Running Kids/Little-Big Adventure

Sept 12, my family completed the Little-Big Adventure at James River State Park. What an event for us. Not only the race itself, but the weeks of preparation and the money I spent to get us all geared up.

The race consisted of a .5 mile loop in a canoe, 3.5 mile bike ride, and 1.5 mile run. All the while staying in your parent/child team. I teamed up with the 7 year old, my husband with the 14 year old, and my sister with my 10 year old.

www.runningkids.net

Will post more later about the day and our times when they are available. Check out the website for more info if anyone interested for a great adventure with you kids.

Where do I start?

It has been a few months to say the least since I have blogged. My life is still moving forward at a lightening fast pace with work, kids, husband, running, spinning, hiking, scrapbooking, etc, etc, etc.

I have been running and feeling great with it. 3-5 miles at a time is my usual. It mainly depends on who I am running with and where. My greatest victory so far is that my husband has started a 5k training program. Keeping my fingers crossed that he doesn't give up. I've invested in running shoes for him for father's day, and now a second pair of inserts for knee pain.

My kids are continuing with kids races. Mainly one-milers. The whole family is signed up for a 4th of July race. 3 of us for the 5k, 2 for the mile and the little man for the kids 100 yard dash. Should be fun.

I am trying to figure out the twitter phenom.........Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

I am also trying to catch up no several podcasts which I am behind on. Wish me luck.

Hopefully, back on the wagon for blogging.

Spinning

                                                                  

Spinning......my new obsession.   Lately, my buddy Tisa and I have been spinning.  The treadmill just seems too much for me mentally somedays.  Tisa is happy to oblige me and keeps showing up, some days at 05:45 am.  The only problem I am having is my tailbone hurts for a day after each class.  I tried a gel seat cover today with no difference noted.  

I plan to run Friday during the day outside if the weather permits.  Then, there is a 5 miler this weekend with the local running club.  I haven't actually run 5 miles in some time, so  we shall see.......

This past Tuesday, I went to Strasburg to run with my friend Morgan.  This was her first run outside after a few months of training indoors on the treadmill.  What an adjustment this can be.  I am proud of her for a great effort.  I remember how hard the transition was for me and how self conscious I was.  I know eventually, she will love being outside and it will keep her mind challenged. 

Another cold 5k, more or less...

Just completed another SVR (Shenandoah Valley Runners ) sponsored event.  Just short of a 5k.  It would seem the usual course was too muddy so modifications were made to all paved  roads through the nearby park.  The attendance is really up this year for this winter series, which is great.   I think I overheard that 175 people came out today.  My card number at the finish was #100.  I am  cool with that.  It would also seem, my speed is going nowhere quick.  I am rather consistent though which is great.  I know my training is not what it was in the fall with the half marathon.  It is fun to be a part of the organization though, a family membership is $15 a year.  

Have a great day!  My training for the Apple Blossom 10k will start ASAP.  

Cold 5K

Well, today I ran a 5k with the local running club.  Holy cow! It was soooooo cold.  22 deg to be exact.  and, windy..and, hilly....enough complaining right!

Actually, I felt pretty good after the first mile.  I thought I would improve my time a little from the last 5k but actually was about the same time.  32:35.  What can I say.  Slow and steady.  I, of course am not training like I was all of last year, so I have lost some ground.  I need to kick it in though, as the Apple Blossom 10 k is coming and I want to either do another half marathon or the Disney marathon this January.  

Wore my new Nike's.  I am so happy to have found them.

I can not believe I have turned into someone that would get out in the cold to run a silly 5k.  I think it is a change for the good though.

Nice 3 miles

Ran tonight after 12 hour shift with Tisa.  It felt pretty good but my legs were dragging some.  We did total of 3.5 miles with running for 3.  So, we discussed the upcoming Shamrock marathon which was to be our next goal.  We have not been training at all,  but I may have a plan to get us there if Tisa is willing.  I think we could push a little and do an 8-9 week training plan.  We can definitely run 5 miles to start this weekend and then increase 1.5 miles per weekend for long runs.  We should just make the 1/2.  It seems quite lofty, so I am not sure if we can or should train like that. 

Found my shoe!!!!! Finally found the Nike shoes I have been wanting.  Found them yesterday at the Nike outlet.  Now I can keep my nike plus sportband and hopefully get back to logging those miles.  

