tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26854239033549918802024-03-12T17:21:22.914-07:00Junk Food RunnerStories of a gal who loves to run. And eat. Probably mainly eat. But it wouldn't feel right just having a blog about how much I love to eat. So I had to add the running in there. Yeah, running and eating. That's me.Junk Food Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06642715874549042748noreply@blogger.comBlogger225125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685423903354991880.post-82859716520625313722014-03-28T20:52:00.000-07:002014-03-28T20:52:13.352-07:00Long story short...I had tendonitis for a year and had to cut my running back to about once a week for a couple miles.<br />
<br />
Then...<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x2a0WJT4TPM/UzZC2Xn80yI/AAAAAAAAAoc/66BRatXmP28/s1600/snow+day+052+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x2a0WJT4TPM/UzZC2Xn80yI/AAAAAAAAAoc/66BRatXmP28/s1600/snow+day+052+(2).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This happened<br />
<div align="left">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
So, I decided not to run during my pregnancy just to be safe.<br />
<br />
And since I'm not running, I don't have a lot to blog about. <br />
<br />
But I am still keeping track of all my bloggers :)<br />
<br />
And I will be back in October!Junk Food Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06642715874549042748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685423903354991880.post-42684426440757005502013-04-26T16:02:00.002-07:002013-04-26T16:02:31.834-07:00Vacation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last week was pretty rough. I had to deal with 7 days of views like this</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Val9WE2cJkc/UXsHDCLwVII/AAAAAAAAAnc/tldqBHyuEW0/s1600/Cruise+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Val9WE2cJkc/UXsHDCLwVII/AAAAAAAAAnc/tldqBHyuEW0/s320/Cruise+022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And this</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0OTEqbYPBBI/UXsHDrmUVII/AAAAAAAAAnk/4J4s_RDIa74/s1600/Cruise+221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0OTEqbYPBBI/UXsHDrmUVII/AAAAAAAAAnk/4J4s_RDIa74/s320/Cruise+221.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And all my runs were on a treadmill like this</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RlRw2ASmAUs/UXsHEDnB8XI/AAAAAAAAAns/6zWWbB86Irs/s1600/Cruise+245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RlRw2ASmAUs/UXsHEDnB8XI/AAAAAAAAAns/6zWWbB86Irs/s320/Cruise+245.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
While looking out at this</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aOvhe-tLstQ/UXsHE0j_FZI/AAAAAAAAAn0/FB_4CVGcosA/s1600/Cruise+246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aOvhe-tLstQ/UXsHE0j_FZI/AAAAAAAAAn0/FB_4CVGcosA/s320/Cruise+246.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tough life, I know!</div>
Junk Food Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06642715874549042748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685423903354991880.post-5405255145242827302013-04-12T14:42:00.001-07:002013-04-12T14:42:21.618-07:00ProgressToday I had my longest run yet PPTT (post-posterior tibial tendonitis), 50 minutes of running, with walk breaks every 5 minutes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-89BQyXQX17U/UWh94wfRDBI/AAAAAAAAAnM/xASOS90Cpt0/s1600/TM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-89BQyXQX17U/UWh94wfRDBI/AAAAAAAAAnM/xASOS90Cpt0/s320/TM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can't believe I am already back to running 5 miles! Considering I couldn't run for 7 weeks, and started out running 2 miles 2 weeks ago, I am pretty happy. My PT has cautiously approved me to start training for a set of races in July, and if my running continues to progress without issue I think I will sign up in a few weeks. This particular set of races has been a goal of mine for 2 years so I am hopeful this is finally the year I get to do it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Fingers crossed it keeps going well!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
Junk Food Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06642715874549042748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685423903354991880.post-49608474855367581992013-04-07T21:51:00.001-07:002013-04-07T21:51:11.291-07:00My race medals finally have a home!For my birthday last year, hubs designed a custom race medal hanger for me. We were going to hang it up and then one thing led to another and it ended up in the closet for a few months. <br />
<br />
We are in the process of redecorating the gym so we finally got around to hanging it up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cqH7v5T6k_s/UWJMBNG18cI/AAAAAAAAAm8/WIicx87OVJE/s1600/Metal+hanger+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cqH7v5T6k_s/UWJMBNG18cI/AAAAAAAAAm8/WIicx87OVJE/s320/Metal+hanger+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love it! It's so nice to have all my medals hanging in one place, they've been in a pile on the floor or hanging in the closet since last year. It has three tiers so it will last awhile, but I am excited to fill it up!</div>
Junk Food Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06642715874549042748noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685423903354991880.post-46548631586917561222013-04-05T15:43:00.002-07:002013-04-05T15:43:59.524-07:00Running is so much better than not runningToday makes one week that I have been RUNNING again!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MsHIWLKC5lA/UV9SSftcdMI/AAAAAAAAAms/LvQKEYL822M/s1600/Photo0180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MsHIWLKC5lA/UV9SSftcdMI/AAAAAAAAAms/LvQKEYL822M/s320/Photo0180.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">It has been way too long since I have seen this</span></div>
<br />
My physical therapist cleared me to run last week and said I could start with 20 minutes, and take walk breaks. As long as any pain calmed down within an hour, I could increase 10-20% for each run. So Friday I stepped on the treadmill for my first real run in 7 weeks. I was so anxious! I desperately wanted to have a good run and not feel any pain.<br />
<br />
I started out at an easy slow pace and it felt AMAZING to be running again! I had that "walking on sunshine" song in my head. I had decided to take a walk break every 5 minutes, and around the first walk break I started to feel some pain. It wasn't bad so I kept going. 5 minutes of running, 1 minute of walking, times 4. I had never been so happy to run 20 minutes! I had mild to moderate pain off and on, but after stretching and icing, it felt fine.<br />
<br />
Sunday I did the same thing, and added on one 5 minute run for a total of 25 minutes. The pain started a little sooner, but was less severe. Wednesday I got to run 30 minutes and had almost no pain in my tendon, but I had bad pain in my left ankle (later diagnosed as shin splints). Then this morning I got to run a whopping 35 MINUTES! Again almost no tendon pain.<br />
<br />
Now my dilemma is, when I wear the orthotic in my left shoe I get shin splints, but when I don't wear it I get symptoms of PTT on that side. I'm hoping the shin splints will go away as my leg adjusts to the orthotic.<br />
<br />
Being able to run again feels so good, even if I'm on pretty restricted mileage. My PT is really encouraging that I can keep working up to my old mileage as long as it doesn't negatively affect my healing. Music to my ears!Junk Food Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06642715874549042748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685423903354991880.post-34836779622166814332013-03-17T12:59:00.002-07:002013-03-17T12:59:23.937-07:00Life Without Running<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Five weeks ago I ran the Heartbreaker Half Marathon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TmDcaEmGGMI/UUYb21toLfI/AAAAAAAAAmY/v3n9x-uTCSI/s1600/Jan-Feb+Races+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TmDcaEmGGMI/UUYb21toLfI/AAAAAAAAAmY/v3n9x-uTCSI/s320/Jan-Feb+Races+032.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had been having some familiar pains from posterior tibial tendonitis so my plan was to take 2 weeks off and let it calm down. Last year I had the same issue and it went away with 2 weeks of rest and some leukotape to support the tendon. (The tape caused a latex allergy so I couldn't use it this time).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Two weeks later I hopped on the treadmill to test out my foot. I decided to go VERY easy and ran 1 minute, walked 1 minute. Before the first mile was over I had the PTT pain...worse than before. I stopped the treadmill and was on the phone with my sports medicine doc within a few minutes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Doctor confirmed it was PTT and advised continued rest till the pain went away, and getting a custom orthotic since it was a repeat issue. I could also do PT, but since I am still meeting my $1500 deductible we decided to wait and see if an orthotic worked. I could continue to cross train and was optimistic it would heal within another week or two.