We did it!

Sunday, October 18, 2009, Jacklynn Walters and I completed our first half marathon in Hays, Kansas! 13.1 miles of the sounds of feet pounding on pavement, deep and shallow breathing, the thud-thud of my heart beat, wind blowing intensely against us, off and on conversation, and at times mindless running. At different times during the run I would realize that I had no idea what I had been thinking about. That sounds a little strange, I'm sure, but that's the truth. It was wonderful.

My time was 2:04:38 which is 9.49 minutes/mile. Jacklynn guessed that we might run it in about 2:10 which is just about a 10 minute mile. This makes sense going off of our long run times. I don't know where I finished overall, or even for my age group. Let me assure everyone that I probably was not in the top 10 in my age group. When I find out I will update.

The last mile I ran by myself. It was probably my favorite mile and not because it was my last. As I ran I saw mile 13 spray painted on the ground and I was overwhelmed with thankfullness. I thanked the Lord for helping me get so far. I also thanked Him that the run was almost over. I almost became emotional as I knew it was coming to an end. I was so close and I was giving it my all. I didn't sprint to the finish, but I definitely picked up the pace. That mile was my fastest mile, and that is probably because it was at the end and I knew I could go ahead and exert my extra energy. After I crossed the finish line I did a little jogging in place. One of the guys who had run asked me how I was still moving. I told him I didn't think I could stop. Not yet at least.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. I am going to sign up for another half that will take place on November 22. I hope to finish it around the same time if not a little faster. My good friend Maeret is planning on joining me this time. Jacklynn won't be running this one with me which is a little sad, but completely understandable. The last few long runs we went on her knee would start hurting really bad around mile 7. This happened on Sunday but she didn't stop. She did great! I am very proud of her. Without her I wouldn't have made it this far. She has given me more motivation and encouragement than she knows. Thank you so much my dear friend.

Thank you to Lauren, Jess, Leah, Maason, Matt, Cristina, Cass, and everyone (I apologize if I forgot you) for the special gifts for our first run. I was (am) deeply touched that you all thought about us, wrote us notes, and provided us with goodies. Thank you for supporting me with encouraging words and listening to me talk about running. : )

Race Results from my two 5k's a couple of weeks ago:
Jared Coones: 10.10.09. In my age group (20-24) I finished 5th with a time of 25 min 39 sec. Overall I was 217 out of 3,256 (over half were students from the Olathe schools)
Abby's Run: 10.11.09. In my age group (20-24) I finished 16th with a time of 30 min. 35 sec. Overall I was 331 out of 1,047.

I have not kept up my mileage tracking. If I back track I apologize.

Sunday 09/27 Jacklynn and-10
I think we rested Monday
Tuesday 9/29 Erin and I-1.5
Wednesday 09/30 Jacklyn and I-5
Thursday 10/01 Erin and I-1.5
Friday-Rest
Saturday-Erin and I-1.5
Sunday-Jacklynn and I-11
Monday-Rest
Tuesday-Erin and I-3---I am so proud of my Sis! She seemed to run this 3 miles with ease. She is ready for our races this weekend! After we ran I did some interval training. The intervals felt great, and I realized I should do that more often.
Wednesday-Today-Jacklynn and I are planning to run 5. We have a week and a half until our 1/2 marathon! I am excited!!

A couple of weeks ago my nephew, Cyle, told me he and his mom, Erin, were going to do a memorial run in Olathe for Jared and Jayne Coones. The proceeds from this run go to a number of different organizations to help with cancer research and provide for patients and their families. Here is the link if it is something you want to look in to: http://www.pumpkinrunwalk.org

That is what I am running on Saturday. Sunday Erin, Jacklynn and I are going to do Abby's Run. I am doing this run in memory of precious Zeke. I am emotional just writing this out. I wonder what Sunday morning will bring, but it won't cause me to change my mind. If I cry the whole time I run then that's what I'll do. I imagine there will be a mixture of emotions. I'm sure I will be overwhelmed with feelings of love and loss, among others, from everyone running, walking and those there to support on Sunday morning. So many people being united. 100% of the donations go directly to Viral Myocarditis research (info taken from web page). The link is: http://abbysrun.com

