getting us to pay attention to her.

I felt fierce myself tonight...sub 9 pace (barely...was 8:56) for the group run tonight. I felt like I was going to vomit every single step of the way, but I got it done.  I just didn't eat properly pre-run, I won't make that mistake gain!

In other good news I got this in the mail today...

The best $10 a month every month!

I am so excited about the Nail Rock!  You paint your nails with the clear stuff then dip them in the confetti pot!  How fun is that?!!!  My nails are going to be very Tada!

I was going to wait for a party to do my nails, but I just got a phone call from Michelle and in even more good news found out we are going to the Justin Timberlake concert this Friday night!!!!  I can't even begin to express how excited I am about seeing MR. JT live!  I had been trying to win us tickets for weeks, but thanks to Bob we now get to go, and I'm still a little in shock.  I kind of want to run around the block shouting at the top of my lungs, but my legs are pretty tired from the group run.  So I'll just blog about it instead.  :-)

Tell me the best concert you have ever been to!  
Mine was Aerosmith at the gorge in WA years ago.  Perfect weather, amazing performance, front row at the second stage they did part of the show from, and was with Mark.  It was pretty amazing!