Yikes!! Yes you heard that right....only one more week till the Cleveland Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon. And I don't know if it's because of the crazy summer, or because I started my training earlier with my first half that it seemed like it was like forever before my first half got here...but this half just seemed to sneak up on me...one minute I was trying to start my training, next minute we are a week away....crazy stuff I tell ya!!
So went for my last long training run Saturday. What a beautiful morning for it too. Temps in the 50s, lovely sunshine...it was wonderful. And this time I wanted to simulate what I would do on race day...I had my Gu Chomps and Jelly Belly Sport Beans for fuel, wore my shoes I plan to wear on Sunday, not sure on the outfit yet, but we'll have to see how the weather is in Cleveland. Anyway, as I started my run, I purposely started running more slowly. I usually run between a 9-9:30 minute mile. And I usually make the mistake of starting out too fast...this time I purposely started at almost a 10 minute mile. Felt kind of weird at first, but I went with it. The run was really good...and to the guy who just happened to be running the same route I was for a good part of my run....trust me I was not stalking you...obviously we have the same idea on a long run route. Anyway, my training log said to do a 7 mile run, I wanted to do 10...I know, again the insanity kicking in. I got to mile 8 and I started feeling tired, but I kept pushing through. By the time I got home I had just a smidge over 10 miles. Those last couple miles were tough. I'm so praying that when I get to Cleveland that I'll be able to pull through those last 3 miles. Ugh...but overall I was happy with my run. When I checked my stats on Nike+ it said I pretty much did negative splits until mile 9, and believe it or not mile 8 was my fastest mile...and also I have run 2000 miles since I started running in August 2010....that's crazy....I figure I'm almost to Cali now right?? LOL!
And just FYI....I never run without my tunes and if you are looking for some great running mixes check out Rock My Run. They have really great running mixes. The running mix I ran with Saturday was the Faith, Love, Run mix by DJ Lloyd. What a great mix to get going on your run but also praising God in the process...it's great!
So now the taper begins...I plan to do a 5 mile run sometime today then a 2 mile run later this week and then it's race time on Sunday. The Expo is on Saturday so I'll be there picking up my race packet and checking out what they have to offer then the plan is to meet up with some of my Cleveland family (Yes, I am originally from the Cleveland area). So hoping to meet my aunt, uncle and grandma for some dinner and then hopefully turn in early for a good night's sleep for race day.
So wish me luck and my next post will probably be after my half on Sunday with a race report. Have a great week everyone!
Monday, September 30, 2013
Thursday, September 12, 2013
There's a fine line between dedication and insanity
So half marathon training continues...hard to believe in just a little under a month I will be running my 2nd half marathon. Training this time around has been very different from the first time. Not sure if it's because I've been through it once before (and no I'm not saying I'm a seasoned pro), or if it's the time of year, or if it's being so busy that I have no time for the mental games from the first time...who knows. So far training has been pretty good....though I have to say not exactly ideal.
So if I had to choose a time of year to do my training, this time of year would NOT be my first choice. First of all, let's face it....I'm a mom...summer means kids are home, summer is busy, summer is HOT...and it's still hot here...there is no routine...it just really makes it difficult to get those miles in when you're a mom. And even now that my boys are back in school, it's still not easy to try and get those runs in for some reason. A lot of juggling has been involved with this half marathon training that's for sure.
For instance, my run yesterday. Yesterday was a crazy busy day. I had an appointment in the morning, had to set up for our community dinner at church, then a meeting at 4 p.m. and then help at the community dinner...I knew that if I wanted to get my run in I would have to do it after setting up the community dinner....which meant at 1:30 in the afternoon....when it was still 90 degrees out and the humidity was insane. Not ideal in the least...but I put on my big girl shorts, tied up my laces and went out and did it before my brain told me what a crazy insane woman I was. (I always tell my friends that there is a fine line between dedication and insanity....and I jump that line often....lol!!) So I was able to get a four mile run in, and actually it was a really good run...one of the best I've had in a while...though at the last half mile I was totally dying...it was WAY too hot and my water bottle had gotten warm by this point...bleh...nothing worse than drinking warm water, but overall I felt really good running and I had no pains at all...my knee was great, even my hip, which usually starts giving me fits when I amp up the mileage...my hip was great! So just goes to show, even when the environment isn't ideal, you still can have a good run.
