Wrapping up 2014

Sunday 12/28 I ran the Belk Bowl 5K. I was happy with my official time, but it was not a PR. My runkeeper app said my pace was 8:36, I have got to get a watch. Runkeeper is not accurate. I was talking to my friend Erin and she said she has a new balance watch that she loves. I need a watch that accurately records my pace and distance. Since I am a little technologically slow the garmin might not be the first watch I need to purchase. The timex that my brother and SIL got me does not record the miles just my time.

Monday is a night I will probably never forget. I mentioned that D's first wife had reached out to me via FB. Her message was put into my other folder and so it sat from July to November without me ever seeing it. Finally I was home one day in November and checking FB from the computer and I saw it. I wrote her back and said that I had prayed for her so many times because I can't imagine what she lived through and that I would love to hear her story. She offered to meet me.

Originally we were supposed to meet the Saturday after thanksgiving but that had to be postponed. Then there was another evening we were going to meet and that had to be postponed again. Monday I texted that morning to make sure that we were still on and she said yes. It's a little odd to meet up with someone who you have never met and feel like you know so much about them. I walked in and she had just arrived. She is very pretty. We sat and talked for 3 hours. I told her more than once how much I appreciated her meeting me and talking to me.

I discovered we are just as much alike as I always suspected. I learned a lot and realized that the patterns that I recognized had been going on for so much longer than my marriage. I love her. In fact I've had to restrain myself from going crazy girl and texting and tagging on FB because I don't want to be scary. I'm just so thankful to have met her.

Tuesday night I got to catch up with Jess. I love when it works out for us to catch up and I thoroughly enjoyed dinner and coffee! She totally got me hooked on the Praline latte at Starbucks and I'm going to be sad when it goes away!

Wednesday I had the day off work. I started the day with a run. Jack and I did 4 miles. I had an appointment with the counselor at the Concord church. I had reached out the week of Christmas because I was just so angry at D. Not because he had moved on but because he was still sending me messages of love while planning a future with his new girlfriend.

The counselor had emailed me back Tuesday and asked if I wanted to come in and I made an appointment to go see her Wednesday. She and I talked about everything that had been going on and that was helpful! I told her about meeting the first wife and how special that was and how much it helped me. Then I told her that I know from my past relationships that I have tried to make better and be helpful and I think I've been misdirecting that and my desire to make a difference is not a bad thing I think there is a bigger picture perspective to it.

I've been reading a book called Made in the USA about human sex trafficing. It's APPALLING! It's so difficult for me to read that I'm not yet finished and I know that bringing awareness to what is going on is critical!

I told the counselor about the book and we began talking. There is a lady in the Concord church who has an organization that works to rescue these victims. The counselor asked if I would like to meet her and for us all to have lunch so I can find out more of what I can do. I jumped all over that!!! I am so excited, nervous and scared, but SO excited!!! With my years in Al-anon I have the ability to really understand and know how to help without enabling, how to detach with love, how to have boundaries but still be loving. I can't wait to see what 2015 holds for me as I begin to explore this journey that the Lord is starting to lead me on!

After my meeting with the counselor I met Patrice for lunch. Then I drove home to help my mom vacuum and get the house ready for her party. Then I went down to Tiffany's house where I rang in 2015 with her and K.

We had such a blast! Tiff made dinner and then each hour she had a different activity for K. We played princess monopoly, we had a glow stick dance party, we played Minion Life, and we celebrated the new year in an unforgettable way! Up until last night my favorite NYE had always been 2007 ringing in 2008 with Josh. That had been such a fun and easy night. Last night now takes the place as my favorite NYE!

Today I went to the gym to start the new year right! Mom is making collards, black eyed peas and pork. We'll have our New Years day meal and then tomorrow I go back to work.

I'm so excited for what 2015 holds! I think it's going to look very different than anything I ever anticipated or expected but God is definitely moving and I trust His timing and His plan!

Letting go and moving forward

It is worth stating that tomorrow is the last day of September. While this month has flown by, it feels like the start of the month was ages ago instead of just mere weeks.

I went to Abs and Booty class on Thursday night. Per usual it was a fantastic workout and I never regret going.

Friday night I went to my Al-Anon meeting. These days when I go to meetings I usually don't get emotional. I'm out of the situation with my qualifier and I find my life is so much more serene. Friday night there was a share from a spouse who is still living with active disease and the person talked about having to detach with love and I felt the tears. I could so clearly feel and understand the pain in the sharing. Then the next share talked about being frustrated with the dog even though it was not the dogs fault and I started crying. Which, meetings are such a safe place that it's safe to cry, but I don't cry in public. I made it through more counseling sessions then I can count without tears but this night the shares just hit me. 

