I love to run...

...I hate to RUN!

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I love to RUN with friends!

I love to RUN alone!

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I love RUNning with Hills!

I love RUNning on a flat course!

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I love RUNning at night

I love RUNning  in the morning, late morning...or early morning!

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I love that I can RUN a marathon again, if I want too!

I love that I never have to RUN a marathon because I already did it! (a marathon is 26.2 miles...just an fyi)

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I love RUNning in a skirt!

I love RUNning in a tank!

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I love to RUN with music...

I love to RUN with no music.

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I love to RUN so I can think...

I love to RUN so I don't have to think!

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I love training for a race...

I love when I can RUN with no race in mind!

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I love to RUN in the sun...

I love to RUN in the rain!

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I love to RUN!

I hate to RUN!

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Just some of my thoughts on a recent RUN!

Santa Run 5k

This was one fun RUN!  My fun run almost didn't happen due to a conflict with hubby's schedule but thanks to great friends and a wonderful MOM...I was able to make it.  I really didn't want to miss out on seeing my running girlfriends. It's so rare that we get to do these runs together!  We have a wonderful group of local bloggers, minus 1 now...Amanda!  Though she will always be a local blogger even if she moved to the EAST Coast!  And Zoe couldn't make it because Goober...I mean Isla is keeping her busy, but we hope to see Isla running her first 1k soon! 

Socks...need I say more!

I woke up to rain and wasn't thrilled, but had to pick up my running buddy, Jamie so I was committed!  Got my most crazy Santa outfit on...ok, so maybe not totally crazy, but hey...I tried.  Thanks to Jamie for picking up our cute, striped socks.  Green tea and some Almond butter on a bagel...and I was ready to go. 

We had to do day of packet pick up because they would not give me my packet at 3:15 the day before...really...the packets that are right here...you won't let me grab because I'm a little early!  I actually had no idea what time packet-pick-up was...I just happened to be by there and figured I would swing by...guess they had other plans.  Whatever!!!

Jamie, Mel, me, Kerrie and  Chelsea...where were you?

Happy to find parking, find my friends and get our packets with no problems.  Got some cute pictures...that is a must!  One potty stop and we were ready to GO!  My toes were cold, but I was ok...(you were worried, weren't you)!  I'm a tough cookie!  Have I mentioned that I haven't been running much or have you just gathered that from my lack of blogging and daily mile?  Well...I'm a little out of shape, but what's a 5k?  Well today...a 5k felt a little further.  Why is it that you can run a marathon, but when you know you are going to run 3.1 miles...it seem further.  Yah...RUNNING...IT's MENTAL!  I was happy to have my friends around.  So happy that Jamie is running again!

Aren't we FUN!

I love these kind of races because people get so creative.  I have no creativity in me and ALWAYS appreciate CREATIVITY when I see it.  Tons to see.  I'm sure Mel will post some great pictures!  (Note to self...when wearing a hat...put your hair down...way cuter!)

And that's what happens...not just when I finish...but when I see my buddies!  It did help that they had a camera!

The Start line for Max...

Getting READY to GO!



I'm a proud MAMA!

The race was fun and I was happy when I was done so I could go get Max for his race.  There is such excitement to see your kids run a race.  Max was totally excited and after his race asked when his next race is!  Love it!  I need to do some training with Max because HE goes out super fast and dies quickly...well the HILL didn't help.  I debated on running with him and glad I went with him because he wanted to walk pretty quickly so we walked and then turned around a little sooner then the official turn around and headed back.  He did great and crossed the finish line like a champ.  Such a proud moment for this mommy runner!



Max finishing...Way to go little buddy!



All in all a great day.  I love days like this!  Running, pictures, FRIENDS!  Great day.  Oh and I forgot my garmin so I don't know what my official time was.  The results haven't been published yet.  THANKS TO MEL and her MOM for having a GREAT camera to take some great shots.  It's always nice having a personal photographer!  THANK YOU!

Marathon...Say it like you MEAN it!