Speaking of good runs, I have some recommendations for some things for a good run or at least help you obtain it. I have come across some great running stuff lately that I want to pass along to you:
Runner Girls Podcast....if you have the ability to listen to podcasts this is a great little podcast of three ladies who trained to do a half marathon together and are now training to do a 5K in 30 minutes or less. They talk about their training, they have interesting weekly topics and they keep it real. Go check them out.
OptimalRun.com...if you are looking for new running shoes, this is a great little website that if you go to their tab "Personalized Footwear Recommendation"....from there you answer their survey questions about what you like in running shoes and what not...and within a day they will send you not a link or a cookie cutter email recommending you what shoes to wear...oh no....they will send you a personalized video recommendation of what shoes they recommend for you....I thought this was pretty darn cool...of course I don't get out much either, but seriously it was really, really cool. And they will also give you a discount on the shoes they recommend for you. As soon as I can scrape my $$ together I'm probably going to try their recommendation for me...yes a Mizuno pair of course...lol! Oh, and they have free shipping and a great 40 day money back guarantee...can't beat that!!
Cooling Runner's Towel Now this link may or may not be the exact same towel I have, but if you can get your hands on any type of cooling towel....do it!! I don't know how I ever ran without one of these things. My lovely sister, who just got into running herself, when we did our Tutu race a few weeks ago she introduced me to this amazing thing and let me have one of hers. Now when I run without it, I'm miserable...especially in this heat and humidity we've been having. The great thing about this towel is that when it's dry it's like a piece of cardboard, but once you get it wet it is soft and cooling...I like to get it wet and then leave it by my A/C for a little bit to get even cooler...oh yea....it's awesome. I call it my woobie towel....my boys love it and they don't even run. It's amazing!! Get one now!!
Well that's all I have for now. 24 days until my next half...if you happen to be running the Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon in Cleveland on Oct. 6th, let me know...would love to know of someone else that is crazy enough to do this race like me...lol!
Have a great week!!
So if I had to choose a time of year to do my training, this time of year would NOT be my first choice. First of all, let's face it....I'm a mom...summer means kids are home, summer is busy, summer is HOT...and it's still hot here...there is no routine...it just really makes it difficult to get those miles in when you're a mom. And even now that my boys are back in school, it's still not easy to try and get those runs in for some reason. A lot of juggling has been involved with this half marathon training that's for sure.
For instance, my run yesterday. Yesterday was a crazy busy day. I had an appointment in the morning, had to set up for our community dinner at church, then a meeting at 4 p.m. and then help at the community dinner...I knew that if I wanted to get my run in I would have to do it after setting up the community dinner....which meant at 1:30 in the afternoon....when it was still 90 degrees out and the humidity was insane. Not ideal in the least...but I put on my big girl shorts, tied up my laces and went out and did it before my brain told me what a crazy insane woman I was. (I always tell my friends that there is a fine line between dedication and insanity....and I jump that line often....lol!!) So I was able to get a four mile run in, and actually it was a really good run...one of the best I've had in a while...though at the last half mile I was totally dying...it was WAY too hot and my water bottle had gotten warm by this point...bleh...nothing worse than drinking warm water, but overall I felt really good running and I had no pains at all...my knee was great, even my hip, which usually starts giving me fits when I amp up the mileage...my hip was great! So just goes to show, even when the environment isn't ideal, you still can have a good run.
