Disney World - The race that made me a a marathoner!

Well folks, this could be a long post. I have been deciding what I should put in this one...as this past weekend was phenomenal on so many levels. And so, I will put it down as it comes, hopefully it makes sense.

As I've written before, I have had this idea to run a marathon almost as long as I've been running...about 6 years. You can read some of my other posts about that as well as my 1st attempt that ended in failure this past October. However, I happen to have the most supportive and unbelievable family and friends anyone could ask for. That is what got me to and through my first whole marathon.

So, rewind to October. I dropped out of the Detroit marathon due to injury. After some major encouragement, I saw 2 drs. that week and began seeing a physical therapist the next week. Inside of 3 months, I managed to get better and be ready for this past Sunday's race in FL. Amazing!

I had friends to encourage me, an awesome husband who took care of things at home so I could run and run an run some more. :o)My mom, mom in law, and dear friend Ruth coming to watch E for the weekend so Chris and I could go to FL for the weekend to do this race. I had family telling me they knew I could do it...and all that culminated in my finish!

No, I am not the faster runner, but I think I am about the luckiest.

I finished with a time of 4:41:54.5245 out of 13,522 overall finishers. 1725 out of 6267 women, and 340 out of 1086 in my age group. So....top third for my age group...I'll take it for my first one! I also accomplished a couple of goals....

Goal 1) - To Finish
Goal 2) - To Finish Uninjured
Goal 3) - To Finish with a smile on my face (I think this is true but we'll have to wait for ASI pics to know for sure).
Goal 5) - To Finish in 4:35

I met all of these goals but the last one..which was sorta secret since everyone told me I shouldn't have a time goal for the first one. That one was a bit of a stretch I knew, but it was my last goal in terms of importance because its my first race. My next one will likely make that more important.

All that being said, I had a great weekend! Chris and I arrived in FL on Friday evening. I had gone to PT twice that week because my back/hip was bothering me,so I was nervous that would crop up in the race. But, we arrived in Orlando, got our car, a grabber blue mustang convertible! Then we were on our way to our hotel. Chris made the travel plans and he did amazing! He got us a great hotel with the most comfortable bed I think I've ever slept on! We melted into bed that first night and I woke up Saturday with no aches or pains! Go figure! I think ha;f my problem with my back/hip may have been due to out old, icky bed! Good thing our new one arrived Friday just before we left for the airport! And yes, it is much better! lol!

So Saturday consisted of waking up, getting breakfast, going to the expo for packet and t-shirt/goody bag pick up, a little shopping,lunch, and a 3 hr nap! Yes, you heard me right! That has not happened, I am fairly certain since Ethan has been born!Again...I mention the ultra-comfy bed! Then we woke up, did a little cruising and then met Jeanne and Jim for dinner.

Oh yes, did I mention them? Jeanne is my inspiration for running! She is amazing, and a great person! Anyway, she had mentioned she was going down for this race since her husband Jim was going to be there for a conference. So, instead of running in AZ like I was thinking, I thought I would switch to that race, which was just 1 week earlier. I am so glad I did! It was so nice to have someone to walk/talk with who does this whole running thing and does it well. I hope to learn a thing or two from her as well as develop our friendship. She and her husband are truly one of a kind!

O.K. So, we had dinner, then made our way back to our hotel room for 4 hrs. of sleep before the race. Yes, the race started at 5:40 a.m. and we had to be there by 4 a.m. according to the marathon peeps to make to to start line in time.Based on when the hotel shuttle was leaving (3 a.m.), 2 a.m. was the time to get up...and it was early!

But, again my husband is the bestest! He got up at 2:30 a.m. ready to roll out the door with me. So, we got to the shuttle and made it to the race by 3:40 or so. So, then we just had to stand around for a while.....in 45 degrees! Brrr! Again, my husband is great! He was there shivering his butt off with no hope of running to get warm like I would. Who would've thought it would be that cold? Anyway, he stood with me and we walked around. Then we met up with Jeanne and Jim and were about to go to the start line....but it was about a 1/2 mile walk and spectators were not allowed to go the way we did, so I had to dis-robe(take off my warm ups), over an hr. before the start, since Chris had to carry them for me! brrrrr!

Anyway, Jeanne and I got to the start and waited a few more minutes, and then we were off! With a fireworks display and all....for every wave! I was in wave 3 of 7, but I felt like the only one! It was well done!

