Monument 10k - Welcome to Richmond!

Yesterday was the 13th Annual Monument 10k here in Richmond. I have wanted to do this race for years but it never worked out timing-wise. Since we lived in NC and usually visited Richmond for Easter, it never made sense to come up twice at the same time of year. So, this is our "Welcome to Richmond" 10k! It's an out and back down Monument Avenue which is one of the biggest streets in Richmond. It's such a beautiful street lined with Monuments (duh) and beautiful homes. It was a rainy day and I was running so I didn't get too many shots. However, this race is on the "Must Do" list for all things Richmond.

Here's how it got started:

Night before carb load with spaghetti (been eating this same meal almost every Friday for years ...)

Pre race photo in the Park

Hard to get a serious picture with these two :)

That's better ...

This race was rather large and started in waves. Josh was the first in our group to go so we made him stand with the volunteer of his corral. That's what happens when you go first!

It started raining on us. Good thing I came prepared with my rubber ducky socks.

That's my number. I really like the running belt Josh got me for Christmas. It easily attaches your race bib and has a small pocket for you to hold stuff. My Blackberry fit in the pocket so I could take these great pictures on the run :)

Finally made it to the starting line. The race started at 8:30am but my wave didn't start until 9:21am.

Spiderman ran with us today.

That's a bunch of people running!

Superman is faster than a speeding bullet, right? And I'm right there behind him!

I actually passed a roller coaster. Very cute idea for a group that wants to run together.

That's Sam right there in the blue shirt with gray shorts and no head. I pulled over to take this picture and thought I had it perfect ... but I missed his head .... ugh that makes me mad! However, glad I got a glimpse of him in action!

With all the costumes and people today, this was the WORST thing I saw. This was not part of a costume. She paid a lot of money for the tights ...

Post race picture. So glad to be sitting and on our way to pizza!

Overall, the day was a huge success. Josh, Sam, and I all completed the race injury free. What more can you ask for?

Currently, I am running to store up a bank of calories! We will be celebrating a special little boy's 6th birthday next weekend as Ingrid and Samson visit from Maine. We usually go to all their favorite places to eat since they don't get to do that much in Maine. Next week's food blog will probably be blown out of the water ... but it isn't not every week they come to visit! They are worth every calorie too. 

Samson lost his front two teeth. Ingrid sent us a picture but I can't wait to see the little cutie in person!

Now off to Mom's for Sunday dinner after watching Rhinestone. I love living so close to my family!

Maybe mom jeans aren't so bad?

I have never really liked elastic waisted pants before. NEVER. Even when stirrup pants were "cool" (or as cool as they could be) in the 80s/early 90s, I despised them. I have always been a blue jeans kind of girl. I even remember trying to force my cousin into a pair of my sister's jeans one time cause she was wearing elastic waisted pants and we were going roller skating. Terrible, I know. Just cause I felt that way, why should it mess with her wardrobe? Plus, the skating rink? Like you really need to dress up for that! I see that now, not so much when I'm like 12!

Today, I woke up with the desire to get fit. This has happened several times before but something was different today. I decided for lunch I'd walk the one mile to the local Food Lion, buy a few things, and then hike back with the loot. I put on my workout pants, laced up my shoes, found my running belt to hold my money, and tucked a shopping bag on the side - what a pretty picture! As I started walking I realized the shopping bag needed to move behind me so I'd stop hitting it when I swing my arms. I know people thought I was crazy walking with a reusable shopping bag looking like a tail ... no one honked so I think I did alright. Something changed while I was walking, though. Suddenly, I started liking these elastic waisted pants! I felt slimmer, trimmer, maybe even taller. Plus, they covered my belly instead of siting below it. Maybe there is more to mom jeans after all! Maybe I should embrasce the elastic waist? Just wearing these pants made me feel more fit! Let's hope I continue to enjoy wearing work out gear so my goal of being fit can be reached. It's bad enough that you have to exercise, at least enjoy the clothes you wear. I need to look forward to putting on those stretchy, dri fit pants as summer quickly approaches.