Speaking of good runs, I have some recommendations for some things for a good run or at least help you obtain it. I have come across some great running stuff lately that I want to pass along to you:
Runner Girls Podcast....if you have the ability to listen to podcasts this is a great little podcast of three ladies who trained to do a half marathon together and are now training to do a 5K in 30 minutes or less. They talk about their training, they have interesting weekly topics and they keep it real. Go check them out.
OptimalRun.com...if you are looking for new running shoes, this is a great little website that if you go to their tab "Personalized Footwear Recommendation"....from there you answer their survey questions about what you like in running shoes and what not...and within a day they will send you not a link or a cookie cutter email recommending you what shoes to wear...oh no....they will send you a personalized video recommendation of what shoes they recommend for you....I thought this was pretty darn cool...of course I don't get out much either, but seriously it was really, really cool. And they will also give you a discount on the shoes they recommend for you. As soon as I can scrape my $$ together I'm probably going to try their recommendation for me...yes a Mizuno pair of course...lol! Oh, and they have free shipping and a great 40 day money back guarantee...can't beat that!!
Cooling Runner's Towel Now this link may or may not be the exact same towel I have, but if you can get your hands on any type of cooling towel....do it!! I don't know how I ever ran without one of these things. My lovely sister, who just got into running herself, when we did our Tutu race a few weeks ago she introduced me to this amazing thing and let me have one of hers. Now when I run without it, I'm miserable...especially in this heat and humidity we've been having. The great thing about this towel is that when it's dry it's like a piece of cardboard, but once you get it wet it is soft and cooling...I like to get it wet and then leave it by my A/C for a little bit to get even cooler...oh yea....it's awesome. I call it my woobie towel....my boys love it and they don't even run. It's amazing!! Get one now!!
Well that's all I have for now. 24 days until my next half...if you happen to be running the Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon in Cleveland on Oct. 6th, let me know...would love to know of someone else that is crazy enough to do this race like me...lol!
Have a great week!!
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
And the training continues??
Whirlwind (noun)
1: a small rotating windstorm of limited extent
1: a small rotating windstorm of limited extent
2
a : a confused rush : whirl <a whirlwind of meetings>
b : a violent or destructive force or agency
Mainly thinking of definition 2a here...yes my summer was quite the whirlwind and it's hard to believe that summer is unofficially over here in Ohio....the kids are back in school...we just celebrated the last BBQ holiday of the year...we celebrated with having a 90th birthday party for my grandma!! But now, it's time to get back to some sort of routine. Though I have to admit, though my kiddos have been back to school for almost 3 weeks now, it's still a little struggle getting back to some sort of routine....because my normal routine has changed.
Normally I would do my weekday runs right before my kids got out of school. I would park at my youngest's elementary school, go for a run, my two older children would walk to the elementary, and we would all meet there in enough time to pick up the youngest. This year is a little different...youngest is in a new elementary school temporarily while they are finishing the construction of our new elementary school (which should be opening in October) so no need to park at his old elementary school...the two older boys get out a lot sooner than the youngest so now I have to back up my time to go for a decent run...which cuts into the time when hubby is home for lunch...oh the juggling woahs of a stay at home mom. So I have yet to come up with a decent time to run and honestly my juggling so far has not been very good. Last week I had to do my long run on a weekday...9 miles...well, I usually rest the day after a long run...but because of my schedule I knew I would have to do a short run the day after my long run...well...yea...did that...got that run in...unfortunately it was very hilly....I know, not very smart of me....and I was cutting it close on time...another not-so-smart move, and I was trying to run a little faster in order to pick up my boys on time so I wouldn't have to hear them complain how they had to wait on me...yea...strike three...I'm out. Ended up pulling a muscle in my leg I think and have been down from running since...though I went for a walk/light jog last night and seemed ok...definitely nothing great, but no pains. So I'm hoping to do a short run today to see how it goes. Though I like the freedom and spontaneity of summer, it really throws one off when you're training for a big race. I'll be honest...I'm worried about this one. Not sure I'm gonna even get close to the time I did at the Capital City Half. With only a month left to train I think I'm going to have to change my focus to just getting across the finish line...no PRs, no great and amazing finish times...just get across that line. And for me that makes me a little sad...I'm one who like to do their best. I like to improve and do better each time. But sometimes life gets in the way, and let me tell you...if there is one thing that God has truly been showing me lately is to be flexible...especially with my time. Unfortunately runs don't always happen like I want them to, when I want them to, or as long as I want them to go. Sometimes you just have to accept things as they are, brush off your shoulders and move on.