Run Start Times:
Jared Coones- Saturday, October 10-8 am at Black Bob Elementary in Olathe
Abby's Run- Sunday, October 11-8 am at Town Center Plaza 119th and Nall

09/22- ran 1 mile with Erin
09/23- 5 with Jacklynn
09/24-1.5 with Erin-she is doing great!
09/25- 4 ish- on my own
09/27- 10 with Jacklynn
My knees have been a little sore after the 10 miles. I usually walk around more after my long run, but yesterday I did a lot more sitting. I also don't think I stretched good enough after the run. Makes a huge difference. My legs are feeling pretty good today though. Something I am extremely grateful about.
09/28- Rest

Today I am in a bit of a funk. I think one of the main contributors to this funk is work. I realized over the weekend that work is stressing me out more than I thought. Not because I am overloaded with stuff to do, but because of how vague my job description is at this point. I don't even know if I want to do what they have for me. It might be more money, but do I go after more money even if it is something that I dread or really don't want to do? Money isn't worth it at that point, is it? If I don't, what then? Would they still have a position for me here? Good question.

We did it! Last night Jacklynn and I ran 9 miles! We ended up being adequately damp, but we weren't drenched so we didn't mind! Our half is 26 days away. Will we be ready? Without a doubt.
October 18th, here we come!

For my birthday my Mom gave me running shoes. I have decided to track my mileage on them since shoes should be replaced every 300 - 500 miles.

09/18 - 5 miles
09/21 - I used my old shoes since the weather was so nasty. I didn't feel like turning my new white kicks brown my second time using them.

She also bought me a stop watch. Yes! I am excited for two reasons at least. 1. Ever since I was little I have liked stop watches. I remember collecting the proof of purchase off of Frosted Flakes and getting a Tony the Tiger stop watch. I can still remember the day I received it in the mail. 2. As I run I really like to know exactly how long it takes me so I can work to improve my time.

Goals

I have decided to blog this next month about the 1/2 marathon that I am training for on October 18, 2009. Had I known for sure that I was going to be running one this fall I would have started this months ago. I am training for this half with my dear friend Jacklynn, without her I would not have made it this far. I like to run, but her companionship has been vital.

This journey started early May, end of April. I told my friend Angela that I was thinking about running a half marathon in the fall, but I hadn't told anyone yet. I wanted it to become a reality, but I wasn't sure if it would happen. Beginning in May(? Maybe June) I started running with my good friend Maeret, and a few weeks later I was running with Jacklynn on different nights. These runs, though hard at times, were really fun for me. I cherish the time that I have spent getting to know these ladies and how open we have been with each other. Who knew so much could happen with sweat dripping off of you? This was a summer of pushing myself beyond self-imposed limits. I don't think we give ourselves enough credit as to what we really can do. The human body is incredible. I wouldn't take back running in the humid summer air. Not a chance.

A couple of weeks ago I ran my first 5 mile race, and it was a lot of fun. Somehow I finished 2nd in my age group of women! Woah! Unexpected to be sure. Soon after that, or right before, Jacklynn and I decided to run our first ever half marathon! I am stoked. My goal from earlier this year will be achieved.

What I am doing to prepare

Over the summer I have been trying to start eating healthier. I have been off and on successful. However, I am determined to eat smart while training, and will try to keep track of my diet on here. Great accountability. Also, I will post how much I have run that particular week.

So far this week in running...
Sunday 09.13. Jacklynn and I ran our scheduled 10k (6.2 miles)
Monday 09.14. We ran 4.5 (might have been more like 5) + weight training

I will start posting diet soon. Presently it is late and I am tired.

One more goal that I have is this...To learn how to change my blog background. I have done it before, but tonight I have not been able to figure it out. It hasn't been working at least.

Happy Day

Today is a great day. Why? For multiple reasons. The Lord made it, the weather is beautiful, and so on... There are two specific things I would like to say. Happy July! and Happy Canada Day.



