"LEAVE IT RUNNING"

Santa Runs Tacoma 2010

2011-12-16T23:21:00.000-08:00

I had the best race ever. I took pictures of all my Fleet Feet Buddies and lots of awesome people running the race total 116 pics. Best of all got to run with my daughter ""Haley the Comet" and my best running buddy Rachelle. Love the positive atmosphere at a race. Super fun.

I don't believe there was not scrooge out there in the crowd. Everyone seemed cheerful and happy. I loved all the costumes, especially the family who dressed as "Cat in Hat'

FFRC Monday Night 5.47 miles 00:46 minutes @08:25 pace

2011-01-17T21:02:00.000-08:00

Went well tonight! I had a pit stop :) could not catch back up to the group - wow they are fast. I like that some of our pace groups are far apart just case you have to have a pit stop in the dark!
I felt awesome running tonight! So happy, even happier to eat a Sushi dinner after!

40 minutes of Core Training

2011-01-17T20:57:00.000-08:00

Needed to do something this morning it felt good to get my core training done today

I feel so much better running and have less injuries when I am committed to my core training as well as running. Plus I am going to Maui in a few weeks - thats some good motivation too!

Med Ball Workout

20 rolling push ups

20 triceps push up

25 shoulder toss

20 wiper/ 30 crunch combo

20 Rolling squats

15x each leg Lunge with overhead twist

10x Med ball RDL

30 Med ball toss

----- add

30 BB squats

30 ea leg fire hydrant

Marathon Training Run #1 - Tall Mom's Training Pan

2011-01-15T11:10:00.000-08:00

12 miles

1:51 minutes

09:16 pace

Great run today with our FFRC marathon training group. Nice pace just to keep legs moving and feeling pain free! I am so happy right now. Mel coached me the whole way.

Mel and I were not sure how I would do because I had two weeks off. I did well running at a 9 min pace. It was hard not to try and catch up with Tammy but I am going to listen this time to Melanie (and Heidi).

So grateful for the opportunity to be with awesome women and to have the chance to run in the world's most historic marathon in April.

I Love my running buddies new and old - I am coming back and Boston Bound

Let the early morning runs begin for 2011

2011-01-12T22:44:00.000-08:00

Falling Water Loops
4.65 mi
50 Minutes
10:47 pace

First day back and first day of Boston training. Needed a slow run today to see how the hamstring would do. Hamstring is sore go to ice, see the Chiro and made an appointment with my PT.
I wonder why just taking a longer rest is never an option for a Marathon Maniac!
Kudos to Rachelle for being so perky this morning!

Yukon Do It Marathon 2010

2010-12-31T22:47:00.000-08:00

I am was not supposed to run but today I had a friend who needed some support at mile 20 because of cramping. I know what that feels like and I know the emotional strain 26.2 for the first time can do to a person let alone a 17 year old girl.
It was my friends very first marathon and she is an amazing runner at one point at about mile 16 she was 2nd female out. Cramping caused her to slow way down.
I got out of the car gave her the magic (electrolytes, etc) and ran the rest of the marathon with her. It was an amazing experience for me. To watch someone so strong break down then get back up again just because someone was willing to talk them through it. This happened to me at Capital City Marathon 2010. I will never forget that man who pushed me through the finish line to qualify for Boston.
I love running because of the people we get to know even if it just for a race.
Today was life changing day for me.

My awesome daughter Haley on the right, ran her second half marathon at Yukon today and came in 1st place in her age division. Haley is an incredible runner, daughter and person. I am so blessed to have her in my life. Haley came in so fast at the end we missed her big finish!!! We call her "Haley the Comet"

Happy New Year Friends!

