26.2 Rockin' Miles

Marathon- check!!!! Ready for the next!!

Done and done 26.2 in the books!

I once read a quote on Pintrest that said “there will be days when I didn’t know if I could run a marathon, there will be a lifetime knowing that I have.”  This sums me up perfectly. I typically felt strong both mentally and physically throughout my training cycle. Sure there were days that my runs sucked but I always knew those would make my good days feel great so I forged ahead knowing that I could not judge my entire training by a few crappy runs. I sort of felt like a mailman…no rain, sleet, or dark of night could keep me from my appointed runs. Yeah the rain thing very fitting since I live in the PNW and most of my runs are in the rain after September.

As the marathon approached, I started to get very anxious. I had done all of the training runs possible (with exception of the 20 miler but I will talk about that later), nutrition was down to a science, and cross training was right on schedule...I was READY! I treated this training like a full time job.  

20 miles and on top of the world! 

The day finally came that I was to run my last long run (20 miles) before the taper started. I was so excited about that run but also a little annoyed because I kept saying “lets just get this marathon started already!” The 20 miler happened to be on a really cold, grey and foggy day here in the PNW. Again, I laced up my shoes and out we went for the final long run of this training cycle. I remember that day perfectly…just like clockwork mile 9 sucked. For some reason mile 9 is always my crap mile. No matter the distance, I have to mentally talk myself through that entire mile which seems never ending. Thankfully my music was really good “Proud Mary” and “Happy” were a couple of the songs that got me through the dreaded mile 9. The rest of the run went without issue. I did cry once I finished that 20 miles. It was a great feeling…well until Jan 25^th happened. J

Star Wars 1/2 Marathon 

Dave and I ventured down to Disneyland to run the Star Wars ½ marathon the week prior to the marathon. I decided I was going to use that race as a training run and it was so fun! I kept my pace a little slower than normal as I didn’t want to risk getting injured. I also didn’t touch anything…NO MEASLES for me! Just like always Disney was magical. They really do everything over the top and races are no exceptions. I finished the race right on schedule knowing that was my last long mileage before my marathon.

Finally the time had come for Dave and I headed to NOLA. There were so many feelings that week. I was nervous, scared, excited and overwhelmed just to name a few. “What if my training is off”, “what if I get there and can’t finish”, “did I run enough”, or “what if get swept” were just some of the thoughts going through my mind during that plan ride to NOLA.

We finally arrived in NOLA on Friday morning. We met up with Amy, Chris, Carlyon and Phil C at the airport. Not only was this race weekend we were also celebrating Phil C’s birthday! We quickly made our way to the French Quarter for some yummy food and of course a cocktail. Friday would be my only night to have a little fun because Saturday night it was lights out early! Later that evening Aneesah, Carl (Carol Carols) and Cam arrived in NOLA. We met them at a restaurant where Cam surprised me with chick-fil-a nuggets. Well he brought me 11 since he ate one to punish me for never bring him home chicken nuggets from The Cup.

Saturday was a day of fun, rest and expo. We went to dinner early that night so the runners could get to bed. Just like that it was Sunday morning…MARATHON DAY! It was cold and windy in downtown NOLA. I was second guessing my choice of running attire that morning. Luckily, we had solar blankets from a previous race…yes we were the envy of all of the other racers. Note to self…ALWAYS save the solar blanket. As the race progressed the temps started to rise and the weather turned out perfect.

Smokes with my sign at the finish! Friday inspired one! 

The race started and I was full of butterflies! I had to really dial myself back because I wanted to go full out sprint. I had to keep telling myself that I was running 26.2 miles today not 3.1 miles. I quickly got into my running zone as I call it and focused on my music, breathing and pace.  Around mile 12ish which was just before the split of the ½ marathon finish and full marathon course I noticed a guy being placed on a gurney. I have to admit at that moment I was really second guessing myself. This guy looked really fit and like this was not his first marathon. I thought that I could just go in at the ½ marathon mark and all would be ok. All of a sudden I heard my name. I looked up to see Amy standing there saying “you got this smokes!” She had finished her race and was heading back to the hotel to change. Once I saw her I regained my focus and continued on. Just like that my head was back in the game. Later when I talked to Amy she said she could see the look on my face and knew that she needed to get my attention to refocus me. Thankfully it worked!