Since today is Canada Day I thought I would post some links to some fun facts, quizzes, and other random pieces of information for the enjoyment of whomever would like to participate.







Enjoy!



First off...



Are you a True Canadian Kid? Find out by taking this quiz http://www.kidsturncentral.com/games/kidquiz/cankidq1.htm



How well do you know Canada

http://www.kidsturncentral.com/games/quiz/cdquiz.htm



Word Search Time

http://www.kidsturncentral.com/games/wsearchcanada.htm



Geography Quiz

http://www.kidsturncentral.com/games/jumble/jumble3.htm



Canada Day Facts


On July 1, 2009 Canada will celebrate it's 142nd year since Confederation.
Before 1982 Canada Day had been known as Dominion Day, First of July, Confederation Day, and July the First.
Canada Day celebrates the events that occurred on July 1, 1867, when the British North America Act created the Canadian federal government. The BNA Act proclaimed "one Dominion under the name of Canada," hence the original title of the holiday, "Dominion Day." Dominion Day was officially renamed "Canada Day" by an Act of Parliament on October 27, 1982. This change reflected the policy of successive governments to down play Canada's colonial origins.
Canada's national celebration is always observed on July 1, unless that date falls on a Sunday, in which case it is observed the following day.



Canada Day is considered a Family Day with outings, picnics and celebrations of the birth of our nation. We wave flags, sing songs and enjoy the day!

(information taken from http://www.kidsturncentral.com/holidays/canadaday.htm)



For some history behind Canada Day this next site has some good info about symbols, public life, and more http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/canada/canada-day



Thanks to everyone who participates, and to everyone who doesn't. This is supposed to be a fun and memorable day for our neighbors to the North, and I wanted to let others in on it!

For some pictures of the beautiful Butchart Gardens in lovely Victoria, British Columbia follow this link http://www.butchartgardens.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

I apologize in advance if the links don't work, or if the page you come to is blank. I am not the most computer savvy, and while this should be relatively easy I might not have done a few things correctly.

Yesterday I went to Manhattan to see my aunt and uncle. I met my uncle and his friend at Bluestem for some coffee and breakfast. We sat there and talked for about an hour and a half.

After that my uncle and I went to the post office where he sent off a package to Walter Hooper. I have never sent anything to anyone in England before. I didn't do anything except stand there and let my uncle tell me about when he met Walter. We had a successful trip to the post office.

We went to my aunt and uncles house where I spent the remainder of the afternoon. Ahhh... I love family. I love sitting and talking with my uncle. He is so full of life!

My adventure begins after I left the Fox and the Forest show. I was about to head back to KC and decided to go back to Bluestem to get some coffee and a lite bite to eat.

When I got back to my car I realized I didn't have my phone. I looked all around the driver area of the car, on top of the car, underneath the car. I re-traced my steps to Bluestem, and back to the car, but I didn't see it anywhere. I almost decided to just leave-I have an extra phone I can use-but decided to find it.

I asked a couple of girls if I could borrow a cell phone. I called my phone and a guy answered. He told me that he talked to my friend Sam and was going to meet up with him and give him my phone. That would have been fine, but since he was in Aggieville and I was in Aggieville, I decided to retrieve it myself. He told me where he was, and I set off. Well, I had no idea where he was. I am so unfamiliar with that tiny place.

Not having a cell phone to call him and figure out where he was I stopped and went into Subway where the gentleman kindly let me use the phone.

Alas, I found Hunam's Chinese Restaurant and the young man, Steven, who picked up my phone. I called Sam, my mom, and Cassie to let them all know I had it, and after a 45 minute delay I started home.

What I keep wondering is when exactly did I drop my phone, and when did he pick it up. I re-traced my steps maybe 5 minutes or less after I realized I didn't have it. I wouldn't be surprised if we had walked passed each other right after my phone dropped, and right before he saw it to pick it up. He told Cassie, I guess he called her, that he found this phone and wanted to get it back to the owner! He was a nice guy.

Overall good day! I saw my uncle and aunt, saw my friends play, and got home with my phone. Success!!