Christmas Rush 10k, Kent WA

2010-12-11T22:58:00.000-08:00

6.2 mi

Janna, Tammy and Heidi

49 minutes

7:57 pace

I had a good race. I left it all out there. Of course I can improve but after my emotional week I think I did pretty darn good. 10k's are so much different than marathons especially after just running one 2 weeks ago and a 10k day before that. I love my running lady friends they inspire me. I feel so blessed to have such a great group of friends in my life. I feel very lucky to know them and be able to train with them. I hope someday I can give that back to them.

I met a man during my race that told me he had just stopped smoking 6 months ago and was running his first 10k! Absolutely incredible! Amazing guy.

I love to hear stories about how people have changed their lives by running.

Running in the Morning and .......... TEENAGERS

2010-12-08T10:56:00.000-08:00

OK, I am not saying every teenager loves to get up in the morning and is cheery! Like me :) But if you need to get up "JUST DO IT". So unnamed teenage son did not want to get up this morning and get ready. So arguing with him definitely takes up time so then I was late for running.

I am so lucky to have a partner that I can text at 5am and say meeting at the church today instead "due too teenager attitude". My buddy met me at the church and we did the short loop instead of the usual 4-6miles. We were slow today but very glad about that. I have had the flu and she has not been feeling well.

I did finally wake unnamed teenage boy up after my run. It was awesome DOG Alarm! I let both pups come and jump, lick and bark on his bed. It was the BOMB! I do have a few more alarms if anyone needs ideas.

Picture of DOG ALARM!
Little one is a puppy he is extra special in the morning.
Perfect for bugging the heck out of anyone at 5:30 am.

So Moms and Dads yay for you if you got a run into today because some days it is a little harder to get it done.

3.46 miles 10min Pace = Happy Mom that did not yell at teenager when she got home :)

Family Photo Shoot - FLEET FEET RACING SHIRTS

2010-12-06T16:31:00.000-08:00

My family has all ran for FLEET FEET in at least one or more races. I thought it would be fun to do some of our family photos in our racing gear!

New FLEET FEET RACING shirt for winter!

2010-12-06T16:19:00.000-08:00

Yellow ones are awesome but I was cold so I was lucky to have this one made for winter races. I am really thinking I need pink!

Portland Marathon 2011

2010-12-06T16:10:00.000-08:00

Portland was a great Marathon the fans, accommodations everything was just wonderful. My roommate Rhonda topped the cake and we had a great time enjoying everything in Portland. We met up with our Fleet Feet Racing Group the night before the race.

Why I was late to dinner!

We got to meet Jeff Galloway and he is such a neat person.

Before the race happy and ready to go..... not so fast. I got to start line realized that I forgot my garmin. Tried to go back up the elevator and it was packed. I then tried the stairs locked! I strongly suggested :) for the front desk gal that they needed to open up the doors for the stairs. It was done immediately and I sprinted up the stairs to get my garmin and sprinted to start line. I was a little out of breath starting the marathon. So yes I look happy but about 5 min after I was a wreck!

Started off with some serious rain and then what felt like a monsoon with how hard the wind was blowing on us. I did feel pretty good for running in the rain. The fans were so awesome the whole race. Even Tall MOM Mel was there to cheer her peeps on. I had two pits stops and horrible cramping at the end of the race. I could not even enjoy the end of the race because each time I stopped I cramped. I did not prepare well the week before nutritionally and it really impacted my race.

I had to walk up the stairs to go back to my room because if I stopped I would cramp up. I asked some random dude to take my picture before I collapsed in my room. Jacuzzi helped and I felt better after sitting in for about an hour.

I loved running this Marathon regardless of my struggles. I still ran it under 4 hours at 3:55 which is not too bad for my 3rd marathon. I loved being with all the runners and the high of being able to run 26.2 miles - which has amazed me everytime I have done it. Just an awesome feeling to make your body run that far and not die. LOL

Some Things I Have Learned Since Running My #2 Marathon

2010-12-06T15:16:00.000-08:00

I could run Portland Marathon too
I could run an Ultra marathon after that
I decided to run Yukon Do It on Dec. 31, 2010 – so that makes #5
I am officially a Maniac and a running freak
My family is slightly concerned but that is okay, If can run that means I will have the energy to do the laundry, be cheerful, cook and clean for them.
I need to eat properly
Core training makes all the difference
Runners are very happy positive people
I need a job so I can support my racing habit
Running is a good way to set the example of self discipline for your kids

Last Thursday's Run with Tall MOM - Mel

2010-05-24T15:54:00.000-07:00

This picture is deceiving because I really wanted to cry for my Mommy!

