While Daddy was gone....

Jake just loves being outside...and getting dirty. Not much to say. The pictures speak for themselves. We joined Katie and Lake at the park and had some fun today since it's just the two of us while Phil is travelling for work.














Lake















Mommy and Jake

Unfortunately they discovered a puddle...













It was just so fun!







I love his cute little footprints.


























Back for more fun in the puddle!






















My adorable, dirty boy.

He had to be stripped before getting in the car!

Tomorrow I head to my last job fair of the season. Then I hope to get in some strength training and a 3 mile run on Thursday.

Fall is Finally Here!!

I was so excited to go outside to the cooler air this morning for my 6 mile run! It felt amazing. I have been reading a lot of other runner's blogs lately who, like me, have been anxiously awaiting cooler weather. It just helps my run so much to be able to breath in cool air! I was ready to pack it up and head back to WI...but I guess I'll stay here. :)

Anyway, I set out early with my Dad this morning for our Tuesday morning run. We went to a new subdivision out in the country. It was beautiful, and I had such a great run. I was very excited since I have had some tough ones lately. The first mile, my warm up mile, was the toughest and there was a long hill to start off with, but after that I just seemed to hit my stride and felt like I could have run forever...well, maybe not 26 miles forever but definitely more than 6. I am so anxious for our Saturday long run...I'm pretty sure that Len is pretty sure that I can't do what we have planned for Saturday...but I intend to prove him wrong. We chose a flat course for this very long run....15 miles. At least that's the plan. We'll see how far I actually get. I haven't run on a totally flat course in a long time, though, so I'm anxious to see how different it is.

I was thinking this morning as I ran about how much dedication/time it takes to train for a marathon! I am so thankful for Phil and my family for helping and support me so I can do this. Phil is out of town so my Mom kept Jake overnight for me so I could still do my run this morning...I am so lucky to have them right down the street!!

Jake loves to watch out the window while Phil mows, and he thinks it's really cool that he has his own mower...but he gets a little confused. He's pretty sure you have to carry the mower to mow...I'm not sure where he got that from, but he carries it all around the house. And notice his lip...he does that when he's concentrating really hard. He's so funny.

Race for the Cure and Meet the Team

This morning we met for a run before the Race for the Cure. We were hoping to do 10 before the race. Justin was doing the 1 mile run (yes, I said 1 mile. I can't make too much fun since he was doing it "for his kids") and Len was planning to do 13 miles...I was wrapping up with the 5k. Justin and I split off from Len around mile 7 and it started going downhill from there...unfortunately it wasn't literally down hill. We went for about another mile and Justin told me he was going to stop...stopping sounded so good to me right then so I decided to stop too. Oh well, I'm okay with 8 miles. Len is slightly disappointed in us (as usual), but next week will be cooler and we'll definitely do better. I need to get over this 11 mile slump!


It was really hot after our 8 mile run, and I wasn't feeling the 5k but the crowds of other runners always gets me anxious to get out there, and Katie joined me on the ScanSource team so that's always fun. We both had a pretty good run. I wasn't looking for a great time but was happy finishing in 30 minutes. It was actually pretty hilly! We were so hot when we finished so ignore the glistening arms...plus I wish someone could've told me my hair was sticking straight up. Oh well...

Okay, so I have not talked too much about "the team" to protect their privacy, but they were complaining/making fun this morning that I don't use their names, and I think they want me to talk about them a little more...your wish is my command because that's the kind of a team player that I am! Meet Len (on the left) and Justin (on the right). Please note that I am already over this obstacle. I'm pretty sure they decided to go the hardest way over it...typical.

Here we are after the Greer Half Marathon. Not yet an official team so we still kind of liked each other here. (I'm only kidding, we do like each other...most of the time).

Here is our first official team event with the 4th member of our awesome team: AP. Don't we look intimidating and hard core??

I just have to end with a picture of this adorable boy! I love him!!

To have a second or not to have a second...

Today I watched our friend's little girl because they just had their second baby - a sweet little boy - yay!! I told Phil yesterday that I'd let him know at the end of the day today if I wanted a second kid or not. Of course I'm kidding (mostly)...I definitely want more kids...but my kid is crazy!! This little girl is so sweet and calm! In fact, my Mom decided she needed to take Jake out on a date this morning so it was just me and her...and it was so quiet, calm...I hardly know what to do with myself! :) Why did Jake have to turn out just like me?? Don't get me wrong - I love my kid more than I can even describe - but he IS the Energizer bunny. So yeah, I'll have more and cross my fingers that my second is just a little bit calmer. Check this kid out, though...how cool is he?? Of course he "needed" those sunglasses and shoes in the next two pictures so Mema bought them for him on their date as well as bubbles, juice boxes... In the second picture he fell and was trying to decide if he should be upset or not...thankfully he chose that it wasn't worth it. He had too much to do.

