Mom on the Run

Midnight Streak

2009-07-27T13:18:00.003-05:00

Well, I may not be back being the best blogger, but I did enter my first race since the ankle blow out last fall. What have I been doing in the meantime?

Mostly here, non running. laughpaintcreate

My time: 35:47

Totally sucky, but I am thrilled. No pain. Felt good and I have goals to return to. The race seemed a little untogether this year in my opinion. Out of goodie bags and shirts when I registered. This is an 11pm race. Didn't start until almost 11:15. Come on, get it together. I don't have patience for stuff like that-especially since we were all lined up and some stinky guy was behind me that kept stretching and bumping me. Finally get started and it was a bit hot. It had been 103 during the day, and the blacktop had not cooled much. We did get rain about halfway through the run and I thought it would cool things off. Not so much. just made it ultra humid. Oh well. There was one pretty good little hill and that is what slowed me down. I walked up most of it.

Waterstops were a bit slow too. Can I blame my time on anything else? :)

The worst thing though is that my husband said some guy came across the finish line with his weiner hanging out of his pants. Eye level with my kids. I think I am going to try to find out who he was and see if he can be contacted. I mean, is this a joke? mishap? Not happy at all.

Anyway, at the finish line my boys cheered. I have pics somewhere. Post em later. :)

Spinning

2009-03-19T07:51:00.002-05:00

Well, so far I haven't really done that much running. I've run nothing more than a 5k on a treadmill, but hope now that the weather is nice, to actually get some miles on the streets. I am still pain free and want to keep it that way! Trying to build strength and just get back in good shape I'm at the gym early in the morning. Today I tried a spin class. They say it's best burner next to running! It was strange. I've never cycled before. My legs were able to handle it but my butt was not. Man, that seat killed my butt! I was surprised how intense it was. I was dripping sweat. Dripping. That is awesome. I will go to this class again (and it's offered several times a week).

So, for now I am having a lot of fun trying some new things and just mixing it up a bit. Wish I had an exciting race report, but I am still waiting til April. April isn't that far off! Happy running out there!

step class=beat down

2009-03-11T07:51:00.003-05:00

First of all, it's freaking arctic here this morning. It was like 80 degrees a few days ago. Weather here is nuts.

Did a step/strength class this morning at the gym. Thought I'd "mix it up" a bit. Holy beat down! It was an awesome workout! I was a little lost with some of the steps, but I think after a few classes I'll get it. Go back after such a beat down you say? Most certainly!

We did step for about 40 minutes, then arm weights, then abs. I felt myself engaging muscle groups that haven't been used like that in a while. I also have a feeling I better take some Motrin and wash it down with a cup of Joe. I do NOT like getting up at 5:35 in the morning! Well, the kids are eating breakfast and it's off to take one to school! Have a great day!

Achoo!

2009-03-10T10:33:00.003-05:00

Our neighbors have this tree-not sure what kind it is- right now it is shedding green crap all over our yard. and is making me sneeze. It is blowing everywhere, covering our cars. I hate it. It has those pesky little "helicopters" that fly off and plant mini seedlings all over each year as well. I'm sure it's not the only think making me sneeze, but I swear the second I go out the front door, it starts up. I even took my Alavert this morning. I love that stuff by the way!

So, I did another 5K on the treadmill this morning. took a little bit off the last time. 34.05. Still doing a little walking, but overall I'm happy! Did a little arm strength and ab work. No strength for legs today. The plan is to be up early for a step strength class in the morning. I have not done this class before, but I'm going to check it out! I need a little widget to track my miles-like for the week month, etc. I've seen a few-any suggestions?

Early bird gets the worm

2009-03-05T09:20:00.003-06:00

Alarm went off at 5:30 this morn. I cringed because I was scared it would wake our two boys-and I don't think Mr. would forgive me for that. I stared at it while a little voice said, hmmm, you can sleep for 30 more minutes...oh hell, the other voice said, get your ass out of bed.

I stumbled to the bathroom, I had set out all my clothes last night. I kinda wished I was out to pound pavement, but happy I was going to the gym. Grabbed my ipod, which needs to be updated and made the quick drive.

It wasn't too busy and I hopped on a treadmill. Hit the 5K program and warmed up with a little walking. I couldn't help it, I wanted to run. I did. felt awesome. Finished it in 36 minutes. Not bad for my first 3.2 in 4 months-and i did walk a little. Don't want to overdo it! I was thinking to myself though, I can totally do this. woooo!

Weightlifted-got to love the Fitlinxx program at the Y. They keep track of all cardio and pounds. I lifted 13,000 lbs! Did some quick ab/ball, lunges and step action and looked at the clock-had to get home so Mr. could get to work!

