Not just post every day...

I've set myself up with a couple challenges this month.

1. I'm going to walk/jog/run every day and blog about it. This month I just plan to keep track of my minutes. There won't be any pictures, because really... Who wants to see that?!?

2. I'm going to sew every day and post a picture of what I've done. Right now I'm working on a Double Wedding Ring quilt. I've really enjoyed making this, and look forward to doing pieced arcs next time versus solid ones. I really like how this one is coming together. I haven't decided on backing/binding yet, but I have a feeling once I see it all put together, something will come to me.

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Still trying to recover from Saturday night. We had a good time.

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What have I done...

Oy.

Amazingly enough, I have a couple of friends here - at the inlaws.

One of them is running a 5k tomorrow.

Seeing as I haven't really run in two months, I thought it would be a good idea.

What, exactly came over me?


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Heavy thoughts for a Monday

Another great weekend. What can I say? We met some friends and their two little girls at my parents - the boys did their thing (golf and an Indy car race) and the girls? We did a lot of relaxing. With the exception of the six miles I put in Saturday, I did not leave my parent's property.

There is something satisifying about just hanging out. The kids were able to romp on several acres, and not once did we hear, "I'm bored" from any of them.

Which brings my to my point. Six miles. At this point in marathon training, it should have been fairly easy. It was not. Yes, my foot is still bruised from the bag of ice I dropped on it a week ago, but it's more than that. I'm still 'heavy.'

I hesitate to say 'fat,' even though by technical defination I am. Fat. That is.

Exhibit one. And there will be only one...

We're at my mom's retirement dinner. I'm sitting like Jabba the Hut by my boy.

Rather than bitch any more about it, I made a couple decisions regarding my training:

1. No more hard alcohol. I know this one's pretty severe, but it had to be done. Originally I was going to cut out any alcohol and Diet Coke, but I figured that might kill me. So save the occasional girly wine cooler, I'll be laying off the booze.

2. Cut down on Diet Coke. No more Super Slurpers from the convenience store, and it won't be kept cold in the fridge. Maybe a can every other day. Maybe.

3. Weight Watchers. I had wonderful results with this after #2 was born - If you consider losing 50 pounds wonderful. I'm not looking for that, at least not yet, but 20 pounds or so would be nice. I simply can not run another marathon at 200+ pounds. Wednesday marks the end of week one, so it will be interesting to see where I'm sitting then.

Otherwise, today's an off day for running, so I'm going to clean out the dining room and catch up on laundry. Hopefully I'll have before and after pictures. Of the dining room, not laundry.

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Moving on...

Yesterday, I delivered the quilts to the teachers. The first, was a group of us handing it over, the second - just me.

Both teachers were delighted. And teary.

After putting so much time into a project, it's a bit hard to give it up. Mostly, I'm concerned that the recipient won't like it. Silly as that sounds. Lauren's Quilt? I was so terribly nervous she wouldn't like it. It goes with just about anything I make for someone else. But really, starting with the selection of the fabric and pattern, the cutting, sewing, layering, basting, quilting, and binding... It's pretty much consumes me. It's something I truly love to do.

As with anything, it's done and I must move on.

A couple weekends ago, my sister and I were at our parent's house. We came upon a box with two of her unfinished quilts.

Yesterday on the way home from school, I called my sister to let her know that my docket was clear... And that would she like me to post pictures now or wait until I was done? I taunted her just a bit.




Hmmm... We'd laid it out before, so I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted to do with it.

She does beautiful piecework. Much better than I ever could.



Here's what she stared with:



I can't quite figure out the method to her madness. No worries, I usually can't. She couldn't either for that matter. As I was going through the bag, I came across a receipt for the fabric dated 5/15/1995. No wonder she can't remember.

Free license remember?

A few minutes with my seam ripper, and this is what I came up with:



For now. I can't quite decide if I'm going to leave the points, round them off and scallop the point, or shear them off entirely leaving triangles. Suggestions?

With the end of the school year, I also put together some Market Totes for the "other" teachers... Music, Art, and the like...

I cheated and just used my serger - I think they turned out pretty spiffy.

I used a slightly darker red fabric for the sewn in storage pouch.
Not much else.

Oh, except this week is week one of eighteen for my next marathon.

