Chasing my Monkeys 1 mile at a time...

Heaven and Hell: Vegas adventures

2011-12-28T18:09:00.001-08:00

Better late than never!
Here's the recap of our Heaven and Hell wedding and race adventures from Las Vegas!

We flew into Vegas late Friday night. After being up for 25 hours plus, I was eager to crash, but my friend who flew in from chicago called and was excited to see us so we waited up for her. When she arrived, she had in tow MY MOM and Connie, another great friend! I was so so shocked. I couldn't believe my mom was there as she had been telling me all along that she wasn't able to come! Saturday morning we woke up early, picked up our marriage license, hit up the race expo, ventured around, ate a yummy mexican lunch and I headed back to the room to meet Trish who was coming to do my hair and makeup. She showed up and can I just tell you that this chick was AWESOME! She did such an amazing job! Then I headed off to the chapel to become Mrs. Kilcher. After our meet and greet (did I mention my husband looked so handsome?) we headed out for pictures on the strip. I'm posting below some of my favorite shots. :)

It was so so fun!!! The next day we woke up and bummed around waiting for our race. I had made us these super cute outfits as we were planning on running together:) Sadly, I didn't get a single picture of us during the race, but I think we were pretty cute!

When we got to the start line, it started to set in that this race was not set up well. Granted, I just ran Chicago a few months ago, but even the start line felt squishy. I also was not prepared for how cold out it was...my short sleeve shirt and capris were not cutting it in the 40 degree weather. Once the race started, I remember I kept saying, "it will be better when it thins out a little." Much like Chicago, it never thinned out. I found myself running into people, jumping curbs, triping on stuff in the street. The part where you run down "the strip" was kind of fun, but the scary, very dark back part (mile 6-10) were kind of scary and not so much fun. My favorite part was seeing my family at mile 11! This was the first time my mom has ever been to a race, so I thought that was pretty special. My other favorite part was when Tim and I crossed the finish line hand-n-hand. Love this. Our time was 2:30...not my best, not my worst, but one of my favorites for who I was with <3!
We bummed around Monday, saw a show, ate lots of yummy food, did some shopping and gambling and headed home Tuesday. It was such a great time aside from the kind of crappy race. I wouldn't run it again unless the streets were wider and the finish line was set up better. Did you run Vegas? What did you think?
Looking forward to being back to blogging when I start my new training plan 1-1-12!

Talkless Tuesday

2011-11-22T17:38:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone! Wow, 2 posts in one week:) Kicking a$$ and taking names! Ha! I just wanted to post some of my favorite pictures from our family vacation to chicago over labor day, and Jack, Maddie and I goofing around at Ayden's football practice this fall. Oh how we already miss summer around here!

These are things I'm grateful for this year:)
Happy turkey day!

Exciting news:)

2011-11-16T18:17:00.001-08:00

well...I have no excuse for not posting in so stinking long except my life has taken crazy twists and turns and unfortunately my Internet/blogging has taken a back seat to my monkeys, weddings, showers, work, and on and on and on. Since I've last posted, I ran Chicago which was ~~success~~ far from what I would consider a success, but I'm going to say that the crowd support was great and at least I finished. Enough said. My next race up on my calender is coming up in 3 weeks when I head for VEGAS and I'm so excited! It's going to be an amazing weekend! It's going to be amazing for a few super special reasons. This will be my first half marathon with my NEW HUSBAND:) Wanna see what I got?

Yep that's right. And we are trying the knot just 24 hours before he runs his first ever half marathon:) I'm so proud of him and it's going to be so fun!! Aside from that, my monkeys are are doing well and growing like weeds. I can't even believe that my youngest monkey jack is about to turn 3!!! Where in the heck does time go? He's so funny these days, and I'm still set that 3's are much harder than 2's:)

Are you running Vegas? Where are you staying?We are staying and getting hitched in the Excalibur...eeekkkk! I love Vegas!

See you in CHICAGO!

2011-10-05T11:35:00.000-07:00

Hi folks! With a new schedule in place and lots of home projects going on, blogging has taken a back seat to life for now.
But I do want to know...WHO IS RUNNING CHICAGO??
I'm heading their with my EPIC race crew on Saturday and will be running Chicago on Sunday! If you see me in my zebra pants/glitter skirt and EPIC shirt, make sure you say hi!!! Happy racing folks!

North Country Trail Run Race Report

2011-09-06T17:42:00.001-07:00

My first trail run was AMAZING!!!!
There's lots to tell, but I'm going to keep it simple with lots of pictures because they tell a story:)
Nicole, Sami and I headed out on an epic adventure. About 2 hours into our ride we stopped numerous times looking for a supermarket, only to have some people look at us like we were from another planet. (Did I mention that up north Michigan is kind of like another country?) we also had a lady tell us that they possibly sold pasta salad from the deli section in the freezer aisle. Really? We found our pasta and some beer and headed out again. When we arrived to our camp site, we cracked open some beer and started setting up our tent. Leave it to 3 somewhat high maintence chics to bust this bad boy out in less than 15 minutes. Since we were the first people there, the guy that lives there came out with a beer to see if he could help and thought it was pretty cool that we already had it set up:) hell ya, ladies!

did I mention that our tent was the biggest on the block?? heheh
After our tent was set up, of couse we had to set out race gear and prep by having spa night to paint our nails to match our race outfits...I seemed to be the only one who didn't know what fetch meant, but I think our nails were fetch?!?

We woke up race morning and all headed to the start line...here's out EPIC crew before the big race

At the start of the race, we all had to write out goal times on a block of wood, then throw them into the fire...my goal time was 3 hours...I've never ran that far on a trail and honestly had no idea what to expect. Before long and after cheering on our fellow ultra and full marathoners, us halvies toed the start line and we were off.

By the 2nd mile in I was laughing so hard I could barely breathe...I may have even been snorting. By mile 6, I wasn't laughing quite so hard, especially when I came upon this hill...

But we were still trying to have fun along the way...

Towards the end of the race, Nicole took a spill and we slowed down for a few...but by the end we realized that we could finish under 3 hours if we picked up the pace. With our last 2 miles being under 10 min miles, we crossed the finish line in 2:55:57
And guess what...we got medals AS BIG AS OUR FACE! That's right. Nicole and I took a picture with them right afterwards and you should check out the North County Website and see if you recognize anyone...oh, you might not be able to make out our features, but that's miss nicole and I hiding behind those GIANT medals!!! HAHAH!

We had a great time at the cookout then, eating yummy burgers, pudding shots and lots of summer shandy. Seriously, it was the most epic adventure that I've been on in a long time with racing friends...so much, in fact, I registered for next years race today!!! Now, regroup and 5 weeks until Chicago!!! Whoot whoot! Any of you running Chicago?
GYRO

the lost has been found?

2011-08-23T19:41:00.000-07:00

I received a text message today from one of my oldest and best friends today that stated:

Tomorrow is August 24. Your last blog post was July 24th. How is a girl supposed to know about your life?!? :)

Well, Jo...this one's just for you!!!

Where or where have I been?? Running, chasing monkeys, making the most of every minute I have! Enjoying what is left of summer (boo that it's almost over) and preparing for fall. How does a girl prepare for fall??? With a new hair color! That's right, I've been rocking it red. It was weird at first, but it's kind of growing on me. What do you think?

Some other really fun things I've been doing:

Last weekend Tim and I went to see billy Currington, Zac Brown Band and Kenny Chesney...two words...fricken awesome!!!
I totally suggest you snap up a ticket to see this tour if it comes near you!!!

We also took the monkeys to a lugnuts game: super fun minus Maddie's multiple meltdowns...for some reason I thought those ended at 3, but I'm guessing that her 6 year old attitude sometimes just can't fit in her 4 slim jeans.

This week I've been preparing for my first trail race! I'll be leaving Friday and I'm off to Manistee to tackle the North Country Trail Run. I've got a super cute race outfit that I'll be rocking...did I mention that there are going to be about 60 of us camping?? Epic adventures with amazing friends!! Nicole and I have decided that we are going to run the entire race together and take a camera with us...since we are only running the half and will be waiting for the marathon and ultra marathoners in the kiddie pool, while the keg floats in the other kiddie pool. I can't fricken wait!

On a running note, I've decided that I will be running the grand Rapids full this october. There is also a chance that I have an entry to Chicago, so I may be running the week before grand rapids. I'm really excited about GR though because my kids will be coming to cheer for me, and they have never been to watch a race before. I'm so excited to share with them something that I love so much (and I'm kind of hoping they will be able to cross the finish line with me:) But, we shall see!!

Off to bed, have to take Jack to his first dentist appointment tomorrow:) How are ya'll doing??
GYRO!
PS If running the dawn is reading this...I can't comment on your blog:( I miss you though! How's it going?

24 days, really?

2011-07-24T08:21:00.001-07:00

Has it really been 24 days since my last post. Geesh.
Sorry that I've been such a blog slacker. Life has seriously been crazy, and with summer in full swing, I haven't had much time to be on a computer unless I'm editing pictures:/
I have a new favorite...trail running! Much harder than running along a road, but so so fun! I met with the EPIC running group a few weeks ago at Yankee Springs and last week I met Miss Sami near Chelsea.
Here's a few pics of our pace group at Yankee Springs. Around 3 miles in the trail opened up to a really pretty lake and we had to take the opportunity to pause and enjoy the sights for a few minutes:)

On a workout note, I'm back to kickboxing which makes me happy, happy, happy!!! Oh how I've missed my most favorite cross training activity:) I've also been super consistent with my trainer speed/strength workouts, and it's been pretty awesome. It's mostly high school kids on treadmill days (speed workouts) and last week some kid asked what school I went to...bhahahah! I replied, well my kids go to JPS:) Really, confused me for a high schooler. Now, that's funny! Fridays speedwork I ended my session with 10 second sprints at 14-14.5 MPH. Yep, hauling ass. I slightly felt like death and amazing all at the same time.
I think I've decided on running the Grand Rapids Full in October and the Vegas half, only so I can really enjoy my time while I'm out there. I still have time to think about it before the price increases, so we'll see how it unfolds.
I hope everyone is doing well and braving the heat to get their runs on:)
GYRO!

Physiospect and my meeting with my trainer...

2011-07-01T03:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday Folks!!
I had a pretty eventful week of meetings that included a body scan and a meeting with my trainer~
I started with a body scan called physiospect and it looks like this:

You put these ear phones on and it "scans" your body. Here's what the Internet says about the scan:
The Physiospect, a noninvasive diagnostic and therapy treatment system,
using an infrared scanner and electromagnetic headphones, is the most
revolutionary computer programmed invention available in the world today
for analyzing and treatment of all the bodies organs and functions.
This device scans each organ or tissue on a cellular level.

It's pretty cool to watch as it beeps and flashes pictures that look like this:

Before the scan starts, you fill out paperwork that asks about your concerns.
Some of my questions and concerns included:
-why do I have ligament/tendon tears (2 rotator cuff surgeries before I'm 30 is unheard of!)
-why do I exercise a ton and gain weight?
-why am I tired. all. the. time.

After my scan was complete, he went back and rescanned my concerned areas. He said that overall, I am a very healthy individual. He gave me these vitamins to address my "problem areas"

Most of my problems are centered around how my body digests carbs and the types of carbs I eat. Sigh. I can't help it that I love carbs and not the good ones! He says that I should carb load with veggies (yuck!) and that I should try not to eat so many simple sugars and breads/pastas. Insert sad face here. I'm working on it, but it's a challenge for sure. When I eat so many carbs, I have an over abundance of acids which tend to "pile up" in my joint areas and my body breaks down faster than I can build it up which causes the tears. My fatigue comes from my blood sugar dropping though out the day, and the vitamins I got help me to maintain my glucose levels throughout the day. He also gave me a vitamin for "adrenal complex" to help me maintain levels.
After I left his office, I went and met with Matt from OPS to discuss setting up a training/speed plan for me to hit my 4:30 mark. He says we can get there, but that it's going to take lots of work. I'm saying bring it. We are going to do strength workouts Tuesday/Thursdays and speedwork Fridays. I had my first strength workout yesterday and I feel like I'm 80 years old. My butt hurts. Our circuit included:
band walks: abduction/straight legs/knee ins
lunges: lunge walks fwd/retro/sideways lunges
cardio: box jumps/quick steps/sideways jumps
abs: 6 inch holds/crunches/wipers/v crunches
No wonder I'm dying today, and I have a speed workout at 3:30. It's going to be fab! I guess:)

I'm planning on hanging out for most of the weekend and enjoying our warm weather...I'm headed out for my first trail run tomorrow with the EPIC running crew...is there anything I should know about trail running??
What are you doing for the 4th??
GYRO!

Awwwww Snap.

2011-06-27T18:13:00.000-07:00

Who had the most amazing week??
That would be myself and the EPIC running group. SO MUCH FUN!
I headed to Charlovix on Friday night after work with one of my running buddies Sami. We had planned on staying with our running group in one of the peeps "cottage"...later described as a "modest 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom water front property"...um. We pulled up to the cutest biggest house ever. With and AMAZING VIEW!!! Insert side note: Their idea of cottage is my idea of mansion:) Here's the view from their path to the lake...

So sweet, right??
Anyways...Friday night I went to bed feeling confident that I was going to have an amazing run. I even dreamed that I ran a 2:02 and was dying and out of breath the whole time! I woke up laughing thinking, that will NEVER happen...but maybe it's a good sign. It wasn't as cold as it was supposed to be, but it was still chilly and I forgot my throw away shirt. Ah hell. Regardless, we headed out to Charlovix and prepared for the start. We snapped a few pictures...we all wore orange in honor of kate's birthday!

Here's the group that ran the half...or most of us! The other half of us had already started the marathon an hour earlier!
Lining up to start, I was so calm. My only thought, make this race my bitch. it's supposed to beautiful! It's an out and back, which I normally hate, but was excited to run out the bike path along the lake. I decided to start slowly...we ran the first couple miles around 10:15 miles or so. I felt great. legs light. Normal breathing. At mile 2 I came upon this chic and took a picture...she totally motivated me!

My friend Sami had decided that she was going to try and pace me which was awesome...mile 4-6 we picked it up for 9:30 ish miles...did I mention the amazing water stations?? They had one every 1 1/2 miles which was AWESOME!! It was a competition and you voted for your favorite at the end of the race, so some were decorated with candy, water, music, etc. Totally rocked my world. Right when we get out to mile 6 1/2 where the turn around is, it totally opened up and you could see the most amazing sights!!! The next mile was hard because I didn't realize that the last mile was all downhill, and now I was running uphill for a mile straight. Kind of killer. Slowed down to 10:17 or so. The rest of the race is kind of a blur except I just kept thinking, "oh my goodness, I can totally PR if I don't walk at all..." and ya know what? This is my first race ever where I didn't have to stop and walk. WIN! The last mile I tried to pick it up and the last 1/4 of a mile Sami ran with me and and video taped a hilarious video for me (sadly, I haven't been able to upload it yet:() But...I managed to PR this half.
Official Time: 2:12:50
So fricken excited!!
Here's a few pics of some of our group Thank you Sami for being a great pace coach!!!!
All the girls!
waiting as the EPIC crew claimed all of their awards!

Finished up and waited around for the other runners and then had to wait for people to get their awards before we headed out to get pizza and beer...check out this most amazing beer sample EVER!
We then headed home and grilled out, watched the sunset and had a bonfire on the beach. SO much fun, such a great time!!!

This race gave me a lot of confidence about possibly training for Vegas. I'm meeting with my performance coach tomorrow and a nutritionist tomorrow to see what I can put together over the next few months...I'll keep you posted as to what they say!

How did you do this weekend??
GYRO!

I should have read the fine print:(

2011-06-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks!!
Sorry I've been MIA...does it seem like once summer rolls around things are crazy 24-7? I mean, we've been gone so much that I only had to run the dishwasher once last week...coming from a home that runs the dishwasher ONCE A DAY! Yikes! I'm enjoying this new work schedule and having an extra day off, but those 12 hour days are taxing.
On an exciting note...I BOUGHT MY PLANE TICKET FOR VEGAS TODAY!!!! EEEEKKKKK! I was planning on running the Las Vegas Marathon in December...I've booked my ticked and went to the site to check out the details (I've run the rock n roll chicago and have stalked the site for a few other races) and imagine my crushing disappointment when I realized that THERE'S A TIME LIMIT OF 4:30 for this race. Are you effing kidding me?? Even if the stars were to align, that would be shaving 29 minutes off my best marathon. Hell. But, I didn't train for that 4:59 marathon...maybe I could train and do it?? I don't know what to think. Lucky for me, the next price increase isn't until September, so I have a little time to ponder this situation. I could go and run the half, but I really want to run the "strip" and that is mile 14-26...
what do you think??
On a running note, I've been getting some serious runs in...my co-worker has been doing some speed work with me at lunch time and I'm rolling with my new motto and "making uncomfortable my friend"...I mean, what part of running so hard you can't breath and you feel like you're about to die isn't awesome?? I'm super pumped for my half this weekend in Charlovix this weekend with the EPIC running club...along the lake, a local brewery that night...it should be an AMAZING adventure! ANd the best part is the FORECAST! It's my fave type of running weather (50-60's) and I'm hoping to crush my PR.
Anyone else running Vegas??
What races are you planning??
Hope you have a great week!
GYRO

Winner, winner, chicken dinner??

2011-06-20T19:37:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Sorry that this post is late, but I'm here to announce the winner of the giveaway...I used random number generator and of 44 people, it picked...
True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 17 Powered by RANDOM.ORG
Congrats Colleen!!! You have won! Email me your address and I'll get the goodies out to you!
Things have been super crazy here on the homefront, and I'm getting ready to head to Charlovix for an upcoming half! With the weather supposedly perfect, I'm hoping for an amazing race on Saturday! I'll be back tomorrow with a post from the weekend!
Love to you all!
GYRO!

Do you Believe?

2011-06-12T18:36:00.000-07:00

There are so many things that people believe in these days.
What do you believe in?
God, ghosts, magic, people...
There is a lot I believe in, but I haven't always been a strong believer.
Growing up, I was always sensitive. My mom would simply raise her voice and it would send me to tears. When I hit elementary school/middle school, I was an athlete. My biggest fail...the FAILURE to BELIEVE IN MYSELF. I don't know why, and I don't know if I could ever explain it, but I've always been so full of self doubt. So unsure. So unbelieving that I could do amazing things. So worried about what people think or are going to say about me. So worried of failure. So worried of disappointing people who I love. I never lived for me, but for other people's reactions. Throughout the years, I've grown up a lot, made a lot of mistakes, felt the hurt of failures, felt the sting of rejection, cried tears of happiness and sorrow, laughed until my sides hurt, cherished so many fun adventures with amazing friends and family...
and now, the year of my 30th birthday, I can finally, finally say that I BELIEVE IN MYSELF. It took so much for me to get to this point, but I have a very few special friends that have helped me overcome so much and showed me how to truly embrace myself for who I am, to know that I am special and that I AM WORTH IT. Another huge influence for me to finally come to this conclusion is running. I never in a million years dreamed that I would be sitting here, 3 marathons in...but the amazingness I felt with all of my positive self talk during Kalamazoo and Cleveland has left me happy and at ease. I now know that I can do anything as long as I truly believe in my heart that I can. It only takes a thought.
The reason I'm writing this is to show you my friendly reminder that I got yesterday to always remind myself to believe.

This is Hebrew for "believe in yourself" so that in my lowest of lows I can look down and remember how it feels to believe in yourself, and that all things are possible. Do you believe in yourself?

I'm ending with this video of monkey man tonight at dinner. Love this little guy! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

wordless wednesday

2011-06-08T19:47:00.000-07:00

Me telling Jiggby thanks!!

Why do I always strike this goofy pose??

Happy Hump Day!

