Monday, August 25, 2008
Week 10 of Chicago Marathon Training
Week 10 = 74 miles and now there's only 6 weeks left until race day!!! Seems like only yesterday there was 6 months until race day. And w/Labor Day just around the corner, I think we're starting to lose Summer :( A change I don't welcome too fondly.
This weekend lent itself to some humid training runs! On Saturday, Cheryl and I ran 10 miles w/the LR Training Group, then went to Starbucks (can't ruin the normal routine!), then of course we had to shop---Home Depot for ceiling fans, toilet seat, and other odds n' ends Cheryl needed for the new house. Then to the furniture store to pick up the cabinet she had ordered a few weeks back. Lastly, no Saturday would be complete w/out a trip to Target!!!! Afterward, we planned our Sunday run, said our goodbyes, and I came home. Spent some of the afternoon hanging out w/Ben and Maxx, as well as dedicating a few hours to studying. Since my mileage total for the day was 16, I ran 6 around the subdivisions. Finished the day off w/watchig the men's Olympic marathon. I'm still in awe at the incredibly fast pace those men maintained!!!
Needed 11 miles on Sunday so the plan was to run 4, then stop by Cheryl's and get her for the remaining 7. We were both really tired, had trouble adjusting to the humidity, sore hamstrings---maybe because we kept such a good, consistent pace on Saturday's run??? Ultimately, we opted for 6 miles, so I ended up w/a little over 10 for the day's total. Knowing I had to cut grass and do some housework, I was ok w/the total.
Once back at Cheryl's house, we stretched, wiped sweat off, moaned and groaned.....then enjoyed some really good coffee Cheryl made for us! I think I had 3 cups!!!! We looked at the online Target add, checked the Olympic website, talked about the 2010 Winter Olympics, then decided to make a trip to Lowe's and look at ceiling fans. The theme this weekend seemed to be ceiling fans!!! We looked at and discussed many, but Cheryl decided not to buy any since she's traveling for work and won't be putting them up this week anyway.
Once going our separate ways, I had to stop and get my weekly supply of fruit and Ben needed cheese, lunch meat, etc. W/everything being so expensive, it doesn't take long to spend $100 anymore!
Cut the grass, which took me a long time because the rain and fertilizer made it really grow. By this time it was 4:30pm, so I decided to come in and get cleaned up so I could spend a few more hours studying. By 10:30 I was falling asleep while reading my Embalming book, so I knew it was bedtime :)
This weekend lent itself to some humid training runs! On Saturday, Cheryl and I ran 10 miles w/the LR Training Group, then went to Starbucks (can't ruin the normal routine!), then of course we had to shop---Home Depot for ceiling fans, toilet seat, and other odds n' ends Cheryl needed for the new house. Then to the furniture store to pick up the cabinet she had ordered a few weeks back. Lastly, no Saturday would be complete w/out a trip to Target!!!! Afterward, we planned our Sunday run, said our goodbyes, and I came home. Spent some of the afternoon hanging out w/Ben and Maxx, as well as dedicating a few hours to studying. Since my mileage total for the day was 16, I ran 6 around the subdivisions. Finished the day off w/watchig the men's Olympic marathon. I'm still in awe at the incredibly fast pace those men maintained!!!
Needed 11 miles on Sunday so the plan was to run 4, then stop by Cheryl's and get her for the remaining 7. We were both really tired, had trouble adjusting to the humidity, sore hamstrings---maybe because we kept such a good, consistent pace on Saturday's run??? Ultimately, we opted for 6 miles, so I ended up w/a little over 10 for the day's total. Knowing I had to cut grass and do some housework, I was ok w/the total.
Once back at Cheryl's house, we stretched, wiped sweat off, moaned and groaned.....then enjoyed some really good coffee Cheryl made for us! I think I had 3 cups!!!! We looked at the online Target add, checked the Olympic website, talked about the 2010 Winter Olympics, then decided to make a trip to Lowe's and look at ceiling fans. The theme this weekend seemed to be ceiling fans!!! We looked at and discussed many, but Cheryl decided not to buy any since she's traveling for work and won't be putting them up this week anyway.
Once going our separate ways, I had to stop and get my weekly supply of fruit and Ben needed cheese, lunch meat, etc. W/everything being so expensive, it doesn't take long to spend $100 anymore!