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On the road again
Goin' places that I've never been
Seein' things that I may never see again,
And I can't wait to get on the road again...

Here it is, that time of year - running time. Some runners are able to don their ninja-like garb and head out into the worst of conditions. Not me. I found I prefer to hibernate in the winter making cookies and crafts.

But spring? When the grass is finally green, and the temperature heads up I like to lace up my shoes and go out. I enjoy running the same route throughout the season, watching the changes. Especially along the fields of corn. Something about seeing it go from a bare, tilled field to swaying tassles above my head does my country-mouse heart good.

I've gone so far as to buy myself new shoes. I pretty much beat the crap out of my old ones with my first marathon. They have not only lost their 'cush,' but they smell rather suspect. My new shoes are a very close model to my old, only they are 'Raspberry' - dark pink.

You see... Training starts today.

Twin Cities Marathon October 5th.

Only 163 days to go.

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Product Review and Other Nonsense

First off, Parent Bloggers asked me if I'd be interested in a copy of Hip Hop Harry "Move Those Feet."

Knowing my kids and their love of dance (and gymnastics), I signed up.

Hip Hop Harry uses music, dance and rhyme to teach kids about language, social skills and problem solving. The DVD has three episodes: Fancy Footwork, I Like to Move!, and You Can Dance!

In the first episode, Fancy Footwork two sisters learn the importance of positive competition when they find themselves on opposing teams, and the importance of drinking water when exercising. I really like the lesson in this one - it's ok to try hard and want to win, and it's ok if the other team wins as well. The second episode, I Like to Move!, features a fitness expert to teach the kids fun new ways to exercise. In the final episode, You Can Dance!, Hip Hop Harry helps a girl with classical ballet training learn some hip hop moves.

All three of the episodes promote exercise and physical fitness as well as encouraging creativity and social skills.

My five and three year old loved it, and were eager to show off their dance moves as well. My three year old informed me after the show was over that she was thirsty and should have a drink of water.

You can win your own copy, by leaving a comment here. Now, get hoppin'!

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And on to the normal nonsense you've come to expect from me...

Thank you all for you wonderfully supportive comments yesterday. I hate to be such a turd-in-the-punchbowl, but for some reason it really bothered me more than I wanted it too.

Not so much that my friend got in and I didn't, but it made me feel like I wasn't good enough. And we all know how delightful that feels.

Part of that stems from the dozens of questions they asked with your sign up:

What shoes do you wear?

Have you run a marathon before and what was your time?

What is your projected time for this race?

Why are you running this race?

Well, they're not Nike shoes, nor will the ever be. We all know how my first marathon went. My projected time? Hopefully an hour better. Why? Why does anyone run a marathon. If you even have to ask... Maybe if I had an inspiring story of how I nearly lost my life to a giant squid or something...

Then I got the email:

"Team in Training, our partner through race beneficiary — the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, still has registrations reserved. If you would like to participate in the 2008 Nike Women’s Marathon through Team in Training, call 800.482.TEAM or check out the link below."

So what you're telling me is if I want to fund-raise for Team in Training, I can run.

Nice.

A very large part of me doesn't even want to post this. I don't want to rain on Tree's parade at all, and not just because she offered to bag the race and come run with me. That thought alone drove me to tears, again.

I am really, truly excited she's in and I can't wait to see her finisher's Tiffany Necklace. She's in it for the run, I was in it for the bling.

I also told her if she did that I would come down and kick her bony ass. Right after I catch her, which may take awhile as she is quick on her feet and I tend to mosey.

Live and learn, and next time sign up as a team. Everything happens for a reason. There's a reason I'm not supposed to be there.

Now I'm patiently waiting for Friday, April 18, 12:01 am when the registration opens for the first 10,000 crazies for the Twin Cities Marathon. The race is October 5th. Hey. I'll be done with my race, while Tree still has two more weeks!

Anyone want to join me?

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I did manage to finish one project yesterday. It took me significantly longer and a lot more material than I was planning, but it turned out pretty well. The only question it begs is...

Blonde?

Or Brunette?

Either way, the inside pocket is, well...

The money shot.

Oy. Is it hot in here?

It just stings a little

A month ago Tree and I signed up for the San Francisco Nike Women's marathon.

It's a lottery.

