Wait? that's THIS sunday? my 1st sprint tri is here!

It's here! My first Sprint Tri is here! I'm excited, nervous, anxious, scared.......but super pumped to get it going! My husband and his best friend are doing it too, it's their 2nd. I want to beat them SO bad! I have to be careful as the marathon is at the end of Oct, can't be injuired for that.

We've had rain like CRAZY here lately. I had to do a dreadmill run yesterday. It was BORING! Took everything for me to run 4 miles - was supposed to do 6. Oh well, I can't dwell on 2 less than what I'm supposed to do.

Back to the Tri. It's supposed to be super flat and a heated lake. Pretty fancy. I am so excited! I've talked alot of smack to my husband :) hopefully that doesn't back fire.

Any tips to help me kick some butt?

I ran 18 miles....in a row!

First of all, can't get the pics to cooperate. That's me in the ice bath, us at the end, us at the beinging, and me showing off the race attire. I'm really happy with everything I picked. I'm SUPER happy with the compression sleeves. LOVE THEM!

I did it! I still can't believe it! 18 miles done, I was terrified, and I did it! Of course, with the help of Alyson. We ran 18 miles and we've been friends for 18 years. She's awesome, we are running for her brother nick (www.firstgiving.com/novachicksrunfornick) and she pushed me through the last mile BIG TIME.

We met at 7:30 and ran the W and OD trail. We ran 9 out and 9 back. Pretty easy peasy, not more than 4 hills and there was a 7-11 at mile 9 where we went to the bathroom and refilled our water. I did have to make about 3 pit stops in the woods to pee. I think the fuel belt was pushing on my bladder.

We started out in the rain. It rained most of the time. That makes us more bad ass right? No blisters, but super soggy feet. No pains, but my right knee felt like jell-o.......so I walk/ran the last mile. Alyson got very Jillian (biggest looser) on me - which I LOVE.

Finishing 18 miles is amazing. Checking it off my training plan is amazing. Knowing that I can run 18 miles means I can finish the marathon, even if I walk after 18. I am so happy, proud, emotional.....

I got Mcdonald's hot chocolate and went home. My husband bought me flowers for doing 18 miles (too sweet) and I got in an ice bath. That. was. cold. I took a rest/nap when my 2 year old napped. I feel great - tired - but great! We actually hit 1/2 marathon time 7 minutes after our 1/2 marathon race time! That's crazy! I feel so ready for this marathon I can't believe I have to wait 5 weeks.

PS. I have a triathlon on sunday. In total denial about it. It's my first one. EEK!

Rough and Tough

Mason decided that he wanted to be a ninja, so what better way to get your gear? That's right, painters tape. Fabulous idea until we took it off......pulled out some hairs. Ouch!

Sammy decided Mr. Incredible was more his style. He asked what his super powers were and I told him "being strong". He wasn't super happy about that "that's it?" but he had fun and no ripped hair when he took it off.

I am not feeling like a superhero or a ninja today. I think I have what half my school has - some bug that makes you feel crappy. I have teachers guilt, so I'm here plugging away. I have decided that I will go home at lunch and sleep this off - hopefully.

The biggest relief I've had today is that I have off on my training schedule. Whew! I ran my plan totally this week! Even in the 90+degrees yesterday. What was that!? I forgot my fuel belt, my run had zero shade, and it was HOT HOT HOT. I did 5 miles, slowly, but I did it. It was a good mental toughness day for me.

This weekend is my 18 mile run. Supposed to be 71 degrees Sunday when we run. I could not be more happy about that. I have 2 days to kick this nasty feeling and then it's go time. I'm sticking to soups, water, and tea today. Hoping this is a 24 bug and I'll be good as new tomorrow.

What does everyone have planned for the weekend?

Nervous Tummy.....

I'm getting closer and closer to that marathon. The first one. The scary one. The crazy one. The pressure is on - mostly from myself. I'm terrified I wont finish. A giant blister will sideline me, some body part will fall off.....you know, the usual.

I have my longest run ever this weekend. I'm supposed to do 18. I'm terrified. I get nervous tummy (aka. nervous poo) just thinking about it. What if I can't do it? Does that mean that I can't run the marathon? I've never been so unsure of anything!

I want to try compression socks. I want to get new shoes. I want to survive this. AHHH!!! My husband is being so supportive. It almost makes it worse. He is so confident in me, I need to get some of that!

So, what about your first? Were you scared shitless? That would actually be great if that happened...no porta potty stops :) How did you get over it? Just do that runs and get it done? I guess I just need some words of wisdom from people that have done it. I'm pretty sure I must have felt this way with my 1st half marathon.........

Cancer Sucks!

My best friends brother (Sole Sister - Alyson), Nick, has been battling Neurblastoma Cancer for 5 years. Right now he's at Sloan Kettering in New York receiving treatment. It sucks. Cancer Sucks! He's 20 years old, that sucks too! He has chosen HOPE .....you just can't argue with that.

Alyson convinced me that the Marine Corp Marathon was within reach for us and "why don't we run for Nick?" How can you say "no" to that? I didn't. We are signed up. We will run it for Nick.

We started a website to accept donations that will go straight to a parent group that donates it all for research. Our race donation website is on my blog now. The parent website is www.bandofparents.org. Having 2 kids of my own it's hard to talk about small children having cancer, but that's life for so many. Too sad!

We have getting shirts made too! This is such a cool distraction from thinking about "MCM" constantly! I'll tell you, I'm pretty nervous. I know they whole run I will be thinking of Nick. No way I cannot finish. Nick is not quitting and I wont either! This is the logo we want for the shirt. Alyson drew it up. We want the background in white with black outlines and the runner to stay black. Anyone know how to get it into computer format? That's the last piece to our puzzle of getting this off the ground. Thanks guys!