Off to beautify myself at the hair salon today-think I might get some new shoes while I'm out too- along with one of those runner sticks?

Hope everyone is having a great day!

Operation Boot Camp

2009-03-04T17:42:00.002-06:00

Not much to report yet. My youngest has been sick-really sick and Mr. was out of town. I have to say though, this Mama is hittin' the gym starting tomorrow for some serious boot camp gotta lose 10 lbs asap.

4 months of not running, sorta not really working out has taken it's toll. Of course the urgent need to lose a few is also brought on by a decided beach vacation with friends in June. I figure no prob. By then I can lose 15 if I want to. Tomorrow is the day.

A friend of mine is trying to get me to do the OKCMM half with her. It's at the end of April. I know I won't be ready to run it by then, but she really isn't either. So, she's trying to talk me into walking/running it. It def won't be one for the record books but it's such an amazing atmosphere that I hate to miss it. What to do, what to do.

I also have 1 month til that 10K I'm signing up for. Bring it on!!! I am excited.

Total Inspiration

2009-03-01T13:15:00.002-06:00

2 words: Matt Long

All I can say is that I could not put down my lastest issue of Runner's World. Wow. At one point I actually hid from my munchkins in the laundry room (while I cried) so I could finish reading it in peace. I couldn't stop reading it, and it is a great story, and written very well.

Did I actually complain about my torn tendon? Sheesh. Nothing on what Matt Long went though-and countless others in their own various battles just to live. It is a reminder of how lucky most of us are to be healthy athletes.

So I am back. It has been a while and I have watched runners wistfully for over 4 months, waiting to rejoin the ranks. I am a beginner all over again, but that is fine by me. Just happy to be back.

Ankle God of OKC a.k.a. Dr. Kammerlocher told me to start back SLOW. Part of my injury occured not only because I have flat feet, but because my calves are very tight-this caused my tibalis posterior to work twice as hard-which caused the tear. I have been working on lots of stretching to help. I am not to do any calf strength training at this time. So, like a beginning runner, I am coming back at it slow. I have decided not to do a race until April. There aren't many in March that I think I can be ready for anyway. So, April 5 it is, and I think I'm going to do the 10K. Last year it was hot and there didn't seem to be enough water stops. I will remember that for this year!

We are all ready for my return. The boys keep asking me when I'll race next-I think they just want powdered donuts. They have all been really good in helping me recover and properly heal. If it wasn't for the Mr. telling me to take it easy, I would probably still be out!

In the meantime I am just going to run around our park, which is a good mile around and maybe head to Lake Hef trails...etc. Just in time for good weather, if it ever comes back!

Psst.

2009-02-27T10:07:00.002-06:00

I'm back! Very slowly back. I've not run over 2 miles, and that was on a treadmill. It felt GREAT though! GREAT!!!! I have been pain free completely for about 3 weeks or so. I don't have any lofty goals right now except not to reinjure myself. I have been out since Mid October! It has Sucked. I've had quite the long pity party but and ready to put it all behind me, lace up some new shoes and get out there. Races? We'll see. I might have a few up my sleeves. :)

Stay tuned, I will not be gone that long again!

totally non running related

2008-11-22T11:07:00.003-06:00

I am going to see Twilight tomorrow! Never been into vampire books, but I am hooked on this series. I read all 4 books in a weekend when hub was out of town a few months ago. I have been waiting for this- I know you have too, Missy! Please let the movie be as good as the book!

and stay tuned! 1/21/08 LOST is back!

Biking

2008-11-22T09:04:00.004-06:00

Well, I am back at the Y. I got in a little time on the elliptical then my ankle started THROBBING. Little sharp pains...okay, it's been a month now! Then I ran into my Docs wife there-also a friend of mine. She looked at me and said, "get off there! You can cycle or be in the water!" I asked her if they were tired babysitting me yet. Her husband is an orthopedic surgeon and has lined up other dr. visits and everything for me. I haven't even had to make a phone call! I am getting an MRI scheduled. Will let ya'll know the date and results. I just gave them all my info insurance etc and will hopefully get in before Thanksgiving. Anyway, did the recumbent for about 30 minutes and it felt pretty good. No pain in my ankle area, but felt some burning in my butt! Yessssss! Burn baby burn! Then I did weights. I love their FITLINXX program. It keeps a record of all the work I do. I lifted a total of 11,300 lbs-that's between arms, legs and abs. Felt pretty good-just to be back to something!

