I need RUNNING!



I saw this for the first time on my way to my longest run of my marathon training...I love it!  I focused on it for the last 8 miles of that 25 miles...

 So I had a moment...maybe it was longer than a moment!  I had a GREAT RUN!  I'm catching up on posts since it's been a while so I have to catch you up!  I ran with my friend Erin again a few weeks ago.  I had really wanted to have a run by myself since I hadn't run much, but I didn't want to tell her no and I'm so glad I didn't.  I had wanted to go around 5-7 miles and so I was happy when she said she wanted to go a little further than our usual 5k...perfect!  We decided to do 5 miles and I picked a great route, that I had never run before...but knew it would be great.  The day was clear but COLD which is great running weather!  We had a great time catching up.  At about mile 2.5 we plugged into the ipods which was a great thing for me since I hadn't ran with my music for a while.  This was a GREAT Run...I was feeling awesome and was thrilled to be running with Erin on her first ever 5 miler.  I told her when we passed 3.1 miles and she was so excited because she had never ran further than that!  I could tell she was getting tired and I kept encouraging her and cheering her on...I WAS extremely proud of her!  We ran the BIG hill and had to do a couple loops to make it to 5 miles.  We finished and we were both thrilled about what we had just done.  What was really exciting is that the last few times when we have run we are usually over 11 minute miles and for this, her furthest run we ran it with a pace of 10:37... How impressive!  So EXCITING!

On a personal note...that was an AMAZING run for me.  It felt great the entire time and really could have kept going...I realized I was MADE to RUN, I NEED to RUN...I can't ever give it up even though there are times that I don't want to do it, but then I have runs like that and I can't believe what it does for me.  I actually got kind of emotional about it...it was really weird but I started crying because of how good I felt!  Sometimes runs can do that when you least expect it.  I so needed this run!  Amazing how you can never know how a run will go...but it could be the BEST run yet!  You never know!

Nice Hill!



What runner doesn't have a bathroom shot?

 I told you a post a go that "I would RUN" and I did!  In fact I had a great run and finally did something I have wanted to do for a while...I ran HILL REPEATS on NICE HILL!  Should I repeat myself...or did you hear read that right? I RAN HILL REPEATS ON NICE HILL.  Ok, so maybe some of you wouldn't make as big of a deal about this hill, but it has gone to my head and I needed to deal with it...so the only way to deal with it...is to conquer it, right?  Right! 




She didn't get the memo on the TIRED face!

 So my friend and I met up and did it together.  We decided how many times we would do it before we hit the hill so we didn't change our mines after running up it once...that was a good thing to do since after the first time up I was ready to call it a day but we still had more to do.  My friend had already ran 5 miles so she was spent.  We did it a few more times and I was so happy to be done, but thrilled that I finally DID IT...I ran NICE HILL for HILL repeats...for no reason at all except to get it out of my head.  Is it out of my head now?  Well I don't know...but more so than before...so that's saying something!

A little crazy...

Follow this MOTHER...did you?

I was so excited when Sarah invited me to be "Follow this Mother" this week!  I have always loved reading the weekly "Follow this Mother" and was totally honored to do it.  THANKS Sarah for asking...I'm sure it's because I totally cheered you on in the rain in Portland...right, well maybe you didn't even know me then...but hey either way Run Like a Mother is a great book and the authors are two amazing mothers that inspire runners all over the place!

Check out their book if you haven't all ready...it's AWESOME and they are writing another book that is in the works now!  Can't wait to read it. 

So if you haven't already...check out my FAMOUS post on Run Like A Mother HERE!!!  And to those of you who have already checked it out and left sweet comments, THANK You...you are so sweet and such great gals.  You made my day with you sweet words!

I will RUn...

Tomorrow...which by the time some of you read this will actually be TODAY!  I'm getting up and getting to the gym when Kids club opens and I'm running with Jamie!  I told her even if she can't make it I will assume she is going so that it will make me get there...on TIME!  I'm getting my run in before swim class...I am, I am!

Had a great run with my friend, Erin on Friday.  Legs loosened up quickly and we enjoyed a quick run.  She did great and told me she had done the same route earlier and had made it up the hill all by herself...I was so proud of her.  I'm so excited to get some runs in and to see how much stronger my legs are going to be.  Bring it ON! 

This Friday my friend, Rosanna and I are going to run Nice Hill and maybe even do HILL REPEATS, WHAT!  Yah, you heard me right...I want to get the mental block of NICE HILL out of MY MIND and I'm bringing friends who have never ran it...WITH ME!  Take that NICE HILL!  I'm bringing FRIENDS!  So if you are FREE this Friday and are bored, CRAZY...or just want to know what I'm talking about...meet us at the GYM...around 9:45ish!

7-Layer dip just seemed right for Super Bowl.