Brace yourself, the following picture is not flattering at all ... but I hope it helps you see what I was working with today:

Though it isn't flattering, it's better than the last picture I took in my work out wear:

Eating cupcake batter . . . I know, eat to live not live to eat . . .

Currently, I am running/walking/exercising to feel better and be healthy. I'm trying to not think of food, yet, that's all I'm thinking of these days ... so on that note, the Slim Fast Peanut Butter Crunch Time Snack Bar taste like a very slim (and 1/2 the size) Butterfingers candy bar. It was pretty tasty today and well worth the walk to Food Lion. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's snack already! Just the will power to not eat it before bed ...

Also, I think stirrup pants are trying to make a come back. I am kind of scared ...

And Hope, if you are reading this and you remember the stirrup pants/skating incident, I am truly sorry. I was a stupid kid with stupid hang ups. If you are reading this and you don't remember it, then even better! I'm still sorry, I just hope that means it didn't mess with you, your sense of style, or our relationship! Love ya Cuz!

Time is flying by too quickly!

I cannot believe that November is already coming to a close! So what did I do this November?

Celebrated Mom's birthday:

Ran an 8k with Josh and Sam and got some hardware :)

Watched Katie be a ballerina:

Watched Elijah be ... Elijah :)

Packed up the house:

well, almost. Left Josh to be a squatter ...

99% of the house is empty. The main thing it contains is my heart :) Cannot wait till we get settled in our new life together.

I would have more pictures or at least different pictures but my camera has not been available due to the moving. I'm hoping to have this taken care of for December. What's a blog without pictures? Got to keep you interested some way.

I am currently running to work off the peppermint mocha Starbucks is serving up this season! Thankful for the "skinny" version! Also, thankful they have a Starbucks on site at work :)

Nothing new

Well, I had hoped that I would have an update by now but I don't. We did close on the house we were buying. We have had a few showings on the house we are selling but no offers yet. Trying to stay patient and let God move is way difficult!

What else have we done? I ran a 7 mile run with Trophyhus in September and a 5k in October. Not great times running-wise but I did get some exercise in which is good. We are running the Richmond HCA 8k in November which should be a nice run. It is the same day as the Richmond marathon that Josh did the past two years. It will be nice to do this one together. Plus, we will get a medal! Love those perks. He is going to his first NFL game in a few weeks with my brothers (included bro-in-laws, let's face it, they are here to stay:) and that is a good thing.) I went to the Cheesecake Factory with work again - just as amazing as before . . . Drooling. I went to the sweetest baby shower for a dear friend. I cannot wait to meet her baby! If she is half as sweet as my friend, I'll have a toothache at first glance. Other than that, it has just been work, play with kiddos, travel to NC, repeat.

Sorry if I bored you with this post but I was worried I wouldn't get one in for October if I didn't post something today.

I am currently running off the cheesecake I just ate! This could take a few weeks!

Here are a few picks - taken by Blackberry so I apologize for the quality or lack there of and if they are duplicates from Facebook:

Downhill at Dawn . . . really? Dawn? That's early!

Just thought I'd share some pics from my second 1/2 marathon (and so far favorite). The race started at dawn . . . do you realize when that is? 6am! I am not morning person so this was a huge feat in itself!

Here is a before picture. As you can see, it's DARK outside. I should be in the bed for at least another hour, maybe two!

I think I officially woke up around mile 3. Since the race was downhill, mostly, it was a really nice run. There was an uphill patch at the beginning and then again at the end. You run from Ridgecrest down to Old Fort in the mountains of North Carolina. It's a great place to get a personal record.