Not only did I cry, but I got in the car and I was shaking. Apparently the past is not as far in the past as I like to think it is, and this is why I still go to meetings.

These past few weeks have been filled with memories that hurt. I guess August was the month for the memories that were positive and September has been the month of remembering the really difficult stuff.

Saturday morning I went to shake and tone, think zumba with weights, I love it! I went to lunch with my friend Alicja. I went by my storage unit to pull out my clothes so I can switch out wardrobes. I went to the Saturday night service at the Charlotte church since I had a race on Sunday.

The message series for September has been on giving. I give, so I kind of felt like it was not relevant to me but regardless I appreciated the word. For a very long time I did not tithe, and while I gave I was never consistent with it. It wasn't until a few years ago that my tithing became consistent and I began to also give above that to various things. I had always planned to but had put it off because I never had extra money.

Interestingly enough, the more that I give, the more there is to give. The company that I work for has a matching funds program where I can choose to have them match, up to a certain amount, the money that I choose to allocate for different non profits. Last year I gave more than the year before and this year I will give more again, and in all truth and honesty, I have never missed the money. 

This year I also chose to adopt a child through Compassion International. I chose a child who has the same birth day as Audra, although he's a year younger. I decided that since I might never have children I could adopt a child, and maybe more and I have been so incredibly blessed by this opportunity. 

This didn't all happen immediately. I was tithing, and then I gave towards something, and then I gave towards something else, and now I find that it's just not an every once in a while thing but I have several things that are really special to me. I've been blessed and I have been called to be a blessing to others and I'm amazed and thankful and I want to give more and more.

I ran my 5K on Sunday. It was a 5K and a 15K. With where I am located training for a race longer than a 10K is kind of a hassle. Since I'm going to be here another year I think I'm going to have to just suck it up and figure it out. I feel like I'm ready to start increasing my mileage past 6 miles again.

I learned an important lesson on Sunday. I have a friend who runs races and she is very fast. She is also very fit. I took a picture of her as she was coming in to the finish line and I posted it. She made the comment about how fat her legs looked. Her legs are all muscle. However knowing how I feel about pictures I asked her if she wanted me to delete it and she did. I realized that if this tiny, beautiful, amazingly shaped friend felt that way then we are all fighting our own battles and it doesn't matter what size you are you will still have your own struggles. I'm tracking calories and exercising but I'm trying very hard to not beat myself up and accept where I am.

After my race I came home and cleaned the bathrooms, took a nap, and then made more progress on switching out my summer and winter clothes and shoes. With each time I've done this I've pulled out the clothes and shoes that I haven't worn and I've put them in a bag to donate. I enjoy clothes and shoes very much and I really love to shop but I don't want to be too attached to things, especially clothes and shoes. This is a huge change for the woman whose room was essentially one enormous closet. 

I'm honestly not sure what the coming year is going to bring and I want to be as ready as possible for whatever might come my way. 

5 Minutes

Amy said that Audra has not stopped talking about her party. I would say that it was all a success!

It was so much fun putting all that together!

Saturday morning I woke up early and got myself ready, got Audra ready, vacuumed and then Amy arrived just after 9 and we headed to the party room.

Amy had the white table cloths, we got those on the tables and I started decorating the tables while she set up the face painting stuff and craft table.

My MIL arrived with the food and we got that stored.

Daron arrived with the balloons and helped cut sandwiches.

Our guests started arriving.

They had their faces painted, did crafts, lots of pictures were being snapped, and then it was lunch time.

It pretty much poured rain the entire time, but we were warm and dry inside!

After lunch we did the birthday cake, and then the pinata and then the girls just played while I started putting things away.

My mom said that everyone had such a good time, they didn't even want to leave. I could not have asked for things to have gone any smoother than they did.

I was SO TIRED!

We went back to our house for Audra to open presents. Her favorite, the Barbie Muskateers movie from Uncle Brian and Aunt Jenny. She watched it no less than 6 times between Saturday and Sunday and she acted out parts of it.

Sunday morning we had church. I tried for a long run Sunday but the stomach bug from earlier in the week was not entirely out of my system so I only got 4 miles in.

Monday I made it to chair fit, but my stamina is still not quite where I'm used to.

Tuesday night I made it to my meeting.

Last night I cleaned for my parents and then came home and cleaned our bathroom.

Tonight my goal is to get a run in with Jack, I just didn't have the energy on Tuesday.

I am ready for a nap, and it's only 7:45 am... The good news is tomorrow is Friday!

5 Minutes, catching up

Last week I was sick, all week long. Those kid germs are no joke! When we had Audra the previous weekend she still had the cough and runny nose. I hold her hand all the time, because she's 4. If we are out in a parking lot, in a store, wherever, I hold her hand. Which means that even washing mine, I still managed to catch her germs.