I was watching a reality show yesterday and the description of this particular episode was about one of them running a marathon!  Sweet...always excited to watch someone who I didn't know run...run a marathon.  And then...as I watched the show...she was running a HALF marathon.  No offense...I hope I don't offend anyone...because I'm not trying to do that.  A half marathon is a big deal for anyone...It's a great distance and an amazing race to run, but it's not a marathon.  Why do people on TV refer to half marathons as marathons?  I was kind of frustrated watching the show.  I was excited to watch the women cross the finish line and be proud of herself...I remember crossing my first HALF MARATHON finish line and it was AMAZING to feel like I accomplished something so big. 

I do remember feeling a little bit of the same with my marathon last June.  At the expo all the clothing for sale said half and full marathon and I wanted something that just said "MARATHON" since it was my first marathon.  I think for those extra 13.1 miles that I would be running...I should have a shirt that set me apart.  I could only find a little magnet that said 26.2.  I was bummed.

What are your thoughts?  Does it bug you...or am I just in a mood? 

Rewind- BLACK CAT FUN RUN!

This is the best picture...out of all of them. And it still isn't clear!  Oh well, I gave up...we had to get to our run!

Just found this on the race website...Yayyy...I picture that isn't blurry.

Black Cat FUN Run, was just that.  From the moment I saw the poster at the gym advertising this run, I knew I wanted in.  It was a 5-mile run at night, through 5-mile drive, which is a beautiful trail at Pt. Defiance Park with some amazing views. 

Diana, Kellie and I decided to wear tutu's and black.  Thank You to Diana for easy, make your own Tu-tu's.  We had a cute outfit and were ready to go.  We got our head lights and gloves ready and were off.  The starting line was non-existent and un-organized!  Luckily the rain held off for the most part, but it was COLD.  Surprisingly it wasn't too dark when we started running.  The first couple miles were a little bit of a climb and I felt winded right away and was hoping I would find my groove, but would end up feeling that way the whole time.  Kellie and I were trying to push it as fast as we could for as long as we could.  We chatted and watched all the costumes around us.  PEOPLE are creative!  A few of the costumes were a little scary with masks, which I'm not into scary, but hey...to each their own.  It was fun and as we got to 3.5 miles it was mostly down hill, which was LOVELY!  Kellie took off at the end, which I always tell my friend to do if they can do it!  It got darker as we were finishing and raining, but we pushed it to the end.

This race was a total fun run.  It had no official start and no chip-time, which I haven't done before. Diana kept reminding me, "Jill, it's a fun run"...and yes it was.  We for sure will be doing this race again next year.  WE got a great pair of gloves and a glow necklace...SWEET!  Oh and I forgot to tell you that it wasn't even 5 miles, it was 4.78 miles, which I ran in 44 minutes which was a 9:11 pace.  Feel free to check out the elevation, HERE. 

Pictures didn't come so easy for this race...I tried, but as some of you know...I'm still learning to take my amazing cell phone pictures.  This phone has taken some of my talent away, but here is what we got.

Oh shoot, you didn't even get to see our tutu's!  Oh well, Esper, Kellie, Diana and I are the only faces you get to see...good thing we are cute!  After our FUN RUN we headed to sushi before we had to get home to our families.  Fun times, Fun Run, FUN Friends!

Extra-EXTRA...I just found a few of the pictures from the Race Site...

Drinking HOT chocolate after a race...mmm...good!

1,000 Mile and Beyond!

Yes, that's right...a 1,000 MILES...do you see that?

I'm so happy to report that I have run over a 1,000 miles, already for 2010!  I assumed I would make this goal this year due to marathon training, but had no idea it would be the thing that kept me running.  Who knew this goal would be so helpful! 

Mel had mentioned she was meeting with friends for a run and invited me, but 7am...that means I would have to get up EARLY.  Mel was kind of enough to meet a little later and a little closer to home so we could run together.  Surprisingly this would only be our 2nd run together.  I was looking forward to catching up with Mel and also running my 1,000th mile with the creator of the 1,000 mile challenge.  The weather was great, cloudy, but not raining and a little chilly outside.  I had never run on Orting Trail and was looking forward to new sights on the trail. 

