Where did you go?

Here I am!!! Ha I bet you thought that since my race is over I was going to fall of the face of the earth never to be seen again....You are not so lucky!

It has pretty much been business as usual around here this last week. Work, School, family time....
Bob and I had a pretty low key weekend, much needed after the crazy epic-ness of last weekend!
We had a dinner date with some friends at a favorite local brewhouse. Delicious and good company! Go Gilgamesh for being awesome!
Saturday we went to see American Sniper. If you haven't seen it, go. Very good movie and story. Heartbreaking. What I appreciated most about this film was that it shed some light on what military families go through. War wounds are often not visible. Breaks my heart for them. I kept thinking of my brother while watching it. Of his family and what being deployed was like for them. And what he is now having to deal with.
I spent pretty much the entire day on Sunday with my nose in a book....I started on the second book of the Outlander series....Dragonfly in Amber. LOVE! And I also have mastered the art of knitting while reading so I don't feel totally useless!

Its back to reality today. Dang that went so fast. Settling back into a workout routine too. I have not fully decided on my next goal, but I have some things brewing....
As for now, I am trying to stick to the same schedule as much as possible. I did take it pretty easy last week, light runs and yoga mostly.

Workouts for the week:
Wednesday:
Run, 3.68 miles, 33.:04 time, 8.59 avg mile
Not bad, feeling good.


Thursday:
Yoga, 35 mins. Felt good to stretch. Still not sold on it....way to slow for me!

Friday:
Run, 3.01 miles, 26:36 time, 8:50 avg mile
Cold, wet. Sore run. My bones are tired!


Sunday:
Run, 3.51 miles, 30:21 time, 8:39 avg mile
Foggy, good run. Bobs first run in a few months. Happy to have him join me!


Monday:
Bike
I have a bike trainer for my mountain bike, really cool set up and so much cheaper than a stationary bike!
Road for 30 min at a pretty fast pace. Felt good to mix it up and easy on the bones!

And incase you were wondering.....there is nothing like a pair of bike shorts to make you feel extra sexy. Oh wait, put on a pair of leggings over the bike shorts, yes that does the trick! Bringing sexy back......
Is that lady wearing a diaper? With rubber bands around her thighs?

And now back to reality....

....coming down from my race high. Its been a good one. This is some addictive sh@t.

So I did say I would catch up on the super late night on Saturday and then all the other fun of our weekend.  So here it is.
Beast had a wrestling tournament in Redmond on Saturday. The Oregon Classic woman's meet. Its the only women's meet she will do this year (that I am aware of anyway), and the Classic is huge. We have gone every year accept last year for the last 9. She was wrestled in it at least half of that.
We left at 7:45am to get there in time for 10:30am weigh ins. Wrestling to start at 12:30. We made it in good time and got all registered and weighed in...then found out that they pushed the start time back to 3:30pm......So we watched Cascade HS wrestle in 3 different rounds......I read a lot, so glad I took my book....and we waited some more.

All the girls pre meet! Great turnout this year! Biggest yet

Finally at 4 they actually started wrestling. She had 4 in her bracket, with 3 matches. She kicked butt in her first match, pinned the girl in 30 seconds. Second match was a tough one...she fought hard to the end of the 3rd round only to get stuck and pinned right at the end. That one kicked her butt and she was totally gassed by her third match. It didn't go to well. She ended up with a third place medal and feeling good about her day.

Beast on the left, lets do this!

My Girl!

We literally were the LAST ones to leave the arena....then still needed to get food. I had not planned on being there all day so I did not pack accordingly. We were starving!!! Beast used her phone to find us a good place to stop in Sisters, Three Rivers Brewery, Good food and atmosphere. Then the VERY long, very rainy, very dark, very foggy drive home.....We made it home at 11......

My date for the night....To bad the didn't have a Knotty Redhead!

Monday was a holiday, YAY!!!! We really needed that after the non stop weekend. We pretty much treated it as a Sunday. Lounging around and relaxing. Bob came over and we shot off rockets that he and Moose built. That was really cool! Beast got some bestie time and all is well.

Rocket Man!!!!

Today was back to normal. Work, school, workout, kids, work.....chores.

I did get a workout in....A one mile walk down to Moose's school to drop off his glasses and the some yoga. It was a good change of pace and I think the yoga was a very good choice. As slow as it was, I needed the stretch.

COLD walk today!

Over all I am feeling good, not to sore and ready for the next challenge. What that is, I am still trying to figure out. Also my workout plan.....I don't want all my hard work to go to waste.....

On a side note, I ran 195 miles to prep for my half. Thats amazing.

