~Goals are dreams with deadlines~

~2012~

2012-01-07T07:44:00.001-08:00

In 2012 I will:

run two half marathons. Drink less beer. Drink more water.

Nourish relationships. Smile more. Challenge myself.

My whole family joined the YMCA. We are excited that this is something the family can do together. It is much more than working out. It is spending quality time with my family. It is about involvement in my community. It is about healthy living. It is about trying new things. Today is our first day. YIPPEE!

I registered for two half marathons already. My first will be The Cellcom Green Bay Marathon May 20th . I ran this last year (it was my first half) and I loved it. It is a must for me again this year. The second half I registered for is Detroit Free Press Marathon October 21st . It is an international half that travels from Detroit to Windsor, Canada---how cool is that? My BFF signed up as well. This will be her first half.

memba me?

2011-12-14T17:36:00.000-08:00

HELLO! I have resurfaced! (if only for myself as I know I may have lost all my readers) but it is ok. I write for me and for anyone along for the ride. my writing is my reminder to myself that I have made a decision. I have decided to once again kick my ass in gear. enough is enough. summer is over. camping is over. food on the run is over. the scale tipping is over. I am ready to kick my own ass. I am ready to get back to where I was, and then go farther than I ever have been.

~I'm Hot and I'm Cold, I'm Yes and I'm No~

2011-07-02T06:10:00.000-07:00

Summer. Is. Finally. Here.
Let's be real, summer here is short, so of course I want to enjoy every second of sun. We squeeze camping, drinking, and any sort of fun into every free second. Sounds great, right? The problem? HALF TRAINING! Yes I have another half around the corner---62 days to be exact. It has been HOT here. Wonderful for sitting in a lawn chair with a beer, not so wonderful for me to run in. I DIE IN THE HEAT, I tire so quickly. Today I am going to hit the treadmill in my basement. In my central air conditioned home. I HATE the treadmill, but I hate running in the heat even more. It is so hard to stick to my training schedule. I am a mama of 3. Kids have so much going on, especially in the summer. I run after work, but yet start to feel guilty that my husband is stuck home with the kids (especially after being home with them all day). I have to accept that I am a runner, but a mama and a wife and a nurse and a friend and a daughter as well. I need to allow all of my roles to take turns being first and accept that there are weeks where I can not run three times. I will do the best I can with the free time I can find. And that has to be good enough.

~New shoes, happy feet~

2011-06-14T17:30:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhhhh I have new shoes. YAY! HAPPY BLISTER FREE FEET! I traded in my tired Saucony Pro Grid Ride 2 for a fabulous pair of Saucony Triumph 8. I got the last pair in November and trained for the half and ran the half in them. They were fine up until about 6 weeks ago when blisters started to appear. I went to a local running store and was fitted for my new pair. I have ran in them twice---blister free! I LOVE SAUCONY SHOES! YAY!

Good bye old:

Hello new:

This durable workhorse is a heel-striker's best friend. It props the heel up with a lot of soft cushioning and supplies a balanced, stable ride. Saucony dropped 1.5 ounces from the shoe by using lighter materials in the outsole and upper and sculpting the midsole. Overall, the Triumph's balance of stability and softness won over most of our testers, who appreciated its accommodating fit. Recommended for heel-strikers looking for a soft shoe with an outstanding fit.

Trail 5k recap

2011-06-05T05:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my friend and I ran a trail 5k. It was my first trail race and her first race ever. It was at 10:30 am and it was very warm out already. I got there and was delighted to see that her 10 year old daughter had decided to join us. The 12k runners started first, then we were off. I had never ran on these particular trails and all I have is one word: HILLY. Good lord. The first half was OK, but about half way through my knee popped. PAIN. I literally walked the last half of the race. There was no way I could run the hills with my knee. I wanted to cry. I wanted to quit. I was pissed. I seriously considered walking around the finish so that my time was not recorded. But I thought about what that would say about me, and my character. But most of all what would that say to my friends daughter who ran that day? I finished, I literally walked across the finish line. I was still mad. My friends daughter finished 1st in her age group (I belive she was 9th OVERALL!!) and my friend finished her first race and she ran strong and did fabulous. Running is more than exercise, it is an emotional and mental challenge. I may not run well each time, but I run. I can not control my body, but I can listen to it. I can encourage and cheer on others, and hope to inspire others to run. Running has taught me so much more than I could have ever imagined when I started. After I digested the days events I look back and appreciate them. Because without set backs how can one truly appreciate moving forward?

P.S. to redeem myself, I did come home and go for a 10 mile bike ride with my husband. :)

P.S.S today my knee feels fine.........figures.

Green Bay 13.1 Recap

2011-05-20T13:42:00.000-07:00

Saturday Jaime and I met Kim and Nigel at the expo. We got our packets and shopped. I bought more Bondi Bands www.bondiband.com (because a girl can never have enough), a spi belt www.spibelt.com , and an Amphipod handheld water bottle www.runningwarehouse.com/descpage-AHHL12.html .

Sunday morning we got up bright and early and enjoyed coffee and peanut butter toast along with a power bar. Jaime, myself, Mark, Chris and Catrina all were running. Sheri was out with an injury but bless her soul mustered up enough courage to come spectate. We got to Green Bay about 30 minutes before the race, we SEARCHED for the bag check, no one knew where it was. we finally found it. Did some quick stretches in the bathroom line and the hopped in the starting line. Jaime and I ran with no ipods. we wanted to truly be in the moment and wanted to hear everything. I do not regret this decision and I think next time (yes you heard right) I will run without music again.

