INSTALLMENT #1-postpartum race day

I haven't got around to posting much, due to postpartum race. Yes, I feel like I just had a baby. Not physically(amazingly), but mentally. It seems that having a baby is the only thing I can compare it to. I will cry at the drop of a hat if I even start thinking about the training, the race, and the knowledge I have gained. So I will post my experience in installments, there is simply too much I feel to lay it all out in one post, and it would take forever. So please be patient with me as I am processing all of this. It may sound silly that I have such high emotions, but I really have put my whole heart and soul into this for the last 3 months. I am feeling better today. I was itching to get out and run this morning. I did 3 miles, it was so therapeutic. It was exactly what my heart and my mind needed. My run was definitely was what got me through the rest of my day. For now, enjoy this tiny little pic. I copied it off of the site that took photos at the race. So unless I buy it(which I plan on doing), it remains small so as not to be duplicated. I would post some of my own pics, but I have none of me running the race. For some odd reason my photographer(Steve) thought I was dressed in red, not white. Can't imagine why. He watched me get dressed, spent the morning with me, and even hugged me and bid me farewell before the race. He didn't even see me finish. He was looking for his Lady in Red(not to be found). In fact, I didn't even see him for a good 20 minutes after finishing. I had to borrow a cell phone and call him. He asked where I was. I told him I had finished long ago. It was oh so lonely. Ok, I have to stop writing now, I am holding back my tears. See, still to soon for me to write. I will leave you with my official time which was 2 hours 2 minutes 10 seconds.

I DID IT!-13.1

I DID IT!!! It was incredible, and so much fun!!! That's all I can say for now, I haven't quite wrapped my head around it yet. My time was 2:01 and maybe some seconds. I don't have an official time yet, but from the clocks I was watching that is my best estimate. I will have a whole post with pics later, for now, I am snoozing. Thanks everyone for all your support. I have the very best friends and familyever!!!

LAST WEEK...AND THIS WEEK

This last week of training was great! I cross trained on Monday, ran 4 on Tuesday, cross trained Wednesday, ran 3 on Thursday, and ran 8 on Saturday. This week is mainly a week of rest. I thought this week would never come. I only have to do 2 runs of 3 miles, and then walk 2 miles on Thursday. I ran my first 3 today, so only one more run before the big day! On Sunday we went and drove the half marathon course. I really needed to see the course so I knew that I had really trained for what I was about to do. The course was beautiful. I am excited to put my feet to the road. After scoping out the course, we stopped at Sugar House Park to meet Steve's side of the family for a picnic. His cousin Linsey(my hair dresser, and the one who got me excited to run the race)was there and I couldn't wait to make plans with her for Saturday. I asked her if she was ready to run. She then let me in on her little secret about being pregnant, Yeah!!! That was a legitimate, and wonderful excuse not to run. Her dad(Uncle Daryl), and her sister Megan are still running the race. They took me under their wing(being a first time marathon runner)and made plans with me for the day. They are even going to pick me up at the hotel that morning, just to make sure we meet up. Aunt Julie and Linsey will stop at the cheering sections to offer food and fluids, and then meet us at the end, along with Steve and my boys. I feel so much better about everything. Just knowing I have friends on the course makes it all that much better! I have a few things left still that I would like to do before Friday. I'll keep you posted as I get them done. I feel so giddy this week. I couldn't even sleep last night. All I could think about was running the course. I really can't wait until Saturday. I wish it would just get here already!

