Flu season

It seems flu season has arrived. Danyal and I were both down. It appears from others moms and preschool friends that this weekend was IT! Everybody had it. So if you didn't get it be thankful :)

As for thanksgiving it was food filled at my moms. The kids had a blast. It has been difficult as no one naps anymore and by the end of the day they melt down. Danyal hadn't been eating but now I know why. 

I cannot believe they have been back to preschool for almost 3 months. The time flies and Sara has made so much progress! She has left blankie home twice and doesn't cry at drop off. The kids now have their own friends, but I am told they always know where the other is. As I figured Sara is way ahead on physical stuff and danyal on school stuff. Sara isn't behind she has just always been physical and would rather play with her dolls or sing before practicing writing. 

Danyal gets along great with adults as he likes people who speak I full sentances. He is such a funny kid and still kind of the ambassador for the school. They said he knew every kids name a month before anyone else. 

They grow so fast. Where does the time go?!

Big Sur Recap

What can I say except Carmel is amazing, Monterey is fantastic, and Pebble Beach is EXPENSIVE!

My great friend from grad school used to live in Pacific Grove and was an amazing tour guide.  We started off in Carmel by the Sea. Everything I have ever read about Carmel was true. I would love to live there but couldn't even afford a shack. Wine tasting rooms, amazing seafood, beautiful views, and the people are wonderful.  I loved Carmel.

Then we moved on to driving Big Sur and checking into out Monterey hotel. We managed to do our packet pick up early and found out that about 65% of the runners were female for this race.

As for race day.  This was a whole new feeling.  Not having to park and having the race end behind our hotel was amazing! It seemed so easy I would do it again.

The race had hills.  The big sur 1/2 is advertised as "gentle rolling hills" they are only rolling as you are not in San Francisco.
Miles 1  my phone range and it was the security company! I didn't answer I figured they would call 1 of my 2 back up people.
Mile 2-3 were flatter and great. It involved running in a tunnel that was an amazing view and there was a guy playing bagpipes.
Mile 4 My phone rang again!! Security company so I finally answered, gave them a back up number and called my mom.  It was a little hard to run up a hill and talk.
Miles 6-9 were tough as the road was something I have never seen before.  It was larger rocks that were sealed onto the road and they were actually painful on the feet.  This was the consensus of everyone around us too.
Miles 10-13.1 were great. We were back by Lover's point and there was packed sand to run on. This was a relief to the feet and I got some of my wind back.

Overall a finish of 2:44 Better than what I had planned after 5 months of physical therapy and basically 5 weeks to train.  All my running before that had to be 3-5 miles.

Now that the race is done my PT and I agree, 6 weeks to shut down the leg and then hit the running mechanics again. I can run but back to 3 miles to ensure no flare ups, no KT Tape, and no Lido patches. Our goal is to get me running with no items to "get me through".

The trip as a whole was amazing. I cannot say enough about these areas.

Heaven!

Bixby Bridge

Monterey Aquarium

Seal Rock

Wordless Wednesday

2 Weeks in, a Gait analysis, and a new generation

I am now almost two weeks into Gluten free. It has been way easier to change at home, however going out to eat or ordering isn't so easy.  I have come to realize I will never be eating gluten again. I tried to eat something with gluten one day. That was a huge fail. Pain within 10 minutes and curled up.

I did order food from a restaurant that boasts a lot of gluten free. However, they didn't follow guidelines as not to touch and mix gluten type stuff as my safe food turned out to be - not safe. This is just going to be a learning process.

As for the running.  I had to take some time off per my physical therapist.  I just had a run gait analysis and that was ackward.  What to say when someone says "well your not even close to being a train wreck" um thanks? I really only have 3 things to fix, and only 1 of them is what is causing my pain.  I call this a win.


I have to say it's odd.  Not my kids of the new generation.  No, I just facetime'd with my grandpa who is 87!! They wanted an iPad mini and I set it all up.  He can text message now too. It is amazing how times can change so fast.  It will be fun for the kids to see their great grandparents more.

Though great grandma has dementia her new medication seems to help a bit more. She has her bad times but those are usually later in the day.  In the mornings she seems to know and recognize everyone.  I hope it can stay this way for a while.

Great Grandpa reading to the kids

Running + bikes ='s duathlons

This is my hope for next year. That being said the bike I owned was what insurance gave me when mine was stolen. It would have been great when I was 16. Not now. 