EPIC RACE DAY!!

I did it!!! I ran a half marathon. 13.1 miles. And I met my goals for the race. It was EPIC!

The hardware and the proof!

Here is a play by play of my day.....

Got home very late (11pm) on Saturday and headed strait to bed (more on that in a later post).
Up at 6:30 with butterflies in my tummy....Tried to go through my normal morning routine as well as I could. Water, Buttered Coffee, 2 eggs with half an advacado, more water, banana. Got all my gear together and packed up. Paced the house a few dozen times while waiting for the Beast to get ready. Headed to the school/race zone about an hour pre race. Picked up my packet, hugs and greetings to folks. Lots of excitement and nerves in the air. I was to be running as part of the local Team RWB group, (Team RWB, Enriching the lives of veterans) and loaned a shirt to wear. Really cool to be part of an awesome group. This really added to the entire experience.

Team RWB

T minus 15 minuets, headed outside to "warm up". I don't really warm up usually, and again wanting to stick with my routine, I didn't want to mess up by doing any strange warmup and hurting myself. But it was good to get outside and used to the colder weather, and start moving around and working out the nerves.
A few weeks ago, my friend Rhiannon and I had decided we should run together. She has been training too and we have been keeping a close eye on each others pace. Since we had the same time goal and same pace, it only made sense to stick together. Her knowing her training partners would be kicking it in at some point and running their own race, as they should :-)
On your mark, get set, GO!!!! And we were off!!! So exciting being in that heard of people. 3 huge American flags leading our way. I love the energy of the start of a race. Finding your stride and pace, weaving your way through the crowd. We started to settle in and were in good spirits. The 3 of us, Rhiannon, Lisa and myself. I felt great, healthy, ready. Around mile 5, we started to meet the people coming back from the early group (an hour before our race, a group started the half that were going to take longer than 2.5 hours or were walking). The good jobs started and that keep us going for quiet some time. Then the speedy winners of our race started to come by, that was impressive. So fast. Like crazy fast. Still our good jobs keep coming, more and more frequently. I love the spirit of the running community. So much positive energy.
Around mile 6, we came across a large group of cheering fans, as I got closer I realized most of my were MY fans!!!! OMG I was so happy and surprised to see my best friends there cheering away!
We finally made it to the turn around point! Wow that took awhile! Knowing we would be going back past my cheering section was super encouraging! And they were awesome again! I was afraid that my face was going to hurt more than anything in the end because I was smiling so much, like the entire time.

HEY I KNOW YOU!!!

YAY encouragement!

Seriously, could I have a bigger smile? LOVED THIS SO MUCH!

Running buddies! Go girls go!

Miles 9, 10, 11 were very long. We kept good pace. By this time it was the 2 of us and we kept each other going.
Around mile 12, I was starting to get pretty tired. My feet were sore. But knowing we were less than 15 minuets away from victory kept me going. Then rounding the corner and heading into the final stretch, we kicked it in and enjoyed the finish. Who knew after 13 miles we still had it in us to sprint (well it felt like a sprint) to the finish? Crazy what the body and mind can do. I look up and see the race clock telling me I am going to make my goal of under 2 hours!!!! OMG really? I did it??? YESSSSSSSS 1 hour, 59 minuets, 8 second!!! And NO WALKING!!!!!

I was met at the finish by my family cheering and jumping up and down, my best friends screaming their heads off and Pea at the end with a camera, tears and a huge hug. I have never felt so much love by so many people in all my life. I had no idea.

Race stats:
13.1 miles, 1:59:08 time, 9:06 min mile avg.
45*, showers, light wind gusts.
FREAKING AMAZING!!!!

FINISH LINE!!!

Oh my goodness what did I just do?

My loves

So much support, no words.

He is proud of his mama. 

My Pea!! 

My running buddy!! Thank you for the support my friend!

Proud of myself!

Thank you to everyone who has been on this journey with me, your love, support, and  encouragement has kept me going and I am so thankful for all of you!

Last training run done!

Well, I did it. Last run done. Next up is race day. I feel like the time flew by. And so did the miles.
Today was a light 3 miler. I probably ran it WAY faster than I should, but it felt good and I was trying to take it easy. I am so ready. Really ready to get it done. I have this strange fear that I will get hurt or sick or something and won't be able to run. So I really want to get it in the bag!

Workout stats:
3.05 miles, 26:54 time, 8.50 min mile.
44*, light rain followed with sun.
Nice easy last run. I spent the time enjoying how far I have come and how awesome it really is. Waved at my friends who are also finishing up their training for the same race. That put a huge smile on my face.

