Today's Gratitude

1. I am grateful for sunshine and fresh air.
2. I am grateful for great friends.
3. I am grateful for a warm cup of coffee and a good book.

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My First Run

Today I went on my first run since the marathon. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining and the temp was perfect. I went 1.5 miles in 18 minutes. It felt a little strange at first. The clothes were just a little uncomfortable and the shoes felt a little tight. After I got moving though it felt great. I missed having the time to myself. I realized how much I missed running. I am already plotting when I can fit in my next run. It might have to be on a treadmill but I am going to make it happen.

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My New Gratitude Journal

As I said in my last post I have been feeling a little Blah lately.  That hasn't really changed, except that I am getting crabby as well.  I know I need to change that so I am going to follow the lead set by some other bloggers and and blog what I am grateful for each day. 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
1. I am grateful for my 3 children that make me laugh everyday.
2. I am grateful for my job that always seems to get me out of the house just as my children stop making me laugh.  :)
3. I am grateful that I have things to be grateful for.

Happy Friday Everyone!

Blah

Blah, that pretty somes up my feelings on running lately.  I have made no effort at all to run since the marathon.  Last night I had it in my head that I was going to go running this morning with my training group (they are still getting together on Saturday mornings), but I never even bothered to set my alarm clock before I went to bed.  It would have been a beautiful morning for a run too, but my head just isn't in it anymore.  I really need some motivation....anybody got any good ideas?

10-10-10

I have been delaying my update on the race because I really just didn't know how to put in to words how I was feeling.  Today though I wrote an email to my recipe group and the words just flowed.  Allow me to copy and paste that email for you....

The heat during the marathon was brutal. I was doing really well for a while, but around mile 18 I didn't have too much left in me. From that point on the miles had a lot more walking then running, but I made it through. I was never so grateful to make the turn before the final bridge that led to the finish line. You hear the announcer saying, "You're a part of Chicago Marathon history! You're not just a runner, you're a finisher, you're a marathoner!" Heavens. I somehow had enough in me to take off like a crazy woman and run like mad to the finish line! My Dad would have been proud!



I wish I could find the words to capture the experience of running the Chicago Marathon. In some ways, it was absolutely enormous--important, life-changing, emotional. And at the very same time, it was just one foot in front of the other, trusting the training. I would do it again in a heart beat. I loved running through all the different neighborhoods, seeing all the crazy costumes and the people watching. It was fun running by the United Center, dissapointed I didn't see any of my Blackhawks there. :) I wish I could relive running by the crowds by Moody Church, they were the best at cheering and encouraging us along the way. I think we all need a cheering section like that in our lives.


Ben and Trinity (my husband and daughter) came in to watch along with my sister and her husband. My brother ran with me and we got to see them at the 5k mark and around mile 10. I think it helped knowing I was going to see them along the route. I only wish I could have seen them a little more, it was just too hot for poor Trinity. When we found them after the race, she was crying and hiding in the shade with my sister. I gave her my wet towel to wipe her face and she drank more of my Gatorade than I did. The priorities of a Mom coming before the priorities of running.


Afterwards, my Mom threw us a perfect party with pizza and cake. During the race all I wanted was an ice cold Coke and I finally got it there.


I was a little sore in my knee and and my back, but I was able to walk and required no BenGay :) he he.

Would I do it again? I would. It was a great experience, and I'm thankful for every step. Would I encourage someone else to do it? Absolutely yes. I knew it would be hard, and it was harder than I thought. But I knew it would be amazing, and it was even more amazing than I could have imagined.

I finished in 6:07:28.  I was hoping I would have been a little faster, but it was impossible with the heat.  I was just glad I finished though and hope to do better next year.

It's not too late to donate to Imerman Angels.  If you can spare a few dollars please do so at www.firstgiving.com/stephanierea 

Thank you to all of you for your kinds words of encouragment and support along the way.  I couldn't have done it without you.

My Medal

Marathon update coming soon. At least now you know I finished!

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It's Marathon Morning

45 minutes until my alarm should go off, but I am wide awake. I had about 5 hours of sleep. More than I thought I would.
Many emotions are running in my head right now. I keep thinking of my Dad right now, wondering what he might say or think. I know I will have my brother running with me today, but I am pretty sure I will have an angel too. I love you Daddy!

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Marathon Weekend Is Here!

I am on the train right now heading in to Chicago to go to the marathon expo. I have my oldest daughter T with me and we will be meeting my brother Jon downtown.
He says we will be at the expo for 4 hours! Seriously! 4 HOURS! I am thinking that is a little extreme, but he is the marathon expert. This will be his 12th. I am looking forward to being among fellow runners and getting my bib! Who knew I would get excited about a bib!