Our run was GREAT, all the way through.  We got started and the chatting didn't end all the way through.  I love when runs with friends are so great that you aren't even thinking about the miles.  So much to chat about.  Its crazy how sometimes running can be the only time to get some catch up time with friends.  Life with a family, work and everything else can keep you so busy.  Having a face-to face conversation is always better so nice.  It's what makes running so great.  Love it. 

Before we knew it we had run over the 10.26 miles that I needed to reach 1,000 miles!  Woo-hoo!  We high-fived and like any healthy blogger, we took some pictures!  I was so hot...I was steaming...hey...it's a gift...what can I say?  After the pictures, STARBUCKS...because you have to celebrate all the time.  Our fun chit chat continued with some YUMMY coffee and some cozy chairs. 

Thank Mel for the CHALLENGE and for helping me get there!  Always fun running with you and so glad we got to connect over the miles.  You helped me to get a PR and then to my 1,000th mile...You are awesome and I'm so grateful for all your help getting me there!  THANK YOU FRIEND!

Almost there!!!

989.74

That's how many miles I have run in 2010, which means I'm only 10.26 miles away from hitting 1,000! Woot-Woot!  Thank you TALL-MOM for the 1,000 mile challenge.  It has kept me running when I haven't wanted to run.  Having a GOAL is so important!  In fact it's time to start thinking of GOALS for 2011.  How is that even possible that 2010 is almost over...wow, that is crazy.  It seems like I just organized my 2010 goals!

Can't wait to have my training partner back.  My friend, Jamie has been nursing an injury and is almost ready to run again!  I can't wait.  Jamie has decided not to run Seattle Marathon, but it going to run Seattle Rock-n-Roll with me in June.  Praying that she can stay injury free between now and RnR Seattle.  I have missed our runs together and can't wait to get back into our run/chat time.  It's amazing how you feel like you have so much time with someone when you run together and when you miss out on the runs, you feel like you never see each other anymore.  That's what makes running with friends so great...it's such a great time to connect in a busy world.  Running always gives you time to slow down and catch up with each other. 

THANKSGIVING is 2 weeks away!  WHAT!  How did that sneak up on us.  Who is running a TURKEY TROT?  This will be such a fun tradition!

This was not my plan...

To be out of bloggy land for so long.  Just haven't had the time, motivation or really much to say.  October was a long, hard month.  Not for me personally but for those I love, around me.  I have a handful of friends who had a tough month...all for different reasons.  So though nothing happened to me directly...I was feeling kind of down for those around me that I care for. 

I feel like I have a lot to say and not much to say all at the same time!  Not a common feeling for me...the "not much to say" part!  Maybe it's the time of year, maybe that at 6 pm tonight it was pitch black outside, maybe it's my lack of vitamin D...no, I have been taking that.  Who knows, but either way I wanted to say HELLO to those of you who are out there.

I went on 2 runs this week and it was A-MAZING.  It felt so good to get out and run!  Fall days here are absolutely beautiful!  That is when the suns out.  The clear, crisp air and the beautiful leaves filling the sidewalks make it so much fun to run.  Running with friends has been great on days like these.  I got to run a race a few weeks ago called, the BLACK Cat Fun Run.  It was in a beautiful park that is 5 miles long and we ran it in the dark...well more like dusk, but it was fun.  Diana and I with a few friends ran it and we were tutu's...so cute and a lot of fun.  Next race will be Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day and I am excited to finally get to do this.  I have always wanted to do it, but it never worked out with the days festivities.  Plus Max  is registered for the kid run....can't wait.

Before I forget...I am 25 miles away from my goal of 1,000 for the year.  Though my wiget says 1,000...do not be fooled, that has some biking and a couple other things included.  I want to get 1,000 miles of just running.  It would be great if I could get those 25 in this week, but with my last few weeks for running 2 days a week...probably not going to happen.  But I think, 2 weeks...we can get'er done!  What do you think?

I'm also really excited that there is a running club starting in my neighborhood and I am thrilled.  So excited!  I will be getting involved in that.  We did a training run last Saturday morning and it was a blast. I have never run with a running group before and it was great to meet new running friends who live in my HOOD!  Looking forward to see how that evolves.

