11 miler

This was an easy 11 miler the night before our TRI. It was a set back week and we were lovin' every minute of it. We have 17 this Friday! Wish us luck!!

                                    

Go Girl Triathlon

This was my first Triathlon and it was so much fun! Being surrounded by so many strong women definitely inspired me! The race was a blast and we placed 13th out of 43 teams...not too shabby for not really competing!

Our team! Abby, myself and Sarah

BFF's

The gang (notice Jenny-my running partner in the middle and Summer in the blue-the girl who taught me all I know about running:)

Abby after she got marked up

15 miles of torture!

According to our fab 14, this should've said 2:33

(right before we jumped in the pool)

Friday night, Jenny and I set out for our 15 miler with great expectations. By mile 2, those were crushed for me as it was 87 out and way to hot to be running such a far distance. The sun was literally beating down on us and I was squinting to see from mile 2-4. Around mile 5, I really wanted to stop (well who am I kidding? I wanted to stop at mile 2!) but Jenny's hubby

brought us water and I dumped it on my head and drank some of it. That gave me the push I needed to keep going.

At mile 7.7, some friends, Lisa and her kiddos, stood on their sidewalk and cheered us on...that was super neat! When I passed by her, I yelled, "its awful! it so freakin hot!!" All I wanted was more water at this point but we had to wait until mile 11 for more water (from Jenny's hubby) Mile 10 couldnt come soon enough and when we turned the corner, Brian and Chase were waiting for us at the corner!!! I was so surprised and it really gave me the boost I needed!

However, our last stretch of road was the death of me. I immediately started feeling overheated and STARVING! Typically, I dont even drink on long runs much less get hungry, so this was a new experience for me. I tried to tap into all of the mental strength that I hadnt already used up, but at 12.6, my body gave out and I had to stop.

I have never been so fearful of passing out in my life! My legs felt so weak; I had chills and felt so hungry still!! I stopped and poor Jenny walked with me for about half a mile until I knew I was okay. I made it back to my car, scarfed down a granola bar and picked the run back up. Those last 2.5 miles seemed to take and eternity! But, I finished!! I tell myself thats all that matters, but the competitor in me says otherwise. I've been pretty bummed and am trying to make myself get back out there and build my confidence again

Have you ever experienced a bad run? If so, how did you psyche yourself back up?

Chase is turning 2!

Chase will be turning 2 in a few weeks, so we had a photo shoot at the IMA for his birthday invitations. My dear friend and talented photographer took the pics. http://www.abbymckinneyphotography.blogspot.com/ Here are just a few samples of our little rockstar!

Check out Abby's blog for the full session...

First Swim!

Tonight was my first lap swimming! I went with Abby and it was so much fun! She was a competitive swimmer for 10 years and just glides in the water! She was so patient and encouraging with me. It was fun at the beginning, a little discouraging half-way through, then fun at the end....kinda like running was at first...

I cant wait to go back but have to find time to fit it in my already work out packed schedule!

Fabulous Fourteen!

WE did it! 14 miles in 2:25! We ran at a conversation pace of 10:21. It was a slow and enjoyable run. We felt great the entire time and honestly felt like we could keep going! For the first time, I could envision crossing the finish line at the marathon in November. We finished our run off by jumping in the pool and as you can see by the smiles on our faces, we were beyond thrilled at our accomplishment! Being in the pool  was the pefect solution for achy legs and the water felt fantastic!

Terrific Twelve!

I am so excited to report that Jenny and I ran our first 12 miler in marathon training (I ran 13 back in May for the half) We felt great the entire run and even had a 9:59 pace...just so incredible! Next week is a 9 miler, then 14 and 15! Yikes!

Like a sister to me...

The title of this post is how I always start out describing Christy to my other friends. She has been such a faithful friend to me for the last six years. She has cried, laughed and prayed with me more times than I can count. She has listened to my hopes and dreams and I have in return listened to hers. She prayed for us to get pregnant and rejoiced with us at the hospital when our miracle was born. I love her so much and she is indeed, like a sister to me.

What started out as a simple, introductory couples dinner has blossomed into a deep, spiritual bond. We might even get to do our first mission trip together in December. Oh how special that would be! We hope to travel to Haiti to work with an orphanage.  I cant think of any other girl I'd want my first overseas work to be with!

Several weeks ago, she began running. We now run together twice a week. I look forward to it every week. I am trying to convince her to do the half in November when I do the full. That would be really cool and just one more thing to chat about in our 80's when we sit around and recount our younger days.

Cheer her on and help me convince her by leaving a a comment!

New haircut...

Who doesnt like a change? I love change (if you cant tell) I originally wanted my hair cut this way but chickened out back in March. I finally went with it and I LOVE it!!

this was my inspiration....

2nd Annual Sister's weekend!

My sister, Rachel and I flew to Minneapolis/St. Paul for our second annual sister's trip. Last year, we went to Savannah and St. Simon Island. This year, we wanted to go hang with Melody in her territory. We had a great time and traveled to Stillwater one of the days. It was a short but great visit. We hit a lot of whole food markets and eaterys as well as the Farmers Market. We ate out a ton and visited every authentic restaurant we could find! I even got to run with Melody and her running group along the Mississippi. It was my first time leaving Chase but the time flew by. I cant wait until next year's trip and we are already beginning to plan where we will go!

her faces crack me up:)

what would my blog be without foods pics?:)

wheat grass shot:)

gotta love that name:)

Southern restaurant we ate at offered friend avacodo

ahh yea baby

nothing like tea time and Sense and Sensibility

cute boutique in Stillwater

Us after our Mississippi river run