Mothers and Mondays

I seriously dislike the expression "got a case of the Mondays," but today, there's just no other way to put it. I'm coming down with an awful cold, and I NEVER get sick. I'm also starting to feel a little swamped at work, but hoping I start to get a sense of control again soon. That said, it's absolutely glorious outside, and I'm determined to focus on the positives. :)

First, I want to send a shout out to all the fabulous moms in my life! First, to my amazing momma, Sue. She is one of the strongest, most caring women I know. She would give the shirt off her back to help someone in need, and she has done anything and everything for my sisters and I. She puts family and her wonderful group of girlfriends above everything else, and we are all better people because she is in our lives. Thank you, Momma, for just being you! And to my sister Ashley, the mother of our sweet niece Bailey, my best friend Erika, the mother of my two Godchildren Chandler and Payton, my Godmother Liz, and so many friends and family members who are so blessed with children (human or of the furry nature)...I love you all!

Love you, Mom!

Next, I want to send another quick note to my dad. Yesterday was his 60th birthday! For those of you who don't know my dad, he's pretty amazing. He is the most caring, supportive, loving father anyone could ask for. He would do anything for his family and friends, and has on many occasions. He makes it known how proud he is of all of us girls, and makes us feel like we are the most important people in the world. Love you, "Papa!" Laura, Ashley, and I are taking him to dinner to celebrate tomorrow night. :)

Finally, I hired an intern today, woop!! Very much looking forward to training her and getting some much needed "to dos" done at work.

Starting back my running regimen this week...here's hoping that knotted or pulled muscle has worked itself out! Hope you all have a wonderful week!

I Did It!

Well...I did it!! 26.2 miles is checked off the bucket list! It was such an incredible experience.

Brent and I arrived in Nashville around 5 pm Friday, and headed straight to the expo. It was nuts in there! But I have to say, I was definitely in my element. Being around super active people, people who are just as in love with running as I am...it was awesome!

That evening, we drove to a J. Alexander's-like restaurant around the corner to eat a nice meal (seafood pasta for me, a steak for Brent) and watch the first half of Game 6 of the Grizzlies/Spurs (GO GRIZZ!!). We headed back to the hotel around 9, and I was in bed by 9:30. 4:45 am was going to come early!

A restless few hours later, my alarm was going off, and I was ready to hop the bus to the start line. We stayed at a hotel next door to one of the shuttle stops (taking us to the start line at Centennial Park), so that was very convenient. I took my time getting ready, carefully pinning an awesome sign on my back (as you can see below) and my race bib on the front. Not wanting to divert too much from my normal running routine, I ate a Nature Valley Oats n Honey granola bar followed by apple-flavored Dole Real Fruit Bites (FYI, if you haven't tried these, you're missing out!).

Showing off my sign pre-race!

I walked around, used the restroom, dropped off my bag at gear check, stretched, and repeated all that for about an hour until it was time to line up. Finally, the gunshot sounded and we were off! I started somewhere in the sixth or seventh corale and did my best to stay there throughout the entire race.

I was feeling pretty good all the way through mile 14. I kept a steady pace, only walked at a few water stations (I got water or Cytomax at just about every one, but only truly walked at a couple of them). I thought I would've started crashing at the half/full split point (just before mile 11), but I didn't at all. I was surrounded by some fun people, and we kept each others' spirits up as we dwindled down into a smaller group ("the few, the proud, the marathoners" as one gentleman chanted). At mile 14, though, my legs began to feel like they were pulling a bit of lead. I pushed through, trying to think of anything but what I was doing, and by mile 16, I had found my second wind...or so I thought.

Before the race began, I told myself I wasn't going to stop and use the bathroom. In my mind, any extra water I was carrying around only meant I was that much more hydrated. Well, after several cups of water and electrolyte-replacing drinks on top of two Gu packs, I was quite full and decided I need to go against my better judgment and pee. I felt great after that!

My favorite picture from the race!

And then came mile 20-21. This was my "wall" as they call it. Let me preface by saying it was already in the mid-80s by this point...I started getting chills, which meant I was already dehydrated. And my quads were SCREAMING at me. Maybe it was that last hill or two...or 50? Damn those Nashville hills!

Lord, let me make it up yet another hill!

After that, I pushed as hard as I could and did my best to make it through each mile. I kept running, but stopped after hearing that faint "beep" from my Garmin, indicating I had finally gone just one more mile. I swear, those last 4 miles felt like 10+ miles each. One more Gu pack and another quick walk break later, I had reached 26 miles!!! However, either I was zigzagging the entire time or I picked up an extra .27 miles somewhere in there I wasn't aware of. After passing 26.2 and no sign of the finish line in sight, I was a little discouraged (my Garmin read 26.47 when I crossed). Nevertheless, I picked up speed as best I could and pushed on for the last .5 miles. The last .2 were excruciating, as it felt like someone had ripped into my legs and was yanking out my calf muscles. They just locked on me. Again, I just pushed as hard as I could.

And then...I DID IT!!! 4:02 was my final time. Once I crossed that finish line and saw Brent cheering me on, I forgot all the pain I had just endured and simply took in the sheer joy of it all. I had just run a MARATHON! Something I told myself I would never do. What an amazing experience it was!!