I just started to click off the miles. I never saw Dave on the race course but every so often Neechie and I would pass each other as the course folded around on itself. It was great to see her. She would give me little thumbs up and she tried to give me a high five but some dude stole it instead. I guess he needed it more than me. She later told me that on mile 20 when she saw me and I was looking strong she cried a little.

Runners and Bling 

I didn’t really cramp up at all during the race. I did feel a pop in my shoe and thought to myself “oh crap there goes a toenail!” That was around mile 24. I stopped for a minute to see if I needed to put a Band-Aid on it to get me the last few miles. Luckily my toenail was still intact! HA I readjusted and made a beeline to the finish line! I couldn’t believe it…I WAS ALMOST there!!!! Just a few short miles and I will have put the exclamation mark on my journey. I went full speed ahead just like a steam engine. As I could see the crowds ahead I wondered if I would be able to see my peeps through the crowd. Just when I thought I had missed them I heard my name! I looked over and there stood Dave, Amy, Chris, Carl (Carol Carols) and Cam. I ran past them for a second but of course I turned back to give everyone a high five. This got me a little shout out from the race announcer. “She has lost a few seconds off of her time but that is awesome she gave high fives to her people” is what she said (or something there about). As I crossed the finish there was Neechie standing there at the medal area. She of course was in tears for me. I have to say it was so great having such wonderful people there. I also got some signs. I have only had one other sign! That was awesome!

Cam made this sign.
I am not sure if he fully got the don't look back part but I did!

Creasmans blinged out!

Post race drink! 

We hung out at the after race party for a bit and then headed for some food! I was starving. Yes I proceeded to eat and drink my way through NOLA. What an amazing night celebrating on Bourbon Street and then the next day Neechie’s cousin got us on the set of NCIS- New Orleans. We met Scott Baluka!

I had the most wonderful experience and loved every second of that marathon. I felt strong, accomplished and ready to take over the world. HA

Celebration on Bourbon Street 

I took a couple of weeks off to recovery but now I am back to training. I am running a ½ marathon in March, Ragnar (200 mile 12 per relay race) in April and ½ marathon in May before my race season is over the summer and just running starts. There will be more marathons in my future! I have found one that I am considering.

Thank you to everyone for your kind words during this process. It was simply amazing.  

I did something that never in a million years would I think would be possible for me to accomplish! I had always said “I am not a runner” even after completing many ½ marathons. A friend told me “for the love of the sport please call yourself a runner!” So…

Signed

~ME- a runner

Official Race Photo 

How I won my personal journey in the WEST!

This is not about about our trip WEST but more about what I have discovered while being here in the PNW.

I started this journey in Oct 2013. I was 90lbs overweight. Dave and I had moved to the PNW Oct 2012 and for this sun loving southern girl that was hard. I had been active before moving here and why not, I lived and worked at the beach. Being outside in the sunny weather was a way of life for me. Upon moving here I gained 60lbs in the first 9 months...and no that was not baby weight unless you are referring to a food baby. I was fooling myself into thinking that a couple of glasses of wine and fatty food were not causing me damage. It wasn't until I saw a picture of myself in August 2013 that I realized I needed to change and not just for appearance for my health and well being. Of course it took me another month to really get into gear.

I met with a trainer (Rachel) at my gym (that I had belonged to but of course never went) and we set some goals. We talked about how I got to this point, what I needed to change in my life to reach my goals and how she could help me achieve those goals. She told me to log all my food and activities into myfitnesspal. I didn't see the point in that but of course I did as I was told. I thought that perhaps burpees would be punishment for not. HA! She knows what I will do anything she tells me to do. I bought into the program and it has paid off TEN FOLD! 

 To start my goal was to just workout 3-4 times a week for 45 minutes. I worked with her twice a week so one to two additional days didn't seem that hard to get in my schedule. She was big on measurements because she said the scale can be very defeating. She took my measurements and I was shocked at what I saw. Holy YIKES! She measured me every month and after the first month I couldn't believe it I was down inches. All over and in places that I have never lost before (I am a big busted girl). After that first month I was down a whopping 13.2lbs. It didn't stop there. As the months went on I got stronger and stronger. I was doing things I never thought possible. My trainer (Rachel) always told me that I could do something even when I felt like I want to puke or give up.