Sunday night after we had done the prayer walk in the new church building I could feel it coming on. I took mucinex. Then I took more mucinex.

I left work early last Tuesday and went home and slept.

By Friday I was feeling better. I swear mucinex is the best thing ever!!! Instead of the cough lingering, which has happened in past year, I'm still dealing with having to blow my nose but that is it.

I picked Audra up on Friday from her mom's. Saturday I got 7 miles in, the first run I did all week. I was going for 8 but I realized that I wasn't going to make 8 and I cut it short.

Audra had a birthday party to go to at the skating rink, I think she had a good time! She's had so many birthday parties lately, these presents add up!

Sunday morning I had nursery. I love the little people that I get to spend time with!

Sunday evening we had our last small group of the year. I love our small group! I love being involved in church. I never ever ever thought I would say that but as I've gotten involved and become a part of things, I love it!

Last night I did chair fit for the first time since I fell 2 weeks ago. No injuries, Yay!!!! Speaking of that though, my elbows still hurt from that fall!!!

I know that it's not yet Thanksgiving but I'm totally ready to decorate for Christmas. I have suggested that we let Audra have the pink tree in her room and we pull out the green tree. I really want to decorate the tree this year, but I'm not sure that my super opinionated super picky about decorating husband is going to completely go along with my desire to decorate a tree without a theme.

I registered for a half marathon in March. Hopefully I will have no injuries between now and then and I will finally be able to run another one!

Thanksgiving we're going to both my parents, and D's. It means I have to get through 2 Thanksgiving meals without overeating... I know I can, it's just going to be a challenge! This is why I'm planning on a long run Thanksgiving morning to help balance out the calories!

Happy Tuesday!!!

to run or not to run, lack of motivation, keeping it in perspective

The result of a crazy weekend is the need for another weekend but this is real life and real life means that you just keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Monday night I was in bed before 9 but I put the Kindle down at 9.

I arrived home yesterday afternoon to dinner. D made southwestern chicken salad for me. It was quite delicious. I do not recommend trying to run after eating a salad; draw your own gastronomical conclusions. I should have gone for my run with Jack and then eaten but the food was sitting there waiting for me and I waited 30 minutes after eating. So I'll chalk last night's run up to a slow recovery run and move forward from there.

I truly love this time of year I just wish that the daylight didn't go away so soon. The good part about my 7-4 hours is the smidge longer I have to get a run in before the sun sets.

I read a book titled You are not what you weigh. I appreciated it. It reconfirmed a lot of things that I know in my head, the scale should never define the kind of day I have or how I feel about myself. I should not feel like a failure because of the numbers on the scale. There were a lot of things that the author talked about that I could directly relate to. It's the kind of book I would want to write.

The sad truth is that I have spent almost my entire life identifying who I am with how much I weigh and how I look. How warped! I think I can trace it back to the pediatrician's office when the doctor was telling my mom that I weighed too much.  I was 9.

I honestly think that everyone has something that they are challenged by. This is just part of being human. Every person has their own individual hurdles to jump in life and they grow with each successful jump.

I think I thought since the first 30 days were fairly easy I was off the hook for this journey being difficult. It's actually been much more difficult after the 30 day mark. I have to use portion control and pay attention to calorie counts, and it's not my favorite but it's necessary.

Tonight I'm going to an abs and booty class that will surely leave me sore, and remembering every muscle that hasn't been used in a while. Hopefully tomorrow night I will get another run in. I'm lacking workout motivation. I know that it's important, especially now more than ever, but I truly don't "feel" like it right now. The weather is gorgeous enough that when I get out for a run it becomes a joy, but I have to fight past the "I don't feel like it" feeling.

I'm distracting myself with house searches and party planning. I cleaned the office for the last time Tuesday night 2 weeks ago. I'm twitchy over the fact that I don't have anything to replace that gig. I feel like I'm supposed to just hold off but I have considered searching for another part time job. The funny thing is when I gave up working at the restaurant I thought I would have more free time which is kind of true but I use that free time to work out and get stuff done so going back to a part time job I'm not sure how I would be able to fit in my working out… first world problems I know.

The more I think about trying to train for the 11/16 half the less confident I feel. I'm also factoring in the $90 registration fee and contemplating if I feel like paying for it or waiting until March. I'll keep increasing my distances without trying to force my body to run a race it's not ready for yet. I could do both, I think it really comes down to how much training I'm able to accomplish before the race.

fair, run, group

Friday night we went to the fair. Amy came to the house first and followed us there. I had gone in to change clothes, and I hear Audra on the porch proclaim that "this is the best day my whole family is together".  We had a fantastic time at the fair. We all rode rides and the kids played a few games. They won a few stuffed animals a piece.  We set the limit on how many games they would play so that the cost didn't get too crazy.