Hall of Fame to Notre Dame Race Report

2011-06-07T17:54:00.000-07:00

Well, for those of you reading who have been following my blog, a few posts ago I posted about my worst race ever. That would be the Sunburst Hall of Fame to Notre Dame 2010, my second half ever last summer.

When my friends called and asked if I wanted to go back to Notre Dame this year, I was like "no way"...but I eventually gave in and decided to go. I mean, it couldn't be any worse than last year right??

I headed out Friday after work with some friends from the Epic Running Club. We arrived at the expo, grabbed our packets and checked into our hotel. Um...hotel room, clean, area we are in SCARY! Regardless, we hit back up the same Italian restaurant which was exactly as delicious as I remembered it being:) YUM!

That night, I didn't sleep well. The marathon started at 6 and a few of our group were running, so when they got up at 4, I heard them...and then had trouble falling back asleep. I finally woke up at 5:30 and we all started getting around. I found out a few days before this race that one of my old PTA classmates was coming in town to run this race, so we decided to meet up so she could run with us. When we pulled into the parking ramp, we parked in the same spot and realized that the sun was rising exactly like year and we needed a sweet picture again!

Lining up for the start we realized...shit. It's hot. Just like last year. The four of us decided we were going to try and run solid 10s the whole time. At 1/2 mile in, we were already dripping wet. It was seriously deja vu. Good grief. But Tonya and I just laughed and kept running. Stopped at every water stop. By mile 4, I had to go to the bathroom. Bad. Shit. I'm gonna loose my group. Oh well, can't help it. Out of the potty and on with my run. I pass Tonya in the "run down a road, around a cone and back out" and am thinking I should be able to catch her. I pick it up for a mile, only to race back to the potty again. My stomach was not loving this 95 degree weather. I felt tired. Hot. The heat was unforgiving. I was really looking forward to mile 11 because I knew Jiggby from the marathon widows would be there. Mile 11 came and went...and no Jiggby, I was so sad! Then comes the 2 big hills and I was feeling so defeated when I came around the corner and there SHE WAS!!! YEA JIGGBY! She even snapped a few pictures of me (can't you see how happy I am to see her!)

She hooked me up with a gatorbomb and smile and I was off again. It's amazing what a little love can do for the mental aspect of your run! The last mile is always a mess. There were half marathoners, marathoners, 10 k runners and walkers all merging together into a big mess. Did I mention we were running into the sun on brand new black asphalt with NO shade. WTF people! I decided that I would start interacting with the crowd more and maybe that would make the time pass. There were a group of little girls around 6-8 and they were holding their hands out for high fives. I took a small time out and asked them to make me a tunnel so I could run through it...it brought smiles and laughs to hot spectators as well:)
My finish time 2:30:10.
Not great, but 6 minutes faster than I ran this course last year.
After all of our group finished, Jiggby snapped a group shot

and we headed back to the room. Once we got on the highway home, we found out that the race had been black flagged an hour after we finished running. I've never been to a race that had actually been called due to heat. Tonya was checking every one's official chip times when we couldn't find Timmis's time. WTH? Um...Notre Dame must have something on Timmis...we told him to check his shoe and make sure his tag was still there. This is what he discovered...

Do you see his EPIC mistake??

Bahahahahah!

Overall it was a good time with good friends, but I SWEAR I will never run that race again!

If you missed my giveaway I posted, please check it out here!!!
Enjoy the finally warm weather!
GYRO!

How do you Fuel?? Giveaway!!

2011-06-02T18:18:00.000-07:00

Ahhh. This post will be short and sweet because I have a ton to do before I leave for Notre Dame tomorrow. I'm here to announce my 100 followers giveaway!

One question? How do you fuel for long runs? Gus? chomps? Salt tabs? jelly beans??

After playing with fueling all year last summer, I thought I finally had it down (Gu's mint chocolate and chocolate outrage, yum!) but after eating so many, they weren't quit as friendly. When this spring came around, I decided to eat only Hammer Endurolytes (salt tabs), jelly beans and jolly ranchers! That for me folks, is a winning combo!

So, what do I have for you???

I'll be sending you a package of jolly ranchers and a package of jelly beans. There happen to be my FAVE, but I'm not sure if I can find them anymore since it's not Easter. I will do my best to find some super yummy ones for you:)
And a package of my new favorite gum...have you seen this stuff??? It's AMAZING! It's trident vitality awaken and I seriously chewed only 3 pieces during my last marathon (compared to 9 the one before) because it never gets hard and keeps it's flavor pretty darn well!

Next up:

4 Gu Chocolate Outrage
2 Gu vanilla bean
2 cliff shots (one strawberry, one chocolate)
1 package Gu chomps watermelon
1 package extreme sports beans cherry flavored
1 SAMPLE pack (not bottle shown) of hammer Endurolytes

How do you enter???
Please leave a separate comment for each:
1) Be or become a follower
2) tell me how you fuel/what's your favorite type of fuel
3) tell me your worst/best fueling story
ie the time Chocolate Gu shot out of my nose and all over...don't believe me? here's the video to prove it (sorry for Nicole's fbomb, we tend to lack filters:)

4) spread the giveaway love via your blog, twitter (@runnererika) whatever.

Ok, that's all you need to know!! This giveaway will end June Thursday June 16th at midnight!! Good luck and GYRO!

Dash of this, splash of that and 100 followers!

2011-05-31T19:03:00.000-07:00

Hi folks!! I hope everyone had an amazing weekend!! We did nothing but a whole lot of hanging out, prepping the pool, and enjoying the ~~sunshine~~ rainy weather...but we did get a little bit of sun once the tornado like winds went by:)
My monkeys decided that they wanted to go swimming...did I mention that the pool is roughly 50 degrees?? Um yea. Jump in kiddos:)

Did I mention that I have the BEST video...but I'm having trouble getting my phone to upload it:( Damn technology. Jack wasn't quite feeling jumping all the way in on Saturday, but by Monday he was flopping around the steps like a fish, jumping in and swimming with his new nemo float!

This week was my first week back to work after 12 weeks off...whew. I'm working a new schedule and it's been quite an adjustment. I only overslept 1 day (I set my alarm for 4:30 pm, whoops!) but this schedule I'm working has left me whooped. I'm working 2 12-hour shifts, 2 8-hour shifts with Tuesdays off. Which it is soooo nice to have a day off during the week, but my 2 long shifts that are 6am to 7 pm are LONG...and I'm trying to find out where the heck my running time/strength training is supposed to fit in.
I've managed to workout on my lunch hour at least 3 times a week, but like tonight after a strength training workout, it's only 10 and I'm ready to pass out. Lucky for me I have tomorrow off, and I'll be traveling to Greek Town to visit one of my good college friends from Dallas and I'm so excited!! Should be good fun!
The only thing I'm missing the most from not working is all the special time I got to spend with Jack Jack. Man, that little monkey is growing like a weed! And this, my friends, is my most FAVORITE age EVER! They are so smart, so cute, so funny, and super stubborn!! He now has to have a say in EVERYTHING! including his clothes, food, shoes, etc. Last week, he rocked cowboy boots and a cowboy hat all week!! This week, he has been toting Elmo everywhere. <3 him!
Friday night I'll be leaving for the Hall of fame to Notre Dame half marathon with the EPIC running club from kalamazoo. I'm sooo stoked! I ran this race last year (and it was awful, the worst race, crappiest course, hottest weather, and lamest expo), but decided to sign up yesterday because of all the AMAZING people who are going!!! It's about having fun with friends, right?? Pray that the weather God does NOT send us 80 degree, 100% humidity weather this year, and those pesky ITband monsters stay away!

By the way...I finally hit 100 followers!!! Thank you Jodi, I will be sending you a super special gift for being one of the greatest friends EVER!! To all my running friends, I'm getting my giveaway stuff together and hope to post my fueling giveaway this week sometime!!
Thank you! I'm feeling the bloggy love!! If you're a newer follower, please leave a comment so I can stop by your blog!!

Good luck to everyone running this weekend! GYRO!

Simple addition

2011-05-24T18:11:00.001-07:00

+

=

I finally received my maniac number today!

Meet Marathon Maniac #3929~~Whooot!!!

Can't wait to get my singlet to rock in my upcoming race in Notre dame!

PS...I noticed that I've added some new followers!! Thanks for stopping by and please leave a comment so I can make my way around to your blog to say hello:)

When I hit 100 followers, I have a giveaway coming!

Road ID coupon code for YOU!!!

2011-05-23T19:08:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry this post is going to be short, but I have something exciting to share with you!
I started back to work today and my 12 hour day (6am to 7pm) was rough! I think running a marathon might be easier:)
Regardless, in my last post, I mentioned that my bestie Nicole got me a gift card for a Road ID and this is what I picked!! <3 it!! I had a hard time deciding though...

here's the good news for you! For placing my order, they sent me a coupon for $1.00 off any order...good for up to 20 uses, and I am sharing it with you!
Place your order and use

thankserika5713034

It's only good for 30 days so protect yourself and order one:)

GYRO!

30 Flirty and Thriving...

2011-05-22T05:51:00.000-07:00

Geesh. I can't believe I turned 30 yesterday. I still remember carrying my trapper keeper and rocking my LA gears with 2 different laces and socks and thinking 30 was right up there with dinosaur age...and now it's here??!? YIKES!
But...I had an amazing birthday.
Here's a quick run down...
-Jack, knowing it was my birthday, decided to cry for the first hour of the day! Awww...thank you sweet boy!
-BUT THE SUN WAS SHINING!! WIN!
-On to Miss Maddie's soccer game. This I've been excited to see because I missed her game last week b/c of Cleveland. Did I mention that she had to wear a skirt and dangly earrings last week??? Hehe, I did get her in shorts this week, but she still insisted on the earrings.
-After that, enjoyed 3 games of softball (my mom is a varsity coach and they were playing in a local tourney!) Where my bestest RB Nicole came to eat lunch with me and brought me the sweetest gift ever! A gift card for a ROAD ID!!! Win! I can't wait to head over and pick out my new bracelet. Do you have a Road ID? What's your favorite?

-Off to an amazing burger joint for an olive burger and my favorite drink!!!

I would have taken a picture of this burger, but I obviously inhaled it before I thought to take a pic. It was good. Trust me.
-Later in the day home to share a glass of wine with Miss Ali and off to Outback to meet friends and family! Great food, great conversation where my other running friends said they were running Hall of Fame June 4th?!? WHAT! This is the race we ran together last year and it was so much fun. You better believe I'm signing up TODAY for the half marathon!!! AND I AM STOKED!!!
-Bonfire, more friends and family...lots of laughs, a little flippy cup and an amazing time.
I am so blessed.

On a running front, I've decided to not put a "race schedule" together. When I want to run a race, I'll look for one. Oddly enough, I've been looking A LOT! So I'm excited to say I will be running a half June 4th, and I've signed up for the North Country Trail Race Aug 27. This will be my first ever trail run and I'm excited for it! After talking to Timmis, it's been decided that I need to get some trail shoes. Do you run trails? If so, what kind of shoes do you love?? I'm hoping to take the rest of my birthday money and head to the running store this week sometime!

I hope everyone had an amazing weekend!!
Off for a run!
GYRO!

Wordless Wednesday Woody Style

2011-05-18T19:26:00.000-07:00

Jack Jack's new obession...that and "Butt lightyear!!"

Maniac Status...POW! Cleveland RR

2011-05-16T19:37:00.000-07:00

I'm not even really sure that I can wrap my brain around the craziness of this past weekend. still.
When we left on Saturday morning, it was raining. It continued to rain. and rain. and rain. It's a 3 hour or so drive to Cleveland and I'm not even sure who said it first except by the time we got to Cleveland, we had pretty much decided that if everything lined up right, we were going to try and run the full.

Once we got to the expo, we wandered around trying to decide what to do when I stumbled upon this shirt...it was like a sign from God!

We both kind of felt like it was now or never...but we were both worried about the weather because Nicole's App said 100% chance of rain and gusty winds up to 30MPH. hell. no...more like, what the hell, why not?

Cleveland, as far as the city goes, leaves a lot to be desired, and it's not even worth me writing about, and I'm pretty sure it would be detrimental for you to read about it. My one word summary...sketchy.

Race morning.

I was feeling a little nervous, but overall, okay. After my race last week, I knew that this battle was going to hurt, but it was all about my mental attitude and keeping positive. Lucky for us, it was barely sprinkling as we left our hotel and met up with some fellow bloggers for a quick photo session before heading to the start line.

Did I mention that our outfits were EPIC??

And YES we did run in those skirts ALL 26.45 miles!!
So. Much. FUN!

Nicole had mentioned that this course was super flat, and after a quick national anthem, we were off.
Mile 1: Flat my ass. The first mile was completely uphill. Long gradual inclines. SUCK! I was thinking, oh hell, this is going to be a long race. Quickly changing my mental game to the saying that I saw last week: What lies ahead of me is nothing compared to what lies within me. I knew I had to stay positive or I would surely be sunk.
I decided this week I would try and run a little faster in the beginning and slow up as I need to towards the end, so I tried to keep between 10-10:30 min pace for as long as I could, then slowly decrease my pace as I needed too.
1 09:58 2 09:45 3 09:43 4 10:18 5 09:59 6 10:27 7 10:11 8 10:13 9 10:35
And I was feeling surprisingly good. I was comfortable. My legs felt a little tight, but nothing terrible. I felt confident about my pace and was joking with people who were around me. AND I got A LOT of comments on my skirt which made me SMILE!! Around mile 10 I knew I should slow down a little, and was a little tired...but then realized I was about to break my half marathon PR if I kept moving...it was kind of surreal. I saw Jen at mile 12 and got my gatorbomb (THANK YOU!!) to carry with me.

I'm seriously all smiles at this point!
My plan was to take it at 21. Jen said that Nicole was right ahead of me (really??) and that she was not doing well. I figured my phone would be ringing any second. I turned the corner and my phone rang. I answered it..."I'm totally that crazy girl who talks on the phone while running a race, right??"
At that point, Nicole waited a minute for me to catch up and I was SO SO happy to see her:) I know she was really hurting, but we usually don't get to run in races together because she is so speedy! We did a little walk/running and I tried to help take her mind of her foot.

10 10:57 11 11:17 12 11:04 13 10:54 14 11:52 15 12:01 16 12:41 17 13:03
At mile 17 we stopped at a med tent and I thought I was about to lose Nicole. Somehow, she dug deep and we kept going. I was totally preparing myself mentally for the wall that usually comes around mile 18. Mile 18 came...and went, as did 19 and 20. I felt amazing. Nicole hooked up with a pace group and I kept chugging away...at 20.5 I was a little tired, but still couldn't believe how great of time I was making. I remember seeing a timing clock on the course and it said maybe a little over 3 hours at 19 miles...it started to sink in that I was going to beat my time from last week as long as I keep moving. We were on a park path, then along the lake...it was all somewhat surreal. I can't even really explain what was going on except I felt almost invincible.

18 11:36 19 11:46 20 12:19 21 11:30 22 12:35 23 12:29 24 12:44 25 12:30

I also found some of the most amazing cheerleaders who kept riding between Nicole and I and passing messages back and forth. I stopped at mile 24 for just a second to snap this picture! I don't even know this chic's name, but you are lucky is she shows up at a race you are running!!

At mile 24 I kept telling myself, 8 laps, it's 8 laps. I have to keep moving...no time for walking. I had a serious mental battle whether I really wanted to finish under 5 hours or just be happy that I'm finishing faster than I did last week. At mile 25 I got a burst of energy and tried to pick up the pace...but I did it a little too soon because I was feeling so tired with about .7 of a mile left to run. But I knew I wasn't going to settle for not making the 5 hour cut off...I HAD TO KEEP MOVING!!!

26 12:17 27 10:32

The last mile was terrible. It started raining and the wind was so gusty!! When I saw the finish line (what's up with the 3 different timing strips people??) I burst into tears because I couldn't believe that I had just managed to run that far AGAIN, this time 20 minutes faster. It was like a sweet redemption from Long Beach. And Nicole was standing right there at the finish waiting for me!!!

Best. Day. Ever.

(Minus the fact that they ran out of solar blankets, it was freezing cold and we had a mile walk back to our hotel. Thank you custodian lady for giving us a trash bag, it was a life saver!!)

This is us shivering but enjoying our chocolate milk, yum!

I was so so excited to get my "official" time via the Internet, but Cleveland never seems to fail in the sketchy area...the chic who switched our bibs, didn't switch mine, so technically, I never ran. And some random 49 year old chic managed to finish at 4:59:36.
I'm hoping they can take care of that stat because I'm SO GEEKED to get signed up for Maniacs!!

Now to find my next race...hmmm...what are you all running this weekend;)

GYRO!

Oooops I did it again...Maniac status and a PR!!!

2011-05-15T17:56:00.000-07:00

Today, for me, was epic.
I ran the second marathon in the past week with no training...
and PR'd by 20 minutes.
I. finally. freaking. broke. 5. hours!!!!

Official time:
4:59:36
(Last week's time 5:19:19)
Yep, that's right!! WHOOOT WHOOT!

I know this picture is terrible, but I burst into tears when I realized I was going to make it before 5 hours. I'm sure my finish line pictures I'll be sporting the ugly cry face!
Plus I got to enjoy the weekend with my bestest RB and even run mile 12-19 of this race with Miss Nicole!!! Cole-I'm so freaking proud of you for hanging in there!!!! LOVE YOU!

Stay tuned for an epic race report...but now snuggle time with my monkey who I missed a ton!

I guess the cat is out of the bag...my 13.1 26.2 race report!!

2011-05-09T05:55:00.000-07:00

Yep. You read that totally right. I've been keeping a secret:)

Yesterday I did this

(If it looks like I'm dying, it's because I'm trying to get over to the grass so I wouldn't puke on the finish line:)
I ran the First EVER Kalamazoo Marathon.
After changing from the full marathon to the half marathon after my accident and surgery, I was unable to train for a full marathon. Nicole decided that she would change to the half with me, and we were going to run for fun!! Our maniac status would just have to wait.
I answered the phone Thursday night to an excited Nicole...
N: "dude. I think I'm going to run the marathon. It's the first. The shirts are sweet...so are the medals."
E: "we haven't trained. (seriously, the longest run I've been on since October was 10 miles last week, and a total of 30 miles for the entire month of April)...but if you're manning up, I want to, too!!"
Excited squeals...now, I know this may seem like a really stupid idea, but this race was going to be different because I wasn't going to be really "racing" it...I simply wanted to finish. We decided we weren't going to tell anyone until we toed the start line on Sunday.
We headed to K-zoo Saturday to pick up our race packets rocking our Poser shirts (as we were posing as 1/2 marathon runners:) where we met The Dawn...we had to tell her our decision since we would be picking up our bibs from the marathon line.
We couldn't stop giggling...I know it seems crazy but I was so calm and relaxed about this race. After my disastrous race in Long Beach, this one was so different because there were no time goals or expectations. I was running this for fun!! And the look on our friends faces were pretty epic when we revealed our little secret!

Kalamazoo has a pretty amazing running club...and lucky for Nicole and I one of my best friends and roommate from college and her husband are a part of it! So Saturday night we went to Jiggby's house for Pasta Palooza...and it was so fun to hang out and meet a bunch of people who would be running the next day! Jiggby, by the way is the most amazing wife of a marathon runner, who had shirts made for "marathon widows and their children" and sets up our own water stations at mile 7 and 21. We gave her our beverages and discussed gatorbombs (have you tried this???) and headed home to get our nails painted and ready for race day.