SUMMING UP MY WEEK AGAIN-walk-3-4-9

I have been so lazy about journaling my runs. This last week was a really off week for me. I felt like I "hit the wall" after my 12.5 mile last Saturday. Monday started off a little rough. I left with the best of intentions for my run, but it was so chilly and windy, so I walked instead. So I tried for Tuesday, and I literally felt like I was dragging a cow behind me. I was going to quit after mile 2 miles, and then I ran into Marianne(who is an awesome gal who runs like crazy) and she said "come run", so I did. She helped me get the rest of the way. I was so thankful for her influence, and for the man above for placing her there right when I needed her. She gave me some great suggestions, like, "it's OK to take a break if your tired, "listen to your body", "just cross train", and "don't focus so much on your time, just finish". All of this advice has really helped me get thorough the rest of my week. Wednesday I received a package from my Sister-in-law in Massachusetts. She had made the cutest t-shirts for my boys to wear the day of the marathon(I'll post pics of them from the marathon once I'm done). It has a big picture of me on the front and it says, "My mom ran a 1/2 marathon". And then for the finishing touch, on the back it says, "Who's your mama?"(I think that was my brother's little addition!)I was laughing, and wanting to cry all at the same time as I pulled it from the box. It really was a pick me upper, and I needed it desperately. Another little thing, pushing me forward to reach the end, I mean gees, how could I NOT do it, now that I have these shirts saying that I did? Thursday's run was interesting to say the least. I ran 2 miles, and had the WORST side ache, so I walked for a couple minutes, and then ran again. Then I walked for a few again, and ran, and walked, and ran. It was just how I had to do it to get it done. But, the important thing was that I DID get it done! I was worried about the weather for Saturday morning. My plan was that I woulds do it Sunday if needed. But, the weather held out just for me. It was perfect running conditions for my liking. I did my 9 miles just fine, no problems. Steve had a side job he was at, so I had no one to replenish me with fluids, but I did fine. I am feeling sooo much better now. I am excited for this week. It is my last REAL week before the half marathon. I am looking forward to it!

WEEK IN REVIEW-4-6-12.5 miles

I have neglected to journal my runs this week, due to a crazy week at our house. Don't worry, I haven't given up! I skipped Monday's run. My hip flexer wasn't doing well after Saturdays long run, so I opted to take a healing day and I am glad I did. It was doing a lot better by Wednesday. Running Monday wasn't worth worsening my injury and blowing my whole week. Wednesday I did 6 miles, nothing to exciting to report. Thursday's usual run took place on Friday because of the crappy weather. I did 4 miles. I usually have Friday as a rest day to prep for Saturday, so I was hoping it would be OK, it was. Today's run was awesome!!! Steve found me at mile 6, and was there for the remainder leading me through. He stopped every 2 miles to replenish me with fluids. I finished at the corner of Smith's. I took a little detour from what was planned to avoid construction. We remeasured on the way home and I actually did 12.5 miles. My time was 1 hour 52 minutes. I was pleased! I had a one on one with Hawk Harper (this man is amazing, actually his whole family is, click on his name for all the info)yesterday up at his store, the Runners Corner. He gave me some great suggestions to help with my form and speed. I tested it today and it helped a ton! A pep talk from him was exactly what I needed for today. I feel well prepared for the half marathon. I am totally stoked. the next few weeks leading up to it are a bit less intense, it will be a good break. I will keep you posted!

ENDURANCE-11 miles

My run was great today, 1 hour 41 minutes. Upping my miles this week really helped my endurance for this long run. I am excited for 12 miles next week. I am going to change my route and head towards Smith's. I haven't measured the miles out yet, but I'll probably end up in the parking lot. Anyone need me to pick up a few groceries? The route for the marathon is down grade for 9 miles. I have trained a lot uphill, but need to train a little more downhill. The run down to Saratoga will closely compare to the marathon. It will also be a good change of scenery. My hip flexer is killing me today. I can hardly lift my leg to walk up the stairs, of put my pants on. I am really going to rest this so I can recover for Monday. Hopefully all will be well.

WE BOOKED A ROOM-4 miles

This weeks miles increased to 4-6-4. I was hoping I could do it. I did. Yeah!!!! We booked a room today at the Marriott for the marathon. We are going to make a weekend of it. My mom-in-law had a coupon for "buy a night, get a night". So we will go up Friday and pick up my registration packet, head to the pasta party, and chill for the night. We are going to bring the boys with us, and leave the girls. The boys need some good bonding time with mom and dad, so that's what they'll get. We will stay the next night as well, so we;ll hang out after the race and maybe hit the planetarium and the pool. I am so excited. Staying in Salt Lake seemed like the best way to do this. The race starts at 7:00, so we would have to leave the house by 4:00 to get to the starting line through the 25,000 spectators they plan on attending. Now I can get up early and head on TRAX to get to the start. Then my boys can sleep in and meet me at the finish line, hopefully by 9:00. I think it will all work out well, I hope!