A Busy Weekend...A Busy Week

Our trip to Fort Worth this past weekend was just awesome. I ran a great 1/2 marathon, with the help of my "aid boys", we enjoyed wonderful visits w/our friends, Maxx got to play (for 2+hrs) w/Tubbs, his Jack Russell friend, and I had a fun birthday! There was a group of us who went to Joe's Crab Shack for my b-day dinner.....and they made sure to tell the server I was the b-day girl----in turn, I had to mingle around the tables banging a crab bucket, wearing a headdress made of toilet paper, while everyone sang Happy B-day. It wasn't embarrassing, but really funny!

Monday started our 10 week Woman Can Run Clinic. Twice a week we meet (I'm going to the location Cheryl is attending) and we either do speed work, hill repeats, or just run some mileage. I had started one last year, but had to stop going because it interfered w/my teaching of Jazzercise, but I'm in the clear this year. Which is great because I've been looking forward to the clinic and hope to us it as a tool to gain some speed.

W/the addition of the running clinic to my schedule, I've had to shift around a few workouts so everything still fits in. So, now I go to water aerobics a few mornings at 7am (before school) and have added a few more 5am classes (currently go T/Th 5am spinning). For my b-day present, Ben bought me a 2 month pass to Andrea's classes---same place I go spinning. But, now I'll be taking classes w/Andrea as well (and she's tough!!!).

This semester of classes is halfway thru. Spring break is in 3 weeks (don't worry, I'm not going anywhere!!) but, I do hope to clean some closets that week! I've very, very busy w/classes right now and really want the time to fly by so I can get past this mania!

Currently training for Nashville marathon (full), which is 26 Apr. When do I have time for training runs?? (thought you might be wondering).....thank goodness for upcoming warmer weather, earlier sunrise, and later sunsets!!!

I have Drill this weekend. Actually, I have it 2 weekends in March. Wow, can I clone myself????!!!!!

P.S. I like to stay busy :)

Cowtown Pictures

While I'm not ready to write my full race report, I'd like to take a quick second to say I Finished!!! Pace was 9:30, Chip time was 2:04 and 26 seconds. Not bad considering I wanted to stay 10:00-10:15 pace---my hip/knee ended up feeling really good throughout the race, so I was able to keep a faster pace. Weather wasn't bad--race start was 36 degrees, race finish was 50 degreess, wind was 7 mph (although it felt stronger at certain points throughout course). Ben and our friend Tony were my water/Luna Moon/Gu boys and they did an excellent job!!! More details to come later, here are a few pictures Ben took. I'm in the pink (wanted a bright color so the boys could see me coming)

And here's a couple of video clips. The second clip is really funny because Tony dropped the Gu (and didn't realize it) and in the video he's asking Ben "where's the Gu--you got the Gu?". I laugh everytime I watch it!

Cowtown 1/2 Marathon, Here I Come!!!

Goodness, we leave tomorrow morning!!! As you can imagine (and most of you probably do too) I'm running around like a mad woman trying to figure out what the heck to pack (winter races are much harder to prepare for!!!), gotta get Maxx's stuff ready (doggy food, toys, etc), and of course Ben (if I don't pack a nice outfit for going out to dinner, he'd show in his play clothes), get the maps and Expo info printed. To sum it all up, I'm anxious, excited, and nervous....yep, don't usually get nervous (too much) before the races (esp. since I've run more than a few 1/2 marathons), but since my hip/knee have been giving me trouble, I'm afraid something bad will happen while I'm running and I won't be able to finish my 1/2. Sounds silly since I've run at least 13 miles and more since the pain started. Can anyone relate?? I just have this sick feeling in my stomach. On the otherhand, I'm really looking forward to running and getting another finisher's medal! My plan is to treat this as a training run (but, I'd like to keep my pace 10:00-10:20). I don't want to go faster and use it as a race because I don't want to risk hurting the old hip/knee. Slow and steady, time on my feet!

Better get back to packing! Ben's taking his computer, so I'll try to post after the race. If not, check back early next week for my post race report.

