11 miles to say Good Bye

I needed 7 miles to hit 1,000 miles.  Decided to push it to 11.

Take that 2011.  I plan on bringing it in 2012.  Fighting for my family.  Praying for hope. Believing in miracles.

Also just signed up for my third marathon.  Think green!!

Ready, Set...not sure??

So my mind has been whirling with possible races. To run a marathon or to not? To sign up for a race when life feels so uncertain? I know the dissapointment I felt when I had to miss the Girlfriends Half in October due to my husbands unexpected diagnosis.

So I need your help. I am drawn to Eugene for some reason....but it would be a heck of a trek (possibly solo) I was so close last year to doing this race and decided to do Windermere instead. This would also mean solo training (winter...BRRRR)even though I think I could convince a few friends to join me on a long run or two.
Speaking of winter runs, I am still on the hunt for a running jacket. Suggestions?

Any other recommended marathons not too far away?? I want to do a half or two as well. Of course Seattle Rock N Roll is on my list. It seems every year I run that race injured so I would like to give it a shot injury free.

And then there is the Girlfriends Half in Vancouver in October.

Prices go up on the 1st so I have more time to ponder...let me know your thoughts.

I'm Talking...

Well I am not quite ready for my end of the year post and definitely not ready for a GOALS post but I thought it would be fun to CHAT with MissZippy to help begin the 2011 wrap up. Mizz Zippy is one of the first blogs I began following. She still feels like a celebrity to me...love when she comments on my blog.

She posted the following questions...so here goes.

Best race experience? Hood to Coast with my NUUN Platuun teammates. It felt like a shot in the dark. Making my application video the anticipitation of meeting my team was so much fun! I met so many great ladies (and Coach Casey) of course. This was an experience that pushed me further. I had to pinch myself several times. Experience of a lifetime and so glad I did it. THANK YOU NUUN! Running with a team and kicking butt as you go...is the best! 200 miles baby!



Yes, you are spotting some FAMOUS bloggers!! So much fun!!!





If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be? Life can change in an instant. Don't waste a day.


LOVE my husband and children dearly. Moments are precious and not to be taken for granted.

Best new piece of gear? Hmm, I have a very, very small amount of running attire. Nothing exciting. I think I replaced my shoes. BORING! (need to change this for 2012)

Most inspirational runner? So many of my blog friends. The list is too long to begin, but you know who you are. Thank you for the inspiration, prayers and PUSH!

Just a few more days left of 2011...and I have 9.3 miles left....must keep running!

Moving but not Going Anywhere

Lovely L has been borrowing my phone and having her own photo shoots. Love the big baby. Just going for it...makes me smile and I definitely could use a smile today.


I just have a minute but wanted to blog for a bit hoping it will help me get out of my BLAH feeling day. Today has been tough. I got up and bundled up and went and ran 4.5 miles. It was cold but very peaceful. Sometimes too much quiet leads to thinking. I just feel like no matter what I do I can't get my "normal" back. Running, blogging, woorking or playing with friends...no matter what I do I still come back to the reality that my husband is fighting for his life. (darn you C word) We celebrated Christmas but it was rough because I so badly want to have a thousand more Christmas days with my husband but we just don't know. I know, I know stay in the moment but I am easily distracted.

I want attention and time from my hubby and feel myself losing my patience. (this could also be hormones..not the best time of the month) So I know I need to snap out of it. I am running and moving but it is the DREAMING part that I am losing. (I want this back...and I am 13.3 miles away)

Faith is a tricky thing. I know I need to trust in God but I am torn on what that looks like for 2012. I guess it is not tricky...I just need to TRUST!

Goals feel kind of silly?
For me, it is, "Will I be running a Marathon?" "Can I break 4 hours?" (so not important)

For my husband it is, "Will he be walking?" "Will we get a clear scan?"

I think I just need to mentally TRY to think this way. Or stay on my KNEES...PRAYING!
I WILL run a Marathon and my husband will be be there WALKING and we will be celebrating clear scans.

OK time is up, need to kick this funk and try to enjoy the "season".
Hope you all have had some great runs and precious time with those you hold dear!!

Keep On Keeping On

Virtual 10K Recap & a Winner

Kind of losing one of my snow balls!

Straight from to pool to "cool".

HOT mess...snow all melted!

So when I came across the Home for the Holidays Virtual 10K I immediately went to sign up. Three cool gals have worked together to put on a great race with some fun prizes. Thanks, Stephanie, Robin and Ashley!! I am need of miles to hit my 1,000 for the year, so I knew if I committed this would help MAKE me RUN!