So that's that. Though I'm really hoping my last month of training goes a lot smoother than the past couple months. I have been working in a few more cross-training workouts which I think will help. At least I hope so.
Here's to hoping that the next 30 days are better!
Monday, August 19, 2013
Never underestimate the power of great athletic supporters!!
So this past Saturday I ran my first 10K race. I know, yes I did do a half marathon before a 10K...I'm a little backwards that way, but honestly this was the first 10K race near me that I was able to run in. It was the Feed the Need 5K/10K and I ran it with some of my church family. This race is a great little race since the proceeds go to support New Life Ministries food pantry. I had run the 5K last year and let me just say that their course is probably one of the toughest courses to run in the Coshocton area. There are several hills to run up and this year was their first try at a 10K and for it you had to run the 5K course twice. It was a great morning for a run, a little humid but it was not super hot like it was last year...so good overall day for a race. I was really hoping to run the race in under an hour. My official time was 1:02:19. Not my goal, but not bad either. I think if I would have had a little more time to dedicate to training I would have done better. Let me tell you....training in the summer, at least for me, is far harder than training in the winter. Not just because of the weather either. It's just hard as a mom and having kids home on summer break, dealing with vacations, scouting and lots of things just going on during the summer, it's just hard to get that run in...it truly is. Mother runners....do you feel me??
However, that is about to change....because school officially starts here this week, so I'm hoping to finally be able to focus on my half marathon training for the Cleveland Rock 'n Roll Half. Which, by the way, I just found out that Gavin DeGraw is headlining the concert afterwards...oh yeah!!! I'm so super stoked about that! Gonna be a great time for sure! Besides that good stuff, I am just really ready to get back to some sort of routine, especially with my running. I found out after my first half that afterwards I just kind of felt lost (anyone else feel me there?? Do you know what I mean??). I had no training schedule anymore, no goal to strive for...if I was running it was only because I wanted to and I didn't have to run 'x' number of miles. I ran when I wanted and however long I wanted...which was nice maybe at first but leaves the door wide open to allow yourself to get a little lazy. And I suppose after feeling burned out a bit from training I did get a little lazy. But I am ready to set my eyes on my new goal for Cleveland and I'm just praying that my new training goes well.
So you may have gotten a little chuckle out of today's post title...no I'm not talking about jock straps or any other kind of athletic supporter under gear...but the subject of support is something that I've been wanting to address for a while, and this post is geared towards the runner AND non-runners...you know, those people who are close to you that may watch you at races, or just support your running efforts in some way. I just want to say that if you are lucky enough as a runner to have family and friends who support your athletic efforts, please make sure you thank them for what they do for you! If someone is willing to get out of bed early on a weekend morning to do nothing else but to cheer you on, please don't take that for granted. Please appreciate what a true blessing that is. And if you are the person supporting your fellow runner...please know that just the fact that you are cheering us runners on does not go unnoticed and is more than greatly appreciated. Never underestimate the power of good moral support!! I have run races where I have had family and friends supporting me and I have run races where I was solely on my own....and trust me I would much rather run a race where someone is cheering me on...even if I am at the back of the pack. There is a lot to be said about a good support base. For me, it just gives me that extra spark, that extra um-mph to cross that finish line. It gives me that mentality that my hard work isn't going unnoticed, that I am doing a good job...again, even if I am at the back of the pack. So if you are the runner....please show your appreciation to those who support you...and if you are the supporter, or maybe never have supported your runner...please know that your support speaks volumes to us runners and we love you for your effort and dedication to us. And to those who may be unable to go see your runner do a race, even just a simple note saying "good job" or "good luck" is all the motivation we runners need. Just showing that you care about something we as runners care about means so very much. True story!