So to work on training a few friends gave me lots of tips and off we go. A few rides and a few good workouts In I am lovig it. 

A new school year and the end of summer

I have no idea how the summers always seem slow and like they will never warm up in the start, but they always do. I have always believed that once my birthday passes summer flies by and is gone. This year was no exception.

The kids and I have spent tons of time on the playground in our yard this year. They are finally big enough!

Right before school started we picked up Sara's glasses and it is amazing to see the changes already.  Every morning she puts them on and every night she puts them on her night stand.  One morning she said "mommy look at the blue in the tree" I had no idea what she was talking about.  She could SEE the electrical connectors in the tree. I feel bad and wonder how much she has missed out on.  Just glad she has them now.

We have started the school year and it is busy already.  They are now in the 3 year old class and I have had to readjust my schedule for when to leave. Two kids who need to stop at home and school to go to the bathroom takes forever!! I am excited for October as they will start the MacPhail Music Program in the afternoons too.

Along with school they now have swimming again too. There is one big perk. They are 3 and I don't have to get in the pool anymore!! They both talk about wanting to go back the minute we leave. Here is to hoping I raise a couple little fishes.

Kindergarten screening already!

I now know my kids are growing up. Most people choose not to do kindergarten screening until 3 1/2 but Sara has had some issues with speech. Turns out her speech is great... Her vision is not.

She could not see any shapes past the second line. She just kept repeating circle, even when it was a square. I knew this wasn't right as Danyal could read 6 lines. They tried to retest her 3 times but kept getting the same responses. 

I decided I wasn't waiting to get her in for a recheck.  I took her to Pearle Vision and the Dr. was great. He is very vocal that all kids should be screened at 3 and has even worked to try and get legislation passed!

They used a machine and had sara look at a picture way in the back.  They almost stopped right away and said - you know she is going to need glasses right? Um how can you tell so fast.  I guess this machine measure everything inside the eye and does the same as the actual eye exam.  They use both for kids so they can have a subjective and objective test as we know kids can be goofy and silly and play.

Sara even had her eyes dialated. I think her favorite part was when Auntie Ibby showed up to play.  Sara was very thorough about picking out her glasses.  Her main issue is just like her parents - astigmatism.  She is now asking where her glasses are but it will be another 10 days before they are ready.  I sure hope this helps now! Oh and they were so nice and eve gave her bear glasses so she has a friend with glasses.

As for the kindergarten screening - Danyal aced it. He lost points as he cannot write his name.  Duh! They needed 11 points to pass and he got 42! Sara we now know had some vision issues but still scored a 36.  I was informed that  that we are gonna have our hands full with Danyal. She couldn't get over him. I am pretty sure his sister is about to give him a run for his money once she gets her glasses!!

3 is here!

I cannot believe the kids are 3! I had so much I wanted to accomplish this year and I think we are getting there.

• Big Kid Beds - This is accomplished and was a smoother transition than I thought.  Sara moved to her big bed in January and Danyal in March.  It has been a lifesaver when they are sick. Though now they want to come in mommy's bed.
• Cups - I had enough of cleaning the sippys and tossed them all June 1st. That was it. They are onto big kid cups except for in the car. 
• Potty training - Sara has been accident free and dry overnights and on naps since June 25th! Danyal finally now uses the potty and is dry overnight and after naps but still has some accidents (1 a week or so). 
• Languages - They now speak full sentences in French!
• Swimming - We are starting up in September in the big kid class. This is huge! It means I don't have to get in the water!

This morning they knew it was their birthdays and they sang to each other. The things they do these days melt me. I have to say 3 is better than 2, here is why

• When sara gets up at the crack of dawn she will stand next to me as I get ready and the kid will brush her teeth the whole time!
• They hugs they give each other and the "i love you's" oh my gosh!
• Their personalities have gotten huge! Sara is the mommy and nurturing type and Danyal is all boy and all 3. Whoaaa. It is going to be a long fun year. 
• They are more independent. I still have to make sure they stay alive these days but they can get dressed, put their dirty clothes away, go potty by themselves.  

I cannot wait to see what changes the next year brings. I am sure as we move into another year of pre-school Sara will talk more, and Danyal will continue to be the leader he is. 

