Let me just say that I have a list of reasons that I didn't want to run. But I also had a list of reasons that I should. And believe it or not...I did it.
So 8 Miles is a Personal Record for me and I thought that you should all know that it was stinking hard...But not as hard as I thought it would be.
At one point during my run I started hallucinating...
And When I came back to, I realized that I was drowning in my own sweat...
The weather was so bad today that I had to take my kids to day care and run inside on my treadmill. I ran in Grannie undies, over my G's...Not at all cute, but definitely a sense of freedom running practically naked in the privacy of my own house.
Here is a picture of a group of runners taken at mile 8 of their race...
All Smiles...
Here is a picture of me taken at mile 8...
I'm the dead one on the road...(Okay, not really me, but hey, I'd kill for those legs.)
So...looking in the mirror tonight, I'm proud...Really Proud!
Fo Shizzle my nizzle...I almost died on Saturday. No kidding I really saw my life pass before my eyes....
Saturday morning I had Scott drive me out of town so I could get my training run in. The terrain is just flat farms spread everywhere. As we were driving he casually said..."Aren't you scared of Dogs?" I quickly replied "No"! And then a few seconds later followed it with a, "well now I am!"
When we reached our target drop off I hopped out of the car and didn't think anything else about it. When Scott turned off the engine to the car I asked him what he was doing. He said, "oh, I'm just going to look over some business stuff and then I'll take off." I secretly was a little annoyed thinking that he was hanging around to watch and see if I really pushed myself on my run.
About 10 minutes later and 1 mile into my run I started getting chased by a dog. It barked a few times and I whistled at it and it immediately began to wag it's tail...Coast Clear. About 10 more minutes and 2 miles into my run I saw two more dogs and they didn't look so friendly. I crossed to the other side of the road hoping that they would chill out, but they just kept coming...fast and aggressive. I started to panic and then all of a sudden I noticed that my Knight In Shining Armor came to my rescue. Scott drove the car up to the dogs, honking the horn over and over and blocked them from being able to chase me. Thank Heaven's for Scott!
I can't tell you how grateful I am for a Husband that cares about me and was willing to just hang out, pretend that he was working on business and watch me run. If he hadn't been watching who knows what would have happened. Well at this point I probably should have got in the car and changed locations.
But no, I am stubborn so I kept running. About 1/2 a mile further down the road I saw three vicious dogs approaching me. These were the scariest of them all.
When I was on my mission I was chased by dogs quite a few times, but I was always confident that the Lord would protect me, since I was doing his work.
I definitely didn't feel that safety net on Saturday. I started to panic and I was terrified. I didn't know what to do. I started waving my arms for Scott and started running over to a big electric fence. I really didn't know what I was going to do. Luckily Scott got there, yet again, just in time.
Wow. So Scary! I just kept thinking about how my big round butt looked like Breakfast to these wild dogs. Ahhh!!!
Can I hear a...I like big butts and I cannot lie...my doggy brothers can't deny...
Okay, I'll stop there. Anyway, at this point I got in the car and had Scott drive me back into town to finish my run. I am still having anxiety. Not Fun!
Well, It is official. We have arrived at the terrible two's. Who would have ever thought that my sweet little Kate Bug would ever develop such a mind of her own. Don't get me wrong...she can still be sweet as pie, but only if she gets HER way.
Kate has to have a skirt on at all times. Kate has to have shoes on at all times. Kate has to do EVERYthing on her own...even if it makes me 15 minutes late every time. Kate has to be right. Kate has to have PINK sprinkles on her fruit or she won't eat it. Kate has to have her pink blanket and her white blanket or don't even think about bed time.
I could go on and on. It seems everyday she becomes more particular and difficult, but I just love her so much.
If you secretly love this show as much as I do, you must read this woman's weekly recaps of the bachelor. She seriously cracks me up. Note that I stole my title from her title for this week. Please do yourself a favor and if you watch the bachelor, check her out. If you don't watch the bachelor, she does a great (and insanely good) job of recapping it for you.
I hope you love this little video clip of my crazy, energetic hubby who is turning 29 today!!!
29 Things about Scott that everybody should know
1. I thought that two of Scott’s toes were webbed, but apparently they are just really short toes. (Both kids have toes just like them!)
2. Scott is a master at the violin and when he was in high school he played a solo during half time at his basket ball game.