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I went to a podiatrist later that week to get assessed for an orthotic. Podiatrist encouraged cross training, and warned that tendons can take months to heal since they don't have a direct blood source. My optimism started to dim.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I continued to cross train (elliptical and bike were ok'd by both docs) and ice my foot. Two weeks after my first doctor appointment I wasn't seeing much progress so I called sports medicine doctor. He was surprised too that my foot wasn't healing as quickly as it should. We agreed to try the orthotic and see if that helped.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I got the orthotic a few days later and started wearing it. Its been a week so far and I don't see any real progress yet. I actually had severe pain with it doing the elliptical but luckily that only happened once. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So that brings me to today. Five weeks of no running, and no better for it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have gone through a wide range of emotions...sadness, anger, depression, regret, hopelessness, optimism, despair, frustration, you name it. I have missed one race and will be cancelling out of another. At this point I have no idea when I will be able to run again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My husband has been incredibly supportive and tries to help however he can. I've had about four big meltdowns so far, some days are better than others. To some people this probably seems like an overreaction to a minor injury, but running is one of the biggest passions in my life. It has been a daily presence in my life for three years, affecting how I eat, sleep, work, plan, and live. And it feels so wrong to have it missing right now. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am trying to focus on the positive things...this has given me an opportunity to focus on cross training, and we are redecorating the gym since I can't really use it right now. With each week that passes, not running becomes more "normal." I am hopeful something will change soon. But realistic that it may not for a while.</div>
Junk Food Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06642715874549042748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685423903354991880.post-47598029487414586582013-01-20T22:06:00.002-08:002013-01-20T22:06:49.244-08:00First Race of 2013 - Cascade Half-MarathonI remember when we were planning our 2013 race calendar I said,<i> I'm not going to do a race in January, it's too cold</i>. But somehow I ended up at the start line of the <a href="http://www.wvroadrunners.org/cascadehalf/">Cascade Half-Marathon</a> this morning.<br />
<br />
A week ago, the forecast was 52* and partly cloudy, which sounded perfect for a race. However, that changed to 29* and foggy today. Definitely the coldest weather I have ever run in. I was only doing this race as a training run and to add another race to my 30 by 30 goal, so I didn't feel any pressure to finish in a certain time or hold a certain pace. I didn't even really look at my Garmin most of the time, I tried to just run at a comfortable pace and have fun.<br />
<br />
After the first mile or so I had warmed up, but my hands and face were pretty cold. I could see frost forming on my eyelashes and people that I passed had frost on their hair and headbands. I had gloves on but after an hour my fingers were going numb. I took turns putting one hand in my jacket and holding my handheld in the other to try to warm them up, but as the race went on I lost more and more feeling in my hands. Some people had bare hands! I don't know what they did to keep them warm.<br />
<br />
When I hit the 2-hour mark I was about 10.5 miles in, and I knew if I held my pace I could finish in under 2:30 so at that point I started paying attention to how fast I was running. Also I was slightly concerned about getting frostbite in my fingers and wanted to finish as soon as I could without pushing the pace too much since I was supposed to be treating it as a long training run. <br />
<br />
I ended up finishing in 2:28:02, and for the first time ever I had a negative split! 1:14:15 for the first half, 1:13:47 for the second. I always have a slower second half so I was happy to finally speed up at the end. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Splits:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D2TkVcFmNjE/UPzXvIgsKJI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/AMiEnpZ709I/s1600/Cascade+Half.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D2TkVcFmNjE/UPzXvIgsKJI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/AMiEnpZ709I/s320/Cascade+Half.png" width="250" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The race was held at a high school, and they had chicken soup, bread, and cookies in the cafeteria for the runners. It felt funny going through the cafeteria line to get food and then finding a table, it was just like high school. We had plans to go to lunch after so I just had a piece of bread and some cookies. After the feeling came back in my fingers and face I changed clothes and we headed out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Overall I really liked this race. I paid the highest registration fee since I signed up a week out, and it was still only $60. They provided Brooks long-sleeve tees and a nice medal, as well as a lanyard, luggage tag (kind of random), and hand warmers at packet pick-up. I really wish I had seen the hand warmers before the race! It was really well organized, and since it was held at a school we could wait inside the gym until it started and had access to real bathrooms and showers. Hubs, my ever faithful race crew-er, was able to hang out in the gym and use the school's wifi while he waited for me. I think I will definitely do this race again next year, but hopefully it is a little warmer :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Crossing the finish line</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RIjpIVWQJpA/UPzZXYBhwpI/AAAAAAAAAls/E66PvBsx3fg/s1600/January+Races+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RIjpIVWQJpA/UPzZXYBhwpI/AAAAAAAAAls/E66PvBsx3fg/s320/January+Races+016.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Frost in my hair </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sJ2XrV4eE7E/UPzZZ_cXRSI/AAAAAAAAAl0/mwaW51K4hEQ/s1600/January+Races+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sJ2XrV4eE7E/UPzZZ_cXRSI/AAAAAAAAAl0/mwaW51K4hEQ/s320/January+Races+018.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My chin was numb so I couldn't smile right </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W3bCLh0iSgk/UPzZe7nwltI/AAAAAAAAAl8/8hgM2oaEWK0/s1600/January+Races+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W3bCLh0iSgk/UPzZe7nwltI/AAAAAAAAAl8/8hgM2oaEWK0/s320/January+Races+020.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next up is a week off running, then training for my 12-hour race starting next Sunday!</div>
<br />Junk Food Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06642715874549042748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685423903354991880.post-55548317761775374372013-01-03T21:38:00.000-08:002013-01-03T21:38:07.814-08:002013 Goals Each year it seems I have fewer and fewer running goals. For me it helps to focus on just a few important goals, when I had a lot of goals they started to interfere with each other (i.e. increasing speed for a shorter race distance while also increasing distance to do longer races) and I ended up getting injured with overtraining. <br />
<br />
These are my goals for 2013:<br />
<br />
1. Run a 12-hour race<br />
<br />
2. Complete 8 half-marathons (this is part of a larger, multi-year goal to complete 30 half-marathons before I turn 30 in July 2014. Currently I am at 16.)<br />
<br />
3. Run 1000 miles (this year I ran 970 miles and was very tempted to squeeze 30 miles into the last 2 days of the year.)<br />
<br />
Race calendar so far:<br />
<br />
January - Cascade Half-Marathon <br />
<br />
February - Heart Breaker Half-Marathon <br />
<br />
March - Lincoln City Half-Marathon <br />
<br />
April - nothing planned<br />
<br />
May - Hippie Chick Half-Marathon (walking with my mom for Mother's Day) and Redmond Watershed Preserve 12-Hour Run<br />
<br />
June - Helvetia Half-Marathon and Vancouver USA Half-Marathon<br />
<br />
July - Fueled by Fine Wine Half-Marathon (birthday weekend tradition)<br />
<br />
August - nothing planned<br />
<br />
September - nothing planned<br />
<br />
October - Autumn Leaves 50K or 50 Miler<br />
<br />
November - nothing planned<br />
<br />
December - Operation Jack Northwest 6-Hour Run<br />
<br />