So, the first few miles were cold and sort of boring, but before long we were entering epcot in the dark! They had a couple of those light up animals they have in the night time parade buzzing around and the ball was lit up, and there was music and it was sooo cool! Epcot in the dark is awesome! Then we traveled some access roads, and highways and then we finally came to the Magic Kingdom around mile 8 or 9. This was my first and only glimpse of Chris and Jim. Turns out this race isn't real spectator friendly...definitely an x in my book. Anyway, before long we were running down main street, and then through tomorrowland. Then we got to run through the castle! So cool! Then we ran through frontierland(I think) and then we were back to access and highway roads. We passed the 1/2 way point in the magic kingdom, so after that the crowd started to slow a bit. The next park we came to was animal kingdom, but not before running by the park sewage treatment plant! ick! Oh well. Animal kingdom was neat, but far too short. I also developed a mean side stitch(this never happened in training!)...at about mile 17..it lasted until about mile 19...ugh! I also stopped for um...the call of nature...at least I got to use a real restroom in the park! lol!

Then we did some more highway that consisted of some long low-grade hills....that brought us to about mile 20. About here I started to lose steam and started counting down the miles....7.2. to go! They were long, they were painful. So, after a couple more miles we entered Hollywood Studios(used to be MGM). This was my least favorite park. I dunno why....the music annoyed me...it wasn't much fun...maybe it was just because it was nearly the end. The one consolation was they did hand out fun size chocolate bars there! Oh yes, I had one! At that point I didn't care it I had it in my training regime or not..I needed the mental boost...and hey, who doesn't like chocolate?

So, after that we were into the last few miles....we ran along the boardwalk and I stopped again for nature, this time in a blue plastic box...yuck! Then I was off to do the last couple miles.We ran into the yacht/boat club area and then back into Epcot for the finish. I was in so much pain at that point I could hardly appreciate what a beautiful day it had gotten to be or that we were running near a beautiful beach, boats etc. Once we reached Epcot again though I found a girl named Jamie who stuck with me until the end. We had about 1.5 miles to go and spectators were shouting...you're almost there...which we were not! Ugh! Anyway, we gave each other some encouragement and then we finally saw it..the finish! With a grandstand for spectators and everything! I almost cried! Such an awesome sight! So, I sped up a little and crossed the finish with a cheering Mickey and Minnie Mouse!

Chris was there soon after to hug me and be there for me...he is the best! I broke down when I saw him....it was the greatest feeling ever! Only second to having Ethan and marrying Chris I think. This was awesome! Jeanne and Jim quickly followed with and congratulated me as well. Jeanne finished 1st in her age group herself and as the 15th woman overall...she did great!

So, then we headed back to the hotel and checked into our flight. Chris had gotten me two t-shirts when I was running, and upgraded out flight to business class on the way back so I had room to stretch my aching legs! He treated me like a princess the entire trip. I only hope I can return the favor one day. Then we went out to lunch after checking out of the hotel and met Jeanne and Jim to celebrate with pizza an bloody mary's. mmmmm!

Chris and I said goodbye and then headed to the airport. Yes, I wore my medal in the airport...I figured why not? I earned this sucker!

Then we came home in style! Big seats, snacks, drinks....it was great! We arrived and finally got to dive home and see our little guy. We had missed him so much on our trip. This was the longest we'd ever gone away without him. We were happy to be home....oh and my mom, mom in law and Chris and I's families had flowers, balloons and notes of congratulations waiting for me when I arrived home! How sweet! Like I said, I have the best husband and son, best family and best friends anyone could ask for. This weekend was potentially one of the best in my life!

Cheers!

Race in the New Year!

Well, here it is first blog of the year, though nothing too exciting...firstly, getting better about blogging a little more often. Secondly I am 6 days away from my 2nd marathon attempt...in Disney no less! So, tapering, tapering,tapering....and oh yeah a trip to PT tomorrow morning. I did something weird to my back this weekend and I've been having some back/hip pain....I think crashing on the futon with E after he was up in the middle of the night screwed me up...but no matter! To PT I go where they will work their magic! Nothing too huge, I think just a tight piriformis muscle again that's pressing on my sciatic nerve or something since I have tingling all the way down my leg from my back. Stretching def helps....but I'm not chancing ANYTHING! So, I'm going even though the logical side of me says its nothing. Failure is not an option!