Long Overdue

I've been meaning and needing to get a massage for an extended period of time, but hadn't found the right person---you know, you just can't go to anybody, you have to trust and feel completely comfortable w/whoever you choose. Given all the nagging pains I've been experiencing lately, I knew I couldn't wait much longer. I had previoulsy been to a particular day spa and really didn't like the massage therapist, so I decided to go to the same place again, but this time to a different girl. And I'm SO GLAD I did!!!! Before she got started, we discussed my tight/sore spots, where I wanted her to spend a little more time, where I didn't want her to spend time (my feet and hands, 2 really sensititve areas), etc, etc. She was awesome and found a lot of knots in my muscles---and she really worked them over. I'm always very knotty and tight and I left there feeling wonderful. If you've read my blog before, you might remember about my sore hip from those damn Rocephin shots I got in Oct. She found a big clump of knots in the area I got the shot....and boy was I about to jump off the table when she found them!!! The good news is, I'll be seeing her again in 2 1/2 weeks :)

I'm still chugging along on my mileage. Yesterday I ran on the base, 6 miles. It was pretty windy, good thing the sun was out to make it a little warmer. Today I ran 5.5 around the subdivisions. I was thinking of more, but decided to stop since I have homework to do, and my I-pod died at mile 3. Tomorrow and Thursday I'll run w/Cheryl. On Friday, Ben and I leave for Fort Worth!!!! The weather is predicted to be in the low 50's at race start, w/a daily high of 70 degrees! Chance of rain is 20%. Of course, I'm constantly watching it, because we all know the weather changes in an instant.

The best way to describe my runs this past weekend was damp and dreary, with a bit of wind mixed in the equation. On Saturday, Cheryl and I ran 12 miles on the River Trail (6am w/the Little Rock Training Group). Despite the misting rain we encountered for a good part of the run, the rather damp clothes and feet we had by the end, it was a good run. My hip/knee pain held out until close to the end and Cheryl's foot pain did pretty much the same thing. Upon completion, we stretched, took off the damp clothes, and headed for some coffee. All in all, great run and I'm hoping to do it again! Although, it won't be w/the LR training group since Cheryl only has 2 weeks before the LR marathon! I won't get the chance to run w/her this weekend as I'll be in Forth Worth.

Sunday's run was 6 miles around my neighborhoods. It was windy and I didn't feel like running, so was happy to have it done and over w/. Again, I'm stuck in this winter funk feeling and need a jolt of spring air to get me over the hump!!!!

Fun In The Water

Happy Valentines Day (to those of you who celebrate it). Today was a fun day! The weather was nice so I took Maxx to Lakewood for a run. Well, I ran 5 miles, he waited in the car. Cheryl met me and we walked around the lake a couple laps. I took advantage of that time and was able to have Maxx go on the walk w/us! I really think he enjoyed the time outdoors (and bonding w/Cheryl, he likes her!). He was asleep for the entire car ride home and when we get home, Maxx ate his lunch and hopped on his favorite chair for a late afternoon nap.

Back to this Valentines Day thing---Ben and I don't do anything special, but a few days ago he asked me what I wanted (knowing I'd tell him nothing)....but, this is what I replied "I want you to go to water aerobics with me". Knowing darn well he wouldn't. Well, I was WRONG!!! He got home from work tonight a few minutes early, ate something really quick (for energy??) and asked if he bathing suit was ready. Ha, ha.....I had everything ready for him! I think he really enjoyed himself! There are about 5 guys in the class and they all swam over, said hello, and shook hands. The music started, the instructor started cueing and we got down to buisiness. I'm thinking Ben thought this was going to be easy----I looked over at him a few times and he was huffing and puffing, moving his arms, and looking like he was working it. Of course we raced each other when we had to run the length of the pool, splashed when given the chance, and laughed at each other. All in all, I was happy Ben joined me and hope he goes again (at least he told me he would).

The Babies

Recent pics of my niece and nephew. Timmy is 6 months old and Meghan is 21 months. They are too cute and I miss them, even though I was home to visit in December. Boy, they certainly grow up fast!! Looks like Meghan just woke up from a nap!

And of course, my baby---Maxx. He'll be 3 in August.

Here he is w/Ben

Is it really Wednesday already?? My mind doesn't think in terms of what month it is what date it is, or even what day of the week it is....how it thinks now is "what assignments are due today, what test is happening soon, what website do I need to login to complete that homework, etc". And also I'm thinking in terms of the countdown to the Fort Worth, TX Cowtown 1/2 Marathon (23 Feb) and the Nashville full Marathon (26 Apr). Holy running shoes, I'm back in full swing for marathon training!!!