Jaime and I started out at a nice pace, being very careful not to let the excitement of the day make us run too fast. We knew the importance of not burning out too quick. This was a long race. We paced our selves. We ran with no garmin or watch, again it was a decision. We really just wanted to run the race without stressing about time or distance. We trained together all winter. She is 12 years younger and faster than me. We knew that there would come a point in the race where we would part, but we planned to run as much as we could together. The first few miles were fine, lots of crowd support and energy. I saw my first spectator Kelly at mile 5. To hear my name was so fabulous. A HUGE burst of encouragement. We saw Jaime's family and her dad was just beaming for her. It was awesome. We crossed the 5 mile mark in under an hour and I remember saying outloud "we got this" At mile 6.5 Jaime started to pull ahead (that sounds much better than me pulling back) and we gently broke apart. We didn't speak, it just happened as we knew it would. I watched her get farther and farther in front of me. It was ok. This was our race, yet it was MY race as was HERS. I wanted her to run the best race she could as did I and I knew if I stayed with her I would tire. So I plugged along. At mile 7-8 I saw Nigel with a fabulous sign for me. YAY another spectator. It was so nice to see a familiar face. This was about the time where there was a band playing in a driveway and some guys were handing out beer. There was NEVER a point in the race that I felt I couldn't do it. Actually I thought "this is easy" now yes I am a SLOW runner, but a runner. I ran the whole way. The training is the killer, the race is fun. At about mile 11 I could see and hear Lambeau. I was almost there. At mile 11 I heard my necklace gingle, it was a gift from my BFF. I smiled. As I entered Lambeau I saw Kim and Nigel cheering for me, I remember yelling "I have nothing left" I ran through the players tunnel and out around the field. There were spectators in the stand and it was great to see Crystal. Back through the players tunnel and out to the parking lot. This is where I saw marathoners running beside me. I cheered and told them they were kicking ass! I saw Kim and Nigel again and I sprinted to the finish. I did a "Lambeau Leap" over the finish and my time was 2:33. I heard Sheri yell "I am so proud of you" I know that this day was so hard for her. I DID IT. I set a goal and followed through. No one got me to that finish but myself. No one trained endless miles after work for me. I did. I stuck with it and made it. It felt FABULOUS.

Jaime and I (P.S. she finished 10 minutes ahead of me)

Half Pics!!!!

2011-05-18T16:56:00.000-07:00

http://www.asiorders.com/view_user_event_video.asp?EVENTID=75604&BIB=4332&S=230&PWD=

My professional half marathon pics.....recap coming soon!!!!!!

MINE

2011-05-16T16:56:00.000-07:00

There are some things in life you do for just you. Some things that some understand and others don’t. Some things that matter so much to yourself, yet seem minimal to others. These things that we carry close to our heart, our soul, our being. These things are ours. Our moment, our thing, our journey. While you hope that your loved ones understand how much this means to you, some will and some won’t. You need to remember that these things are for you. For no one else. Cherish this, as it is yours.

Sunday, May 15th, I finished my first half marathon. This was a goal that I made for myself a long time ago, yet really set in stone at Thanksgiving. I trained after work, on weekends, any free time I could carve away from my family. I know it was a sacrifice. For myself and for them. The day came yesterday and I ran. I did it. I completed my race. My race against myself. While some don’t get it, some chose to ignore it, some chose to disregard it, I embrace it. Because my embrace is all that matters. A full race recap will be later. But for now one of my favorite quotes:

“The miracle isn’t that I finished, the miracle is that I had the courage to start.”

I AM NOT READY

2011-05-08T07:40:00.000-07:00

I could puke. I am nervous, scared, excited, upset, worried...mostly nauseous. My knee injury really set my training back. I AM NOT READY. the half is a week from TODAY. I wish I could rewind about 2 months and have a do over. I could cry. Ok now I am crying. Seriously. This half meant so much to me and now I feel so defeated. I feel kicked down, I am pissed off. I did not train enough. Not even close. WHAT DO I DO?

Let the truth be known

2011-04-27T16:46:00.000-07:00

My right knee sucks. There I said it. I am disappointed in my body. I feel let down. Now I know there are people far worse than me, for christ sake my dad had a stroke a few weeks ago and here I am bitching about my knee.

I have gone to PT for a few weeks. I have had U/S therapy, massage, and even rocked one of these stylish patches for 8 hours.

I still hurt. I have a stabbing on the lateral side of my knee which wraps inward behind the knee. I have had a few diagnoses: meniscal tear, IT band Syndrome, tendonitis.....etc. At this point I have refused a MRI and injections. Part of me probably doesn't want to know the truth, the other yeah I am in denial. The race is 17 days away. I just can't swallow the idea that I can't run it. Not yet. It just breaks my heart. Soon I will have to make a decision. But tonight I will not.

Awesome Giveaway

2011-04-23T06:41:00.001-07:00

Check out this giveaway http://runningdivamom.blogspot.com/2011/04/air-sports-watch-product-review.html

I have been following her blog for a while and she is so inspiring! I hope to be half the runner she is some day!

~The Stick~

2011-04-22T16:08:00.000-07:00

I purchased The Stick today, check it out: www.thestick.com

Anyone have it?? I had a fuel belt to exchange at a sporting store and had a store credit, so I chose The Stick. I will let you know how it goes......

I live in one of these cities!!! Can you guess?? Go ahead and tilt your head to read......

My cat Annabelle enjoyed The Stick

As did my 5 year old!

~34 days~

2011-04-10T16:30:00.000-07:00

Only 34 days until my first half. I am struggling with IT band issues. Today on my 4 mile run I had to stop in my tracks. The pain in my knee was unbearable. It took me 20 minutes to walk about .5 mile. I came home and iced and took a celebrex. This is so upsetting to me. I am giving this training all I have and yet my body and mind are not on the same track. It just breaks my heart. My dad had a stroke this week. Again breaks my heart. He is lucky, as it could have been much worse. Yet, seeing him struggle to walk and swallow, is almost too much for me. I am coping by being sarcastic and cynical. Someone has to be. We all can't sit around and cry. I put on a brave face for my family, and grieve silently. I want to run this half for him.

~63 days~

2011-03-12T08:14:00.000-08:00

63 days until my first half! I am so excited. My running partner Jaime and I have been religiously training. She is Running for a Reason and has raised $330 for charity! We run on an indoor track and are hoping to get outside soon. The cold, ice and snow have kept us indoors.

19 days without beer! This is seriously a world record for me! I have given it up until after the half.

Jaime and I have decided that we will NOT be running with an iPod. We do not train with one anyway. We want to truly experience the half. We want to hear all the sounds. The cheering, the cowbells, the talking.

My foot is giving me problems. The lateral part of my left foot HURTS. It goes from an ache to a stabbing. Any ideas?

Dart Fish Gait Analysis

2011-02-09T15:29:00.000-08:00

I have been having medial knee pain. I work at an Orthopaedic office and had a sports medicine doctor look at me. Everything looks good. He felt that pain was coming from my form. He sent me for a dart fish gait analysis. Here is what I found.