I think you can see from this picture that it's slightly downhill. There are tons of beautiful trees, a little stream, and the sunlight peaking out of the trees is very inspiring. The only part I would warn you about is at the bottom of this hill: there is a house as you turn off from the gravel onto the paved road. There is a DOG there and they do no have leash laws like I am used too! As I rounded the turn, I saw him. He looked like a bulldog with longer legs or something . . . I had to run past him cause I wasn't about to run back up the hill! This was around mile 8 or so! I'm all alone and this dog starts nipping at my heels . . . so I tell it to go home and it doesn't listen. Why not? I was being nice! Luckily, two girls come running behind me and they distracted him long enough for me to get away. Once I got to the other side of the house, I saw a nice "Beware of dog" sign - um, might want to get one for each side of your house people!

Kind of hard to run and take pics at the same time. Need to work on that.

I finished! They gave us a towel and a medal which is really cool. I had a few minutes to catch my breath then we were off to Josh's 12 hour race a few miles away. Quite a day!

I loved this race. My legs hurt for a few days after due to the downhill running. Highly recommend it if you want to run a half marathon (13.1 miles). It's cooler cause it's in the mountains, so keep that in mind!

I ran this race for a McDonald's Rolo McFlurry. It was really tasty. I might have to take a break from Feeney's and make this my next run!

My better half . . . also known as trophyhus

The previous post was all about me and my running. I wanted to give you a chance to be impressed and ooh and aah over me (kidding - sort of) before I told you about a real runner, my Trophy Husband Josh.

I am extremely proud of Josh. I remember when he first started running in December 2008. The first mile was a doosey as he ran on a treadmill in our living room (yes - living room!). I worried about him since he has asthma and didn't sound very good. Since December 2008, Josh has completed several 5ks, a few 10ks, 1/2 marathons, a 25k, 4 marathons, and the Blue Ridge Relay just to list a few events. Recently, he did a 12 hour run where he completed over 40 miles. Through this process, he literally ran his tail off - he has slimmed down around 50 pounds and continues to maintain it. His breathing has improved by leaps and bounds. He hasn't used his rescue inhaler in over a year. In addition to the running, he has completed the p90x workout routine several times which has toned his body (chiseled it, really - He's a keeper!).

He doesn't let this hobby take time away from us. He gets up early every day for work (5am) and still gets up early on Saturday (6am) to run before I even get out of bed. This is real dedication in my view since I loath getting up early, for any thing, much less exercise! He is very scheduled and determined. He wants to see how far he can go. He doesn't let things like asthma stop him. He may not be the fastest out there but he has the most heart. His motivation and determination are so inspiring to me.

In addition to being a runner, he is a wonderful husband because he loves God, loves me, loves my family, has no issues being goofy and doesn't have a serious bone in his body.  He would do anything for me and doesn't ask for much in return. He's the complete package, really (I wonder if my family has completely stopped reading at this point?).

So this post is dedicated to my wonderful husband! Please meet Josh :)

 June 2011 after 40+ mile run in 12 hours. Nice socks!

Coming in from a leg of the Blue Ridge Relay September 2010.

 Our first 1/2 marathon together - May 2011.

And one non-running related photo:

Currently running for frozen yogurt . . . of any kind: Feeney's, Sweet Frogs . . . with peanut butter cups.

The first mile is the hardest . . . unless it's a race!

I don't consider myself a runner. I mean, I'm trying to be a runner but I don't always like it. I feel like I can't go as far or as fast as "true" runners so I feel like I not in their league. I try to run 3-4 times a week (depends on training schedules for different events) and I've been doing this off and on since Spring 2006. Talking to non runners reminds me that I am closer to being a runner than I think. Most people comment, "I can't even run a mile." That's cause the first mile is the hardest. If I am running 3 miles, if I can just get past that first mile without walking or stopping, I am most likely to easily finish the run. If I am running 10 miles, that first mile is by far the hardest and mile 10 is easy. In fact, miles 6-10 are easier than miles 1-5. It doesn't matter how many miles - get through that first one! It's all mental for me. Physically, my body will take me (so thankful!). Mentally, I beat myself up the whole time by thinking things like - "Why are you doing this? You aren't fast. How far do you think you are going anyway? Why don't you just head home and do xyz?" and so on. It's quite frustrating! So when you say you can't run, are you allowing your head to keep your body from doing what it was made to do?