So there you have it! 2013 in black and white. Somewhere in there I will add 1 or 2 more half-marathons to reach that goal. <br />
<br />
It's shaping up to be a good year.Junk Food Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06642715874549042748noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685423903354991880.post-39108508826679265732012-12-30T09:34:00.000-08:002012-12-30T11:43:12.435-08:002012 in Review<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In 2011 I had a lot of running goals around race times and setting PRs. I accomplished a lot of those goals, but it wasn't as much fun as I thought it would be. In 2012 I decided to making having fun one of my main goals. 2012 turned out to be a pretty good year, despite struggling with a few injuries.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These were my <a href="http://megsrunningjournal.blogspot.com/2012/01/2011-in-review2012-goals.html">2012 goals:</a></div>
<br />
Break 2:10 in a half-marathon <br />
Complete a marathon<br />
Complete an
ultramarathon <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I accomplished 2 out of 3. And I am happy with that.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Races run:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
10ks: 1 </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Half-Marathons: 7 </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Marathons: 2</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ultramarathons: 1</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Total miles run: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
970.8 (so close to 1000! maybe next year)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
New states added:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Massachusetts</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Maryland</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few highlights...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Earned another Heavy Medal with Rock n Roll Portland and Rock n Roll Seattle</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBy8Uxf2tuw/UOB3SCriwTI/AAAAAAAAAks/LxnL5PNa6RA/s1600/Rock+n+Roll+Portland+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBy8Uxf2tuw/UOB3SCriwTI/AAAAAAAAAks/LxnL5PNa6RA/s320/Rock+n+Roll+Portland+016.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_sJiowSlC08/UOB3D0YoSYI/AAAAAAAAAkk/1bRvC6Skbfo/s1600/Rock+n+Roll+Seattle+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_sJiowSlC08/UOB3D0YoSYI/AAAAAAAAAkk/1bRvC6Skbfo/s320/Rock+n+Roll+Seattle+007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ran my first trail race...and hated it</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5T0rUCi2zhU/UOB2RU7jjiI/AAAAAAAAAkM/eI8LXDOH5wA/s1600/xterra+portland+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5T0rUCi2zhU/UOB2RU7jjiI/AAAAAAAAAkM/eI8LXDOH5wA/s320/xterra+portland+009.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_sJiowSlC08/UOB3D0YoSYI/AAAAAAAAAkk/1bRvC6Skbfo/s1600/Rock+n+Roll+Seattle+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ran my first marathon and loved it!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T8gjoJzsGkk/UOB2cEYg3gI/AAAAAAAAAkU/TQNnyGS3TSw/s1600/East+Coast+Fall+2012+064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T8gjoJzsGkk/UOB2cEYg3gI/AAAAAAAAAkU/TQNnyGS3TSw/s320/East+Coast+Fall+2012+064.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBy8Uxf2tuw/UOB3SCriwTI/AAAAAAAAAks/LxnL5PNa6RA/s1600/Rock+n+Roll+Portland+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ran my second marathon and almost swore off running</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UgMxQHKjazU/UOB3gV2U3uI/AAAAAAAAAk0/ozVKYrRDf_o/s1600/Seattle+Marathon+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UgMxQHKjazU/UOB3gV2U3uI/AAAAAAAAAk0/ozVKYrRDf_o/s320/Seattle+Marathon+011.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ran my first ultra and made a huge checkmark on my bucket list</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Acrzth9RDNk/UOB2urgiV2I/AAAAAAAAAkc/cRPpy_kv7ds/s1600/Ultra+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Acrzth9RDNk/UOB2urgiV2I/AAAAAAAAAkc/cRPpy_kv7ds/s320/Ultra+009.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am working on some goals for 2013...I think it will be a great year!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What are some of your running goals for next year?</div>
<br />Junk Food Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06642715874549042748noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685423903354991880.post-74142062264681280922012-12-27T20:46:00.005-08:002012-12-27T20:46:55.160-08:00All Smiles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I guess I was a little happy to be running last weekend. I love it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xoObAm_VKS0/UN0in6laYhI/AAAAAAAAAjU/Nz0TndzhbjY/s1600/OJNWR3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xoObAm_VKS0/UN0in6laYhI/AAAAAAAAAjU/Nz0TndzhbjY/s320/OJNWR3.png" width="223" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jF9CcnwT29M/UN0irSlkS-I/AAAAAAAAAjc/ELxbaIWVncQ/s1600/OJNWR.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jF9CcnwT29M/UN0irSlkS-I/AAAAAAAAAjc/ELxbaIWVncQ/s320/OJNWR.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2g7cAy1OELU/UN0iveVcIjI/AAAAAAAAAjk/SOjsZSXWnjs/s1600/OJNWR4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2g7cAy1OELU/UN0iveVcIjI/AAAAAAAAAjk/SOjsZSXWnjs/s320/OJNWR4.png" width="218" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ECXi3QcAgQ/UN0iz2CAO_I/AAAAAAAAAjs/qJa44DVv86k/s1600/OJNWR2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ECXi3QcAgQ/UN0iz2CAO_I/AAAAAAAAAjs/qJa44DVv86k/s320/OJNWR2.png" width="238" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit to Leyla Duechle Photography.</span></div>
<br />Junk Food Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06642715874549042748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685423903354991880.post-42007814449177290822012-12-23T19:33:00.000-08:002012-12-23T19:51:39.346-08:00Officially an Ultramarathoner!<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I started out 2012 with one main running goal - to complete an ultramarathon. I had even dubbed it "the year of the ultra." At first I had my eye on the Mt Hood 50 miler in July. A hamstring strain in December 2011 put that one out of reach, so I decided to focus on the Autumn Leaves 50k in October. I was less than a month out from the race when we found out my MIL was having surgery and we ended up flying out to NJ that week instead to stay with her. I thought my goal of completing an ultra in 2012 was out the window...until I remembered a 6-hour timed run that had been held last December. I looked online to see if it was being offered again - it was! It was the <a href="http://operationjacknorthwestrun.com/">Operation Jack Northwest Run,</a> a 6-hour run where participants could run as many laps around a .95 mile course as they wanted to within 6 hours.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Saturday was race day. All week the weather had been forecasted as cold (high 30s to low 40s) and rainy. I wasn't sure how it was going to go, my backup plan was to run an hour or so on the course, then come home and run the rest of the 6 hours on the treadmill if it was just too wet or cold to stay out there. When we woke up, it was dry but chilly. After the usual pre-race routine I was ready to go.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BqPX5-4xkrw/UNfENmVl2vI/AAAAAAAAAiI/tW-3RsXvykw/s1600/Ultra+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BqPX5-4xkrw/UNfENmVl2vI/AAAAAAAAAiI/tW-3RsXvykw/s320/Ultra+006.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The race was held at a local park about 15 minutes from our house, very convenient! The aid station was under a covered area, and participants could leave drop bags to access every lap. Hubs parked our car right in front of the aid station/start line so I could just use that as my personal aid station. There were also real bathrooms which was great, porta potties are one of my least favorite things about racing. The race was very small (100 person cap), so we all just gathered around the covered area and after a few words from the RD we were ready to start. It was freezing so I was ready to get moving.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F1D4VpPPvXU/UNfEP3TISYI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/ThVl7S61FT4/s1600/Ultra+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F1D4VpPPvXU/UNfEP3TISYI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/ThVl7S61FT4/s320/Ultra+007.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My A goal was to run 30 miles, my B goal was to run an ultra distance (technically anything more than 26.2 miles). The course was paved but very slick since it had been raining all week, and had a few uphill and downhill portions. I decided to try to average around 5 miles an hour, which would get me to my 30 mile goal, and see how it went. I maintained this pace for the first 3 hours or so. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z4qC04djOjA/UNfESJqfJ6I/AAAAAAAAAiY/eGEd3FUy2sY/s1600/Ultra+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z4qC04djOjA/UNfESJqfJ6I/AAAAAAAAAiY/eGEd3FUy2sY/s320/Ultra+009.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Approaching the half-way point, I knew I would have to start walking more if I wanted to make it the full 6 hours. After having a very sour experience at the <a href="http://megsrunningjournal.blogspot.com/2012/11/seattle-marathon-2012262-miles-is-no.html">Seattle Marathon,</a> I really wanted to have a good race to end the year. I wanted to enjoy it and finish with my love of running intact. Starting out the 4th hour, I incorporated more walking. With a little over 15 miles done in the first 3 hours, I only needed to do about 12 more miles to reach an ultra distance. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At this point, hubs, who had been running off and on with me, left to go get lunch. I had been taking 2 shot bloks every 30 minutes and my stomach was starting to get upset from the lack of real food. I was hoping it wouldn't derail me too much, and worried that if I had to quit hubs was gone. After a few more laps he had returned and when I told him I was having trouble he started running with me again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When we came around to the aid station I saw a familiar car parking next to the course. Hubs had arranged for my parents to come cheer me on! I almost started crying when I saw my mom. I was so surprised they had come all the way out just to see me run, and it was exactly what I needed at that point. They stayed around for awhile, walking with me for a minute when I came by their car, then huddling in the car to stay warm while I went out for another lap. It was so special to have them there.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was getting pretty tired around the 23 mile point, and starting to ache. I had started eating pretzels to get some real food in my stomach, but I was feeling nauseas. Once I hit 24 miles and I knew I would definitely be able to complete an ultra distance, I gave myself permission to walk as much as I wanted. I didn't want this to turn into Seattle Marathon part 2. There were only a handful of runners still on the course (people could stop whenever they wanted) and most people were doing some combination of running and walking. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The only laps that counted for the official race distance were the ones completed by the time 6 hours was up. I finished my 29th lap with about 10 minutes to spare, I knew I couldn't finish another lap before time expired but I wanted to go the full 6 hours so I did a short out-and-back on the course, ending up at the start/finish line at exactly 6 hours. I had completed 28.05 miles.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BmuPrHgzbSY/UNfEhs8u9oI/AAAAAAAAAio/xqTNMd-ysdE/s1600/Ultra+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BmuPrHgzbSY/UNfEhs8u9oI/AAAAAAAAAio/xqTNMd-ysdE/s320/Ultra+015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was an ultramarathoner! I know it isn't a 50k, but it is longer than a marathon. I was overjoyed to have completed a goal that eluded me for the last 11 months. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4mQ4bOUVqjw/UNfEesgHtDI/AAAAAAAAAig/KGgzMcT-VKQ/s1600/Ultra+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4mQ4bOUVqjw/UNfEesgHtDI/AAAAAAAAAig/KGgzMcT-VKQ/s320/Ultra+012.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It also meant I FINALLY got to wear this shirt I bought about 3 months ago. The front of the shirt says "start" with all these different race distances (5k, 8k, 10k, 13.1, 26.2) and then ultra, which wraps around the back of the shirt.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T52HuoLNY3o/UNfEj-bC_7I/AAAAAAAAAiw/wz1TGIKiNpk/s1600/Ultra+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T52HuoLNY3o/UNfEj-bC_7I/AAAAAAAAAiw/wz1TGIKiNpk/s320/Ultra+017.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also got to have a guilt-free veggie pizza all to myself! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K5jEAClvDww/UNfEnC3DTOI/AAAAAAAAAi4/e1TCNuBwFZ4/s1600/Ultra+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K5jEAClvDww/UNfEnC3DTOI/AAAAAAAAAi4/e1TCNuBwFZ4/s320/Ultra+019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I thought this might be my first and only ultra. I wanted to complete one as kind of a "bucket list" thing, but I am hooked. I really like the timed race aspect, rather than a fixed distance. I already have my eye on a 12-hour race next year :) For now I am taking a little time off though, I think I owe my body a break after 3 marathon+ races in 3 months.<br />
<br />
For anyone considering an ultra...do it! The sense of accomplishment is incomparable, and the experience is unparalleled by traditional race distances. I still love half-marathons and I am on ok terms with marathons, but the ultra has become my true love.Junk Food Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06642715874549042748noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685423903354991880.post-64109162993261093052012-12-05T21:56:00.000-08:002012-12-05T21:56:03.493-08:00Fitting It In5k doesn't seem like that much. 3.1 miles. Roughly 30 minutes of running, or 50-60 minutes of walking. But, it's surprising how hard it can be to fit it into your day sometimes.<br />
<br />
I work a compressed schedule (10 hour days, 4 days a week) and I'm in grad school, so in general fitting things in can be especially difficult during the week. Yesterday I worked 7:30-6 and had Zumba from 6:30-7:30, followed by dinner. I knew I wasn't going to feel like running after dinner, and I also didn't feel like getting up at 5:30 to run before work.<br />
<br />
I am incredibly fortunate to work from home, so my solution was to break up the 5k and do it on my work breaks. I ran 1.35 miles on my 15 minute break in the morning, and ran 1.75 miles on my lunch. I spent some time stretching and foam rolling and ran out of time to shower, so I sat on a towel in my office chair until my afternoon break when I could rinse off before putting on my Zumba clothes.<br />
<br />
I have no idea how you moms out there do it, I couldn't imagine working a full day, fitting in workouts, and also taking care of kids. You are all amazing!<br />
<br />
How do you find ways to fit it in?Junk Food Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06642715874549042748noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685423903354991880.post-6353827688732762192012-12-03T22:00:00.002-08:002012-12-03T22:00:54.669-08:005K-a-Day ChallengeMichael over at <a href="http://slowlytri-ing.blogspot.com/2012/11/reposting-so-after-posting-this-i-had-4.html">Slowly Tri-ing</a> has created a challenge of running a 5k every day in December. I thought this would be a great way to stay active through the holiday so I signed up! She said walking 5k is ok too, since I am still recovering from a marathon and in general my body is not a fan of running very day.<br />
<br />
The challenge technically started today, but I started mine on the 1st because I am a little OCD about things like that. So far, so good - 3 days down, 28 to go.<br />
<br />
If you are interested in joining the challenge it's not too late! Just head on over to Michael's blog for the <a href="http://slowlytri-ing.blogspot.com/2012/12/dec-5k-day-rules-and-theres-still-time.html">details.</a> Junk Food Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06642715874549042748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685423903354991880.post-32518913111943841862012-11-30T13:37:00.001-08:002012-11-30T13:37:04.762-08:00Bad Race = Good Race Picture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Despite being miserable I remembered to smile for the camera, and somehow my worst race produced my best running picture. Normally I am way too embarassed of race photos to post them, but this is one of the best ones I've taken. No chewing, no gloves in the sports bra, no mid-sentence talking mouth, no unflattering up-the-skirt view. It's a miracle!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GNf_5d_jLLI/ULkmQw5QQyI/AAAAAAAAAhs/w-RqqIoHWyw/s1600/meg+seattle+marathon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GNf_5d_jLLI/ULkmQw5QQyI/AAAAAAAAAhs/w-RqqIoHWyw/s320/meg+seattle+marathon.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit to brightroom, Inc.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Junk Food Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06642715874549042748noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685423903354991880.post-87162570617627821962012-11-28T20:38:00.002-08:002012-11-28T20:38:53.581-08:00Seattle Marathon 2012...26.2 miles is no joke.