2010-12-31T06:11:00.000-08:00

Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to. ~Bill Vaughn

It is happening. I am aging. I am happy with what I have become, yet still pause and wonder when it all happened. 3 kids? really? one who is 15 and in high school? how is this possible? I look at my skin, my hands, my hair and see aging. I am not displeased with what I see, just see change. I don't recall growing older, or feeling this change. I still feel as though I did years ago. If I close my eyes I feel as though I did when I was 18. Yet when I open my eyes and look down at my sad stretched stomach, when I hear these 3 children calling me mom, when I remember my responsibilities as an adult, it still baffles me how I got here. I love my life. I am blessed. I am complete and satisfied. Yet I look back and wonder how I got here. Why was I so lucky? You see my stretched belly, my few grey strands of hair, my aging hands and face. They are reminders of who I am and where I have been. They are the reminders to me of my past, the good times and bad. they are reminders of why I am what I am today. I have learned so much already on this great journey of life. I look forward to many more amazing rides, even the bumps and curves, for I have learned far more from the rocky times than the smooth. Life is an unbelievable ride, one we need to stop and cherish each day. As this new year begins I hope that my family enjoys the ride, that we remember to buckle up and hold on tight, for this year year has wonderful potential.

2010-12-26T14:01:00.000-08:00

"Nobody said it would be easy, they just said it would be worth it."

139 days until my first half. HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Santa was very good to me, my wish list consisted of mostly running things. Could it be I am now a runner? Did it happen? I got more Bondi Bands. I LOVE these. LOVE. Santa knew and got me 6 more. I also got a medicine ball with work out DVD. I also got a home gym. I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS. I really need to step up weight training and this will make it so much easier. We are also going to finish the work-out room (drywall and carpet). I plan to paint fun bright colors and write motivational quotes and words on the wall. It will make working out and the treadmill much more desirable.

I DID IT!!

2010-12-21T18:02:00.001-08:00

I have OFFICIALLY signed up for my first half marathon!!!!!!

146 days!

2010-12-19T06:52:00.000-08:00

Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did. ~Newt Gingrich

Anyone who works in a large office can relate to this. This time of year the office is overloaded with cookies, chocolate, fudge, cheesecake, candy, brownies, anything you can imagine dipped in chocolate, breads, catered lunches, and I was even given sauerkraut. I have managed to resist most. It is exhausting to try to stay on track. My goal this holiday season is to not gain. that is it.

Running is coming along. I am having some problems with my knees. They hurt medially. I know it is because I run indoors on pavement and I need to work on my gait. My feet fall flat on the ground, like a slap. I am loud and hard as I land. After a few miles it usually corrects. Occasionally my left hip gives me slight trouble. I am using Advil and an ace-wrap as of now. I have 146 days until the half. WOO HOO!

I know I need to add weight training to my work-outs yet not sure how and what to add in. Any advice is welcome.

2010-12-13T17:03:00.000-08:00

‎"The trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life running up and down the road and never cross the finish line."

Is anyone reading this??? ECHO!!!! I plan to officially sign up for the half soon. prices go up Jan 1st so I will sign up before then. What do I want for xmas?? I can't come up with anything!!

2010-12-12T15:50:00.000-08:00

The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.
~Vince Lombardi~

2010-12-10T17:40:00.000-08:00

I always loved running... it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs. ~Jesse Owens

~160 Days~

2010-12-05T08:04:00.000-08:00

I have 160 days to prepare for the half. To keep my motivation up, I have vowed to post a running quote or fact daily until then. to start things off:

If you can dream it, you can do it. -Walt Disney

Today is a treadmill day as overnight we got a good 8 inches or more. Things I need to do in the next 160 days:

Set a plan and stick to it (my wonderful friend Kim is helping with this)

strength/weight train

cut out the beer (one week down already!)

stay focused/motivated

watch my diet

encourage/motivate my friends that are also running

HAVE FUN! ENJOY THIS MISSION!

Half-Marathon....FOR REAL THIS TIME!

2010-11-29T15:05:00.000-08:00

I AM DOING IT. I am running a half in May. I am doing it. I am not backing out. I am excited, scared, motivated...I have many emotions.

This past weekend I ran a 5k with my husband and a bunch of friends. My husband and I ran every step of the 5k together and finished in 33:33. This was his first 5k (my 2nd) I am so proud of us. He has come so far. I have come so far. All of us that ran Sunday have come so far. Regardless of if we have been running for years or months, we all started out the same way. One step in front of eachother. I look back at the days of running a block and wanting to die to now. I look forward to looking back at running 5 miles and wanting to die to running a half.

...........

2010-11-08T17:08:00.000-08:00

June was my last blog post??? LAME!! wow. quick recap:

I did the Susan G. Komen 3 Day for the Cure with my best friend Samantha. I raised $2700. I ended up with an IV and vomitting from the heat and lost both of my big toenails (which have not grown back yet), but had an amazing experience. I did what I set out to do. I raised money and walked the 3 Day. It made me realize that with hard work and determination I really can do anything I want. Many have told me that they have always known that about me. I had a baby at 18 and made a wonderful life for myself and my son. I graduated college at 31. But now I have really noticed when I set my mind to something it happens. I HAVE SISU!

I have been running on and off for a few years. I am back on track and it feels good. Moreso, my husband has joined the bandwagon. I am so proud of him. There is nothing more fun than running with him. We have a 5k coming up at the end of the month and a 10k in June. I look forward to mapping out other races and goals. ANything is possible with hard work!

Fundraising Continues!

2010-06-03T17:25:00.000-07:00

I have sold about 40 keychains! WOO HOO! I also have raised nearly $1800! I am so happy! My latest project is earrings that I am selling for $5. My wonderful 14 year old son made this awesome stand in woodshop for me!!

Keychains!

2010-05-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

I made some keychains that I plan to have at a pharmacy in the medical center near where I live. I am selling them one for $3 or two for $5. Here is the wording I used:

I will be walking 60 miles in 3 days in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure™. I appreciate your support as I take an amazing journey in the fight to end breast cancer!

• Komen 3-Day for the Cure formed in 2003 and has raised nearly $500 million.

• More than 1.3 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer globally each year.

• Somewhere in the world, a woman dies from breast cancer every 68 seconds.

• Every 3 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States.

Please consider purchasing a keychain that I have made. Your donation will help me reach my fundraising goal of $2,500.

Purchase one for $3 or two for $5!! Buy one for yourself and one for a friend!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
~Kristin~

Feeling Crafty!

2010-05-02T06:23:00.001-07:00

I made some shirts. I am on a craft roll lately!

Let the Fundraising Begin!

2010-04-25T16:53:00.000-07:00

Today I made donation canisters. They were easy and fun. My parents own two flowers shops, I made one for each store, I will see how these go and perhaps make more! Below is the text I used:

This August, I will be participating in the Susan G. Komen
3-Day for the Cure. I appreciate your support as I take an
amazing journey in the fight to end breast cancer!