Today, I didn't know how far I was going to go. I just started running with a goal of running for 30 minutes so I'd have enough time to shower before my hair appointment. As I was running, I was thinking how thankful I am for being able to run. Many people can't do it physically so this its something I should be grateful for and I don't always remember this. So, I made a deal with myself - no walking up hills. With every hill that I came to I kept repeating, I can do it. When I run with my work-running partner we talk ourselves up the hills with things like this. It seems to help some.

Many times I spend the whole run thinking of everything I need to do else where. I often forget that running can serve a greater purpose. Not only is it great exercise, it's a great time to pray - really pray, and get into things I often bypass cause I think I'm too busy. I've heard of people writing their prayer list on their forearm when they run. I think that's a great idea, I just don't know what kind of pen/marker to use that will wash off when I'm done but doesn't wipe off too easily . . . I don't really like the idea of running with a smeared prayer list on my forehead (so let me know if you have good suggestions). It's just me and the Lord out there. I lay it all out there sometimes; tell Him how I really feel and ask for His guidance at work, church, or whatever is on my heart at the moment. I pray for family, friends, coworkers, stories I've read about, etc. Whatever comes to mind, I share. Nothing is trivial to Him. If you know me at all, you know I'm a talker. I do way more talking to Him than I do listening. I'm working on that!

I love races! I know I am not the fastest, but I don't compete against the local track team. I compete against myself. It's just me - not them. How well can I do? How far can I go? When it comes to races, the first mile is one of the easiest! You have the adrenaline rush and the camaraderie of all the runners together. Usually, I start out faster than I normally would. Professional runners would tell you this isn't the correct way to start (see - told you I'm not a real runner). I really enjoy this though. I get caught up in the moment and just run! I level off and go my pace after a while. I try to stay with them for that first mile to get me through it. In the middle of the race, I pray for God to get me to the finish and ask how I got roped into this as I think I'm about to die. But, I always finish the race (or training run) the same way - Thank You Lord for getting me through that! Thank You Lord for allowing me to do this! Thank You Lord for Your protection, strength, and endurance! And, Thank You Lord for being with me. In Jesus name, Amen! . . . When's the next race? I want to do this again! I couldn't do any of this without Him.

Currently running for Mint Oreo Fudge Creams . . .

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 

Isaiah 40:31 -

But those who wait on the LORD
      Shall renew their strength;
      They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
      They shall run and not be weary,
      They shall walk and not faint.

Hebrews 12: 1-2 -

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Race Stats:

5k  (3.1 Miles) - Too many to list so here are some highlights:

• First Race Ever: Heart & Soul 5k Kernersville, NC 04/22/06 - 35:36
• Favorite: 5k on the Greenway Mt. Airy, NC 10/09/10 - 32:31*
• See you there 10/15/11?  
•  Will never run this race again: Beat the Heat 5k Winston-Salem, NC 07/15/06 - 42:07
• This was the first one I ran with my Mom. She came back the next year and finished it in  37:32 (so not her PR either). 
• This race is just really, really HOT!

10k (6.2 Miles) - 

• First: New River Trail - Dr. Ed Dannelly III 10k Galax, VA 5/1/10 - 1:15:11
• Second: Run for the Rub Greensboro, NC 9/4/10 - 1:08:21
• Third: Leprechaun Leap For Gold Statesville, NC 3/12/11 1:02:50*

1/2 Marathon (13.1 Miles) -

• First: Inside Out Sports 13th 1/2 Marathon Cary, NC 5/22/11 - 2:26:47
• Second: Down Hill at Dawn Ridgecrest, NC 06/04/11 -2:15:16*

* Personal Record