3. Scott loves…did I say loves the Back Street Boys. This is not a lie.
4. Scott served a Full-Time Mission for the LDS church in Louisville Kentucky.
5. Scott is an amazing athlete…AMAZING. Tennis & Basketball are probably his favorites.
6. Scott still makes me time him on his sprints. He doesn’t want to turn into an old man; he wants to stay super fast.
7. Scott washes my car and vacuums it out for me just about every week.
8. Scott has changed just as many if not more dirty diapers than me.
9. Scott is an Eagle Scout.
10. Scott does sit-ups every morning before he gets in the shower.
11. Scott is the designated Master of putting the kids to bed. When he is gone during the week I am lost.
12. Scott is the most amazing Teacher. Right now he teaches the 14 & 15 year olds in Sunday School and I go to his class every Sunday because I feel the spirit so strong and learn so much. He definitely has a gift for teaching the gospel.
13. Scott does a terrible English Accent, and it is so funny when he tries to be serious.
14. When we were dating Scott was a total gentleman. He never let me stay out too late and he always told me to STOP kissing him.
15. Scott takes Dylan to work with him, to golf with him and on dates every Saturday. (This was from the mouth of Dylan)
16. Scott writes me love notes and letters all the time and I cherish them.
17. Scott is amazing at all things domestic. I won’t be too specific because then all you ladies out there would be jealous. He does the vacuuming, dishes, bed making, toilet cleaning, kid sitting…well lets just say he does everything. And this isn’t just once in a while. Every day he gets home from work and completes all my jobs that I didn’t get to. He doesn’t think that there are certain jobs for women and certain ones for men. He just does whatever needs to be done! (I’ll post more about this later.)
18. Scott takes very good care of himself. He always puts time into grooming and looking great. What a Sexy Guy!
19. Scott knows his scriptures by memory and by heart. He quotes a scripture in every conversation we have. He is a master of them and I love how he teaches me so much. I also love that I can ask him where to find a certain verse and he can tell me on the spot.
20. Scott is a terrible gift giver, he gets too impatient. He gets so excited about gifts that he gives them right when he gets them. He can’t wait until the holiday. I have this same problem.
21. Scott is an extremely hard worker. He always has to be doing something productive. He can do the work of 5 Full-Time men and I am so grateful for him. It doesn’t matter what he has to do, he will always give it 110%.
22. Scotts Legs are smoother than mine.
23. Scott AKA Captain Running man the Anytime Fitness Mascot.
24. Scott wants to have 100 kids.
25. Scott brings me home surprises all the time. Last week he brought be home 20 pairs of running socks. Other surprises: A New Car, Ipod, Computer monitor…never ending.
26. Scott is extremely discipline about money. He has taught me to be frugal, to save all our money and to avoid debt. He never buys anything for himself and I am so grateful for a husband that is careful with money.
27. Scott likes to get the kids dressed and I always laugh at the outfits he comes up with…totally styling and creative.
28. Scott is destined for success, not because of luck, but because of his ambition and drive.
29. Scott is a great dad. His kids are his best friends. He takes special care of them and they know that they are loved.
So to Scott…Happy Birthday my love. I am so glad that you are mine. I wish you happiness and a day full of fun.
Okay, so many months ago I registered for the SLC half marathon. And while I dream of running the race, finishing and still being able to walk, I have not really been training for it and it is down to the wire. Like everything else I do I have procrastinated my training and pretty much ignored the voice in my head counting down the days until I die...April 19th. In an attempt to justify to myself why I should not run the race I emailed my friend Julia, whom I have never met, but who has inspired me because she is a MACHINE. It has almost been a year since I started reading her blog and dreaming about running a race.
Well, my dear mentor, my training is practically non-existent. I have a mile high pile of excuses, but the truth is I just haven't had the discipline to get to the gym and run. The roads are finally clear so I am going to start running here. I have to be truthful, I might not make the half marathon, but I will at least do a 10k if I am not ready. I'm such a loser for putting off my training. I have been trying to get into the gym and at least workout, but it hasn't always been running and I have slacked off big time. So, here I am recommitting myself to get out and run, to not cripple myself because of my fear of failure, and to just take it a day at a time with the goal at the end being my health.
I love you and and hope you have a great week.
Erin
Here is her reply:
Erin! I am so glad you emailed - and am so glad you used the word "poop"! That is my favorite word and Jona has been known to use it as well. That is hilarious. Training is never poop. The lack of training is never poop. You are a busy mom, who's supporting a busy husband, who lives in a very cold state where it's incredibly difficult to get out in the first place. I look up to you so much for wanting to run and getting out there on any sort of level. While I pretend my life is busy and stressful, it is nothing compared to having the responsibility of raising two beautiful children. So cheers to you.