Cut the grass, which took me a long time because the rain and fertilizer made it really grow. By this time it was 4:30pm, so I decided to come in and get cleaned up so I could spend a few more hours studying. By 10:30 I was falling asleep while reading my Embalming book, so I knew it was bedtime :)
Thursday, August 21, 2008
A Special Thanks to Mom & Dad
If you know me well, you'll agree w/me that I'm not one to let my feelings be known very often. However, I feel now is a very appropriate time to thank my parents for their excellent upbringing.
As I was sitting in class today, I've never been more excited because I'm finally going after a dream that I've had for a long time--becoming an embalmer/funeral director--and now that it's a reality, I was reflecting on what brought me to this point in my life. It's not due to all the schooling I've been to, the degrees I have earned, the countless hours of studying, the discipline I've grown to become accustomed to, the professionalism I've learned from being in the military, or even my friends or coworkers over the years.
So, what has brought me to this point?? The answer is simple: My Parents.
They have taught me that success only comes from the desire within, from hard work and dedication, from complete honesty, from challenging myself, learning from my mistakes, not giving up when the going gets tough, and most importantly, believing in myself. I can think of countless times I've talked to either my Mom or Dad when I felt uneasy about school, when I was having a difficult time during a marathon, or when I needed advice----and you know what----they've never led me in the wrong direction.
I would just like to say "thank you" to my parents for molding me into the woman I am today!
Love you guys...
As I was sitting in class today, I've never been more excited because I'm finally going after a dream that I've had for a long time--becoming an embalmer/funeral director--and now that it's a reality, I was reflecting on what brought me to this point in my life. It's not due to all the schooling I've been to, the degrees I have earned, the countless hours of studying, the discipline I've grown to become accustomed to, the professionalism I've learned from being in the military, or even my friends or coworkers over the years.
So, what has brought me to this point?? The answer is simple: My Parents.
They have taught me that success only comes from the desire within, from hard work and dedication, from complete honesty, from challenging myself, learning from my mistakes, not giving up when the going gets tough, and most importantly, believing in myself. I can think of countless times I've talked to either my Mom or Dad when I felt uneasy about school, when I was having a difficult time during a marathon, or when I needed advice----and you know what----they've never led me in the wrong direction.
I would just like to say "thank you" to my parents for molding me into the woman I am today!
Love you guys...
First Day of School for Embalming/Funeral Directing
I'll be heading out the door in about 45 minutes---traveling 4hrs round trip to my first day of school!!!! Goodness, I both nervous and excited at the same time---you'd think after all these years of going to school, this would be second nature---but, it's not the case :) I'm finally done w/all the basic courses and am finally beginning my embalming and funeral directing courses. I should graduate in May 09, then study for a few more weeks before taking my AR State Funeral Board Exam.
The only bummer comes w/the realization there are no Starbucks or decent coffee shops where I'm going (which is Hope, AR). So, I have to stop at the Starbucks before getting on the highway and drink my frappachino on the way---but, I can handle this.
Will let you know how my first day goes!
The only bummer comes w/the realization there are no Starbucks or decent coffee shops where I'm going (which is Hope, AR). So, I have to stop at the Starbucks before getting on the highway and drink my frappachino on the way---but, I can handle this.
Will let you know how my first day goes!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
It's Official!!!
NOTE to Cheryl: you might want to skip this post!!!
I can officially say I have 192 days until my first Ultra Marathon!!! Location is Cowtown Marathon, Fort Worth TX on 28 Feb 09. One of the main reasons I'm running this is because I turn 30 on 24 Feb and this is going to be my birthday present to myself.....well, I always buy myself a gift, but that's besides the point!
I have to get a training schedule for the Ultra, but I do know I'll be using the Chicago marathon in October, as well as the Dallas marathon in December as 2 of my long runs. In between them are a few 1/2 marathons, a 20K, and 10K, and who knows what else. I've also decided to spend more time on the elliptical, the arc trainer, and spinning bike to cross-train and strengthen my legs so I'm not working my feet too much....due to my recurrent pattern of stress fractures, I don't want to chance anything! Oh, and add swimming to the mix.
School starts in 2 days!!! I'm really excited because from now until May 09 I'll be taking my Embalming/Funeral Directing classes....all done w/electives, etc. Now it's on to the fun and interesting stuff. I should be starting an internship sometime in the near future as well---suppose to find out the timeline for that when school starts.
