Chi-Town Half Marathon

Today I met one of my goals that I had set for myself for 2011.  I ran 13.1 miles in Chicago.  What a beautiful city.   The route took us along Lake Shore Drive and Lake Michigan.  Thank God the sun was shining because the temperature was below freezing!!  After checking in, I still had about 45 minutes before the start of the race.  I just shivered as I waited for the gun to go off.  After getting started running it only took a mile before I thawed out.  I wasn't racing for a specific time and really didn't know how I would do.  I used this race as part of my training journey to my 1st marathon in May.  The previous week I had to run 11 miles and this week was supposed to be a 12 mile long run.  I felt pretty good until the 11th mile marker and then I could really feel that I was slowing down and starting to get really stiff.  I felt like I was hardly moving at all.  I think this was mostly due to the cold weather.  I crossed the finish line in 2:34:40.  Was going to hang around and wait my turn for a massage but the longer I stood around the more sore I was getting.  I just wanted to get back to the hotel and take a long hot shower before we headed back home!!

Earthquakes & Tsunamis

Saying prayers for all those affected by the earthquake in Japan today and the tsunamis.  Really makes you stop and think what is important in your life.

It's Warming Up!!!

Today

"May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."

Running

Well, I've been running now consistently since this past June.  I don't run far and I certainly don't run fast.  I averaged about one race a month since June and that seemed to work well to keep me motivated.  Having a running partner has also been a big help.  I finally am ready to make a commitment to train for a marathon.  It's one of the 'things' on my bucket list that I have always kind of wanted to do.  I know that this is not going to be a little undertaking and that it is going to take a lot of time.  I picked this particular marathon because I wouldn't have to train through out the hot summer months.  I also chose this marathon because it is fairly close to home..  only about a three hour drive.  I will start my official marathon training the week of February 7th.  I am following the 16 week training program from the book, "The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer".

This is me running in the Coe Homecoming 5k.  I didn't do as well as I would have liked.  I felt good when I started out...  although I was having a wardrobe malfunction.  The running pants that I chose to wear that day did not have a draw string and since I had been running for about four months at that point, my pants were starting to fit looser and I was having a hard time keeping them up.  I think that took away from my time.  I was looking pretty good here coming into the track to finish the race.  Once I got on the track Hunter, who had finished several minutes earlier had come back to run with me to the end...  as I rounded the last turn on the track I started getting sick.  I wanted this race to be my best time, but unfortunately I had to keep stopping off to the side to throw up.  I'm not quite sure what was going on.  I did finish but not the time that I had hoped for.  Oh Well.

I've got all these cool little widgets on my blog now and I'm going to be very faithful logging all of my miles and any other training that I do. Wish me luck!

Happy New Year!!

Resolution #1 - Post weekly
Resolution #2 - Complete a marathon in 2011
Resolution #3 - Read more; watch t.v. less
Resolution #4 - Spend more time with family and friends


Not in any specific order......

Christmas 2010

Had a wonderful Christmas break home with the family.  My employer gave us two full weeks off with pay this year!  It was awesome!  Christmas Eve we went to church.  Each one of us had a role in the service.  Mike, Hunter, and I read and Blake and Mordecai did the candle lighting.  It was a nice service but didn't seem as full as normal do to all of the snow that we received.  I think it was at least 10 inches in all!

This is a picture looking out my back door. 

I think everyone was very happy with the gifts that they received this year.

Hunter received a new 42" t.v.

Mordecai was excited when he opened up his present to find a soccer jersey with the name and number of his favorite player, Lionel Messi.  He also got a Hawkeye t-shirt, a Barcelona stocking hat, a snowman blanket and a pillow in the shape of a soccer ball. This was a Christmas like he has never experienced before. I think he had an enjoyable 1st Christmas in the United States.

Blake was happy with his personalized Ipod Touch. He also received some pretty cool accessories to go along with it.

And Mike got Gold Truck Nuts. The boys thought that it would be funny to get them for him for a joke. I was very happy that they took them back to the store. I hate those things. ICK!

Later that day my sisters and parents came up for our family Christmas.  We had some really awesome food, soups, fruit, snacks, and pie!  We opened gifts and started from the youngest and went to the oldest.  I think the twins really enjoyed opening all of their presents.  Grandma and Grandpa Hickey bought them a trampoline but were only able to wrap a picture of it.  I don't think the twins really realize that they will have a trampoline in their backyard this spring.  It will be a nice surprise for them again come spring!

Karly

                                                                     

Grandpa

                                                                    

Grandma

                                                                    

Kasey

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and you were able to spend it with the ones you love!  I know I did.