BIG SUR

Best Marathon EVER!

Despite the 40 hills and 2700 feet in climb.

I would not have made it here without you Emily!

At this point we were all so emotionally exhausted and I was still hesitant...

Here is the temporary road fix at the site of the collapse and

the reason for the out & back course.

Waiting in the soup isle at the Safeway Grocery store because we were shivering outside!

Here a few of my favorite mile markers!

Mile one made me laugh only because we had to get ready in the pitch black due to a power outage in the hotel...we were ready to have to jump through fire at the end of this race!

Always waiting in line for the potty!

No Joke! 40 HILLS!

Mile 20 was a happy site for me, 'cause I was still feeling pretty good and my last training run (which was HORRIBLE) was about to be behind me!

Singing praises at the finish!

Can't beat this view!

Danger Zone

Unfortunately, I've reached a point in my training where

I'm seriously questioning what the hell I was thinking signing up for Ironman.

Last week I had a 20 mile training run that was, to put it mildly, horrendous!

I couldn't help but ask myself for those 4 terrible hours,

"if you can't do this, what makes you think you can do this after

swimming 2 miles and biking 112?!"

So far, I've been able to maintain a positive outlook on the whole event,

but I'm starting to have my doubts.

I have faith that this too shall pass.

I have a lot invested in this...

Perhaps it's time for a new inspirational tattoo?

Suggestions Anyone?

Meet George & Martha

We had another great trip to the Nation's Capital and another great race. This time we had the privilege of running through the amazing cherry blossoms that were in full bloom. Amazingly enough, I was able to keep pace with Patrick and we averaged a speedy (for me at least) 9:27 minute mile. Plus, we both kept the wigs on the entire race! They helped keep our heads warm 'cause it was definitely a chilly start!

I also found my new favorite race shirt....

(it says "does this shirt make my butt look fast?")

We took the Amtrak train out and people, if you ever get a chance, take the train, it's totally our preferred way to travel - and get the sleeper car!

And what race or trip wouldn't be complete without a cupcake from DC cupcakes! yum!

WAAM

Yes, We Are All Mechanics!

I recently took a four week course for women on basic bicycle maintenance.

I feel so incredibly

empowered and confident.

I have successfully:

changed a tire,

removed my back wheel,

lubed my chain and

adjusted my brakes.

Ladies, if you have the time and the $, take the class.

You won't regret it.

The instructors are great and

the women you meet in class are so wonderful.

The United States Postal Services Creed AKA Stubborness

It is said that the postal carrier's creed is...

"neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night

stays these couriers from the swift completion

of their appointed rounds"

Although we have all heard this creed, contrary to popular belief, the USPS has no official motto. Yet I find this creed to be SO fitting of my running experiences these past months. We have run in below freezing temperatures (see 25 January 2011 post), 80 degree temperatures in Florida in costumes (see 01 March 2011 post), and just recently in the freezing rain and lightening.

It all comes down to this...

stub-born
1.
a. Unreasonably, often perversely unyielding; bullheaded.
b. Firmly resolved or determined; resolute.
2. Characterized by perseverance; persistent.
3. Difficult to treat or deal with; resistant to treatment or effort.

We simply would not bring ourselves to be the first one to back out of our long runs! Knowing that if we didn't go when we had planned, despite the horrible weather conditions, we NEVER would have done it alone. There was A LOT of silence during these past runs and A LOT of laughter after we finished, ringing out our soaking wet clothes.

It has been MISERABLE and still the BEST training season I have had in my LIFE!

Thanks to EMILY, JESSICA & PATRICK.

I love you all beyond words!

O For The Love of Garmin!

I would love to tell you that I LOVE this thing,

but most of the time I'm so frustrated

with it because I can't get to the right menu,

or I bump the bezel,

or I unintentionally stop the timer.

I am once again determined to figure out this piece of equipment before

I ACTUALLY take part in IMWI 2011!

Because when it works it is AWESOME!

I love that I can create this virtual partner to pace with and

track all of my training on the computer.

I always have the reference guide near by before I begin any run and

I'm looking forward to experimenting with it on the bike.
I have seven months to get it right.

AHHH!

Did I just say SEVEN months?!

Time is Flying by.

Crap I better get back to training!

I wish Spring would Spring...

Disney Princess Half Marathon

I know that the Disney Marathon events aren't about race time,

they are about having a GREAT time.

And a GREAT time is what we had!

Thank you my Prince.

i LOVE you