On that note, I leave you with one of my absolute favorite "supporter" commercials....nothing beats the power of a pizza box after all :):
Have a great week everyone!!
However, that is about to change....because school officially starts here this week, so I'm hoping to finally be able to focus on my half marathon training for the Cleveland Rock 'n Roll Half. Which, by the way, I just found out that Gavin DeGraw is headlining the concert afterwards...oh yeah!!! I'm so super stoked about that! Gonna be a great time for sure! Besides that good stuff, I am just really ready to get back to some sort of routine, especially with my running. I found out after my first half that afterwards I just kind of felt lost (anyone else feel me there?? Do you know what I mean??). I had no training schedule anymore, no goal to strive for...if I was running it was only because I wanted to and I didn't have to run 'x' number of miles. I ran when I wanted and however long I wanted...which was nice maybe at first but leaves the door wide open to allow yourself to get a little lazy. And I suppose after feeling burned out a bit from training I did get a little lazy. But I am ready to set my eyes on my new goal for Cleveland and I'm just praying that my new training goes well.
So you may have gotten a little chuckle out of today's post title...no I'm not talking about jock straps or any other kind of athletic supporter under gear...but the subject of support is something that I've been wanting to address for a while, and this post is geared towards the runner AND non-runners...you know, those people who are close to you that may watch you at races, or just support your running efforts in some way. I just want to say that if you are lucky enough as a runner to have family and friends who support your athletic efforts, please make sure you thank them for what they do for you! If someone is willing to get out of bed early on a weekend morning to do nothing else but to cheer you on, please don't take that for granted. Please appreciate what a true blessing that is. And if you are the person supporting your fellow runner...please know that just the fact that you are cheering us runners on does not go unnoticed and is more than greatly appreciated. Never underestimate the power of good moral support!! I have run races where I have had family and friends supporting me and I have run races where I was solely on my own....and trust me I would much rather run a race where someone is cheering me on...even if I am at the back of the pack. There is a lot to be said about a good support base. For me, it just gives me that extra spark, that extra um-mph to cross that finish line. It gives me that mentality that my hard work isn't going unnoticed, that I am doing a good job...again, even if I am at the back of the pack. So if you are the runner....please show your appreciation to those who support you...and if you are the supporter, or maybe never have supported your runner...please know that your support speaks volumes to us runners and we love you for your effort and dedication to us. And to those who may be unable to go see your runner do a race, even just a simple note saying "good job" or "good luck" is all the motivation we runners need. Just showing that you care about something we as runners care about means so very much. True story!
On that note, I leave you with one of my absolute favorite "supporter" commercials....nothing beats the power of a pizza box after all :):
Have a great week everyone!!
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Three Years and Still Going
So this past week, August 8th to be exact was my anniversary....no not my wedding anniversary...it was my running anniversary. Three years since I began this love of running....and how did I celebrate?? With a run of course!! I ran a 7 mile run. I tried going over the 10K course for the Feed the Need 5K/10K next Saturday. I sure can tell I haven't run as much as I had been, but it was a great morning for a run regardless.