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few months ago hubs and I looked at the Seattle Marathon and kind of (really) wanted to do it. But, it was the day before my best friend's due date and I didn't want to be out of town when she went into labor. So, we found other races to do and put it out of our minds.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then on November 6th, my friend gave birth to her beautiful daughter and we realized Seattle was now a possibility. However, neither of us had been training to run a marathon and it was less than 3 weeks away. We don't always make the most rational choices when it comes to running so of course it sounded like a great idea and we signed up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now, 26.2 miles and 3 days of the worst post-race soreness ever later, I have learned my lesson. 19 days is not enough time to train for a marathon. Also, running 2 marathons 6 weeks apart = not a recommended race schedule. I know some people are experienced long distance runners and have no problem with this. Less-than-experienced long distance runners recovering from injuries and a cold may have a problem with this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But, we finished the race! And in the end that is all that matters. And despite all of my frustration, self-pity, anger, and tears, hubs never left my side. That is a true friend. There is a big possibility that I would have dropped out of the race if he hadn't been there with me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So for now I will ignore the fact that it was my personal worst marathon time and focus on the fact that I have an awesome husband who will run 5 hours with me, then drive 3 hours home while I sit in the car stuffing my face. Love you hubs! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RiKmZTtumWI/ULbh5a3ApoI/AAAAAAAAAgY/b2ETuNu18Nc/s1600/Seattle+Marathon+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RiKmZTtumWI/ULbh5a3ApoI/AAAAAAAAAgY/b2ETuNu18Nc/s320/Seattle+Marathon+007.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bundled up and leaving the hotel. It was 38* out.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3pUk3z5dMYI/ULbiANui9LI/AAAAAAAAAgs/-MCeAiXHCXw/s1600/Seattle+Marathon+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3pUk3z5dMYI/ULbiANui9LI/AAAAAAAAAgs/-MCeAiXHCXw/s320/Seattle+Marathon+009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hubs snoozing in the parking garage</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QS5fcSa6VeU/ULbiCl0SjEI/AAAAAAAAAg0/7XvxdYFdA6A/s1600/Seattle+Marathon+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QS5fcSa6VeU/ULbiCl0SjEI/AAAAAAAAAg0/7XvxdYFdA6A/s320/Seattle+Marathon+011.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ready to go! Blissfully unaware of the hours of pain that lie ahead</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BvSbSQYQkek/ULbiE5cSdzI/AAAAAAAAAg8/vdDwSYzn2rg/s1600/Seattle+Marathon+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BvSbSQYQkek/ULbiE5cSdzI/AAAAAAAAAg8/vdDwSYzn2rg/s320/Seattle+Marathon+013.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hubs ready to run</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-evyp5NVBTlI/ULbiITuNx9I/AAAAAAAAAhE/IGou_LHtGC0/s1600/Seattle+Marathon+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-evyp5NVBTlI/ULbiITuNx9I/AAAAAAAAAhE/IGou_LHtGC0/s320/Seattle+Marathon+016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Following the race - my giant apple fritter from Pike Place Market</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kG4bYKjKhLs/ULbiLPNE1KI/AAAAAAAAAhM/epe9PKTrQJw/s1600/Seattle+Marathon+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kG4bYKjKhLs/ULbiLPNE1KI/AAAAAAAAAhM/epe9PKTrQJw/s320/Seattle+Marathon+017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Don't worry, I didn't eat the whole thing. I don't want diabetes yet. Or ever really.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-26vzmNmvWo4/ULbiN2i5zOI/AAAAAAAAAhU/kJyxqSElnXU/s1600/Seattle+Marathon+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-26vzmNmvWo4/ULbiN2i5zOI/AAAAAAAAAhU/kJyxqSElnXU/s320/Seattle+Marathon+018.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We were so cold and hungry after the race we forgot to take a finish photo. This is a fake finish photo in our kitchen.</div>
<br />Junk Food Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06642715874549042748noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685423903354991880.post-7768759123873425232012-11-22T21:08:00.000-08:002012-11-22T21:08:20.020-08:00Today I am Thankful for Zumba and Italian Food<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Thanksgiving!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
My day of thanks started out with a 90 minute zumba party, complete with DJ. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_G9QtAZK6RY/UK8BpoXcEFI/AAAAAAAAAfY/_D5y2rryYK0/s1600/DJ.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_G9QtAZK6RY/UK8BpoXcEFI/AAAAAAAAAfY/_D5y2rryYK0/s320/DJ.png" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My good friend Rachelle joined me. Zumba is our special time.</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After zumba and a shower, we headed over to my parents' house for Thanksgiving dinner, Italian style!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OR_A6S4o4nI/UK8BwjZJnII/AAAAAAAAAfg/DP-WkA_NNJE/s1600/Thanksgiving+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OR_A6S4o4nI/UK8BwjZJnII/AAAAAAAAAfg/DP-WkA_NNJE/s320/Thanksgiving+005.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mom's delicious homemade baked ziti</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BIzPeikzhUs/UK8BygX4MII/AAAAAAAAAfo/okFy4kWNElY/s1600/Thanksgiving+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BIzPeikzhUs/UK8BygX4MII/AAAAAAAAAfo/okFy4kWNElY/s320/Thanksgiving+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Buttery garlic bread</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7KvLKibaRmI/UK8B1dh0abI/AAAAAAAAAfw/ZBg5mZ290Qc/s1600/Thanksgiving+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7KvLKibaRmI/UK8B1dh0abI/AAAAAAAAAfw/ZBg5mZ290Qc/s320/Thanksgiving+010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Grilled chicken with sauteed mushrooms and linguine alfredo</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l9QUXlobTNQ/UK8B6jMMUYI/AAAAAAAAAf4/jhIydy-UFkE/s1600/Thanksgiving+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l9QUXlobTNQ/UK8B6jMMUYI/AAAAAAAAAf4/jhIydy-UFkE/s320/Thanksgiving+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Chocolate amaretto cake</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After dinner I may or may not have eaten leftover chocolate amaretto buttercream frosting while watching X Factor. Overall, a pretty perfect Thanksgiving in my book.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3 days till Seattle Marathon!</div>
Junk Food Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06642715874549042748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685423903354991880.post-64955083699615887562012-11-16T16:45:00.003-08:002012-11-16T16:45:54.604-08:00Fast Enough to MatterI am not a fast runner. I am getting faster. But I will never qualify for Boston or win my age group. Whenever I try to run fast, I get injured. And I feel bad if I can't meet certain paces/times. I would rather enjoy running at the pace that comes naturally and feels safe, then push myself to run faster because that's what "matters" to other people.<br />
<br />
My first marathon didn't go perfectly, but I still had an amazing time and was proud to have finished. My time was 5:05. The non-runners in my life were so happy and proud of me, they didn't care it took me more than 5 hours. I was happy, but a little embarassed by the 5 in front of my time.<br />
<br />
I was feeling ok though, and still proud of my accomplishment. Then I came across a forum discussing the NY Times' decision to only publish NYC Marathon runners who finished in 4:30 or less. The majority of the posters agreed with this decision, and made hurtful comments about how runners who take more than 4 hours aren't taking it seriously and aren't really runners. We are joggers or run/walk-ers. People were saying that someone who took longer to run the same 26.2 miles was not accomplishing the same thing as a runner who finished in 3 or 4 hours. <br />
<br />
I felt really bad about my time after that. I could never dream of finishing a marathon in the 3-hour range. I don't get what these people were hoping to accomplish by posting that. What do they think gives them the right to judge other runners? What makes a 3-hour marathoner any less of a runner than a 5-hour marathoner? They were bullying runners who probably had to summon a lot of courage to even start running in the first place. I had always thought the running community was supportive and encouraging, but this forum completely changed my mind. Some runners are just arrogant, or bitter, or out to make other people feel bad. <br />
<br />