I was able to run 9 miles on Saturday morning. This is HUGE! I've been fighting an Achilles injury and my half marathon is a month away. I'm hopeful that I'll be able to pick my mileage back up and still run my half!

I posted a status update on FB talking about a bag full of shoes. Audra went from a 10.5 to a 12, which I wasn't expecting. I thought she would do like she did last year and her foot would be an 11 until at least January if not a little longer.  So I had a collection of size 11 shoes that was somewhat ridiculous considering we only have her on the weekends. In my defense the consignment stores have sales where you buy 1 pair and get 3 free, or buy 3 get 3 free, so that is part of the reason why she had so many. I also shop clearance, and when I see a cute pair of shoes for $5, I'm a sucker. I have promised myself that I am going to do better about this. She simply doesn't need as many pairs as she had.

Saturday afternoon we picked Audra up from Amy and had her for the evening until church Sunday. After church Sunday Daron and I went to lunch and the grocery store and then he worked on his business idea and I took Jack for a walk. I had small group and Daron stayed home working on his business.

We signed up for the same small group that we participated in this summer. I really love the group, the people, and the atmosphere. At first it was a little intimidating to me but I'm starting to feel more comfortable. Amy is a part of the group and Audra loves the "big girls" who keep an eye on the younger kids while the adults meet.

My husband can be (or is) an isolationist. One of the most ongoing disagreements between us is that I refuse to allow myself to be isolated from family and friends. I push back hard on this topic and generally he and I never agree. I simply do what I need to do and I don't ask rather I tell that I am going to go visit, insert friend here, or I have dinner plans with insert friend here. I work to make sure that when I do have plans I schedule things out I can't always keep it spread out but I do my best to try and keep it from being too many things back to back. Example my friend Nicole and I are running the half together, she has plans for a girls night dinner afterwards and I was invited. I had to decline the dinner invitation because if I agreed to that in addition to my race it would be a fight I just don't want to fight. He doesn't realize that I choose these battles.

Last night I had a wonderful time at small group. Group usually last about 3 hours which sounds like a long time but there is conversation, discussion and prayer and when you have 10-12 people sharing it's not going to be short. The message at church yesterday was on building relationships and for group this "semester" we're talking about the sermon as our study format. So we talked about how important relationships are, and why community is important. In all honesty it's sometimes really difficult for me because I realize and understand the necessity of community and I want to be open and honest but there is a lot that is not my story to share. So I find ways to share without using examples. Instead of making it all about how D is the isolationist extreme I simply kept my sharing about me, I figure small group is not the time to vent.

Friday Fun Day - or at least getting stuff done day

Something I haven't talked about lately is running. I'm now up to mile 12, as of tomorrow, and my next half marathon is coming up in October.

I've had some issues with cramps, and running clothes that eat my skin, but overall I'm doing well with my training this go round. I'm also pleased with how much cross training I've actually been able to do this time.

Last night we had Audra's orientation at her new school. I am so very very excited for her, for this new experience. There are a lot of families from our church who have children who go to this school so I'm excited for the friendships that are bound to come of this.

Today we were supposed to have gone on a rafting trip. Fortunately D waited too late to try and call and book it. I say fortunately because it would have been so cold!!! It is the middle of August in NC and I woke up this morning to temperatures in the low 60's. This is unheard of in these parts!

I made it to the gym this morning and did weights and a few minutes on the elliptical machine. Then I went to my oil change appointment. I took advantage of a day of work to make this happen. I have to get new back breaks, it is always something!!!

We'll be getting Audra this afternoon and I have no idea what we will do this weekend. It's supposed to rain for the next several days straight. It has been such a rainy cool summer, which honestly, I'm not complaining. I like this change and I'm sure next summer is going to be crazy hot and humid as usual.

Happy Friday to all!!!

5 Minutes

Last week went by in a blur. The amount of work that is even still on my desk is quite a bit. I'm not complaining, it's actually a good thing, but this time of year used to be a time where I could catch up.

Audra's school held a uniform consignment sale last Friday and Saturday. I had received an email about the sale and I planned to go on Saturday but Amy said she was going on Friday for Audra's brother's clothes. I asked if I could give her the money I had set back for Audra's clothes so that she could have first pick of the things in her size. I am beyond excited that she was able to purchase almost all of Audra's uniform needs with the $100. This included 5 jumpers, 2 pairs of shorts and 2 pairs of pants as well as several tops, and a sweater and a fleece and I think one more winter type item. The jumpers new were about $40 a pop so Amy and I were both practically jumping for joy at all that she was able to find!