When I began this running journey three years ago, little did I know where it would take me....and that I would stick with it for this long!! In the last 3 years I have run 16 5K races, one half marathon and soon to be my first 10K. In the last 3 years I have logged around 563 runs with almost 1,900 miles...I'm almost across the US by now right?? Lol! I've gone through countless pairs of shoes, my wardrobe has shifted to mainly running t-shirts and shorts and I have now quite the collection of headbands. This "obsession" I have with running is one of those things in my life that I'm so glad that I not only took up, but also glad that I haven't given up on. I have felt so much better...not only physically, but I feel better about myself period. The fact that I've persevered this long is a big one. I can have a tendency to flit from one thing to another...but God willing, I think with three years under the belt it's safe to say that this habit is here to stay. I've met some great people, ran with some great friends and family and have traveled not too far, but far enough to consider it an adventure. Some of my most memorable moments?? My first 5K in August 2011...I thought I was going to die after that race, but felt so accomplished afterwards. In October 2012 when I ran the CCMH 5K in my first rainstorm and got 1st place in my age bracket. I recently ran another race in the rain...and I've realized that I'm just really not a fan...lol. Of course my greatest accomplishment was running my first half marathon in May. Training was hard and long, but the reward was definitely sweet...crossing that finish line was definitely one of the highlights of my life. I then ran my first mud race in June which was a blast, my first Color Run in July which again was a huge blast and like I said before I will be running my first 10K on Saturday. Lots of miles, sweat and shoes...but I wouldn't change it for anything!!
So what's ahead you may ask?? Well after the 10K this Saturday I will be doing another first the following Saturday...I will be doing my first "dress up" race per se....hey I'll be wearing a Tutu!! And anyone who knows me knows I'm not a huge girly girl so this is something...lol. Not only that, but I'll be running the race with my awesome sissy!! It will be her first race and I'm so stinking excited for her!!! Can't wait!! Then I'll be taking a bit of a break...with races anyway...and start really kicking my next half marathon training into gear. In October I will be running my second half marathon in Cleveland for the Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon. My training so far hasn't been quite as consistent so I'm hoping once the boys start back to school things will get back to more of a routine. After that I'm kicking around possibly doing a 10 mile trail run in November and if my sissy isn't too scared off after her first 5K, maybe doing the Hot Chocolate 5K in November in Columbus with not only my sissy but maybe also my aunt. That would be fun...what could be better than running, family AND chocolate?!?! I know right!
So that's pretty much it for now. The last three years have truly been a wild ride...not easy, but definitely rewarding. Here's hoping that the next years ahead are as great as the last three!!
Have a great week all and just like Forrest Gump....keep running!!
When I began this running journey three years ago, little did I know where it would take me....and that I would stick with it for this long!! In the last 3 years I have run 16 5K races, one half marathon and soon to be my first 10K. In the last 3 years I have logged around 563 runs with almost 1,900 miles...I'm almost across the US by now right?? Lol! I've gone through countless pairs of shoes, my wardrobe has shifted to mainly running t-shirts and shorts and I have now quite the collection of headbands. This "obsession" I have with running is one of those things in my life that I'm so glad that I not only took up, but also glad that I haven't given up on. I have felt so much better...not only physically, but I feel better about myself period. The fact that I've persevered this long is a big one. I can have a tendency to flit from one thing to another...but God willing, I think with three years under the belt it's safe to say that this habit is here to stay. I've met some great people, ran with some great friends and family and have traveled not too far, but far enough to consider it an adventure. Some of my most memorable moments?? My first 5K in August 2011...I thought I was going to die after that race, but felt so accomplished afterwards. In October 2012 when I ran the CCMH 5K in my first rainstorm and got 1st place in my age bracket. I recently ran another race in the rain...and I've realized that I'm just really not a fan...lol. Of course my greatest accomplishment was running my first half marathon in May. Training was hard and long, but the reward was definitely sweet...crossing that finish line was definitely one of the highlights of my life. I then ran my first mud race in June which was a blast, my first Color Run in July which again was a huge blast and like I said before I will be running my first 10K on Saturday. Lots of miles, sweat and shoes...but I wouldn't change it for anything!!
