Just another manic monday........

Weekend was great. We had 4 parties in 2 days! Saturday was a baby shower that we brought the boys to. We weren't sure how that was going to work out, but we got there and they had hired a babysitter to watch all the kids! It. was. awesome. After that we went to a Korean friends 1st bday, which has some customs and beautiful clothes associated with it. Sunday we went to church, our neighbors 6th bday, took naps, then went to another 1st bday. The boys were great all weekend!

I am finally starting to feel better (other than all the wine I drank last night). 2 weeks until my first marathon! It hasn't really sunk in yet. We did plan to have a girl sleepover the night before. I'm taking off of work the friday before to get my packet, hang out at the Expo, and really take it all in.

Sam (husband) is starting his Olympic TRI training today. He's hitting the pool after he drops the boys at daycare and before he goes to the office. I'm slightly jealous. I feel like I've been running forever. I did get a bike ride in yesterday. It was great - and FREEZING!

The boys have soccer today at 3:30 and I need to get a couple miles in. Nothing big, since I'm in taper mode. Tapering is weird. I feel like a slacker or like I'm cheating. It's nice to have some extra time on my hands though.

There is a new blog I'm obsessed with. www.katheats.com. I LOVE it. I had one of her recipes this am. Pumpkin Smoothie. YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMM. I used a couple of her recipes and they haven't disapointed yet.

PS. I'm SLIGHTLY obsessed with tri's right now! We are going to a tri happy hour wednesday and look at the loot I picked up at Amazon!

The cough that wouldn't die....and screwed up my runs!

I have not run since Sunday! I did 20 miles Sunday and crossfit and core work on Monday. Then the cough that wont die hit me. I had the cough a little bit before my 20 miler, but nothing too bad. Now it's awful! I feel fine, until a coughing fit comes.....then I cough so hard that my tummy hurts and my head hurts! UGH!

Marine Corp Marathon is just over 2 weeks away. The 1st week of tapering and I take it to the extreme of "no miles". I'm not totally freaking out, but I am not feeling this cough anymore. Any tips on how to tame a cough?

I'm going to try and do a nice easy outdoor jog today, see how it goes. Hopefully I'm building some serious abs with this cough. :) I know I can do this marathon since I did 20 (I'll crawl 6.2 if I have to).....but I don't want to be sick. Everything I've read and heard about tapering says it messes with you - you feel sick, injured, unprepared........crap!

Sorry for the vent........

HAPPY FRIDAY! on a positive note I get a mommy happy hour tonight.

20 mile run done! Taper city for me!

Wahoo! 20 mile run done! We did 10 miles out and 10 miles back.....took us 3:49! Felt much better physically than 18 did - but of course that mental aspect was there.

We started at 6am. Pretty much pitch black dark out. We did not really think about that part. Alyson spooked a deer as she attempted to squat in the woods, many chipmunks scared us, and a few wild noises that we never determined what they were. At mile 9 we stopped at 7-11 and refilled our water and used the potty.

We saw tons of bike groups and running groups today. Even a few we knew! We did make one new friend - can't remember name. He is from Russia and training for his first Ironman (SO jealous!). He ran with us for a few miles and we talked and asked him questions about training. He was very nice. His first Ironman is in November in Cozumel.

Now we are in taper mode. Feels so nice that we have 12 miles next weekend and then 8 miles and then the race! I am more excited and ready for this Marine Corp Marathon than I thought. We also signed up for the Pacers VIP tent! It's right on the start/finish line and they are promising a champagne toast!

Ladies Night! and I won new shoes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I still can't believe it! I went to Ladies Night at Potomac River Runners last night from 7-9. They promised Whole Foods Catering, wine, beer, water, sales, giveaways, goody bags.....why wouldn't I go? It was GREAT!

The goody bag is a reusable Brooks tote and the shirt is a Potomac River Runner dry fit shirt. I walked around bought some GU Rocktane, a TRI magnet, and a fuel belt bag. I drank some wine, walked around some more.....then it was time for the raffle.

You had to be there to win so alot of people were out just because they had left. SCORE for me! They gave away some shirts, some bags, some mineral bath soak (supposed to be like an ice bath - i'm totally intrigued)......and shoes. I. won. the.shoes!

Brand new Brooks Ghost 3 lime green shoes! I have not worn brooks before, they are pretty comfy. I still feel like I stole them :)

Here's all my loot:

Where did you start? Where are you now?

This has been one of those weeks where I've needed to remind myself how far I have come. Not sure why that happens....but it does. So here it is:

Started running: April 2009
First Race: 5K

Last race I did: 1/2 Marathon and a Sprint Triathlon

Where did you start? How long have you been writing down miles, buying new shoes, growing your t-shirt collection? Where are you now?

I have a few more bibs to add to the wall - but I do love to look at how hard I have worked and how far I have come. Good reminder for those days when even 3 miles seems like torture!

Giant Acorn Sprint Tri - Race Results

Ok - the post before this one is the pictures. Why can't I figure out how to get pictures and text lately?! Grrrr....

I'm Tri-Obsessed! This was WAY TOO MUCH FUN! I kicked my husbands butt too! Yeah! Here's my #'s:

750 m swim: 22:57
T1:3:17 (huge area to cover)

Bike 12.2 miles: 47:05 (fastest I've ever gone...but got a penatly :( )
T2: 2:23

5K: 28:18
Total: 1:44 and some change I think

I know I'm in great shape thanks to marathon training - but I felt like I could have done the Olympic distance Sunday! The water was warm (yeah!) and I had my mom and my two sons there cheering. It was great to do a race with Sam (hubby). He was not as in shape as he wanted to be, but he'll get there.

I can't wait to do it again! I'm still in a little shock that I did it.........WOW!!!!! Can't wait to see the professional pics. Thanks for all the good thoughts for the race!

Giant Acorn Sprint Tri - Pictures