This morning before my run, I was on Facebook and read an article that made me cry. You can read it here if you would like. Touched a soft spot in my heart.

Spent the rest of the day working. Took an epsom salt/baking soda bath. Kids had play dates. Visited with my Pea. Dinner with all 4 of us, and some fun family time.
Beast went to school today and is on the mend. She has a wrestling meet tomorrow. Its the all girls meet in Redmond at the Oregon Classic. She is pretty excited for it. I am looking forward to seeing her compete. It does mean for a long day, 5 hours in the car alone. But also some good together time for her and I. Cant get enough of that these days.

And then it will be race day!!!! Sunday at 9 am!!!!!

I was pretty excited to see these guys at the Jr high this afternoon. They are there in preparation for the race. :-)

So close I can taste it

3 days to go....
What an incredible 11 1/2 weeks this has been. Choosing a goal and sticking to it. Seeing my improvements daily. I am so ready for Sunday!

Well I have been a total slacker....or just busy. Either way I have left you all hanging since Monday. My apologies. I will tell you why it has taken so long.

Tuesday we took Beast to the doctor for her "hives" or so we thought it was hives. Turns out she has Scarlet Fever. We had a good laugh over that. Good thing we live in a time of modern medicine and it won't kill her like Beth in Little Woman. Scarlet Fever is the rash that can go along with strep throat. Which apparently she has. So a strong prescription and 2.5 hours at the doctor, 2 days at home, she is on the mend.
That night, Pea and I worked on We Love To Read calendars, sipped tea and caught up on each others  busy lives.

Conference call Tuesday. Floor work. Bulletproof Coffee.

Wednesday was just a normal work day with a kid at home. I am pretty grateful that I am able to be home with her while still earning some $$$.

SO FOGGY!!! This has been my world this week!

Today, grocery shopping was the top priority. We had practically nothing to eat and I was getting desperate. So off I went and loaded up. Good thing I worked yesterday so I could afford it today! Ugh, eating healthy real food is spend. But our health is worth it.
Work, and kids were the rest of my day. The kids are home again, YAY! Love Thursday nights with them. Pretty low key around here. I did try something new for dinner. Roasted Butternut Squash soup, kids had theirs in sourdough bread bowls. Turned out really good. I think its a keeper.

Sickie camped out on the couch with all her "things".

Workout for Tuesday:

Warm up
---
Bent Row #45
Curl #45
High Pull #45
Good Morning #45
3x15
---
Core

Busting out the weights

Workout for Wednesday:
4.09 miles, 36:48 time, 9 min mile avg
22* super foggy, with sun breaks
It was a very brisk and beautiful run. Felt really good. This was supposed to be an easy run, so I was trying to keep my pace slow. I am not very good at that. I have pretty much one speed. I don't do well speeding up or slowing down. Oh well. Only one run left till race day!

Cold, foggy morning!

I have been killing my down time at night with lots of reading and knitting. I am really loving Outlander. And with that, I am inspired to knit. So I made a cowl this weekend, didn't like it, tore it apart and re-did it. I do like my second try. I think I will be making more......

Outlander inspired cowl. So cozy!

6 days left!

Its all fun and games until Monday smacks you up side the head!

I had a great, relaxing weekend. Slept in on Saturday and then spent the next several hours drinking coffee and reading. Pure bliss. Then I went shopping! Loaded up on new clothes, thanks sweetie. Bought some new yarn too. :-)
Bob hosted poker night, so I hid, watched a movie (If I Stay), knitted a hat for a customer, snacked, and then read.
Sunday was more lounging! Reading and knitting. Yes I can do both at the same time. It takes talent and determination, but I think I have it mastered! When there is a will, there is a way!

Back to reality bright and early this morning....ugh! I am ready to see some long sunny days. These early mornings really are sucky when it is dark and wet also.

So thankful for these legs. They are proving themselves daily.

Workout Stats:
6.34 miles, 56:56 Time, 8:59 min mile ( I think, my run keeper didn't start correctly)
40*, rain.
I was dreading this run because of the horrible rain that met me early this morning. But by the time I dropped off kids at school and got ready, it was a drizzle. The rain did pick up about 3/4 of the way in to my run, but by that time I enjoyed it. I like running in the rain, but starting in the rain sucks. I really only like it if it starts after me. :-) I felt good. Strong. Ready. I only have 2 more runs and 2 lifts left. Getting real. I am so excited!

WET run! Picking my kale for my post run smoothie.

Worked all day, then picked up the kids. Back home to do home work and hang out for a bit before heading back to their dads. I do enjoy our afternoons together.

Enjoying some downtime.