So what's up next:

• Running Club
• Turkey Trot
• Santa Run

Fun stuff ahead. 

P.S.  Wasn't the New York Marathon great?  I got to watch it and find it funny that watching running can be so interesting.  The elites...they are amazing to watch.  They cover the same ground that I do...in the half the time!  Talented!

More of a FUN DAY Family post...in Pictures!

Maris Farms.  A totally fun place to get pumpkins and much, much more!

Loving this sweet picture!

You can't tell, but Cole wasn't loving it to much, well at least he tried it.



Total framer of my handsome husband and Cole...cuties.



Max had a blast while Cole and I just watched!  This was a little boys dream.



How beautiful is Washington?  Mt. Rainer in the distance, I love that Mt.



Max jumping and having a blast

If you didn't know already, Pumpkin Patches are just like a small fair.

Will I ever get the perfect picture of these boys? 

Mom and Cole having some fun!

The hands in the pocket were cracking me up.  FYI...this is totally how his dad walks.

We had such a fun, family day enjoying all that Maris Farms had to offer.  Love days like this. 

*As most of you know, Mel at Tall-Mom lost her father on Sunday.  This was devastating news and my heart is breaking for her and her entire family.  Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they are going through this difficult time.  I know she posted something today, so please (if you haven't already) leave her a comment or send her an email.  More prayers, words of support and encouragement through a time like this is is so helpful.  I know Mel would love to hear from you!

We love you Mel! 

Portland Marathon - Spectators Recap

What a fun weekend!  This was the first marathon I have spectated, I think...yah, I'm pretty sure it was.  The idea of spectating sounds easy, right?  Wrong, it's not as easy as one would think.  I have a whole new appreciation for all of those spectators out there.  It's a lot of work, a lot of planning and re-planning.  Mel and I had our plan set and then of course like every good plan, it changed.  But really I think it changed for the better.  We had to rely on our own transportation and not the City's.




"Let's Do This"

(Spectator Tip #1: Always expect the unexpected and KEEP on Keeping on)

I had no idea how rainy and windy it was until I walked out to Mel's car...wowzer!  Rain and wind...and a lot of it.  Poor runners!  Our first task was to find parking and after I forced Mel to break the law

(Spectator Tip #2: Break rules, laws...whatever it takes). 

**Just a warning, BLURRY pictures ahead!  Camera phones don't take good action shots, even if it's on the ACTION SHOT setting!  Lesson learned!



And the Elites go by...





Here comes Janna in the yellow!



Go Amanda, GO!

Mel is a ruler follower and she struggled as I forced her to do it...go down a one way street the wrong way!  And to add to it...a cop car was coming as we were turning off, but to our luck...he wasn't too concerned with us.  See Mel...it's ok!  We got a KILLER spot for our first spectating site, Mile 1 and Mile 4!  It was  little confusing watching both sides, but we got to see the elites go by and then we waited for our friends to run by.  First we saw Janna and then not too far after, Amanda ran by.  We were so excited to see them.  We waited for a little while and then headed back to our car for the next venture!  Oh and I had forgot the map...which is totally needed when spectating, so after a quick trip back to my mom's we were on our way to St. Honore for some coffee and almond croissants...and Mile 12!  We lucked out with a parking spot in front of the coffee place and 2 blocks from Mile 12...nice. 

Mile 12 was a GREAT spot!  We talked to other spectators and waited for our friends.  We were thrilled when we saw Julie and she was KILLING it.  She was looking strong.  Portland is great because the bib's have names on it, which is a SPECTATORS dream, well mine at least.  It makes it so much more fun to yell out peoples name, even though you don't know them.  I know hearing my name on the marathon course helped me during those hard miles.  It's funny how excited you get when you see your friends...all of sudden you get louder and way more excited.  Sarah, from Run Like a mother...she was on her way to her first BQ!!!  Way to GO SARAH!  Janna was our next friend who was way to focused to notice her annoyingly loud spectators!  She was looking good, as usual.  Next up was Amanda!  She wasn't feeling great and as soon as we she saw us, there was a lot of emotions happening.  It's hard seeing your friends not feeling great, you just want to pull them off, warm them up and chat, but I knew she wanted to finish.  She said she did, so we encouraged her and she was on her way.  Sometimes friends are so helpful when we need it most and can give us strength when we don't have any at the moment.  I knew Amanda would do well, she always does. 

