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!

Of Road Trips and Birthdays

Well, the last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind around here. We went for our first family road trip to MN last weekend for a dear friend's 30th birthday. It was such a great time. Our family's got to hang out and we did lots of fun things with the kiddos. The one thing that did NOT happen, was my long run.

So, upon coming back to MI early Mon. morning, I thought I would try to do a belated long run and then start my running week back on Tues. So, just 12 hrs. after our long drive home (through the night), I attempted my long run. The problem was it was about 80 degrees at 4 p.m. and 70% humidity. Needless to say I aborted about 2/3 of the way through as I was feeling nauseous and generally just not good.....no sleep and not eating well plus heat will do that I guess.

But on a good note, I did get the rest of my runs in this week plus I got my long run in yesterday morning....got up at 6am on a Saturday morning to do it......why? Well, had to beat the heat and rain, but also it was the only time I had since we had a certain young man's party to get ready for. Yes, Ethan is turning 1! My how the time flies. So, yesterday was also his first birthday party.

With a sesame street theme, it was quite a little party. Grandmas,grandpas, aunts, uncles, cousins and godparents were all there. He even had his very first cake. I decided to do cupcakes in addition to a regular cake because I figured he could get messy with just a small cake instead of a whole cake. I really thought he wouldn't eat much.....but then he is my son. He ate almost an entire chocolate cupcake. Then about 2 hrs. later we got to see it again...I guess that much sweet stuff is hard for such a little guy to take. So we won't be making that a habit. It was fun to see him get all messy though. :o)

Lets see....other than that, just picking up today, and just got back from Target with a toy organizing system...yes his amount of toys doubled yesterday I think. He also got lots of new clothes...so mom and dad are happy they don't have to shop much for him. :o)

Also planning to do my run today sometime before the thunderstorms hit. I think after lunch....I'll take E out for a little fresh air.

Other than that I may go get my next pair of shoes.....I've been meaning to get another pair to rotate with....but keep not having the time. So, I think I may do that this afternoon when its supposed to rain. I am so happy I'm basically on schedule for my marathon still. Still have to sign up for that I suppose. I cannot wait! Oh and I can now fit into my summer clothes from 2 years ago(yes from before I had E!)...hooray! Not just that I can fit into them.... but now I don't have to buy new summer clothes which are NOT in the budget. :o) Double plus. Running does me and my wallet good. Now if I could just try to get through the winter months....that's what really kills my training. Well, we'll talk about that when I get there this year....I'll need a plan for that.

Cheers!

Marathon Training

So, I set my sights on doing a marathon going on 5 years ago. I know that because I looked at my old emails to a cousin who's done some and an old friend and one time instructor who's done TONS of them...looking for advice about attempting my first one.

Well, that was '06 and ended in injury and disaster. So, enter '07...again injured! Hmmm...might be seeing a pattern here. Well, '08 came and I decided to try something new and do a 1/2 marathon, hoping I could hold myself back from training too hard again and injure myself yet again. On a related topic...IT band injuries suck, and they nag!

Anyway, I managed to do my 1/2 marathon in Oct. of '08 with only a little soreness in my 'prone to injury' leg. I also found out the very next day I was pregnant....so there goes my plan to continue training for an awesome marathon in Arizona in Jan '09!

Needless to say the doc said it was OK to run still, but probably not train for a marathon....couldn't let my heart rate get above a certain number, yada, yada, yada. So, '09 for a running year was basically a bust. However, I did gain a little running buddy along the way. As long as its good weather he comes with in the BOB! Love that stroller! My secret strategy and hope is that if I train with the running stroller, when I get to race day I'll be that much faster without something to push...we'll see how that pans out.

So, that brings this year...'10! This is the year! I've been re-learning how to run since I took some time off after having E....it takes a lot of energy to work, be a mom, nurse and keep up with regular life let alone run. But, I have that all down now, and I've been running since the winter pretty steadily and building up my mileage base again. I also turn 30 this year, so I figure, it's a good year to finally reach my goal.

5 years in the making and I cannot wait to finally get to my goal! I feel mentally that if I can finally successfully run this thing that I'll be able to accomplish anything I want..silly I know...but that's my attitude anyhow.

That being said, yesterday was my first 'official' training run on my 18 week schedule. It wasn't much different than any other run as of late...however this time I felt that it had a purpose, and will get me that much closer to my fall goal. Eek! I'm so excited.

Detroit, here I come!

Been a while

Well, its been over a month since my last post, so I figured I should use my lunch at work today to write something quick. What can I say? May was a whirlwind of activity in our house.

Not only am I now trying to fit my running into an already busy working-mom schedule....now I am trying to fit in traveling to see friends and family in different parts of the state and even other states. That on top of the usual sick kid and sick mom stuff that is bound to happen with a baby in daycare.

So in May we managed to start our FPU class every Wed. night(which means no running those nights) get E's tubes put in, see my newborn niece the day she was born,
travel to MN, manage a sick baby when we returned, deal with a sick mommy a week later, and have not got in a lick of running in a week and 1/2! Ahhh! the insanity! The rest of the summer looks no better.

So, I am trying to figure how to make it all work. I guess if this marathon is going to happen in Oct...its MAKE the running fit it NOW or forget it. So, my training schedule starts on Mon.....so gearing up for that this week after having the flu. Still feeling weak, so I hope by Thurs. night to be back on the running wagon!

Also, I hope to update this sucker a little more often than once a month. June has just begun, so here's to a new 1/2 year resolution.


And last but not least, today is our wedding anniversary. 8 years of marital bliss.


Life is good...and what you make it.