So I have a few thoughts, well and a few sub-thoughts of those thoughts. :) So take them purely as suggestions and let me know what you think.
You've already signed up for the dang thing. If you have to walk every single last second of it, it's still a major accomplishment. There aren't too many people who will voluntarily get out of bed on a Saturday morning and walk 13.1 miles, let alone run it.
Try a walk/run plan ... any ratio you want for your training and even race day. Run 5 minutes, walk 3 minutes. Run 9 minutes, walk 1 minutes. Walk 1, run 1. Whatever feels comfortable. I know a lot of people who use this and it works wonders for them. Have you tried it before?
I've put together a calendar for you - just a suggestion of a calendar! I based it on the fact that you could run 2-3 miles comfortably right now. With my training this time, I know I've really benefited from having some sort of "to do" everyday, whether that's an off day or a tempo run. It does have you increasing your weekly long run by two miles every weekend (4 this weekend to 10 miles by the April 5) with a two week taper period.
I love what you said ... the goal is your health. You have amazing perspective. No need to feel stressed about it. No guilt, no anything. Every minute running or every second in the gym goes towards feeling good. I could learn a lot from that. :) It will make it hard to shoot for the 13.1 if you feel by any means that you have an "out". Does that make sense? I constantly battle with this. If I haven't totally committed to something, I will think up every single excuse in the book to not do it. For me, once I've paid that registration fee, I am in. No more outs. For you, I feel like there might be a point where you have to decide whether you are really in or out of the half marathon (not now, perhaps in a week or two when you have to do longer runs - but BEFORE the really long runs). Because once those long runs come and you haven't committed to yourself, there really won't be anything pushing you out that door on your 10 mile run, you know?
I am really excited for you either way. A great little trip to Utah to see friends and be at a really cool event. I'd love to do some sort of virtual training where we can check in on each other's runs for the week/day, whatever and see how we are doing. I love the support, even from far away!!
Hope that isn't too much. Have a good night!
Julia
And like a great mentor and example, she left me no wiggle room to get out of my commitment. She wrote me very specific encouragement and suggestions and even went as far as to put together a...
Procrastinators Training Schedule For the Out Of Shape Runner that didn't train for her half Marathon with the 12 week program so now you have to use the 5 week program.
Here it is. Click to open it if you want to Run this thing with me. I am recommitting myself to running it. Anybody in?
And to Julia. Thank you! I love you! And I appreciate you not cutting me any slack. I think I'll start calling you Julian!
If you know me and you know Scott, you know that this family has hair...and lots of it. Even Dylan has piles of it on his head. Well take a look at Kate. She just turned two and it takes me 15 minutes to blow her out. It is such a pain, but she sure looks cute when it is styled. I can't wait until she is old enough to blow out my hair. That will be her chore. So to the future teenage Kate...I'll clean your room if you'll blow dry my hair. I think it would be a great trade! Or maybe I'll just treat it like Dylan mowing the lawn. Dylan you mow my lawn, Kate you Blow Dry my hair. Here is your allowance!
Finally we had a nice enough day that we could get outside together and walk and play. The weather was beautiful and we were able to scratch that spring itch! We love playing at Jensen Grove.
Dylan saying "Mom, I'm not wearing this Hat!"
Kate Bug taking a stroll, SOLO.
Say Cheese!
They love pitching rocks, Nice throw Kate!
"Mom, come and get me!"
Kate was fascinated with her shadow
More shadow gazing
Family shadow shot
"Mom, I love Mud!" Lovely Dylan.
Notice Kate's Outfit. She is at that age where she is dressing herself. Pink everything, always a dress and never practical shoes.
Hard to believe that this calm, cute little guy was quoted this morning saying, "Mom, you are just a really MEAN WOMAN!" Ya, well someone's gotta be.
Okay, I have decided that the only way I am going to get in a good, worth-while workout, is if I start going to the gym in the morning. So I am introducing you to my new Blog layout which will serve as an instant reminder of my goal to wake up early and sweat it out. Last week I only made it in @ 5:00 AM twice, so this week my goal is to get there Monday-Friday, no exceptions. Wish me luck!
Every day I continue to be amazed by the friends I am reunited with after so many years. Truly blogging for me has become an answer to prayer. There have been many friendships that I have rediscovered. So many people and relationships that I loved that somehow fell through the cracks of time, and out of my address book. So to all you out there that I love so much, my blogging friends, CHEERS!