(Spectators tip #3: Running a marathon helps you be a better spectator)

The next plan was to find Amanda at Mile 18 and Mel would run with her until Mile 20.  We made the drive up to North Portland and found our way to the next stop.  We got another great spot.  Just a reminder...it was still POURING RAN, buckets...I don't know how all the runners were doing it.  Not easy running conditions at all.  Whats fun about the mile markers is you see the same runners, it made it fun.  I was so glad to have Mel with me so I didn't look like a silly, solo spectator, much safer to have another person yelling with you...makes it look way more normal.  We were having a blast yelling for people that we didn't know.  We make a good team for this kind of thing, for sure.  Again we got to see Julie and she was still looking strong!  You were amazing Julie, great job!  It was cold and raining and I noticed a gal stop on the other side and I went over to see if she was ok, and she was freezing, but she told me she doesn't quit and she kept going.  Hope she made it through.  Cold and rain and be dangerous...not a great combo.   It was great seeing people with huge smiles on their face, that was so inspiring.  They were totally impressing me.  Next up was JANNA!  Looking amazing and going strong, still.  She is an awesome gal and just makes you want to run!  A few minutes later, Amanda was right in front of us.  Mel yelled, AMANDA and I think we totally startled her.  Amanda looked way more focused and in the game.  Mel and Amanda ran off and it was time for me to jump back in the car and meet them at Mile 20! 

Mel waiting at Mile 18

(Spectating tip #4: Wear clothes and shoes you can run in...you never know when you will need to jump in to carry a friend to the next mile.  Also running to the finish line to see your friends cross the finish line...running may be involved)




Amanda and Mel are 3 people back...do you see them (Amanda is in the white tank).  This was at mile 20, when Amanda was dropping Mel off.



Made a quick stop at Mile 20 to grab Mel and then it was off to the FINISH LINE!  I was so happy to hear from Mel, that Amanda was feeling better.  I knew she could do it and with only 6.2 miles left...she had it.  We made it back downtown and found a parking spot...oh about 10 blocks away.  We needed to run a little...only because we wanted to get a workout in!  We made it to the crazy, busy finish line and was shocked to see the set-up.  After about 15 minutes and realizing that Amanda hadn't finished yet, we found a spot so we could see her come in.  WE saw Julie come in and yelled as she came through the chute, next up was Harmony and Jess.  This was their FIRST marathon and they killed it with a time of 4:17!  Wow!  WAY TO GO LADIES!  They ran the whole race together...how exciting.  We were so excited when we saw Amanda and Carrie come through the chute.  Woohooo....I knew she would make it.  

Spectating is FUN!  See how much fun we are having!

(Spectator Tip #5: Not everything will go smoothly, even if it was smooth most of the time)

We quickly went to the reunion area to meet-up with Amanda, but never found her.  It was time for Mel and I to get back to our families so after bit of waiting we headed back to our car.  We couldn't believe that we made all the mile markers that we had wanted and the we thought for sure the Finish line would be smooth, but no luck.  We did get to hang out with Tressa and her husband and also got to see Harmony and Jess which was fun to welcome them to the MARATHONERS club. 

Woo...that was long.  I'm long winded...what can you say?  Spectating is EXHAUSTING...I had no idea.  I was freezing and soaked and couldn't wait to get home to take a warm bath. 

CONGRATS to everyone who ran this past weekend.  Portland runners...you amazed me with the crappy weather you were dealt, yet you endured and came through the RAIN! WAY TO GO.  I continue to be impressed by marathoners and all they do in 26.2 miles!  Way to go.

Portland Marathon-Pre-Spectating Edition

So excited to spectate such a fun marathon!  Mel and I have a plan and a great morning planned.  Glad I'm not spectating alone, that wouldn't be near as much fun.  We are wearing our running clothes so we can run around town watching our friend run!  See...you're kind of jealous now, aren't you?  Fun day with friends, photo's and many memories to be had.