Tomorrow is a long run followed by the Race for the Cure. It should be fun! I'm hoping for cooler weather though I'm thinking it's still going to be hot. Oh well - fall is right around the corner (I keep telling myself that!!).

Happy Friday!

Inspiration

My Dad never fails to inspire me. This morning I finished my run and was walking and he came running past me...that's right, running. Just a few months after his cancer surgery, 24 days in the hospital, 30% loss of his muscles, complication after complication...and here he is, running! Wow, I seriously have no excuses. I choked up as I saw him run past me. He is so motivating! I definitely need times like these to keep me motivated!

This is a picture of us from my very first race. Of course my Dad was not only there to support me but also to run with me! My Dad was in the military so he had his physical training test every year. One part of that test is a 2 mile run. I remember when I was young he finished one in "12/12." He was so excited! I was telling him the other day how much more that means to me now than it did then. I had no clue how fast a 6 minute/6 second mile was! :)

Speaking of cancer, this Saturday is the Race for the Cure. If you aren't already participating, I encourage you to! You don't have to run - you can walk or even do the "sleep in" option. I love running this race and seeing all the names of loved ones people are running for and seeing so many survivors!

The Silent Run - 11.2 miles

We went out this morning hoping for a 13.1 mile run but not sure if we'd make it or not. I was bound and determined not to fail after last week's horrible run! The air felt cooler, I felt great and I knew I would do better than last week!

We started off the run early this morning in silence...it was odd. The guys normally talk like girls and I of course am a girl, so we aren't normally so quiet (except maybe up a big hill or near the end). For me, I was in the zone and so focused on not failing (again)! Anyway, the first 4.5 miles weren't bad. The wonderful course leader put Gatorade for us at 4.5, so we took a quick break before moving on. I think we were all feeling pretty decent and we actually had a few things to say to each other by then. The second leg went pretty well. J's nemesis, "Heartbreak Hill", was at the end of the 8th mile, and I'd say we all managed it quite well. We neared our second "water station" for a quick break before going on to our last 4 miles. We moved on to mile 10 and L warned me that this was a big hill. He wasn't kidding! I really wanted to keep up with him so I wouldn't have to hear about it for the next week. I kept up with him, but once we got back on level ground I was spent. I made it to mile 11 and he tried to push me on, but I couldn't do it. But this time it's okay. I feel like I had a good run and definitely redeemed myself from last week! It was good to have the whole team back this week and only to have to be serenaded one time.

Speaking of crazy guys, this one is just about the craziest one I know! If I didn't know better I'd swear he had a pound of sugar today! He had so much energy tonight. I wanted him to share just a tiny bit with me!! Here he is modeling his incredible physique and mommy's running shirt. Yes, he put it on all by himself.

This afternoon was a fun shower at my house for my wonderful friend! She'll be having her little boy this week - yay! Someday I'll catch up to all my friends with more kids but for now "just the three of us" is great and I can hold all my friends new babies! :)

Now I'm officially exhausted and hope I can make it a little while longer before I crash!

Long Run

So I had a really bad long run today. I was kind of expecting it since I had a good one last Saturday, slacked off early in the week, and then ran 5 miles Thursday and worked out Friday. But I didn't think it would be that bad. So, as L asked me, was it cardio? my legs? No, I don't think it was either...I'm pretty sure it was his singing and the excruciating hill he included on the course at miles 5 and 10. Okay, really it was just one of those days. I wish I could do it over and now I'm really anxious for next Saturday. Until then I have to get back into my normal workout schedule and get ready for the next long run!

I am not going to give up...I will run that 26.2 in a few months (wow, that sounds scary) in hopefully cooler and less muggy weather! I did whine a little more than usual this morning since I really wasn't feeling it, but the heavy, muggy air really gets me. Maybe it will feel like fall next Saturday!

Here's a good article from one of my favorite sites (Active.com) about pre-run warm ups. This is something I definitely need to do better at! Here's another one about carbs and eating to give you the energy to power through! I needed more of that today. And of course, Active.com's Facebook page is always motivating. I like what one guy said: The distance you run is only equal to the time you can keep your mind focused for the goal. It really is pretty much a mental thing for me. I mostly can keep going when I'm running with someone else because I 1 - hate quitting and 2 - am a little bit competitive....but not so much today.

Okay, off to start the day and put this run behind me. Going to a baby shower for a good friend this afternoon! I'm so excited about her baby girl!

My Wonderful Teammates

I just want to dedicate this post to my wonderful workout/running teammates. They inspire me every day. Okay, so maybe a little more entertainment than inspiration. But hey, laughing is a workout right? If so, then even though we didn't go to ASI today, we "worked out."