I also went snow tubing with Hannah and her youth group.  We had a 2 hour ticket, but most of the preteen/teen girls gave out after about 70 min.  Wimps.  It was about 25 deg and some flurries.  White Tail has a nice place.  I want to take the whole freak fest and the Doug back before the winter is over.  

New Year...New Me?

    The Freak Fest plus their new cousins, Ella and Blake Morrison

I can't believe it has been over a month since I posted.  My life has been in some sort of crazy holding pattern.....I think.   My workouts are off and not as many, my eating is terrible--way too much snacking, my house is messy, I have been sick and passed it to the little man......

I need a fresh start it would seem.  Initially, I had a goal of a 8k/half marathon challenge in March.  I have not been able to stick to a plan thus far to begin to training for this lofty goal.  

Last week, I ran in a 5k locally.  Ran 32:24 which is not too bad, but it is in the wrong direction since I really want to try to break the 30 min mark.

I have also been having issues with shoes.  The hubby bought me a new pair of Nike running shoes for Christmas but the sales person at the mall led him astray from a proper stability shoe.  So, I found myself making a return.  Next I ordered a pair from Nike.com, similar to my current pair (which I love and they are discontinuing).  Not the right shoe, remotely.  Sent those back.....Then, found a pair like my current ones but different color.  Again, not the right fit.  Sent those back today and ordered asics.  I really wanted Nikes to use my Nike sport band but am frustrated by the lack of places that sell Nikes locally.  I should not have to drive to get them.  Ughhhhh!  I have a trip to Richmond this weekend with my sister and will give it one more try to find the right fit and if not, then I am selling the sport band on ebay.

My lofty plan for tomorrow is to get up and attend a spinning class at 05:45 at the wellness center.  Wish me luck.

Back on Track, maybe

Since starting weight watchers and running in June/July 2007, I have lost and started to maintain 65+ lbs.  I still have at least 15 more to go and then my goal is to have abdominoplasty, which I wanted to do by spring 2009.  With the continued exercise and training for races, I have learned that I can snack on chips, cookies, candybars, whatever... and still maintain this weight in the 170's.  Last week, I decided I needed to refocus on weight watchers, boost my exercise a little and get back on track with the weight loss.  Doug also is counting points with me.  This, however is a little frustrating because he gets 33 pts and I am down to 24.  If I get into the 160s next week, I drop another point to 23.  It is great to have his support with cooking and weighing food, etc. 

This week I weighed in and lost 3.8lbs.  I was very excited.  My only concern is our family trip to New York next week and all of the food I will be faced with while away.  

For my workouts lately, I have been making it to the gym again.  Last Sunday, Tisa and I worked out with a 10 min warmup on the treadmill, weights, and 10 laps in the pool.  I have been twice since to run on the treadmill.  Definitely not the same as outside, but after work, there is no sunlight.  

The family is leaving for New York on Sunday.  We have quite a full trip planned and are trying to stick to a tight budget.  We have been so blessed to have had our families purchase our show tickets,  Young Frankenstein and Mary Poppins, and my sister got us a room at a Hilton just outside of the city for $40 a night.  We plan to take some food for breakfast and lunch and only buy dinner.  

My sleeping running partner

I went for a run today.  This was my running partner.  I-man.  After less than a mile, he conked out.  I wanted to make sure he was warm enough.  It was 43 deg and windy.  He had on his winter coat, then his buzz lightyear raincoat which he is in love with.  Then of course the blanket.   I would have been toasty enough to nap too, I guess.

This was the first time I have run since the 1/2.  Holy cow.....painful run.  I will never take a 2 week break again!!  However, I ran 3 miles in 31 min which was pretty good, it did not feel good at all.  No rhythm, no groove, no high.  ugghhh!

10 things I am thankful for!