But, not going to focus on the negative, focusing on the positive which is a long weekend away with Chris in FL and I am going to do great in this race.And have some fun! It has however given my some reservations about how I should finish this race. I had a time in mind before for Detroit(and still do for this one), but I am starting to think I should just go to finish...but I know I won't be happy with that. So, I really hope I finish(I could live with myself at least then) AND I would like to get under the number in my head(that would make me happy!). :o) So, we'll see. But if nothing else, I get to hang out in FL for a couple of days with Chris and hopefully hook up with my pal down there also doing this race.

That's all I will say for fear of jinxing it again....but I am getting excited! And hey, who doesn't like a 4 day work week just days after a holiday break? :o)

Cheers!

Marathon: Take 2?

So, its been a while. I really wasn't going to discuss my plans for my next race for fear of jinxing it. I feel like maybe that's what happened at Detroit. Maybe somehow getting so excited about it and telling everyone about it was a mistake and the universe was telling me to be a little more modest and less "braggy". Not that I ever intended to be, I was just... well, excited! That was a huge goal for me. Anyway, when it ended in nothing less than disaster I decided to be a little more reserved about talking about the next one.

I knew the day I "DNF'd" at Detroit that I'd be doing another one. At first I wasn't so sure, buta great friend and very supportive husband assured me I could and would do another. And not just well, next year I'll try again...more like, if you're diligent and careful with your body you can likely do another by the end of 2010. BTW, thanks to my awesome hubby and Jeanne! I needed to hear that you guys.

These great people in my life gave me the boost I needed to get myself to a doc the very next day. Then to a specialist that Thursday.Then to physical therapy starting the next week. So just shy of 2 weeks after the "Great IT Band Incident of 2010", sounds more fun that way doesn't it? I digress. Anyway, just 2 weeks shy of said incident, I was in physical therapy sorting out my many issues. Who knew the right side of my body was so messed up? Apparently I had a right hip up slip, a rotated (anterior)hip, and a lower lumbar torsion..guess where? Yup! The right side also. Turns out after close to 2 months of therapy, the problem wasn't actually my IT band..that was just a symptom. Turns out my body was compensating for something....and turns out I have back issues....which is probably due to a weak core. So, after some adjusting and lots of exercises, my core is much stronger and I've been training those muscles to keep my bones and other structures in place when I run. The result? Well, so far I've managed a decent long run with no adverse affects. I mean, I actually stopped running because I was bored on the treadmill....not because of pain! Amazing! Who knew?

So, back to the races. I really wanted to do another one before the end of the year, but with our schedule and the holidays it just doesn't seem doable. I just keep running and looking out for races in warmer temps...which brings me to my dilemma. I have run only about 14 miles as my longest run since the 'Great IT Band Incident of 2010'. However, since my latest long run was pain free and my back(not even IT band!) is only a little sore a couple days later, I figure if I can get a good 18-20 miler in (even on the treadmill) this weekend, then I'll do one come Jan. So there's one in AZ and one in FL. One is 3 hrs. time difference and relatively expensive and one is same time zone and at least the flight is about 1/2 as much....not sure yet on the rest. It is also a week earlier, which bumps up my timeline to getting in one solid long run of 18-20 and it HAS to be this weekend. Oh and btw,the FL one, a good friend(the one who actually helped to inspire my marathon attempt 2 in such a short time frame), will bethere. Decisions,decisions.

Anyway, I am just grateful for a wonderfully supportive husband, good friends and the resources to get myself healthy. And of course for the opportunities I have. Life is indeed good and a far stretch from where I was a mere 8 weeks ago. Wow, that went fast! I am looking forward to getting this thing done! Then maybe this fall we'll talk Detroit again...what? Is it too soon?!?!? :O)
Cheers!

Detroit....still a hurdle to jump

Well, what to say? The short of it is I trained my butt off and started the race uninjured, but managed to get hurt and not finish the darn thing. Ugh!

Needless to say I was pretty devastated. This has been a goal of mine for years now....and to get this far and not achieve it was basically unthinkable for me. But, out of everything comes a lesson to be learned or maybe there was something else that was supposed to happen that day instead of finishing this race.