I have never "dressed up" for a race. I tend to stick to business and don't even own any festive running gear. But I was feeling inspired so my kiddos helped me create my Frosty the Snowgirl (i mean come on...I pretty much already rock the 'carrot" nose)outfit. My hair is wet in this picture as we had just got home from the pool and I was trying to save a shower (who does this?)so I decided to go straight from pool to the treadmill. Not sure if it is the best look. My girls insisted that I hold a broom for the pic! I decided quickly that my snow "balls" could be a bit dangerous on the mill so I ran in something a little safer.

I warmed up the first mile at 9:00 minute pace. Then hit the next 4 around an 8:30 and then just ran "fast" the last half mile...to be DONE. It was my longest run on my new "borrowed" treadmill I can say I was happy when it was over. In an attempt to get a pic I tried to slow down and get the camera at the same time, didn't work so well. Need to get a better strategy next time....like step to the sides. duh?

Count it...6.2 miles. 51:20 DONE!

I will work on it and be better for my next virtual run!

WINNER: Jessica from Running to Be Skinny...shoot me an email. You WON the NUUN Goodie bag!! Thanks for everyone who entered and LIKED my new FB page...very cool!

Merry Christmas!

#34

34 MILES to go. 34 MILES to RUN with only 10 days left in 2011. I actually LOVE the number 34. My Papa (who inspired this blog without even knowing it) played football at University of Georgia back in the day. While he was there they won the SEC championships. So of course I grew up being a fan and my Papa loved watching Herschel Walker play. He was #34! I loved anything my Papa loved. So if he loved Herschel, I loved Herchel. So I hung on to that number and even had it as my basketball number throughout highschool. Little things that would connect me to my Papa. When I see 34 miles left (I freak a bit..I am tired) but I know that my Papa would want to me to push on and not quit. I mean how else could I just happen to reach 34. :)

Before my Papa passed away I asked him what his favorite saying was...he responded "Keep On Keeping On". So that is what I must do with my miles, my life and my faith!

I am not a planner I do not have my miles mapped out (that may be a problem) I just wake up each day and see what I have left to give. Today I woke up and ended up reading Blonde Ponytails post and decided I would run 5 speed miles and follow her plan! So easy (well not the speed part)..I love not thinking. As you know things are emotionally tough these days and sometimes I struggle to lace up those shoes. So I am going to give it the old college try and see if we can do this thing.

Let me know what you have planned to run this week and maybe I can join you!

Keep On Keeping On

So yesterday I was feeling a bit down and overwhelmed with the reality of the some of the health challenges ahead. My feet hurt and my heels were tender, but I knew I needed to run due to running out of time to TRY to squeeze my miles in. I tried to decide so I did what most normal people do. I posed the question on my NEW FB Page, "Keep On Keeping On"...to run or rest? (Go to my sidebar and LIKE my page :) I eventually decided to RUN. My heel burned a bit at the beginning but I just wanted to get to a mile. Then by 1.5 miles I knew I could make it to 2.0. By the time I was a 2.0 I was pain free. I ended up stopping at 3 miles, knowing my mind wanted and needed more but my FEET needed to rest.

Here is my post run pic. Sorry not the best shot. I was a sweaty mess and wanted to share my new tank, compliments Blonde Ponytail. Thanks! I was hoping for some swoob! Tough for a girl my "size".


After my run I can get back to more important things like snuggling with my amazing husband!


So as I get closer to 1,000 miles and hopefully better things in 2012 I wanted to share the love with a great NUUN goodie bag. Also if you have been try to run those last miles with me. Let me know. 41 to go!
To win some NUUN!!
Mandatory
1. Become a follower of my blog or let me know if you already are.
2. LIKE "Keep On Keeping On" on my NEW FB page. Just click on the LINK of the right. I am really excited about this!

Optional
1.Share on your blog, or Tweet or Twat (as I like to call it) the giveaway.
2. Follow me on Twitter @KeepRunning01Winner will be announced 12/24. Merry Christmas!

Runners Rally

Life with the C word sucks. We have encountered even more obstacles with my husbands health but we are determined to keep our chin up! The prayers and well wishes mean so much. There are days when I have a hard time breathing let alone finding the time or motivation to run. I have been blessed with a group of gals that keep me running. A time where I can process, laugh, cry, pray and feel strong. Amanda at Runninghood is an amazing athlete, mother and woman. She shared a post on how to start an Inspirational Running journal (awhile ago) I knew I wanted to do this! I really NEED some positive thoughts in my life. So a few runners gathered and we began to cut, paste and chat the evening away.
Here is a peek of a work in progress.

The cover!! If you have a blog sticker and want to swap just let me know!

Love the inside...and trying not to be scared of the M word.

Taking over the table and loving every minute of it. (Left to right, Quads, Stacey, Courtney and of course Blonde Ponytail) This was so much fun and got all of us thinking about our goals. Create your own journal today!!