Your marathon time does not define you. If you are lucky, it becomes a lasting part of who you are and what shaped you. I am proud of the 5 hours and 5 minutes I spent running some of the most joyful, difficult, and satisying 26.2 miles of my life. <br />
<br />
I hope that I will always focus on the journey and the accomplishment, and not on the fact that it takes me a little longer to get there than other runners. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h_XIUK2LAYU/UKbcxRns0YI/AAAAAAAAAeU/QvI0JlvlDmo/s1600/East+Coast+Fall+2012+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h_XIUK2LAYU/UKbcxRns0YI/AAAAAAAAAeU/QvI0JlvlDmo/s320/East+Coast+Fall+2012+036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xcev1reHB5M/UKbdBztlodI/AAAAAAAAAek/W7murG-NH-U/s1600/24+-+mile+13.5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xcev1reHB5M/UKbdBztlodI/AAAAAAAAAek/W7murG-NH-U/s320/24+-+mile+13.5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ow8MRyX7HZA/UKbcpfaa8xI/AAAAAAAAAeI/vHQmjyloP2I/s1600/East+Coast+Fall+2012+062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ow8MRyX7HZA/UKbcpfaa8xI/AAAAAAAAAeI/vHQmjyloP2I/s320/East+Coast+Fall+2012+062.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0rCPxIKdQdo/UKbc97vLU-I/AAAAAAAAAec/DsXd2iXKSeI/s1600/26+-+Baltimore+finisher.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0rCPxIKdQdo/UKbc97vLU-I/AAAAAAAAAec/DsXd2iXKSeI/s320/26+-+Baltimore+finisher.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xcev1reHB5M/UKbdBztlodI/AAAAAAAAAek/W7murG-NH-U/s1600/24+-+mile+13.5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<br />
Junk Food Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06642715874549042748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685423903354991880.post-54514655363546611112012-10-15T17:27:00.001-07:002012-10-15T17:27:40.771-07:00Racing Firsts and Catching UpThe last few months I have been bad at blogging, but good at racing! I have done at least one race each month, including a lot of firsts! (And one BIG first :) I guess I will start where my last post left off...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
July - first repeat race - Fueled By Fine Wine Half Marathon </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-55McIyvJ54c/UHymHNAMGKI/AAAAAAAAAcE/0qmWR7jjjks/s1600/Fueled+By+Fine+Wine+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-55McIyvJ54c/UHymHNAMGKI/AAAAAAAAAcE/0qmWR7jjjks/s320/Fueled+By+Fine+Wine+017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bb6JzvYzR18/UHymN9cRKLI/AAAAAAAAAcM/skPllYRw1x0/s1600/Fueled+By+Fine+Wine+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bb6JzvYzR18/UHymN9cRKLI/AAAAAAAAAcM/skPllYRw1x0/s320/Fueled+By+Fine+Wine+034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d2cUdzfQQbU/UHymyQp_iUI/AAAAAAAAAcg/5GLFS7EerjE/s1600/Fueled+By+Fine+Wine+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d2cUdzfQQbU/UHymyQp_iUI/AAAAAAAAAcg/5GLFS7EerjE/s320/Fueled+By+Fine+Wine+023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
August - first trail race - Xterra Portland</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-14Fpd1v-tnw/UHynVBQt_TI/AAAAAAAAAco/pRUA18z1Rr4/s1600/xterra+portland+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-14Fpd1v-tnw/UHynVBQt_TI/AAAAAAAAAco/pRUA18z1Rr4/s320/xterra+portland+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SszvxbpZ9nI/UHynXCHUbvI/AAAAAAAAAcw/bXIwzmxV1W8/s1600/xterra+portland+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SszvxbpZ9nI/UHynXCHUbvI/AAAAAAAAAcw/bXIwzmxV1W8/s320/xterra+portland+009.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
August - first women-only race - Every Girl's Half-Marathon</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h0CcK-Occbw/UHynpZnSi2I/AAAAAAAAAc4/4D5yZeMuV04/s1600/Avery+and+fall+races+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h0CcK-Occbw/UHynpZnSi2I/AAAAAAAAAc4/4D5yZeMuV04/s320/Avery+and+fall+races+013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
September - Champoeg Park Half-Marathon (nothing special about this one)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y_jJ2Z6cQEk/UHyoI2XgxWI/AAAAAAAAAdI/vQxMFHC7D0o/s1600/Avery+and+fall+races+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y_jJ2Z6cQEk/UHyoI2XgxWI/AAAAAAAAAdI/vQxMFHC7D0o/s320/Avery+and+fall+races+048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kj5hp3ChGEg/UHyoEc1gUNI/AAAAAAAAAdA/jgDnR-XMCf0/s1600/Avery+and+fall+races+045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kj5hp3ChGEg/UHyoEc1gUNI/AAAAAAAAAdA/jgDnR-XMCf0/s320/Avery+and+fall+races+045.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
October - first half-marathon with a 2:30 cut-off - Boston Half Marathon</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-80F5qp727Ac/UHyoUi8FvpI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/DwutViZwP40/s1600/Avery+and+fall+races+059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-80F5qp727Ac/UHyoUi8FvpI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/DwutViZwP40/s320/Avery+and+fall+races+059.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E0mAH1ZdNww/UHyoZgVOWHI/AAAAAAAAAdY/18wq26Xhj4s/s1600/Avery+and+fall+races+079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E0mAH1ZdNww/UHyoZgVOWHI/AAAAAAAAAdY/18wq26Xhj4s/s320/Avery+and+fall+races+079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
October - first MARATHON! - Baltimore Marathon</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k2OesUwxVwQ/UHyo7GuS3YI/AAAAAAAAAdg/JM-6kDZnw6I/s1600/East+Coast+Fall+2012+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k2OesUwxVwQ/UHyo7GuS3YI/AAAAAAAAAdg/JM-6kDZnw6I/s320/East+Coast+Fall+2012+036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-apc_zBqjuws/UHypAM5LdyI/AAAAAAAAAdo/Rff2nXpMKNo/s1600/East+Coast+Fall+2012+061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-apc_zBqjuws/UHypAM5LdyI/AAAAAAAAAdo/Rff2nXpMKNo/s320/East+Coast+Fall+2012+061.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xi-czv3xsx8/UHypDZjJ-XI/AAAAAAAAAdw/qDnf0UYc10U/s1600/East+Coast+Fall+2012+065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xi-czv3xsx8/UHypDZjJ-XI/AAAAAAAAAdw/qDnf0UYc10U/s320/East+Coast+Fall+2012+065.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now you are all caught up! It has been a whirlwind summer and a crazy first month of fall. Things should slow down in the next few weeks so hopefully this is the end of my blogging hiatus :)</div>
Junk Food Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06642715874549042748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685423903354991880.post-85884210232521087282012-07-02T20:04:00.002-07:002012-07-02T20:04:41.147-07:00Rock n Roll Seattle Half-Marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Better late than never...my report from Rock n Roll Seattle!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was the biggest race I have ever done, around 25,000 people. We stayed about 30 mins outside of the city and had pre-purchased parking at the garage so we left the hotel around 4:45 and were parked by 5:25. Everything went pretty smoothly, we checked our bags, used the porta potties, and got in our corral. We were in corral 24 so we didn't start till about 7:36. It was cold! But as soon as we started running I warmed up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hubs stopped to use a porta potty around mile 3, I was going to walk for a bit to stretch my calf and he was going to catch up with me. I started running again after a bit and thought he would run until he caught up with me; he thought I was going to keep walking until he caught up and got worried when he didn't see me walking on the side. We ended up not finding each other again until about an hour after I finished the race.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Technically...I ran a 13.1-mile PR of 2:16. But, there were so many people and so many turns that I ended up running 13.43 miles in 2:19:58, 23 seconds over my current PR. Grrrr! So close! I just need to find a small race with minimal hills and turns. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We really lucked out with having perfect weather during the race, cloudy turning into sun, high 50s and a light breeze. An hour or so later it started pouring down rain, I felt bad for all the marathoners still out on the course.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We walked over to Pike Place Market, hubs got a sour dough cinnamon roll and I got a Texas apple fritter. It was bigger than my head. The woman next to me on the bench was looking at us so I didn't take a picture. Trust me, it was amazing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We sat at a coffee shop for awhile deciding what to do. This is when it started pouring down rain. We opted to go to Red Robin on the pier (a 10 minute walk), since our car was still parked at the garage a mile away. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There were several other groups of racers at RR. Funny to see the different types, an older grizzled man wearing two Garmins, a mom and two teenage-looking girls, three women decked out head-to-toe in Rock n Roll merchandise. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After lunch we amazingly caught a cab right out front and went back to our car. Then we drove back to the hotel and were lazy. It was great. I had ice cream for dinner.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Overall the race was pretty good, despite losing my husband for a few hours. My favorite part was running along Lake Washington and Elliot Bay. I think hubs' favorite part was <a href="http://megsrunningjournal.blogspot.com/2012/06/me-and-ultramarathon-man.html">meeting Dean K.</a> at the expo. I don't know if I will do it again though, there are a lot of logistics involved! But I do love running in Seattle, so we may look into the Seattle Marathon. It was a very fun weekend!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fb_UCaeQ1SM/T_Jc7bdJVmI/AAAAAAAAAbU/pLWwl0mHZnQ/s1600/Rock+n+Roll+Seattle+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fb_UCaeQ1SM/T_Jc7bdJVmI/AAAAAAAAAbU/pLWwl0mHZnQ/s320/Rock+n+Roll+Seattle+005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hanging out in the parking garage before the race</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBhx8fdsjOA/T_Jc81MMrfI/AAAAAAAAAbc/k6YoGgdZ0mg/s1600/Rock+n+Roll+Seattle+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBhx8fdsjOA/T_Jc81MMrfI/AAAAAAAAAbc/k6YoGgdZ0mg/s320/Rock+n+Roll+Seattle+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After the race, when we finally found each other!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBtEmut8E6E/T_Jc-YWTP6I/AAAAAAAAAbk/K770zsMPJxs/s1600/Rock+n+Roll+Seattle+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBtEmut8E6E/T_Jc-YWTP6I/AAAAAAAAAbk/K770zsMPJxs/s320/Rock+n+Roll+Seattle+007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am really bad at putting race bibs on straight. I should really use a mirror.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1bp9IWf13bg/T_JdC7Y3K_I/AAAAAAAAAbw/yhXExrYRia0/s1600/Rock+n+Roll+Seattle+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1bp9IWf13bg/T_JdC7Y3K_I/AAAAAAAAAbw/yhXExrYRia0/s320/Rock+n+Roll+Seattle+010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yum veggie cheeseburger and fries! My usual post-race craving.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SqismIX53Bo/T_JdGN_fcBI/AAAAAAAAAb4/Z4069A54ttI/s1600/Rock+n+Roll+Seattle+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SqismIX53Bo/T_JdGN_fcBI/AAAAAAAAAb4/Z4069A54ttI/s320/Rock+n+Roll+Seattle+016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
RnR Portland medal, RnR Seattle medal, and Pacific Peaks medal for doing both. I am a sucker for medals!</div>Junk Food Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06642715874549042748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685423903354991880.post-29156675752760515092012-06-22T19:52:00.000-07:002012-06-22T19:53:30.098-07:00Me and the Ultramarathon Man<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RHnC3QaO3Z8/T-UuSrTbNiI/AAAAAAAAAbI/OFBYTZ8uewQ/s1600/Photo0829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RHnC3QaO3Z8/T-UuSrTbNiI/AAAAAAAAAbI/OFBYTZ8uewQ/s320/Photo0829.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hubs and I with Dean Karnazes! When we were posing for the picture, Dean said "beauty in the middle." You don't argue with Dean Karnazes. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
He signed my poster "Keep smiling & keep running." I am clearly his new bff. Don't be jealous hubs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>Junk Food Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06642715874549042748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685423903354991880.post-17611007320070439762012-06-03T16:19:00.000-07:002012-06-03T16:19:20.574-07:00Post Long-Run Cravings and Race AddictionsUsually I plan out what I am going to eat after a long run, but then sometimes I don't feel like eating what I got. So today I decided I would do my run, and then eat whatever I was craving afterward.<br />
<br />
After 10 1/2 tough miles, my body decided it wanted mesquite bbq potato chips. This is not a common craving (I can't remember the last time I had these - last summer maybe?) so I went with it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hw_WlJLWXTE/T8vtctTH50I/AAAAAAAAAa8/YMivxpVlXmI/s1600/Photo0814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hw_WlJLWXTE/T8vtctTH50I/AAAAAAAAAa8/YMivxpVlXmI/s320/Photo0814.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Me and my new BFF</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
They hit the spot! Sweet, salty, crunchy, and a little spicy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Besides eating delicious artery-clogging snacks I have also been falling back into last summer's race addiction. Last year I went a little crazy registering for races and ended up doing 7 half-marathons in 7 months. This year's race calendar was looking pretty empty except for my ultra this fall, but I took care of that! On the schedule so far - </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.runwithpaula.com/images/stories/graphics/Helvetia_logo_2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.runwithpaula.com/images/stories/graphics/Helvetia_logo_2012.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
June 9th - Helvetia Half-Marathon</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/files/2012/05/header-seattle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="47" src="http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/files/2012/05/header-seattle.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
June 23rd - Rock n Roll Seattle Half-Marathon</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://fueledbyfinewine.com/assets/images/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://fueledbyfinewine.com/assets/images/logo.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
July 15th - Fueled By Fine Wine Half-Marathon</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.eugenewomenshalf.com/templates/girl_marathon/images/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="74" src="http://www.eugenewomenshalf.com/templates/girl_marathon/images/logo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
August 26th - Eugene Women's Half-Marathon</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Looks like we will be doing a lot of racing this summer! None of them are going to be for PRs since I won't be completing full training cycles for any of them, they are all just for fun. I love the half-marathon distance, it's perfect for where I am in my running right now. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Do you have any fun summer race plans?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>Junk Food Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06642715874549042748noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685423903354991880.post-49646275579098777782012-05-31T20:52:00.001-07:002012-05-31T20:52:21.498-07:00May Foodie Pen PalsWork and school have kept me MIA from the blogging world this week but I wanted to take a few minutes to write about the yummy box of treats I got from my Foodie Pen Pal! This month my pen pal was the very sweet Amorette from Texas. Last week while spending a few days on the couch I was pleasantly surprised to find a box on my doorstep containing these goodies:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xqv1yxujslg/T8g7IE2GaoI/AAAAAAAAAaw/x9ojt3AcDdw/s1600/Foodie+Pen+Pal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xqv1yxujslg/T8g7IE2GaoI/AAAAAAAAAaw/x9ojt3AcDdw/s320/Foodie+Pen+Pal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I told Amorette I loved sweets and she did not disappoint! Clockwise from the top left: tea nougat candy, Asian trail mix, chocolate wafer cookies, organic chocolate bar with sea salt and pepper, and chocolate peanut butter fudge. Amorette recommended keeping the fudge in the freezer, which has definitely helped me to refrain from eating the whole container in one sitting :)<br />
<br />
I wasn't able to try most of the treats when I first got the package due to being <a href="http://megsrunningjournal.blogspot.com/2012/05/sick.html">sick</a>, but now that I'm better I'm excited to try everything! Especially the cookies...I think those will make the perfect post-long-run treat on Sunday.<br />
<br />
Thank you Amorette!Junk Food Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06642715874549042748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685423903354991880.post-87685665117725179302012-05-24T21:42:00.001-07:002012-05-24T21:42:05.622-07:00SickWhen I was a little nauseas after the race on Sunday, and exhausted the rest of the day, I figured it was par for the course after running 13 miles in the cold rain. <br />
<br />
I was wrong.<br />
<br />
Hello, stomach flu. I haven't seen you for about 15 years. I guess it was time we got together again.<br />
<br />
I can't remember the last time I slept so much. One day I slept until 9am, and then went to bed at 9:30pm. It was so nice.<br />