Saturday morning I was up and starting my run at 5:30. I did the hardest parts of my route first, and the first set of hills were not that bad, they were not easy, but I did them. The second part of hills I made it until the very last one and then I had to walk it and then I really wanted to quit but I was only 5 miles in and I had 5 more miles to go. So I sucked it up and ran. I had the absolute worst rub on my right inside thigh. I sweat a lot, and the shorts, by the end, caused a huge raw spot. No more running in shorts for me for a while, even as hot as it is I'll wear capris or pants.

I got home and in the shower. Daron bought tickets to Carowinds and the plan was to leave our house at 9, but we ended up leaving at 10 since it takes D and Audra a while to get up and get moving. I had the challenge of figuring out what to wear on my legs that would not hurt me. We made a very last minute decision after getting off the exit to the park to stop at Cracker Barrel for lunch. It worked out perfectly because we didn't have to buy food in the park which is crazy expensive.

We parked as close to the water park as possible and left our pool stuff in the car. The wait time for the kid rides was about 30 minutes a ride. We were lucky that it was overcast up until the last ride so the heat didn't get to us until the last wait. After Audra rode her first "real" roller coaster we headed back to the car to pick up our pool stuff.

We made our way to the water park area. The dressing room was crazy hot, and by the time I got Audra and myself dressed I was sweating profusely. I don't think they have updated the dressing rooms since they first put the water park in 25ish years ago. It looked exactly the same as what I remember.

We found a little tucked away shallow pool that was just perfect for Audra and spent the next hour or 2 letting her float around to her hearts content. She said she was hungry and that's when we packed it up and headed out.

We asked Audra what she wanted for dinner and she responded a happy meal. Now this part of the story I really love. I have to back up a little so it makes sense. The Sunday before we had gone to Hardees for lunch the food is usually good but the service has always been consistently terrible. There was an error, after a long wait, for D's food and he used his loud ugly voice to the manager and employee involved in the error. As he is being ugly I'm sitting in the booth with Audra quietly explaining that this is not how we treat people, that this is not ok, that we don't talk to people that way, that sometimes grownups are wrong, just trying to make sure that she understood that it is completely unacceptable to talk to people like that.

When D came back to the table Audra told him he needed to apologize for being ugly, and he actually did apologize for being rude.

So Saturday evening we are pulling in to McDonalds and Audra pipes up from the back Daddy you have to be nice, don't forget you have to be nice. If you are mean you will have to apologize. I'm just sitting back there keeping my mouth shut, but she was absolutely right and I appreciated her reminding him that he needs to be nice.

Fortunately they got our order correct and we were through the drive thru and headed home without having to apologize for being rude, or without D having to apologize for being rude.

Sunday morning I had 11 nursery and I love nursery, but it is absolutely exhausting!!!! Amy took Audra home from church with her so D and I were able to go back to the place where we had our anniversary dinner and I got my sushi fix. Then I went home and took a nap!

I have to admit that I totally was waiting on pins and needles for the royal baby announcement. One of my FB friends wrote that she totally loves a fairy tale where the princess gets her happily ever after and I wholeheartedly agreed. I was thrilled yesterday when the announcement came through that it's a boy!

Last night I took an abs class at the gym then I drove home and picked up Jack and took him for a walk. I made him behave, he wanted to ferociously bark at every dog and person who passed us and I would not let him.

I have to get back to work, Happy Tuesday!!!

Recently

I called in a prescription refill last Tuesday, I needed it for Sunday, I was finally able to pick it up Monday after work. My dr. admitted he was holding it hostage to make sure that I made it in for a follow up; which I get, but would have been nice if they could have just held it hostage until Friday not Monday.

To the girl at the gym who walked beside me for about 30 minutes while I was knocking out my long run and she was talking on her phone, girl, really?????? You didn't really burn any calories doing that. To the girls walking on the treadmills last night while I was running, and you were going at a leisurely pace, again, you're not really burning any calories and y'all are younger than me I guarantee it.

I leave the gym and I am absolutely disgusting, it's actually something that embarrasses me because I am so ridiculously sweaty it looks like I stepped in a shower with my clothes on, I try not to think about it.

To the lady at the pool in the bikini saying that she's fat, to her pregnant friend, really??? Are you just fishing for compliments? You are clearly not fat, you are maybe a size 4, if that, except for your exceptionally large chest which I'm pretty sure was completely natural, but even so the rest of you is possibly at most a 4.

I've been trying to remember to foam roll after running. Audra saw me and wanted to roll too. So I told her to get a pool noodle and that's what she does when I'm doing the roller.