 Those 3-4 times a per week workout turned into 4-5 times per week. I found my love of running again somewhere in that mix. I had completed several 1/2 marathons but never really had a goal other than to finish. As the weight came off the faster my running became. I trained really hard for the Diva 1/2 Marathon in April 2014. My time was 2:35 minutes, which was faster than I have ever run one before. In June 2014 I completed another 1/2 marathon and my time dropped by 12 minutes. I decided then I wanted to try a full marathon which I will run in January 2015. As part of my training I did the Rock N Roll 1/2 in Savannah which my time was 2:06 a PR and something that I never thought I would do. 

I am now working out 6-7 times per week with active recovery built in. I typically do a yoga class to help with my running. This summer Dave and I did something that I wanted to do when we moved here but never thought possible. We did 14 mile hike of Mt. Rainier with a major evaluation increase. This would not have been possible to do in the summer of 2013. We hiked into Mirror Lake which was totally breath taking. As I stood there for a moment I thought what a shame it would have been for me to not experience this wonderful site simply due to that fact that I was overweight and unhealthy.  

Mt. Rainier Hike up to Mirror Lake 

I am very close to my goal weight. I am actually 3lbs away but more importantly I have found a place where I am comfortable in my own skin again and living a much healthier life style.

I do still have a glass of wine or a little treat every now and then but what I have found is that my body can no longer take it. My body now SCREAMS...What the hell are you doing to me?!?  

I have been lucky to have the support of:

A husband(Dave) that totally got on board with my revamping our eating habits, training runs and gym time.  
A trainer (Rachel) that I now call FRIEND! She tells me I can do things when I think I can't.

A wonderful group of friends that give me little shout outs although they have no idea that most of them come on days when I need the support.  


To date I am currently 87lbs down and 40 inches overall. This journey is nowhere close to being over. It is a life time journey and one I deserve to take. 

Goings on

Spring is finally coming to the Northwest. I am amazed by the colors on the trees and the flowers. I guess one benefit of all the rain are the bright and vibrant colors. Mother Nature has cut me some slack and provided several days of sunshine. I must say those days are just wonderful and the sun is something this southern girl misses. Along with the entry of spring is the opening of the Farmer's Market. This is something that I have been waiting for since it closed in December. I love that place.

Dave and I decided to grow some veggies of our own. We decided on herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, artichoke, cauliflower and various types of peppers. Our kitchen counter has turned into a mini greenhouse. Today I realized that we have sprouts so far so good. After Roxie and Gunner tried their paw at garden I decided to put up a fence around the beds. They seem to think the veggie plants would be happier out of the ground.

Dave has been traveling a lot theses days. I was able to join him on one of his trips to Hawaii. I don't think I have even seen such a beautiful place. We stayed in Waikiki. It was so nice to sit on the beach feeling the sun on my face, sand in my toes and taking in all that is Hawaii. I got bit by the island bug for sure. How can anyone not love a place that starts the daily news with "it's aloha Friday!" I think in a past life I must have been an island princess...or so I like to think! We went to the North Shore, snorkeling at Turtle Bay, paddle boarding and lived out "Duke's on Sunday" Jimmy Buffet song. We also visited Pearl Harbor along with USS Arizona and USS Missouri. I was so taken with the Arizona. I was not aware there is fuel still leaking from the ship. It was so strong you could smell and see it. It was the most unbelievable experience.

I still managed to get to The Carolina Cup because after all it is a rite of spring! I got to hang with my peeps and of course cause a little mischief! ;)

I have rediscovered my love of painting. A little known fact about me is that I painted in high school and loved it. I don't think I was ever really good at it but loved it none the same. I went to one of those sip and paint places with my cousin Lisa last Friday. It was so fun. Although I may not paint like Van Gogh, I ended up with an original piece of artwork.

That's all for now! As they say in Hawaii...ALOHA!