Homework. While I work.

I am looking forward to a glass of wine, my book and my sweetie.

TGIF...9 Days

I am toasting myself right now to another week done, another long run in the books and only one week left of my training. Cheers!

Can you see the fog on my hat?

Workout stats:
8.08 miles, 1:11:56 time, 8.54 avg min mile
32* deg, heavy fog.
Cold start, took me about 45 min to really kick it in to gear and hit my runners high, but when I did I felt great. So thankful that my body is hanging in there and that my mind is too. Long runs mess with your head. The whole time I am thinking about how far I have to go. 8 miles didn't seem so long today. That was cool, after last week it felt short! Next week will be easy in comparison.
My next task is planning what I am wearing, eating and bathroom needs on race day. You may be laughing right now, but this is serious business!

Modern day torture devices.

Lunch today was Sardines from the can and fried plantain. SO GOOD!

The girls new bed arrived today so we put it together after school. She bought it with her xmas money. She has been very excited and bought some storage bins for putting under it and a few new pillows too.
The assembly went fast and she now has a very cool new daybed with lots of storage underneath.

She helped.

End result. Pretty cool and functional.

Kids are gone for the weekend. Its low key around here. Planing to get some reading in tonight....I had that plan last night too but fell asleep on the couch "reading" around 8:30....I kept trying to wake up and read a few sentences then would be back out. Not productive. I have faith in myself tonight.
Have a great weekend!

10 Days!!!

How crazy is that? 10 days left! I am so excited! Tomorrow is my last long run...and I am tapering so it is only 8 miles. Nice and easy. Now that is funny to say.

I had a pretty productive day. Few chores, lots of work, short visit with my girls, spent time with the kids. All good things.
I even went on a date with my sweetie. Ixtapa for us tonight! Score!

So close to the end!

Workout Stats:
Warm up
---
Deadlift 3x5 115#
Hip Thrusters on the ball 3x15 (gotta love those thrusters!)
---
Shoulder press #45
Bench on the ball #45
Dips on the ball (so hard)
3x15
---
Core

Pretty good workout. Harder than it sounds. I try to run through the sets as quick as possible to add difficulty.

As the dark cold days of winter settle in, I to dream of warmer places....today I was dreaming of being back in Rio.....

Christ the Redeemer

Hump day

11 days till my half. I call it mine cause I am going to own it! Crazy how fast this time has gone! I am getting really excited!!!

Today was late start at the kids schools. So that means they go in 2 hours later than normal. This meant a little more sleep and more opportunity to move slowly and then rush out the door. As always!!!
I got my run it right way....7:40am this glorious foggy as heck northwest day.

Picking kale from the garden in January post run. 

Workout Stats:
4.98 miles, 43:49 time, 8.48 Avg min mile.
36*, HEAVY fog.
Pretty good run. Cold legs make for a slower pace, but oh well. Trying to stay healthy and not hurt myself. Thats the last thing I need/want is to injure myself with a week and half to go.

As usual, on late start mornings we always think we have more time than we do. As we were in the middle of breakfast we realized we had 8 minuets till it was go time. How does that happen? We made it to school on time and all was a-okay. Phew.....how embarrassing is being tardy on late start?

So today I was "that mom" 

That mom who takes her kids to school in her pjs....Mind you I had already been up and ran 5 miles and just put on my pjs as temp clothes till I could shower post drop off...but still....I didn't even have on skivvies! Hence the coat.....I threatened to walk Beast into her school today.....and then go to walmart......

Productive day even though it was a shorter one...got the house picked up, laundry going, floors swept, toilet cleans (gasp), and worked a solid 7 hour day.

The kids got to have some friend time today. Cause us moms are suckers. Or cause we both had healthy talks with our girls and also know how much they want to be together and love each other. So I took the boys home and Pea took the girls. All is well in the world. Beast also learned what a brown noser is. :-) it is a good thing to know.

This is how the boys "hangout"

And this is how the girls do it.

I remember back in the days of my youth, a playdate meant building forts in the woods or playing dress up, or drawing our future homes....now days we rely on technology to entertain us! It is quiet at least!

Now the kids are all gone and the house is dead silent. PARTY TIME!!!!! JK.....they will be back at 6:45am. :-)

My "Book Club" started Outlander on Jan 1st. We have been wanting to read this series for some time and finally decided we were all ready. It is a HUGE commitment as there are 9 books plus a few extras....now I am not talking little dainty books, these guys are MONSTERS!!! Like the audio book is 33 hours long.....
I am several chapters in and loving it already......Looking forward to getting lost in this story for many long months. :-)

Outlander book #1