My husband is an amazing cook. I haven't talked about this in a while. I appreciate the fact that he cooks dinner most nights which allows me to get a workout and shower in before we eat. Of course his amazing cooking is part of why my weight is staying where it's at. I just think if I wasn't running and working out all the time my weight would be creeping up instead of staying where it's at. I don't love where it's at but since the clothes I have now fit, and I gave away all the smaller ones, I'm just going to make sure I don't gain any more. Audra's mom being a size 2 leaves me feeling large whenever we're beside each other but I know she doesn't eat (stress) so it bothers me less.

One of my coworkers has on an outfit of pink pants and a yellow top and I LOVE it. I couldn't pull off that color yellow but I now really want some pink pants.

Last night I got home from my meeting and D was watching Perfect Score on CW channel. It's this dating game type show where they are given a dollar value for how compatible they are. It's super cheesy but I got sucked in. The host had on a pair of pink pants that liked. So 2 pairs of pink pants in 2 days, and I'm thinking I need to add a pair to my wardrobe. She wore a black top with hers and I do have plenty of black tops!

This morning I knocked out 3 quotes, a renewal, and a meeting, which leaves me feeling accomplished except there is still so much more work to do. So I better get back to it! Happy Wednesday!

April 15

I have had the pleasure of visiting Boston once, it was in 2004. I loved the city! I love the history that took place there! I love that so much of our history as a Nation started there.

Yesterday the events that unfolded left me stunned.

I love that people stepped up to help. I love that the community embraced all those who were a part of the big race. I don't understand the evil intent but I know this is true "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" John 1:5

crunchy

According to the brief research I just conducted I need to schedule an appointment with my chiropractor asap. I have a call in.

My knees have been crunching on stairs for a long time. I don't remember when it started but I never thought about it overmuch because it didn't hurt.

Then last night my knee was off.

I know that with the right excercise this is fixable. Any excercise suggestions are appreciated!

dinner, race time, hanging out

Friday night I picked up Girl Clean. Then we drove to our house. I put the birthday presents in bags, we signed cards, we loved on Jack Banner and then it was time to head to dinner.

I am going to sound really old but 7pm was a long time to wait for dinner. Truthfully I saved calories because I knew we were having mexican, and I LOVE mexican and wanted to be able to enjoy. Oh my word I was starving by the time we finally got there.

Our niece turned 13, so while I'm pretty sure she liked the presents it's impossible to tell. As I sat and observed this family I married into it's so very different from my own.

Saturday morning I was up bright and early. I met Nicole and Christi and Baby K at the King Tiger 5K race. The start this year was moved up from 8 to 7:30 which made it a much cooler race then it has been in the past!!!

I ran this race in 2009, 2010 and now 2012. Last year I was getting ready for a wedding and Christi was pregnant and not able to participate.

Breaking down my times: In 2009 my chip time was 29:38 and my pace was 9:38 per mile. In 2010 my chip time was 29:31 and my pace was 9:34 per mile. NOW..... 2012 my chip time was 28:33 and my pace was 9:12. This race is hilly, and there is not a lot of shade. I am THRILLED at my time for this one. It's not a PR but it is a big deal considering the challenge of this particular course.

I drove home and stopped at Walmart because Jack needed food. I was sweaty and red and I'm sure I looked about as appealing as sweaty gym socks. However, I'm standing in the aisle comparing draino and liquid plumber and this guy starts talking to me. In fact he's trying to flirt with me. I didn't want to be rude but I also made sure to use, we and our statements and I had on my band. Fortunately I was picking up my last thing so I was able to say have a great day and move on. It was one of those awkward moments of not wanting to hurt someones feelings but also wanting to make a quick exit.

I got home and showered. We took Girl Clean to the park because it was such a gorgeous day!!! We had church that night so all in all it was a fairly normal Saturday.

Yesterday morning I took Jack for a walk on the greenway. We ran some errands. Blew some bubbles on the front porch. I had a class at church last night.

All in all it was a great weekend!!!!

Charlotte Race Schedule

I can't email and can't comment so I'm posting :)

There are lots of running opportunities in Charlotte!!! My personal favorites are always the ones by Run For Your Life. The website http://www.runforyourlife.com/, has a race calendar.

Active.com also has a list of events.

It's possible to train for a 1/2 marathon by say a date of March 25 but with a move and lots of changes not something I would attempt.

Race Numbers

Thanks for running The 4.Niner K on October 22, 2011

Below are your personal race results.  You can also check them out online at www.bigfootrunning.com

76 - Your overall finish position
227 - Total finishers in 4.9 k
You finished in top 33% overall

5 - Your age group finish position
13 - Total finishers in your age group Female 30 to 34
You finished in top 38% in your age group

27:52 - Your Chip Time
28:05 - Your Gun time
 9:14 - Your pace per mile

Connect with us...
www.onthemarksports.com
www.bigfootrunning.com 

ouch

Yesterday at work was a typical day back after being away. I had emails to catch up on but it was not overly crazy.


