Conversations....

 The beginning of the run began with talk of sitting on the beach with one of these beauties! Mile 4 brought the talk of food, drinks and all things yummy! We have determined that the "suck" level of the run will be determined on how quickly we get to the food talk. The sooner it comes in, the crappier the run. We had a 20-22 miler on the docket for the day. It was COLD and misty outside, and the route was FULL of nasty hills! Once we hit that finish line, those cold, fruity drinks will start to be consumed!

 As the suck factor increased, Nip Guards came into play. Words that shouldn't be repeated were uttered. Terwilliger Blvd. is not fun, especially when you know that you still have to do a hill to Tryon Creek State Park.


Soon the topic of hot men arrived. This somehow allowed time to go quickly through the uphill battle going back over Terwilliger. Men in tight white shirts and blue jeans carried us further and inspired us beyond imaginable! Ahhhh, Tim.

 And then of course the People's Sexiest Man was on the topic. Which then lead to talking about Matthew and that Southern drawl. Of course we had to talk about what we would do if Matthew were our running coach, and would it be effective? Con census was no, it would be too much of a distraction! But it wouldn't hurt to have him help with form!

And just to add some laughs when we were getting too excited from the hot guy discussions we had to calm the conversation with thinking about Margaret Thatcher (on a cold day). We still had 4 miles to go. Ugh....this was when we needed to pull it all out. So we hit the Steel Bridge and the East Esplanade. I was pretty sure I was running through quicksand. Once we got back to the West side of the river I had to walk, the hills had taken all the energy I had. But I finished with 20.25 miles under my belt for the day. Now onto taper!!! YEAH!

Thankful

I am thankful for SO many things! This is my favorite season of the year....I love Thanksgiving. Not only are the colors outside beautiful (if even only for a few days!) but it is usually more calming than the hectic Christmas season. Thanksgiving has giving me MANY memories that continue to come around each family get together. Thanksgiving has always been a "fight free" day in the eyes of my mom. This "restriction" itself led to some interesting discussions, but never any fights....usually laughs were plentiful. So in the spirit of the season, here are a few things I am thankful for!


I am thankful for my LEGS! Yes, they are thunder thighs, but in a GOOD way. Strong, muscular and full of energy, just like thunder. By the years end these legs will have complete TWO full marathons and THREE half marathons as well as a variety of smaller races. These legs will have gone (hopefully) over 1000 miles.

I am thankful for THE SUPPORT OF MY HUSBAND. Without him, I wouldn't be able to train, fundraise and complete my races. Seeing him at the finish line of the Seattle Rock n Roll Marathon with tears in his eyes brought tears to mine. Hopefully he knows what his support has meant to me.

I am thankful for MUNCHKIN. Nothing pushes me further than her smile and admiration. 20 miles into the marathon and I got to run WITH her! Pride overflows when I hear her say that she wants to run "like mama." Having her see me finish a race brings me such happiness. Someday I can't wait to either finish with her or watch her finish.

I am thankful for MY PARENTS. Their continued support in so many ways reminds me of what being a family is about. Unconditional support and strength. Mom has been at all but one race this year, and it has meant so much to me. They are always willing to help out and watch CB when needed.

I am thankful for WONDERFUL FRIENDS AND FAMILY. They have supported my efforts with fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. They have given an outpouring of support both mental and emotional.

Hopefully there are many things you are thankful for this holiday season!

Going the Distance

18.53 miles....and NO rain! The morning started very dark (it is true, it is always darkest before the dawn) and pretty chilly. But not too far in I was ripping my long sleeve shirt off and tying it around my waist. I can't wait until I get my sleeves this week! We started the team run at Grant HS again, and got to run through beautiful NE Portland.

Our first loop took us down to the Rose City Golf Course and down to 82nd (and beyond). On the way back T, K and I hit up the golf course restroom. (Thank goodness for Bill who directed us to the rest room, where we could catch some tv and actually take a rest.) Then back up a very steep hill. Beautiful trees and some crisp air took us back up and something to talk about. There are some gorgeous houses and the trees were all turning. Unfortunately, there were also LOTS of wet leaf piles. I have a little fear of those piles....never know what is going to pop up out of them! Gummy bears waited for us at the aide station back at the HS (gotta love TNT gummy bears!!!)

The next loop took us up to Lloyd Center. Gotta love when you can smell some special "weeds" while you are running outside and about 100 feet from the doors and windows of the house. We also ran into lots of people blowing the leaves from their front yard (I wonder at this time, what is the point?) Note, I hate inhaling nasty smells while running (and yes, this includes food!) Owie was a word heard quite often! Once back to the aide station we only have 6 miles left! YEAH.

Then came the hard part of the run. Going up 33rd to Skidmore. YIKES. Pretty big hills, and Garmi wasn't turned back on. So we had to go with K.'s distance! The hill was killer, and I was getting wiped. It was about this time that T. started singing to us. We went through a few songs and even had a group sing. If anything we were going to be able to laugh about it! Back at Grant we made an executive decision to finish up the run around the track, we really didn't want to hit anymore hills. So around we went, and T rocked it by completing 2 more laps than K and I.

A busy week ahead, and a strong 15 miler this weekend! Only 33 days left until we run along the coast of Honolulu. And then pedicures and cold, fruity drinks! I love running :)

I'm Back

I never thought that taking a week and a half break from running would do me good. It was the BEST thing that I have ever done for my body. My body was so incredibly burnt out, and being stubborn doesn't help so I continued to push it and my body finally said "ENOUGH!!!" With a 5 miler set for today I was a little scared, but the moment my feet hit the track it felt soooo good! I NEEDED that break to get back my running mojo back.

We did a half mile warm-up, then hit Terwilliger Blvd. For those not in the Portland area, it means "Pill Hill" a steep hill that goes up, up, up and more up. (The best part is the down, down, down....) I ran a 10.2 min/mile of descent hill work. It felt great! My body felt great while running again. Another 5-6 miles tomorrow. Oh I am so happy to be back!