I will walk 60 miles for those that have lost their life, for survivors, for my daughters, for my mom, for my friends and family, and for myself.

Would you consider a donation of $3 for the woman every 3 minutes in the U.S. diagnosed?

Would you consider a donation of $8 for the 1 in 8 women in the U.S. that will be diagnosed?

Would you consider a donation of $60 for the number of miles I will walk?

I hope that you'll share this incredible adventure with me
by supporting me in my fundraising efforts. A donation of any amount
will help me reach my goal of $2,500.

Checks can be made out to Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure.

Thank you for your generosity!

~Kristin~

Help me reach my fundraising goal!

2010-04-25T07:13:00.000-07:00

This August, I will be participating in a very special event called the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure. I appreciate your support as I take an amazing journey in the fight to end breast cancer! I will walk 60 miles for those that have lost their life, for survivors, for my daughters, for my mom, for my friends and for myself. A donation of any amount will help me reach my personal goal of $2,500. THANK YOU!

Would you please consider making a donation? Keep in mind how far I'm walking - and how hard I'll have to train. You can give online, just click on the web address below:

http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2010/MichiganEvent2010?px=5132064&pg=personal&fr_id=1467&et=YSgvy9P8RGJGGK1ezq08Xw..&s_tafId=237694

One person is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes in the United States. That's why I'm walking so far. To do something bold about breast cancer. I hope that you'll share this incredible adventure with me - by supporting me in my fundraising efforts.Thank you in advance for your generosity!

~~Kristin

P.S. Ask your employer if they will double your donation through a matching gift program!

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!"

2010-04-04T16:35:00.000-07:00

SPRING HAS SPRUNG! Ahhhhh. Winter is behind us, even if we get another snowfall, knowing it is April and warmth is ahead makes it much more tolerable. What is it about spring that provides us with such energy? Perhaps the sun? Perhaps knowing that small clothing is around the corner? Perhaps the thought of cold beer on a warm deck, the lilacs, the smell of fresh cut grass, the warmth of the sun on our face? Spring has a way of waking us up from the lull of winter. I feel motivated, I feel happy, I feel excited. I have again begun to run. I HATE THE TREADMILL. Winter makes running hard for me. The dark days, the boring treadmill, the baggy clothing, who needs to run? Now? I can't get enough. My legs ache, but in a good way, in a way that is aching for more. I want to push myself and set goals and see results.

My husband has begun to run. He has been loyal all winter with the treadmill and has a great routine of a run/walk down. Today we ran outside together. It was brief because of the rain and our 4 year old who was on a bike. But we did it. I LOVED the feeling of running beside my husband. I can not describe the feeling, something we can do together, be be better, to be stronger, to be healthier, something to do together. I look forward to many more as we encourage each other along.

2010-02-05T17:54:00.000-08:00

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

A sharp tongue can cut your own throat.

If you want your dreams to come true, you mustn't oversleep.

Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important.

The best vitamin for making friends..... B1.

The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.

The heaviest thing you can carry is a grudge.

One thing you can give and still keep....is your word.

You lie the loudest when you lie to yourself.

If you lack the courage to start, you have already finished.

One thing you can't recycle is wasted time.

Ideas won't work unless ' You' do.

Your mind is like a parachute...it functions only when open.

The 10 commandments are not a multiple choice.

The pursuit of happiness is the chase of a lifetime!

It is never too late to become what you might have been.

Life is too short to wake up with regrets.

Love the people who treat you right.. Forget about the ones who don't.

Believe everything happens for a reason.

If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it.

Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.

Friends are like balloons; once you let them go, you might not get them back. Sometimes we get so busy with our own lives and problems that we may not even notice that we've let them fly away. Sometimes we are so caught up in who's right and who's wrong that we forget what's right and wrong.. Sometimes we just don't realize what real friendship means until it is too late. I don't want to let that happen so I'm going to tie you to my heart so I never lose you.

I am either crazy or motivated!

2009-11-29T17:00:00.000-08:00

Last Thanksgiving while in WI visiting with my sister-in-law and family, my brother-in-law and I made a pact to do the Green Bay Cellcom 5k. My brother-in-law had been a runner for years, yet never entered a race and I was a non-runner. We followed through and finished the 5k in May and had a BLAST. This brings me to this thanksgiving while out to dinner on Saturday night my brother-in-law and I decided that we would do the half marathon at the Green Bay Cellcom. Was it the drinks? Was it the nostalgic feeling we had discussing our previous race? Was it that enough time had passed to forget the ugliness of training? Or was it that we really did catch the running bug and were ready for the next challenge? Regardless of what it was, it happened, and we agreed with a smile that we would do it knowing that we certainly wouldn't win, but we would finish. Hell yes we would finish the race.

Training starts tomorrow morning at 6:00 a.m. on my dusty lonely treadmill. Wish me luck, good god I need it!

Happy Fall!

2009-10-11T13:40:00.000-07:00

Fun family fall project. Press leaves in a catalog for a few days, or if you are like me and live in 2009 and don't have a catalog in your home (ummm hello online shopping) iron the leaves flat between 2 paper bags. Seal with clear contact paper (one sheet on each side) cut out in desired shapes (they make fun placemats too). Easy as that! They last for many years as well, just store them flat!

.........

2009-08-30T18:27:00.001-07:00

........I hate my treadmill........just thought you should know........that's all for now........

I am a slacker, and I paid for it today

2009-08-09T12:45:00.000-07:00

Good god life has been busy and I let my running go on the back burner (I haven't ran in so long I am embarassed to admit just how long it has been). I started my first job as a nurse about a month ago and I have been working 40 hours a week training. Summer with 3 kids means softball games at 5:30 pm, summer cook-outs, beer, sun, and family time. I have a 5.7 mile race in October to prepare for and yesterday I decided ENOUGH WAS ENOUGH and I needed to get my ass back in gear. So this morning I headed out on my usual course. IT SUCKED. It was as if I had never ran before. My lungs, my legs, and my mind were all a mess. My legs felt like rubber bands that were pulled tight. My head was telling me to dive out in on coming traffic as an easy way out of the run, and my lungs were telling me if I didn't stop I would pass out, oh and I seriously thought at any minute I would puke. Yep I had that much fun. I did 2.6 miles and really it was a walk and not a run. It was LAME. But out of all of my misery I learned one thing. THIS IS WHAT YOU GET FOR GETTING OFF TRACK. YOU DID THIS TO YOURSELF. I know I can do it, I have done it before, and I will again. I am pissed at myself for getting off track, but I will focus that energy on getting myself where I want to be.