So, team, if you are reading this (and I know you are), I love you all and can't wait until we meet on Saturday morning (or next week @ ASI)! I just hope our team manager meets us with water bottles during our 11 (or 10) mile run! Let's skip a workout and do lunch again really soon. But this time let's focus a little more on the task at hand, okay? We are about to run a really long race in a few short months. Oh, and by the way, I'm going to ask each of you for a guest post soon. My first guest posts - I'm excited!

Routine

Although I love vacations and days off, I am always anxious to get back to a routine. Until this morning I hadn't done much of any exercise since my 9 mile run on Saturday and I was really feeling it! I just felt sluggish and didn't have much energy. We got back from GA late Monday so I opted to not get up for my Tuesday morning run. Phil and I both had the day off so I could go later to run. I went out after Jake went down for his nap around 2. I was outside and though it was hot, there was a little breeze. I made a vital mistake and decided to run outside...at 2 in the afternoon...on a sunny, 92 degree day. What was I thinking?? I didn't get much of a run in so went later in the evening...but it wasn't much better. Wednesday I went to work and my workout buddy and I planned to go to ASI. But when lunch was brought up, how could I say "no"? Don't ever ask me if I'd prefer lunch...I am way too weak. :) Katie and I were going to work out last night but went to see our friend and her new baby and ended up staying a long time chatting and missed the workout. So I was extremely anxious for my run this morning!

I stepped outside and the air felt heavy...I wanted to cry, but I was going to do this! I ended up having a really great run and I feel like I have some of my mojo back! :) And today we are going to ASI at lunch - no excuses! Saturday is an 11 (or maybe 10) mile run.

We had a great weekend! I wish I could tell the story of my weekend in pictures but typical me, I carried my camera around with me everywhere but took no pictures! But to sum it up: I went to a fun shower, a beautiful wedding, had a great time visiting Phil's family in GA, and then wrapped it up Tuesday with a day off with my boys!

One of my dear friends had a baby this week and she is just precious! She's was 9 pounds 6 ounces!! I can't even imagine...Jake was less than a third of that size! :) She is just beautiful. I especially love her dark hair. She has so much hair! These pictures don't do it justice. We had such a great visit and enjoyed holding precious Elsa. I am so excited for my friend! I remember that amazing, overwhelming feeling of "this baby is actually mine!!"

9 miles - DONE!

I really didn't want to get out of bed this morning for my run. It's much easier to lay in bed longer when you aren't meeting anyone! But, I have a busy day so I dragged myself out of bed and got ready to go. It felt so great when I stepped outside and felt the cool air! I know I keep saying that, but I love it!! I ran at Furman this morning. I enjoy running there. There were several other people running by themselves and then closer to 7:00, groups started meeting to run. I missed having people to run with! Anyway, I had a really great run. I kept up just over a 10 minute mile for 9 miles and didn't stop. I knew I'd need water so before I started I put a small water bottle in a place where I could just grab it while I was running. The first two miles, as usual, were difficult for me. My left calf was hurting and I just wasn't feeling it. But around mile 3 things started getting better. My calf was feeling better, and I had found my stride. Miles 4 and 5 were great! I was zoned out, listening to my music and running. Mile 8 wasn't bad except for the last time up that very steep hill...but, I still didn't stop. At the top of the hill a lady had a really big dog...and she was holding his leash that was not attached to him. Not many people know this, but I am very afraid of dogs. I delivered papers when I was a kid...I think that's probably all I need to say. :) My brother got bit and I got chased when we were younger, and though I like dogs, they make me nervous. Anyway, of course it came by me and I had to run off the side of the road. I was a little annoyed but hey, it made me push the beginning of that last mile.

Overall I'm really pleased. I had a great 9 mile run and I feel really good! After I left Furman, I headed to the Dunkin Donuts by my house for my coffee and my friend was there, so I got a double upgrade on my coffee - woo hoo! :) Guess I really looked like I needed it this morning!

Right now I'm watching Jake "help" Phil put a large toy together that our friend lent to us. It's quite entertaining! I'm going to play with my boys for a little while and then get ready for a friend's shower. After that we go to a wedding and then pack for our trip to Georgia!

Have a great Labor Day weekend!

Broccoli and Feta Frittata

Phil and I love to eat breakfast for dinner since I hardly ever cook breakfast. I found this recipe in one of my magazines and decided to give it a try. It looked good, fast, healthy and easy - just right for me! :) As usual I made some minor changes, so I'll list it how I made it. And since I don't like feta cheese, please ignore the "feta" in the title. :) I made this for my parents last night and they really enjoyed it too.

Ingredients:

• Extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
• 2 cups chopped broccoli florets
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• salt and pepper
• Cheese (whatever kind you like!)
• 5 eggs + 3 egg whites

Directions:

1. In an ovenproof pan, heat oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent (about 4 minutes).
3. Add broccoli and tomatoes and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender (about 6 minutes).
4. Preheat broiler on high.
5. Whisk eggs together and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
6. Pour eggs over vegtables, stir to combing and then top with a little cheese
7. Cook, without stirring, until eggs are set on bottom and beginning to set on top.
8. Transfer pan to oven and broil until eggs are set and beginning to brown (2-3 minutes).
9. Cut into wedges and serve (serves 4).