Mistake #1 Don't run if something really hurts!

Mistake #2 Just because you love your running buddy does not mean you have to kill yourself to run with them.

Mistake #3 If you plan on running two marathons in a 14 day period make sure you rest more than 4 days before you run again.

Now at home nursing the hamstring and using heat and ice! Hope this does not last long. I am still glad I ran with Mel because having an awesome running buddy really does make the run a lot more fun.

Run on
JT
http://tallmomontherun.com/

Capital City Marathon May 16, 2010

2010-05-21T22:18:00.000-07:00

Ashleigh was there!

In the hotel room ready to go...

This is the first hill you come to... nice

Not to many pictures this time for good reason...

Boston Qualifying time of 3:49:34

4th in age division

Top 10 for age division

18th woman to finish

Bronze Level Marathon Maniac - Oh Yeah!

2nd Marathon

We ran by this lake it was so beautiful. These pictures were taken the day before!

We drove the course and we could not believe how beautiful it was. Breath taking views.

Wish I had more pictures to show.

This is the view we had from our hotel

The Governor Hotel

http://www.olywagov.com/

621 Capitol Way South

Olympia, WA 98501

(360) 352-7700

I highly recommend this hotel it is: runner friendly, 2 minutes from start line, 1 minute from finish, 2 pm late check out, 6 am runners breakfast, view of lake and Capital building, what more could you ask for, oh yeah the best service. This hotel is older but it is perfect for a race weekend.

Saturday when we arrived I was able to layout here in this park for awhile. It was a beautiful day. Best of all great company. My running buddy's Shannon, Tammy, Heidi, Leslie, Ashlee, Angie and Lisa made it a perfect trip and race. Go Fleet Feet Racers!!

5 Marathon Maniacs that were born from this group!

Tacoma City Marathon May 2, 2010 - 1st Marathon

2010-05-02T22:20:00.000-07:00

Before the race - nervous! My sparkly lotion and cute earrings always help with the jitters.

Getting ready for the big race!

Where is Heidi???

Finally we are here!

The Maniac's, looks like one of them needs a bigger shirt! Well we do know what he had to do to get that shirt so I will be quiet.

This is the limo that brought all of the Maniac Pacer's to the start line. Pretty Cool!

This is the start of the marathon! I look like I just opened up a box from Tiffany's!

We are just happy little runners. Tammy looks like she is going to jump up! Love her enthusiasm for running. Makes me happy.

This is when Tammy and I were a little ahead of our pacer buddy, that did not last long.

I just love taking pictures while I run! We really were having a good time at that moment. We did not know what was coming up - that's why! Notice the dude in the back? He is thinking "these gals need to chill, there is a monster hill coming"! I think he should of warned us.

Still smiling

feeling good.....

Um mm

This picture of our perfect Shannon should be on the cover of runners world so graceful and well perfect!

I do not believe I have ever seen Ashlee not smiling, still don't know her time yet.

Getting close to the last of seeing this guy.... :(

that's my family in the car!

My family even drove beside me cheering me on - it was the best feeling knowing my family was supporting me the whole way.

Rushton Way

The Tunnel

Hayden running with his Mom, I was running so it was really hard to get Tammy in the picture! Sorry Tammy........

This part of the race meant alot to me. My cramps were so bad at this point and I was not sure if I would make it. Drew kept me going and ran with me for awhile. My husband told me I could do it and I did it!

still with me, I needed him .... still do!