Race Day:
Woke up feeling rested and relaxed. Excited. A smidge of nervousness, but eh, who wouldn't be. Got dressed and headed over to a running club members house to walk to the start line. The weather was perfect. The sun was peaking out. Here's our group getting ready to head to the start line...

when Nicole and I decided we should go to the bathroom...but the lines were super long:( In the chaos of this, I lost Tonya and her running group (which run 10:30's) and I had planned on running this race with them. Oh god. I start panicking a little and Nicole reminds me, I ran the last one alone, just enjoy it!! Got it.
My goal today. Only positive self talk. No negative thinking.
Gun fires.
I'm pretty close to the 4:45 pacer and I fall into stride with their group. The chic leading this group is hilarious. She was a stand up comedian at one point in her life, and she was cracking jokes along the way. I thought it was awesome that they were dedicating every mile to something/someone. When they hit the mile marker, they would ask for the next dedication. I decided if I was still with them at 24, I would ask that they dedicate that mile to EMZ who recently ran for 24 hours!! If I weren't with them, then hey, I would run that mile for her by myself. They slowed down at the first water stop, but I kept going knowing they would catch me soon enough.
At mile 2 I found one of my mantras for the day:
What lies ahead of you is nothing compared to what lies within you. You got this. Yea, YOU DO!
I loved this. After being on pace for the first 5 miles, I had to stop at mile 5.5 when a runner right in front of me tripped and went crashing face first into the cement. It was so scary. He was so out of it and I stayed with him for 2 minutes until a trainer got there and an ambulance was called. I took off again and was right back on pace. At mile 7 we ran down a long stretch of flat boring road. I was still feeling great and decided to put my music in at this point...when I saw Jiggby!! She's like here's your drink...I said perfect timing, I was really needing a salt tab!! It was wonderful seeing her there! At mile 8, I turned the corner to face this beast
one of the 3 big hills on the course. I decided I wanted to stay on pace as long as I could and I was still feeling amazing...so I powered through it for a 10:17 mile. WIN!
I started feeling a little tired around mile 12 and slowed my pace just slightly...up until this point I had only eaten some jelly beans (tropical starburst, yum!) and gum. Plus I had eaten 3 salt tabs.
Quick side point: I was reading right before this race about fueling. Since I didn't train or try fueling before this race, and I had SOOOO much trouble with my stomach in Long Beach, I was leery of eating Gu again. The article I read said to only eat salt tabs and drink gatorade...what do you think of this??
Back on track: I did have a Chomp with me and decided to suck on it for a minute. After 2 minutes of sucking, I puked it up in my mouth and said, enough of that, I'll stick to my jelly beans. I managed to keep around 11:30 pace from mile 12-17.
And I'm still soaring because I can't believe I'm still feeling this amazing (tired, but mentally amazing) and that I'm running and it's beautiful and the crowd is great!! At mile 18, I hit that point...but just kept telling myself, if I push through I will feel better. My last race I ran the end of it with Maritza and she told me then "it's all going to hurt at this point, just keep going..."little does she know, she was right there talking me through 18-20. Thank you Maritza!! One of the amazing crowd supporters was cheering for me and said looking good, and even though I was tired, I smiled at him and said, "it's a beautiful day for a run!" AND I BELIEVED IT!! Around 19 Tonya caught up to me (yea!!) and we got to chat for a minute. This is also where I took a drink of gatorbomb (redbull and gatorade)...which I felt good with, but the taste was kind of...eek.. Reminded me too much of redbull and vodka:) At mile 21, our special water stop with Jiggby was so wonderful!!! She hooked us up with cold drinks and positive words...just what I needed!!
Off we set to finish up the last bit. I'm not going to lie. I was tired. My feet were hurting. But I was soooo happy. Mile 24 I ran for EMZ and all the women and kids of the Sojourner Center. We ran through a park which was pretty, and I breathed in the smells and enjoyed the views. Even when I turned the corner and saw the biggest hill ever at mile 25, I kept pluggin away. Walk, jog, walk, jog, walk, jog. Push. This was the only point in the course where I said f*ck. Quickly, I changed my tune to "I freaking got this." (thanks EMZ).
Before I knew it, I was counting down laps...3...2...1...there's the finish line. Holy hell, I may beat my Long Beach time by a minute if I kick it in. I started to run as fast as I could. My fastest moving pace from jorge told me I finish the last 300 yards or so at a 8:06 pace. Guess there was a little kick left! I was so happy because Nicole was standing right there waiting for me. I managed to finish!
Chip Time: 5:19:19
A new PR? With no training? And I feel amazing when I'm done? And a little sore today, but not really that bad?? WTH???
I did toss my cookies after I finished, but sat, drank a bottle of water and felt...amazing. Grateful. Happy:)
BEST RACE EVER!!!!

We went back, changed, grabbed our bags and headed to Red Robin!! Yuummmm!!!

I wish it would have been a little cooler because I would have LOVED to sport my 26.2 in Kalamazoo Race jacket! Isn't it sweet??

This race was the best race of my running career, and was the PERFECT way to wrap up my first year of running!!! I love how it has come FULL circle and I have now found a passion for something I used to hate!! I could have never done it without the support of my family, friends, or my bestest RB ever!!

Hope you all had an amazing weekend! What did you do for mothers day??
GYRO!

GO EMZ GO!!!

2011-05-06T10:12:00.001-07:00

Dude...how amazing is this??

T-3

2011-05-05T10:59:00.001-07:00

days that is until until I get to reenact this picture from last year. I'm nervous. excited. cautiously optimistic.

I keep telling myself NOT to set high expectations because I haven't trained. I had my highest mileage week last week at 30 miles with my long run of 10 on Friday. Until that, my mileage for the entire month of April was 30 miles. Good grief:)
But this race not only marks my first race of the season, but my one year Runniversary. That's right. I've managed to stick with it for an ENTIRE year. Minus taking a small break after my first (and only for now, I will redeem myself!) marathon and this small break for recovery from surgery, I've been consistently running. Damn straight.
Since I've started tracking my miles on Daily Mile, I've managed to log 600.23 miles (and I know there are more that I didn't record). For a girl who started off thinking running was a form of self punishment, I'd say that's pretty impressive...not to mention that most running I did before that was to get my bowl of ice cream out of the freezer or to steal a good deal on a cute pair of shoes:)
Hell, I've managed to run 3 half marathons, a full marathon and a handful of random 5, 8 and 10k's as well. It's been such a self discovering journey and I've managed
to build a self confidence that I never knew I had.
Last summer (my first summer of racing) was honestly one of the best of my life! I made SO many new friends, saw some pretty incredible places and racked up a hearty appetite for health and fitness.

I mean, I work in the field, and I've always liked working out, but running has somewhat changed me as a person. Last summer was the first summer in awhile that I didn't spend my weekends drinking and eating my face off...quite the opposite actually. Or maybe I did and just didn't notice the extra beer gut because of all the calories burned. Regardless...after a trying winter and spring season, my body is missing the exercise and life style that I worked so hard for last year. I didn't think I would miss my training sessions like I am. let me tell you.
I AM MISSING THEM. BADLY.
Even the past few weeks since I've laced up my kicks, I'm realizing that I'm still soft and need work. I need to get back to my strength training with my performance coach. I need to get back to kickboxing. I need. I need. I need.
Running alone, as much as I love it, just isn't going to cut it. especially since this body is about to roll over the time click to a new decade (sigh) and my metabolism is already trying to take a nap:)
I'm totally pumped for another season of running, training and figuring out a diet that will work for me.
As far as my race this weekend goes...this course, while being my first half, was my fastest half. I'm not sure how I managed to be sooo speedy on this run last year, and boy it sure would be nice to surprise myself and shave a little time off, but I know I need to be realistic. AND I remember that damn hill at mile 7. Sigh.
So for now, I'm going run easy, carb it up and save my shit for Sunday.
See you on the flip side of 13.1!
GYRO!

Weekend wrap up and the count down is on...

2011-05-02T17:09:00.001-07:00

Whew...that was a BUSY weekend. My sweet Ayden Joe turned 8 on Saturday! I can hardly believe it! But before we could celebrate his birthday, we started at the church with the celebration of his first communion! He looked so handsome and did such an amazing job! Afterwards, we headed to a local pizza joint for some pizza, games and birthday cake! Here are a few snap shots from the day...

This is AJ's little man that he made for his communion cloth!

This is his "girlfriend"...he's in LOVE with her which is so cute and hilarious!

Ayden wants pokemon and family pictures on his cake...

AJ with his God parents...Uncle Nate and Lizzie...thank you for spending the day with us!

It was such an amazing and blessed weekend! I am so very proud of my little man!

On the running front...my back to back half marathons are right around the corner...literally next weekend, and I must say I am cautiously optimistic...I have been getting a few miles a week under my belt, and on Friday Nicole and I ran 10 miles...that was my farthest run to date, and honestly, besides being super salty, felt pretty damn good...and I was able to keep right around 10 mile a minute pace which is stellar and most likely thanks to Nicole for keeping me going:)

Let the count down begin...6 days until race day!!

We did try out our new racing capris...although we didn't try out our glitter skirts...I really liked them, but Colie didn't so I'm not sure what we are going to do about our Cleveland race outfits...I may rock mine anyways cuz it is SO flipping cute!! EEKKKK!

GYRO!

Happy Birthday Ayden Joe!!

2011-05-02T16:51:00.000-07:00

Ayden Joe,
I can hardly believe that you are already 8 years old! It seems like just yesterday I hurried to have you so we could spend our first precious hour together watching American Idol:) Until you, I never knew what it was like to love someone with my WHOLE being!

You are the most amazing big brother! You love it when I bring Jack into school and you get to show him off to all of your friends! You also like to read him good night stories and chase him around in the yard. We're working on setting a good example at the dinner table right now;)

You are such an amazing spirit! You love anything that has to do with sports...and you worship Michigan State! So much, that when asked to write about the government using a letter from each letter in the word governement to describe government, you started with
G-Go green!

You're favorite foods are pizza and pasta...surprise a carboholic like mama! You aren't always down to try new foods, but can sometimes be bribed! You will only sleep in your underwear, which I think is hilarious, and for some reason, you always put your shirts on backwards...just in too much of a hurry to do it right I suppose!

You LOVE to travel and spend the night places. We recently traveled to Florida and Myrtle Beach and you ask everynight at bed time when we are moving. I hope you finally do make it out of here someday!!

Ayden Joe, my life would have never been complete without you in it. You are stubborn and stong willed, but the most loving and caring person I know. I love you MORE...just remember that;)

Love,
Mommy

Mostly Wordless Wednesday :)

2011-04-27T17:49:00.000-07:00

Fave quote of the day:
If it's important to you, you will find a way...if not, you will find an excuse.

Back on the horse...kind of...and loving it! Running date with Colleen...slow and steady, but a beautiful day here in Mid Michigan:)

PS: BOOOOO, but I did not get into NY for 2011:( Working on a new summer/fall race schedule to be posted sometime soon!

Ruuuuunniiinnnngggg...

2011-04-24T18:13:00.000-07:00

3 days in a row...bliss. Not far, not fast. But I'm moving. And it's amazing.
5 miles
3 miles
4 miles
greatness!!

It helps that I'm taking some pain killers because my shoulder does get super achy when I'm finished, but it feels so damn good to be running outside...in the sunshine...breeze on my face. I forgot how much I missed it.

My races coming up...yea, it's going to be a struggle, but I'm going to enjoy every step because at least today, I CAN RUN! And for that I am blessed AND grateful.

We had an eventful weekend...my aunt turned 50 so yesterday we had an Easter Egg hunt for her birthday which involved jello-shot and lotto ticket filled Easter eggs for adults only! Followed by yummy food, drinking and bonfire...just a taste for an amazing summer!
Hope everyone had an amazing Easter!!

5K fail and rooting for Boston!

2011-04-18T10:46:00.000-07:00

My first 8k/5K of the season for me...was a no show. I woke up Saturday morning to freezing rain and cold weather...and decided my bed was a much better alternative. It would have been different if I didn't still have on this big ridiculous sling, but I didn't want to get it soaking wet and be screwed the rest of the day with a soggy sling:/
Well...tomorrow is the big day. I finally go back to the drs and am hoping that I get the clearance to resume somewhat of a normal life. I'm still not sure if I'm going to be able to go to work, but I really need to lace up my running shoes and get moving. Back to back half's are right around the corner and I have some serious work to do. I did finally find some new running shoes...aren't they bright??

I can't wait to lace these puppies up and take them for a spin!
I was super excited when I woke up today because of all my fellow friends and bloggers running Boston! Then I looked out the window and saw roughly 3 inches of snow. WTF? So I decided to barricade myself in the house, made a cup of french vanilla coffee with vanilla-Carmel creamer and settled on the couch to snuggle with Jack and watch the Boston race on my laptop.

WIN! It's been such a nice relaxing morning. I'm super proud of our American runners...I seriously thought Desiree was about to pull of something CRAZY!! 2Nd is pretty amazing! I can't wait to read every one's race recaps...
GYRO!!

Where did that month go??

2011-04-11T13:49:00.000-07:00

Oh my! I can't believe that I've been MIA for almost a month! It seems crazy, but I've been kind of busy...it takes twice as long to do anything when you've only got one wing working!!
I see the dr next week and can't wait to get out of this sling and back on my feet! I have back to back half marathons coming up, and if I don't get moving soon, it will for sure be a shit show! Well...I know it's going to be a shit show, but hey, I'm doing it for fun! I'm also excited that my bestest RB ever has decided to switch from the fulls to the halfs with me, so I'll have company along the way. I'm thinking of taking a video camera and making the most hilarious movie ever...hmmmm. Will have to see how it works out!

So...what do you do when you're stuck at your house?? I've been doing some reorganizing and sorting...and it's been decided. I have way to much stuff. Do you need anything? Bathroom sets, sheets, clothes, random cups, dishes, pillows, picture frames? I'm about to throw it all away. Let me know, I'll send it to you....:)

Last week over spring break I decided to load up the car and head to Florida for the week. It was pretty last minute, but I found a great deal on a hotel...the best part you may ask..it had a kitchen and washer and dryer so I came home with no dirty clothes and I didn't have to waste money on food! Double WIN!!!
We basically did nothing excpet hang out by the pool except for one day we loaded up and went to Sea World. The kiddos had so much fun!! They got to feed and touch the dolphins and seals...and touch the sting rays! Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the trip...

I also got to visit one of my friends from college and meet her 2 monkeys...thanks Ashley, that was so much fun catching up!

I'm supposed to be running an 8K this weekend...but I'm not exactly sure how that is going to work out...I'm considering running in the sling...hmmm. We will see.

Good luck to all the runners out there tackling Boston and all the other races!!

Life on Drugs...

2011-03-13T16:56:00.000-07:00

I realize that I seem to start every post these days with...sorry I'm not the best blogger.
Hm.
This time I really do have a good excuse:)
Every time I try and write a post...I sound goofy. Why? Because I'm on some serious pain meds...thank God! Again, why?
I manned up and had my shoulder surgery. I'm not glad I did it right now, but I'm sure in a few weeks, I'll be feeling much better. It's been terribly difficult, but I've had some tremendous support from Lizzie, my mom and Davan. They have all been SUPER helpful with the kiddos...man, do you know how hard it is to change a shitty diaper with only one hand?? Good grief!

For those of you that are like me, I'm posting a few pictures of my surgery. If you have a queasy tummy, quit now:)

I had surgery on Wednesday morning. I got there nice and early, had the most awesome nurse ever start my IV (which is usually my most dreaded thing about any hospital stay) and was soon consulted by the anesthesiologist. He came in and did a scalene block, but sedated me with what the nurse described as liquid margaritas that are directly placed into my IV. It was some seriously amazing stuff with no hangover:)
Anyways, into surgery I went and woke up a few hours later feeling like I got hit by a small garbage truck. Yikes.
My mom got me home and tucked into bed to sleep it off...the next day I had LOTS of visitors...Ali from work who brought me yummy fruit and bread, flowers from my work family, My best RB ever Nicole with a magazine, cute froggy and box of gobbies:) I am so spoiled! Thank you so much for all of you who were thinking of me and sending me good thoughts!!

According to the surgeon, there was no laberal tear which was good news!! But there was a hole in the muscle and some damage to the humeral head. Here are a few pictures that I think are pretty sweet. Oh...and my surgeon is the bomb because he video taped the surgery for me and I've been able to watch it which is awesome!!
Anyways, check this out:
One of the rotator cuff muscles

Humeral head and socket which should be all white and smooth...

Microfracture

So, because of all of these findings, I get to rock this awesome thing for the next 6 weeks without using my arm AT ALL!

Excuse my crazy hair, but have you ever tried to do your hair with one hand?? I challenge you all to try and use one hand to pull your bangs up/put in a pony tail. Let me know if you find an easy way to do it:)

I think I may head into work tomorrow and treat myself on stim and ride the bike because I'm already going a little crazy sitting at home. And forgive me in advance for my next 6 weeks of stir craziness:) Hang on though, it may be a fun ride!

Hope everyone is having a great week!

PS... My friend Colleen is starting a running/weight loss blog and would love some support...if you have time, stop by and tell her good job:) Thanks!

Howdy from TUCSON!!!

2011-03-05T17:18:00.000-08:00

Isn't it amazing what a little sunshine can do for a person??
I just got in from an amazing 3 mile jog with a new running buddy...and did I mention I'm in Tucson?? No gloves, no hat, no thing over my face so I can breathe...

I LOVE THE SUNSHINE!!!

I'm here on business and while it's always hard to leave the monkeys...sometimes it's really nice to just do whatever you want. I checked into my hotel last night after another round of delayed flights, but I think the view is pretty awesome!

I had mentioned to people at home that I was really excited because it looked like this place had a trail to run...and everyone freaked out about me running alone. Point taken. So, during class when the teacher mentioned to another girl, "well, you're a runner, you know this..." I thought...bonus! Running Friend!

After class we decided we would take a little stroll around the trail and it was so nice! Look at the view of the mountains! (It may be a little blurry, but it's hard to run and take pictures at the same time!!)

And while running I discovered a ROSS, so I'm about to hit the showers, shop for a bit and then head to dinner with my new friends!!

I hope everyone is having an amazing weekend!

What is your favorite place to run or vacation?

down and out

2011-03-02T19:07:00.000-08:00

Hello fellow bloggers.
Sorry it's been so long, but I haven't really been in the blogging mood lately.
Why?
Well...it's not for lack of working out. I've been kicking some serious strength training workouts and I'm feeling great and strong. My legs that is.
My shoulder is a whole different story. I started PT 3 weeks ago being a hard ass and putting off surgery until after my back to back marathons in May. After 3 weeks...my shoulder got worse. WTF? I know, right...I work in a PT clinic, it's not quite supposed to happen like that. It was becoming increasingly difficult to do things around the house, and care for my monkeys. What the hell.
So after much deliberation and indecision, I've decided that having my arm and being able to function is a little more important than getting my maniac status this May. My surgery is scheduled for next Wednesday and I'm a little freaked out, but I have total confidence in my surgeon. I'm hoping that if things turn out, I may be able to run the half's of each race instead of the fulls...fingers crossed. It just depends on how much damage they find when they actually get in there. Sigh.
So, I may be missing for awhile, but hey...maybe I'll get some great monkey stories to post:)
Hope everyone is having a great week!

Wishlist Wednesday...on Thursday

2011-02-17T18:39:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again when people are eagerly awaiting their tax returns...or should I say I am eagerly awaiting my tax return. Every year I have TONS of things I would like to do with the money, and while my money is already spent this year (I'll explain in a minute) I thought I would entertain the idea that the government made a mistake and quadrupled my return...and all of the great things I would do!!!

So...here's my wishlist for 2011

While this picture isn't exactly what I would like...I would love nothing more than a garage!!! Living in Michigan in the winter is the worst, especially when I have to dig my car out of 3 feet of snow! Sigh! A garage would be the best!!

And since I do live in nasty Michigan weather...I would love nothing more that a trip to Turks & Caicos...I mean seriously...how amazing does this look???