Sibling Love

The Giggles

my beautiful girl

Big Boy!

She is very attached to her brother!

I needed something pink and nearing 3

I have finished my second physical therapy appointment. The verdict is still the same.

My appointments include pressure point torture (which I love), cold laser therapy, and k tape. Here is hoping the burning down my leg starts to lessen. I do love my pt lady. 

I have to say about 5 days ago Sara decided she was done with diapers. We have been working in potty training forever. She is even waking up dry from naps and over night. What's the difference? I just put her in big girl underwear. Now this weekend we will see if it works for danyal. 

I know I had goals for the kids by the end  of the year but they are doing amazing. So far they now

- drink out of big kid cups

- moved to big kid beds

- can eat at the table, not in a booster seat

- 1 kid totally potty trained 

- know numbers, letters, colors, shapes , and the alpha bit in more than 2 languages

- they hold my hand in public and not taking the stroller is now an option for short trips

- and they are so much better on jungle gyms, verbalizing their needs, and just becoming little people. Yikes!

The do grow up fast. Too fast some days. 

Secondary issues

I finally saw a physical therapy person yesterday and my IT band is not the main issue. I also have bursitis in my hip (which is causing the IT band to be mad) and  a short leg again and the ball and joint aren't lines up in my hip. 

This lady pummeled my leg and my leg is purple in about 7 places today, and it feels wonderful! The whole time she was just grinding my leg I was smiling. She though it was funny how well I tolerated this as the guys are usually the worst and cannot take the pain. I know I have a high pain tolereance but I informed her I took no drugs after a c-section and she agrees, really high pain tolerance. In my behalf, my pregnancy was that uncomfortable that a c-section felt like nothing afterwards.

That being said, I will go in one more time this week, 2 x next week and then 1 x a week for 2 weeks.  Hoping to get it fixed fast.  No running for the next week, no stretching the glute, only strengthening the glute is allowed.  She adjusted my hips as well so my legs are the same length again. Here is to hoping for a permanent solution!

The kids had their first field trip. It made for an anxious mommy!

Would you like some pain with that run?

I am finally not sick *knock on wood* but my IT Band is no where need behaving. I hit the treadmill on Sunday as it won't stop raining and was planning a nice 9 mile run, even ordered a movie and BAM - 4 miles in IT band acts up. It got to the point I had to walk and even that didn't calm things down.

I have been living on my foam roller, Advil, tried a massage so tomorrow we start and a try a different route as my leg still is burning.  Tomorrow I am going to someone who a few runners are calling their miracle worker. Whether, it ends up being K tape, ART, or some other small form of torture I don't care. Just make it stop!!

Back to basics

I feel like illness just hasn't taken a break. Maybe it was the never ending winter turned into lots' o rain season.

I finally managed a 6  mile run again on Sunday.  A few days after the last half marathon (I let the IT band recover) I went out for a run. It seemed REALLY hard. I was totally confused. I knew I didn't have much sleep as both kids have had croup so I was managing about an hour of sleep a night.  I looked at my watch and Wow! My heart rate was 206. Even for me that is high.  Then I started wheezing like someone who has emphysema.  I decided a trip to my Dr. was in order. The verdict was bronchitis again! That is twice in 5 months. I have no idea how this has happened. I never get upper respiratory issues. I am hoping it was just a major lack of sleep.

Now to start running all over as after almost 2 weeks to recover each step feels really hard.

As for the kids they just amaze me. Right know they probably know 400-500 words in french and can put together some sentences pretty each.  We bought rosetta stone for the kids as we found a great deal. I love it, the kids think its a game! Danyal just wants to play "the french game".  These two know so much but I can really tell how different they are at this stage. Danyal is all boy and almost 3 year old tantrums (ugh), Sara is all about caring for her dolls and playing pretend.  I feel bad for her at times as she just wants to be near Danyal and he is a kid who needs his space and alone time.

It should be interesting to see how they change this next year.

Another round of fun

No racing for me. Today is suppposed to be one of the first nice days in a long time and I am only doing packet pick up.

I managed to run 3 miles yesterday but was wheezing so bad and my chest hurt so bad I went to the Dr.  Bronchitis for the 2nd time this year and another ear infection for me. I have had bronchitis maybe once or twice before this. Wow, my kids really do bring home every germ.