So happy to cross that finish line!!

26.2 medal!!

My first medal to get engraved!

Physical therapy and cross training (spin) were my saving graces to make it through...and God of course! No knee pain and minimal hip pain. My quads are still sore to this day, but with those insane hills, I don't know how anyone could walk away and not be sore.

Stay tuned for my next running (or life in general) adventure! As Justin Bieber says, "never say never." This won't be my last full marathon. :)

It's Marathon Time!

The husband and I are off to Nashville!! I thought I'd have a harder time with this, knowing I'd be running by myself...but I have to say, it's kinda awesome to know that I'm fulfilling a dream - all on my own and just for me. It's also pretty cool that it's just Brent and me going together. He's been so supportive throughout my training, and I'm so thankful we get to experience this together (well, sort of). :)

I'm ready to run!!

And here's the sign I'm putting on my back (thanks for the idea, George!):

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for today...just being able to wake up today. Every day is such a precious gift, and I am going to do my best not to take that for granted.

I am thankful for the sun, for power at my house...for my house to still be standing. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the past few weeks' storms, especially those in Alabama. Visit Christin's blog, A Classy Southern Wife, for information on ways you can help.

I am thankful for TRUE friends - the ones who are always there for you. I'm thankful for my amazing family, too! :)

My bestie, Erika!

I am thankful to know that I will be on the beach exactly one month from today!!!

I am thankful to be healthy enough to run a marathon in just TWO days!! A huge thank you to all those who have offered kind words and encouragement throughout my training. It means more than you'll ever know!

My outfit for Saturday!! :)

What are you thankful for?

Three Days until the Marathon!

Getting so excited for Saturday!! Even with all the tornado watch and warning madness, I made the executive decision to head to the gym after work. My gym is underground, so I figured that would be the safest place for me anyway. :) It was an awesome spin class, and I'm so glad I went!

Today is a 5-mile run day. Really hoping the rain stops like it's supposed to this afternoon so I can get that in. Otherwise, it's back to the gym and on the treadmill I go...anyone who knows me knows I HATE the treadmill. I'd rather run for three hours outside than even three minutes indoors. I've really tried to bite my tongue about complaining about the weather, though, because Saturday is still looking gorgeous for 26.2! As I knock on wood...

To keep things positive, I wanted to share some of my favorite quotes:

"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, 'I have finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that."
-Fred Lebow, New York City Marathon co-founder

"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start."
and
"Every day gives you an opportunity to improve. With every run, you can try to be better. Not just a better runner, but a better person."
-John Bingham

"I don't think you can become an outstanding runner unless you get a certain amount of enjoyment out of the suffering. You have to enjoy absorbing it, controlling it, and - ultimately - overcoming it."
-Derek Clayton in The Masters of the Marathon

"The more you frame the marathon as a stressful experience, the more negative messages you'll receive. But it's just as easy to frame it as a positively challenging journey."
-Jeff Galloway in an excerpt from Runner's World Magazine

"Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it's all about."
-PattiSue Plumer, U.S. Olympian

"I can't imagine living and not running."
-Paula Radcliffe

"Do the work. Do the analysis. But feel your run. Feel your race. Feel the joy that is running."
-Kara Goucher (my HERO!)

Time to Cross Train Tuesday!

Four full days 'til the marathon!! Woop! Today and Thursday are my cross-training days, so I'm heading to spin class after work...providing I'm not swept away by yet another tornado outbreak.

Haha! This isn't me, obviously, but I thought it was an appropriate pic. :)

While I believe this marks the 20th day in a row (or something ridiculous like that) that we've been under a tornado watch, I have to say I'd much rather it be like this now than over the weekend. The forecast is calling for sunny skies and mid-70s for Nashvegas this Saturday. Praying it stays that way! :)

It's Marathon Week!

I promise to cool it on the running talk after this week...until then, I apologize for the daily pre-marathon posts. :) Though this post is more about my awesome weekend.

First of all, I hope everyone had as wonderful a weekend as I did! There's nothing better than spending time with family and friends - the people you love most - especially on the holiest of weekends.

Good Friday was spent mostly at work, though I can't complain too much, as I got so much done and it was a super positive day. That night, I went out with my BEST friend in the world, Erika. It was such a fun, low-key night...very much needed for both of us. We saw Water for Elephants, which I just finished reading (a must-read for those who like the fantasy genre). I'm quite enamored with Robert Pattinson, I love Reese Witherspoon, and I thoroughly enjoyed the book, so needless to say, I really enjoyed the movie. After that, we went to Fox & Hound for dinner, a couple drinks, and some great conversation. Love you, Erika!!

Fun pic from Erika's bday last month!

Saturday, I did an easy 8.5 miles with Autumn. It was bittersweet when we parted ways at our "corner," as it's been a fun (and not-so-fun at times) few months getting to train with her. I know she's still upset not being able to run this one just for fun. But her foot is healing, and that's the most important thing. I made it through those long runs because of her training regimen and encouragement, and I am so thankful for her!