Had Landrunners meeting this past Monday night. It was pretty good. Dr. Brian Coleman, Program Director of the Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship at the O.U. College of Medicine was the speaker. I think health and running was on a lot of Oklahoma runners minds as there was a young man that died at the Route 66 marathon in Tulsa last weekend. He was running the half. Also there was an article in the November Runners World-discussing the same sort of thing. I'm sure most of you read it, as I did. Dr. Coleman primarily discussed the cardiac benefits of running, heart health, etc. The benefits definitely outweigh the risks, but you should always consult with your own Doctor before starting an intense exercise regiment.

Many of the deaths in the yound athletes we see are usually preconditions. The running didn't necessarily cause heart attacks in these people, they typically had an unknown heart condition to begin with. We hear about it on the news, young healthy, teenage even, atheletes that collapse on a 5 yard run. So sad.

He had a great slideshow with a lot of information. Going to get regular checkups to start a baseline is important for any athlete. Have you had yours? I had mine this past spring and will be sure to go in every year. I guess it's especially important as soon as you hit the ripe age of 30-knowing your family history, etc is also important as it can put you at risk for heart disease, high cholesterol, I know you've heard it all.

At the meeting people also share their accomplishments. It's fun to see all the medals and hear the stories. It really makes me sort of sad. I just want to run too. All the more reason to get this MRI and see what the heck is going on so I can make my big return! Maybe I'll make a return schedule....hmmm.....

I hope everyone has a great weekend! Run on!

WOW!

2008-11-18T16:57:00.003-06:00

Wow! I felt really special today when I checked Terri's blog, Middle of the pack girl, to see that she nominated me for a blog award. This is what she had to say, "Now, Erin’s sidelined with an injury, so I’m guessing she’s probably wondering why she’s being nominated. The thing is, her heart is still into it, and she’s been a great inspiration to her kids. Her little boys do their “runs” in their yard, complete with “water stops” and everything! Her little boys are clearly proud of her and want to follow in her footsteps. In no time at all, I’m sure her body will recover and she’ll be out there again hitting the roads. You will, Erin, trust me."

Gosh, I am truly flattered. I have "met" some great people in blogosphere and she is one of them. I think Terri is so inspirational and I am honored she nominated me with so many other fantastic people.

Now for this nom, I need to name six things that make me happy.

1. My health. Funny I should say that considering the lame leg, right? Wrong. I AM healthy! The ankle is just making me take a little break and I will be back on the pavement very soon! I have seen family fight for their lives and believe me, I am healthy. I don't even have a right to complain about my silly leg.

2. My family. This is a huge support system for me. My husband and boys-first and foremost. They go to every race and nothing makes me happier getting to that finish line then seeing their sweet faces! I love my husband more every day and by boys...I look at them both one last time before I go to bed and say, "how lucky am I?" I love the smell of their hair, their sweet drooly breath and sometimes they wake, just for a second and smile at me.

3. Friends. Where would we all be without our friends? Chandra has been one of my biggest supporters and we actually kicked off our racing together! By the way, girl, you need to update your blog. Where am I supposed to get healthy recipes? Also, all the wonderful people I have met through blogging. I hope to someday meet some of you out there!

4. A nice bath. A quiet bath is a luxury here. A noisy shower is usually all I get but sometimes in a blue moon I am able to lock myself in the bathroom, pop in a few bath fizzles, read a book and r-e-l-a-x.

5. Cooking. I love to cook and I LOVE to eat. I really enjoy entertaining and having friends over for a nice glass of wine or a cold beer while we eat delicious food.

6. Daisies. They have always been my favorite flower. So sweet, so simple. They always make me smile.

More later! Thanks Terri!

Run on!

Good Luck!!!

2008-11-16T09:55:00.002-06:00

Good luck to everyone on various races today, but especially to those running the Route 66! Three of my neighbors are running-good luck Arnie (marathon), Phil (quarter) and Jennifer (half)! God, I wish I was there!!!!

Run on!

bloggity

2008-11-05T09:25:00.002-06:00

I have the computer for another morning! Yippee! No running here. Actually making an appointment with an ankle specialist. I'll keep ya posted.

So, with that-what else shall we talk about? Running? nope. Politics? nope. Music? Music is always good. iPod is pretty much continually running on a speaker set. Let's go take a peek at what's playing. Out of 2604 songs, Beastie Boys, Sabotage is playing. Gotta love Beastie Boys. Intergalactic is my fav and I run to it often.

I say that I don't run to what I listen to, but I guess that's really only about half true. Some songs I do truely download just for running-but I do run to other stuff too. What other juicy bits are in my iPod? Well, I am diverse.

Really diverse.

Let's see.