Upon arriving home from this most amazing vacation, I would have a ton of laundry... and check out this SWEET Electrolux washer and dryer! Supposedly these amazing machines can do laundry in 15 minutes...can you even imagine??

With all of my extra time spent NOT doing laundry I could spend lots of time with my monkeys and running. Seriously, how sweet would that be???

I would also LOVE nothing more than new windows...only 2 windows...the lady that lived here below put windows in that don't open...needless to say, my house is an OVEN in the summer time and it's miserable!

Lucky for me, it seems this year my return will be spent paying bills while I'm off of work recovering from shoulder surgery. I may take a small amount of money and buy these most amazing gems...Duchess Ryders Eyeware
as I prepare for my back to back marathons!

Speaking of running...did I mention that it was high 40's low 50's the past 2 days and I've enjoyed some amazing runs outside!! It's about time!

Hope everyone is having an amazing week!

Monkeyisms Monday

2011-02-08T17:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day! This holiday personally makes me gag, but hey, to each their own. For my monkeys sake, I will embrace it and share with them chocolate and valentines. Whatever.

But onto exciting news...

I'm going to start a new post night for me...Monkeyisms Mondays!
so for tonight, the star of the show is Maddie!
Maddiesm of the night...

Everynight I lay with Maddie in her bed right before she falls asleep. I usually ask her to tell me something nice that she did for someone that day, or something that made her happy. Tonight our conversation was a tad bit different...and never ceases to amaze me. It went something like this...
Me: "Mad, let's pray tonight."
Mad: "Um...bless us oh Lord, for these" she stated, rehearsing our dinner prayer.
Me: "No, Mad, let's pray like this tonight, thank you for for our family. Thank you for keeping us safe and together. Thank you so much for loving us..."
Mad: "Mom, who are we praying to?"
Me: "Well, God, Maddie."
Mad: "who's God?"
Me: "Well, he's the creator of us. Of Heaven and Earth."
Mad: "How did he make us?"
Me: "Well, he made a man named Adam, and took a rib from him, mixed it with mud and made Eve." (I'm not going to pretend that I'm super religious, because I'm not. But I do believe in God and I do want my children to believe in God. This is how I remember the story from CCD years ago, but it may be totally different)
Mad: "wait a minute...(deep in thought) you mean I'm made of mud?" so serious..."and is that why my poop is brown??"
I seriously love this chic and how much she makes me laugh. The small things she does. It's absolutly priceless.

Maddness and Monkeyisms

2011-02-07T17:52:00.000-08:00

First of all...I see I have a few new peeps that are following! Please leave a comment so I can make my way around to your blog!

So, it's official. Money is down, there is no turning back now.
Running Kalamazoo May 8th...and turning around and running this gem the following weekend:)

Oh yea for maniac status.

Training is going okay. If you want all of the details, find me on daily mile because I would hate to bore you with the details:)

I'm beyond unhappy with the results of my MRI. It pretty much will take me out of Chicago, and New York would probably be pushing it. So sad because I had pretty much lined up a sponsor and was ready to run. The Dr was already not happy because I told him fixing it wasn't an option until after my races in May.
According to my MRI, I have a labral tear, partial thickness supraspinatis tear (one of the four muscles in the rotator cuff (NOT CUP) group, thinning of the infraspinatis, cysts and bursitis. Yikes. And while I love my dr (he's the surgeon who fixed my right rotator cuff tear a few years ago) he's kind of conservative and I would be in a sling with NO ACTIVE motion for 6 weeks. Which is awful. And he said running would hurt for 3 months related to the pounding. Jeesh. With my last shoulder surgery which I had in July, I wasn't even released back to work until November. It's a really long recovery. So, even if I have my surgery in May after my 2nd marathon, I won't even being feeling amazing until at least August. Maybe it's enough time to recover for Chicago, but it makes me a little nervous. Plus, I really can't afford to take that much time off work right now and be able to take care of my monkeys. So frustrated. So I'm starting therapy tomorrow which I know will probably not work (I tried it for 4 months last time with no avail), and we'll reevaluate in 6 weeks. Cross your fingers for spontaneous healing:)

I'm going to try and end my posts now with monkeyisms...funny things that the monkeys say and do. Tonight I'm posting a video of Jack singing the little Einsteins song from a cartoon that he LOVES! My most favorite part is when he "reeves it up"...I seriously laugh out loud every single time!!

Hope everyone is having a great week!
PS check out this sweet giveaway at Hungry Runner's blog!

Thirsty Thursday...and Maddieisms

2011-02-03T18:50:00.000-08:00

Hi!!
Today I am so confused. It's felt like Monday all day. Probably from not working yesterday, but, eh, at least tomorrow's Friday!
As soon as I get paid tomorrow, I will be registering for Cleveland so it will be official. Whoot whoot for maniac status!

Today I had my arthrogram MRI on my shoulder. Please everyone cross your fingers that my shoulder is just fine...otherwise, it could really hamper my training:/

That being said, I didn't run today because I'm tired and grouchy and my arm hurts. I know, whine, right, but instead, I'm drinking a glass of wine and watching a NEW gray's! Finally!

Otherwise, I've been doing pretty well with training.

Speaking of races...I'm kind of torn. I was talking with my mom today how I really want to run Chicago and New York...and while I put my name in for NY, I won't know until what, March? And I'm worried that by then Chicago may be full and I could potentially lose out on both races. But..will I really have time and $ to train and run both races? They are both kind of pricey and I would have travel expenses...
and guess what. I was working with a patient who owns his own company and we were talking about running...and he said, "well, why don't I sponsor you to run?" Seriously? Um...a chance to run both and for a cause?? Wouldn't I be crazy not too?? So I'm researching how sponsorship works and what it entails.

And I'm guessing I may be signing up for all 4 potentially:)

I'm leaving you with a hilarious story from a 5 year old. If you are sensitive or easily offended, please stop reading.

Last week, my mom watched the monkeys while I was at work. She always cooks fish for dinner on Friday (I think she missed the memo that it's not Lent yet:) But anyways, my oh so sweet 5 year old was sitting on the kitchen counter watching her cook dinner...

Maddie: "Grandma, it smells like VAGINIA in here!!"
My mom trying not to die: "No Maddie, that's fish. See, I'm cooking fish for dinner."
Maddie: "No grandma, that's vaginia."

hahahahahaha. Seriously, it's become a joke in our family. How is a 5 year old so smart???

Hope everyone is having a great week!
GYRO!

Semi Wordless snowed in Wednesday:)

2011-02-02T18:44:00.000-08:00

Even Mommy had a snow day today!!

Our snow fort...half way completed

Jack Jack singing 5 silly monkeys...

Lots to post tomorrow:) Hope everyone is safe and warm!

Sunday wrap up...

2011-01-30T18:15:00.000-08:00

Hi folks! Look what I did today...

That's right...manned up for a 9 mile run OUTSIDE!! The sun was shinning and even though I hate it that my nose runs like crazy, it was so nice to breath some fresh air! 9.25 miles...the farthest that I've run since LONG BEACH in OCTOBER! Honestly...I didn't feel too bad. A little tired, but eh. I didn't even really think about it until I got home and I felt like a got run over by a truck! I forgot how those "long runs" totally exhaust you. I'm going to bed early tonight just for this reason!
My training was pretty awesome this week. 4 days of running/trainer work. That's pretty amazing! I'm so looking forward to it getting a little warmer when I can get my butt outside anytime!!
This week should be pretty exciting. I see my dr tomorrow for my shoulder...cross my fingers for a case of tendonitis and nothing worse...(back story, I stepped on one of Jack Jack's cars that he left on the top step and took a little tumble..)...good grief! Maddie and Ayden are both starting soccer this week and the Flu bug has finally left our house!
Thursday I had the wonderful experience of cleaning puke every 45 minutes until Friday night...all three kids were sick at the same time. True story.
I have lots of workouts in store but am working on redoing my training plan, so I hope to post later this week with the updates!
Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend!

GYRO!

Whaaaa hooooo Wednesday!

2011-01-26T18:32:00.000-08:00

To begin with...3 of my most favorite pictures from Christmas!

Can you believe how big they are getting? Neither can I!

Ayden is getting ready for basketball to start, Maddie is busy tumbling her way around gymnastics and Jack has finally ditched the bottle...now to get rid of that plug! On a good note, he's finally sleeping in his big boy bed:) YEA!

On a running front...good news!!! Maybe bullets would be best??
~I've been hesitant to actually sign up for Nashville. It wasn't a great weekend (my son's b-day), it was kind of expensive and flights kept creeping up there in price. so.....
~Nashville is out. Can't afford travel and it fell on a bad weekend for me.
~It puts Kalamazoo as our first marathon where we will be running with all of our friends so it won't be a total shit show...
~and we are going to run Cleveland the following weekend to earn maniac status which is a WAY better weekend, and it's 6 hours closer than Nashville (only a 3 hour drive!) ScoRe!!!

ARE YOU RUNNING CLEVELAND???

Now I just need to figure out the rest of the schedule...

Successful working out this week...hella sore legs/arms/butt after 2 serious sessions with my performance coach. Yikes. You would think he's trying to kill us...but nothing makes squats better than sweet Nick yelling at you "you'll never run a marathon with single leg squats like that!" Who needs Jillian when I have Nick!

Tomorrow, I may venture outside with Miss Nicole for a lunch time run, and Friday is REST! Whew. This is day 3 of two a days and my legs are super sore...but it feels amazing!

Broadcasting from the couch :)

2011-01-24T19:17:00.001-08:00

I'm excited to say that I finally have Internet!!! YEA!! I'm so stoked, and I've been so busy, but I'm taking some time tonight to say just how excited I am!
And I've been working out like crazy...which has been pretty awesome!
This week, so far:
Sunday: 3 miles in my new workout room!!
Monday: lunch time 1.5 mile run/core workout total 30 minutes
Monday night: 45 minutes of kickboxing

I have planned...
Tuesday: core/strength training with performance coach
Wednesday: core/strength training with performance coach 3 miles
Thursday: 5 miles
Friday: rest
Saturday: 9 miles

Running has been somewhat of a struggle...I really want to get outside. I need to get outside. I know I sound lame, but I really hate the cold. Training has been a struggle. I have officially signed up for Kalamazoo, and I REALLY want to run Nashville, but some things have come up and I'm not sure I will be able to travel/run/afford it which is extremely disappointing. If anyone knows of a closer race that we can run either the week before or week after May 8th, please let me know!!

I have a ton of pictures to post from the holidays for the extended family, and lots of hilarious stories, but right now I want to venture around and check in with some bloggy friends!

See you tomorrow:)
GYRO!

Down but not out...

2011-01-21T10:43:00.000-08:00

Hi fellow bloggers! I realize that my blogging has been terrible but I have a really good reason. No Internet. Seriously. I'm freaking out. Comcast came LAST week to hook up my internet...and failed to bring enough cable. Seriously. WTF? Anyways, I usually steal internet from my mom, but I disconnected her computer to steal her desk, so I've been without the internet FOREVER! And I'm going nuts!! I tried to blog from my phone...and for some reason I can't connect. It's been super frustrating. On a positive note, they are supposed to be coming tonight to hook up the internet!! YEA!
On another positive note, I've been running and cross training again! It feels so great to be out there. On Monday I manned up for a blistering 4 mile jaunt outside followed by another mile on the dreadmill and some weights. Wednesday I ran 2 miles, biked 5 and did some core work. I'm kickboxing tonight!! So good to be back in the swing. Hell, I have to get there soon because there are only 14 weeks until the first big race of the season:) CAN'T WAIT!!
I'll be checking in tonight after the comcast guy is finished!
HAPPY FRIDAY!

T-14 weeks...

2011-01-10T20:23:00.000-08:00

until my BACK TO BACK marathons. Yep. I'm doing. Running Nashville April 30th and Kalamazoo May 8th. Crazy? Maybe. fun? Hell ya. and we have AMAZING outfits!!
I finally was released to start working out again! thank God I was starting to FREAK OUT!!! I jumped on the treadmill at lunch and...uggh. thought I was going to die! I can't believe how quick you lose your ability to breath/talk/run all at the same time. My last run was Dec 15, so I was definitely feeling it about a mile and 1/2 in. Yikes. I have some SERIOUS work to do! Tonight I also hit up kickboxing class which was fun! 2 workouts in 1 day? Sure!
Things continue to be pretty crazy around here, and while I keep saying, when it slows down, I'll have more time to do (insert whatever here), I don't think it's going to be slowing down anytime soon. Between helping plan 2 of my best friends weddings, training and zoo keeping, my life has never been crazier!! I was going to join a gym this week because while I got a lot of amazing cold running gear, I still haven't been able to man up and brave the cold yet. Better yet, I'm changing cable companies and have decided to pack up my scrapbook room and turn it into a gym with a TV and my treadmill...so I can lock myself in and get my miles in! While the treadmill is NOT my favorite, maybe with the right television program, I can be entertained long enough to get some miles in! Also up for changes comes a work change! My hours are switching to 6-3. Sweetness! I'll be able to get my runs in while the monkeys are in school and I'll get more time with them:) <3 this!!

I'll be sharing my training plan with you all soon! I hope everyone is having an amazing week!!
GYRO

Waking up to 20/20

2011-01-03T06:18:00.000-08:00

Hi all! I know I've been a terrible blogger, but I've been reading and it's been exciting to read a lot of people's racing caps of their years! This post is not going to be about recapping my year of successful running because honestly, I only started this running adventure about 10 months ago with my first race being in April, so I somewhat feel it would be more appropriate to give my recap then...I am pretty proud that I've managed to run a handful of 5, 8 and 10 K's, 3 halfs and a FULL marathon in less than a year. That's pretty sweet:)
My next training plan was supposed to start last week, and I'm disappointed to say that I haven't been able to workout AT ALL! And I'm starting to go nuts. BUT there is a good reason that has been a long time coming and it has been worth EVERY second of insanity!! I haven't been posting any pictures lately and that's because I've been sporting these hot things:

Notice the difference?? Yep, I'm wearing glasses. I've been wearing glasses since 5th grade...and got my contacts shortly after because of playing sports, and I really didn't want to be that chick in the rect-ta-specs. I have been saving all year (thank you health savings account!) and I finally had enough saved up to undergo the Lasik procedure. Biggest downfall...you have to wear your glasses for at least 2 weeks before surgery. Huh? I've never wore my glasses out of the house if I could help it. Maybe a day here or there when I was prego, but never for consecutive days. Sigh. I felt so limited and boxed in. I didn't want to work out because I hated that I had such limited vision, they would slide, fog up...uggh. The list of hate goes on and on. Anyways, Dec 30th, Miss Nicole took my to Lansing for my procedure. After an amazing shopping trip where we found the sweetest accessory for our Nashville race (info to come later!) we headed to TLC.
I was super nervous. I mean, they go through all the things that could go wrong, and losing my vision forever seemed kind of scary. After tons of testing and meetings, it was finally time! I sported my super cute cap and booties, got about 100 drops in my eyes and was off to the surgical suite. The cool thing is that Nicole got to watch the whole thing!! There was a viewing window so she was able to snap a few pictures! Here I am right before I lay down in the chair!
Can you tell I'm terrified?? So, I won't go into a lot of detail, but they tape your eyelashes down, and then place an eye speculum (yep, just like the female drs but for the eye) and crank your eye ball wide open. This is followed by 2 lasers and the dr poking and smoothing things down. I almost passed out and threw up, but only because I was holding my breath. Hell. And lots and lots of pressure. The worst part is when they place the vacuum on your eyeball and everything goes black. Kind of scary. Of when you can smell the laser burning your eye. Ewww. Nicole managed to snap a few sweet picts. While you can't see in person what's going on, check out the TV next to me. Yep that's my eyeball on TV and him poking it. Sweet, huh?

It was pretty uncomfortable for the rest of the day and I came home and tried to sleep it away. Think having contact in inside/out. But I woke up with 20/20 vision!!! How amazing is that? I can see my tv, alarm clock, kids...everything! I can't believe I waited so long!!

I hope everyone had an amazing holiday season! I'm going to love on Jack for a minute because he's about to pull me off the bed, but I promise I'll be back to blogging because training starts Thursday when I get released to work out again!! Whoot whoot!

Happy Birthday Sweet Jack!

2010-12-23T17:57:00.000-08:00

Dear Jaxon~
I can hardly believe you are 2 today! It seems like just yesterday my belly was 3 feet away from my spine and you were doing somersaults all day!
My little reindeer on your first Christmas. You were so adorable!

You are such an amazing little person...a little boy with an old soul. There are so many people who love you so much! You seem to melt every person you meet...they can't get enough of your smile or personality.

Sometimes I can't believe how unbelievably lucky I am to be so blessed to have you...
At the age of 2 you...
~have the strongest, most stubborn personality. ever.
~love music. dancing. elmo
~have been on an airplane. to Texas.

TEXAS!
~and taken a car trip to South Carolina
~been in the ocean
~can climb stairs.
~loves cars, trucks and noisy things
~still working on that transition into the big boy bed
~tonight, come hell or high water, will be your first night without a bottle. Your tears are breaking my heart.
~You love and are obsessed with animals...cats, dogs, monkeys...you name it. You have a special place for Lexie:)

~You loved to open your presents, and beamed so bright when we sang happy birthday to you
~you tell us you're 2 by showing 5 fingers and exclaiming, "uuuuoooooo" at the top of your lungs.

I love that you are Velcro, even though it sometimes drives me nuts.

Your brother and sister both love you to pieces, and you worship them equally.

I hope that you are always mommy's little boy, but that you grow up to be strong and independent and able.

Your biggest frustration currently is the fact that you can't say exactly what it is you would like to say...and it would help if I could get that darn passie out of your mouth:)
I love you little monkey. Happy Birthday, baby.
Love,
Mommy, sissy and brother

Moaning Monday...

2010-12-20T18:55:00.000-08:00

Do you ever have those days where you just want to pull your hair out???????? I woke up this morning feeling EXHAUSTED and not wanting to get out of bed (could be from surviving the flu once again this weekend, but, eh, who knows). Rushed around into a hurry up and wait type morning, followed by a rough afternoon at work left me feeling completely unappreciated and deflated. I'm supposed to start with mileage buildup and the beginning of my training plan for my next marathon, but I'm sitting here questioning if I really want to start this week with return to run and all the craziness around Christmas. I have that family where I have obligations Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and I'm always wiped out and trying to get my house together for New Years Eve.

I was super blessed to enjoy a much needed night out/dinner with my friend Erika who's home from Chicago. Great pizza, my most favorite martinis and some great conversation was the perfect way to end a stressful day. We even talked a little bit about running, and she said she MAY be interested in running Chicago with me:) She has never run a big race, so it would be fun for her first!!

I'm looking forward to my week off of work next week. I'm also looking forward to a possible schedule change at work which may allow me to tackle an amazing training plan that Nicole has put together, but it requires a lot of miles and time. My new work schedule would be 3 long days/2 short days and I would be able to tackle my long runs while my kids are in school. How awesome would that be?!?!

I have a hilarious Christmas story which I would LOVE to share with you, but I found out that my kids (HI KIDS) read my blog at school, and show all of their friends the fun things I post, so I will have to wait to share this story...unless I write in Pig Latin.
Um. Never Mind. Not feeling it.
But, it's hilarious to say the least. I will say this, so much for trying to get things done early:)

I hope everyone is having an amazing week! I have a few posts that I would like to put together, but know I will have LOTS of blogging time while I'm home next week.
Special thank you to Nicole for my new bloggy look:) Love it!
GYRO!

Nothing but words Wednesday :) and 2 pictures!