So, here's summary. Felt great miles 1-8....after 8 felt a twinge in my right leg....after mile 9 felt pain in said leg...so I stopped to stretch it out...felt a little better and continued....I continued this stretching routine about every 1/2 mile thereafter....however the pain got so intense that by about mile 11 I really wasn't sure I would even make it to the 1/2. But, I pushed on and made it to the half and decided to continue on to the full..I made it that far right? By that time my per mile time was already up to 12 minutes....ugh! I readjusted my goal mentally and said I would be happy to finish at that point....so I took it at a snails pace just to try to squeeze out more distance...but it didn't seem to matter....I then walked(well, limped) through every water stop, but my mile 16 I was up to a 16 minute mile with the stretching, stopping, walking etc...and at that point I basically couldn't put weight on that leg.

SO, I found an emergency communications volunteer and he was able to get me in contact with Chris who had just finished his own race. I am so proud of him! Volunteer by the way are awesome people! I found out this one's name was Jim. He was so kind and just wanted to help. He offered me his chair he was perched on, on this corner and asked if I needed medical. As it wasn't an emergency I declined. So, I sat with him and waited for Chris to come pick me up. We chatted for quite some time and he told me all about him and his family and how he was retired and now volunteers for many different things. He also is a Vietnam vet, a grandpa, and a genuinely nice person. I found talking with him much preferable to the pity party I was having, so it was good.

I also decided that it was pretty dead where I was at...so I began to cheer (along with Jim), for the people still coming down the road. Many first timers(like me), many veteran runners, walkers etc. It at least help me divert my energy in a positive way.

I also met a girl along the way who was sooo nice. She actually stopped to chat with me as I was limping along somewhere around mile 14 or 15....I told her not to worry, keep going...you have a time to worry about and she just said, that's o.k. I've been talking with all sorts of people along the way, this is for fun. She was likely my age(never did get her name) and had two kids. This was her second marathon this year. She was really encouraging and such a positive spirit. It really helped my mental state.

As well, I have always know I have a really supportive husband...but I realize now he really is the best! He being injured himself went all the way back to the hotel, got the car, came and picked me up and catered to me the rest of the day! He knows how awful I felt and was just plain there for me. I couldn't ask for more.

I also had the opportunity to reconnect with an old friend who is such a huge inspiration to me! She is helping me through this ordeal and I am so glad to talk with her again. As well, we had dinner and fun times with great friends the night before. Plus, I still got to participate in an event that started with me uninjured.....so it could be worse. I know people who couldn't even attempt it because they got hurt just weeks before it.

Where is this story going? Well, I guess the point is, maybe this race wasn't about me finishing. Maybe it was learning about other people, maybe taking me down a peg, maybe to learn that there are some truly good people out there in this world. You just have to stop an "smell the roses" once in a while.

So, today I am on the hunt for a good sports doc who can get me up and running quite literally in a short amount of time. Then off to another one hopefully! This isn't the last of my marathoning days! :o)

Cheers!

30 is old, but 30 is yung!

First of all, yes I am aware the title of my blog is misspelled. It's on purpose. It was inspired by a card that a dear friend's daughter made for me for my 30th birthday. The front of it reads as the title does. It cracked me up! It also made me stop and realize a few things.

This past Friday I did indeed hit that 30 year milestone. While at first I was tempted to say....'I'm Old', 'Poor Me'.....blah blah blah, I realized I feel younger in so many ways than I ever have in my life! And I have been reminded of the wonderful family and friends that have supported me all along the way.

I have had more surprises in the last few months than you can shake a stick at! My hubby planned a great 30th bday party in July(yes 3 mos early as according to him he couldn't surprise me otherwise....it would be too obvious closer to the date) with my dearest friends from near and far and was fantastic! Then my little sis planned a dinner out with family while I was in town a couple weekends ago. Also awesome! My brother in the army who is deployed sent me a great bday email....amazing since he's so busy and on a different schedule than us. Then my mommy sent me flowers at work on my birthday! Then, my dear friend Ruth planned a surprise party at her house this past Saturday! So fun with all the kids. Sunday was lunch and cake at Chris' mom's house...and, and....that's it! Whew! I call it my birthday quarter! But seriously, it has reminded my how blessed I am to have such thoughtful, caring people in my life.

These are the same people who have supported me throughout my journey to my ultimate fitness goal...my first marathon! Whether its my hubby watching E so I can run for 3 1/2 hrs. on a Saturday morning, or words of encouragement from a family member, or meeting for a run after work with a friend....they have helped me get to where I am...less than 2 weeks from my marathon. I mean, at 21, I couldn't even fathom running a 5k, let alone train for a marathon, yet here I am....so close to that very event! So, turns out you really are only as old as you feel!