On the plus side I managed to get the smell out of my car.  The funny part today was danyal said "I don't want to sit there the ishy's were all over my chair yesterday. Sara can sit there!" Well played buddy.

An overdue recap

This past weekend I ran my 2nd half marathon. I have to say it was better than the first for the fact that I was able to run the whole thing.  It was a beautiful cool morning which really helped. I think somewhere around mile 11 my IT band started to flare. I had never known what IT band pain was before, ouch!

I eventually figured out what triggered it was running the last 1 1/2-2 miles on cobblestone. I still baby my right foot and I am sure that is why it flared.  It is finally healed now.

During the race I lost 8 minutes to a porta-john stop. I know the lines ususally taper down after mile 6, I waited until mile 10 and I still lost 8 minutes to waiting in a line! So frustrating.

As for the kids, Sara has had croup for the last week and is finally better. Danyal initiated my car yesterday and it smells awful! And now I have whatever they have.

I am supposed to race a 10K tomorrow and am going to go down to the 5K just to make sure my IT band is good.

I am still waiting for spring.  This is awful! I am still wearing socks and shoes when I should be in sandals!

Rain running

I tried soemthing new this week. Instead of hitting the treadmill when it was raining I hit the lakes. Let me tell you it was Lovely!!! There was no crowds to weave through, I had a great coat so no chill, and it was calm and relaxing. I have managed to get most of my runs in between the storms (literally it stops and I run out the door). However, Monday or Tuesday I just couldn't take one more day of rain.  It took all day to get myself out the door but I did.

My half marathon is just three days away and now I have another sick kid. I swear it never ends. I have to take Sara to the Doctor in an hour as when she inhales its a mix between wheezing and barking and while walking down the street it was too much for her. To top it off 103 fever for her again yesterday. I am wondering when the day of healthy kids will happen.

Winter versus Summer running

Trust me we don't have summer yet. Considering I was running in shorts and a tank top and it was 50 degrees was great. I really hope this is the weather we have next weekend for the half marathon. I was summer as much as the next person. Skirts, sandals, the beach, but for the half marathon I was it cool and cloud.

After having about 3 nice running days this spring I was thinking about the difference between summer and winter running and what I like about each

Summer

• less clothes so you don't feel so weighed down
• the bathrooms are open around the lake and the water fountains work (one less thing to carry)
• early morning runs as the sun is out so early
• late night runs as the sun is our super late
• wine, always a nice treat after a run

Winter

• pockets! no need to worry about where to put your Huma, water, keys. Pockets take care of that
• less issues with needing water as its cold out
• motivation to move faster as you can be so cold somedays
• fun themed races

There are plenty of things I don't like about each, but each has their perks. I guess it is just figuring out how to make the best. This is why I am enjoying this spring I don't feel like I am roasting yet. The cooler days have led to some amazing times for my runs. I am running closer to 9:30 - 10 minute miles. As it warms up I am sure that will increase. Humidity is not my friend. I think I need to try and run in the rain this summer on hot days. That should be nice and refreshing right?

I have the bug

I decides last night to run another 1/2 marathon in 11 days. Oops. I have been thinking about the Minneapolis half for a while. Maybe that is why my mileage has been so high lately. I knew in the back often mind I would do it. 

I feel like I can only improve in this race. We have 3 1/2 hours to finish so less stress. More water stops and I just feel more ready. I have been working on refinding my motivation. 

Here is to hoping for a great race. 

On a super happy note. During my 6 mile run yesterday 3 of my miles were sub 10. A first!!

Snow, Sick kids, and the mommy wall

Could this winter feel any longer? It is cold today and I was up for 4 hours with a little man who has a 104 temp and his sister who has a gross cough.  Poor buddies can barely stand up his tummy hurts so bad. Sara has proceeded to get up every day by 5:30 if not earlier! This means no sleep between Danyal going to sleep at 4am and Sara getting up.

To top it off more snow is expected today?! I put away the kids winter clothes, my winter running gear, I should have known better.

I am trying to debate what to go about for my running next.  Train up to 20 miles, or just try and start a marathon training program to feel better prepared for Big Sur and good preparation to run a marathon next year.

So far I managed a nice 3 mile walk with my mom this week, a quick run, and now my strength training couldn't happen today since the kids are sick. I feel like I pay for school that they never get to go to as they are sick all the time! I know this is from not having much interaction with other kids the first 2 years of their life.  They only have a few classes left. I will miss school this summer.