I'm excited for our trip to Fort Worth. Ben and I have a fun weekend planned. We're going to visit friends, Maxx will get to see and play w/his Jack Russell friend (Tubbs), and Ben and the Gang will be taking me out for my birthday (24 Feb)!!! If you know anything about me, I LOVE my birthday----and still plan to as I get older. This year I'll be 29----I know, I know....just a youngin'. But, for me, it's the last year I'll be stuck in the 20's decade and soon I'll get to play w/the 30's decade crowd. And w/that means achieving different scores for races, different scores when taking my Air Force PT test (I get to be slower!!)

Today's run almost didn't happen (another I tried to talk myself out of) because it was cold out. But once I got out there, it wasn't so bad since there was no wind and the sun was shining. I logged 7 miles around the subdivisions, which the scenery got boring, but hey, at least I ran!

When I got home from water aerobics, Ben had to leave and go to Pine Bluff to take a service call. He's on-call tonight (and worked all day) Shucks, won't get to spend any time w/him today. So, Maxx is laying at my feet and I'm working on homework (oops, this is blogging---I should be doing homework!!).

One last thought---Cheryl, THANK YOU (again) for the Peeps----I'm still enjoying them!! :)

A Good Day

Today was just that---a good day! After a dose of spinning and a trip to the gym this morning, I took Maxx to NLR w/me and I met Cheryl at Starbucks. Actually, our visit started in the parking lot. She called to tell me she was early and already there, and whatta know---I was EARLY too!!! I know, don't fall off your chairs :) So, we exchanged Christmas presents (yep, better late than never!) and Cheryl said hello to Maxx, and inside we went! It was still drizzly and cold, so I was excited to be out of those elements.

We had a really nice visit and then it was back home to do some homework. I still hadn't gone for my run, so at 2:30, I thought I better get out there, or else I would talk myself out of it. You see--I just am hating this cold weather and really want Spring to magically appear, then I wouldn't have any issues w/running! After 8 cold miles, I called it a day. An interesting note: instead of wearing my custom orthotics, I wore the ones I bought at the Memphis expo, and for whatever reason, my hip didn't hurt as bad. Which meant my IT band felt ok, which meant the outside of my knee didn't bother me that much! Why does all this crap have to be connected??? And tell me why I NEVER had any hip, etc problems UNTIL I received those 2 shots of Rocephin this past Oct (in my hip). I swear to you, that's when all my problems started. Someone messed up my hip bone when I got those shots.......does anyone think that's valid????

My day ended w/a great water aerobics class!! Being in the water always makes my joints, hip, whatever ailment feel better. Now it's off to a hot shower and maybe a cup of hot chocolate (mmm, my favorite!).

Weekend Summary

Wow, is it Sunday already?? The last few days were productive, and that makes me feel good. On my way to school on Friday, I dropped Maxx at the doggy salon, he was in need of a de-shedding bath. He wanted nothing to do w/me once we got inside "Animal House", he quickly found a few poodles and a big dog (not sure of its breed) to play w/. As usual, the owner said "we'll call ya when Maxx is ready". I knew Maxx would be there most of the day, and I made my way to school. Ben was also feeling better by Friday, so we went to the RV expo in LR when I got home from school. We're still shopping for a camper and it was neat getting to see so many brands, sizes, layouts, etc. We must have spent a good 3+ hrs at the expo. Our looking was cut short, as we got the call Maxx was ready to be picked up! He smelled and looked great when we got him---and he was ready for a nap by the time we got home (he had endured hrs of playing!!!).

Saturday/Sunday I had Drill, which was enjoyable. Our day started on Saturday w/a 10 mile run on the base (which I added 5 on to the end of it w/a few who wanted 15), and this morning was 8 miles, along w/a spinning workout before our 6:30am meeting time. The Colonel let us leave at 4pm today, so I decided to go swimming at the Jax CC. I get in a 45 minute workout before they closed. I'm really glad I bought a membership there, as I've made swimming a part of my normal routine.

Now, it's time for homework!!!! I have 2 big tests tomorrow, and lots of homework assignments due the remainder of the week.