The original plan had been to play disc golf followed by me going to the gym. It rained all day long yesterday. Disc golf was out. I got home and Mr. Clean was making soup for dinner.

When I started my run Saturday morning I noticed that I was tight on my left side in the lower back. I kept running and it worked itself out. However, when I tried to run Sunday shooting pain, which meant Jack and I walked instead of the run I planned. I'm not sure what it is. I started using my foam roller and other stretches on Sunday trying to work out whatever it is that I have done.

I took Jack for another walk Monday and walked around the zoo all day. I think this helped to stretch the muscles. I again made sure to use my roller and I have some racquet balls that I apply to the knots that the foam roller is not able to touch. Based on my description of the pain and a past similar pain I think this is my Piriformis acting up. I looked at google images and I'm 97% positive this is what's going on. It's my fault I don't stretch the way I'm supposed to. I know I need to work on this.

Last night I went to the gym and ran a mile, it was painful to start but I ran through it, towards the end I picked up the pace and I was OK. It was not fun but I think it was necessary. I went and did strength training for my arms and then 2 more miles this time on the elliptical machine. I felt twinges on the elliptical but I felt like I was helping rather then hurting. I made sure that when I got home I once again did the stretches and rolls that I needed to do.

It hurts. I have a race in less then 2 weeks and I know that it's a hilly course. I don't mind walking portions of it. I just hope that my gut instinct is correct and as long as I keep doing what I'm doing I will be able to work out this strain on my own. If not I have the best chiropractor in the world, I just have to figure out when I can get there...

oops

I was looking at the race calendar. I wrote down my 15K as being on October 15th, it's actually on October 8th. The longest distance I've run is 6.5 miles. If I run 8 miles this Saturday will I be ok to run the 9 miles on the 8th???? Advice please!!!!

restaurant, Jack, mosquitoes, family, books, errands and running

Friday night continued the trend of complete weirdness with our guests at the restaurant. The good part, I got to leave at 9:15 and the GM took over hosting duties.

My dog has decided that when Mr. Clean takes him out he will refuse to go. Treats, are not working. I've requested that he not give up, I need his help and while this is frustrating I need him to continue to do his best so that I do not have to worry about the fact that my baby is not doing his business as necessary.

When I have to take Jack out, oh it's miserable. Our house has more mosquitoes then a swamp, or so it seems. Last night I took Jack out trying to get him to do all his business. Unscented Off does not work, Kutter does. I have to get to Lowes to buy more. The Kutter yard spray didn't really work very well. I had 20 bites on my feet and legs at least. I finally just put Jack in the car and took him for a walk on my normal route in order to let him stretch his legs and not feel rushed. This keeps my irritation at bay since I'm not being eaten alive as he sniffs every blade of grass.

Saturday morning I took Jack for a walk, and then got ready and went to have lunch with my Mom and Grandmommy. I found out last week that my Grandmother is not doing very well health wise. A mini stroke has blurred her vision. She has cancer on one of her legs. It's so hard to watch this lady who I love and admire so much go through so much pain. Mr. Clean and I agreed when I found out about this that I would spend time with her on Saturday. I wouldn't trade that time for anything. It was a great day!!!

I was home in time for church and it was fantastic!!! I can honestly say I appreciate the church we go to!! An evening trip to Wal Mart afterwards and I made chicken nachos for dinner, YUM!!!! Our oven died last week so now we have to get a new one.

Sunday morning I finished reading Fear Fighters, I enjoyed it. I was able to take away a lot from it! I checked the gym hours and online it said the gym opened at 11, it actually opens at 9. It was fine, JB slept on my lap while I read and then I went and ran 4 miles at 11. I thoroughly enjoyed the laziness of the morning.

The afternoon included a trip to Big Lots, Pier 1 and then Crate and Barrel. Followed by dinner and then an evening in. I almost finished the So Long Insecurity book. I am so glad I picked it up. It's another one that I've taken away a lot from it!!

Girl Clean is at the beach with Mr. Clean's parents this week so I'm looking forward to hearing the stories! I hope everyone has a fabulous Monday!!

Upcoming Races

I find that I run if I know I have races coming up. Maybe this is true, maybe not since I have been known to not be able to find parking and drive away from a race... Last year I did that for the Hit the Brixx 10K, I wasn't meeting anyone there and wasn't sure about parking and also was a big baby who didn't want to run into S.

This year I signed up again for the Hit the Brixx 10K, and my friend, NH, who has run the previous 2 races with me this year is also running this one. I convinced her, it will be her first 10K. I know she will rock it out!!!

This morning I registered for the 15K in October. I last did this race in 2009 the Saturday before I started my current full time job. This was the race where I met S. Because I have not wanted to log in the training time for another 1/2 I decided that I would make myself do at least a 9 mile race.