I know in running about hitting the wall, but today I hit the mommy wall. I am exhausted from no sleep for a few nights, and no rest during the day. This usually leads to me getting sick. I am hoping it doesn't happen this round. Once spring comes back I want to get outside and run!!

The verdict for the kids is- not quite there but heading towards croup! It appears croup, influenza, and strep are making the rounds again. Ugh

Half-Marathon Recap

It all started out odd. By this I mean I slept amazing the night before the race (this never happens), however at 2am my calves started cramping up on me. I knew this was weird and was trying to think of why, and then I figured it out. I wore flip flops the day before the race. I forgot that it takes a bit for my legs to adjust from winter heeled boots to flip-flops. I threw on my calf sleeves and my legs felt better by race time.

I got to the race early (bad habit of mine) as I knew parking was really limited.  I charged up my phone, ate a last minute banana with peanut butter and watched all the other people who got there early.  8:40am came I dropped my bag and headed to the start line. I was surprised how unorganized this race felt compared to many others I have done. I feel that this led to some of the issues.

There were no pacers and it took me a littles less than 2 minutes to cross the start.  The parkway is not very wide, but for the amount of people there it was packed. So packed, that by not having people grouped by pace people were literally pushing people out of the way to get ahead. This is when some guy decided he wanted to pass me (I even kept my earbuds out for this reason) and he pushed me and another lady up onto the sidewalk over the curb. Not nice Mister.

After the pack started calming down around mile 3 I realized I had been running to fast and slowed down a bit more.  I was very glad at this point I chose shorts and a tank and it was getting hot fast. Around mile 3.5 I decided I would go with a Gu as I had pushed the first 3 miles. I went to pull all my Gu and all I found was a sticky mess. Somehow all 3 of my gu's exploded in my pocket and my shorts were now stuck to my leg, along with having stick hands ugh!

I literally tried to get the rest of the Gu out of one packet and carried the one with the most left.  This was just not good as I knew they weren't doing Gu's until mile 10, and gatorade hates me. I kept running and pushing, and drinking my water, but I knew it was getting warmer and my calves started to cramp up.

Not shocked at how mad my calves got.  Lesson learned, give up flip-flops or buy better ones, and never wear new shoes the day before a race. Around mile 8 I cut across to hit the port-a, lets just say these were a rare find on this course.  There were 4!! And after drinking around a liter of water I had to wait two miles which led to a side stitch. I probably hit my wall around mile 9 (where a poor girl sat waiting for an ambulance from heat exhaustion, yes it did get that hot).  Somehow I made it to 10 and grabbed a Gu but my calves and quads were mad.  I had to do a walk/run combo the last 3 miles (not what I wanted) but I did it.

Somewhere near mile 12-13 I felt a super SHARP pain in my left quad. And there was Mr. Bee hanging out on my leg. Ugh what the heck! Anyone who knows me, knows I hate bee's!! I run screaming like a little girl. Today more than anything it ticked me off. I pulled him off and finished.  Then I grabbed ice and had the  first aid people get the stinger out.

So overall, I have a lot to learn, a lot to do different next time, and I lived to tell.  I did realized I don't like running with a hand held bottle anymore, I like having my arms free so I have to try a belt, ugh. I do have a clip bottle but it can be a pain too.  Any ideas for great hands free running? I am really happy I finished in under the time limit and didn't come in last.  For me this wasn't about finishing even in the front 3/4. It was about doing it to prove to myself I could.

I think I will be training all summer for Big Sur and maybe save the Marathon for next fall.  That doesn't mean I can't start doing some of that training now.  I am hoping by the end of summer to be able to do 15-18 mile relaxing runs and then maybe I will feel more confident about Big Sur.

I also realized last night I need to buy new sunscreen. Though I put it on my back it is still pink. One poor girl in front of me had blisters on her back already at mile 10. Yikes!

1/2 Marathon Monday week!!

The half marathon is in 6 days. I would say I am nervous but I think at this point it is more excited and I actually feel ready. I feel like I have come so far in 10 weeks. 10 weeks! It is such a short time, but such a long time. Through illnesses that seemed to last a month and having to skip runs.  It is just a crazy thing but I feel like I am at a great point.