This past Saturday rounded out the last of my push upward for training.....my longest run so far. 20 miles! And wouldn't you know it? It was cold, and windy and...wait for it....rainy! At first I was hesitant to do it.....thinking nothing but negative thoughts about how to run that far in much less than desirable conditions...but then I had a thought. All season I have had perfect weather for my long runs...and all season I thought.....what if it rains during the race...how will I handle it? Well, I now got a chance to figure it out! So, that's how I looked at this run. An opportunity to run far in icky conditions...and then come race day I'll be mentally prepared for anything! Just hope it doesn't snow. :o)

So, I set out and despite mid 40's, windy,misty, then very rainy conditions, I made it! And I didn't just make it...I made it in less than my pace time for the race! Turns out I take to rain o.k!
Yes those last miles hurt, and yes it was hard, but now I feel ready!

Now, I just have to think positive things as I start my first ever taper. I'm already feeling a little down as a certain birthday with all its delights(read:cake...lots of cake), has me up a little on weight, but I hope that goes back to normal in the next couple days as I remember how to eat well again. Other than that, I was starting to dread and think...how will I run 6 miles PAST that longest ever run.....but turns out I'm not the only one with those thoughts....I think its pretty normal for a newbie marathoner wannabe. So, trying to take confidence from those who have been there done that....if only an article here and there in running magazines and such.

So, from here on out, only positive thoughts, rest, and some nice easy runs.

O.K. starting to actually get excited about it now! I can't wait!

See you at the finish line!

So Many Things

Wow, has it really been 5 weeks? So much has happened that it really doesn't even seem like July was here.


Amongst the normal craziness that is our life(work, kid, friends, family and running), it seems a lot of other things have happened as well. Lets back up a few weeks...3 weekends ago we had a cousin's open house and a trip to the zoo along with a bbq with friends. What makes this weekend notable is not either of these things however. It was marked by my baby boy's first broken bone (and I hope the last). As I was sorting laundry at the bottom of the basement steps with E next to me 'helping', he made a dash for the stairs crawled up 2 and fell all before I realized anything had happened. I heard a thunk and turned...before I ever heard it, I knew what was coming next....that scream no mother ever wants to hear. So after some consoling and a good once over to check for bumps, brusises, bleeding or anything else out of the ordinary, he seemed o.k. and laid down for a nap(which made me nervous since he bumped his head). After said nap, we got ready to go to the zoo and when I put him down I noticed he would not put any weight on his left foot....when he tried he would cry and pick it up. So, we figured it was sprained and he would be in a stroller at the zoo anyhow. So, off we went to the zoo. As the day wore on however, he still would not put that foot down. I knew something was off.....so we called the nurse at the peds office since it was Sunday and we didn't really know if it was ER material. She told us to watch it and if he still was favoring it in the morning to make a dr. appt. It was just so odd...no brusing, swelling, redness, cuts...nothing! So, the next morning he was still only standing on one leg, so we made the appt. That afternoon we took him in and 3 hrs. later (after dr. visit, x-rays, more waiting than we could handle), we had the diagnosis. Broken ankle bone. I could not believe it! Little kids bones are supposed to be flexible right?!?!? So, off to the splint room we went to ge a half cast wrapped with an ace bandage until we got an appt. with a peds ortho to get a cast. A real cast. On my baby. I could hardly imagine it. So, that Friday he got his little blue cast on. If a cast can be cute, his is.



It certainly has been a challenge to bathe him, but he gets it off this Friday already! Turns out baby bones heal quickly! Less than 3 weeks since the injury. Then I hope he'll be walking shortly after. He wants to so badly and is actually walking around with his push toys and seems really steady now. Chris says he'll get the cast off Friday and will be walking by Saturday. I have no doubt. But seriously how much can a parent take in one year?!? In the hospital for rsv at 5 mos, constant ear infections and finally tubes, broken bone...and he's only 13 mos! Sheesh! Thank goodness for faith.


So, that was 3 weekends ago. The weekend after that we had a dear friend's wedding to attend. It was a great time and a beautiful event.