Please take a minute to look at this Blog my brother John recently put together.
(The following is written by John)
To Friends, Family, and distant acquaintances whose fortune has landed their details in my address book:
There are few questions that aren't answered both carefully and haphazardly on the internet. Questions regarding the Church, we know, are not different. Joining the effort to promote positive LDS content online, I have created a small website: mormonmedia.blogspot.com The purpose of the site is to share favorite LDS talks, musical performances, and videos.
I would be very grateful for any suggestions you may have on any aspect of the site.(If you have a favorite talk you think I should post, please tell me that as well!)
Purpose of the Site as Stated on The Blog...
Have you ever read a great book or seen an inspiring film and immediately wanted to share it with somebody? There is a certain satisfaction that comes from seeing another discover what you have already come to love. This site contains those Mormon sermons, images, musical performances, and videos I simply can’t do without.
Mom, thanks for the fabulous shoes. What a fun surprise. They fit perfect and I love them. Kate loves them too and I might have to fight her for a chance to wear them. Thanks for thinking of me. See you soon!
1. I love My Eternal Companion and I am three years older than him.
2. I am the oldest (and wisest) of three. 2 younger brothers.
3. I can do a great impersonation of a car alarm.
4. I love odd numbers and I even associate letters with odds or evens.
5. I can sing head, shoulders, knees and toes in Japanese.
6. I always wanted a pair of ruby slippers because I truly believed that I could click my heels three times and be home.
7. When I was in 4th grade I dreamed of playing professional football.
8. I don't like seafood. But I will eat tuna fish if it has craisins in it.
9. I have a bad habit of humming. I hum to myself without even knowing it. I got in trouble for this in 6th grade.
10. I know every Thomas the Tank Engine Train, every Thomas song, and every Thomas show by memory. "Bust my Buffers"
11. When I was bungee jumping my swimsuit fell off.
12. I dove into a swimming pool of green jello in my ski outfit and snow boots to win Concert tickets.
13. I flew to Boston in fifth grade to visit my friend Marisa. I remember this trip down to every last detail, including getting hit by a drunk driver in Rhode Island.
14. I was dumped by Brian Nicols in Elementary School because he said, "I have a reputation to uphold". I had no idea what that meant.
15. I am the camp director this year for the 3rd time, and I love going to camp with the Young Women.
16. I tell people that I think that Star Wars is stupid, but the truth is I have never watched any of the movies.
17. My dad took me to see ET when I was 5 and I was terrified.
18. My friends and I trashed Dave Norton's House the night before High School Graduation. I personally hit his door with two eggs. I was so overcome with guilt that I went and helped his family clean up the mess the next morning.
Make Time For A Piece Of Cake, It is After All my Birthday.
19. When I was being blessed my parents bishop announced that they would be blessing their baby daughter ERWIN MICHAEL (My name is Erin Michelle). I still get called that from Family and Friends.
20. I attended UVSC, Weber State University, Ricks Collage & BYU but still don't have my degree. I did however finish Hair School, although I don't do hair.
Quote today from Dylan, "Mom, you are not going to be 32. You are going to be 5 like me. Or 29 mom, whichever you choose". Is 29 really an option?
21. I am not a music person. I know, weird, but I don't listen to the radio or Cd's ever.
22. It has been over a year since I watched daytime TV. (This was an addiction that I had to break, yep...soaps and everything.)
23. I love to sew.
24. My bus crashed into a telephone poll when I was in 1st grade. Kids were life flighted and everything.
25. Kids use to pay me money in Elementary school to pull out their teeth.
26. When I was at Ricks I heard a knock on my door and went to open the door and a garbage can full of water flooded me. It was like living in a Star Burst Commercial.
27. I sold pest control one summer in California. I was 18 years old.
28. Nobody really thinks that I am funny, but I get a kick out of myself.
29. I crawl in bed with my kids almost every night. I just want to be near them.
30. I am easily entertained when it comes to movies, I love them all. Well except for Howard the Duck & The Langoliers.
31. I love to get letters in the mail.
32. I am trying to learn to be a better friend.
And so I shall celebrate my birth today. My life has meaning because of these little ones...
And this man...(picture taken in our hotel before our 2007 New Years Eve 5K in SLC)
I am grateful to be a mother...
I am grateful to have my best buddy...
And my Princess...
And for Men in Tights...
And here is a little snippet of some of my most embarrassing moments...