1.  Christ

2.  Doug and kiddos, Hannah, Makenah, Lilah, and Isaiah

3.  My dysfunctional family, Kuykendalls and Palmers alike

4.  Health

5.  Wit and sarcasm

6.  My running support team--Tisa, Jill, Doug, Karen, Dr. Bagous, etc, etc, etc

7.  My profession

8.  My iphone

9.  Diet dew

10. Tennis/running shoes....can't have enough and  my favorite pair of jeans to go with them....so comfy!

Post 1/2 Blah

Not sure why, but since the 1/2 last week, I have been feeling blah!  Not sure if I am disappointed in how  I felt during the run or not meeting my 2:30 goal or what.  But, I haven't run or made it to the gym at all this week.  I have read about this happening after you have set such a big goal, completed it and then think....now what!?!?  I am setting my sites on another 1/2 in March '09.  The Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach.

The challenge to myself would be to complete an 8k on Saturday of that weekend and then to complete a 1/2 Marathon on Sunday.  Very doable I think.  I would also like to train a little more aggressively to make sure I meet the 2:30 time frame (or faster--sorry Tisa:) .  For my first 1/2 I pretty much trained to finish.  Time really was not a motivating factor until the end, when I should have just left well enough alone, so to speak.  I should have just maintained my usual goals which are to 1. finish and 2. to not be last.  

Whatever the reason, I am waiting for the fog to lift soon.  

13 miles for 13 months!

This shirt celebrates 13 months of no alcohol and no smoking for Tisa!  The race being 13 miles also was tied into this big event of 13 months.  I wanted a t-shirt for us all to celebrate with Tisa!.  I also thought that the race being in November would be great for long sleeves, which is what I ordered.  Then a few days before, Brooke and Faye backed out because of childcare issues, 2 shirts down.  Next the forecast was rain, no good for cotton shirts since they would probably weigh a gazillion pounds with the water.  Finally, the weather ended up being 68-70 degrees.  Again, no need for long sleeves.  Oh well.  I hope she liked the shirt, and I will wear it again!  I was trying to be sweet, maybe should have just kept it simple!  Either way, great shirt! Great weekend!  Great race!

13 Miles DONE!

We did it!  13 miles, actually 13.1.  The official time was 2:31:32.  I wanted to finish in under 2:30, but I am happy none the less.  It's hard to believe the day finally came and went.  I actually paid for this run back in March and so much of the recent months has revolved around this event.  I know I have driven friends, family and coworkers crazy with training schedules, cross-training, race reports, new shoes, sore muscles, etc.......

Here we are at the finish line.....Me, Tisa and Karen!! I am so proud of all 3 of us.  Each one sacrificed in a different way to be able to complete this run! 

Tisa and I crossed the line together.  We stayed with Karen up to the last 3/4 mile.  She started wheezing around mile 7 and I was worried for her breathing a few times, but she toughed it out!

Usually I am the photographer, but I turned it over to Doug for the race.  This is a fun shot of our shoes.  The fourth set is our friend Valerie.  She ran the 8k that morning with a great time of 50 min.  Way to go Val!

Nora and Doug took the kids ahead in the race to see us.  We kept looking for them after mile 6 and were starting to get discouraged as we did not see them for a while.  Then at mile 9, here they are manning a water station.  When they arrived, there were no volunteers, so they jumped in to help.  Since we were in the middle of the pack, they must have seen about 2000 runners before us.  How cool.  They were also able to land some of the great volunteer shirts which I liked better than the technical shirt that was part of the entry fee.

Here we are at the end.  So proud of us!!!!!

Volunteers, Makenah and Thomas (Tisa's son)  Happy Birthday,  Thomas!

Only 8 days til the 1/2 Marathon!

Thought this was a funny shot of me and the hubby!  Photo booth is not just for kids!

Only 8 days until the Richmond Marathon and 1/2 Marathon in Richmond, VA.   I can't believe it is already here!  I feel confident that I will complete the 1/2 without any trouble.  I know that Karen and Tisa will also do great.  

My new favorite place is the Wellness center at the hospital.  I am enjoying the classes, the availibility, and the amenities, etc.  So far I have used the indoor track, the eliptical, the steam room, sauna, and I have taken a few classes.  I have also gone through the weight circuit a few times.  Hannah and Doug have also been a few times with Hannah enjoying it the most.  It is funny to watch her run 1/2 mile on the track and feel like she is dying.  She basically flitters from the eliptical, to the track and the to the pool for laps.  I know that right now she is experimenting with new activities and hopefully she will see that physical fitness can be fun and a lifelong adventure.  Here is a link for the wellness center and you can take a virtual tour.  Wellness Center

Today I am feeling it the most.  Yesterday I took a Total Toning class.  It most resembles body pump routines I did at Gold's Gym a few years ago.  Holy cow, I think every muscle in my body hurts today.  It is a good kind of hurt though.  I know I challenged myself.  