Had a FABULOUS day with TALL-MOM, I call her Mel...A fun relaxing afternoon with yummy food and great company.  The boys did so well playing, which is always a wonderful thing!  5 boys...that isn't always the case.  We ate, chatted, ate some more and caught up on what's been happening oh and watched a little of the super bowl.  Oh and I also ran on her 'Mill...had to test it out of course...I ran far...like .10 or .20 miles...yah...I really pushed myself!  Thanks Mel for having us over, we had a great time hanging out!  Max got in the car and asked if we could come over tomorrow.  Friends are GREAT!!!

How fun is dressing up?

Iron Man is pretty darn cute!

Three Things Thursday - Frustration Edition

Ughhhh....I'm frustrated!

1)  The Scale...I hate it!  Really weight...a pound, that is how much you are going to move?  I know everyone says don't rely on the scale, but what am I to do? I feel like I'm working out like crazy (maybe I just feel like I am) and NOTHING, NOTTA...NOPE!  Nothing seems to be happening.  I like to stay positive, but COME on...is this a joke!  Weight can pile on like crazy but to get it off...not so easy!  Let's be honest though, I'm not eating perfect, but it's not awful.  I guess I need to get back to writing it down so I can see what the problem is.  I just wish I could be one of those people who all of a sudden stop drinking POP (or something) and lose 5 pounds, but no...I have never been one of those lucky ones.  Weight is just a struggle and not I'm irritated!  On the POSITIVE side...I have seen my strength greatly improve so I know that is good sign, but why won't the scale show something then.  Why is losing weight so hard for me? 

2)  Running!  I miss my running time.  I am totally struggling to fit it in.  I guess am not good at multitasking!  With COLD weather (I know its MUCH colder in other areas) dark mornings and nights, the thought of being outside is not that appealing right now.  With limited childcare I have not been getting any runs in.  I want to run, but the time has not been allowing it.  I'm really looking forward to WARM weather and longer days so I can do evening runs!  Come back sunshine!  I don't want to be a seasonal runner, but it seems like my current position is just that!  Hoping over the weekend I can do a little of it so I can get out of my funk.  I had no idea that working 2 extra mornings would totally rearrange my schedule, who knew? 

3)  Bills!  Who loves money, paying bills and anything related to that?  I used to and I used to be really be organized with our bills with nice spreadsheets, reports, categorized expenses...it was AWESOME!  It took me a lot of time to keep up with it, but it was so fun.  Now...this has all changed once kids came into the picture and I'm no where near where I used to be with my reports and spreadsheets.  I'm asking for help!  I have used MINT.com for a while, but it's kind of annoying and is slow.  What do you use?  How do you keep it organized (if you don't mind sharing)? 

Positive side of things...I hate to be a downer especially when there are some fun things happening!  This last weekend we went to Safeco Field for FAN FEST.  Our boys LOVE, Love baseball so it was fun to go on the field, tour the clubhouse, run the bases and just have a fun FAMILY day.

Fun Famly!

Max not so happy, but Cole was loving it!

2nd Base!

Testing out the players helmet and bat, how fun!

Lets go throw some balls in the outfield!

Cheese...

My boys...love them!



Max having a fun time in the outfield.



Loren and I having some fun!



You know it was a good day when this is what happens!



Prunes, T##t and GOOBER!

Yah, your probably want to know what all that means, right?  Yah...I figured!  Can I just say I LOVE TO LAUGH?  Well, I LOVE TO LAUGH.  Not just the small chuckle either...but actual laughing...the kind that makes your belly ache, your bladder can barely keep anything contained and your cheek's hurt!  You know what I'm talking about now!  Well all of that plus the title of this post...totally sum up our Bloggy dinner. 

Chelsea, Kerrie, Mel, Zoë and I totally laughed it up at an awesome GREEK place! Small, kind of hole in the wall kind of place...but is so YUMMY!  Isn't that how most of the great, authentic places are.  I love just hanging with my buddies catching up.  I think was our first time just meeting for meeting sake.  Most of the times it's at a carbo loading dinner, passing each other as we are running at the races or chatting in the port-a-pottie lines...so this was nice to just simply HANG!  It was also great to meet Goober aka Isla!  She is such a precious little thing. 

Thanks Zoë  for sacrificing your night out so we can meet Isla...love her.  We ate, talked, ate some more and laughed the whole time.  I so enjoy nights out with girlfriends...they are so important to do, so you can unwind, relax and enjoy the company of others.  Thanks Chelsea for the prunes, Zoë for bringing sweet Isla, Kerrie for showing me how fun MALIBU BARBIE really is and Mel for giving me the Medium Brooks jacket...I hope you can get it to me any day...It will totally be HUGE on me...but I will deal with it! (HA HA)!

Totally bringing our friend Amanda into our converasation!

I guess without realizing it, Chels and I had a mini photo shoot...

Next time we really hope some of you will fly in to join us!  It's totally worth it and I'm sure Chelsea will bring some prunes to share!  Right Chelsea?  Get out...enjoy some friend...just because...you will totally not regret taking the time to do so!  Thanks ladies for a fun evening!  What's next?