I really have gotten to the point where I finally feel like I found my life long sport. It used to be dance but that is to hard to do as one gets older and has kids. I feel like with running I am showing the kids a healthy lifestyle.  I have gotten the bug so bad that I am signing on to start MARATHON training. OMG WTH! I still find this amazing considering I was told I would never run like this again. I disagree with the doctors and I think if you run smart and listen to you body you can. I know when I need to take an extra day off or just back off and do an easy run instead of hills. I think that is why this training has worked so well for me. I know my distances and I can shuffle them through the week to make it work.

Tonights run was amazing! I was told by a very smart running coach once "work on distance and the speed will come."  Tonight the proof was in the run.  5 miles in under 51 minutes! This is a total new first for me. I could have pushed it more but it was supposed to be an easy run. So for my next task, more distance, a marathon, and trying to get a 10K in an hour or under this year.

It's official. I love running and I am one of THOSE people now. I even have all my race bibs together. Next to get a medal tree or rack :)

Distance running

I have no idea when one officially becomes a "distance runner" but I feel like I am getting closer with half marathons.

Oddly, the more I run   lately the longer I want to go. Um, not sure who I have turned into but I love it. I have noticed a huge change on my runs in the last week or so, I totally zone. I have no recollection, of the music, my speed, my heart rate, I just run.  Ok I look at my speed to make sure I am fast enough but still, I have found my Zen zone and I am loving it. Now if only it would stop raining/snowing/sleeting or any of the other wierd things MN is doing at the moment UGH!!!

Since I have signed up for Big Sur I figure it is time to work more with my trainer. I don't need to do training runs for a long while and am really going to just try and enjoy spring/summer running when it gets here and see how I can increase my distance.

I think what shocked me most after my 10 mile race was how much my body is getting used to longer distances and my recovery times are MUCH faster. This makes me oh so happy.  Maybe a future marathon isn't as far away as I thought.

To go with all the running I have been looking for new gear since Lululemon hasn't put out anything great in a while.

I do not like to run with a pack so I have found some alternatives. The pack and dash tank by Lucy, the race ready Ld shorts, and the Nike long shape running tank. All have built in pockets. On addition, I found a water bottle by Fuelbelt that clips on and doesn't chaff or move. I have tested it on 2 of my long runs.

The half marathon is coming up. I think I am ready.

The Finish Line

Saturday will by my 10th race ever, and first half marathon. To day I have done 5k's, 10k's, and a 10 miler.

When thinking about all my races one thing that everyone asks is always the same. "Who will be at the finish line for you?" No one. I guess it would be nice to have people see me make this huge accomplishment but it isn't the end of the world. Someone has to watch the kids, my mom doesn't drive in the cities , and my BFF is stuck in Iowa working. The only person I have seen at the finish line is my friend, who I have known since we were 3, is marathon mom. This is usually because we run the same races :) There will be many more races. This is just a toe in the water.

I don't run for anyone but me and I think that helps. I don't run to lose weight. I run to decompress, zone out, have my quiet time, and relax! I have truly changed my why's and how's of running. To go with this evolution I am reading about chi running and am going to begin working on this after the race.

I am interested to see where I am in a years time more of running. I didn't picture running a half marathon in 11 months of running. But I am :)

When I cross that finish line I will have someone take my picture and I will send it to my foot surgeon. No more " I think I can", I know I can!

What to say

I had friends who have run Boston before, all of them qualified this year but none decided to run it. I thank my luck stars they are all fine.

When I heard about the bombs I got chills. I knew a few friends who were there. One twin mom was way to close to the first garbage can before it went off. She is feeling lucky at the moment.

Wear your race shirts today. Runners are all family members. We don't compete with anyone but ourselves and always help each other out. Lets support those runners and victims in Boston.

1/2 marthon monday - What a run coach can do for you

So I have talked about the fact that yes, I am using a running coach to prepare for my first 1/2 marathon.  A lot of people don't understand why I need a coach and just don't "go out and run". Um these people have never tried to run more than a mile or three or they might not say that (or they are lucky). All that being said what has my run coach helped me with? Let me give you a little explanation.

Hills - I was not running nearly enough of these, OY! They are not fun but Saturday proved that using them in training is necessary.