She got in.

I didn't.

I'm trying to be ok with it.

I'm just a number to them, but they can't hear inside my head, "You're not good enough..."

And that hurts.

Guess I'll go back out and finish shoveling the driveway.


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Day One

Today was my first training run for the OKC in April.

Those few weeks off really made a difference. I'm not sure if it's good or bad yet, but I'll know tomorrow when I try to get out of bed.

I started off at the gym. I forgot how much I hate to run on the treadmill. That, and with New Years less that a week ago, it was completely overun with people. After 1.3 miles, I quit. Even with the fancy-pants tv's, my heart wasn't in it. Part of it was I grabbed a pair of running shoes that really belonged in the trash. I did do a couple circuts of weights - not a lot, but enough for me. Before I went home, I threw my crappy shoes in the trash. Now I can't wear them again.

Once I got home my brain kicked in, "You're only cheating yourself..."

I dug out my newer shoes and headed out for an additional three miles. Outside. No headphones, treadmill noise, or people - it was wonderful.

That is what I need. Quiet.

Four miles down, four hundred to go... Give or take.


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Friday by the numbers

1- times I've been alone since Monday Noon.

2 - pounds to go to reach my "lose 10 pounds between Thanksgiving and Christmas" goal

2.5 - hours alone

3 - kids I'm done Christmas shopping for.

4 - gifts I have yet to make.

7 - packages I've mailed in the last five days.

8 - pounds I've lost since Thanksgiving

10 - days since I've run.

11 - days until I start training for my next marathon.

11 - days until Christmas.

25 - pounds to go.

435 - miles to train

It's been decided... OKC Marathon. April 27, 2008. My dad is running with me. Tree and Anne - can't wait.




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Saturday

One busy day, I tell you.

Though I'm stll riding high on the success of Thanksgiving Dinner, I am tired.

Was up this morning at 5:30 am. Very unusual for me. Very. Well, unless you count marathon training.

Today The Boy had "hockey" (ice skating) this morning at 8 am, a bowling invite at 10:30, and Big Girl had two Nutcracker performances: 2 pm and 6 pm.

May not sound like alot, but add the chaos of my inlaws, parents, sister, two babies, and not to forget my own family...

Just getting everyone fed was an accomplishment. Because you know, after me, it's all about the food.

Be the Grownup

Over the last couple of days, I've come to a painful realization.

I'm not ready, physically or mentally, to run the Las Vegas Marathon.

After my first, I promised myself 'next time' I'd be ready. Lose that 20 (or 40) extra pounds and really put myself into training.

I haven't done it to my satisfaction. I've been slacking on my mid-week runs, and eating like it's going out of style.

With that, I'm not going.

Could I do it? Sure. Would I like the outcome? Not one little bit.

So with that, I'm "being the grown-up" - meaning when you have something you know is bad for you, pulling away rather than forging ahead. I'm going to take some time and head back to the gym. Get back on the weights, and hit the elliptical. Give my road legs a rest.

Now, if I can just 'be the grown-up' with the rest of the Halloween candy.

Saturday... Updated.

Headed out for a run. I'm hoping between 15 and 18 miles.

It's still dark out. Can't wait to see the sunrise.

Today I'm thankful I can run, however slowly.

Update: Fifteen miles in three hours. A new training record for me. Seven miles in, I ran across the temperature - 28 degrees. A little chilly. There is something to be said for seeing the sun rise across the countryside...

And Lukie - that's three kids, thankyouverymuch. ;)


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Hump Day

Where, exactly, did this day go?

Started simply enough - got the kids off to school and headed out for a run. Planned to do 9 miles, but only got in 8.5 as time was running short to meet the bus. It felt really, really good. I feel like I'm at the cusp of a breakthrough as far as my time goes.

Home, feed the kids lunch, shower, then head to Target. Nothing major - just the little things that keep the house running smooth - including razor blades.

Did manange to get some chicken in the crock pot. As far as What's For Dinner Wednesdays... Tonight it's chicken enchiladas, leaving tomorrow to be either Chicken and Homemade Noodles or Barbeque Chicken Pizza. Generally I'll put a package of breasts in with a carrot, stalk of celery, onion and chicken base. It imparts a little flavor to the chicken, and makes a reasonably good starting point for broth for another meal.