Lately on the running front, I have traded a few runs for stints at the gym.  I have tried to squeeze in a weekly long run with Tisa.  We have been doing 10 miles at  a time.  Hard to believe we can do this.  Never in a million years did I think I could run 10 miles--double digits--as we call them.  Tisa is keeping up great with the foot issues.  She is now in love with her othodic and I am still coveting her shoes :)  

Karen sent me a great gift recently.  I have been wanting a road I.D. and was also coveting hers.  So, she broke down and sent me one.  It is a great product for anyone running alone or on open roads.  Check out the website....Road I.D.com

So this coveting this is a problem for me, obviously with the shoes and the road i.d.  I will try to work on this, but I have to admit I am a gadget girl and shoe girl.  Can't help myself.  

Atlantic City Trip

 

This week I ventured to Atlantic City, NJ for a conference.  My friend Karen traveled with me so that we could renew a certification in fetal monitoring.  We started our co-venturing for this fetal monitoring thing about 8 years ago, when we first traveled to New York City for the original conference and exam.  We saw Blue Man Group on that trip.

This year we thought we'd try Atlantic City.  We thought it would be a nice, relaxing trip.  We are both pretty low maintenance.  The adventure started when, just into Delaware a little neon green neon motioned to us that one of the van tires was flat.  We pulled off, changed it and found, with Doug's help via phone, a Costco to replace the whole set in 30 minutes and we were on our way.  Karen and I are both pretty handy with the jack....we won't mention out loud the lug nut covers we (I) busted when removing them.  

In Atlantic City, we did a little gambling on the slot machines.  I think we did a good job of limiting our spending.  Tuesday night, we went to the Comedy Stop at the Tropicana.  It was ok.  The best part of the evening was the dinner at PF Changs.  Yum-O!
Here is a nice shot of Karen on the beach.  The weather was quite cool, although Karen wears flip flops and birks year round.  
Our hotel was the Resorts Hotel.  We had a room in the older part for $69.00 a night.  The hotel was right on the ocean.  
Here I am after a run on the boardwalk.  I probably did 4 miles.  It was a pretty easy jog for 50 minutes.  It could have been farther but I did not bring my Nike sportband.  Who would have ever thought I would try to catch a run while at a work conference?  Never in a million years would I have done this before. I am proud of myself for making it a priority.  

Coming up, I have a run with Tisa on Friday that should be 10 miles.  I just came from the gym and some weight lifting with Hannah.  Only 3 weeks until the 1/2 marathon!!!

Blue Ridge Hospice 5K

Here we are at the Hot Air Balloon Festival and Blue Ridge Hospice 5K.  Hannah (in green) is crossing the finish line. This turned out to be a beautiful day.  Below are pictures from the day.  This was fun to run since this was my first race last year. As much as I wanted to run my fastest time just to be competitive with a co-worker and to just say that I could improve my time, I decided to run with my daughter Makenah (9).  We decided to run .5 mile then walk .5 and so on to the end.  I have included some pics of her below.  She actually won 3rd place in her age group and received a medal.  How awesome for her.  I have also included a few pics of the balloons launching in the fields around us.  (yes, I ran with my camera).

Lilah took some pics, including this one of our feet.  Love it.  Then she got the one below of my bib number.  It is fun to see things from her level. 
Here is my Makenah with her medal.  I hope this was a self-esteem booster for this little person.  
My hubby, who I could not run without.  He also completed the 5K this year by keeping Lilah focused.  He makes it possible for me to run.  
Here is Makenah about 1.5 miles in.  She is so cute in her little running hat and ipod headphones.  
Here is Lilah at the beginning of the race.  Yes, she is wearing and ipod as well.  
What a beautiful day for a run.  The trees were fabulous.  The temp was about 45 deg.  Lovely to run.
Some shots of the hot air balloons in the fields around us as we ran.  
The food at the end of the race includes the usual lot of carbs, fruits, cheeses, water, muffins, etc.  Even hot chocolate and coffee were provided this year. 
Lilah isn't sure about this whole thing.  
This is my friend Shellie.  We work together at the hospital.  She is a mom of 4 and very busy as well.  I am proud of her for working in time for herself and starting to run.  I know secretly, she is training for the Apple Blossom 10K, not to be outdone by me.