If you were to shuffle my iPod you would hear any of these tantalizing tidbits.

First of all: The Flaming Lips. From right here in OKC, one of the best bands ever. They are so down to earth-live here-give time money and energy to the community.

ABBA- have the entire gold album, baby! It's a winner!

Ursula 1000- Electric Boogie. Love this song.

U2- I have just about all of their albums. Although I have to say-I only started listening to them because my sister was going to marry Bono.

Thom Yorke- I have the album, Eraser. Black Swan is my fave.

Survivor - Eye of the Tiger! Oh yeah... I can totally remember like 3rd grade gym class with this one.

Beatles- Gotta give my Dad props for this one. He says there are two kinds of people. Beatles people or Stones people. Dad is Beatles. Mom is Rolling Stones. Guess I can't go wrong coming from both of them!

Clap your hands say yeah. My fav album last year. The song Over and Over again has been played 72 times.

Ray LaMontagne. One of the best, in my opinion since Neil Young. Yeah, I have Neil Young in there too. "She used to work in a diner...never seen a woman look finer...I used to order just to watch her float across the floor...." I can thank Dad for him too.

R.E.M- I couldn't have made it through high school without them. Life's Little Rich Pageant being my fav.

Dave Matthews Band. Nevermind that his tour bus dumped waste on a bunch of people accidently in a river below the bridge he was driving on-oops. Maybe it's because I'm sentimental. I started listening to them my senior year in high school and all though college. I have all the albums. I just love him.

Daft Punk- Love to run to!

M.I.A- who doesn't have Paper Planes?

Lords of Acid. Yeah, thank sister for that too. "I'm fucking beautiful!"

LCD Soundsystem -their most played song in my iPod is Tribulations.

Pulp Fiction. Yep, the movie soundtrack. Son a Preacher Man!

New Order- Bizarre Love Triangle. God, I am having flashbacks doing this! How fun! If a guy in a frat house played this. I was there. One of my favorite songs in college.

80's- Anything 80's I pretty much have it.

The Cure- How can you not like a song called Caterpillar? And who doesn't LOVE, It's Friday I'm in Love?

Jamiroquai- Have a lot of this guy. Favorite? hard to say.

Beck. Love him. Period.

Iron and Wine. Our Endless and Numbered Days-wore the heck out of this album.

so many more...! Feist, Goldfrapp, The Killers, Death Cab for Cutie, Album Leaf, The Strokes, Ladytron, John Mayer, The Arcade Fire, Tiesto, Pearl Jam, Band of Horses, Lucinda Williams, The Decemberists, Jaime Cullum, Morrissey-The Smiths, Norah Jones, Chemical Brothers, Grizzly Bear, The Shins, Richard Buckner, Counting Crows, Fall Out Boy, Imogen Heap, CSS, Grateful Dead, Cake, Postal Service, Lyle Lovett, Dr. Dre....

I kinda want to go on. And I could. go on and on and on. I need a music section! lol.

So, I have all that and more on my iPod, which I love BUT I have the old 30gb iPod. Don't get me wrong, it is awesome. I got it for my 30th birthday...and that was well, 2 years ago. I wasn't running then or even thinking about running. Running was the very last thing on my mind. Did I even own athletic shoes? I don't think so!

Anyway, I can't use it for Nike+ which sucks. Also, it's a bit bulky. But...do I want to buy a nano? Not really. I am still waiting for them to make improvements to the nike sport band. Oh well. I better get busy! Enough rambling!

Run on!!!

November? Really!?

2008-11-01T08:11:00.005-05:00

Where did October go? Seriously. I cannot believe how fast the month went by. We have been so busy here. Between birthday parties and Halloween activities I wonder how I would have had any time to run at all.

Halloween hoopla is over. Bring on Christmas! I see they are already putting up Christmas decor around the city. Yikes. I'm getting over my non racing whining-sortof. I just feel sorta useless not racing-especially since there are so many good races coming up in the next few weeks! I will volunteer at one of them-just need to figure out what will work with our schedule. At least that way I can cheer some runners on! I know some of them need those few words of encouragement. I think it will be cool.

My ankle is still sore. Yesterday was the first day that I could walk halfway normal. I'm not noticeably limping anymore. Stairs are still difficult -putting that much pressure on the one leg hurts. So, hopefully I'll be back at the gym this week-biking and elliptical. NO running, no treadmill, no stairmaster. We'll see how it goes. I did listen to one of my running playlists the other day. It's like getting over a breakup or something. lol. I'm weird I guess. I don't really listen to most of my running music on a regular basic. I guess because it's for running. I listen to more laid back stuff normally, but not for running. That's totally different. My playlist always begins with Number 1 by Goldfrapp. So, when I heard the intro the other day I wanted to cry. God I'm a baby. I feel guilty for being such a whiny butt. I never thought I'd miss running. I think there was a time that I would have been thankful for a bum ankle so I wouldn't HAVE to run! (highschool) Sigh.