Ahhhhhhhhhhh

2009-06-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

So my life for the last few weeks has consisted of studying for the NCLEX (Nursing Licensing Exam) I took it on June 19th and I PASSED! WOOOOO HOOOOO!!! I even got my license from the state in the mail already......it feels great. So now the job hunt continues!

My family went to Wisconsin Dells for a week and returned home yesterday. We had a blast as we always do.......we just love it there.

So needless to say my running has been lack luster for a few weeks. I need to get back on track. I will get back on track, I have a race in October to prepare for! Samantha is doing great with training and I bet she will soon be able to run circles around me. I am VERY proud of her!

And I have a taker!

2009-05-29T12:51:00.001-07:00

Sammy and I are in for the Great Turtle in October! WEEEEEEEEEEE Mackinac here we come!!!!

I plan on following the Novice plan by Hal Higdon. I am excited for another goal, for motivation to keep up with my running, and for Samantha to start training. This is something that we can do together! EXCITING!

I ordered a new Garmin Forerunner 201, I am waiting very impatiently for it to get here....UGH. It has been a week! WHERE ARE YOU?

Mackinac Island

2009-05-26T15:30:00.000-07:00

Those that know me, know that Mackinac Island is one of my favorite places. It has become a ritual for my husband and I to go in August for my birthday.

If you aren't familiar with Mackinac Island, click here: Mackinac Island Info

So anyway, it is one of my favorite places to be and I will never grow tired of visiting. It is the most romantic place, so charming, a perfect getaway. Now that I have just finished my first race, I am ready to plan my next. I need a goal, something to train for and to look forward to. I came across these:

Click here: 39th Annual Eight Mile Run

Click here: Great Turtle Half Marathon and 5.7 mile run/walk

PERFECTION! So now I must decide if I want to train for the 8 mile in September, or attempt to train for the half in October! Anyone want to join me?

Green Bay Marathon ---spectator report

2009-05-20T17:35:00.000-07:00

When I was done racing at 7:45 a.m., I had a few beers to celebrate and then I put my racing bib away and put my spectator hat on. I was cheering on my friend Crystal who was doing the half, and Kim and Nigel who were doing the marathon. We had our map and an idea of where we would catch the racers on the course. Before we set off we got to see the first 5 finish the half, they finished in 01:05:00! WOWZA! Talk about exciting to see them zoom in, we had our signs out and cheered them on. We set out to see our friends with 3 kids in toe. Now 10,000 racers means tons of road closures, spectators, traffic. We spent the majority of the time either lost, or sitting in traffic. We completely missed Crystal on the course and at the finish. I FELT HORRIBLE. We should have just stayed at Lambeau, but we really didn't anticipate being trapped or lost. We some how found our way to mile 20 and stood on the bike path, I was getting text updates on Kim so I knew she was close to us. We cheered on the racers and waved our signs. 90% of the racers nodded or thanked us for the encouragement. We saw Kim would looked great as if she was just out for a leisurely run, it was great to see her and to hopefully give her a bit of motivation to finish strong. We weren't getting text updates on Nigel so we were unsure of where he was, we decided to head back to Lambeau to hang out with Crystal and wait for Kim to finish. We had a hard time getting back due to traffic or road closures. We ended up walking about 5 blocks, at this point our kids were exhausted (having been up since 5:00 am) we found Crystal and I greeted her with a hug and congrats--we were so proud of her! We saw Kim finish and I snapped some pictures for her. I loved cheering and watching the runners, it gave me so much motivation to kick my running up a notch. Only once did someone respond rudely to my cheering, it was at mile 25 and I got an "enough already" ....I suppose since he was at mile 25 I will let it slide HA! Being there was an amazing experience. I encourage anyone who has the chance to be a spectator at a marathon to do it!!

CONGRATS to Crystal, Kim, and Nigel---you are my inspiration!

Green Bay Marathon ---my 5k report

2009-05-18T18:39:00.000-07:00

Whew what an experience! I am totally recharged and ready to kick my running up a few notches, I am totally inspired! So Friday on our way down to my sister-in-law's house we stopped at Lambeau to get my packet as well as my brother-in-law's packet. We got there about 3:45 p.m., 15 minutes before the expo/packet pick up opened and there was a line outside. My youngest came with me (as she is going through this phase where she can't be parted from me) and my other two and my husband waited in the car. Once inside I got our packets, scanned our chips to make sure they were programed right, got our tshirts, goodie bags, and posters, I took a quick look through the expo and headed out to my waiting family. Considering I had no idea what I was doing, just following the crowd, it was very smooth and quick!

Sunday morning we got up at 5:00 a.m., I ate a protien bar and drank water, got dressed (it was 35 degrees outside), woke up my three children, packed the car (as we were headed back to the U.P. after the race) and headed to Green Bay. My brother-in-law has ran for a while, but this was his first race as well. We parked right at Lambeau, snapped a quick picture, our familes headed off to cheer and Chris and I headed to find a bathroom and the start line.

I hit the bathroom and heard the announcement for 2 minutes to start, we hoped the guard rails and slid into start, we were towards the back and had just a moment to get our iPods situated and we were off. There was no time to be nervous! My first race, 6 months after I started running, only one month after I had ever ran in public. There I was, feeling strong and confident, excited and ready. There were so many people, I was weaving in and out of people, hopping the curb and up on the grass to pass people the entore way. Looking back I only remember 2 songs on my iPod, one at the water station, and the other while running through Lambeau. I was focused and so in the moment that I am not sure I even heard my music. I saw my family and my sister-in-law and her kids at mile 1, it was great to have their support, all the crowd was amazing. I know now how important support and encouragment is, it meant so much to me on my little run, I can only imagine how it feels on long races.

The water station was at the half way mark, I stopped briefly to drink a bit of gatorade and I was off again. This is another part where I was up in the grass dodging people, kids, wagons...There was one small hill on the course and I ran up it, I said in my head "I love hills" it worked. I ran past strong looking men who were walking up it, it made me smile. Once I saw Lambeau around the corner I knew I was in the home stretch. I ran down into the building which was so bloody hot I thought for a split second I could puke, ran out through the tunnel onto the field. This is where I remember my iPod and started singing along to the music as I was feeling tired, my family was in the stands cheering me on with their signs, it was great.