Happenings and Goings On

It has been a while since I last posted (four months to be exact). There has been a lot going on over those four months.

Our second trip out here was through the southern part of the US with a brief stop off in New Orleans and Baton Rouge for the USC/LSU game. Many people questioned why we would do this drive twice and of course my response was "We have tickets to a football game and no way I am passing up a trip to NOLA!"  You see being a southern family football is religion and NOLA is just great.

The bonus to this trip was the surprise wedding of Amy and Chris Cox.  They got married the Saturday before we left so the trip turned into their honeymoon.  We were so happy to be there as Dave served as their photographer and I was Amy's "best bitch" which is a honor/title I took very serious!

The trip there was more like an 8th grade dance. You know where girls on one side and boys on the other; since we are adults we were a boys car (Dave, Chris and Lee) and a girls car (Amy, Rikard and myself).  The guys were able to listen to ESPN radio and of course the girls had a moving dance party. We even performed "Island In the Stream" to all passing cars.  In NOLA we ate, drank, took a swamp boat tour and went on a ghost tour.  Rikard was almost eaten by a gator on that swamp tour.  I think in a past life I was from NOLA.  I cannot tell you how much I love that city! LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!

After a very close game and being called "tiger bait" by a bunch of unruly 10 year olds we left Amy, Chris, Lee and Rikard to continue the trek west westward.  We made several stops along the way.  One of the most interesting was the Hoover Dam and not for the reason you think.  Apparently we just missed seeing a man jump to his death from the top of the dam.  We did see his body and it being brought up by the medical examiner that almost ran over Dave.  Again my staring almost got us into the trouble.  We spent a couple of nights in Vegas, San Francisco, and Santa Monica.  I was very overwhelmed in Vegas since I have the staring issue.  There was tons to stare at and I think I almost got lost a couple of times.  We drove through Napa which was one of the most beautiful places I have seen.  We just missed the harvest season so everything was bright colors.

We found a house here in Lacey to rent and spent the first night in the house sleeping an air mattress.  It was really nice to finally be living like normal people and not nomads. When the household goods arrived I was thrown into a giant game of BINGO and I was loosing horribly.  In the words of Sofia Patrillo "picture it Lacey, 2012..." I was sitting at the counter as five men were walking through the door rattling off numbers and in no particular order.  Box 302, box 212, box 4, table leg 6...you get the point and I had to check off all of it.  Just reliving it gives me a slight panic attack.

We have all settled in nicely to the house.  It has a great little yard which we hope to enjoy in July, August and Sept.  There is a wonderful trail just outside of the neighborhood that goes on for miles for running/walking/biking. On very clear days we can see Mount Rainier from our neighborhood.  

Our first visitor was Pat.  She came out here for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Oh the stories there are about Pat and the Homeless.

All four of us are trying to get used to the weather.  I think that Dave, Roxie and Gunner are having a better adjusting to the weather than I.  I have found out that most people out here take vitamin D so I have added that to my daily dose.

My cousin lives just up the road from us (well hour drive) so it has been really wonderful getting to have dinner, chatting, and shopping with her.  We both think it was our grandmother that put us in the same location to reconnect.

We met our neighbors which happen to be LSU fans so it has been really fun hanging out with them.  Come to find out the guys work in the same office.  What a small world.

So that has been pretty much what is going on here on the West Coast.  There will be more updates!

Searching for JR

We left OK City and started the very long trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico. This trip took us through Texas. I have always heard all things are bigger in Texas and boy were they right. As we entered Texas we passed a giant rest area, not to be confused with the Welcome Center. This rest stop was unlike anything I had ever seen. It actually had an observation deck although, I am still not sure what we were observing. A little further down the road was a roadside cross...not just any roadside cross. This cross was taller and wider than most hotels I have stayed in. I believe they were trying to reach heaven with that cross. Again, all things bigger in Texas.

We didn't get to see any of the famous family of Texas...the Ewings but we did pass a few oil derricks. Too bad we didn't see a "gusher" because the further west we go the more expensive the gas prices get.

We stayed the night in Albuquerque just a few miles from "Old Towne". . We found a great little bar called High Noon Saloon and of course we went in for a cocktail. I mean how could you not have a drink at a place called High Noon Saloon?!? I was secretly hoping to see a dual from the old west.