But, like I said. We've been busy. We had parties at the boys school and did the trick or treat thing last night. My Mom makes costumes every year for the boys and this year they were pirates. ARGH!

Now I just need to stay away from all the candy and we'll be fine! :) Anyway, good luck NYC Marathoners! Good luck to all the runners out there this weekend! Run on!

Saturday

2008-10-25T08:27:00.003-05:00

I SHOULD be running this morning. I should be breathing all this cold air into my lungs and beating the pavement with my feet. Instead, here I sit with my lame leg. I think I feel a bit better. (but it's also hard to tell since I'm taking all this Motrin!) It's one week as of...well, right about now! Earlier in the week I could not even do the elliptical. I am hoping to get back to the gym this week and at least hopefully handle some biking-if the leg can handle the pressure.

Husband says to take it easy. Husband is a lawyer. A lot of the cases he has requires him to go over medical records. Sometimes this makes him think he is a Doctor. He doesn't really think I should race anymore this year. His fear is that if I don't heal properly the issue could become chronic. His fear is also surgery as it is his opinion that ankle surgeries do not fare well.

He knows how important running has become and really wants to see me out again in the New Year. That way I could start training again and do the OKC Memorial Half in April. I listen to his advice. THis coupled with what the Dr. has said makes me think-As much as I hate to think that way, it's almost November. It will be a very busy month then I am teaching at the Museum every Sat in December...then it will be January. Fresh start for the New Year? Maybe so.

My boys are tired of my not keeping up with them. Oldest child says, "when will your leg get better?" Youngest child informed me the other day that "his legs were all broke" and that he needed to be carried. Geesh.

OH! I went to the Landrunner meeting this past Monday night. Speaker was ultramarathoner Chisholm Deupree. He is the 3rd Oklahoman to complete the Badwater 135 mile ultramarathon. All I can say is holy f'ing BADASS. What a story. What an inspiration. It really is amazing what the human body can do. It is a machine!

Well, I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Pound the pavement for me!

Run on!

I am posting my previous race schedule here as I don't want to delete it, but want to get rid of it from my sidebar.

Susan G.Komen Race for the Cure 10/20/07
finished 35.45

OP Thanksgiving 5K November 07
finished 33.29

Redbud Classic 5K 4/6/08
finished 38.05

OKC Memorial 10k relay 4/27/08
finished 1:09:05

Sooner State Games 10K 5/17/08
finished1:10:51

Red Earth Run 5K 6/7/08
finished 33:56

Midnight Streak 7/26/08
Finished 31:18

Run with the Bulls 8/23/08
Finished 33:26

Geico Race for Freedom 10K
9/13/08 Finished 1:17:40 :(

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K 10/4/08
Finished 31:52

Kelsey Briggs race against Child Abuse 5K 10/18/08-INJURED

:(

2008-10-23T07:06:00.003-05:00

Well...no Route 66 Half for me. I saw an Orthopedic Dr. and I have partially torn my tibialis posterior tendon. I have some swelling and the brusing on my foot leads the Dr. to believe I have not just strained it, but partly torn it. It's not completely torn or I wouldn't be walking at all. I cannot put any pressure on my left leg alone. After 3 weeks if I am not better I will get an MRI and probably have surgery. I can't tell you how disappointed I am.

What I thought was shin splints on that leg has really been straining this tendon the whole time. I was doomed. So, now I just have to heal and hopefully I will be back on my feet soon. Now I am to slowly start back on with a bike-water exercise no running. Not really even walking. (ha! snort! Try that with a running two year old!) Need to keep leg elevated as much as possible. :( I am so sad. Running has been a big deal to me. The races have really been a huge accomplishment for me, especially since I am a stay at home mom. Anyway, thanks for checking in on me. Hopefully next post won't be such a pity me.

Sore, but better

2008-10-19T13:41:00.002-05:00

Last night I tossed and turned. Whenever the Motrin wore off, I'd get sharp shooting pains. I was able to sleep in this morning as the boys slept in to a whopping 7:30-very unusual as we are all early risers here. 6am usually. I was thankful though for the extra sleep. The boys took care of me and I felt much better today. My lower leg is sore when I stand on it, but otherwise ok. I am going to keep on the Motrin for today and try a short walk tomorrow. I might make a trip to the Dr. Tuesday if I am still sore. What a pain! (literally!) Thanks everyone for your thoughts and advice. I am very nervous about the race. I do have 2 races before the half- a 5k and a 12k. I think those will be very telling to see if I will be able to run. I guess even before that though, training will tell me if I can run at ALL right now. Beautiful but windy day here. I plan to get out and enjoy it as much as possible! I hope everyone enjoys the last day of the weekend!