Back into the tunnel where again it was so hot, I was tired, I am sure I looked pained, I was a rookie and didn't smile, didn't put my arms in the air etc. If a picture was taken it will suck. I looked up at the time and saw 38 and felt ok about it, my goal for myself was 35 minutes, I was happy to learn that my offical chip time was 00:35:49. Not bad for all the dodging I had to do, certainly that ate up at least a minute LOL.

Chris finished his first race with a 00:27:31! We celebrated with a few post-race beers at 8:00 a.m.!

echo

2009-05-12T07:05:00.000-07:00

This blog is lonely! (pout)

so my first race is in 5 days! YAY! MY FIRST BIB NUMBER! We are headed to the Green Bay Cellcom Marathon. I am doing the 5k with my brother-in-law and a few others, I have a friend doing the 1/2, and two friends doing the full marathon. Is it bad that I am more excited to cheer the others on than to run myself? I can not wait to experience the marathon, I KNOW that it will be HUGE motivation for me to kick my running up a few notches. My children and I are making signs tonight to help encourage our friends on their long treks. So yes this is it. This race is why I started running in November, this was the goal. Now I am NO WHERE where I want to be, or as far or as fast as I thought I would be. Nursing school kicked my ass this winter and put a damper on running. But I am here, I will be there and I will run. Something I never thought I would do. Hell up until last month I had never ran in public in my life. I never played sports growing up, nothing. So yes I am here, I will finish, I will not be the fastest, but good god I will not be the slowest. It is about the experience, about setting a goal for myself and following through, about improving and being active, about my beginning as a runner. Bring it on!

A few of my favorite things

2009-04-17T18:10:00.000-07:00

Products I can't live without....what are yours?

First up my iPod Touch. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this thing. It is the coolest little thing I have ever owned. It holds my calendar, my pictures, videos, games, all my nursing applications, tracks my running, talks to me while I run and tells me my pace and how far I have gone, it has all my music, has a calculator, internet, and on and on and on. I LOVE IT.

LUSH! I LOVE LOVE LOVE Lush products! Especially their Godiva solid shampoo. It is $9 for one disk and it lasts me 6 months. I LOVE IT so much!

I also love this mask from Lush. It is heaven on my face....I am going to try it on my tired running feet next.

My Keen sandals. I LOVE THEM. And they are purple! Weeeeeee! They are so comfy, I would live in them if I could. So worth the $$$$$$.

My Gymboss! It is so neat, it is a perfect light interval timer. It can beep, vibrate, or both. It is so much better than watching your watch or the clock on the treadmill. I LOVE IT.

Fiber One bars. Easy snack that I don't have to feel guilty about.

Lean Cuisine pizzas. I eat one every weekday for lunch and I have for years. I was on a garlic chicken kick for a year, now I have moved to the spinach mushroom.

ya mon!

2009-03-09T18:53:00.000-07:00

I got new shoes!! Brooks Dyad 5 and they are FABULOUS! I regret now not documenting via photos the shoe purchase process for this blog, (hey I am still learning this blog thing) but it was quite the fun. My first offical pair of running shoes! I tried them out for the first time while in Jamaica on vacation, what a fun way to break them in! Jamaican running feet:

I tried them out on my treadmill today, man I struggled through 1.5 miles, too many pina colodas on vacation! HA! Really though, I am buckling down and kicking my running up a notch now that I am back from vacation.

Gymboss

2009-02-23T17:34:00.000-08:00

I am thinking about getting the Gymboss
Website with all info here: http://www.gymboss.com/?src=IAP

I think it will be helpful for tracking my run/walk intervals, especially when I venture off the treadmill. Anyone use this?

2009-02-03T17:38:00.000-08:00

I AM NOT A JOGGER
I may waddle when I run, but I'm running all the same
By John Bingham

PUBLISHED 09/19/2007

The late Dr. George Sheehan, beloved Runner's World columnist and arguably the first running boom's premier philosopher, once wrote that the difference between a runner and a jogger was a signature on a race application. (For the youngsters out there, there was a time before online registration when you actually filled out a paper application, signed it, attached a check, and mailed it in. Quaint, I know.) As succinct as Dr. Sheehan's definition was, it made the point. If you were motivated enough to train for and participate in an organized running event, then you were a runner. Anyone willing to risk public failure in order to be a part of the running community--no matter what his or her pace per mile might be--was a runner. Period. Kind of hard for anyone to argue with that logic.But a few months ago, an ad ran in this magazine that drew a very hard line between runners and joggers. I immediately heard from tons of readers who were upset by the distinction. To me, however, such definitions are meaningless, since those of us who call ourselves runners already know why we call ourselves runners. Your reasons may be different from mine, but here's why I know I am a runner:

I AM A RUNNER because my runs have names. I do tempo runs and threshold runs and fartlek runs. I do long, slow runs and track workouts. My runs are defined, even if my abs are not.

I AM A RUNNER because my shoes are training equipment, not a fashion statement. The best shoe for me is the one that makes me a better runner. I choose the shoe that goes with my running mechanics, not my running outfit.

I AM A RUNNER because I don't have running outfits. I have technical shirts and shorts and socks. I have apparel that enhances the experience of running by allowing me to run comfortably. I can say "Coolmax" and "Gore-Tex" in the same sentence and know which does what.

I AM A RUNNER because I know what effort feels like, and I embrace it. I know when I'm pushing the limits of my comfort and why I'm doing it. I know that heavy breathing and an accelerated heart rate--things I once avoided--are necessary if I want to be a better runner.

I AM A RUNNER because I value and respect my body. It will whisper to me when I've done too much. And if I choose to listen to that whisper, my body won't have to scream in pain later on.

I AM A RUNNER because I am willing to lay it all on the line. I know that every finish line has the potential to lift my spirits to new highs or devastate me, yet I line up anyway.

I AM A RUNNER because I know that despite my best efforts, I will always want more from myself. I will always want to know my limits so that I can exceed them. I AM A RUNNER because I run. Not because I run fast. Not because I run far.

I AM A RUNNER because I say I am. And no one can tell me I'm not.

Waddle on, friends.

2009-01-24T07:40:00.000-08:00

If you're trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I've had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. ~Michael Jordan

We what a difference a few weeks can do. I returned to school after my nice long 5 week break. I am back to LONG clinical days at the hospital. I am back to fighting with my children to do their homework and clean their rooms, back to practically living at the ski hill with my son. Back to reality. I am also happy to report that my running has continued on. Today I ran for 15 minutes without stopping! YAY! This is a first without even a 20 second stop for water or to wipe my nose (what is with that? My nose POURS the whole time I am running! ANNOYING!) FINALLY I broke through my slump and it feels FANTASTIC!!!