2010-12-15T19:01:00.000-08:00

Holy smokes. Only 10 days until Christmas! really?? Lucky for me, Santa Nicole came over on Monday night and helped me to wrap ALL of my presents. Yep. I'm lucky. And I'm so excited!! Christmas is my most favorite time of year because I LOVE to give people presents!! It's nearly killing me that I haven't given my monkeys their gifts yet!
Speaking of gifts...I really want to share this with you! One of my coworkers makes animal/sport shaped blankets. Really, I think she could make you anything you wanted, but Genny has an Etsy shop and asked me if I could take some pictures of my monkeys with her blankets. Sure! So I pulled them out one day and Maddie fell in LOVE with the butterfly. Like, I couldn't rip it from her if I tried. I was laughing and told Genny about it later and she said if I picked up some fabric she could make me a silky butterfly for miss Moe. really, because that would be like, the best thing in the world to my little monkey. Look at this SUPER cute blanket she came up with!!

I can not WAIT for Maddie to open this gem! She's going to flip! Check out Genny's shop for sure cute custom made blankets and such!

As far as my December resolutions go, I've been kicking some serious ass. I've done amazingly well about limiting my soda's (minus on Sundays when I seem to have a slight headache) and I've been hitting up cardio kickboxing and working out with Nick. We're going to push real hard on the strength training and mix in speed work in about a month. Training for the next big race starts in 3 weeks, and I'm pumped. I watched the finale of the biggest loser and I'm going to throw it out there that I want to beat that chic's marathon time. 4:43 I believe it was...and that was with a 6 minute bathroom break. I usually don't like stating goals out loud because I'm afraid of failure, but I feel like if I say it, then I have to answer to people, so I better get my butt in gear!!

Oh, and I almost forgot to introduce you to a somewhat new member of our family. Please say hello to Super Buddy!
This cute little elf usually shows up after Thanksgiving and hangs around until Christmas Eve. He has a nightly duty to report to Santa, so the kiddos have to be on their very best behavior. Last night, he was a little naughty and ended up eating some cereal...guess he was hungry:) The kids love him, and it's awesome that Santa sends a letter via Buddy when good things/bad things happen for reinforcement...and also to remind the monkeys of the TRUE meaning of Christmas:)
Wow...this could be the most random post ever! I'm hitting it so I can check out some of your blogs! I hope you are all having an amazing week!

Jingle Bell 5K Race Report

2010-12-12T20:11:00.000-08:00

When Nicole suggested that we run the Jingle Bell 5K this past weekend, I looked at her like she was CRAZY! I haven't really been running besides here and there, and I haven't really ventured out to attempt a run in the snow/ice. I figured, what the heck, last race of the year, and signed up. When I saw the forecast...I freaked. Here in Michigan, it's been nonstop snow since last night. Good grief. But lucky for me, it wasn't snowing during our race! Thank goodness!
I woke up a little bit late on Saturday since my natural alarm clocks decided to sleep in. When Nicole came to pick me up, I was still rocking my pj's. I hurried and layered as many clothes as humanly possible before jumping in her car and leaving town. After we were about half way there I said, oh my, I didn't even bring my music. She said she hadn't either. Then she said, did you remember your Garmin?
OH SH*T!
Nope. Totally forgot. WTH?
I guess I'm running naked today. And that's totally how I felt. I'm so used to keeping track of my pace and my heart rate that I felt out of control during my run.
More on that in a few.
The reason I signed up for this race was for the free headband! I was excited because I didn't have anything to wear on my head. Imagine my surprise when the headbands are pink!!! Ugggghhhh! Nicole just started laughing at me because she knows how much I dislike pink. But ehhh. At least my ears were warm:)
We finally found Jen and some of her friends to take a few prerace photos, headed to the start line and took off.
Mile 1: Ran with Nicole...we had decided to run a slow and easy race since her foot has been bothering her and neither of us had really been running. I was cold and my nose kept running. My lungs were burning a little. Good grief. I felt so naked without Jorge...I had no idea how hast we were going, how far we had gone. Sigh. I think our first mile was around 9:20 or so.
Mile 2: Feeling a little tired, but eh, not so bad. Until this group of really rude girls passed us and said, "I just needed to get by them." Which when I write it, doesn't sound so bad, but if you could have heard how she said it, your eyes would bug out of your head. Nicole, instantly pissed, said, those bees are not going to beat us, let's go. We picked up the pace for what felt like forever, but I soon fell behind. I couldn't get my breathing to settle and I was feeling flustered. What the heck?
Mile 3: I lost sight of Nicole at some point. My lungs were really on fire and I had the hot/cold feeling which I can't stand! Towards the end, I heard that girls voice from previous, and could see that they were closing in. I pushed as hard as I could for the last .6 of a mile because I wasn't going to let them beat me.
Finish time: 29:45.
Not my best race by any means, but I'm glad I got out there and ran.
I felt so good...it felt so good when I was done!

It was a great way to wrap up 2010 racing!
I have a lot of great things to write about, but I'm super tired and am going to have to leave super early tomorrow because of all the snow. They have already cancelled school, can someone please cancel work??
Only 13 days til Christmas:)

Holy Races....

2010-12-07T18:31:00.000-08:00

Hi folks! I'm so excited that I have an hour to sit and get busy catching up on my reader! I'm making my way around, so please leave a comment so I can make sure I check in on you soon if I haven't already been!

I'm sitting here tonight listening to the Biggest Loser as the last 4 contestants prepare to run the marathon...and I'm geeked. Why? Because in 21 weeks, I will tackle another marathon to redeem myself. And I'm stoked. I've been pretty consistent again with my workouts and I've been working with my trainer...I'm hoping to shave off at least 20 minutes of my previous marathon time. It will be a lot easier if I don't have a monstrous mental breakdown like I did in California. I've also been working on my race calender for the upcoming year, and I'm excited to see how it unfolds. Here's a possibility of what's to come (as far as longer races go)

CM Marathon in Tennessee April 30th
Borgess Marathon May 8th
Bayshore 10K May 28th
Charlevoix 1/2 june 25, 11
Chicago bank of America oct 9th 2011
NYC marathon Nov 6th (name is in for lottery, cross your fingers)

Notice those back to back marathons...um yea. The CM just happened to fall on my plate today, and I'm considering going for maniac status...(who am I and where did Erika go?)
While I realize that I have a few back to back runs, it really does depend on how things unfold. My work also sponsors an 8K and there are a few other local runs I plan on doing, so it should be another fun summer of running.
Speaking of running races, did I mention I went ahead and signed up for the Jingle Bell 5 K this weekend? Did I also mention is hasn't been over 30 degrees and snowing?? Guess there's no time like now to bust out those cold weather running pants! Oh goodness!
I'm also contemplating on MAYBE training for a small triathlon this summer. That would be some serious work for me because I'm not a huge fan of swimming in a lake, but with some practice, I maybe able to do it. hmmmm. Just something to think about.
Are you putting together a race schedule for next year?
Do you usually stay close to home or venture away?
I like running close to home, but I also love to get away for a race here or there. If you know of a good race that I should definitely try and get to, please let me know!!

I'm leaving you with the "picture version" of our 12 pubs of Christmas. The last vote is up to you...who has the ugliest sweater??

A quick stop and carol to one of our favorite co-workers house!
The first and last bar...home of the soapy wieners!

I'm not sure why we are standing outside of this bar, except we suddenly turned into the Rockettes for some reason!
Someone had a genius idea of shots...
Brain was the winner of the ugliest sweater...did I mention the shoulder pads?
Group shot...check out Julie's shoes (front center)...green and UGLY! hahaha!

I hope everyone is having an amazing week!

In the first pub of Christmas my bartender served me...

2010-12-05T16:55:00.000-08:00

Hi folks! I'm checking in to recap my first week of my December resolutions and to tell a little Christmas story:)

My first week was what I would consider a success.
I ate shakes for 2 meals almost everyday!
I only ate out on Friday, after I successfully worked out on 3 of my 5 lunch hours!
I ran and cross trained. Nick seriously almost killed my legs. I'm still sore today and our workout was on Thursday! Let me tell you this. A 2 foot box step...lots of squats, jumps and agility. Yikes!
I only had 1 diet coke everyday. I drank at least 4 camelback water bottles every day! Win! (except for today...when I'm feeling a little brown bottle fluish, I require more caffeine.)

I'm excited for the upcoming week and incorporating some more strength training with a program that a PT from my work made up for Miss Nicole, but I'm jumping on board! I'm debating about running a 5 K this weekend, but I'm not sure if I'm going to break down and run in the snow! Sounds soooo cold.

Onto a little Christmas story...
In the first pub of Christmas my bartender served me, a Klavon's martini!
In the second pub of Christmas my bartender served me, 2 tasty shooters!
In the third pub of Christmas my bartender served me, 3 wise men
In the fourth pub of Christmas my bartender served me, 4 dollar longneck
In the fifth pub of Christmas my bartender served me 5 golden brews!
In the sixth pub of Christmas my bartender served me 6 slutty redheads
In the seventh pub of Christmas my bartender served me 7 jaegar bombs
In the eighth pub of Christmas my bartender served me 8 margaritas
In the ninth pub of Christmas my bartender served me 9 dollar drafts
In the tenth pub of Christmas my bartender served me 10 Irish car bombs
In the eleventh pub of Christmas my bartender served me 11 appletinis
In the twelfth pub of Christmas my bartender served me 12 soapy weiners!

We had an amazing time on our bar crawl! We made a few adjustments to the schedule along the way, but managed to make it to all of our 12 stops! We the bus pulled up to the 11th pub, I stood up and everyone looked like they had been hit by the very bus we were riding on. We decided to veto actually going in and shot to the 12th pub and my most favorite bar! I only have one picture from the night, but I'm waiting on lots of pictures from my friends and I can't wait to show you! Did I mention the theme of this bar crawl was ugly Christmas outfit/sweater??
I have never laughed so hard as people showed up wearing some of the most hideous things I HAVE EVER laid my eyes on!
Like Brian, Nicole's bfriend, in his MOM's sweater...with bows and boxes and SHOULDER PADS! Seriously? And my friend Julie who showed up with a Christmas vest and red TIGHTS with green shoes!! She looked like my 3rd grade teacher! HAHA! We had fun!

(Don't you love the little balls on my shirt? I had ornaments on my shirt, but I managed to lose all of them along the way! SIGH!)

did you all have an amazing weekend? Do you have favorite traditions that you do around the holiday time!

Cheers to the Holidays!

2010-11-29T19:40:00.001-08:00

Wow...I can't believe how long it's been since I've blogged! It seems crazy! I've looked at my computer and thought so many times, I really should post, and then 1000 other things pop up and I never get to it:/ Plus...it's hard because I haven't been doing sh*t. Nada. Nothing. when it comes to working out. I'm feeling fat. Lazy. depressed. WTH? do I write about? focus on? yikes.
So. I'm putting this out there so that maybe some of you can help me jump back on the running/working out bandwagon.
Tomorrow starts again.
*At least 4+ days a week of working out. At least 2 of these are cardio.
*fast food no more than 1 x per week.
*back to Herbalife 2 shakes a day.
* vitamins again. daily.
* no more than 1 pop per day. and only after 2 bottles of water.

I've got a marathon coming up and there can be NO more excuses. It's time to get my butt back into gear. nuff said.
I forgot to mention I ran a 5 K last weekend. I started running with a friend at her pace, but after a mile in had to kick it up for the last 2. It felt good to breathe hard and sweat. Except it was cold. I'm still not excited about cold weather running:/
We had a great Thanksgiving and I'm so excited for Jack's second birthday and Christmas, I can hardly stand it. I'm pretty much done with my Christmas shopping with the exception of a few more gifts and there is going to be a lot of excitement this year;) I'll fill you in later on that!
I'm super stoked for my work friends "Ugly Christmas Sweater 12 pubs of Christmas" Bar crawl this weekend. Should be a blast!!!
Even though I haven't been commenting, I have been reading, and I hope to get around and comment soon (as soon as I can figure out how to do that from my phone, I'll be excited! Suggestions, let me know!)
Hope everyone enjoyed their holiday!

3 things of AwEsOmEnEsS!

2010-11-18T17:19:00.000-08:00

Awesomeness...really? No, but I felt like I needed a catchy title to get myself writing. I'm exhausted. Physically. Mentally. Pooped. Sigh.
But, I'm going to give it a whirl...onto 3 things Thursday!

And by the way, hello to all my new followers! I love the blogging community and how much fun it is to "meet" people! Please leave a comment so I can stop by your blog and check it out!

1) If you haven't already, I suggest you check out my previous post...it's a video that I took on Tuesday of my monkeys talking about what we are all thankful for. Turkey Heaven...doesn't that sound pleasant?? Hahaha. I love this video because each of my monkeys personalities are SO prevalent it's redic! Maddie's facial expressions, Ayden busting out Miley Cyrus song, Jack whining and living up to his name of Velcro. So fricken funny.

2) I decided to run this race for Habitat for Humanity on Saturday. It's my first "race" since Long Beach and I'm excited. More so to try on my new cold running gear since it's suddenly FREEZING here. Yuck. But, hey, I need to get out there and get running! I'm still open to running advice/plans for running while not specifically training for a run!

3) Part of my tiredness could be from my attendance at the 10:00 Michigan State basketball game Tuesday night. I didn't get home until 1:30 in the morning and then couldn't fall asleep! Sigh! So I'm really looking forward to the weekend and just chillaxing! It's much needed because I'll need all the energy I can muster for Black Friday!!! Counting down for that! Do you shop on black Friday??

Hope everyone is having an amazing week!
GYRO!

I'm wordless...but the monkeys are NOT!!

2010-11-17T09:14:00.000-08:00

Thankful

Well...I did it...

2010-11-15T19:08:00.000-08:00

Look what I did...hehehehe

Dear erika gerding,
We have received your application for the ING New York City Marathon 2011.
Your Runner Profile
Your entry number is 697930. Please include this number and your name in any correspondence pertaining to the marathon. To check your status, or to update/change your personal information, visit this website and enter the username and password that you created within the application. Correspondence may be sent to marathonmailer@nyrr.org.
Race Information
The lottery for all applicants will be held in mid-March. We will e-mail entrants and process their fees upon acceptance.
For more information about the ING New York City Marathon, please visit ingnycmarathon.org.

Oh yea. I put my name in for New York. If I get in, I think it would be pretty sweet, but I'm not holding my breath. I finally decided to go for it because my mom said she would go with me. To New York. And that's awesome!!! I said I wanted to run races closer to home, but if she's willing to travel, then let's hit the road! Whoot, whoot!

Things continue to be so busy...I don't know if it's because the holidays are around the corner or because it gets DARK at 5:30, but I'm having a hard time getting my runs in lately. Like ever. I finally broke down and ran 2 miles on the treadmill at lunch...and I know I shouldn't whine about the cold because it's been 60 degrees in November which is unheard of, but I'm already missing summer and wondering how training for Kalamazoo is going to work considering I'm going to have to BRAVE the cold. While that may not seem like a big deal to you all, it's a huge deal for me because I HATE, HATE, HATE the cold. Like, won't come out of my house all weekend because I refuse to clean my car off. I know, pathetic, right?
But while my running has been lacking, I've been kickboxing and working out with Nick pretty consistently...so it sure was nice to lace up the sneakers and stretch out the legs for a few:)
What else have I been up too?? Well...I had conferences for the monkeys at school. I am always nervous about what the teachers may say and fear the worst (...your daughter's bipolar, your son needs meds...who KNOWS what may come out!) but imagine my surprise when I find out Maddie is super smart and a typical girl...that whole, she's my friend one day and not the next is NORMAL! Yea~
and Ayden...one of the sweetest in the class. The teacher said, "he's the only one that comes in from lunch everyday and asks how my meal was. He really is a sweet kid!" Melt. My. Heart.
Baby Jaxon, while he didn't have conferences, is talking a lot more (but sometimes not enough:) and he loves Elmo and singing! We are working on his ABC's and I hope to get some videos uploaded soon! They are so cute!!

My grateful list this week included:
~having healthy children
~GIRLS NIGHT and red chillable boxed wine:) (There's a video for that too, but Nicole said I was not allowed to post it:)
~my heated blanket
~snuggle time with the monkeys
~listening to Ayden read the monkeys and I a book. Spookly the Square Pumpkin to be exact!
~my awesome sweater a friend bought me as a surprise. I LOVE surprises!!!

Lastly, on a running note, I'm looking for races to run or new plans to follow and will take any and all recommendations because my running sucks when I'm not training for something. So PLEASE help! What plans do you follow??? Which runs do you find fun to take part in???

Hope you have an amazing week!
GYRO!

Back from the dead...

2010-11-09T10:34:00.000-08:00

Ugghhh. The ugly flu bug settled in my house this week, and let me tell you. It's not pretty. I'm glad that everyone is finally feeling better...I literally was in bed for 24 hours straight. Sigh.

Anyways, how has everyone been? If feels like I've been missing forever!! Other than the NaStY guest in our house, things have been going pretty well! I had a great weekend which involved getting a majority of my Christmas shopping finished (oh yea!!) and having a ball at the most amazing outlets with Nicole!

We left EARLY Sunday morning and headed to the Birch Run Outlets (which is about 2 hours away). The first store we happened to stumble in was Pottery Barn Outlet. Sigh. I love Pottery Barn, but they are usually so expensive I can never bring myself to buy anything from there! As we were wandering through the store, I stumbled across this amazing find!
Mind you, my couches are hand-me downs from my mom, which came from my aunt, which came from my grandma...you get the idea. So when I saw the price tag on this cutie, I could not resist. Any guesses? $190.00 regularly $1,400.00. Seriously. I checked on shipping, it cost more to ship than to buy! So I called my AMAZING friend Lizzie, who went, picked up a truck and drove the 2 hour drive to pick up this couch for me! Yep, I'm spoiled, but I am so grateful and blessed! And it looks great in my living room and gives me more space! Nicole and I then proceeded to make our way around the mall, finding a few awesome deals like my $10 pink tempo shorts from Nike and some awesome outdoor/winter running gear from North Face! I love when you go to checkout and it rings up $12 cheaper than it's priced for! Sweetness!!

On the running front, Nicole and I had plans to run at lunch on Monday, but since I haven't been off the couch/out of bed for the past 2 days, we had to put it on hold. Since it's in the 60's in November (what, what?) I'm hoping to go for a run tomorrow! I think we are planning on running a 10K Saturday and I'm excited to get out there and back into a routine. I really need to have a race I'm training for because without a training plan, I feel a little lost on the running end. How far? How long? What do you guys do between training cycles?
I'm also debating about putting my name in for the New York lottery. I made some potential plans to run Chicago next year, plus I already signed up for Kalamazoo, so New York, too? That's 3 marathons in one year...hmmmm. Maybe I'm nuts?

The things I am thankful for this week include:

~Today I'm thankful for the douche bag at Walmart who scratched the eff out of my car with their door or cart. I hope someone shows you the same courtsey.
~Now for real...♥ tonight and snuggle time with the 3 monkeys watching polar express...
~Today I'm thankful for the Andriod game Wordfeud...(which I'm guessing is like words with friends) so if you're on the andriod market and want to play, my name is runnererika
~Thankful for my amazing find at pottery Barn...$190 for a couch, yes mam! Thank you! And an amazing day with Colie!!
~I'm thankful that the flu bug is finally on the way OUT of my house...beware, that shit is nasty

Hope everyone is enjoying their week! GYRO and have an amazing day!

Big Changes....

2010-11-04T17:53:00.000-07:00

In honor of ThAnKsGiViNg I am making an attempt to post one thing I'm thankful for EVERYDAY! I have been posting them on facebook, but figured I would do a recap here for my 3 things Thursday!

Monday: I was thankful for spending time with Jaxon and listening to him try and sing his ABC's. I really cherish Monday nights when it's just Jack and I and we get to spend quality time together.

Tuesday: I was thankful for getting to spend an evening with 4 of my BeStEsT GYRO peeps ever! Nicole and I headed to Kalamazoo to meet Gina, Tonya and Timmis for dinner! Yummy food, good drinks and great conversation about running, training and BOSTON (Way to go Gina!)!