So what's ahead you may ask?? Well after the 10K this Saturday I will be doing another first the following Saturday...I will be doing my first "dress up" race per se....hey I'll be wearing a Tutu!! And anyone who knows me knows I'm not a huge girly girl so this is something...lol. Not only that, but I'll be running the race with my awesome sissy!! It will be her first race and I'm so stinking excited for her!!! Can't wait!! Then I'll be taking a bit of a break...with races anyway...and start really kicking my next half marathon training into gear. In October I will be running my second half marathon in Cleveland for the Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon. My training so far hasn't been quite as consistent so I'm hoping once the boys start back to school things will get back to more of a routine. After that I'm kicking around possibly doing a 10 mile trail run in November and if my sissy isn't too scared off after her first 5K, maybe doing the Hot Chocolate 5K in November in Columbus with not only my sissy but maybe also my aunt. That would be fun...what could be better than running, family AND chocolate?!?! I know right!
So that's pretty much it for now. The last three years have truly been a wild ride...not easy, but definitely rewarding. Here's hoping that the next years ahead are as great as the last three!!
Have a great week all and just like Forrest Gump....keep running!!
Thursday, July 11, 2013
What a whirlwind summer!!
Hard to believe it is already almost mid July already...this summer is going by way too fast!! Hard to believe that in about 6 weeks my boys will be back to school!! Where is this summer going?!?!
So this week I sent off my hubby and youngest to Scout Camp...and the poor things have pretty much been rained on almost every day except today. Yesterday they had a tornado warning which cancelled our usual family night...bummer! But I was able to go out and check on them...what a muddy mess scout camp is! I swear every time our boys go camping they get the worst weather imaginable!! There should be an "Extreme Weather" merit badge, because name an extreme weather event and my boys have been through it...below zero weather...done it...flooding conditions and torrential downpours ..been there...windstorms...yep that too...tornado warnings...mark that one down...extreme heat...uh huh...been there done that...did I miss anything??? And I am not joking! It's kind of the inside joke with us...when we plan a camping outing people know NOT to plan anything because they know the weather is going to be bad. I was scared when I went to West Virginia with these boys because I didn't know what kind of weather I'd run into...luckily all we got while I was there was a little rain.
So this month is and will be a total blur...between scout camp, and then my middle son leaves for National Scout Jamboree on Monday for 10 days of high adventure...so excited for him! Then me and a few of my girlies are doing this next Saturday: The Color Run
This is going to be such a blast...I can already tell...girls weekend here we come!
Then as soon as I get back from the Color Run I am leaving to go do this:
I'm honored and humbled to be going on this trip...I know God is going to do great things on this mission trip and I can't wait to see what God does while I'm there!
Then when I get back from Oklahoma our family is going to be taking a much needed vacation together....not sure what yet and not sure where....but we are getting away to just unplug and relax together for a while....it is so much needed after all the whirlwind of July.
Then the first full week of August my middle son goes for Boy Scout leadership training for a week. Boy has that boy had an adventurous year as well!! Phew...quite the jet setter indeed!!
Then I'm hoping to do a few 5K/10Ks in August. The first one, depending what we do for vacation, will be this one on August 3rd: Coshocton Firefighters IAFF Local 216 MDA 5K. I am kind of partial to this particular 5K as this was the first 5K race I ever did 2 years ago...hard to believe that it's been that long already. Then on August 17th I will be doing my first 10K race for Feed The Need with New Life Ministries. Our church did the 5K race together as a team last year which was fun...looking forward to that one. Then possibly if my sister wants to...hint hint sissy...we may do this 5K together on the 24th: Lady Tutu 5K...we shall see....would so love to do a race...even if we walk most of it...with my sissy...and who knows, maybe there will be a Mellow Mushroom pizza waiting at the end :)
So busy busy busy....oh, and I forgot to mention....I have to fit a birthday in there somewhere...my youngest will be turning 11...wahhh!! Why do they have to grow up?!?!? So wish they would stay little longer!
Well I hope you are enjoying your summer!