My wonderful friend Jess sent me the Nike+. http://www.apple.com/ipod/nike/run.html

http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/features/nike.html My iPod Touch and it work beautifully together, it is the coolest little thing. For me, a running virgin, it is a perfect little gadget to help me track and record my runs. I love that it announces your time, minutes left etc, it is a nice little motivator! Oh and incase you are wondering my power song? Push it by Salt-N-Pepa!!

THANK YOU JESS!!!

It feels good to be back on track, with a head clear of frustration or doubt. I know there will be challenges, but I need to remember they will pass and I need to keep on keepin' on!

Pathetic Pity Party Post

2009-01-10T11:01:00.000-08:00

HELP!

I am embarrassed to post this after my post below about how encouragement comes from within, but this is my blog and a place to dump my feelings. And today I am discouraged. Running has SUCKED this week. I am religious about my work-outs, I have been since right before Thanksgiving. This week has been bad. I am dragging, and it is a mental vs. physical battle each second of each run, and lately mental is winning. I KNOW I can do more than I am, I know I can push myself farther, but I am not. My mind is stopping me. This week I couldn't break through that. I continued to walk on the treadmill after I wanted to get off. But as far as training goes, this week was a waste. I did not improve, I barely maintained. On a positive I continued, I didn't stop. At least I can say that.

I want a partner. I want someone running beside me. To encourage each other along each step of the run. I want someone else there so that when I want to quit I won't. I will keep running because my pride will overtake my mind. I mean I can't stop with someone there watching me!

I become a mother at 18, I have never had me time. Running is a solitary sport. Which why many love it, which is why I wanted to join. I wanted me time, something for me, something I could do alone. And the irony is that now I have that, and am doing that, I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH IT! Alone time? I am lost.

So today, just for today, I ask for encouragement. Tell me you have been there, or are there, tell me it gets better, or tell me it doesn't and all I can do is push through. Tell me something, I feel so alone in this journey!

Let it snow!

2009-01-07T13:57:00.000-08:00

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!

Welcome 2009!

2009-01-02T12:57:00.001-08:00

So my last few runs have been rough. During my last run my legs were just so heavy and stiff, no fun. Today I felt really tight, like my muscles were rubber bands stretched out, my calf was tight and my right hip gets so sore. I know I need to start stretching, but I am so green! I have no idea what I need to be doing. Before and after? One or the other? Sigh, I need to search YouTube for ideas. Any recommendations/suggestions are welcome, whether it is articles, videos, books, what have you. I also wish I had a running group to join. I have googled, but like my venting post below, there don't seem to be many amateur groups in my area. I need a partner! I need motivation! I need direction! I feel so lost.

So today's run I was feeling discouraged with my time. I felt like this running thing is something I will never be able to own. I felt sore and just bad in general. Then I thought about my running friends, how much they have accomplished, I wanted to get off the treadmill and call them to cry and complain. I wanted to hear some motivation from them. Then after I ran a mile, after I felt like my time sucked, after I wanted to hear encouraging words from my friends, after I wanted to get off the treadmill and give up. I realized something. I had just ran a mile, no my time may not have been what I would have wanted, but I just ran a mile! The week of Thanksgiving when I started running I could barely run 30 seconds without having to stop. I had not deliberately exercised in longer than I want to mention, I was already doing so much more than I had been. I needed to stop and remember that. I also realized that my friends can be great support and sounding boards, but the true motivation and encouragement need to come from within.

I finished my run, and then after I thought I couldn't go anymore I walked another mile. I was sore and stiff (still need to look into stretching) but I did it. When I logged into my email I had this quote from http://www.runnersworld.com/ waiting in my inbox:

"When a person trains once, nothing happens. When a person forces himself to do a thing a hundred or a thousand times, then he certainly has developed in more ways than physical." EMIL ZATOPEK

What perfect timing for such encouraging words. I need to stop and remember that I will not get this overnight. I need to remember that I am improving. I need to remember that sometimes you need to be stronger mentally than physically, because most of the time it is your mind telling you to stop, not your body. I know I will learn so much more via this running venture than how to put one foot in front of the other, I look forward to all that it brings.

My goal for 2009 is to continue to run. Plain and simple. If I continue, I will improve.

I'm going public!

2008-12-31T15:00:00.000-08:00

I started running just before Thanksgiving, back then I could barely run 30 seconds, my breathing was out of control, it was a mess. But I have determination, I read up on the couch to 5k program and I pushed through. I re-did a few weeks due to my school exam schedules, a medical procedure I had, xmas, etc. But I have consistently been on the treadmill at least 3 days a week since then (mostly it has been 4 days a week). I have purchased hand weights and an exercise ball, I have been doing push ups, sit ups, and other muscle building activities. Before this, it had been YEARS since I had done any type of deliberate exercise. I mean who has time right? Ha what a lame excuse, but we have all used it at one time or another. I mean I had 3 kids, a full-time job, then became a full-time student, how did I possibly have time? But let's be realistic, we all have time. We need to make time, exercise needs to become a priority. Once you get in the habit of it, it becomes second nature, you begin to crave that work-out, that time away from your kids, from your job, from your life. You begin to realize that running feels good!

I have been in my basement on my treadmill, but lately it is becoming less enjoyable. My children decide that they need me as soon as I get on it, it never fails. I am feeling rushed, and stressed and even a bit angry. THIS IS MY TIME!

I have decided to start to run at the Superior Dome, which is the largest wooden dome in the world. The Dome stands 14 stories high and has 5.1 acres under it's roof. The Dome’s features include a retractable artificial turf carpet, the largest of its kind in the world. When extended, the turf has the ability to accommodate football, soccer, and field hockey. Underneath the carpet is a synthetic playing surface that features three basketball/volleyball courts, two tennis courts and a 200 meter track. Twelve computerized winches extend the carpet over a cushion of air. It is on NMU's campus (where I attend) so it will be convenient for me.

I can go there after class, and I will be able to get to run in peace without the demands of my children. HEAVEN. This also means that I am going public. I will be running somewhere other than in the comfort of my own basement. I think this will provide me with more motivation, and a bit more of a push to go farther and longer.

Of course I still will use the treadmill, but I think this will provide a nice change so that I don't grow bored or tired of staring at my basement walls. The winters are long here and it will be a long time before I venture outside!