OWWWWW!

2008-10-18T14:15:00.004-05:00

Something happened to me on that 5K this morning. I was only about 1.5 miles in...going up a hill and my left calf went out. It felt like a noodle. Then sharp shooting pains shot down my lower butt through my leg? I used to get those pains when I was very pregnant-sciatic pain. wtf?! The calf thing is new. I am still in pain and it's 2 in the afternoon. So anyway, I stopped in the race and tried to stretch it out. My calf felt really tight. I tried to run on it and no can do. The pain shot through me it was terrible. I had to walk the rest of the way. I felt like and idiot. It hurt so bad though I wanted to cry. My husband almost came onto the course when I didn't show up after 40 minutes. 43 minutes later I hobbled to the finish and didn't want to cry, but made husband get the car. I immediately drank water came home put my foot up and put ice on it. I don't know. I've been doing ice and heat. My inner calf seems to be ok. It's not spazzing like it was. I still have a pain on the outer calf-not constant, but it shoots out if I move my foot in a certain direction. DAMNIT! Big race is 26 days away.

So, I am going to take it easy over the next few days-see if I need to see a doc if it's not better? I don't know. So, I'm loaded up with Motrin and I just might have to bust open a few of the pumpkin ales that are chilling in the fridge.

Terri tagged me with her awesomeness. Here are my answers.

Rules: Each player answers the question themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment letting them know that they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve answered the questions on your blog.

10 Years Ago (1998):
1. I was 22 years old.

2. I was living in secret with my boyfriend-who is now my husband.

3. I went back to school after partying my way out the first time. I learned when you pay for things yourself, you actually go to class! Imagine!

4. I started a bartending/waitress gig. Pretty good money!

5. Watched my Dad beat cancer.

5 Things on Today’s “To Do” List:
1. Run 5K in less than 30 minutes. Um-didn't happen.

2. Get together lesson plan ideas for meeting at the Museum on Tuesday.

3. Watch OU/KS. Drink beer to ease pain.

4. Make lasagna.

5. Drink more beer to ease pain.

5 Things that I would do if I were a millionaire:
1. Pay all debts/secure boys future funds.

2. Pay all Brandon's Medical bills, etc. Set nephews up with future funds. Buy Missy new house (with WOOD floors! lol!) Pay off parent's debts. I'm pretty sure they are still paying for my wedding. Set bro and rest of family up.

3. Give a ton of money to Heroes for Children and set up a branch here in OK.

4. Provide money for local after school art programs in the city.

5. A few things for ourselves. I'd buy a ranch for hubby and build a massive walk in closet for me and all my NEW running shoes! :)

5 Places I have lived:
1. Buffalo, NY

2. Edmond, OK

3. Norman, OK

4. Oklahoma City, OK

5. Would like to live in Colorado! (Maybe on that ranch!?)

5 Jobs I have had:

1. Babysitter extraordinare.

2. Beer cart girl at a golf course.

3. Waitress at Applebee's Restaurant.

4. Bartender

5. Worked at a law office-besides my husbands.

Oh, but did I mention my new job? Very excited to be taking on a few classes as an instructor this spring at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art! I've helped fill in for a few classes and events and have had a great time. I am so thrilled. It's one of my very favorite places to be!

Oh look! It's almost kickoff! Go Sooners! Time to open that pumpin ale. Catch ya'll later!

p.s.

2008-10-14T19:40:00.002-05:00

p.s. I am so happy to see they indicted that beyotch Casey Anthony!

I know I know...innocent til proven guilty. Whatever! That's why I'm not the lawyer in the family and why I'd never be put on the jury for this one!

randomness

2008-10-14T19:09:00.002-05:00

Geez. I seriously need a computer! My blogness is lacking. On an upside though, I bought new shoes today! Made the trek to Edmond to go to OKRunner. They are great there. There were other runners in the store that were happy to strike up running conversation and more eager to share advice with a newbie runner like me.

The shoes I bought are just an upgrade of my current shoes, but it's pretty exciting for me. Whoever would have thought that I would spend my extra pennies on running shoes instead of like...a pair of red high heels or something? Totally bizarre. They are the Saucony Omni 7. I also got a pair of socks. Balega...these have a bit more cushion than the Adidas ones I have been training in. I needed to try somehting new though because the Adidas ones are a bit low in the heel-leading to some blister action. Actually it's not really blisters-more like bloody mess. So, I'll give these a whirl. I've been wearing them around today and they seem nice.