Anyways...I am ready for the race to begin. The nerves are starting though, I have little bit of a tummy ache and I keep worrying about all the minor details. T keeps telling me to take a deep breath and relax. I am glad I have her with me.

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Can You Help?

The final days before the marathon are here and so are the last days of fundraising. I am looking to reach the $500 mark. Can you spare just $5 to donate to Imerman Angels? I am hoping to get 50 people to donate this small amount and have it add up to a large amount. That many people will help put me over my goal.
Will you be willing to help make a huge difference with just $5?
www.firstgiving.com/stephanierea

Thankyou in advance for your help!

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12 Days and Counting

I am ready and very anxious. I wish the day would get here faster.
I haven't been able to run since the 21st. Life has been so busy, I have no idea if I will be able to run again before this Saturday. The weather is beautiful outside right now, I wish I could take advantage of it.

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21 More Days!

The final long run has been completed and there are only 21 days until the marathon.  Am I worried if I can go the distance?  Heck no!  I am worried about what I should wear and wear am I going to put my cliff shot blocks and should I buy a race belt that holds the race bib?  All very important questions right? 

I know for sure that I am going to wear my Imerman Angels singlet.  I need to decide if I should wear my baggy, comfy running shorts that don't look fashionable at all or the cute running skirt?  I have never worn the running skirt for a distance longer than 7 miles.  It didn't fail me then, so it shouldn't fail me at 26 miles.  I gotta look cute for my photos!

I love cliff shot blocks. I have used them on every training run and will use them on race day.  I have been putting them in my giant pocket that attaches to my water belt.  I don't plan on wearing the water belt since there are water stations, but wear do I put my blocks?  Should I buy the race belt so I have a place to put the blocks or just wear the water belt.  Then I can pass up the crazy busy water stops without worry.

Oh the silly questions a newbie marathoner asks!  Would love some advice from the veterans if possible.

Now here is why I am not worried about the marathon...I know I haven't run the distance yet, but I have run 23 twice.  Yesterdays 23 mile was partially done in heavy downpours and the last 9 miles I ran all by myself.  If I can do that, I can do anything!  Yesterday was a scheduled 26 mile run, but my husband called to say a storm was on the way and I decided to turn back early since the closest shelter was behind us and not in front of us.  I am not a big fan of thunder and lightning so I didn't want to be out in the open during that part.  Thankfully I made it to the highway and was able to stay under there during the thunder, a few other people from our training group were taking shelter there as well so I wasn't alone.  I may have cried if that happened.  Can I say again I really don't like thunder?  After the scary part of the storm passed we went our separate ways  (the others in my group hadn't reached their turn around point yet) and I continued the last 8 miles in pretty steady and sometimes heavy rain.  My new shoes got soaked for the second week in a row and now they are not pretty anymore.  :( 
Today I am still feeling a little sore.  I have some knee pain, but nothing too major.  Looking forward to a short run in a couple of days.  Hopefully the shoes will be dry by then.

17 Miles

Once again I have been missing in action...but I promise that I have been running. 

Training is going well.  I found a marathon training group that I meet with every Saturday morning and I am so glad that I found them.  They get my butt out of bed and encourage me to keep on going. 

This weekends run was 17 miles!  Yesterday got rained out so we headed out this morning instead.  I am happy to say I kept a pretty good pace and didn't feel too bad.  Two weeks ago I had a 14 mile run and it was horrible.  I wasn't able to keep up with the pace group.  I ran alone most of the time and it really brought me down.  It took me close to 3 hours to finish that day.  Heading in to this weekend I was pretty nervous because of my performance on the 14 day.  I decided to run with a minute slower pace group and that was the best decision I ever made.
I did pretty well during the run.  I didn't feel too many aches and pains until I was around the 12 mile mark. I didn't get any cramps at all which amazed me!  I have no idea if it was related to the new shot blocks I used today, but I think I am going to run out to the store and get some more of those!
I dropped my pace a little bit at the end and was able to push through.  I was so excited to see my car waiting for me at the end!! 

Next weekends run is 8 miles and the following week we will hit 20 miles. 

Half Marathon Photos

Thought I would post some pictures from the half marathon, finally. Here is the link, I am too cheap to actually by the copyright in order to post them.
Action Sports International

I look cute in my pink skirt. :)  Oh, and I have no idea who the chick in the pink shirt and blank pants is.