The enchiladas? I simply shred 3/4 (or 2/3 of the chicken if there are only three breasts) and add some cheese and a can of diced green chiles. This usually covers about 8 tortillas, and they fit nicely in a 9x13 pan once they're rolled up. I use a can of enchilada sauce - put a little in the bottom of the pan, put the enchiladas in, and cover with the rest of the sauce. Sprinkle a little more cheese on the top. 350 for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Easy peasy. And cheesy. This is very versatile, as you can make it spicier by adding jalapenos, or not by omitting the green chiles. If your kids don't eat chicken, make a couple with only cheese. Whatever works for your family. Running short of time? Chop the chicken and make chicken taco's with cheese, lettuce and tomato.

The barbeque chicken pizza? You can use a ready-to-go crust or make your own. Spread your favorite barbeque sauce instead of tomato sauce. Sprinkle diced chicken, red onion, corn, cheese (either a mild white or cheddar - or both), and bake. Top with cilantro.

The homemade noodles? I'll have to save those for another day. After the run this morning, I'm running out of steam and it's only 4:45...

Made it...

The afternoon before the race I was hoping to get it done in four hours and not get caught by the 'sweeper.'

As I was trying to fall asleep, I talked myself into a 3:30.

I barely slept. I'm guessing I had around four-ish hours of sleep. I was up reading at 4:30 am. I continued to allow the race to roll through my head.

Since I wasn't terribly familiar with the course, except for on the map, I talked myself through a couple things I thought I might face: fatigue and wanting to quit. Rather than telling myself it would be alright to quit, I focused on the positives. That I really can do this.

Race day dawned cold and rainy. Cold enough I could see my breath (mid-30's), and it rained the entire time. The good thing about it is that our amazing host Aimee lives a few blocks from the start. We had curbside service to the start, and again at the end of the race (with a bevy of blankets and fleece jackets).

Since it was a chip timed race, we weren't too concerned about being in the middle of the pack. Anne, Tree and I took off together. After about a tenth of a mile, Tree took off.

Anne and I stuck together through the first 3.5 miles. She was a bit winded and urged me to go ahead.

I did, and actually felt really... good.

Amazingly good.

My plan was to "walk through" the water stations. For non-runners that involves grabbing a water, gatorade or both at the start of the station then drinking while walking until the end of the station (the last trash can), ditching the cup, and then running again.

I was feeling really good through mile six. Enter city park and two miles of switch-backs. Half a mile in and I had to 'go.' Ever time I'd run by a port-a-pot, there was a line of people waiting. I was not going to waste time waiting when there were plenty of trees and bushes. I waited for the next sharp turn and headed into the trees. Two minutes later, much relieved, I carried on. The same people were in line for the pot-a-pot.

The neat thing about the switch-backs is that you can see the other runners - both ahead and behind you. Yes. There were people behind me this time. Whoot!

Exiting City park, a mile later we entered Cheeseman Park, which by that time felt like more of the same. At least this time I didn't have to go to the bathroom. At the end of the park, nearing mile 11, the end was in sight.

I kept waiting to want to quit, or at least walk. But I didn't. Mile 12 the Marathoners headed for their next 13.1 and I turned left to the finish. Good decision. As great as the race was going, I was ready to be done. I clicked through the last mile and had a really strong finish.

My time?

Not 4 hours.

Not 3:30.

Not even 3.

Nope... It was 2:42.57.

Better than I could have hoped. Given that during my marathon, my half-split was around 2:30, plus the fact that I've been sick and unable to train for the last month, plus the altitude and crappy weather... I am completely stoked by 2:42.

And at the finish waiting to cheer me on? Tree.

She had a personal best of 1:55.45. Yes, she waited nearly an hour for me in the rain and crappy weather.

Anne was close behind with 2:50. Under three - that was her plan all along. She fought through the altitude and persevered on.

We are already in talks for our next race.

Race Day tomorrow

The packets have been picked up.

The 'pasta' dinner has been eaten.

I've abstained from alcohol. Tonight. (The pomegranate margarita lunch hit the spot.)

Race starts at 8. Hopeful finish by 11:30. OK. Noon.

Massage at 3.

Miss the kids, but having a great time.

The mile high city...

Having a great time, even though my ears continue to pop.