One more thing----I got an "A" as my final grade in Anatomy and Physiology II class! Five weeks of hell paid off :)
I can officially say I have 192 days until my first Ultra Marathon!!! Location is Cowtown Marathon, Fort Worth TX on 28 Feb 09. One of the main reasons I'm running this is because I turn 30 on 24 Feb and this is going to be my birthday present to myself.....well, I always buy myself a gift, but that's besides the point!
I have to get a training schedule for the Ultra, but I do know I'll be using the Chicago marathon in October, as well as the Dallas marathon in December as 2 of my long runs. In between them are a few 1/2 marathons, a 20K, and 10K, and who knows what else. I've also decided to spend more time on the elliptical, the arc trainer, and spinning bike to cross-train and strengthen my legs so I'm not working my feet too much....due to my recurrent pattern of stress fractures, I don't want to chance anything! Oh, and add swimming to the mix.
School starts in 2 days!!! I'm really excited because from now until May 09 I'll be taking my Embalming/Funeral Directing classes....all done w/electives, etc. Now it's on to the fun and interesting stuff. I should be starting an internship sometime in the near future as well---suppose to find out the timeline for that when school starts.
One more thing----I got an "A" as my final grade in Anatomy and Physiology II class! Five weeks of hell paid off :)
Monday, August 11, 2008
Did I mention??
Some of you have heard me say this over (and over) the last few days.....but, I just have to tell the world.....It feels awesome not having to STUDY for a few weeks!!!!!! And I'm catching up on two months worth of magazines that have been patiently waiting for me :)
The weather is much, much cooler w/less humidity this week, and more rain. I was actually chilly at the start of my run this morning! Oh gosh, I'm not ready for fall and winter :( Also it's still dark between 5:40-6am when my run begins.....certainly am not ready to run later in the day. Besides the cold, having to layer clothes, the wind, etc I absolutely hate to run later in the day during the winter months. I'm a very early riser and feel accomplished when my run is done and over w/by 7:30-8am. This starting at 9am and later crap is for the birds!! Well, or for someone who likes to sleep in....
The weather is much, much cooler w/less humidity this week, and more rain. I was actually chilly at the start of my run this morning! Oh gosh, I'm not ready for fall and winter :( Also it's still dark between 5:40-6am when my run begins.....certainly am not ready to run later in the day. Besides the cold, having to layer clothes, the wind, etc I absolutely hate to run later in the day during the winter months. I'm a very early riser and feel accomplished when my run is done and over w/by 7:30-8am. This starting at 9am and later crap is for the birds!! Well, or for someone who likes to sleep in....
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Survived (and am in a much better mood)
Needless to say, I made it through and survived my final exam in A & P II. My brain was very exhausted after the 2 hrs, and I still had my headache. Immediately after the exam I just wanted to shout, "I'm free....no more studying for a few weeks!!!" it was an awesome feeling.
So, what did I do after the test???? I went to Cheryl's! I hadn't seen her since her San Fran marathon and I enjoyed her telling me about the marathon, the trip, and showing me lots of pictures. Oh, not to mention the great goodie bag she brought back for me (to include freshly made fortune cookies and some yummy dark chocolate, some nice tanks from
H&M, and a new IT band strap). Just the kind of things a girl needs.
Spent a few hours with Cheryl, then came home to cut the grass. Boy, I didn't realize how long it was----5 full, yard and lawn bags!!!!
This morning Cheryl and I ran with the LR training group, then went to the River Market for coffee and fresh fruits/veges, then I had to go to work. Which was so boring, nobody was there (I'm doing Active Duty days for the years worth of Annual Tour points---to hard to explain, it's an AF Reserve thing). Anyways, before I knew it lunch time had snuck up on me and I went to the gym for a bit. Saw a few people I worked with while on Active Duty, that was neat.
Came home from work and decided to put this storage cube thingie together---Cheryl and I each bought one from Target a few weeks back......we were having a contest who'd put theirs together first....I thought for sure she'd win (I procrastinate much more than her), BUT I PUT MINE TOGETHER FIRST!!!!! It was suppose to be easily assembly, but it was sort of hard to assemble, requiring some arm strength and some sweat!!
Mileage for tomorrow is 10. Think I'll knock that out before work. Need to sign up for the Memphis 1/2 also. I'm looking forward to this fall---have a few 1/2 marathons, a few full marathons.....AND I'm tentively planning for my first ULTRA marathon in Feb 09. I'll keep the details a secret and fill you in when I register (which won't be long!).