The weather will be wet, but what kind of October race in the Pacific Northwest would be fun without our friend, the rain?  We will tough it out with all the other runners, but the great part is we can stop for coffee and almost croissants to warm-up (not to warm-up our body's to run...mostly to warm-up in the cold, PNW weather). 

Tomorrow will be a bitter sweet day as we say goodbye, for a little while to our friend Amanda.  She is an amazing gal who besides just preparing for a marathon this week, has also packed up her house to prepare moving across the country.  Yah...talk about a marathon!  Amanda- I will miss you t-town buddy!  Who will ever understand t-town like you do?  You are going to do great tomorrow...I know you will!  We will see you soon, hopefully on the East Coast!  We will be keeping it REAL over the BLOGsphere!

Now it's time to go, but wanted to update my blogging friends with the HAPPENINGS of right now!  I'm sure there will be much to report after all the festivities tomorrow.  GOOD LUCK to all who are running tomorrow.  Great city, great marathon...GOOD LUCK and ENJOY your VICTORY LAP!

A BIG thank you so Stacie for hosting a yummy dinner at Macaroni Grill!  I love our bloggie/carbo loading, meet-ups. 

Time for bed...early wake-up...well early for me!  See you in a few hours, Mel!  Nightie, night everyone!

26.2 Magnets and the FUTURE!

Ever since I finished my first half marathon, last year I have wanted a 13.1 sticker and really wanted a 26.2 (do they think they could make a 26.6 or should I just grab an Ultra?) when I finished my marathon.  I hated the idea of putting stickers on my car and was thrilled when I walked into the ity, bitty expo for You Go Girl and One More Mile had a major booth and they had some.  Thank goodness because there really wasn't much to see at the expo.  They had a whole display of stickers...wait no, they were magnets...who knew that these even existed?...obviously not me.  Thrilled, I looked for the best ones to get, 13.1, 26.2 for me and 1 for Jamie, when she finishes her full in November and then a Runner Girl too.  I couldn't wait to put them on my van.  My husband was OK with the 2 magnets, but not so much with the "Runner Girl"...what, why?  So why do I mention all of this you ask?  Well the other day I went to open my trunk and was shocked to see my Runner Girl missing...I was worried that someone would steal these and now they had...wait no...it was my HUSBAND!  He took it down when he drove it last.  My question for you is...does he just want people to think he ran those?  I know people look at me differently after seeing those stickers, right?  OK so maybe not, but I think my husband is slightly jealous of my AMAZING abilities and wants some of the same notoriety!  When people drive by, see the 26.2 they are going to think he ran that if they see him driving!  I guess I will let him get away with it...but I need him to know that I'm totally onto him! 

In other news!  I am worried.  The same time every year, as races and goals seem to be over, I start to lose it...not weight (I wish), the running bug.  I start to slow down, sleep in, stay home and have more couch time...I also start to gain weight back!  I was looking for some local races in the next few months...specifically half's and there are not many....that I can find right now.  Last fall I put on some weight and I don't want to do that again. I ran HARD to get that off this year!  What is it about this time of year that does it to me?  Today I had planned on running since I hadn't run all week, but as the KID FREE morning went on I just wanted to lounge! SIDE NOTE...Why do we not appreciate the years before kids?  This morning was so peaceful and quiet.  I could get up, flush the toilet without worrying if I was going to wake the kids.  I wasn't woken up by my oldest asking for milk, I just got to sleep.  I can't believe how everyone morning used to be like this morning...wow I miss that.  But really...there is something to be said about silent mornings!  Live it up for all of you who don't, yet have kids...L-I-V-E it UP!...back to the post!  That all being said...I went on a run.  The first mile wasn't that great, but I just kept going.  The day was beautiful and a lot warmer then I had expected.  The views were breathtaking...loved it.  My breathing was a little off...I was tired and felt out of shape.  (How did I ever run a marathon...oh yah, with TRAINING!  And Running 5 days a week)  I finished with 6 miles and was so happy I had got out of the house and ran.  Before my run I knew if I didn't go I would totally regret it and if I went...I would feel so much better the rest of the day...which totally held true. 