3 Things Thursday! You're totally excited, huh?

1.  I AM TIRED!  Utterly fatigued!  The kind of sleep where you think you will totally be able to sleep but your almost too tired to do it.  All this strength training is making my sleepy and tired.  Yesterday I totally felt like I was in a fog until...STARBUCKS at 4pm...perfect.  Hadn't had one all week and it totally woke me up and got me excited for my functional fitness class.  I am so excited to see how this is going to change my body and also improve my running.  I did nothing but running last year...I know, not good...but it was hard to fit it all in.  This is a new year and new adventures to try!  I'm really enjoying everything I am doing and I'm totally burning some major calories...CAN I GET A HOLLA, HOLLA?

A couple of these gals will be there, wish they all could!

2.  TONIGHT is dinner with my friends, my running, bloggie buddies.  Looking forward to catching up and seeing what everyone has been up to.  Face-to-face is always so much nicer than texting, blog comments...you get the idea!  Also excited to have some GREEK food, yummy.  Ladies, let's remember to get some pictures!  If anyone else wants to come...let us know.  What's a quick flight to Seattle?  It's just dinner, you don't even need to stay over night...just fly in and then catch a RED eye home?  Just an idea!

3.  I AM TIRED!...Oh wait...I already said that!  Max is FIVE!  And I have to say...so far, so good, actually SOOO GREAT.  He is such a great kid.  He is growing up and I never thought that I would be a sappy "my child is getting older" kind of mom.  I thought I would love it...and I do, but it's also so bitter sweet to think he is starting Kindergarten next fall.  I remember when he was born it seemed like a lifetime away until school.  Now I'm asking myself, did I do it right, should I have done more things in his years before school.  I worry about kids being nice to him, and him having hurt feelings.  Before grade school, I chose what teacher he would have, I knew most of the parents, the kids...and all that is going to change next fall.  I'm sure these are all normal thoughts, but it's scary being a mom and sending your 1st child off to BIG BOY school.  But the other part is he has calmed down so much, is so sweet, so helpful and I really enjoy being around him.  I'm going to miss him.  Gosh you would think he was leaving for college or something!  Who knew I would feel this way?  Not me!  I still have some time left and I'm just enjoying the time between now and then.

Wordless Wednesday!

Who is excited?  I am, I am!

Let's just hope it sticks...at least this is a start!

So INSPIRED!

Erin and I before our run!

I love to be INSPIRED!  Who doesn't, RIGHT?  I love hearing peoples success stories, whatever it may be.  There is a beautiful young lady who lost 70 pounds in the last 6 months.  It has been amazing to see the transformation!  She is in the gym all the time working very hard. 

The other day I texted her to tell her how proud I am of her and to keep up the great work.  Her reply mentioned running together sometime...SOLD!  So we decided to run Friday morning.  I was so excited to get some time to chat with her and catch up and see how she has been doing and also to hear about the weight loss journey.  We ran the turkey trot route, with is a 5k.  She have never ran a 5k without walking.  She recently ran the Santa Run that I did last month but walked towards the end.  We took it nice and slow and just enjoyed chatting.  She was doing so great the whole way and then we came to the major hill at the end of our run.  I had told her before we got to it...Decide now that you are going to run up it...don't decide on the hill...that is never good.  (Making any major running decisions on a HILL will never end well). 

We took it easy, but kept running.  I coached her all the way up it!  She did AMAZING!  It was so exciting.  I never know if I am driving people crazy by talking to them and coaching them through the hard parts of runs...but she seemed OK with it!  We pushed it at the end and she ran her first 5K without stopping and it was NOT a FLAT route...the HILL at the end is forever and gets worse at the end. 

It was so inspiring to be a part of.  I love runs like those!  It makes me so happy to be a runner and to help people do something they wouldn't otherwise do.  I was bragging about her amazing accomplishment at the gym...so, so proud.  I was so sad to hear later that day that she hurt her ankle playing racquetball.  I saw her last night and she said her ankle is getting better and she is hoping we can run again on Friday!  Hope it works out.  So great...SO GREAT!

Happy after our 5k!

What inspires you?

Brrr...Cold RUN in Pic's!

Headed out on a cold run...it was BEAUTIFUL!



Don't you love cool camera settings?



How pretty...the sun, the snow...LOVE IT!

What a JOY to run in weather like this!

Mid-run...feeling good!

That's where Amanda used to live...over on the other side!  Hello T-Town!

I was so happy to go on this run!  It was a beautiful sunny day!   It's one of those days that you can't help, but to RUN...and those days don't always happen!  I haven't been taking my camera with me, but on this day...since it was so nice out I decided I would take it easy and stop for pictures!  So glad I did!  I love cool, crisp running days.  BondiBANDS rock in the cold weather!  They are perfect!  Not much more to say, just had to share my beautiful run with my bloggy friends!