My legs were cramping really bad at this point. I even prayed, yelled and stomped my feet for it to stop.

I was dying my legs were killing me. I had been sprinting since the 25 mile maker. I tried my best. I did not qualify for Boston, but I gave it all I had and more.

1st Marathon – TACOMA CITY MARATHON
Time: 3:54:50
5th place out of age group
25th overall women
Missed Boston by 4 minutes 50 seconds
I am still happy about my race!

Finish line, really not sure what I said but it might of been "Help" my legs gave out right after this picture was taken I was carried to the MED TENT! Oh so embarrassing.

See the back ground? That would be the Med Tent. I spent a little time in there and I am sure the medical staff remembers me! Good times!

No they did not take me away in the van!

My biggest fan, the love of my life, married 20 years and four kids! Can't wait until we do Boston together!

I finally found the girls! Good Job Gals. We did it. And now we get to do it again May 16 Capital City Marathon two Marathon Maniacs in the making.

Tacoma City Marathon May 2, 2010

Done

Next: Capital City Marathon May 16, 2010 - purely for Maniac status bronze level

no picture taking though.....

http://www.marathonmaniacs.com/criteria.html

A cruise through the marathon course with Sara Belle

2010-04-30T17:58:00.000-07:00

When first saw this hill I thought, "Oh not good". This is Vassault Hill and I still don't like it, but I respect it more now.

This is a view we had for about 4 miles along Rushton Way. Absolutely gorgeous. Perfect place for a family to cheer you on as mine did. Love those guys.

Sara Belle taking it all in...

Like I said gorgeous views.

5 mile drive is the most beautiful drive in this area. Our team trained here a few times. When we finally came to it, I felt like OK I can pull this off.

Another view we got to see while running the Tacoma City Marathon.

For me this was so beautiful and I knew we were half way done. I was very happy when I saw the pond.

Mile 18

Another hill to love.

Sara Belle and I had fun seeing the course. I great day with one of my daughters. And now MAMA was ready to run, oh and I had to buy Domino's pizza for dinner. Sara earned it!

Thanks to my Awesome supportive Husband and the kids!

2010-04-26T13:56:00.000-07:00

I could not of trained as much and as hard as I did if was not for my family. I love them all so much and grateful to be called wife and mother to them.

I love you guys

Last Run with Fleet Feet Training Group!

2010-04-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

So we had a nice short 2 miler then ran back to have some eats and get our final "You Go Girl" talk. I learned you have to follow your program! So leaned over to my friend Mel and said "OK, I will run with you after!" LOL. We had nice slow pace run with a few near misses with cars (I am used to that on these roads). I really have enjoyed meeting new runner buddy's I feel like I have made friendships that will last a long time. It was a good day.

Medicine Ball Home Workout - AthLEAN X

2010-04-23T12:01:00.000-07:00

NIKE ASAFA POWELL TRAIN FOR SPEED MIX feat. MAVADO Behind th

2010-04-23T11:56:00.000-07:00

Asafa Powell Nike Zoom ~Drill 3: B Skip~

2010-04-23T11:54:00.000-07:00

Someone to pace you....

2010-04-19T13:36:00.000-07:00

I ran the Wenatchee Half marathon with very high expectations

and I did not plan for anything but perfection. Things did not really go perfectly but I did learn how important it is to keep pace with someone. For me that was Livestrong DAD! I was about to die on the race course (71 temp used to running under 50) then he passes me, I thought oh, crap I am not keeping my pace. Really he kept me going the last 4 miles of the race. I wanted to stop! He does not know how much he helped me during the race UNTIL NOW!!! Thanks Livestrong DAD - many happy races to you!

Wenatchee Half Maraton

2010-04-18T19:33:00.000-07:00

I took my best friends to Wenatchee to run the Wenatchee Marathon races. Rachel, Kait and I ran the half marathon, Christina, Amy, Janet and Megan walked the 10k. It was a great drive up and we had a nice dinner, we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express it was perfect.