Let's just say, I'm so happy to be over that crummy flu I had this past week. My cough is still lingering, but nothing like it was :)
Oh, I also get to run w/Cheryl this week, so I'm looking forward to that----and the trip to Starbucks.

Back In The Mix

That's right....I'm feeling better....well, I think I am. My fever is gone, as well as the body aches. Only thing still hanging around is my sinus headache and this miserable cough. It's sounds (and feels) like I'm 80 and have been smoking for my entire life!!!! I can't breathe too well, but I'm hoping this shall pass. I must say, it does make exercising a little difficult---but my heart rate shoots right up and I'm burning calories, so does that count???!!

I will resume running tomorrow and see how that goes. I haven't run in a few days because I've been passed out on the couch. Yesterday I managed an elliptical workout, as well as a 40 min ride on my spinning bike.....Which, brings me to my next topic: I LOVE my spinning bike!!!! Wow, why did I wait so long to buy one? Well, the cost of it might have had something to do with the wait. I ordered a few Johnny G spinning DVDs and did one yesterday and one this morning. Awesome workout! Oh, also tickled pink that my water aerobic shoes arrived yesterday. My feet were getting pretty beat up from the bottom of the pool, so I'm looking forward to Monday night's class so I can try them out.

It Finally Hit Me

This darn cold everyone has (or flu) finally made it my way. I was feeling sick on Sunday and had that lovely "raspy" voice on Monday, along with a very sore body, a pounding headache, and a fever of 101.9. As if I didn't have enough things to do, this just set me back even more. I had a big Anatomy lab test yesterday, in which I had to identify the 206+ parts of the skeletal system/skull. The professor had the bone laid out w/a index card and said things like "name this joint, name this process, is it lateral or medial in the body, etc". And the scientific names had to be spelled correctly---which isn't everyday language so I had to memorize that. Anyways, I think I might have missed 5 in all.....not bad in my opinion!

Because of this lovely cold, I skipped water aerobics last night and spinning class this morning. I know---don't have a heart attack, it takes SO much for me to miss exercise, but I really want this cold gone. Haven't decided about any exercise for the rest of today. Actually, not sure if I can even pick up weights, climb on an exercise machine, or go for a run----at this moment, those activities seem like a daunting challenge and I just wrinkle my nose and bury myself deeper in my covers. At least my laptop is keeping my legs warm!!!!! Hmm......wish Starbucks delivered!

Where Has The Time Gone????

WOW----it's been an entire month since my last post!!!! While blogging has been on mind, what's been taking up most of my time is school work. Yes, it's been very hectic being a full-time student (again!). I'm taking 5 classes and I just can't believe how time consuming they are!!!!! Well, when I went to college, I didn't have to run a household, take care of a husband and playful black lab, train for a marathon, etc, etc......

I'm trying to learn how to organize, prioritize, and simply not go out of my mind! Next weekend is my first drill weekend w/the Air Force Reserves, so I'm looking forward to that.

Ben, Maxx, and I will be leaving for the Cowtown half-marathon, held in Forth Worth, TX in a few weeks. Notice, I say half and not full. Something funny happened to my knee/IT band when I returned from Ohio (well, I did NO outdoor running, only treadmill while I was there) and I never run on the treadmill. Doctor thought I might have had Patella Tendonitis, so he put me on 2 weeks of a steroid pac, and I couldn't run. Damn, another injury, another set back!!!! But, this was a blessing in disguise (well, I guess) because I started using the Elliptical on a daily basis, increased my water aerobic classes for 4x a week, and increased my time on the spinning bike. All of which have done a wonderful job keeping my cardio up!

I'm back to running, but am taking my time w/distance, number of days running, etc. My knee still hurts a little (mostly my IT band and hip) and I do plan to go to a knee doc at some point.

Long story short, I dropped down to the half at Cowtown----I think smart doing on my part. Next full will be Nashville in April and I don't want to miss that one!!!!

Hopefully I can do a better job keeping my blog up-to-date! One more thing---here's a pic of the spinning bike I bought for myself as a present when I left Air Force active duty life (hey, I spent 6 1/2 yrs on active duty, doesn't that call for a parting gift??!!) Should arrive this week, I'm so EXCITED!!!!!!