So, what did I do after the test???? I went to Cheryl's! I hadn't seen her since her San Fran marathon and I enjoyed her telling me about the marathon, the trip, and showing me lots of pictures. Oh, not to mention the great goodie bag she brought back for me (to include freshly made fortune cookies and some yummy dark chocolate, some nice tanks from
H&M, and a new IT band strap). Just the kind of things a girl needs.
Spent a few hours with Cheryl, then came home to cut the grass. Boy, I didn't realize how long it was----5 full, yard and lawn bags!!!!
This morning Cheryl and I ran with the LR training group, then went to the River Market for coffee and fresh fruits/veges, then I had to go to work. Which was so boring, nobody was there (I'm doing Active Duty days for the years worth of Annual Tour points---to hard to explain, it's an AF Reserve thing). Anyways, before I knew it lunch time had snuck up on me and I went to the gym for a bit. Saw a few people I worked with while on Active Duty, that was neat.
Came home from work and decided to put this storage cube thingie together---Cheryl and I each bought one from Target a few weeks back......we were having a contest who'd put theirs together first....I thought for sure she'd win (I procrastinate much more than her), BUT I PUT MINE TOGETHER FIRST!!!!! It was suppose to be easily assembly, but it was sort of hard to assemble, requiring some arm strength and some sweat!!
Mileage for tomorrow is 10. Think I'll knock that out before work. Need to sign up for the Memphis 1/2 also. I'm looking forward to this fall---have a few 1/2 marathons, a few full marathons.....AND I'm tentively planning for my first ULTRA marathon in Feb 09. I'll keep the details a secret and fill you in when I register (which won't be long!).
Friday, August 8, 2008
Final Exam Day
Today's the day! Will be taking my final exam in Anatomy from 9:30-11:30. And I just want it to be over!!!! Went to bed with a headache, woke up a few times in the middle of the night with a headache, and still have a headache (do ya see the pattern here??).
At any rate, once 11:30 rolls around, I'm sure that headache will be gone. And what will I do for the rest of the day (since I won't have to study!!)---going to see Cheryl since I haven't seen her since she got back from the San Fran marathon, need to cut the grass, and not sure what else.
At any rate, once 11:30 rolls around, I'm sure that headache will be gone. And what will I do for the rest of the day (since I won't have to study!!)---going to see Cheryl since I haven't seen her since she got back from the San Fran marathon, need to cut the grass, and not sure what else.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Stressed out!!
It's official....just the final exam on Friday for my 5 week class of Anatomy & Physiology. Can't believe a 16 week class was crammed into 5 weeks....and better yet, can't believe I've survived it (well, almost, still have to study for the final). Which, by the way, is both a non-comp and a comp test. 200 points.
Took the last lecture test today and then had the last bit of lecture notes. So, great, I have everything I need to study!!!
Opted to save my 11 mile run for this afternoon because I wanted to use this morning as more study time (I know, I'm very Type A when it comes to school).
This afternoon run is like a treat!!! I promised myself I wouldn't think about school (at all) during the entire run. I'll let ya know if I kept my promise :)
Took the last lecture test today and then had the last bit of lecture notes. So, great, I have everything I need to study!!!
Opted to save my 11 mile run for this afternoon because I wanted to use this morning as more study time (I know, I'm very Type A when it comes to school).
This afternoon run is like a treat!!! I promised myself I wouldn't think about school (at all) during the entire run. I'll let ya know if I kept my promise :)
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
I see the end...
Last week of school!!! This is by far the toughest week....my brain is exhausted from studying, my eyes hurt from reading my notes over and over, and I'm not sure how much more info I can cram in!!! But, I do know when Friday comes and I'm done w/the final exam, I'll be sooooo HAPPY!!!!
Week 7 of Chicago marathon training. Mileage this week is set at 69. Last week was 66 miles. Good thing I'm getting my runs done early morning because it's HOT out there!
Will be on Active Duty from 9-17 Aug. School starts again 21 Aug. Time is zooming by.....
Week 7 of Chicago marathon training. Mileage this week is set at 69. Last week was 66 miles. Good thing I'm getting my runs done early morning because it's HOT out there!
Will be on Active Duty from 9-17 Aug. School starts again 21 Aug. Time is zooming by.....
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Clowning Around
So here I am during Air Force Reserve Drill weekend w/a few of the other Officer's....we're getting ready to have squadron PT and someone said, "hey, let's see you guys do hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil". And that's what we did!!!
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