Moring came and my alarm went off and I jumped out of bed (after snoring all night like shreik, ask Janet) and said "I am going to run a race today"! I got ready with my GF's and off we went to the start line. The weather was sunny and clear, perfect running weather. I was not really feeling myself that morning but I tried really hard not to show it.

I put Ashleigh on my leg (see story below) she gives me strength and I was ready to run. About 20 mins before I got really really nervous, I was with my newbie Kait and I did not want her to see me scared.
Gun went off and I HAD TO PEE - not good. I stopped the very first place (waited way to long). Got back on the trail and I felt as though I was in a full sprint the first 4 miles.

I paced a guy that had a LIVESTRONG shirt on basically the whole way. I don't want to leave out the dudes who carried a keg the whole 13 miles - crazy! It is all I can do to carry GU, shot bloks, water, cell phone and Ipod. The river was beautiful and there actually were a few cheering squads on the trail. Everyone said it was a flat course - well I say two enormous hills and the rest rolling hills. Maybe it was just that I was off not sure.

At our turn around point I was so grateful and started to speed up a bit. I took a picture of Kait and Rachelle when I passed them going back. It was pretty cool to be able to do that while running the race (I always take my phone with the camera).

I was starting to feel pretty lousy by mile 8. I was hot and I was not doing as well as I thought I would of. After mile 9 I felt like I was going to be okay. I knew I would not PR but I was going to finish under 2 hours no matter what.
I hit the 12 mile mark and a ambulance came by and that was not very encouraging. All of the sudden I saw my GF's on their 10k walk and I passed them. They all cheered me on so I got moving. As soon as I saw the bridge I started to sprint. I got to the top of the bridge and wanted to quit, some dude cheered me on like I was his sister! I want to thank him because I kept on and finished at 1:49:10 placed 4th in my age bracket. I could not PR but one thing I do know I am ready for Tacoma!
Bring it!

From doubting to doing - 5 half marathons in a years time

2010-04-18T19:05:00.000-07:00

Last year at this time I finished my first half marathon for my 40th Birthday. I had been depressed, kind of a midlife crisis and just really doubting myself and my abilities. I have been a good Mom and a good wife, what was my problem?

Now a year later I have turned 41 just ran my 5th half marathon and in training for my first full marathon – Tacoma City Marathon. I joined Fleet Feet marathon training group, totally changed my life. I have met some of the best people I know now. They are all Moms and they love to run. They understand the importance of being home for your family but they are determined to fit the running in.

I never thought that I could even run a half marathon let alone a full marathon.

Hey MOMS we can have babies, run our kids to soccer, baseball, dance, volleyball, church activities, help our husbands, do housework, take care of the dogs, weed our flower beds, cook dinners, laundry, go to PTA meetings and help in the classroom there is no reason we can run a marathon!

So one year later, I love my life, I have a deeper love for my husband, I am more grateful for the opportunity to be a mother of 4 great children, I get up everyday and say, “It’s going to be a great day”, instead of hitting snooze and going back to bed. I have more goals for myself and my family embraces my running and they love how are so much more energetic.

Life is good at 41 – that is for sure!

Wenatchee Half Marathon - Beautiful Course, great story

2010-04-18T18:46:00.000-07:00

My friend Kait asked me back in September for me to be mentor for her senior project. Kait chose to run a half marathon. Let me tell you how awesome it was for me to be her mentor. Kait worked hard and she tired her very best to follow the workouts a I gave her.
We met monthly and talked often on the phone and FB. We ran a few times together. Kait is a very motivated young woman and I am honored to be called her friends. Kait ran her 1st 5k last year and she and she trainned for that one as well.
What will Kait do next? I know that girl can and will do anything she puts her mind too!
WAY to go Kait, you made me PROUD yesterday!

Kait finished Wenatchee Half Marathon in 2:49