Today I ran 10 miles with running buddies for XLMIC "Jingle Bell Hell run". There were hills and wind and some sore feet. Hope that qualifies! Oh yes, my buddy QUADS also sported jingle bells on her laces.

Just need my feet to hang in there for 47.5 more miles for the year. I have been having horrible pain in my heels. Here is a pic of my tape job which also highlights that my toes look like sausages and I need a pedicure.

So don't wait any longer. Run that first mile, call a friend, sign up for that race, start a journal and KEEP ON KEEPING ON!

I love lucy

I was so HAPPY that lucy contacted me to see if I would like to try and review one of their running products. Huge Score...so EXCITING!! I have never tried anything from Lucy before so I was excited to learn more.

Early morning photos by Lovely L


Not sure what I am doing here?


Here is what their website says: "lucy Activewear® was founded in 1999 in Portland, Oregon by a group of like-minded women who felt that workout wear should not only support your athletic pursuits, but should be stylish and flattering, too. All of our styles are designed and developed by women who do the activities we design for: yoga, running, training, exploring the outdoors, and traveling to your favorite destination. And that’s just scratching the surface: on our team we also have marathoners, triathletes, swimmers, tennis players, golfers, rock climbers, dancers, weight lifters, Pilates enthusiasts and even martial arts experts. We’re a passionate group, and our mission is to make clothes that fit and flatter you, your life, and your passion.

At lucy, we’re passionate about performance, and believe that every passion starts with a spark. It’s the kind you can’t ignore, illuminating every aspect of your life: your family, your friends, your career, your community, and your sport. We’re here to shine a light on that spark—fitting, since lucy comes from lux, the Latin word for “light”.

So you know that little light you have inside?

Fire it up. Ignite it. Let it shine. Because you’re lucy. We are all lucy.
lucy’s apparel is designed with an athlete’s needs in mind. Our products enhance and support your active endeavors with a combination of carefully considered design and fabric innovation — so you can perform at your best capability."

As for my review lucy sent me a pair of running tights (Get Snappy Leggings). I met a few of my running buddies last Sunday for 13.1 miles of pure joy. It was a balmy 23 degrees when we began. By mile 5 the sun was shining and I think temps broke 30 degrees.

Things I really liked...
* lightweight
* kept my legs warm (but not too warm)
* they stayed up!
* the cut around my waistline

I was a little worried that my "panty lines" were showing too much but it seemed ok and I felt very comfortable. So easy to move in!! I also appreciated that the waistline didn't cut into my "love handles" and instead smoothed them out and kept things in place. I can't wait to wear them again! THANK YOU lucy!

Be sure to go and check out some of the great deals and products that are sure to make you SHINE! I already put the "Can't Catch Me" jacket on my list. (just in case Santa is reading this)

Reflective memories

I feel like I am stuck in reflection. I think about life...a lot, probably too much.
When my husband was diagnosed with cancer almost two months ago...I changed.

I see my kids differently.
I see my friendships in a new way.
I offer more grace to my family.
I cling to Christ daily.
I want to learn more.
I want to run more.
I need friends more.
I am searching for God's will and plan.
I want to change and touch lives.
I want to be stronger.
I value post secondary education more. (this happens when you are faced with the idea of losing your husband and supporting your three children solo)
I am determined to finish my Masters (even though it will take years)
I feel refreshed to blog again.
I want to meet those bloggy ladies who have prayed with me along this journey.
I have things to say.
I am ready to get deep.
I have felt the presence of Christ.
I really "LOOK" at my husband. I am always trying to soak in his features.
I continue to pray for God to change me.
I have surrendered.

As I look at getting some type of Christmas card together I came across these old pictures and they make me SMILE. These moments captured are all gifts! I assumed when these pics where taken that I would have many more moments such as these. I now know that this is not always the case. Life changes in a moment.
Each moment captured in my mind each day is a gift.

When you recieve so many gifts you naturally want to GIVE more of yourself to others.
What will this look like in 2012 for me? I am not sure.

My husband still has a long road to go. He is mentally and physically fighting his way through journey and I am doing all I can to be by his side.

Even though his "athletic" days may be over...to me his an Olympic Champion training for his life!

He is inspiring so many people...even ME!

When I am inspired I RUN!! My goal now is simple. Run 100 miles in December and meet the goal of 1,000 miles for the year.

Anyone want to join me?? I am going to need a PUSH to make this happen.

Also be sure to check BACK soooon!!! Something arrived in the mail today and I plan TEST it out this weekend.

HINT: It will involve 36 degree weather!


Hubby supporting me after finish my second Marathon!

Easter long ago....look at my babies!

Care free days!!