<br />
Thank goodness the worst of it is over. I still feel a little icky once in awhile, and haven't been hungry since Sunday. But as long as I'm not spending all day laying on the bathroom floor I'm a happy girl!<br />
<br />
I feel so "off" not exercising every day but right now I get winded going up the stairs. <br />
<br />
Do you try to run when you are sick? Or do you wait it out?Junk Food Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06642715874549042748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685423903354991880.post-74192153775327580952012-05-20T16:29:00.000-07:002012-05-20T16:40:03.815-07:00Rock n Roll Portland Half-Marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today was the inaugural Rock n Roll Portland Half-Marathon. Hubs and I registered for this on May 1st last year, the day registration opened. I did not expect to spend 5 months injured so my training did not go exactly as planned, but we figured we would just do it for fun. We both have other races coming up so we didn't want to go too hard.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We started out good, then hit a 3-mile hill that kind of took it out of us. And it started raining and didn't stop. So much for a 25% chance of rain weather.com! 2 hours and 24 minutes later, we were done! After the race they had Einstein Bros bagels which were delicious! And chocolate milk. And we got like 7 Snickers marathon bars. We were soaked from the rain and freezing cold! So we didn't stick around long.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We were a little miserable during the race but overall it was a fun day. My first race with hubs in over a year! And my first race period since last October. It was good to get back in the game, and honestly I should just be happy I was able to run it after everything my right leg has dealt me this year. So I'm not going to dwell on the what-ifs and should-haves. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And...it was my 10th half-marathon! I can't believe that. Running has changed my life in so many ways, I never thought I would be someone that would run 10 half-marathons.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of my friends ran the race also and pulled her groin at mile 9. I felt so bad for her! We are planning on doing another one together in a few months. She caught the bug!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now I am off to eat Mexican food and chocolate cake. Yes, I use race days as an excuse to eat whatever I want. Life is for living people!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-icjJe7ITNrI/T7l5EgPMNYI/AAAAAAAAAZU/CsSN3UifQzY/s1600/Rock+n+Roll+Portland+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-icjJe7ITNrI/T7l5EgPMNYI/AAAAAAAAAZU/CsSN3UifQzY/s320/Rock+n+Roll+Portland+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Packet pick-up</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9waYuJ6EXkQ/T7l5GTm6tPI/AAAAAAAAAZc/TjOdp4BNE-8/s1600/Rock+n+Roll+Portland+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9waYuJ6EXkQ/T7l5GTm6tPI/AAAAAAAAAZc/TjOdp4BNE-8/s320/Rock+n+Roll+Portland+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ready to go!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0EKskpngTqc/T7l5KJdNFSI/AAAAAAAAAZk/GcIKsaPtwow/s1600/Rock+n+Roll+Portland+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0EKskpngTqc/T7l5KJdNFSI/AAAAAAAAAZk/GcIKsaPtwow/s320/Rock+n+Roll+Portland+009.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hubs on the waterfront before the race</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gGYZRIXfh8g/T7l5MBeKtzI/AAAAAAAAAZs/xKHs8EI3ePI/s1600/Rock+n+Roll+Portland+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gGYZRIXfh8g/T7l5MBeKtzI/AAAAAAAAAZs/xKHs8EI3ePI/s320/Rock+n+Roll+Portland+010.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Let's get this show on the road!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IPIB6LG-gWk/T7l5OKVsAnI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/jTxjwp7VsqA/s1600/Rock+n+Roll+Portland+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IPIB6LG-gWk/T7l5OKVsAnI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/jTxjwp7VsqA/s320/Rock+n+Roll+Portland+011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can never take a centered self-portrait of us, sorry hubs</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvWIPMd4tdc/T7l5QxEmTJI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/REix3uFlfsE/s1600/Rock+n+Roll+Portland+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvWIPMd4tdc/T7l5QxEmTJI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/REix3uFlfsE/s320/Rock+n+Roll+Portland+012.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hubs after the race</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bo1BUY5ptX4/T7l5TX9ZxaI/AAAAAAAAAaE/7Dkfuhu32Bo/s1600/Rock+n+Roll+Portland+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bo1BUY5ptX4/T7l5TX9ZxaI/AAAAAAAAAaE/7Dkfuhu32Bo/s320/Rock+n+Roll+Portland+013.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yay so glad to be done!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ttqMan_PKbM/T7l5WGvcj3I/AAAAAAAAAaM/RsxndO_xfRk/s1600/Rock+n+Roll+Portland+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ttqMan_PKbM/T7l5WGvcj3I/AAAAAAAAAaM/RsxndO_xfRk/s320/Rock+n+Roll+Portland+015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Freezing cold in the parking garage</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gEnElK7PXlo/T7l5YkRQErI/AAAAAAAAAaU/X3bZW4aJqzU/s1600/Rock+n+Roll+Portland+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gEnElK7PXlo/T7l5YkRQErI/AAAAAAAAAaU/X3bZW4aJqzU/s320/Rock+n+Roll+Portland+016.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Do you like my space blanket sarong? I think it is the next big thing</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MutNBsdkjX0/T7l5iA070YI/AAAAAAAAAak/jeMigQFGxe4/s1600/Rock+n+Roll+Portland+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MutNBsdkjX0/T7l5iA070YI/AAAAAAAAAak/jeMigQFGxe4/s320/Rock+n+Roll+Portland+023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Donut holes!!!!</div>Junk Food Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06642715874549042748noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2685423903354991880.post-31580603763157324562012-05-06T19:50:00.002-07:002012-05-06T19:51:37.144-07:00Running Bliss!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past week we have been on vacation in California (San Fran/Napa) and Oregon (Eugene). It was a crazy week! The best part was all of the running we got to do; due to our conflicting work schedules we are never able to run together so it was heaven getting in some awesome runs with hubs!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KXeiYlx3Z8c/T6c2v3bJJnI/AAAAAAAAAZI/KMUOgbviDfs/s1600/Vacations+126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KXeiYlx3Z8c/T6c2v3bJJnI/AAAAAAAAAZI/KMUOgbviDfs/s320/Vacations+126.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Overlooking the running path behind our hotel</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b33-swf2nxs/T6c12g0e3jI/AAAAAAAAAYg/e6-ktHyyhlc/s1600/Vacations+108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b33-swf2nxs/T6c12g0e3jI/AAAAAAAAAYg/e6-ktHyyhlc/s320/Vacations+108.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Excited to run in the beautiful California sunshine! Unaware of how hot/tired/sweaty I would be 7 miles later :)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aYBCzHDKk9c/T6c18d68-6I/AAAAAAAAAYo/edJ-ZuvpPEU/s1600/Vacations+128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aYBCzHDKk9c/T6c18d68-6I/AAAAAAAAAYo/edJ-ZuvpPEU/s320/Vacations+128.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Running next to the Willamette River in Eugene</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-njHey7tmon4/T6c2An_XpTI/AAAAAAAAAYw/n8KSBpxfNF0/s1600/Vacations+131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-njHey7tmon4/T6c2An_XpTI/AAAAAAAAAYw/n8KSBpxfNF0/s320/Vacations+131.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Before our long run! Huddling for warmth :)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hkNO8Ea8yUA/T6c2C117igI/AAAAAAAAAY4/8qE2cUFAolg/s1600/Vacations+134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hkNO8Ea8yUA/T6c2C117igI/AAAAAAAAAY4/8qE2cUFAolg/s320/Vacations+134.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hayward Field, University of Oregon - our Alma Mater</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Two weeks till Rock n Roll Portland...it will be our first race together in over a year, I am so excited! Hubs will be starting a new position tomorrow and will have weekends off, we are making all sorts of race plans for the summer :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Do you like to race with your spouse/significant other? I love it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Junk Food Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06642715874549042748noreply@blogger.com0