Feeling Young

So yesterday I was asked to sub in a kickball league. It was actually fun, I really didn't care if I played or not. I was placed at 2nd base (my old softball position, well one of them) and the first ball was a pop fly and it came my way and I made out #1. I felt a sigh of relief, I didn't want to blow it LOL.

I kicked a few times, well on one of my trips to 1st base I was running through the base and the second baseman went in my running path, I avoided hitting him but I did take a tumble. I have 2 skinned up elbows a skinned up knee, it's also bruised as well. I also tweaked my ankle, it's swollen and still today but it was all worth it! It was such a lovely day and to be outside having fun was just what I needed. I started my evening out yesterday with some jump roping and then for a quick 1 mile run.

All in all it was a good night full of healthy activity, I've missed that the past couple of weeks and it's amazing what it does for my attitude!

I want to send GOOD LUCK WISHES to my friends Joy and Joe who are running the Madison 1/2 marathon this weekend. Here's to the 2 of you!!! I hope you have a strong, injury free run. Most of all enjoy yourself and the scenery!!!

Sad

Yes I'm sad, I'm having trouble with accepting that my kids are getting older. "A" will be a 6th grader next year and she's turning into such a beautiful young lady, the trouble is I don't want her too. The older the kids get the less they need me and that's the way it is supposed to be, the trouble is I'm not ready for it yet. I can remember when they were born and taking care of them and enjoying each stage of their development and now another stage is here and I realized that the others seemed to go so fast. I know I can't turn back time and I have enjoyed every moment with my kids, even the hard days and not a day goes by that I don't tell them that I love them so what's the issue??? Who knows? What I do know is that I love my kids, I'm proud of them and they have such potential to do so much in life, I want them to seize each opportunity that life brings them. If I could shield them from pain and hurt I would but the truth is it's part of life and it makes us the people that we are.

On to something else....

I'm slightly frustrated with a few things. A few months ago I joined a wine club, only for 6 months to give it a try and I haven't gotten wine in awhile. So I look at my records and the last shipment was March. So I try the phone # and I get nothing but dead air. I attempt to get to their website and I get nothing but "page cannot be displayed". I do a google search for any of their in home sales people and nothing....I finally found something that says they went out of business on 3/23. Um, I paid for 6 months worth of wine and I only got 2 months!!! So I got the number to the lady that was the consultant at the party and left her a message to say WTF????? I want my wine!!!

Another cause for frustration; my niece is watching the kids while we go to Germany well I just read on her Facebook page that she will be having a cyst removed when she should be watching my kids. Um, it would be nice to know if I need to make alternate arrangements for them for that day or the days after. I'm not sure if this is something serious or something that will take 2 seconds...either way I think she should have told me. I have enough stress with getting things ready for this trip I don't need another log added to the fire.

Well, there you have it, my thoughts for today, exciting I know LOL

Tired

So I just spent a week on the beach, I am well rested but why am I so tired???? Work has been busy and then of course it's go go go at home. Keeps me out of trouble I suppose. We are going away for the weekend, just J and I with another couple so that will be nice. I feel as if we haven't had any time to connect lately. When we head off to Germany it will be go go go that we won't have much time to just relax and enjoy each other's company.

Speaking of Germany.....Everything is booked! We will be hitting Germany, Belgium (a room in the castle is booked!!!), the Netherlands, Luxembourg and London...That's right London. We're hopping a flight and spending the day there. I'm so excited for this trip and all the sites that we will see. It's going to be AMAZING.

Guess that's all for today, next week I'm getting back on the running wagon so ensure that I prepare well for September's 1/2 marathon.

Well Rested

So I just got back from my yearly beach trip and it was wonderful!! It was such a busy week at work and with personal activities so it was nice to get away for a week doing nothing but relaxing! It was sunny and warm and I spent my days at the beach or the pool. I did get some exercising in, walks on the beach, water aerobics and weights.