Now with nothing on the horizon, unless I find a half to do, which I hope I do because it would be great to achieve Half Maniac status.  I am evaluating what I want to do next.  I really need to get back to the weight room and firm up, work on my core and mix-it up a bit.  Next summer I would love to do more triathlons.  I'm so torn with what to do..focus only on running or mix-it up with the bike and swimming?  I feel so partial to running!  It's way easier to focus on one thing and give it your all, when you mix-it up it gets more complicated.  To be honest...because running doesn't come easy to me, I feel like it's a constant challenge.  I also don't feel like I have fulfilled my running duties yet...I really want to run another marathon and see if I could do better, I don't feel great about my marathon and feel like I could do better, so I guess you could see I still have something to prove to myself.  On the other hand...training for a marathon is a lot of work...and time.  Not sure if I want to commit to that right now.  I love swimming...really love it and it comes way easier to me!  The problem with swimming is the limited time I can swim in the pool, they don't have a great schedule for lap swim.  Oh and the bike...I need a new road bike!  Which is not cheap!  I need to figure it out and get a plan together...I really feel lost at the moment.  Is it weird to think if I do something else...that I'm cheating on running?  I have thought of weights 2-3 times a week and running 3 times a week which would include a long run.  Maybe join the masters swim team, do some kick-boxing classes.

What to do...what to do!

• What do you think? 
• What have you done to keep, keeping on? 
• Do you do something else to keep it interesting?

Important Business or 3 Things Thursday!

There have been a few things I keep forgetting to tell you...which I'm sure you can all appreciate...

First...I LOST my first toenail!  Yes, yes it's true!  I had a blister under my little toenail after my marathon and it was slightly black...I kind of liked it (that's not weird at all, right...RIGHT!) because it's the simple things, like losing a toe nail that make you feel like a real runner.  This did happen a couple of months ago...but I just forgetting to tell you the EXCITING news!

Second...917 miles!  Yah you read that right...I'm almost to 1,000 miles for 2010.  I have strictly only counted running for my miles.  I am so excited and I think my goal will be to hit 1,000 by the end of October.  Thanks Mel, aka Tall-Mom for this challenge!  It has been so much fun to track my mileage and I'm shocked that I'm actually going to achieve it.  Putting a goal out there that seems unachievable is so much fun to overcome and actually do it.  Goals to push us to go somewhere is so beneficial.  Running a Marathon proved that...but running a 1,000 miles is very exciting too!

Third...I think I am one of the shortest in the bunch. I know I'm not tall, but I don't think I'm that short either...but after looking at so many of the pictures from last weekend...I feel SHORT!  Seeing people in the bloggyworld, through their blogs...you really have no idea of there height.  You were all probably thinking I was like..6'4" or something...right?  Ok so maybe not, but this weekend I felt short.  Can I get a WOOT-WOOT for short runners...anyone, anyone?  Calling all SHORT, bloggy runners!  I am actually 5'4-1/2"...if you were wondering and wanted the facts!

I realized in my last post I didn't mention how AWESOME it was to meet so many bloggers.  We have a great bunch of local bloggers and they are pretty amazing.  At our bloggy dinner Saturday night we went around the room and made introductions and it was so great to hear from everyone and hear some of their personal stories.  Thank you for all of you who were able to make it.  I hope we can do more of those in the years to come.  I hope to be able to talk to more of you and get to know you better.  So when is the next race?

Speaking of...

PORTLAND MARATHON!!!!  I'm thinking of heading down to Portland to see some of you who are running.  Is there a dinner planned?  I thought I read something about something happening?  Is there anyone else spectating?  I would love to be a part of anything that is happening.

You Go Girl...Race Report

I think I will start with the race...instead of trying to capture the entire weekend into one post.  But I do need to say...Meeting Tonia and Kayte was a major highlight for the week.  Hanging out with girlfriends the entire weekend was so much fun.  I'm so grateful to my husband for taking over so I could do this...such a fun weekend.

Jump...I learned from Mercer how to do this better...

Serious Team Picture!

Silly ladies...So fun!