IT'S HERE! IT'S HERE! IT'S HERE!

There it is folks......my official Marine Corp Marathon - you are crazy - transfer form. Yeah! Thanks to the woman that transferred it to me. She's injured - sucks - and I'm into pain apparently......great combo!

I've taken a few days off of running to get my foot pain under control. Stupid non-supportive work shoes! It's better everyday, but still alittle sore. I've been doing Cross Fit, core work, and biking. That should help. I really lacked the strength for the last 1/2 marathon.


My Sole Sister, Alyson, and I are creating a website and shirts to wear/sell during our race. Her brother has been battling Neuroblastoma for 5 years and her mom helped start Band of Parents for support. We are going to raise money for Neuroblastoma cancer research and hopefully sell a bunch of shirts for our fans and supporters. How cool would it be to see people at the finish line wearing the same shirts as us? I'm pretty sure I will need a wagon/wheel chair to get to the car though.

My sister started to work on a logo for the shirt and website, so hopefully we'll have something up soon!

RACING WITH BABES: Race Day Memories Giveaway ...

What a fantastic idea! Can't wait to order some!

RACING WITH BABES: Race Day Memories Giveaway ...

I AM TOTALLY NUTS!

I decided that I'm halfway through the training for it, so I'm doing it. I'm going to run the Marine Corp Marathon! EEEK! I'm pretty nervous and terrified. I am being encouraged by my best friend, Alyson (sole sister).....so at least I'll have her there with me. We train together on most long runs, so that's good.

Am I nuts? I want this so bad, but holy cow! 26.2!? Crazy, right? Runners are nuts!

Va Beach Rock n Roll 1/2 Marathon report

Here we are. The Sole Sisters! We left Fairfax, VA at 6am on Saturday after a slumber party. We had some wine, I gave some goody bags, and we ate flourless chocolate cake. YUM! We hit the road and never looked back. There was no traffic. The weather was GORGEOUS (take that Earl!)We got to Va Beach and went straight to the convention center, got out race packets/t-shirts, and headed to the hotel. We stayed at the Cavalier and had the best ocean view!

There were tons of dolphins out playing and lots of cute surfers too! Red flags were up so we went and laid out on the beach and just took it all in. The weather was perfect, nice breeze and not too hot. Can't ask for much more than that.

We decided on seafood for dinner. We carbed up the night before, but we all agreed a beer or two wouldn't hurt.

We got back to the hotel, set alarms and requested our wake up call and drifted off to sleep.

My race outfit was all brand new - never been worn. I was SOOOOO excited! I did get a little chaffing from the tank top seams - but it's almost gone already. I did see one other woman in the same skirt....but that's ok. We did decide after seeing all the people in teams and groups dressed the same that next time we will wear matching outfits. They just looked so good!

We all finished in 2:22:00 or less! I was the only veteran 1/2 marathon runner. It was SO fun to have my best friends do so well and LOVE it! We have already decided on the next group 1/2.....Nashville County 1/2 Marathon. I'm so excited. It's in April...not too far away!

The medals were great. We got popcicless at the end (love it!) and of course our beer. I really like that part. Sitting on the beach drinking a beer after running hard for over 2 hours, always feels nice.

TOTALLY FORGOT TO PUT MY TIME! 2:19:28

Giveaway! Fuel Belt

http://runningdivamom.blogspot.com/2010/09/fuelbelt-product-review-giveaway.html

IT'S HERE IT'S HERE! ROAD TRIP!

It's here! Road trip time! Me and my Sole Sisters will be leaving Saturday AM to head to Va Beach for the 1/2 marathon. We are all going to spend the night at Alyson's house friday night.....so I better get packing! AH! What do I bring?

1. running shoes (terrified I will forget these)
2. super cute running outfit
3. Cute sundress for afterwards with comfy shoes
4. fuel belt
5. Performance
6. Gu
7. wallet (don't want to forget that!)
8. socks


Am I forgetting things? Probably!


I guess this is what it will look like out there at some point in the race. I'm so excited to run with so many spectators! The hurricane forecast is saying High 80's for race day with "abundant sunshine" - sounds cheery, but I could do without the word "abundant". I'm excited to do the race report, really hoping that it's a happy one.

The Plan:

Plan A: PR or 2 hours flat

Plan B: PR of less than 2:11:54

Plan C: Have a great time and just finish the thing!

misszippy1: Need some race and recovery tights? Look no furthe...

misszippy1: Need some race and recovery tights? Look no furthe...: "The great folks at Outside PR recently gave me a great opportunity to try out some Sugoi PISTON 2000 tights, designed for race and recovery...."

Trip to the mailbox.......

Ok, first thing first. This tan line....is RIDICULOUS! Thanks to the beach, racerback running shirts and my bike tanks.....it's not going anywhere soon. It's pretty hilarious - got alot of comments from fellow teachers the first day back to school. :)








Yesterday was a crappy day. Plain and simple. I did not have any motivation, energy, "get up and go" - nothing. I went home, threw all my stuff on the table and went out to check the mail. What did I find???????? My Fluid Flair "thankyou" package! YEAH! I was SOOOOO excited!

My new possessions include a t-shirt, water bottel, and the all important coosie. Can't wait to use that after the Rock n Roll 1/2 sunday! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the hurricane will not impact the run (i've run in rain, sleet, etc) and that the concert is still on afterwards. I will however accept cloudy and overcast. :)

Anyone else going to be at the Va Beach race this weekend? Love to meet up with people!