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. 



You Go Girl...

...Well that's what I have to do right now...Go, Go...to swim lessons so I don't have time to post.  I have so much fun stuff to share and pictures to post.  I am exhausted from an AMAZING, FUN weekend that I'm sure you will be reading all about from all of the You Go Girl recaps.  We partied from early Friday morning to Sunday!  It was a blast and honestly I am really sad it's all over.  I had looked forward to this weekend for a long time and now it's gone.  It was so fun meeting Tonia and Katye!  We had a ton of fun touring Seattle, eating at amazing places and just getting to know each other in real life.  Tons of laughs...

Here are most of our team members from "Will Run for Ice Cream".  Great team...

Until later...now time to swim.

I'm a FRAUD!

...Well at least I feel like one sometime! Reading other running blogs and talking to other runners, it seems like everyone LOVES running ALL the time.  It's easy to think that the 20 milers you read about...sounded so easy.  I don't want to burst your bubble...but I have to be honest...I don't always LOVE running, in fact there are times that I feel like I have more BAD runs than GOOD runs.  Running never comes easy to me...it still doesn't.  Even after training for a marathon, running my 4th half marathon and PR'ing...it still doesn't come easy.  Running is not always something I want to do, I would rather sleep, eat and watch TV...all at once than run.  I want to sleep in, have coffee with my friends and lounge in my PJ's all day instead of lacing up my running shoes. 

After a week of not running and knowing I had a half marathon to to run I knew I needed to get a run in.  During my 4 mile run that turned into 7 miles, I realized that running has totally changed for me, as I am sure it has for most runners.  I started running to lose baby weight and then continued so I could eat the food I wanted and also to stay SANE, while raising 2 boys!  This might come as a shock to some of you...but I don't love every step I take in my runs or every breath I take to continue the run...what I do love...is getting out the stresses of the day...(lets be honest) of life.  I feel in control when I run, especially when my life at times seems uncontrollable.  I do it to overcome the very thing I always thought I couldn't do.  Every step, every breath...I am overcoming something that I couldn't do before.  I try to remember, it doesn't matter how long it takes me to get there...how I look (but it does help when I like my cute outfit), it just matters that I finish!  I get embarrassed when people are in ah and impressed with what I do, because honestly...it's just me...Running!  It doesn't seem like a big deal if I can do it, because if I can do it...anyone can do it.  I think people who want to run but don't because they are scared, would be shocked at what they could do if they just started.  We all started some where, right!

Was looking for a picture for this post...this one seemed perfect.  In the first mile of my FIRST marathon!  Great memories!  Setting out to do something I never thought I would!

I will say that the part about my run that I do love...is when I FINISH!  There is no better feeling, ever...even after a hard run.  Just the simplicity of going out and getting it done is enough to carry you to the next run!

Running in the RAIN!

Oh my gosh...I just went a WHOLE week without running...shhhh...don't tell anyone!  Ok, ok...that cat's out of the bag.  It wasn't my plan for that to happen, but with going to the ocean, kids and rain....it just never happened.  After a FAST from running I decided to let today be the day that I broke that fast and went out for a run.  I was excited to try my cool, new, blue... Nike shirt out and I LOVE IT!  The first mile was BRUTAL!  Mile one wanted to remind me why it's good to NOT take a week off, but the rest of the miles were SO needed and felt AMAZING.  Thought I would go 3 or 4, but of course I went further.  The rain was coming down and I was loving it.  Running in the rain never sounds fun, but I have to say that some of my best runs have happened in the rain!  It's strange...I know, but there is something great about it!  Of course you need to have good rain gear to make it all work.  Funny how that was one of my reasons for not running this last week and today I loved my run because of the rain...oh go figure...I hate to run on hills and I hate to run on flat...what are you going to do...Tomato, toma(h)ta....Potato, Pota(h)ta!

I went a week with no running and with no blogging, but boy do we have a busy week coming up!  You Go Girl FESTIVITIES start next week!!!  Who is EXCITED...I am, I AM!  Hope my unplanned week off doesn't ruin my run?  Either way it's going to be a great race...regardless of my finish...just fun because it's local and a TON of friends will be running!  Can't wait, can't wait.

And because I have no running pictures...but I know you want some pictures...here are some cute ones from our week at the ocean!


Oh my cuteness!



Love this pic!



The path with my cuties!



Max and I with our boots!

Totally honored...

Bloggy world is so fun.  I got an email from a Jodi at Run Jodi Run who asked me if she could spotlight me this week...I was totally honored and excited.  Thanks Jodi for asking me...it was fun to think through all the questions and write it all down.  Jodi spotlights someone each Thursday so feel free to look at the other people she has spotlighted and also read my interview HERE.

Thanks again JODI!