Wednesday I was thankful for Change. Many things have changed drastically for me in the past year, but last night I was contemplating a BIG one!

Today folks, I am thankful for courage. Why? Because look what I did...

That's right. I chopped it off. I still am in shock, but I'm pretty sure I like it...a little worried about how it will work pulling it back to run with, but hey, I was in need for MORE change:)

2) I've been pretty good about my workouts this week.
Sunday: 5 miles
Monday: kickboxing
Tuesday: Nick at noon (circuit from HELL!)
Wednedsay: rest
Thursday: Nick at noon

Nicole and I finally have plans to run on Saturday! Yea!!! I'm thinking about running tomorrow, but I did hear the "S" word mentioned and I haven't quite figured out the outdoor/run in snow thing yet. I'm lucky if I leave my house when it's cold!!! Yikes!

3) Can I really be at a loss...well, Ayden's running a fever, Jax just started crying and my most favorite tv shows are about to start, so I need to go tend to the craziness so I can enjoy Gray's and PP...and head around to your blogs!
Hope everyone is having a fantastic week!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T19:54:00.000-07:00

Sorry that I've been such a terrible blogger...I'm glad that we finally got Halloween out of the way and now I can get serious about my Christmas shopping. Yep. I said it. CHRISTMAS SHOPPING! I have to get pumped up for Christmas, black Friday... all the festivities because otherwise I would be so sad because of all the snow the Great Lakes tend to dump on us makes me a little stir crazy.
For Halloween Ayden and Maddie ruined my super cute family plan by deciding to go as vampires instead of our Toy Story characters...but Jack and I kept it real as Jesse and Woody. He was so obsessed with wearing his cowboy boots around that I don't think he's taken them off for 2 days now. He likes the "music" they make when he walks...I think he's pretty cute! I'm hoping I get picts of the other monkeys soon, but here's a snap of Jack...he's a candy junkie for SURE!

On a running front, I finally laced up the shoes today (new ones that I totally stole from the expo in Long Beach!) and enjoyed an amazing 5 mile run with my GYRO girl Colleen! She's new to running and has signed up for a 10K on Thanksgiving morning! I'm super excited for her! And speaking of races...I'm thinking of signing up to run a half on Nov 13...with the hopes that Nicole will MAYBE (cross your fingers that her foot is healed by them!!!) pace coach me! A lot depends on how her foot is healing, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed because I MISS MY running Buddy:/

I can't believe how amazing it felt to be out running. Nothing hurt. I wasn't tired. My breath was even. It was bliss.

Alright, I really want to make it around to a few peeps blog tonight and I PROMISE I will make it around SOON!! Leaving you with a few other pictures because that's what I love! Well, besides running and my monkeys that is! Hope everyone had a safe Halloween!
GYRO~

So now what?

2010-10-26T19:04:00.000-07:00

This post may be a little random and followed with a lot of pictures, but I've been BUSY since I haven't been training everyday:)
I started back to kickboxing yesterday....whoooot hooooot! I missed it so much. I woke up this morning SORE! In a good way of course. My arms needed some exercise love since I've been giving mostly my legs the attention for the past 16 weeks! Boy could they tell today!! But, it feels great! I'm excited to get a run in on my lunch hour tomorrow...I was thinking about running today, but mother nature had other plans when she sent a string of tornadoes through our county:/ Boo.
Speaking of Boo, Halloween is right around the corner! We are working hard on our party decorations and costumes...tonight the kids and I made "witches wands" for our party...don't they look yummy??

The monkeys had lots of fun decorating them, and I'm pretty sure I'll be finding sprinkles throughout my house for the next 3 weeks! Speaking of my monkeys, we had some serious work to do in our "play room." It was, putting it nicely, a DISASTER! I spent some serious time working down there...I even saved this table that my mom was about to throw in the bonfire!!

While it looks pretty rickety, I thought a coat of paint might make it the perfect art table for my monkeys! So I sanded it down and painted it black (with the top being chalkboard paint) and it's amazing! The kids had the best time playing down there tonight, and I think it looks pretty darn good! See for yourself!

It was so nice to send the monkeys downstairs to play while I was making dinner, and they think it's soooo cool! They are hoping to sleep down there Saturday after our party with their cousins! Pretty awesome!

I'm leaving you with a few other pictures of our trip out to a small farm the other day to feed the chickens. Jack had so much fun chasing the kittens and carrying them around! AJ and Maddie were so proud that their chicken had laid eggs and that we were going to get to eat them! We had the best afternoon together hanging out.

On a super exciting note, I did this today:

Erika Gerding

Thank you for registering for the Borgess Run for the Health of It 2011. Your Registration is confirmed, and you may use this email as your Registration Confirmation

That's right. Marathon number two is on the calendar FOR SURE! I was also able to sign both monkeys up for a free kids run, so I'm sure they will be excited that we get to train together!
Hope everyone is having an amazing week!

What are you going to be for Halloween???

Making an appearance on Melinda Hinson Neely's Blog

2010-10-22T19:00:00.000-07:00

Early in my training for Long Beach, Melinda Hinson Neely posted a wanted ad for first time marathoners for a new book she is writing. While I wasn't picked as one of the main 5 subjects, she did ask to follow some of my journey and I was elated with the guest post that she posted today! Please head over to her blog Finding Life's Secret Sauce and check it out!

Looking forward to a quiet weekend:) Happy Friday!

And I found this on another blog...but I almost died laughing. Check it out!

This, that and whatever else.

2010-10-21T19:08:00.000-07:00

First and foremost, thank you for all of your kind words about my first marathon! Now that I've had a few days to think about it, the disappointment is fading quickly and I'm pretty proud that I was able to complete such a task! I'm feeling much better about it and I'm already excited thinking about Kalamazoo in May 2011! I'm actually considering signing up for another half Nov 13, but eh, time will tell!

Onto three things Thursday!

1) 4 days since Long Beach and I'm BORED! I want to run, I want to kickbox...but I also want to avoid injury. Hmm. If I'm feeling this great tomorrow and it's nice, you better believe that I'm hoping to get out there for a run. Or kickboxing class. Can't wait.
Speaking of Long Beach...they've posted some pictures, but I still haven't seen the one I was hoping for...you know, arms up, crossing the line! But here are what I've managed to get my hands on so far:

2) Since I haven't been running...I don't know what to do with all of my spare time. So I started cooking real dinners again...check out this super yummy salad that I tried to copy from Bob Evans (wildfire chicken salad)...so good!

3) Last but not least, check out this amazing sunset I got to see on my way home from work! Isn't it a beauty?

Hope everyone is having an amazing week! Good luck to all of my fellow distance dreamers who are running their first race this weekend! And all the other runners, too! GYRO~

Long Beach Marathon...The good, the bad and the Ugly

2010-10-18T18:05:00.000-07:00

This post may be a little long, so I will apologize in advance.

I'm not even really sure where to start. We arrived in California on Thursday, spent all day Friday shopping and eating. Saturday we headed back to the expo to meet up with some bloggy friends! It's so weird to see people in real life because I feel like, in some cases I know them, but I could walk right past them on the street and not even realize it! Regardless we headed off to dinner for a super yummy carb load with Maritza, Aron, Tara, Nicole, Karyn and Sami.

After dinner, we headed back to the hotel to prepare for the morning. Nicole and I have a ritual of laying everything out, putting our bibs on our clothes, shoe tags, painting our nails, jamming out to music. When everything was good to go, we called it a night. When the alarm went off, my first thought was, "just a few more minutes" but was relieved when we realized that Nicole had set her alarm for 5am Michigan time and it was really 2am...we had a few more hours to snooze. (Trust me, I did a lot of snoozing on this trip! Did you know if you sleep longer than 5 hours you actually can dream!!! It's amazing!) When the alarm went off again, I rolled out of bed. I was nervous. Excited. Scared. Today was the day where I was either going to make it or die trying. After deciding to rock the monkey buns (or mushrooms as Maddie calls them) with my sweet yellow headband and yellow bows, we were looking cute and ready to run. I twisted the rope that my mom had given me into my shoe like 100 times to ensure that it wouldn't come loose.

We stopped by the girls hotel and picked them up on the way and headed towards the start line. We made a quick stop at the porta potties and little did I know this would be my first of many visits to random toilets along the way. We snapped this picture just before heading to the start line.

When we got to the start line, it kind of reminded me of Chicago. Lots of people. People trying to get to their corrals. I said goodbye to Nicole and she headed to the faster time corral. I had talked with Tara and Maritza and had decided that they run around the speed I was going to run, so I would start with them and see how things went. After the first corral took off, we moved up...I had decided that I wasn't going to listen to music for the first few miles. I wanted to hear everything. Take everything in. This is what I had been training for. The airhorn blows and we are off. Running, zigzagging, people cheering. I feel light. My legs feel great. My breathing is even. Take it in. Take it in. The first water stop was pretty quick into the race and after our fueling conversation at dinner the night before, I decide to eat my first Gu at mile 1.8. For some strange reason, the 4:00 pacer is behind me and I'm a little concerned. Am I running too fast? My goal was to keep my miles between 10-10:30...Jorge is flashing 9:40s at me which isn't too much faster than normal. At mile 4-5 we head out around the pier (or what feels like a pier) and we see boats and water. It's beautiful. I still feel good. I eat another Gu around 4 and I'm taking in the sights...here are a few splits for my number fanatics:)
1 00:09:43
2 00:09:45
3 00:09:45
4 00:09:44
5 00:09:58
At this point the 4:00 pacer passes us (whew, I was starting to freak out), but I'm still feeling strong. We wind out to a cement bike path where the crowd is thin but the sights are amazing. To my right. The Ocean. The whole reason I came all the way to Cali to run my first race. The sand, the salt. I love it. By this time, I can feel a little heaviness in my stomach. Yikes. Push forward. Slow down a little.
6 00:10:01
7 00:10:21
8 00:10:27
By mile 9, I am ready to get off of the bike trail and back onto land. The cement is not forgiving, although the bathrooms are plentiful. A quick shout out to the run racing crew and the numerous bathrooms they had along the way...thank you for saving me from being "that girl" at the race. I appreciate it more than you know;) Anyways, from here, I'm going to * the bathroom stops next to times. I'll spare you all the details:)

9 00:10:50 *
10 00:11:55 *

Mile 10 takes us back onto land through some spectators, it was nice to see them! I'm still feeling pretty good at this point. I'm slowing my pace a little, and walking through stops when I need to eat a Gu. My stomach is still a little on the unhappy side, but I'm hoping it will pass.
11 00:10:51
12 00:11:50
13 00:12:13

I pass through the halfway point and say a small cheer. I'm pretty sure I just set a new PR for myself if I were running just the half. By my legs are now feeling tired, my back is achy and my right foot feels as if it's on fire. I'm staring at the knot on my shoe, the bracelets on my arm. Push though, be strong. I see Nicole around 14 and we exchange a quick conversation: I'm dying. you're dying. Love you. Keep going.

14 00:11:46
15 00:12:38 *
16 00:12:08
At this point, my stomach is super angry. It's not liking Gu or powerade. I break out into tears for no apparent reason. My foot is ON FIRE. My back hurts. I pass a guy who is CARRYING his shoes and limping. I say to him, "I feel your pain." And I seriously meant it. My legs feel heavy, my breathing feels rapid and hard.
And then WHAM: at 17, I hit it. That wall that everyone talks about. I walk. I swear. I get angry. I'm thinking, come on Erika, get grip. The mile between 17 and 18 feels like 5. My stomach is a mess. My back, sigh. At 18, I consider taking my shoes off like that man I passed a few miles back. I want to do nothing more except sit on the side walk. I take out my phone to check my text messages because I knew Sami was going to be coming back for me around mile 22 and I wanted to let her know that I was moving much slower than I had anticipated.
I have a few new text messages. Open first one:
From Mom: "Good luck. Love you. mom" Spontaneous outburst of tears again.
The next message is from my bloggy and running buddy Gina

Gina: 3:40:24-unofficial. Boston baby!!!
I instantly text back: Good job!!!!
Gina: how are you doing?
Me: At 18 and feel like death
Gina: I believe in you girl. You will finish. sending up prayers!!!

That's my signal to get my butt moving. So I start picking up my feet again. After a few quick potty stops, I'm on my way...
17 00:14:51*
18 00:16:11 *
19 00:12:45
I see a sign that says: "Every wall has a window...open it!"
And I finish mile 19 much faster than the previous 2. I'm starting to head "there" again. That dark, feel sorry for myself place. I can feel every muscle in my legs, in my back. My lungs are heavy. I am tired. I am angry. I am doubtful that I can even run another 7 miles to the finish line. I stop to walk again and check my phone for Sami and I have a new message from my friend Angie...I posted on her awhile ago. She has the sweetest daughter, Tori, who underwent brain surgery when she was 4 months old to remove a brain tumor. She turned one last month and her last scan showed 2 more tumors...needless to say, she underwent another brain surgery to remove those 2 tumors on Friday morning. Anyways, I open this text message and start crying again instantly:

"Look at me! I am doing great!!"
Here I am, hating life, hating my body, angry, mad, sad...and here's this tiny girl who's been fighting since day one!! Get a grip. So I started running again. Mile 20.5-21.5 dedicated to not feeling sorry for myself, but prayers of thanks and gratitude for this amazing child!
20 00:14:47 *
21 00:15:19

Around mile 22...I am at the end of my rope. I have tied a knot. I feel it's fraying. I turn around and who do I see but Maritza!!! And she SMILES at me! I am walking and she jogs up and says, "come on." My feet automatically start moving, so grateful to have someone there. I can hear her talking, but am finding it hard to respond except, "I am so glad to see you." I hear her saying, "nice and easy, pick up your knees, Tara taught me that. At this point, it's going to hurt, you're best to just keep going." So I do. We walk through the water stops, we get our legs sprayed with the most AMAZING magic potion (if you ever see people spraying people's legs, get it done! It's the best!!) We are making progress. Around mile 23.5 I see Sami and I am excited again.
22 00:12:57
23 00:13:14
24 00:12:41

Pick it up. Keep going. I tell her I am too tired to talk, but ask her to talk to me. Please know that I'm listening, I just can't respond. My legs are so so tired. I am so sure if I looked at my feet I would be missing three toes...my back feels like I've been hiking with a 100 pound pack for a week. I ask Sami for food. She only has Gu. I pass. I don't want Gu. I want REAL food. I don't even like oranges, but what I would give for one right this second. Maritza falls a little behind, but says, keep going. I am hoping to finish with her and say catch me, if I stop I won't start again. She nods and SMILES! I had few smiles left in me at this point. When I saw marker 25 I felt overjoyed. OMG. One mile to go. I just may be able to finish this thing. I can't believe that I just ran 25 miles. Sami snapped this picture of me at 25.3

I also took my ear buds out at mile 25. I wanted to make sure that I didn't miss a single thing. I listen to the people cheering. The mexican man yelling on the corner, "cervisas??" A group of people sitting on a sofa on the side of the road. I could taste the salt on my lips...from my sweat or tears, I'm not sure. This is what I trained so hard for. Push more.

25 00:15:21
26 00:12:45
27 00:05:18 09:43

I get a sudden burst of energy (if that's what you want to call it). The game plan was for Sami to run ahead of me and video tape me crossing the finish line. At 25.5 I looked at Sami and said, let's get this shit done. And I ran. I ran as fast as when I started. It felt so good to open up and stretch my legs out. I heard Sami say, "how am I supposed to get in front of you???" but I couldn't, wouldn't stop until I crossed the finish line. My lungs were on fire, my breathing was uneven and I could feel myself gasping...and just when I thought I was almost to the finish line I realized I had about another 100 yards to go (what's up with the 2 look-a-like finish lines??) Shit. But then I heard Nicole screaming my name, "Go Erika, good job!!" and she was jumping and yelling like crazy from behind the fence. I looked at Sami's camera and said, "and this is me finishing my first marathon!" I threw my arms up when I crossed the line. I got my medal and blanket and was herded into the photo line. I did it. I finished. I was a marathoner.

Official Time: 5:20:05

If you read the rest of this post, I'm asking you please not to judge.

I cross the finish line and look down at Jorge. And I know, I should be like, Hell ya, I just ran 26.55 miles and I should be happy, but I had a huge feeling of disappointment. I was so disappointed in myself. In my running. In my training. I had regrets of not training enough. My "super secret" goal was to finish around 4:30, my spoken goal of being under 5 hours. Here is is 5:20...and I start to cry. I am so mad at myself for not pushing through the pain. I see Nicole and start crying again. She had warned me about not setting time goals for my first race, just run to enjoy it, and even though I tried, it's really hard because it's just how I am. I tend to set standards high. I call my mom and hear her voice...she says: "I am proud of you." I respond. "I am so disappointed." We head back to the room, shower off. Eat a yummy dinner, call it a night early.
I go to bed with a mad case of restless leg syndrome. I woke up this morning a little stiff and sore, but happy to be coming home to see my monkeys.

Replaying the race over and over again.
Initially I said to Nicole, "never again"
Today I say, next time I will train better. I will do speed and hill workouts and I will finish under 5 hours.
Next marathon: May 8th, 2011. Kalamazoo MI.

I was really excited to spend lots of time with Jack tonight raking and playing in the leaves! I sure missed my monkeys a lot while I was gone!

Thank goodness my mom and brother helped me rake, or it would have taken me forever!!

If you made it this far...thank you so much for reading. To all of my fellow Distance Dreamers and bloggy friends who ran this weekend, CONGRATS to you! You are my heros!

I couldn't have finished this race without those key people who helped me open my window...thank you so much Gina, Sami, Maritza, Tori, Nicole, mom (key messages/timing folks!!) and all of those people who cheered for me, whether you were there, on facebook, text or via blog!
My new favorite quote for the day:
It's not about the courage to finish, it's about the courage to start.

mark it in the books...

2010-10-17T17:17:00.000-07:00

Mark it in the books...I'm an official marathoner. I'm posting this from my phone so it will be short and sweet...my medal has a long story of random outbursts of tears, key text messages, lots of potty stops (I may have set a record folks) and the best timing ever of running into new and old friends along the way. I will post a full race recap tomorrow when I can get to a computer ...
Garmin stats were 5:20:17 for 26.55 miles.
A lot slower than I was hoping for, but I'm pretty happy with the fact that I finished.
Thanks for all the bloggy love I felt!

Live from Long Beach, California...

2010-10-15T11:50:00.000-07:00

Hi folks! While the sun is not shinning here in Long Beach, it is a beautiful day and I'm so excited to be here with Nicole and Sami! We arrived in Long Beach last night around 7:45 pm local time after the most amazing plane ride ever...we had a sweet plane, lots of leg room and Nicole somehow managed to get extra cookies for us:) They opened the door and we stepped right out onto the tar mack...see for yourself!

We had a fabulous dinner which consisted of margritis and found our hotel which is nicer than we expected. Down to the subject at hand: T-2 days until race time. YIKES!!

I'm surprisingly calm. I think my nerves may get a little rattled when we head to packet pickup in 15 minutes, but I've had some peeps do some really sweet things for me, and I'm cautiously optimistic about how this run will be.
I would like to take a second to thank a few people who helped me get here...

My Monkeys: While you are still to young to understand exactly why mommy has "flipped her rocker" I want to say thank you for being somewhat patient while we have tried to cram in training runs with quality monkey time. I love each and all of you more than you will ever know!!!

My Mom:
Has helped with my monkeys while I pour hours into training. Has helped keep my yard mowed and trimmed (which I know you hate, but thank you.) Has followed me on a bike during a long run which we give me mental fuel for Sunday. When I left on Thursday, she gave me a knotted rope to tie on my shoe and her lucky red bracelet that she wore when her underdog softball team knocked out some serious competition to win districts. Love you mom.