The runner in green is my Hannah and my  co-worker, Valerie is in pink.  Here they are at the start of the race.  Beautiful day.

These are a few last shots of the balloons in the fields around the run.  

I am proud of my family for completing this 5K run/walk to raise money for the local Hospice.  We talked about what a great organization this is and how important they are to the community.  It also makes me happy to think that my whole family, minus the 3 year old, completed a 5K in approximately 45 min or less.  No complaining, no crying, and no whining about it either!!!!  I hope they remember the time we spent together raising money, exercising, and enjoying each others company.  I would like to think that this will also lead to life long healthy activity so that they may not have the years of being overweight that I had.  I will keep my fingers crossed, and continue to sign them up for races (even if it is against their will).

13 miles!! Holy cow!!

Last night we did it!  Tisa and I made the 13 mile distance.  I can't believe we did it.  It makes me feel better to know that when I run the half marathon in November, I have already been able to complete the distance.  I also logged my run for the Worldwide Festival of races.    This makes me so happy to have met my commitment!  

This 13 miles was 22.8 laps around Clearbrook, so we did 23 for good measure.  My family came so I had dogs to run with for some of it and then Makenah ran a total of 5 laps.  Lots of people came and went at the park over the 2 hours and 28 minutes it took us to complete the run.  I was pretty sore afterwards and now, 24 hours later, the soreness continues and is somewhat worse in some areas.  It's a good sore though!  I hope we didn't overdo Tisa's ankle!!

A big congrats to Tisa.  1 year!!!!  You are awesome!!!

This week will be a visit to the Wellness Center for a workout, a long run with Tisa, and the Blue Ridge Hospice 5k this weekend.  

Double Digits!!

   Here I am after my first double digit run.  10 MILES!!!  Holy cow.  I was so tired.  Tisa and  I  went to our usual hang out,  Clearbrook Park.  10 miles there equals 17.6 laps so I did 18 for good measure.  I feel like this is a great accomplishment and definitely something I never thought I would do.  It makes the 1/2 marathon seem a little more attainable.

Tisa was unable to complete the full 10 but here's why.  This passed weekend, she went hiking

with some friends from work.  She did a mere 9 miles on Saturday and then 5-6 more on Sunday with a  30 lb pack on her back.  The fact that she completed 6-7 more running miles today is awesome and shows her dedication.  I am very proud of her.  

Here is a screen shot of my Nike Plus upload to show the documentation of the 10 mile run!

The weather was perfect.  70 deg with a breeze.  Sweet for running.  We have about a month left to train and I think we should be just where we need to be for the 1/2 marathon.  

Catch up post!

It has been almost 2 weeks since I have updated my running adventures.  It has been a busy 10 days.  Last week I traveled to Nashville for a work conference.  I was able to run on the treadmill in the hotel's fitness room.  How nice.  It is quite a lifestyle change to think I would seek out a fitness room in a hotel on a getaway weekend.  But, it was good for me and Doug came and walked with me on another treadmill.  

Thanks so much to Nora for coming to stay with the Freak Fest!!!  It would seem they all enjoyed each other's company.  

When I came home Sunday, early am, we went right to bed so that we could be up for the Grace Community Church 10th anniversary service.  Nora and Nick got on the road early.  

In the early evening, I made the whole family come to Clearbrook Park so that I could run with Tisa.  Doug brought the dogs and walked some.  Isaiah mainly played.  Lilah and Makenah took turns running with me and Tisa for a few laps each.  Tisa and I made it 9, yes 9 miles!!!! It took us 1 hour and 39 min.  I was very pleased.  

Tuesday, the 30th, I ran after work 2.7 miles or 3 times around the hospital.  

Today, I ran 3.5 with Isaiah in the jogger.  He actually fell asleep for about 20 min of the run.  It is beautiful out so I can't really blame him.  I would be loving a nap while someone pushed me around in this 70deg weather with a lovely breeze.  

Coming up, I have a long run planned this coming  Monday with Tisa.  Our goal is 10 miles.  Our first double digit run.  OMG!!!