I served with some fruit and potatoes - cut potatoes into little pieces, mix in some EVOO and microwave for 5 minutes, stir, and then microwave 5 more minutes. Sprinkle with garlic and put in oven (@ 400*) for 10 minutes then stir. Sprinkle with a little more garlic and bake another 10 minutes. Change the oven to broil for the eggs and leave the potatoes in to get crispy.

I didn't take a picture, so you'll just have to imagine how beautiful it looked (and tasted!!). :)

Rest Day

Though I love Fridays, I don't typically enjoy resting from my workouts. Believe it or not, I actually enjoy running and working out and feel the benefit's from it immediately! So I definitely miss it on Fridays. But, I know how important it is, especially as I train for a marathon, to give my body the rest it needs. Today I am very much looking forward to it! My calves are still quite sore from my hilly, 5 mile run yesterday and my workout at ASI.

This morning I brought my parents to the airport for their vacation - a cruise to Alaska!! I am so excited for them. We didn't go on vacations when we were kids, and they really haven't gone on many since we left home years ago except to visit family in IL/WI. So we are just thrilled that they are doing this with some of their dearest friends! If anyone deserves a vacation, it's my parents! Growing up, our idea of "vacation" was when we went camping on military bases while my dad was there training. We loved it and sure didn't think we were missing anything! We had some great times. The funny thing is, we never owned a tent. A few times we rented one but mostly used our screen house! Yes, we were very entertaining to other campers. I learned a lot growing up, but one thing that I really appreciate that my parents did was the importance they placed on family time. My Dad worked so hard and so many hours yet they took advantage of things like this. When he would be gone for 2 weeks every summer, if he was anywhere close, we'd go camping by him. We went with him on his jobs whenever we could - working on the horse ranch with him, visiting him while he was on his bus trips, delivering papers with him when he was the agent for the paper in town. I treasure those times and hope we can build those kind of relationships/times together with our little family!

Anyway, today is my sister's birthday so Jake and I are taking her and the kids out to lunch. It's been way too long since we've had some sister time, so I'm really looking forward to catching up with her! She's an amazing person, and I love spending time with her. It's funny because we are so incredibly different but are the best of friends. Growing up she was more into reading and I was more into climbing trees but as the years passed we grew closer and closer (though still quite different) :) and now I'm so very thankful that she's about 13 miles away instead of 1,000 miles away in WI! Aunt Kelley would be so proud of the reader her little nephew has become!! Oops...don't tell him it's upside down... :)

Okay, I'm ready for this day of resting, prepping for the busy weekend ahead (9 mile run, baby shower for a friend, wedding, and then heading to GA) and spending time with my sister!!

Happy Friday!

Killer 5 Mile Run

Okay, so if I ran the "Gauntlet II" Saturday, this was definitely the "Gauntlet I"! We live out in the country towards the mountains and it is very hilly out here, so I am used to hills. But Dad brought me to a new subdivision this morning. Back when we were building our house out here, my husband and I had driven through it but it was a while ago. The houses and view are gorgeous...but the terrain is all hills. It was incredible. But, I finished it and except for some sore calves, it was great!


I'm pretty sure this picture belonged in this subdivision.




Today I go to ASI at noon and then tomorrow I rest...YAY!!...before a 9 mile run Saturday morning....all by myself. Everyone is out of town for Labor Day so it'll be just me, the long road and my music!

We will be leaving Sunday to visit my husband's family in Georgia. I am very excited to see them all. We always have a great time of visiting and there's always really good food (and lots of it!). I'm already trying to think how I'll get in a workout and/or run. I'll figure it out.

Have a great day!

Bondi Band Giveaway at 5k Rae!

I have been looking at Bondi Bands for a while now. I recently got the Nike bands (and love them) but like the style/look of the Bondi Bands. Anyway, I was anxious to hear how Rae liked the one she got and turns out she loves it! She is also giving one away! I hope I win!! :) Check out the rules on her blog here.

I know I keep going on and on about it, but I really like working out in the morning! I got up and went to the gym this morning for a strength workout. There was hardly anyone there and I had an awesome workout! My one concern with the early mornings is making sure I get enough sleep. I am one of those people who needs 8 or 9+ hours per night. It's crazy but true. But, if I get to bed at 10:00 and up at 5:30 on the days I work out or run in the morning at least I can get 7.5 hours and then focus on 8+ the other nights. I know the importance of sleep, and I don't want to skimp on that!

Happy Wednesday and don't forget to check out Rae's giveaway on her blog!