Running has definitely taken a back seat to life this year, but I'm still trying to make sure that I get out and stay active! I mentioned that I took off Tuesday and Thursday of this week. Sometimes I think it's necessary for me to take a step back and take a break. Do I freak out a little bit that I'm going to gain weight because of it, absolutely!!! However, sometimes exhaustion trumps all and I just need a break!

July 4 Miler

Last week I talked about the heat, then the break in the heat. Saturday morning I woke up and it was FABULOUS outside. Normal Charlotte, NC July morning are usually hot, not as hot as high noon but even in the early morning it's not much of a relief in temperature. Not as bad as further south but it's still saps you when it's time to run.

Case in point. Last years race was on July 24, 2010, one of the two hottest days of the month for Charlotte. This year it was in the low 70's in the morning and I don't think it even hit 90 degrees Saturday. Temperature makes a huge difference in my running!! When I ran this race in 2009 my chip time was 39:11. 2010 my chip time was 40:02. This year... my chip time.. 36:26!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After my race Mr. Clean and I took girl clean and walked around an antiques mall. She fell asleep while I was carrying her which gave us plenty of time to see everything. The best time to try and accomplish little trips like this are right at nap time when she falls asleep and we can look.

Church Saturday night allowed us to have Sunday morning, Mr. Clean and girl clean slept and I took Jack for a walk, went to the grocery store for a few quick things, went by the ATM and they were still sleeping when I got home. We went to his parents for lunch and my parents for dinner. Free food, yes please!!

I'm so excited about my race results, I felt awesome and it makes me want to run more!!!

Holiday Weekend

I hope everyone had a wonderful July 4th holiday!!

When I last left off we were heading to the lake to hang out with Bean and Jelly. I supposed I should back up, I woke up early Saturday morning and took Jack for a walk. I got home and took my shower and started pulling out ALL THE STUFF we were going to need for our few hours at the lake house.

I packed beach towels and regular towels, swimmies, regular pullups, clothes for her, clothes for me, sunscreen, lotion, etc etc etc.... I had all my donation stuff in my trunk. I had yet to manage to squeeze the time to take my stuff to the donation place. Saturday morning I had to, otherwise we were not going to fit everything in the car that we needed.

I found the location no problem, dropped all my stuff off and then returned home to load up the car. I knew it would be a long trip from our house down to the lake, it was an hour and 10 minutes. With a 2 year old and a dog, it felt like forever, but reality 70 minutes, I've had longer runs.

Bean and Jelly had chicken, and corn we had pasta salad and chips, we actually made quite an impressive lunch spread with the combination of our food. In addition to the pasta and chips we brought bread and haystacks, they had tomato, cheese, onion, mayo and mustard. It was a delcious lunch!!

After lunch we went for a swim, girl clean started off with her Dad. When the big wave caused by boat wake got her face that did not go over well. I had her for the rest of the time in the water and it went great. By this time it was getting to be nap time and we had 1 meltdown before we got her in the car to head back.

We got Jack settled at home, did a quick change of our clothes and headed to church. Our favorite is the Saturday night service that starts at 6 because it's much more laid back and gives us all day Sunday to relax. We were a little behind time wise but since it was a holiday weekend it was not too difficult to find parking.

Sunday was Mr. Clean's birthday. I woke up feeling like I had been hit by a truck. I was supposed to run and instead I went back to sleep. I could not taste anything and I knew I was going to have to eat at his birthday lunch we were having with his family. I got girl clean in the bath and ready to go and we were at his parents at the appointed time. The meal was delicious, he had asked for chicken fajitas and they did a great job pulling everything together.

After lunch and some quality time we had to get Girl Clean home for her nap. She is pretty consistent when it comes to behavior when she is tired.

Sunday night I was in bed early and Monday morning I got a 5 mile run in with Jack. It felt awesome, except for the heat, it' was already hot at 6:30 yesterday morning. Girl Clean's mom picked her up at 10 and Mr. Clean and I headed to Ikeea to try and find some odds and ends. What we did not find at that store we did find in a few other places and he has a lot of hanging to do but when it's all done our place will look the way he wants it to.

I personally thought the house was fine as it was but this is coming from the girl who really didn't have any true sense of house style in her condo. I love clothes and shoes and the condo was comfortable and homey. I had family pictures and momentos and it suited me just fine. Mr. Clean has a different view point and to me it's not worth fighting over so I just let him do whatever and when he asks me I say yes that looks nice.

He put together the fixings for chicken pitas and we had an awesome dinner and watched Baby Mama. It ended up being a great weekend, which was nice. It's been an adjustment period over these past few weeks so having a mostly good laid back weekend and time together is a blessing.