Ok, Ok...back to the race...like I said I would write about...  For some reason, my mind and body where not looking forward to running this race. Not sure if it's because I had an unexpected week off from running or because my lower back was really hurting? Who knows, but I wasn't feeling good about it.  Coming off a PR can be hard too because you’re not sure if you can get there again and/or beat it.  I was however looking forward to running the race with a bunch of friends who would be there! That was exciting to me, plus the fact that it was a local race 20 minutes from my house...SWEET!  Jamie and I had planned to run this half together, after her 17 miler she started having some leg issues and was taking some time off. Kim graciously invited me to join her and Kim for a sub-2 which I thought I would shoot for, but after the mental aspect and back pain...I just didn't know what I was going to do. Last minute Jamie decided to run...yippee. I was happy to have my friend and running buddy to run with. We decided to take it easy since she was still with her leg issues, but really wanted to run. Jamie picked me up Sunday morning and we headed over to T-town (Tacoma) to meet up with the rest of the ladies. Parking was very easy and Diana (our awesome TEAM CAPTAIN) had picked out a perfect meeting place (Tully's) which had a nice bathroom so we didn't have to wait for honey buckets, SCORE! We met up with the rest of the "Will Run for Ice Cream" team and chatted and took pictures. It was so much fun having such a huge group doing this race. Go TEAM! We headed to the start line and Jamie and I took our positions in the middle of the 9 & 10 minute pace groups. I had no expectation. We chatted with our friends and then we were off. I felt tired pretty quickly...yah I didn't think it was just mental...my body wasn't in the mood. We made our first turn-around and got to see everyone in the out and backs...that was fun. Jamie hated the fact that her leg was holding her back...even though she was still kicking butt, she hated people passing her! We totally made up for that in the  major hill that took us to Wrights Park...THANK YOU HILLY, neighborhood training. This park is not the safest and it will probably be the only time I ever run around it...but it was nice. It was a trail and was muddy, but was a nice change from the road. The downhill wasn't nice on Jamie's knee so we tried to take those easy. I was still tired, but just kept going. I wasn't looking at the watch much by that point. We had started out faster than we had wanted but were starting to even out now. Around mile 6 we turned on the iPods and I took a honey stick and zoned out. I totally had to go pee, which hasn't ever happened to me in a race. I stopped at mile 8 or 9 and went quickly...good thing I did. I ran out and saw Jamie up ahead and raced to catch up. Even though so many of us listen to our iPods during races...it's so nice having someone beside you to run with. It helps me so much...left to myself it would be so easy to stop and walk or not push it as much. We did the turn around to head back and I was so happy to be headed to the finish. I thought we were passed mile 10 and almost to 11 when I looked down and saw we weren't even to mile 10 yet...that wasn't so fun. I needed something to drink and got some Gu Brew at the last water stop and that didn't sit well in the stomach (hate having stomach issues), but it had tasted so good I could have gulped a few cups...good thing I didn't! Mile 12 seriously seemed to TAKE forever.  I knew we were almost done...but my body wanted to be done!  Those are the times you have to start playing tricks in your head to keep going. I saw the finish line and I sped up...ran up the last little hill passing a few people and took the SHARP turn to the finish and SPRINTED to my 5th Half Marathon finish....so glad to be done and to have my 2nd best TIME.  For not expecting much and not feeling great about the race...I was thrilled with my time!

You Go Girl Stats:

Bib#: 123

Miles: 13.10

Time: 2:06:33

Pace: 9:40

Overall: 177

Division Place: 28/120


Jamie and I before the start




Some of my team members...AWESOME!



Norpoint Gals!  These gals all go to our gym and live in my neighborhood.  Local races ROCK!



Back of the crowd

Front of the crowd

Some of our team at the finish...So nice to be DONE!

Kerrie, the Birthday GIRL!  Happy Birthday Kerrie!!!!

Finish line (partial)team picture...



Read some of the other race reports and/or posts about the weekend from some of our team member...

Mel
Amanda
Kerrie
ZOE 
Tonia
Kayte
Veronica
Tressa
Chelsea
Stacie
Diana
Jamie

*Please let me know if you posted and I missed it...I will link you in.