The food, lodging, martinis, and company couldn't be better.

I do catch myself watching the clock thinking, "What are my kids doing?"

Though I am excited for the race, it will be difficult. I'm still fighting the cough and general crappyness.

Ah well. Sometimes it's just about the experience.

Stitch by stitch...

Last week while my Mom was here I finally got my rat's nest of a dining room tidied up.

I should have taken a picture. But I didn't and now it's scrambled back up again as I work to complete some projects.

Most importantly this one. I'm to basting the binding. Even if you don't know anything about quilting, let me tell you it's the last part. After piecing, quilting, and setting the binding on one side... I'm down to basting it on the back. By hand.

And it must be done by next week. Because I'm taking it to Denver with me.

It's already time to meet up with some friends for the Denver Marathon (we're doing half)...

What is it about a rainy day...

I love the fall. The crisp falling leaves, the chill in the air, the massive head/chest cold that I just can't shake...

It's been a rainy day today. Besides one quick trip to the fabric store, and venturing halfway to the bus stop to pick up my Kindergartener (it's at the end of the cul-de-sac - I can see the driver's face from my office window) I've stayed inside in my warm little cocoon.

The cocoon of the kitchen. The oven's been on cranking out Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cookies, baked chicken, and homemade noodles. I'm taking dinner to a friend tonight. She had surgery today and could use a little tlc.

By surgery - I mean she gave herself a 40'th birthday gift of new boobs and lipo. With a 'life's too short' mentality, she's getting what she wants. The great thing about this friend is she's not looking for something extreme, just a little lift. She doesn't want people to look at her and thing "what happend?" rather she'd like them to think she's been on a perky little vacation - a vacation that she'll no longer need to wear a bra on.

I'm not too sure about the whole thing. I am who I am for a reason -stubborn fat and all. More power to her though if that's what she wants.

For now, I'm content in the kitchen making cookies and soup. Oh, and I'll keep running - even thought it won't make me any perkier.

UPDATE... I just took the soup, cookies and chocolate chip banana bread over. It's hard to tell by the swelling, but it's looking like she's going to have a great result. The surgery was this morning and she was home by 2:30. She's maintaining the pain with Vicodin, resting the afternoon away, and in pretty good spirits. We'll see what tomorrow brings...

Product Review: Ryka.

The thing I love about doing reviews for PBN is you never know what you're going to get. Most recently, they've connected with Ryka and some of us lucky testers were able to try a new pair of walking or running shoes.

After the marathon, and since I'm training for another, I jumped at the chance for new shoes. Jumped I tell you.

First off, let me say that I always giggle a little bit when people tell me they have a "hard time" finding shoes. Hmmm. Too wide, too narrow, too boxy, not enough support, too much support... But at least they have them in your size.

I was thrilled to find out that Ryka offers shoes up to a 12. And guess what I wear. A 12.

They arrived a short while later, and I immediately tore into the box and tried them on.

I should have known better, given my other running shoes are a 13.

They were perfect, until it came to the toe box. Too small.

Not much, but given that in High School I lost two toenails due to too small shoes, I'm overly cautious.

I contacted the Ryka rep, and she was very apologetic and offered to send me apparel instead. Was this my lucky day?

A short while later, the Free to Move LS top arrived in the mail.

I love it.

I try to keep all my running gear in one dresser drawer. The things I love stay on the top - kind of like my kids, I tend to wear my favorites as often as possible. Every so often, I sort through it and pull some of the things from the bottom back up to the top. Halfway through my next run, I remember why it's on the bottom - too big, too small, too bunchy, too whatever. Then I wash it and it finds it's way back to the bottom of the drawer. This shirt will stay on the top.

This top will be a staple as winter approaches. I tried it on, and loved the fit -it's plenty long through the sleeves and waist. It moved with me and kept me at the 'right' temperature through my runs. For my long Saturday runs, I generally leave around 7 am (plenty chilly) and arrive home 10 ish (getting warmer). It kept me warm during the chilly parts, and cool during the warm parts. Most of all, it's flattering.

If you're looking for some new togs, Ryka is giving away 50 pair of shoes and 50 performace tees every day from September 5 through October 25th. Check it out!

Best run in awhile

Ten miles in under two hours.

Rock on.