Midweek Update

As I said in my last post marathon training has officially begun.  Last weeks race fit in pretty well with the 36 week training program that my brother suggested I use.  Since I was so focused on the half marathon I never looked past race week.  I looked today and I have to run 14 miles!!  I think I was secretly hoping it would be an easy 8 miles or something close to that.  I have no doubt that I can do it. I just ran 13.1, what is another measly .9 miles?  I think my doubt is in running it by myself, it kinda scares me.

That fear has motivated me to finally join the running club, the application is going out in tomorrow's mail.  And I am going to save up to buy a forerunner.  I can't keep mapping out these distances before hand.  I mapped out a 7 mile out and back route on the trail and the 7 mile mark is at a great point where I can hopefully convince my husband to wait for me and give me some new supplies.   I might have to send in my kids with the puppy dog eyes to ask him.  :) 


Happy Hump day!

The Adventures of a Running Mom

This past Sunday was my half marathon.  I finished!! But I have to tell you the wonderful adventure it took to get there......


The weekend started about midnight on Saturday when I woke up to a crying two year old who was not feeling well at all.  I only got a couple of hours sleep that night and ended up taking C to the doctor.  She ended up having a huge ear infection and was put on some antibiotics.  My husband was also not feeling well at the time and my 5 year old had a cold.  After the doctor I took the miserable two year old to the pharmacy and then to my 5 year olds t-ball game because "I proooomisssed!" (Said by whiny 5 year old) After the game it was home for a half hour and then off to T's karate belt testing.  Yeah!!  She got her yellow belt!  Then it was back home again to pack up the car and drive with T and N to Chicago.  We left poor C and Daddy at home.  :( 


We made it to my sister's condo and discovered that N had a fever.  Ugh!  The sickness never ends!  I fed him dinner right away and put him to sleep so I could walk to the store to get some infant tylenol for when he woke up.  The rest of the night was pretty quite thankfully, T got to go swimming with her aunt and uncle and I got all of my running gear ready to go for the next morning.


Finally race day.......N had me up early, 4:30 am, to nurse and I wasn't able to fall asleep after that.  I was getting antsy and was just ready to race.  I got myself ready and left about 6:30.


It was a quick 5 minute walk to the race site and the park was filled with people.  I took a walk around to start warming up (it was chilly) and found my way to the 11 minute pace sign.  There I met some crazy wonderful people who all had different backgrounds and experiences.  There was the two time ironman woman, the obnoxious 56 year old who yelled over her really loud music coming from her ipod, Chuck the pace leader that offered all kinds of advice and tips, Gary the sign holder that dropped it at mile 3 and then proceeded to sing Glory, Glory Alleluia and various other songs the rest of the way, and many others. 


The race started and we set out at a good pace.  I was going to run/walk the race but I was feeling good and kept going.  I ran all the way to the turn around point!!!  It felt great running along the lake.  It was a long distance though and I felt like I was running all the way to Indiana (we could see it the first half of the race).  Thankfully we didn't and we turned around and headed back to see the skyline of Chicago.  It was a beautiful site and it motivated me to keep on going.  I ditched the run 5 walk 2 minutes strategy.  I always walked through the water stops and whenever I felt like it.  Running the first half bought me alot of time to keep me on pace with my goal of 2.5 hours.  I was feeling tired towards the end, but I kept pushing through and made it to the finish line.  I had never run farther then ten miles before and I couldn't believe I made it 13.1!!!  My official time was 2:28:35, under my goal time!  


It was disappointing to not have anyone cheering me on, I knew my husband would have been there at the finish line, but my sister and brother in law were taking care of T and N and decided to walk around instead of waiting to see me cross the finish line.  They took T to run the kids dash (if only I was a little bit faster I could have seen it!) and she will tell you that she finished 5th (more like 10th).  She was so proud of her ribbon and took it with her to school today.


After we got back to the condo I called the husband and he told me that C had an allergic reaction to her antibiotic and had to get a new one.  Oh joy!  Oh and my husband has food poisoning.  The fun never ends.


I will post pictures when I get the chance.  Marathon training has officially begun!

Favorite Friday Giveaways!

Here are my favorite giveaways from this week.  I encourage you to check them out, but then I also encourage you to be too lazy to check them out so I have more of a chance to win!

Rock n Roll Chicago 1/2 Marathon entry Click Here

Le Creuset baking dishes Click Here

Bondi Bands Click Here

Good Luck Everyone!