Lizzie:
Another lady who words like amazing and wonderful can't even begin to describe her! She has spent many hours helping with kiddos while I train, picking up my house, and picking up slack where I seem to fall short. I'm sure the card she gave me to open Sunday will have me in tears. Love you Lizzie.

Nicole:
Where can I even begin to start?? It is because of her that I even started running anyways. I used to call her crazy and look at her like she had a very contagious outbreak of some awful disease, but Nicole, thank you, for helping me catch the running bug. Thank you for supporting me, believing in me, dragging my as$ out of bed many, many weekends to tackle those long runs, for listening to me bitch, complain, whine, swear...you name it. For driving all over looking for perfect race outfits and shoes, trips to mongo...and for the most amazing bracelet which I will wear proudly on Sunday (even though I may be swearing at you under my breath!) which reminds me "if you can believe in it, you can achieve it!" Love you!

Race day divas!

After my first Half Marathon and Nicole's current PR!

Sami:
To my newest running "soleSister"...Chicago and Long Beach in 3 months?? How much fun have we had?? Thanks for Rock n Rolling with me in Chi town and pushing me when I thought I was going to die! Thanks for coming to cali with me to find me at mile 22...I don't think you will ever understand how grateful I am!

Now ladies...it's time.
Let's kick some ass and run like hell!
See you on the flip side of 26.2!

7 days from today...

2010-10-10T19:49:00.000-07:00

I will be sitting in my hotel room celebrating the fact that I can now call myself a marathoner. Holy hell. It almost seems unreal. I have seemed to fully embrace this thing called "taper" and have been so busy chasing monkeys and taking pictures, I feel like this weekend has flown by.
I will say this...I went to Chicago this weekend to spectate and cheer for Tara from running on the go and Timmis...and my eyes were opened to a whole new world. I think bullet point style may work best, so here goes:)
~ people. a ton of people. like can't move people.
~ mile 4. missed Tara but cheered for Timmis and a few thousand others as they run by. I will write my name on my shirt new week.
~Skirted to mile 11 and cheered some more. Rang amazing cow bell until I'm certain I will have some sort of "cowbellitis of the elbow" tomorrow.
~Finally spot Tara! Way to to T!
~Ride on the subway for my first time ever. Way to crowded for my liking.
~Hit up mile 22 to hang with Jenny from Red Head Running to cheer some more.

~By this time...it's hot. I mean, REALLY HOT! It's at this point where I see/gain a new respect for "puke and rally"...and it has nothing to do with alcohol consumption.
~Bleeding, cramping, tears...the entire spectrum. I'm not gonna lie, it kind of had me freaking out.
~Did I mention we (should I say Nicole) spotted Dean Karnazes the Ultramarathon Man...Morgan summed it up best when she said we all instantly turned into giddy school girls. He actually "talked" to us as he ran by and said thanks for spectating. Sweetness!
Shortly after, Nicole and I jumped on the train to head home after a yummy dinner with an old high school friend.

Ok. So in the midst of my mental freakout of, "what in the world did I just get myself into??" I had a heart to heart with Nic. Here's how I've decided to mentally attack next Sunday.

I really felt that my 18 miler was one of the most amazing runs of my life. I felt on cloud 9...I ran a steady pace, I wasn't sick, didn't cramp. Let me remind you that this is also the run that my mom rode her bike with me and we had some amazing conversation. I love her and wish nothing more than she could travel with me because seeing her would make my race all the better. I know this is not possible. So...I'm taking a piece of rope on tying it on my shoe. And then.
When I am at the end of my rope, I'm going to tie a knot and hang on. I'm going to hang onto that conversation I had with her that day. I'm going to hang on to how I felt while I was running that day. I'm going to hang on to all the sweat and tears I've put into training the past 15 weeks. I'm going to hang on to the belief that I CAN DO IT! I'm going to hang onto the video of Ben and all that he's accomplished in the past year with running. (That has been some serious motivation for me:) I'm going to push through and hang on...that's my plan.
It's time to tighten my pigtails and man up. I've done all that I can possibly do to ensure that I will finish this race. Now I just need to show up. Game on for race day folks.
Congrats to all of the amazing racers out there today who went through hell and back in this crazy heat! I will hang onto the motivation from today for next week! Thank you for that!! You guys are all AMAZING!!!
Leaving you with a bored picture of Nic and I on the train ride home...if only I would have gotten the fishbowl one. HA!

14 weeks down...only 2 to go!

2010-10-03T17:39:00.000-07:00

14 weeks of training I have now completed. It seems insane that I have been able to stick to (for the most part) a solid training schedule. With only 2 weeks until race day, I realize that I am in desperate need of a new pair of shoes. Oh hell. I should have thought about that 4 weeks ago. I'm going to pick them up tomorrow and run for the next 2 weeks in them and pray like hell they will be broken in enough for Long Beach. Otherwise, it may be a very long 26.2 miles.
Here's a quick breakdown of the week:
Monday: 4 speedy lunch miles with Miss Nicole
Wednesday: 5 scary miles...we missed how dark it gets so quickly now...and had to run the last mile or so in the dark! Yikes. A really random tidbit about our run...we happen to be running past my dad's old house. He still goes there and does yard work and such. My dad and I had a falling out a year ago, so I don't really speak with him anymore. I haven't seen him in a year. While we were running past his house, we ran right past him...Nicole waved at him and he waved back, but he DIDN'T EVEN RECOGNIZE ME! Seriously. Seems crazy, but he probably didn't think twice about some crazy girls running past his house because the daughter he knew would NEVER be out, "just running." hehehe, makes me smile to think of how far I've really come in the past few months.
Thursday: 3 quick miles
Saturday: we were supposed to run 13, but woke up to nasty rain and freezing weather! We decided to hold the run until this morning, so I met Nicole again at the trail to tackle 13. It was FREEZING! So cold. We got a mile in and decided to run only 10, but that we were going to try and run faster.
Today: 10 miles in 1:36:18...my FIRST EVER 10 mile run with all of my miles being sub10! I was so excited! It feels like my goal for a new half PR is within reach after the run I had today!
I'm also super excited to be heading to Chicago to support Tara and Timmis who are running this coming weekend! I'm hoping to get super pumped about our run and FEED off the energy of the windy city!
On my final note...GO GREEN! Can't wait for the big Michigan State game this weekend...first time I ever remember meeting U of M while both teams are undefeated this late in the season. FIRE UP FOR THAT FOLKS!
Hope everyone had an amazing weekend!
GYRO!

Short and Sweet

2010-09-30T19:39:00.000-07:00

First and foremost, I would just like to say THANK YOU to all my blog friends who gave words of encouragement, wisdom and peace over my last post/mental breakdown! I obviously had a lot to get off my chest, now I can bury it, man up, move on and ROCK IT!
On to 3 things Thursday...

1) 2 weeks from today, we will be leaving for Long Beach! I'm super stoked because we have finally decided on our super cute race outfits!

This shirt except it's black...with a BRIGHT pink sports bra!

And these super sweet yellow shorts which I love!!

I will also be sporting an amazing headband that is being made by Shelly from it's just one foot in front of the other! I won a giveaway on her blog not long ago and she sent me this

super cute headband!! I wore it on my run...and I LOVE IT! Didn't slip, didn't have to adjust it once! felt tight and in place! So I emailed her and she's going to make us one for Long Beach! I'm hoping she can find some sparkly yellow like she has pink, or I will settle for the pink one, but seriously, they are amazing!!

I feel much better knowing that we will look cute!

2) We are settling into routines now that school is about a month in. When I redid the boys room, I took down the crib and am in the process of putting Jack in a "big boy bed." Long and the short...he's in the play pen or my bed or his bed...but I'm up all night again. Nearly feels like I have a newborn again. Yikes!

3) And since I'm up all night, I'm exhausted, so I'm going to leave you with this video of Jaxon making animal sounds. (Hello out of town family, this is for you!!) I took his paci away while I was on vacation and it's amazing how much he is talking now! He will say/repeat anything you tell him! So cute!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Catch you on the week recap Sunday!
GYRO

Sucktastic 20 16.5 miler

2010-09-27T17:13:00.000-07:00

How to ensure you have a sucktastic 20 16.5 miler...

take the week off from work. Take on many home improvements and spend ZERO time running
run over big toe with dresser during home improvements and rip nail straight down center...i didn't know a toe could bleed so much. yuck.
ensue on a diet coke binge...and drink nothing but it for the entire week leading up to the big run
go on "at home diet"...junk. junk. junk.
carb load night before big run with McNasty's (aka McDonalds)...seriously, WTH?
start morning waking up LATE and fighting with daughter all the way to school
try out "race day outfit"
hate "race day shirt" 1/2 mile in
Itch like CRAZY!
did I mention the high wind advisory for the day? Just imagine running. in. wind. tunnel.
Upset tummy by mile 3
stop at mile 6 for the porta potty, but suffer a case of shy bladder and can't go:/
see nicole at mile 9 which is the ONLY good part of my run
bring on the calf cramps at mile 10! Whoot whoot!
so excited for a huge drink of water at mile 11...only to find a swallow barely enough for me to gag down some Gu
curse, stomp, rant to mile 12 when the numbness down my right leg rears it's ugly head
text nicole quote "eff this, pick me up"
right foot/calf/hamstring alternate between numb/throbbing. sweet
call my mom and beg for a ride. denied.
sit down on side of trail at mile 15 and remove my shoes to assess the damage
walk/run barefoot the last 1.5 miles faking a smile, fighting back tears to all of the other "fresh runners" ...isn't it totally normal to pass a girl who looks like she got hit by a bus and is hobbling along barefoot carrying her shoes??
sit on side of road at 16.5 and wait for nicole to come save me.
sulk, feel angry, weak, let down, pissed off that I didn't man up
take first real ice bath
shower immediately afterwards because I can't quit shivering
sport amazing compression socks...god I love those things!

This weeks run was a HUGE reality check for me. 26.2 miles is going to be no joke.
It's also raised a lot of things to think about for my upcoming race. Like...should I consider running it with my cute Zensah compression socks? What are we going to wear? I'm not sold on the shirt I tried on Friday because it made me itch. Terribly. Did you know that it's been like 100 fricken degrees in California lately? What are some realistic goals I can set for myself? I know this race is going to be 75% mental and 25% physical, how can I mentally prepare so I'm not sitting on the side of the road freaking out? I really want to finish in 4:30, but in reality I know I'm looking closer to 5 hours. Hell, after Friday I would nearly be happy with 6! It's supposed to be taper week, but I'm a little concerned and am considering another try at a long run this weekend...more for my mental well being than anything. Nicole sent me an email today that said, "17 days until we leave for Long Beach"...it nearly made me hyperventilate. What in the world is wrong with me? I've worked really hard and I know I can do this...why do all the sudden I feel so full of doubt? good grief! I truly do need to man up!

So I'm adopting this quote to be my motto for the next 3 weeks:

It's not about waiting for the storm to pass...it's about screaming with the thunder, running with the lightening, and learning to dance in the rain.

I'm really sorry that I've been such a bad blogger, but am hoping to get caught up with my reading soon! And sorry for being so negative...just had to get a few things off my chest.

hope everyone had a fantastic weekend!

It's not because of lack of motivation...

2010-09-22T20:04:00.000-07:00

Wow. Lack of running. Because I've been busy on my vacation doing this:

hanging/framing on a VERY high ladder in my entryway

Building/painting from SCRATCH this gem for my entryway for kids crap so there will be no more "throwing stuff right in the door." Everyone has their OWN spot! (Ok, my mom built it for me, but I had to use 5 cans of spray paint...and my finger still hurts!!)

So now it looks super organized which I LOVE!!!

I've also been re-doing the boys room...can you tell what Ayden's favorite team/sport is??

(Did you guess Michigan State and football?? Brownie points for you! Did you see that stellar game against Notre Dame last week~!)

I still have to tackle Mad's room and the basement playroom tomorrow. Plus laundry and the rest of the house!! I love re-doing things, but I hate how disorganized everything gets while I'm doing it!
Planning on 6 miles tomorrow and it's time for 20 on Friday! Bring it!
GYRO!

12 week wrap up!

2010-09-19T19:41:00.000-07:00

Since I'm enjoying vacation this week, I'm just dropping by with a quick training update because I'm looking forward to a long nights sleep and I can't wait!!

here's the breakdown:
Monday: 5 miles at the park
Tuesday: rest
Wednesday: missed my 9 miles thanks to a work meeting soooo...
Thursday: 6 super speedy miles on MY LUNCH HOUR!!!
Friday: rest
Saturday: drumroll....18 MILES! Whooottttt hooooooo!

I was really nervous about this run because of my last 16 miler...calf cramps were in the back of my mind and I've been missing runs here and there. Nicole and I headed to the trail around 6:30 am and I called my mom on the way. She was going to load her bike and meet us there...and then ride between us and give us drinks and encouragement. We started running and she called around mile 1.5 and said she would be there in 20 minutes. I had originally planned on fueling every 5 miles, so I reminded her that we would be needing water soon. At 4 miles, Nicole decided to speed up a little and I kept my 9:40-10:00 pace. The miles ticked by, mostly uneventful...4...5...6...where is my mom??? I'm starting to be a little nervous, and really needing some water/fuel. 7...8...and then she appeared. She was surprised by how fast we had been running as she had been trying to catch us for 45 minutes. Ha! Right about then Nicole had turned around and we ditched our shirts and stuff with mom and kept plugging away. Really, I can't say that my run was eventful...I felt pretty darn good for pretty much the entire thing. I stopped to walk twice and it was only so I could drink without spilling down myself. I was able to get to 13.1 miles in 2 hours 10 minutes which is better than any half I've run to date. My very most favorite part of my run was my mom riding up to me at mile 12 and chatting for a few...about the video posted below...about her being proud of me for my running accomplishments (seriously people, when people who knew me "before running" find out that I've been running, they are seriously shocked.) It was a really great run. While I was a little tired on Saturday, I wasn't sick AT ALL which is a first, and the compression socks I bought really helped my calves a ton!!
20 next Friday...bring it. I'm stoked!
Hope everyone had an amazing weekend!
GYRO~

Oh, and if you're in need for some inspiration, check out the video below...dare you to do it without tears!

My 120 pound journey.

2010-09-17T18:55:00.000-07:00

3 things Thursday...

2010-09-16T13:26:00.001-07:00

Weeks are flying by and time is ticking away...and while my life is crazy, it's amazingly fun and I'm enjoying every minute of it. Here's what's happening this week:

1) Long run on the schedule for Saturday morning. 18 miles. Without my running buddy. But my totally amazing mom who started riding her bike a couple years ago has decided to ride with me and carry me some beverages:) Isn't she amazing?? She barely even flinched when I said, "Well, I'm starting at 6am, mom." I have to start that early because we have a packed weekend of events...Friday, Maddie has a friend staying the night, sat, long run, pedicure, picture taking and off to Kalamazoo (about an hour away) for a college friend reunion (I love getting together and letting all the kiddos play!) Should be fun:)

2) I'm on vacation next week. Totally rocks. I'm planning on organizing my house, trips to IKEA and painting AJ and Jack's bedroom (who want a football room, but I'm still trying to figure out exactly what I want to do with it!) I was thinking maybe green walls with white stripes...but, eh, we will see. I've never taken a week off just to "get stuff done," but I'm really looking forward to it. (Is it too early to get out my Halloween decorations??) Even more, I'm looking ahead at my 20 miler that I'm going to get done on Friday and possibly an adventure on the train to Chicago to visit some friends. Either way, it will be amazing!

3) I'm finally trying to figure out blogger and hook up my blog with fun tabs! Nicole got things set and made me this cute new header, and I spent some time last night working on the Distance Dreamers Tab so I now believe I have them all in one spot! I'm busy making my way around to every one's blog, if you're bored and want to wish them luck, please do! All of these amazing people are signed up to run their first half/full marathon and would love some encouragement! Way to go peeps! Thanks Nicole for the cute header:)

One last thing...while running on the treadmill at work today (did I mention that I made it 6 miles in 51 minutes...that's pretty speedy for me:) Brandon asked me what my goal was for Long Beach. My response. Just to finish. He asked, I mean, what are you running your long runs at...
I try to stay consistent at around 10 minute miles.
He made it seem like I should be running my long runs a lot slower until race day. Like 11-11:30ish.
What do you think?
How fast do you run your long runs?

Hope everyone is having an amazing week!
GYRO!

11 weeks down, only 5 to go!!

2010-09-12T18:30:00.000-07:00

well, it's a wrap on week 11...and while it seems like it's so far away, seeing this in my inbox is proof that it's right around the corner:)

Since I recapped most of my week on Thursday, I'll save all the boring stats and just give a little race report about the 2 races I ran this weekend. My co-worker Taryn, Nicole and I all ran a local 5K (after we finished the 5 mile run before!) This was Taryn's first 5K and she threw down like a champ. Nicole and I had full intentions of running 4-5 miles before the race started to get our long run in (supposed to run 16) but oversleeping and cranky kids got me there with only 25 minutes to spare. We ended up running a 1.5 mile warm up and then ran right to the start line! This course was a hilly, hilly bastard. I'm not sure how it is possible to run up 10 hills and only down 2, but that's certainly how it felt. Honestly, I felt pretty good, especially with the hills because I'm pretty sure a month ago I would have walked. Anyways, I finished the 5 mile run in 45:37. We had a 10 minute break to take some pictures with our new running friends and we were off again. The 5K was fun because we all ran together...but it was the SAME hilly CouRse! SIGH! We finished in 35:03 and it was a hilarious run! Nicole and I ran the whole way doing cheers for Taryn (do you know how hard it is to make a R with your body while you're running???)

Total for the day: 10 miles in 1 hour 40 min flat.
While I am super excited for Taryn, I feel like my running journey has nearly come full circle in the past 8 months. I was listening to her feet slam on the pavement and her super heavy breathing and I was feeling great and light next to her and it kind of hit me. That was me in April. And now...I can go out and run 10 and have fun and talk and laugh while I'm doing it. And it doesn't even phase me. It's been so amazing to see how my body can change and adapt when you push into the limits that have been previously set. I've really come a long way and I am so excited for the next 5 weeks of running to see just how much I can really push.

This coming week I have some longer runs on my schedule again, but I'm not sure about getting midweek long run in (9 on Wednesday) because my work has decided to have a meeting:/ 18 on Saturday is on the agenda for sure, and it will be my first time trying to get that long of a run in by myself because Nicole is going to do her long run on Friday:( I will miss the company...anyone in the area that would like to join me for any part of it, let me know!!
On monkey business...the kids have completed their first week of school! I can't believe that Maddie is already in kindergarten. It seems so crazy...she was cracking me up when she came home Wednesday exclaiming that she was so busy learning in school that she didn't have time to play or eat! No wonder she was passed out by 8!! Yea for school!

Hope everyone had an amazing weekend!! GYRO!

I'm baaacccckkkk....missed ya'll!

2010-09-09T18:02:00.000-07:00

I've finally made it back to the real world! How has everyone been?? While I have mounds of laundry to catch up on and a house that really needs some love, I thought I would drop a quick three things Thursday (although from the pictures I have to post, it may be kind of long:) Sorry! You know I'm a sucker for pictures!!) Here goes nothing!

1) So, do you remember my post from MCMamma's Virtual Race that I ran? I had been really disappointed because Nicole and I had taken some hilarious videos of my crazy outfit and some "how not to take Gu" videos. I had really wanted to post them...and she finally got them to upload! Well, the one of my Gu disaster. Anyone with tricks on taking this stuff, I'm all ears. I do now keep it in the fridge, but I have yet to try a cold one. I'm thinking this weekend will be the time:) Here's the video...small disclaimer*****
She does drop the f-bomb, so please forgive me in advance, I can't sensor it out!****

BEST RUN EVER!!! MOST FUN RUN EVER!!! THANK GOD FOR RUNNING BUDDIES!!!