The Wed. after that was our last FPU (Financial Peace University- ala Dave Ramsey)class. We started this program on our own about 18 months ago, but joined the class when our church offered it..plus they offered babystitting which made it doable for us after work during the week. It essentially common sense.....but it makes you really think and actually do it. I love the principles in this class, and to date we have paid off our car early(and plan to never tak a loan again for one), paid off about 30K in debt and are socking away $ for an emergency fund. It feels so good to not owe others money. We have come to the way of thinking that our grandparents did it.....pay with cash and if you don't have it, you don't get it. Remarkable! It has definittely made it tough, and no we haven't had the nicest of things, but we have what we need...and if something unfortunate happens down the road we will be able to cover it without credit. That is called freedom. It has also taught us how to communicate in our finances and so has also improved our marriage. This class has been great, but I will admit having my Wed. nights back to run will be a welcome relief on my schedule.


So after our final class ended we headed up north(read U.P.) for a short but much needed family vacation(yes we budgeted it months ago and saved for it).So up to Houghton for Chris' fraternity's reunion and his first triathlon along with some copper country sigh seeing. We made it to the bridge that night and stayed in Mackinaw City. Ethan though it was party time at the hotel though so we only got about 4 hrs. sleep...awesome since we had to drive way farther the next day. The next day we took a short run with the friends we were traveling with before taking off again. Unfortunately Chris tweaked his knee......not good 2 days before a tri.


But we were off again and hit Tahquamenon(sp?) Falls, a couple scenic overlooks, and Canyon Falls(babies needs lots of breaks from the car), before finally arriving in Houghton. Ahhhh.....I swear the UP really is God's country. The air seems fresher, the people are nice, things move a little slower, and of course we have lots of good memories.


So the highlights included taking E to Chutes and Ladders(he loved crawling in the tubes and swinging), hanging out with friends and seeing all the new stuff since we were last there 5 yrs. ago...wow a lot has changed...but for the better. Then it finally came...Saturday morning...triathlon day! 1/2 mile swim, 23 mile bike and 5 mile run in the middle of nowhere. Gotta love it!


We got up at 5 a.m....we actually woke up Ethan for once! hah! We hit the road with a quick pit stop for coffee with 2 other couples who are great friends and also doing the tri. 1 couple plus Chris were doing the whole enchilada, while 1 and the other couple were doing the relay.

So remember Chris' bum knee? Well, turns out Sat. morning brought a pain free knee ready to roll! We arrived at Copper Harbor and E, I and Jen took the trolley to the start while the rest of the crew took their bikes......no parking was allowed about a mile away from the start so as to avoid biker injuries as the course came back the way we came in ...so no parking allowed near the start. It was a brisk awesome Sat. morning up north. About 58 I think. brrrr!


After we arrived and got our timing chips, bodies marked and transition areas ready, we got a few pics and waited for the pre-race meeting. Turns out there was a BIG hole on the bike course....so glad we made it to the meeting to fin out crucial things like that.

So, some more waiting, then I took E to spectate and take pics as best I could, cheer on my friends and hubby until it was my turn in the relay. Logistically I wasn't sure that it would really work, but it did. Jen did the swim and then tagged Brad who did the bike(which took a while), so while he was out, she got changed, and was able to watch E so I could stretch and get ready to go. She watched him the whole time I was gone too... Brad came in and tagged me and I was off! I took off faster than I should have, but it felt good, the adrenaline was going....and it was so fun! More fun than a regular running race I dare say. I got onto the course and I literally was the only one I could see....no one in front or in back...hmmm...weird. Then I knew why...there were some monster hills to climb on the trail.....yes climbing is the only word I can think of. Then wizzing by me in the other direction came I can only imagine the first place guy...seriously??!?! I was on the trail literally 2 minutes and on a relay team(read we were all fresh) and this guy comes tearing back...amazing! After I got over those hills, and neared the road portion I finally saw more competitors but still no one behond me...kudos to our swimmer and biker for such a good head start! So, I ran as fast as my body would allow. A little hot and mostly uphill one way(i was an out and back), but great on the way back.


It was so fun to finish it up...alas I only did a barely sub-9 min. mile...but I'll take it for now. After me came the one couple who ended up finishing at the same time! It was so cute! Then came my hubby! He was still going strong at the finish but happy to be done. He did great! His knee didn't even bother him at the end. I think I might've been as proud as he was. Such an accomplishment!He's already looking for the next one...yes, it seems he's hooked. :o)


Sunday we made our way back home and were happy to be back even though we'll miss it up there until the next time. Hopefully next year we can both compete in it.