4 More Days!!

I AM READY!!  I didn't switch to the 10k, I am sticking with the half marathon.  I know I can do it.  This past Sunday I went on a 10 mile run and felt great!  I would run 5 minutes and then walk 2.  At the race I may run the entire first mile (I don't want to feel silly stopping to walk so soon), but then I will fall into my run/walk pattern. I am very excited about doing it! This week has been dragging, so I am trying to get myself to calm down and relax a bit.  My daughter is really excited though too because she is running in the kids dash, so it has been a little hard to not be antsy for the weekend. 

I have a made a list of what I need to pack and have laid out all my gels and gatorade that I like to run with.  Saturday is going to be busy for us and I don't want to forget anything.  Trinity has t-ball in the early afternoon and then after a short break she has to test for her yellow belt in karate.  After that we will be able to drive to the city and enjoy a fun night visiting with my sister and brother in law.  I am very fortunate that their condo building is directly in front of the park where the half marathon starts. 

My goal for the race is 2:30.  I will post my update as soon as I can after the race.  Wish me luck!

15 Days and Counting

This has been a very bad running month.  There is only 15 days until the half marathon and I am starting to have some serious second thoughts about it.  I am in no way ready, all thoughts of having a good time are gone.  I think I will be run/walking the race.  I just have not been able to put the time in to my training.  April has been crazy.  I am hoping once school lets out, things will get better. 

I am debating switching to the 10k instead of the half marathon. What would you do?

I Take That Back

Ok never mind.  It still hurts.  :(  Boo
I still haven't run.  I will try it again on Friday and see how it goes.  If there is too much pain then I will be off to the doctor.  I am glad it has been rainy and cold here the last two days.  I don't feel too bad about not being able to run.  I miss my stress relief though.  My poor kids and husband have been taking the brunt of it.  I hope, for they're sake, I get back to running soon.

Feeling Better

The shin and ankle have been feeling a bit better the last two days, but I am still going to wait at least one more day before I run.  Tomorrow I will go out and try out a two mile run and see how I feel.  I am hopeful (gotta believe in the power of positive thinking) that all will be good tomorrow!

I will keep you posted!

Feeling Bad.

Last weekend I did an 8 mile long run.  It was the farthest I have ever run before!!!!  I was quite proud of myself.  It did take me forever though, it was very windy and there were lots of hills.  I have to start going the other direction on the trail now so I can avoid all those hills.  It was a nice route though, it goes through pine woods that are nice and shady.  Perfect for the hot days! 

I also had some pain in my right leg and ankle too, so I walked a lot of it.  I didn't want to cause an injury.  I ran a couple of times since then and the pain is still there.  I have a 9 mile long run scheduled tomorrow but I think I need to skip it.  I am sure I need to take a little time off.  I was thinking about using the bike and the eliptical for a few days and then go out for a short run on Tuesday and see how it feels.  Hopefully it is gone buy then.  Next weekend I have a 10 mile long run.  If the pain is gome by then, do I just go ahead and do the 10 miler even though I skipped the 9?  What else can I do to make the ankle feel better?  What would you do?

Loving the Long Runs

So I am a really bad blogger lately.  Things have been busy!  But I am keeping up with the training.  Today was a 6 mile long run.   It was a great run.  Ran the first 3 miles in the wind.  I honestly didn't think I would make the whole run, but the wind pushed me after the turn around point and I made great time.  I was about 1 minute faster per mile this week than last week when I only ran 5 miles. 

62 days until the half marathon and I am getting really excited.  I am finally starting to feel like I will be ready for it.  I think its because the weather is nicer and I don't have to run on the terrible treadmill anymore!!  Next weeks long run is 7 miles and I am looking forward to it!!!

Long Runs Only

It has been tough finding the time to run lately.  The family has been super busy.  I happily got my long run in on Sunday.  It was cold, but sunny.  I am still looking forward to spring though.  I haven't been able to run since then and I don't think I will be able to run again until next Sunday.  I don't see how I am going to be able to up my mileage to 6 miles.  My legs felt like mush on Sunday just running 4 miles.

I need to somehow fit in some time to workout during the week. It has been hard with 3 little ones and work.   I think I am going to find a babysitter that comes just when I need to run.  It makes me nervous for the half marathon in May.  I hope that I will be ready for it.

248 Days Away

I officially signed up for the Chicago Marathon today!!!  Yeah!! I am really excited, but I have to wait 248 days to actually run it.  I am excited though, so hopefully that excitement will stay with me for the next 9 months. 

