Falling Behind on My Posts!

Part 1:
Ninja Style! Yep the wonderful S, Blondepony and I met up on Sunday March 25 for a great morning run! We were missing our other running buddy Keep On Keeping On cause beshe was well.... running Across America!!!! We met up for 5 miles and then I was continuing on for another 3-5 miles! I had run the WSU Campus on the Run 5K the day before so I knew I already had 3.1 miles in...my legs were feeling a bit tired from Saturdays run (26.44)
We chatted the whole way and the run ended up nice with some sun on our backs as we cruised back to the cars! No run would be complete without pics...Ninja style, of course!~

Part 2: Jelly Bean Virtual Run!
Well again Blondepony and Keep On Keeping On and I were supposed to meet up yesterday but 35 mph winds kept us from braving outside to complete our Jelly Bean Virtual Run! Dang! so I opted for my treadmill and my 11 miles from my marathon training plan. Wow...I like the treadmill for 3-5 miles but not 11! I have run a virtual half marathon on it as well but it was not pretty! I tried to visualize the whole time yesterday where I would be if getting the opportunity to run outside...where I would rehydrate, fuel up, turn around, go pee, you got the picture! It was not a good run so won't be posting my time...just know that outside I run about 1 min/mile faster... but here is my post run hot mess pic with my 2012 Jelly Bean Virtual Run bib in hand!
btw~you have until tomorrow April 3 to register online for the run! Chnaces to win prizes!

Updating of the Blog and the Start of a New Training Season

Notice the changes? Yeah, yeah, yeah! I decided that my blog was so boring and that was probably why I don't have any followers! (or it could be because I don't tell anyone about it, or because I never update it like I should so people don't ever stop by to check me out!). Let me know if you like the colors, background etc. I really thought about using the generic one with water droplets...that is the same view that I have been looking through for weeks now with runs in the, rain, wind and snow....which leads me to my next bloggy item!

Okay so this is my 3rd time around for marathon  training! It should get easier.... right? I should know what to expect, right? well NO! its not any easier...I'm sure that is due to running less than 90 miles since first of year and only running like eight times or something absolutely ridiculous...for me! So I am starting over with running, training my muscles, legs, and feet, and most of all my breathing and mind! I am going about this training session solo! My running buddy for the previous two marathons, is having a baby! I am so excited for her and her husband but I miss my running partner! I miss the conversations and support! But I can do it! I will conquer this 18 weeks and will be better from it! I also think I am struggling with the start of training because I have already battled 40+ wind storms, pouring rain and snow!! Ugh! that is what happens when you are used to training in the months of June-October rather than March-July!

Here's a pic from my last long workout run with buddies last Sunday in the pouring rain, wind and snow!

Do I Need a Pre-Marathon Training Workout Just to Get Ready for Tuesday?

Oh man I know it's supposed to be Wordless Wednesday but I am so full of words and at a loss for running! To date this has been the least amount of running I have ever done for not only 1 month but now 2 straight! The month February only had 7, yes that is right 7 running days! I have such mixed emotions about that...on one hand it has been great to not run, give my body a rest from one marathon and achieving 1,000 miles in 2011,a rest from trying to cram in runs (after work in dark, weekends, lunch breaks)between my absolutely crazy family life BUT on the other hand when I don't run, then I get more stressed, more frantic, more CRAZY and I feel like pooh! Oh and I totally miss my long runs with my running buddies( Keep on Keeping on and Blonde Ponytail, and Stacey). I need them to help me feel whole again!

I have the next 6 days to prepare myself for the next 18 weeks of training, I feel like I need to run just to prepare myself!  Sounds funny to need to run to train for the training plan!

It is what it is and cheers to another training plan all set up for me! Missoula Marathon here I come July 8, 2012. Goal of 4:10 is doable for me. I am going to be playing with some different training/race fuels and hydration. So stay tuned for those reviews and what I end up with! I am after something to help decrease cramping at mile 18-20, something with more sodium(so I can take less salt pills), something  to give me more energy,  and last but not least something that may not make me go to the bathroom so much in the 2nd half of the race!

Cheers and here's to Missoula!

Train Like a Mother....Oh My! I Can't Wait.....Wait.... It's Supposed to be Wordless Wednesday!

Not sure how many of you out there read "Run Like a Mother" by Dimity and Sarah but it was great read! So true in sooo many ways! I have read, re-read certain sections and passed to other fellow running buddies soooo many times! It should have a scanner sticker to be checked out just like a public library! It's a must for any runner beginner or professional! Lots of laughs as well to keep you moving and grooving....oh there's playlists as well! Great listens to add to your collection for races! BUT.....guess what is coming out in March....You guessed it-"Train Like a Mother" I can't wait to pick this one up-I might just need to preorder from my local book store and get it added to my reading list!! Oh and I did I ever mention that I had my picture taken with Dimity and Sarah at NWM in 2010??? bets picture ever! I will add to blog post later when find on computer...the official pic is in my Inspiration Running Journal!!!