I think I am going to do a 5K this Saturday. It's the Kelsey Briggs Run Against Child Abuse. All proceeds go to fight child abuse in Oklahoma and in 2005, this beautiful little girl lost her life to child abuse. A sad heart breaking stoppable and grewsome story. I remember feeling so much anger at the time story broke my heart. I wish there never had to be cases of child abuse. This is one race for sure I want my money to go to. It's at 8am-downtown at Regatta Park. Might be a bit chilly...especially since it's on the water. I better think about that. 9 miles this Sunday! Rock on!

Day blog!

2008-10-06T10:41:00.003-05:00

I know. First of all, what am I doing blogging during a weekday!? Did I finally get a new home computer? Well, no. Not yet. Husband left his here with me since he was not going into the office this morning. He had to be up early for a hearing a few hours away. So, here I am. One kiddo is at school and the other is watching Toy Story. I should be doing laundry or making beds or anything but sitting here on my butt. However, I never get the computer during the day! So what have I done? Looked at Runners World, looked into booking my hotel room for the Route 66 half, caught up on blogs that I read, searched for Spiderman slippers for child no 1., pretty much just being worthless.

Yesterday I forgot to mention one of the great things I have gotten out of running. The fact that both boys, even at only the age of 2 and 4 have really taken to it. They have their own races in the front yard and tell me to cheer for them. Child no. 1 even stretches and takes water breaks. I love that I am passing along such a healthy and wonderful past-time! Child no.2 loves to run around and says, "I'm fast! Fast and fast and fast!" Makes me smile.

Speaking of fast and fast and fast! Wouldn't I like to be? :) All I can do is work a little harder. I am curious about a training group one of my friends is doing through Fleet Feet. She says they have really helped her-short and long distance-I might get some info on it to train harder for my second half-which will be the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon in April. I am not setting unrealistic goals at all for the half in November. It is going to be a big accomplishment for me to finish. I'd like to just keep up with a pace group. I'll stay between the 2 hour and 2.5 hour group and try that. I am more nervous by the day. Can I really do this? I'm also needing to figure out food. So I really need to pop gels etc for a half? I don't want to have another Clif bar incident so I need to try these things out now! That's about it. Computer time is over. I am being called to put together train tracks! Run on!

RFTC '08

2008-10-05T09:52:00.002-05:00

What a turn out!

It was a beautiful morning for the Komen Race for the Cure in downtown OKC. Woke up at 6 popped my Motrin and got showered up. I may have made a fatal mistake by changing up my race breakfast. I know it's against runners rules to try new things on a race day. Well some lessons are made through trial and error. I thought I'd try a Clif Bar. I got crunchy peanut butter and it was pretty tasty. A little dense, but good. About 30 minutes later I heard the rumble. I tried to dismiss it. ugh. My stomach did not take kindly to it and I had er...problems all morning. I almost popped an imodium, but I was worried about time so we left. Before we could head downtown though we had to make a stop at Dunkin Donuts. Munchkins and chocolate milk for the boys!

It was a bit of a trick finding parking. Husband and the boys ended up dropping me off so I would be able to meet my group in time while they headed off to park and find their spot at the finish line. I made my way to our group's rendezvous, but decided to go to the baseball stadium where we were supposed to have group pics. Saw fellow teammates and waited. Looked at my watch nervously. 8am. race starts at 8:15. From where I am, I think, it is going to take me a good 5-10 minutes to fight through this freaking crowd to line up. I decide to skip group photo. I make my way through the crowd and no one seems interested that the race is going to start in 10 minutes!

I figured I would line up at a faster pace mark because last year I really got stuck behind a ton of walkers. Well, lining up at the 8 minute mile didn't stop that! The sun was rising, they sang the national anthem and the gun went off. I was stuck. and not the kind of stuck where you can't run because no one can run-just stuck behind walkers that had no intention of running. I had a friend tell me, RFTC is not a runners race. It's a social event. He said it's really just too many people for a 5K to sucessfully give good running times. I was a little frustrated because I knew I had my personal goal in mind. I think I might have grumbled and growled a little, sorry.

Then I tried to relax, taking in the beautiful morning light and remember why I was really doing this race. For breast cancer prevention and to remember those who lost their battle and for those who are fighting it. The first mile was uphill. I am still fighting allergies and should have taken an Alavert. I had a hard time breathing due to mucus.