Dave found this great little Mexican restaurant called Little Anita's and let me tell you I had the sixth food coma of this trip. The good was AMAZING! The salsa was so hot it caused me to have a little sweat beads on my face.

We walked around the shops and even went into a great old church that was beautiful. This was one of the first churches in the area and in my mind people from the Wild West took refuge in this church. You know people like Billy the Kid or Doc Holiday (insert over active imagination).

We headed back to the hotel to get some sleep since the next stop was Vegas. I may add this Southern Baptist girl was in for a very interesting next 48 hours.

Other news

We saw billboards for a 72 oz steak. I do believe anyone eating that would be in a food coma for life...or at least 24 hours.

We found the second last westward bound Chick-fil-a. Of course it was yummy!

Miles, miles, miles, miles of road construction.

OK City is OK

After the fun week in NOLA and Baton Rouge we loaded up the car and said "so long" to members of the wolf pack and cobra clan to head west...AGAIN!

The first stop on this trip was Oklahoma City which was a very long nine car ride. Note to self....driving nine hours in the car after acting like a 21 year college is not a wise decision. I swear that must have been the longest trip ever!

For the first time Dave and I rotated driving. He drove the first half and I think I was drooling on the seatbelt before we ever left Baton Rouge.

We finally made it to OK City. Dave had chosen the Hampton Inn in Bricktown which was great. There was a great little river walk next to the hotel that had fun little restaurants. We ended up eating at Toby Keith's Bar and Grill. I was totally taken with the saddle turned into a disco ball the bartender had to keep repeating himself.

After dinner we headed back to the hotel for my fix of Once Upon a Time and Jersey Housewives. Dave chose to read "The Odyssey" and fall asleep. I guess he doesn't appreciate good TV lol!

Other news-

Roxie and Gunner are doing great.

The entire blog about NOLA and Baton Rouge to follow with some exceptions. After all what happens in NOLA stays in NOLA!

Never rains in Seattle (or whatever the song says)

Day 9....until Oct 9

We finally made it to Seattle. I will say that is one of the prettiest drives (well after we got passed the part of Washington that looks like Montana).

We decided to stay in downtown Seattle since the doggie spa was not going to be able to take Roxie and Gunner until the next day.

As we drove into Seattle imagine my surprise when it was not raining. I told Dave that I must have brought the sunshine we me from The Dirty Myrtle.

Since we were so early getting there we decided to take Roxie and Gunner to explore the new sights and smells of Seattle. One thing I was not aware of how many homeless people are in that city. They are everywhere. The city actually builds parks for them which happens to be where the off leash dog parks are located. Well needless to say Roxie thought she needed to greet every homeless person in Seattle with the exception of the high teenage couple.

After the parade through the parks we made our over to the Space Needle. We didn't go up this time perhaps next time.

We checked into the hotel and Roxie and Gunner proceeded to jump all over one of the hotel staff.

We made our way to Pike's Market. We saw the first Starbucks and of course there was a long line. I learned that Seattle's Best Coffee is also owned by Starbucks. I discovered that the guys at Pike's Fish Market will let you catch a fish. Don't think for one second that I will not be doing that several times over the next few years. Who knows that might be my new career! Stephanie the Fish Thrower?!!

Over the next few days we explored the area. We found a cute house to rent in Lacey which is about 30-45 minutes from Seattle depending on traffic and how fast you drive. We were able to chat with the people we are renting from and they gave us all sorts of useful information.

We went to REI Mother Ship as Dave calls it. I picked out a really cute/functional bike. Come to find out I needed an extra small bike frame. (I guess because I am four inches taller than a pigmy). That explains why I keep falling off the bikes I used to ride.

We flew back to SC for the wedding of Chris and Amy (I can now say it in public. That was the hardest secret to keep).

Tomorrow we start the trek west again. We will have company for half the trip as part of the wolf pack and cobra clan are set to invade NOLA and USC/LSU game and then we will head back to Lacey,WA. This time we are taking the southern route.

In other news:

Gunner and Roxie got to go to a birthday party at the doggie spa.