Easy runs - prior to having a coach I thought my slower runs were easy runs. Not a chance. When my coach gave me my easy runs I thought "really? that is practically walking." BUT, thanks to those easy runs I have lowered my running heart rate ( a miracle), learned how to run much longer distances without having to stop ever, and how to listen to my body for when to back down. Seriously, I now LOVE my easy runs and I never looked at my heartrate during my 10 mile race. They always feel good (as they should) and I feel a sense of accomplishment that I can now run 10 number of miles without ever stopping, I never thought I would be so happy to run for almost 2 solid hours. As I have been doing my easy runs my speed has slowly increased.

Interval/Speedwork - I mean really, it is pushing yourself to the edge and then going a little further and then recovery. It's tough but when you know recovery is coming you feel that much more like pushing to get there.

Distance - I tried to create my own plan and sent it to my coach. I really understand now that my distances were not nearly long enough. I knew I would need long runs but the rest I was clueless on. I also knew to taper before my big 1/2 marathon which is coming up but didn't know how. This is where I need someone to guide me.

The unseen  - What to do when you are sick (repeatedly) and what runs to shuffle off the the board and how to go about getting back on track. As I was sick for 4 weeks this became so important. I still made it through my 10 mile run which means we did it right.

The other thing that she did is tailor my running program to Me! This is so important as everyone has a different amount of time they can dedicate to running and are a different levels when they start. She took my races from last year, figured out my paces for different distances of races and each of my runs is based off these.

This doesn't mean my tendon hasn't been crabby through this (it has) but I listen to my body and shuffle my runs around as needed. She laid the guidelines for what not to do (ie, don't run more than x number of days in a row), beware of injury, how to layer, etc. My coach has also been a cheerleader. I was considering changing the 10 mile race to the 5K and she was my cheerleader (don't worry about your finish, it's a training run). Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that a race isn't always a race. She also taught me so many tricks such as prevent chaffing owwww, groups to meet up with, and so much more. It is all the little things a new runner doesn't know that you will eventually need someone to ask.  So for all of your help, listening to me, and getting me through this, Thank you Marathon Mom!

Hills or hills? Preparation for Big Sur!

I made it! I did my first 10 mile race ever, but the hills!! I have no idea how I finished the race in under two hours with wind, mist, snow, and just overall weirdness but I am so glad I did. My running coach was totally right, just treat it as a training run and another twin mom said treat it as a long run with friends you don't know.

I changed up how I prepped pre-race vs last year since I am onto longer runs. I actually ate a normal meal at 4:45am of something that I have found that sticks with me and doesn't kill my GI or give me the shakes from lack of food.  I had a Hammer 30 minutes before the race and a Gu at 4 miles. I am glad I had the Gu when I did as the water tables that were supposed to be at mile 6 and 8 were not (more like 7 and 9).  I think somewhere around mile 7 very bad words were going through my mind such as "not another flipping hill!! come on!!"  I looked at the elevation change from my watch and phone and there probably 6 good hills during the race and they were not short. My knees and shins were screaming at the end but nothing compression socks and a hot shower don't fix after a long run.

I did learn one thing. A new spot for chaffing, OY! I thought I had all my bases covered and I missed one. Lesson learned pre half-marathon thank heavens.

It is a training run indeed. I know I have my first half-marathon in 2 weeks and I am less nervous for that now that I completed this....but I also signed up for the Big Sur 1/2 Marthon in November. That will be filled with hills. I am hoping for no snow in CA and a beautiful view while I run.

It was a new first while running today. The longest distance I have ever run. I don't care about my time just that I did it. I ran the whole darn thing. Yea! Now when will I feel like a real runner? I still feel like such a newbie with so many tricks and small secrets to learn. The hills made me feel like a new runner. Maybe that is what keeps all of us running, something that we can do a million times but one thing can change it up and make it feel new.

I did it

I signed up for one a big 1/2 marathon. Last year Big Sur filled up before I could get in. This year I have a spot reserved. I am really

1/2 Marathon Monday

Well I have been worried about my 10 mile race this weekend and the 1/2 marathon in 2 1/2 weeks due to all of the bad sickness in the month of March. March was to be my peak training month. To top it off the weather has been awful. I mean a winter storm warning in April and a few inches of snow??? Blegh!!!