So this week I sent off my hubby and youngest to Scout Camp...and the poor things have pretty much been rained on almost every day except today. Yesterday they had a tornado warning which cancelled our usual family night...bummer! But I was able to go out and check on them...what a muddy mess scout camp is! I swear every time our boys go camping they get the worst weather imaginable!! There should be an "Extreme Weather" merit badge, because name an extreme weather event and my boys have been through it...below zero weather...done it...flooding conditions and torrential downpours ..been there...windstorms...yep that too...tornado warnings...mark that one down...extreme heat...uh huh...been there done that...did I miss anything??? And I am not joking! It's kind of the inside joke with us...when we plan a camping outing people know NOT to plan anything because they know the weather is going to be bad. I was scared when I went to West Virginia with these boys because I didn't know what kind of weather I'd run into...luckily all we got while I was there was a little rain.
So this month is and will be a total blur...between scout camp, and then my middle son leaves for National Scout Jamboree on Monday for 10 days of high adventure...so excited for him! Then me and a few of my girlies are doing this next Saturday: The Color Run
This is going to be such a blast...I can already tell...girls weekend here we come!
Then as soon as I get back from the Color Run I am leaving to go do this:
I'm honored and humbled to be going on this trip...I know God is going to do great things on this mission trip and I can't wait to see what God does while I'm there!
Then when I get back from Oklahoma our family is going to be taking a much needed vacation together....not sure what yet and not sure where....but we are getting away to just unplug and relax together for a while....it is so much needed after all the whirlwind of July.
Then the first full week of August my middle son goes for Boy Scout leadership training for a week. Boy has that boy had an adventurous year as well!! Phew...quite the jet setter indeed!!
Then I'm hoping to do a few 5K/10Ks in August. The first one, depending what we do for vacation, will be this one on August 3rd: Coshocton Firefighters IAFF Local 216 MDA 5K. I am kind of partial to this particular 5K as this was the first 5K race I ever did 2 years ago...hard to believe that it's been that long already. Then on August 17th I will be doing my first 10K race for Feed The Need with New Life Ministries. Our church did the 5K race together as a team last year which was fun...looking forward to that one. Then possibly if my sister wants to...hint hint sissy...we may do this 5K together on the 24th: Lady Tutu 5K...we shall see....would so love to do a race...even if we walk most of it...with my sissy...and who knows, maybe there will be a Mellow Mushroom pizza waiting at the end :)
So busy busy busy....oh, and I forgot to mention....I have to fit a birthday in there somewhere...my youngest will be turning 11...wahhh!! Why do they have to grow up?!?!? So wish they would stay little longer!
Well I hope you are enjoying your summer!
Saturday, July 6, 2013
What a year so far!!
I was then able to go on a weekend excursion with our Boy Scout Troop to West Virginia and hike the Rail Trail...23 miles over 2 days. What a blast that was...I so love camping and the boys treated me like a queen...it was truly an awesome weekend!
So right now I'm getting ready to send my youngest and the hubby to Scout Summer Camp for the week and then the following week my middle son has the amazing opportunity to go to the Boy Scout Jamboree in West Virginia...50,000 scouts from all over the country and beyond in one place...10 days of adventure...I feel so happy for him that he's able to go....and I'll be honest, I kind of wish I was going with him. :)
I will then be doing The Color Run 5K on the 20th with some great friends and then I have the wonderful opportunity to go with some of my church family to Oklahoma for a mission trip to help those devastated by the tornadoes...I've never been on a mission trip and thanks to my amazing father in law who is keeping an eye on my boys while I'm away I am able to go on this trip. I'm kind of excited, not only because I'll be helping people but I've never been to that part of the country before. It's an amazing rare opportunity for me and I'm excited to be going.
Also starting the end of this month I will begin training for my next half marathon in Cleveland in October for the Rock n Roll Half. Hard to believe that that's coming up so soon. I have a few 5Ks and a 10K coming up in August too..phew makes me tired typing about it!
So so far this year has been quite the adventure and I feel very blessed and incredibly happy. God has opened so many doors and so many great opportunities for me and I am grateful. I am enjoying just taking it all in...it's by far the most exciting year of my 46 years on this planet...and I am so excited to see what else God has in store for me for the rest of 2013.
So how is your year going so far??
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