Hit the water stop and kept going. Music was good. Oh, my playlist?

Number 1 :Goldfrapp
One More Time :Daft Punk
Destroy Everything: Ladytron
Busy Child: Crystal Method
Thanks Fr Th Mmrs: Fall Out Boy
I Love my Sex: Benny Benassi
Satisfaction: Benny Benassi
Stronger: Kanye West

Wove my way through people. I felt good, considering I didn't run that much since being kinda sick in the past two weeks. I glanced at my watch and it said 25 minutes. I was over a km away. I was angry thinking, I'm not going to make it in time! (I didn't but that's okay) Then I got sidetracked. By a group of firemen in all of their gear marching together chanting something. Oh hotness. Focus, Erin! Then I rounded the corner and was literally stuck behind a stroller brigade. Ugh! Then I could see the finish line. I jumped around the strollers and I start looking for my boys. I look and look! There are thousands of freaking people! Then at the last second, there they are. They are yelling and cheering for me and seeing their faces made my morning. no clock at the finish. Look at my watch 31:12. Damn.

Results per DG racing:

31:52 /10:16 pace

510 out of 3491 women total

74 out of 454 for my age group (age 30-34)

sniffle cough hack spit

2008-09-24T18:51:00.002-05:00

Is that enough to gross you out? It's what I've been doing for 2 days now. Coughing and hacking my brains out. Going from a runny nose to a stuffy nose. It is so annoying! It started as what I thought was allergies. Now it's in my chest and we all have it. The boys are all doing better. If we could just get our two year old to blow his nose. He doesn't know how to! Any ideas?

So, I have been running my usual distances. I was debating the St. Gregory's 5K this weekend. It is an hour from here and the race starts at 7:30 am. I also need to register and that would mean we would have to leave here extra early. This race earns points though for the running club I belong to. So...we shall see. My long run this weekend is 8 miles. I'll probably head out to Lake Hefner trails or the Oklahoma River trails. We shall see. I also HAVE to get new shoes. I'd like to get them this week-might have to do that tomorrow.

I am very excited to run the Race for the Cure 5k next weekend. My friend organized a team this year-boobylicious-we'll be in black t's with our team logo-I am pumped and not only is it a great cause, but it is important day for me because it is one year (hooray!) of running for me. It is the first race I ran and it has lead to an exciting year for me. I know I have much to learn and am doing so through the club I joined as well as reading so many of your blogs. They give advice and laughter so thank you bloggers.

I have a personal goal set for the RFTC. I am going to try finish in 30 minutes. I think I can do it. My brother has been training me mentally over the phone and he knows I can do it. (Balls to the wall, sister!) He finished his last race in 24 minutes-sigh. If I do, awesome. If not, it's okay too. I will not beat up on myself anymore. It's not healthy. I am doing a wonderful thing and time is just relative. That's about it.

So, off to blow my nose and get the boys in their jammies.

Quotations

2008-09-13T18:34:00.002-05:00

I know I was being down on myself then I saw these.

"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, 'I have finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that."
-Fred Lebow, New York City Marathon co-founder

"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start."
-John Bingham, running speaker and writer

Slow Poke

2008-09-13T16:38:00.002-05:00

Well, I can make up several excuses for why I SUCKED so bad today at the Geico Race for Freedom 10K. I really almost cried and I am so upset with myself. Embarassed! I am very critical of myself, so I think I'll have a party. A Pity Party!

My "Why I sucked today" excuses:

*Super High Humidity. I could barely breathe!

*Tired! Husband is out of town and I have not been sleeping well. (of course I blame myself for reading that damn vampire book until midnight!)

* No cheering squad. :( With husband out of town, I had to leave the boys with their Gran. I missed seeing all of their faces.

* Pee pee dance. At mile 4.5 I thought I was going to pee my pants. I really thought about jumping behind a bush.

*Blister. I can't complain about my shins because they did fine. I did however acquire a blister on the side of my arch on the inside of my left foot. My foot was on FIRE! (And no, I didn't get new shoes, I wasn't able to get down to Norman in time.) I do wear sweat proof socks...what's the deal?

*Wacky course. (this is stretching) The course was pretty odd. I hate not knowing where I am running, it makes it seem so loooong!

and finally. Truth be told. I am just slow! Not this slow though, geesh!

For the embarassing numbers...
My watch said 1:15:40.
DG says 1:17:40

13 out of 15 for my age group. then this is weird though, for the female totals I am last. What about those 2 females in my age group that are behind me? Whatever. I have work to do and need to just tell myself at least I got up and ran. I did feel good, just walked a lot and that is okay. I finished.