Happy Wednesday...so much for Wordless Wednesday!

Falling off the Treadmill.....not literally!

As the title says I think I have fallen off the treadmill....not literally but my running has definitely fallen off the wayside! Life just gets in the way sometimes. Between my coaching, my hubby's coaching, and my kids' activities night time treadmill running is down to maybe 1 run a week! Ugh! But rest is a good thing and I need to remember that. It will save my knees, feet when I hit the trails again......speaking of hitting trails......Lot's to catch you all up on!

I did it! I owned up, bit the bullet, committed.... starting Monday March 5....I will start my 18 week training plan for......drum roll please.... Ta Da.....Missoula Marathon!!!!! I am super excited that I finally committed and now have a race on my plate that will get my focused! I'm excited to train and meet one of my besties in Missoula for my #3 marathon and her 2nd! Countdown to race day has begun...July 8, 2012!

As for other races.....My calendar is coming together.....

Back in November when they gave a discount for Veteran's day! I signed for my first Rock 'N Roll race...yeah Seattle RNR (June 23)is not the same weekend as Hoopfest this year so now I can run and still get to see my kids play basketball in the world's largest 3-on-3 tourney the next weekend in Spokane! I'm ready to try the new course. Back a few years ago my friend Kelli and I ran the Livestrong 5K that started and ended at Seattle Center. It was awesome-let's hope for the same! I also just booked my hotel room at this super cool hotel-Hotel Maxwell Oh and guess what? I'm running with same friend T who is running Missoula!
I mentioned in early January that I wanted to register for the Girlfriends Half Marathon (October 14) well registration day came and I "clicked" register! I just couldn't pass up this great race opportunity! With some many women supporting such a great cause. It's such a great race atmosphere-as website says Women Supporting Women! Great prerace activities, fun vendors, great food post-race, GREAT SWAG...and cute firemen handing out your finisher's gift...it's the next best race for fireman besides the NWM! Oh I have a great hotel right by start, close to pre-race dinner-Joe's Crab Shack! and.....two running buddies: E and yep, you guessed it T (again!!).

So there you have my major races-with a few local in there and possibly an entry into the Windermere Half Marathon in May that should sum it up! My hotels are booked, travel logistics are under way and I'm about one month away until "D" starts!

Have a great weekend-get that pre-Superbowl run in! I'm sure there is some fun virtual race for that and ooh ooh oooh Don't forget Sat Feb 11 Run for Sherry virtual race: Sherry Arnold - runner, mother, wife, daughter, and teacher- went for an early morning run on January 7, 2012, and never came home. Sherry's goodness, courage and strength prevail and she is not defined by the tragic way in which she died.


Stay Safe out there!

3 Things Thursday

2012....new habits....here's to 3 Things Thursday

1. I am back to coaching jr high volleyball! This is my 6th season...already! and my 2nd as B Team coach(I stepped down after 4 tears as A team coach to let my friend/fellow coach take over A Team as she is also the HS Varsity coach). I love teaching the girls, seeing the improvement in them, seeing the look in their eyes when they "get" something that maybe they were struggling with(overhand serve, flat platform for passing, setting, etc). First game Jan 19......Go Cats!
2. Weekday mid-day runs...as I mentioned in #1 with coaching j high vball my lunchtime runs go out the window so I can eat lunch at my desk and leave early from my job. So running has now been on the treadmill at night-2 days in a row! I am out of treadmill shape-indoor heat, lack of col air to dry up my sweat, feet hurt(lack of soft gravel)....
3. Races...got email today that the registration for the 2012 Girlfriends Race in Vancouver, WA opens up January 9 at 8am! I am so excited! I ran this race 2 years ago and had a great experience with great friends for a great cause...Susan G Komen and Breast Cancer....so I'm registering for sure! .....Ta-Da it is set(not registered yet) but I'm trowing in my hat for the 2012 Run Wild Missoula Marathon July 8, 2012 and the Windermere Half Marathon in May.

Happy Thursday...now go run and be prosperous!

1,011 miles in 2011!

Yep that is right I went over 1,000 miles in 2011! I was struggling to finish up miles..... I ran 5.4 miles on Friday 12/30 to clinch the 1,000 miles! I was so elated to once again make consecutive years of 1,000 miles. I had set up a date with Keep on Keeping On to run some miles on NYE so she could clinch her miles as well! We met at 8am with hopes of getting in 11 miles in honor of 2011! I have to be honest, I was struggling early and was hoping that I could keep up with H. Finally downhill to Dissmore's(8 miles)! we decided to keep going to get 3 extra miles in! Yeah we finished 11 miles in 1:37 with a 8:54 pace! whew! we made it!

Post 11 mile run with Keep on Keeping on! Thanks for the runs, commaderie and most of all friendship! 2012 here we come!

Recap 2011 runs:

202 workouts

1,011.17 miles

9'0"4 /mi

152:55:10 duration of total runs

101,923 calories burned(why am I  not skinnier!!!)