Monday we were still off and I managed to finally get my 13 miler in. It felt great! I'm a little bummed this weekend is a step back week in training...only 10 miles. I know I need to have those weeks....but I love pushing it to see how far I can go. But, I guess my goal is to get to the marathon starting line uninjured this time....so trying to talk some sense into myself in the mean time to take it easy.


So this week is now recovering, cleaning, doing the mundane everday things....but grateful for our family, friends, and memories.

Surprise!

Wow! That is the only way to describe the events of this weekend. I had planned on a pretty action-packed weekend, with also a little relaxation thrown in....but it was so much more!

The long weekend started off with Friday night at Ruth's house for dinner, hanging with the kiddos then after they went to bed, wine and watching the first 2 twilight movies. Yay girls night! I needed that. Saturday morning was supposed to be my long run, but after waking up a little tired (didn't get home until 1 a.m.....very un-like me), I put it off until about 1 p.m. Yeah, that was a mistake...it was blazing hot people! But, got it in nonetheless at the park as I'm running past people taking a dip in the lake....wow, talk about a motivation killer!

Then it was back home to get showered and ready for my date night with Chris. We had been planning to go out for our anniversary about a month late since he had gotten Tigers tickets from a guy at work...box seats. So he said it was worth the wait....trust him. So I did. We also planned to get dinner first at a place(Traffic Jam and Snug) ,a guy at work had recommended not too far from the field that served an eclectic menu that included some yummy vegetarian options.

So, after grandma came to stay with E we were off! I was a bit tired and relaxed as Chris drove us there.

We pulled up and he said we had a reservation.....that was odd....he never plans that far ahead. Anyway, the waiter seated us. Shortly after a friend of ours, J, came over and said he saw us walk in and that he and his fiance Am were there. He insisted we join them as we hadn't ordered yet...very odd to run into them without knowing....as we talk to them pretty often. Anyhoo...we followed him over and in an area I didn't see as we had walked in were not only J and Amber, but our 2 dear friends from Brighton, Ruth and Todd, and my Bff Kelly and her husband Tim....from Minnesota! I was dumb-founded! What the what?!?! Chris quickly explained it was my surprise 30th birthday party! I was in shock! What?!? He said he thought the only way he could pull off a surprise was to do it no where near my birthday...he was right. 3 months early, and I had not a clue. I cannot believe he planned so far ahead! He never does that!

To say the least it was a fabulous night!

After a yummy dinner and lovely gifts, we headed to the game. The girls quickly decided on LARGE daiquiris( a must) before grabbing our seats. The seats were fantastic! I've never had such great seats at a game....you could seriously see the players faces! In my world that is nothing short of amazing! To make it even better, I got to share the experience with my friends, plus they won! Woot! Then the cherry on top was fireworks after. They were spectacular!

After the game we said good bye to most of our party and a few of us went on to a local bar in Detroit, Jacoby's...never been, but thanks for suggesting Kel! Great beer, company, and a few munchies rounded out the evening. And of course Chris being the awesome husband that he is played DD for all of us since it was "my night", so I could drink what I wanted.

Long story short, the evening was a complete surprise, a complete blast, and I felt so lucky to have such a thoughtful husband and friends willing to come(near and far) to share it with us.

Enter Sunday morning. We got up at 6 a.m. Yes, that's when E gets up regardless if how late we were out. So we visited with Chris' mom who was nice enough to spend the night so we could stay out and got E situated. Then I had to find a swim suit(first one since E was born...yikes!) and do a little shopping before heading to a friend's for dinner, swimming and hanging out. Found a bathing suit.....this is remarkably hard in July by the way. Then we packed the car and headed out. Got to our destination and had an awesome time! We took E swimming, played in the sand and visited. then we had dinner, delicious!, then played a short game of corn hole before taking off. E had it by then and it was about his bedtime. Luckily he slept on the way home.

Then today we got up and the weekend had caught up! Boy were we exhausted! But, E was up...so we were up. We cleaned and got organized a little, E and I headed out for our run before the heat was supposed to get really intense...whatever..it was blazing by 9 a.m....but got it in anyway. Then home for a snack... and Chris wanted to go to the beach and swim and take a picnic....so we did that....hit the library later, and now playing with E before bed....again,a fun filled day!

Whew, I need a vacation from this weekend! But, wow this is a weekend for the books! Haven't had this much fun in a long time!

Cheers!