You don't know til you know, you know?

2008-12-29T21:40:00.000-08:00

First things first. Earlier tonight I was online searching for my husband's anniversary present (which shall remain nameless in case he stumbles across this post) and while looking at amazon.com I discovered amazon.com demand. Does anybody know about this? Has this been around forever and I am just lame? IT IS SUPER COOL. You can rent and buy movies to either be watched online, downloaded to your computer, or sent to your Tivo box to watch on your TV. HOW BRILLIANT IS THAT? Renting was $2.99 for 7 days, buying was $9.99. My on demand movie rentals on my DVR box are $4.99 FOR 24 HOURS!! So I gave amazon.com demand a whirl. I rented Spirit of the Marathon and downloaded it to my computer for $2.99 for 7 days. EASY and it worked beautifully.

Now on to the movie. WONDERFUL, inspiring, beautiful, captivating, encouraging, heart wrenching, motivating...........I loved it. Who could not want to jump up and start training for a marathon after watching that? wow.

And now about the title of this post. You don't know til you know, you know? I mean you don't know what marathoners have to do, until you know. Whether it is via a friend telling you, watching it on TV, reading about it, watching it live. But really until you truly understand, you have NO IDEA. I apologize to all my runner friends, whether it be a marathon, a half, a 5k, hell 2 miles. I applaud all of you for your own triumphs, for sticking with it, for pushing yourself, for setting goals and sticking with them. I am sorry I wasn't more of a cheerleader, a chin holder upper, a shoulder, and a provider of a thumbs up and a pat on the back when needed. But honestly until you know what it takes, you just don't get it. For people that sit back on their couch and say "I could do that" please go out and try to run a few miles, but don't get discouraged when you can't, push yourself and train so that you can soon. Because we all can do something more than we are doing now. We have to push ourselves, and each other, to make those dreams a reality.

"Nothing's better than the wind to your back, the sun in front of you, and your friends beside you." AARON DOUGLAS TRIMBLE

2008-12-26T16:34:00.001-08:00

So as many of you know, I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. If you don't know, the truth is that we don't have a whole lot here besides trees and deer, oh and beer-lots and lots of beer.

The Upper Peninsula contains almost one-third of the land area of Michigan but just three percent of its total population. Residents are frequently called Yoopers (derived from "U.P.-ers") and have a strong regional identity. It includes the only counties in the United States where a plurality of residents claim Finnish ancestry. The peninsula's largest cities are Marquette, Escanaba, Sault Ste Marie, Menominee, and Iron Mountain.

The Upper Peninsula contains 16,452 square miles (42,610 km²), almost one-third of the land area of the state. The maximum east-west distance in the Upper Peninsula is about 320 miles (515 km), and the maximum north-south distance is about 125 miles (200 km). It is bounded on the north by Lake Superior, on the east by St. Mary's River, on the south by Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, and on the west by Wisconsin and (counting the water border on Lake Superior) by Minnesota. It has about 1,700 miles (2,700 km) of continuous shoreline with the Great Lakes. There are about 4,300 inland lakes, the largest of which is Lake Gogebic, and 12,000 miles (19,000 km) of streams.

Baraga, Marquette and Alger counties, where Lake Superior contributes to lake-effect snow.
Records of 390 inches (990 cm) of snow or more have been set in many communities in this area. The Keweenaw Peninsula averages more snowfall than almost anywhere in the United States—more than anywhere east of the Mississippi River and the most of all non-mountainous regions of the continental United States. Because of the howling storms across Lake Superior, which cause dramatic amounts of precipitation, it has been said that the lake-effect snow makes the Keweenaw Peninsula the snowiest place east of the Rockies. Herman, Michigan, averages 236 inches (600 cm) of snow every year. Lake-effect snow can cause blinding whiteouts in just minutes, and some storms can last days.

The Upper Peninsula remains a predominantly rural region. As of the 2000 census, the region had a population of 317,258, and was predicted to have fallen to 312,153 according to the Census Bureau's July 1, 2006 estimate. According to the 2000 census, only 91,624 people live in the twelve towns of at least 4,000 people, covering 96.5 square miles (155.365 km²). Only 114,544 people live in the twenty-one cities and villages of at least 2,000 or more people, which cover 123.7 square miles (320.4 km²)—less than 1% of the peninsula's land area.

City: Marquette
Population: 19,661
Area (sq mi): 11.4

So what is the point of all these boring facts? Well as you know I am a virgin runner, I am getting there, slowly but surely! As a virgin, I have no gear. I have been running in yoga pants and a tank top on my treadmill. I am soooooooo hot! TOO HOT, today I took my shirt off and ran in my bra. So today I set out on a quest to find myself some running shorts or skirt, something that would be much cooler than what I had. NO SUCH LUCK. Now this is where the U.P. info comes in handy. You see we have hardly any options at all. In all of the 16,452 square miles that is the U.P. we have ONE Starbucks (well two if you count the one on NMU's campus) but for my point I will say one. So as you have guessed, if we only have one Starbucks in 16,452 square miles you can imagine that we have not much else. Now don't get me wrong, this isn't a U.P. bashing post, the U.P. is quite lovely as has been my home for 31 years, it is a frustrating post about my search for running shorts. I went to Kohl's, MC Sports, JC Penney and Target without any luck. I did find a few pairs of cotton shorts that would do if they had to, however they were XL. sigh. This is the story of any Yoopers life though, I should be use to it. I know it is the dead of winter and we have already been hit by waaaaaaaay too much snow and shorts and running skirts aren't in hot demand, but come on, people go to the gym, people work out inside, where is the gear? I will have to order online and guess on sizing and pay shipping for both delivery and returns and by the time I have what I need it will be May and Target will have their items in stock. sigh sigh sigh.

~Goals are dreams with deadlines~

2008-12-25T14:38:00.000-08:00

This quote is perfect. Oh so simple, and oh so true, yet many of us do not set deadlines...we say someday. That someday will not come unless we make it. We must go after our dreams, no one can do that for us. I have learned that more often than not, in order to get there, we have to make sacrifices, we may struggle, we may sweat. But if we want it bad enough, and give it our all, we can get there.

I quit my secure job in August to attend nursing school fulltime. Something I had wanted to do for years, but never thought I could. I set my mind to it and now I will graduate in May!

I am training for my first 5k. I have always wanted to run, but never thought I could. I started training right before Thanksgiving and already I see so much progress. I can do it!