The kiddies have slowly been getting better so I didn't feel too guilty going out for a run yesterday and today.  Yesterday's run was only a mile on the treadmill and today was two miles outside.  Both went pretty well (really how hard can 1 mile be?).  I am proud of myself for getting out there though.  I always look for excuses to skip a run and I didn't let myself do it.  I adjusted my schedule to allow for a run today because I know I won't get the chance tomorrow and I know I need to do that more often.  I won't be able to keep a consistent schedule, I will need to adjust with my schedule.  Being a Mom of three kids I will need to do that often.

This weekend is a family trip to the Wisconsin Dells so there shouldn't be a problem getting Fridays run in.  Sundays long run might have to be on a treadmill (oh the horror!).  I am pretty sure there is more snow on the ground up there compared to here so I will have to see if I can find a clear running path.

Hapy Running!

Not Running

I have been a terrible runner lately!  Last week I did not run at all and this week wasn't much better.
 I think I have a decent excuse last week.  I was sick for a couple of days and then we had my sons baptism on Sunday.  I really intended on my long run on Sunday, but when I woke up and realized I still hadn't finished the cake, I knew I had to skip the run.  I didn't feel too guilty as I ate all the yumminess!  I need to learn how to post pics on here so you can see all the yummy chocolate that was on it.

By Monday the dog ate all the leftover cake and I was ready for a run.  It has been frigid out here so I went to the gym and only ran 1.25 miles.  It was packed, people were waiting, and I honestly did not feel like being there.  I missed going outside for my run.   I haven't had the chance to go back out for a run, with sick kids, work, and my husband having class at my normal run times, I couldn't make it.  I feel terrible, I really do, but I will do my long run tomorrow.  I don't care how cold it is, I will be outside.  I just can't run 3 miles on a treadmill.  It would be the end of me. 

Since registration for the Chicago Marathon opens on Monday, my brother asked me if I was doing it with him and if I had the guts.  I said yes to both and then asked him if he had the guts to run with a really slow runner.  He won't be setting any PR's with me. 

Well I need to go "run" now and be a Mom.  I hear a snotty nose kid calling my name.  Why did all 3 get sick at the same time? 

Tiny Post

Uugghhh, a dreaded cold has taken over me.  I don't feel good and all I want to do is sleep.  Three kids are preventing that, but I will survive.  I did get my runs in last week though!  Sunday was another 2 miles and boy was it cold.  I enjoyed it though and I plan on another two miles this afternoon.  I won't let this cold stop me from running.  

Ok, must go now and get some tea.  I have fallen in love with a pomegranate tea from Trader Joes.  Very yummy. 

Happy Running!

My First Long Run

Yesterday I had my first long run of the year.  It was only two miles,but it was tough.  It is hard getting back in to shape. 

It was below zero in the morning so I went to the gym.  I was ready to quit after the first half mile, but I kept trudging along. I really dislike running on the treadmill. I stopped after the first mile for about 30 seconds to drink some water, I have never mastered the drink while running thing.  I didn't want to spill water on the fancy new treadmills.  Then I got back on and finished the second mile.  I kept my pace slow and finished in 25:38.    I am glad I finished and I awarded myself with chocolate milk.  I love chocolate milk so I make that my motivation to run.  I have some sitting in my refrigerator right now and it is so hard not to go and get some.  I even gave my girls some this morning without taking a sip. 

Today is a rest day so I will work on my core and probably use the eliptical later.  Right now though I have to go play with my kids!  Happy Monday Everyone!

This is My Year

Hello Everyone!

It has been a very long time, but I am happily back to running. This is my year to accomplish everything I didn't do last year.
Baby #3 was born on September 21st and after taking lots of time to recover (a little too much) I have started thinking about me and getting my running shoes back on. Here are my goals for the year.....

1.) By new running shoes. I did this one already. They are pretty, Nike Livestrong ones, I almost don't want to get them dirty. :) They are comfy though, and I have put a few miles on them already.

2.) Run a half marathon. This week I started a 19 week training program to get me there. It will be the Chicago Spring Half on May 16th. I am looking forward to it, but I am a little nervous about how close it is. I know the time will go by fast. The training program is for beginners and takes things slow. The long run this weekend is only 2 miles and I know I can do that. By the end of the month I will be up to 4 miles.

3.) Run the Chicago Marathon. I thankfully have 10 months to train, but I know I have to be serious about my training already. I have decided to run for a charity. I am debating between the American Cancer Society or Imerman Angels. I lost my Dad to cancer last year and my Husband's Uncle is very ill from cancer right now and would like to run in their honor.

4.) Enjoy running. This one will be more difficult then running a marathon.

Run on friends, I will let you know how my "long" run went on Sunday. :)