2) I have 2 upcoming races this weekend...while I am supposed to be running 16 on Saturday, I have already signed up for a 5 mile run followed by a 5K...and I'm thinking Nicole and I might meet and run 4-5 before hand, then end up with 2 afterwards...she is supposed to run 20, so I may hobble along her the last few. All depends on how the legs hold up. I will for sure hit 16 again this weekend! My training kind of went aloof with our vacation, but the past week looks something like this:

monday: 5 miles
Tues: Nick workout
Wed: 4 miles
Thurdsay: driving, driving, driving...vacation!!
Friday: driving
Saturday: festival
Sunday: 3 miles then to the beach
Monday: park and back to Michigan:/
Tuesday: driving...
Wednesday: 6 miles with Nicole...again, amazingness because it's finally cooling off here and I'm able to run without dying...although there was some mad burning in my throat from breathing the cold air.
Today: Interval workout with Nick. My last sprint on the treadmill I was able to maintain good form and run a "lap" around the track at a 7:30 pace. Yes, I was swearing and sweating by the end...but he swears if I keep working I will be able to maintain that pace for an entire race someday (and be able to strike and keep good form the whole time...I know, seems far fetched to me too!)
I'm planning a lunch run with Nicole tomorrow and then big race/run on Saturday. If feels good to be back on schedule and working out again. I swear I gained 8 pounds while I was gone!!

3) Speaking of 8 pounds...don't get me wrong. I love running. But since I quit kickboxing (in fear of getting hurt before long beach) I really feel like my figure has gone from "in the process of getting toned" to "flabbier than before." Sigh! I've always been super self conscious and have struggled with healthy ways to lose weight. So, tomorrow, I'm going hard core on a herbalife diet. Shakes for 2 meals, snacks, sensible dinner. Alcohol only once a week. Limit to one soda a day, if that. Not totally deprive myself so I go insane, but definitely watching more of the empty calories that I put in my body. I'm sure it will be difficult, but I'm hoping it will pay off.

Oh...and I forgot to mention that I totally won an amazing giveaway from Suzy at Countdown to 26.2! Look at all this amazing stuff I won! THANK YOU so much Suzy for hosting this awesome giveaway! Super cool!

I'm leaving you with some of my most favorite pictures from my trip that I haven't posted yet! I hope everyone is having a fantastic week!

Lazy Days...

2010-09-05T19:39:00.000-07:00

Yep. I'm obviously on vacation. Which week did I just finish with training? Not sure. Did I run while I was here? once. A lousy 3 miles. But I'm thinking about running, does that count?
I've spent the last 4 days doing nothing but whatever the monkeys want. spoiling them with my undivided attention. Spent some long overdue time playing house, riding bikes, chasing waves. I sat on the beach with my best friend today watching our kids play together and was reminded..."do you remember when we used to dream about this? Our kids playing together, hanging out on the beach?"
My life has been so busy and consumed with running, working and taking pictures, I really feel like I've spread myself just a little too thin. This trip has been an amazing time to reconnect with my monkeys and I'm soo soo blessed to get to spend time with my best friend and her family as well. I have a lot more pictures, but I'll leave you with these for now. Wish me luck on our 17 hour car adventure tomorrow...it can't be any worse than our trip down here where it
~construction for the first 30 miles
~rain so hard you can't drive over 40 mph for the next hour
~traffic jam in Ohio:/
~maddie has to pee on side of road because we can't make it to rest room soon enough.
~Jill the Garmin takes us the back roads and we get "lost" on some hilly ass 2 lane road that was SCARY to drive on.
~Ayden gets sick ie dry heaving on the side of the road because he's car sick
~Jack starts crying every 20 minutes on the dot
~Sleep in SCARY hotel room.
~Start the next day driving to...are we there yet? Give me the DS! Mom, he/she's not sharing. and on. and on. and on.
~Side of the road bathroom break again
~Lunch at a gas station...ice cream and chips, sure, as long as we get there!
~Oh hell, Maddie, was that your pillow case that just flew out the window?
~Ayden, it's 2:17 and Jill the garmin says we will be there at 2:37...that's 20 minutes!
~40 minutes later...Jill has decided to take 501, the busiest highway which is at a standstill. Mom, you lied. No Ayden, Jill lied. Sorry dude.
~Jill gives crappy directions and we get on the wrong highway. Another 10 miles out and back for one right turn.
~Finally arrive after 26 hours of travel.
SIGH!

I'm leaving you with a few pictures...and promise to write up a running recap for the week (even though it was a big fail!) when I get home! Hope everyone enjoyed their holiday!

safe and sound

2010-09-03T18:42:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Sorry that my posts are few and far between but I'm enjoying the great company of amazing friends in south Carolina! After a really long 17 hour car ride we are so glad to be here safe and sound. Looking forward to an amazing 12 miler in new places (like the beach) and lots of time spent with the monkeys. I hope to do a better post tomorrow but posting from my phone is the pits:/ hope everyone is having an amazing holiday weekend!!

Cherry on Top please...

2010-08-31T20:20:00.000-07:00

Something fun...Sherry from Life, from my perspective has given me the

How fun!

Here are the rules:

#1. Answer this question: If you had the chance to go back and change one thing in your life, would you and what would it be?

#2. The second thing you have to do is, pick 6 people and give them this award. You then have to inform the person that they have gotten this award.

#3. The third and final thing is, thank the person who gave you the award.

Wow...kind of hard first question I say. While I would love to believe that I haven't made any mistakes in my life, I will be the first to admit that I've made more than my fair share. And while there are 3 that instantly pop off the top of my head, I'm not sure I would ever actually change any of them because they have made me the strong, independent person that I am today. I guess forgiving my dad would be up there, but I still haven't found the inner strength to do that. I do think about it a lot when I run...but I think running this marathon that I've signed up for may actually be easier than that. :/

Now...to award 6 people with this stellar award...drumroll please...
Abbey from Destination unknown
Katie from Legally Fit
Nicki from Running Nicki
Molly from I'm a sleeper Baker
Christina from the Green Runner
Zoe from Run, Zoe, Run!

And last but not least, thank you to Sherry for the award (although I swear it's another sort of chain letter:) Hope everyone is having an amazing Tuesday!!
GYRO!

And the winner is....

2010-08-30T19:33:00.000-07:00

DRUMROLL...I used

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1
Max: 94
Result:
9
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

CONGRATS TO Missy from Southern Girl Running! You have won the what's in your running bag giveaway! Thank you all for playing along! Missy, send me an email with your address to erikagerding@gmail.com and I will get your package in the mail!

Hope everyone is having an amazing week!
GYRO!

The lost is found...A virtual race report and week 9 recap!

2010-08-29T18:10:00.001-07:00

Hi all! Whhooooo, what a week this has turned out to be. While I love being busy, my life currently feels crazy, and I'm looking forward to things getting settled back into a routine real quick!! Up first...my race report from

Nicole and I headed out to the trail to take on these 8.25 miles (we had long runs scheduled for the day, but decided to dedicate the first 8.25 to MCM mamma!!) Before we left, I went to get my I fitness belt out and. what. the. hell. I forgot it. Who can run 16 miles with no belt to hold important things like Gu and my phone?!? Our work had recently given us these sweet coolers that hold 3 cans of beer...or beverage of your choice. Desperate times call for desperate actions, so I strapped that bad boy around my waist and we were off. Not before a few hilarious pictures of my mismatched outfit and way cool "cooler belt."

We set off and decided to take an amazing video (which I was hoping to link here, but we are having trouble getting it to upload)...and stopped a few places along the way to take pictures and/or videos. At our Gu stop at mile 4, we have the "how not to eat Gu" video...chocolate outrage like chocolate frosting for MCM's birthday cake. While it was tasty...it did burn a little when it came out of my nose. Seriously, it should be illegal to have this much fun on a run!! The 8.25 miles were not super speedy, but were amazingly fun!!
Unofficial race time: 1 hour 26 minutes

Our friend Sami met us at mile 8, and we continued on our way. Nicole found a sweet heart shaped leaf which we stopped to take a picture with...

From mile 1 to 12, I felt pretty good. I wasn't running super fast, but was keeping a steady pace. Nicole and Sami decided to run ahead to keep a quicker pace for a minute and I was really trying to focus on keeping my pace steady and a little quicker for mile 11-14. At mile 12, my Ipod died. UUUGGGHHH. Nicole brought me hers and said, pick it up, you can PR your half marathon time right now. So I turned her jams on and ran. Sweetness...13.1 and my time was 2:12...sweet!! Kick it up...and her Ipod died at mile 14 along with my legs. I really needed to eat another Gu, but I had no water and that's something that I can't do. At this point, I'm tired, being eaten by mosquitoes, I can feel my toes burning and blistering (especially the one with NO toenail!), my legs feel like lead. Two miles. 8 laps. Get it together. I can do this. 20 steps later...I am going to die. This is not possible. What was I thinking. 20 steps later. Get it together. Finish strong. and it continues like this for all of mile 14 and 15. I'm starting to think that the long run is way more of a mental battle than actual physical. I get to mile 15 and the end is nearly in sight. Only one more mile, right? At 15.5 my calves cramped up. I wanted to get on my hands and knees and crawl the rest of the way. I wanted to cry, but I didn't even have tears to cry because I needed water so badly. I ended up walk/running the last bit...and crawled up the steps to Nicole's apartment because I could barely walk.
Sigh.

Mark this run up to a lesson learned. I'm a little nervous about my long run next weekend, but I think there were a lot of differences from my first long run. We changed our long run date this week to Thursday night after work. Usually I run first thing in the morning. It was a lot harder working a full 8 hour day running around, stretching people, spending 4 hours in a pool and then hitting the trail rather than rolling out of bed and hitting the trail. I think I'm going to keep my long runs on the weekend for sure!!

We changed our run because we had a wedding this weekend! I had an amazing time with great friends...here's a little film strip from the picture booth!

Because Nicole was in the wedding, her bfriend and I ended up hanging out for most of the evening until Nic's bridesmaid duties were fulfilled. So. Much. fun.

Here's a quick recap of week 9 training...
Sunday: 3 miles recovery after a brown bottle flu from Saturday
Monday: 5 miles through the park! The weather was a little cooler which made it much nicer!
Tuesday: Treadmill/interval training with Nick x 39 minutes
Wednesday: rest
Thursday: 16 miles:/ 2 hr 59 minutes
Friday: Core/arm workout with Nick
Saturday: rest

As it gets closer and closer, I'm getting more and more nervous. The long runs are becoming less and more scary if that's even possible. I just have to remember that my number one goal is to finish!
I hope everyone had an amazing weekend!
Hoping to post the winner of the giveaway tomorrow!
GYRO!

Nearly Wordless Wednesday...

2010-08-25T19:09:00.000-07:00

First and foremost, welcome new running/blogging friends! I'm doing my best to make it to everyone's blog...if I haven't made it to yours, please comment so I can find my way there!
While I'm still running and training is going...ehhh...okay, I've been so busy with the monkeys and weddings and taking pictures that I'm going a little nuts! Here are some of my favorite pictures/people that I've been blessed to photograph this week.
I've also included a pic of my friend and I at her wedding and one of my cousin and I. We seriously had an amazing time!! Have 15 of the schedule for tomorrow. Please check back for MCM mamma's race report and 3 things thursday!! GYRO!
And don't forget about the what's in your bag giveaway! Ends Aug 28th at midnight!!

Half way there...

2010-08-22T19:22:00.000-07:00

Week 8 of marathon training is now "complete"...minus the fact that I wasn't able to squeeze my long run in this weekend and am trying to shift my runs around this week to fit in those extra miles. This is one of the lowest running weeks I've had in awhile.
Monday: 5 miles
Wednesday: 8 miles
Saturday: was supposed to run 12 but spent the day in Fennville MI for my bestie from high school's wedding...it was AMAZING! I was going to try and run on Sunday, but I was suffering from a minor case of food poisoning from Burger King (which I hate anyways, but that's all this town had!!) Or it could be the wine/Margarita/sparks combination from our day of festivities...regardless. It didn't get done.
Sunday: I took Jack Jack on an easy 3 miler...I seriously can't get over how difficult it is to push that stroller!!

My training plan for week nine says:
Monday: 5 miles
Wednesday: 8 miles
Saturday: 14 miles

I think I may change it to look more like this
Monday: 4 miles at lunch 4 miles after work
Tuesday: Nick
Wednesday:rest
Thursday: Nick at lunch, 14 miles after work
Friday: 8 miles
Saturday: Another fabulous wedding to attend!!
Sunday: rest

I'm not sure how well this training plan will work putting so many longer runs together, but I CANNOT miss 2 long runs in a row. I think Nicole and I are going to run together on the trail.
I'm hoping that the weather will cooperate and stay cool because this running in heat thing is really starting to wear on me.
One more random bit, then I really need to pass out because I'm so tired!!
I'm beginning to think that if toe nails were a hot item on Craig's List or the black market, I may be rich!! I had my pedi on Saturday (a week ago) and on Friday I had another nail come off. SICK! I called Jolene and she said to stop in...hi, wedding tomorrow, I need help!! Check out this amazing job she did with no nail!

Isn't it amazing! It almost looks real! Thanks Jolene for helping me in a pinch!!
Hope everyone had an amazing weekend!
GYRO~

Three things Thursday...running and randoms:)

2010-08-19T15:19:00.000-07:00

This week has been crazy...I feel like I start every Thursday with that, but seriously, when is something going to give??

1) on the workout front, I haven't been able to workout with Nick at all this week:( And I have a long run scheduled for Saturday, but I have to leave for a wedding at 7am and I'm not sure I'll be able to get it in before then. I plan on being a little brown bottle fluish on Sunday, so I'm not sure about that either. I did manage to get 8 in yesterday and was so relieved to see my kids drive by that I flagged them down and had them take me home at 8.1....I had gotten too far out and was going to have to hit 9-10 to get home! Yikes! My knees are still a little bothersome...not as bad as before, but I'm still not loving going up and down stairs which is a little sad since my house is a bi-level.

2) I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with the long runs that my training plan has scheduled in the middle of the week. It seems that in the next few weeks I'm going to be putting 10-12 miles in on Wednesday...really?? I haven't quite figured out how I'm going to pull that one off...does it count if I have to break them up into two separate runs?? Like 5 at lunch and 5-7 more after work?? I'm really feeling the pressure of sticking to a plan...and my house has sure taken a hit (aka backseat), along with my laundry pile and social life. Good grief! IT WILL BE WORTH IT! Stay positive and focused...working on that, but I'm feeling very anxious about being able to get everything done!

3) I'm going to be out of town 3 weekends in a row. Yikes...with back to back weddings and a long overdue camping trip with the monkeys (look out south Carolina, here we come!!!) then school starts...and before I know it, October will be here. SIGH! I'm not overly thrilled with driving the three monkeys to South Carolina, but I really want to get to the beach!! And I'm super excited to see my girl Lindsay! The weddings should all be fun...I'll have lots of stories and pictures I'm sure...although I'm not sure if I will be able to post them:) Hopefully my friends and I aren't too crazy! So I'm asking this...please slow down summer...I'm not quite ready for you to end....sniff, sniff.

And don't forget about my giveaway...ends Aug 28th!

Wordless Wednesday...aren't you glad...

2010-08-18T19:29:00.000-07:00

that maddie's not your hair dresser/makeup artist??

happy wednesday!

What's in your running bag?? GIVEAWAY!

2010-08-15T18:46:00.001-07:00

What am amazing weekend! This post will be filled with lots of adventure, recaps and the best ever, a GIVEAWAY!

First things first, a recap of week 7 marathon training.
Monday: rest day after my first 15 miler:)
Tuesday: 5 miles in the pool
Wednesday: I became one of those "crazy people" who are running in the down pour and jumping puddles. I managed to get in 6 before I couldn't take my squishy shoes anymore.
Thursday: started a running workout with Nick, but both quads locked up. Had to call it quits after 30 minutes. Big fail.
Friday and Saturday: rest because my legs were still hurting:(
Sunday: was our first blog meets real world GYRO run! Nicole and I headed to Kalamazoo to meet the Dawn for a trail run. We planned to run 16, and headed out with the best of intentions. We were stopped in our tracks by a cranky man asking us for trail passes...failed to notice that sign! Thank goodness the dawn had her check book and we were quickly underway. The first 4 miles were great! We had a great time talking and sharing stories...we were looking for water and ended up at this old school water pump that made our hands stink. While the trail was beautiful, the potties left much to be desired! Anyways, we decided to turn around at 6 and only put 12 in. I died a slow and miserable death from mile 9-12. Nicole and the Dawn finally ran up ahead and I stopped to walk. The sun was soooo hot and it was soooo sticky. While I have ALWAYS been a summer girl, I'm beginning to think that I'm OVER ready for fall. Anyways, after finishing up our run and snapping this quick picture, we headed to cracker barrel for a super yummy breakfast!

After breakfast we were going to head to the running store, but we had a few minutes to kill so we decided to hit up Coldstone Creamery after reading the dawn's post about this amazing cupcake. Chocolate shell, red velvet cake, cake batter ice cream, fudge, frosting....ahhhh, what more can I say except AMAZING!!

I had such an amazing time with new friends! We made plans to go and watch the Chicago marathon (which is the week before our race) to cheer on friends and get totally pumped for our race. The Dawn will be trying to BQ in Grand Rapids the same day we are running Long Beach! I hope to run a race with her sometime in the future!

2 more quick things and then I'll get on to the goodness...
my best RB Nicole brought this to me on Saturday:

It's my GYRO necklace that I've been dying to order from Lift Your Sole. I was sooooo excited and it's the most amazing gift ever! GYRO (get your run on) is our little running club that we've started here (totally copied some really awesome girls from the south!) but we are having so much fun with it! After my race in Notre Dame and forgetting important stuff (like my Ipod), I decided that it was crucial I get myself a running bag to keep all of my running must haves in one place. I had this super cute bag made so that I can keep track of EVERYTHING and not forget anything again! there are some things that I just can not live without including these items:
Ipod and Skull headphones: I need tunes and headphones I can count on!!
GU: Something new I'm still learning with, but it's growing on me:)
Bondiband: seriously addicted. Love them. Helps keep hair out of my eyes and sweat off of my forehead.
Orbitz: spearmint gum. I think I chew an entire pack during one race. Yikes!
Jorge my Garmin and my I fitness belt. Love them both.
Anti-chaf stick for the problem areas.
Baby wipes: for my "quick baths" after long runs and I really want to go eat breakfast, but the smell of myself is not so great. Quick way to wipe up and feel fresh!

NOW HERE'S YOUR CHANCE!!!
I'm hosting this giveaway in honor of my 300th post! While I have been blogging for awhile, I just recently started blogging about running, and it's amazing the people I have "met" and things that I've learned!
Knowing how much I <3 my running bag, I want to give you the chance to get your own!
You will win this:

A GYRO running bag (sling bag) gray with black letters. It does say ADIDAS on the other side, so if you're not a GYRO fan, it's easily reversible.

And all of this fun stuff! While I wish I could get you one of everything in my bag, my budget doesn't quite allow it. So sorry, no Garmin or Ipod, but you will get:
~packet of GU
~1 BondiBand
~Package of Orbitz spearmint gum
~package of travel baby wipes
~a pair of Skull earphones

To enter, simply do one of the following: (multiple entries can be received by simply doing more than one of the options below, and leaving SEPARATE comments for each thing done!)

1) Become a follower, or if you already are, please leave a comment
2) Link this giveaway on your blog
3) Follow me on twitter/tweet about this giveaway
4) Become my friend on daily mile
5) Tell me your biggest race/run fail regarding forgotten stuff!

This giveaway will end August 28th at midnight EST....GOOD LUCK and GYRO!!

(And if you get a chance, please stop over here to my sister-in-laws new blog who is a new runner and would love some encouragement!!)