That afternoon, I ran a few errands and picked out my fabulous outfit for the marathon (pics to come this week). Then Brent and I headed to my favorite Downtown Memphis spot Local Gastropub to grab a few drinks and some great food before the AWESOME Grizzlies playoff game. We had such a blast...THANKS AGAIN to George for the sweet tickets! We had a blast!! After the game, we made our way to Silly Goose...and got pretty silly.

Andrea and me at Local!

Good times!

Go Grizz!!

Kellie and me at Silly Goose!

Easter Sunday was spent with my hubby and amazing family. What a beautiful day it was to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. And what better way to do it than with those you love. :)

Happy Easter!!

Here's to a great week and just a few more days of running before 26.2!!

10 Days Until the Marathon!

Only 10 days until the marathon!! Just wanted to share a fun link for those who want to track my progress: https://www.competitorwireless.com/web/events/trackathlete.

Looking forward to an easy 8-miler this Saturday...and picking up my custom shirt! :)

A Festivus Weekend!

What started out as a laid back weekend quickly turned into two days of "I think I'm still in college" madness. It was super fun, don't get me wrong...but as I like to say, I'm never drinking again. :) I sure hope I don't look as bad as I feel today!

Friday was a very much needed chill night, as last week was packed with 10-hour work days and one event after the other. Plus, Brent was out of town most of the week for work, so he was happy to stay in.

Saturday was quite the different story. Autumn and I met up at 7:30 and headed over to the Greenline for a fun 12 miles (so cool that I can say fun about 12 miles now!). We finished in about 1:45, then recovered with a hearty breakfast at Republic Coffee. After that, I ran by Mrs. Post Stationery to pick up my sis' wedding invitations (which are absolutely GORGEOUS and I can't wait to blog about them!) before heading home to get ready.

Saturday was also the annual Southern Hot Wing Festival, which Brent of course is on a team for. He had to be out there at 7 am, which wouldn't have been bad except the weather did a complete 180 on us. While running, it was a brisk 58 degrees, and I was happy in shorts and a thin long sleeve shorts. However, by about noon, the temperature had dropped at least 10 degrees and it looked like the bottom of the sky was going to fall out. Needless to say, it wasn't the best day for a festival. Luckily I came prepared and dressed for the cold temps. After saying a brief hello to the hubby, I met up with my friends and co-workers Angela and Victoria. We proceeded to make our way throughout the fest, stopping by the Celebrity Eating Contest (which Angela was coordinating), and mingling with just about everyone (I have come to the realization that Angela knows every single person in Memphis). :) Despite the cold and dreary weather, alcohol and good company quickly turned our frowns upside down!

After the sun finally made its appearance :)

It was an early evening for us...though by that time, 8 pm felt a lot like 2 am.

After passing out for a few hours, we surprised ourselves by making it to the early service at church on Sunday, went grocery shopping, tried without success to make it to the Farmer's Market (little did we know it's not open on Sundays), then it was back Downtown with Victoria and Angela. The three of us have been wanting to meet up at Local Gastropub for brunch for quite some time, as Angela's husband is the head chef there. Just last week, we held my sister's bridal shower there, and it was amazing...so I was very excited to go back. Almost four hours, a lot of drinks, fabulous conversation, minimal (but amazing) food, and some fun pictures later, here we are:

Friends!!

Beer!

While at Local, I also ran into my friend and former co-worker, Andrea...SO great to see her! I was somehow able to remember that I was supposed to meet up with Brent and composed myself enough to walk around the corner to the annual Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival. A few more drinks and lots of old friends later, here we are:

Brent and I outside The Pier

Gotta love the bromance!

Sunday night, I was very fortunate to have (a) sobered up and (b) the opportunity to go play with my precious niece Bailey. My dad, or "Papa" as Bailey calls him, had her all day, as my little sis Ashley was taken to the hospital for an abscess on her tonsil. How awful! Thankfully she's home now and doing much better. I so enjoyed that time with both my dad and sweet B. We practiced our handstands (girl after my own heart!), ate dinner, sang the Barney theme song, and watched a couple of her favorite shows before bedtime. Love!!

It was a long, eventful weekend, but not long enough as always...I feel so blessed to have such amazing friends and family (one dear friend in particular I wish I had more time with!!). But I have to say I am very much looking forward to a weekend of doing absolutely nothing...with the exception of the Grizzlies playoff game and a fun dinner to celebrate the birth of my husband on Saturday evening! :)

Tapering Before the Marathon

The marathon is three weeks from today...ahh!!

I am so thankful to finally feel good about it. After a great 20.5 miles on April 2, followed by this past Saturday's 14 miles, I can honestly say I am READY!

Originally, my goal was to run up to 24 miles and then start tapering. But that quickly changed after finding comfort in a "less is more" plan. Well...that and not being able to get past the wall that was 18 miles. The new plan was to get through 18-20 miles (thankfully I was strong enough for the latter!), push back to 14-15 miles the next week, 10-12 miles the following week, and then just 8 miles the week before the marathon. I'll of course be mixing in light runs and spin class during the week.

Here's to 10-12 miles this Saturday and two and a half weeks 'til race day!! :)