Anyways, I decided to enjoy a slightly okay day outside and run. My thought was I would start with my easy 3 mile run and if it felt ok go for my 6 mile run.  I managed my 6 mile time and my garmin told me it was a new PR for my 10K distance!!! Yea! It was more to prove to myself that I am ready for these races and that I have come a long way. I am still not the fastest runner but I have figured out how to manage longer distances at a much more consistent pace.  All of my splits today were within 4 seconds, I consider that really good. I have stopped looking at my watch when I run. I used to look at it for my heart rate, now I run to the point where I feel good. Today that was a 10:48 pace.  I think I am finally improving at this running thing.

The things kids do

This week feels never ending probably due  to the fact that the kids are on spring break.  This means no rest for mom and total craziness.

The craziness was the worst on Wednesday morning. We were all set to get out the door and head to Gaga's house and I walked out into the garage with Danyal and Sara shut the door behind us...and locked it!! My keys were still in the house. Thus began the fun of trying to keep her calm (it took a while), keep an eye on Danyal in the car, and get the security people here to open the door.  Turns out the mechanism inside of our door actually malfunctioned to and they couldn't pick the lock they had to drill it out.  At that point I said enough and just got a new door knob. One that doesn't have a push button option. If you have kids get rid of them all! It took a total of about 45 minutes but after a while Sara calmed down when I told her to grab an iphone to play with, at least that helped. As long as she could see me she was ok.  Danyal was just bored sitting in the car forever.

We eventually did make it up to my moms house to play and they had a good time.

I went for a run outside last night as it was beautiful (glad I grabbed my windbreaker though) and had this been a race it would have been a PR for me. Even after having been sick for the last 2 weeks more ear infections, sinus infection, bronchitis, and adenovirus I still had a relaxing run. Now that spring is here I can run later in the day and not on a treadmill, thank you daylight.

It always amazes me, on a treadmill I am sore afterwards as it is unnatural to run on those. Outside, no sore legs, knees, ankles, or tendons, just refreshed. It was rough after being sick for so long and I had the burn in my lungs but I just reminded myself I ran a solid 9 miles two weeks ago I can do an easy 4 (it turned into more of a race pace which felt good).  With having a new running watch I am learning to what my paces are outside I hope I have enough time before my 10 miles race in a week.

Round 2?

It seems that whatever has gone around this winter I just can't get better. I have now started round 2 of antibiotics for these ear and sinus infections. Over a week and my teeth are still pounding alon with my head. For the first time in a long time my ears just kill. It reminds me that my mom always said when I had ear infections as a kid I would just scream. I feel that way now. Here is to hoping for no blown ear drums.

The never ending winter

That is how this year feels.  It isn't so much that the snow is still around, it's that we are all sick again!! Danyal told me his ear hurt again, I am not surprised as I cannot get him to blow his nose. I mean really, how do you teach an almost 3 year old to blow their nose? We try and he inhales instead. ugh!

Sara was sick last week but she had a fever for 4 days, missed all of school and then got better.  Her fever wasn't horrible but I chalked it up to teething as two more of her molars cut through and she keeps saying her teeth hurt.  Well then Danyal started in with a low fever, then he said his ear hurt. I took him to the doctor yesterday and the verdict was another ear infection and adenovirus .  It's like the flu, mixed with strep, mixed with a respiratory infection.  The best part? It is highly contagious and now we adults have it. I swear my throat is on fire.  Eating? Nope, not in this house. No need to get groceries for a while.

So the best part is last week Sara missed school, Danyal will probably miss Friday, and they have no school next week.  And this is why nothing gets done.  I miss my few hours of free time every week.  Oh well.

I am ready to open the windows and air out the house. This winter has to end!!!

Half - Marathon Monday Week 6

Well I have made it so far. I have to say I am proud of the milestones I have done.  Now I have been running but sometimes needed to slow down, adjust a shoes, walk for a second.  My last two runs not at all.  That means on Saturday I ran for an hour and 44 minutes.  That is a really long time to keep ones legs moving.  But I did it and I am damn proud of it too!! I never knew if I could do something like that. I won't say I didn't think I could do it, I just never gave it much thought.

I am starting to feel more ready for my 10 mile race coming up as that long 1 hour 44 minute run was 9 miles.  I am feeling like I am back in the saddle.  It has been 3 weeks of everyone getting some type of bug or another.

As for my monthly goals I feel like they are going pretty good and starting to accomplish some of them.  Some with more ease than others.  And now I wait for the snow to melt.  Yea!!