We did see Buddy the Cake Boss (TLC program) There was a new beach boardwalk opening and they had him make a cake and do a meet and greet. The cake was a huge Flip Flop and it was very tasty. I didn't wait in the line to formally greet him and get an autograph, We were by the tent he was at and I got some pictures. I did notice that he was very kind to the kids that were waiting in line, it's nice to see that some celebs don't get a big head over their fame and fortune and they are kind to the kids, hopefully teaching them a lesson to be kind to everyone, no matter who you are.

Back to reality though....work is busy, the house needs to be cleaned (none of that got taken care of while I was away). I will be getting in my exercise and then focus on all the house work. I will need to stay in good shape and prepare for the US Air Force 1/2 marathon in September!

Official Race Time

2:37:45
12:02 pace
1620th finisher out of 1945 1/2 marathon runners

Best time yet!!!

What An Amazing Run!!!

Friday we headed down to the hotel and we drove to the start of the race and looked for parking. We drove as much of the route as we could, part of the park was closed off so we couldn't drive it but we did more than half and that gave the ladies a sense of what the course was going to be like. We stopped to pick up some Subway for dinner and went back to the hotel room for dinner and a little TV. Storms were brewing and all I hoped for is they would pass before morning.

Sleeping was not as good as I would have like, but it's a hotel so what do you expect. 5:15 the alarm went off and we started to get ready. My pre-race jitters started some, probably more so because I had 2 friends that were joining me and I wanted their first 1/2 marathon experience to be a good one and that they wouldn't curse my name after LOL.

Found parking and made our way to the start line after checking my bag. Took some pictures and the nerves seemed to dissipate. I got a little emotional when the national anthem was played just because it's so exciting and I really wanted to be strong. Weather was great!! Sunny mid to upper 50's a little humid and not much wind at the start gate. And off we went. I kept to my 9 min running 1 min walking pace and did really well. Around 4 mile I recalled last year when I was getting side stitches, not this year, I was still strong. Having spectators line the course gives you added motivation as well. Before you knew it I was at mile 7, this is where I really got into trouble last year and the turn around point seemed like an eternity away, not this year that turn around point came quicker.

As I turned around I first say Penny (friend from work) going towards the turn around, I cheered her on and gave her a high five. Then I saw Andrea, she looked like she was strong and she had a smile on her face, gave her a high five and continued. Then I saw Ann, I knew she would be walking this 1/2 marathon and she was going strong and I cheered her on along with a high five. Coming back into the downtown area I had more walking breaks because of some hills, so I walked them and then continued on my run. Each hour I refueled with water, shot bloks and caffine beans. Each walking break I took I was sure to take in my water and also at each water station. Hydration was not something I did well last year so I wanted to ensure I didn't make that mistake again.

As I'm at about mile 11.5 my phone rings, it's my husband (who drove with Ann's family) asking where I was as he was hoping that he didn't miss my finish. All was good and he gave me a little encouragement. Made it to mile 12, full marathoners continued 1/2 marathoners turned around....I was feeling good. I saw my family towards the finish line and each of my kids ran the last .1 mile with me. What a great feeling. The clock said 2 hours 39 min. I'm still waiting for the official time to be posted. I was ecstatic, my first 1/2 in Napa I finished 2:38:52 and last year's time I didn't even really pay attention to, it was under 3 hours but not good at all.

I got my medal, water, banana, orange and Wheaties refuel cereal and off to watch for Andrea and Ann as they finished. I stretched as I waited for them, and took my shoes off to uncover some icky blisters. I cheered Penny through the finish line, cheered other runners as well and then Andrea came....we screamed for her and I ran in front of her to get some pictures as she was crossing the line. I was so excited for her and gave her a big hug. She was cramping so we got her some water and banana's to help. Then off to go watch for Ann. We cheered her on and she was emotional. Her family walked through the finish line with her. I met her with a huge hug.

This whole experience really meant a lot to me. It once again proves that I can do anything I put my mind too. If I train right, work hard and enjoy myself, I can do ANYTHING!!! I was happy that I inspired 2 other wonderful woman to run/walk their first 1/2 marathons and they enjoyed their experience. I was happy to have my family there and I can't wait for the next one in September!!!

Thank you to my readers, your encouragement and constant cheerleading has meant the world to me!