Shop for The Chelsea Hicks Foundation!

Good morning! 

I had a slow but great run this morning with my running buddy.  I thought I would head over to Starbucks and get my first red cup of the season...but they gave me the only white cup they had, seriously?!  No joke they had a ton of red cups and when they handed me my drink it was a white cup.  Fail.  

I hope everyone had as great of a Halloween as we did!  

 

We visited quite a few houses and then the girls handed out a ton of candy to all of the trick or treaters.  Katherine didn't want the night to end, she woke up asking if today was Halloween too.  

We had their preschool party on Wednesday and it was a blast!  Their teachers go all out for the different holidays and Halloween was no exception.  

I'll be heading to Target this weekend to pick up some clearance costumes, will you?!  Keep reading to find out why you should :)   

I am hosting a Stella & Dot fundraiser trunk show to support The Chelsea Hicks Foundation.  

A little background on the Chelsea Hicks Foundation: 

Chelsea’s Closet is a rolling dress-up closet that provides monthly dress-up parties for seriously ill children in children’s hospitals. Our goal is to bring a smile to their faces and joy to their hearts and have them forget – if just for a few moments – the struggles they are facing. The children have an opportunity to select a complete NEW* costume of their choice with accessories.  CHF hosts a party/fun event and a parade around the ward to show off the costumes.  For many of the kids this will be their one time out of their rooms for the day. Children unable to leave their rooms also have an opportunity to select a new costume, a craft project and a goody bag.

You can learn even more about the Chelsea Hicks Foundation by going HERE.  

Stella & Dot has some beautiful accessories that makes for great gifts for the ladies in your life or for yourself!  These are a few of my favorite pieces.  

Interlock Cross Necklace $59.00 

Christina Link Bracelet $49.00

Adelaide Hoops $39.00

Renegade Cluster Bracelet $59.00

Serenity Stone Drop Earrings $49.00

Soiree Studs $24.00

100% of the proceeds from this trunk show are going to the Chelsea Hicks Foundation.  You know what makes it even sweeter?  This is a mystery hostesses event which means once you make a purchase you are automatically entered to win the hostess rewards!  Plus if you are local and able to attend the show next Saturday, November 9th and bring a NEW costume to donate you'll be entered a SECOND time!  You can start shopping to support Chelsea's Closet anytime by following this link HERE.  

Thank you for your support of the Chelsea Hicks Foundation! 

Enjoy The Run! 

Uberthons' 2013 Halloweenathon Review

Good Morning! 

Saturday was the Halloweenathon and it felt so good to get out for a race.  

Katie and I ran the 10K which was 2 loops around The Reserve Golf Course, beautiful!  We started off  a little strong and decided to slow it down around mile 2.  Katie is just coming off of surgery and no running for the last month so we didn't want to burn out too fast.  This run was just for fun and celebrate Halloween!  

The girls ran the Casper Dash which was so much fun for the little kids.

Katherine decided seconds before the gun went off that she wanted to race too.  She had said the whole day before and morning of that she wasn't going to run.  Then she heard they were passing out candy at the finish and she was sold!  

All of the kids got a little goody bag of candy and a ribbon.  I am so proud of both of them for getting out there and running hard by themselves.  

I love the races put on by Uberthons, they are such an encouraging race organization.  This isn't a great picture but they were giving these necklaces to all of the first time 5K racers that day.  I love that they were celebrating all of the first time racers!    

It was actually a really sturdy and beautiful charm I was surprised how much I liked it.  I was wishing it was my first 5K again!  

They also handed out these medals to all of the 5K, 10K and 15K finishers, they even glow in the dark.  

I would definitely do the Halloweenathon again, it was a great event.  Like always everything was really organized from parking to packet pick up.  They even had a nacho bar at the end!  It felt so good to be out running with Katie again and even better watching my girls run their race.  I love that Uberthons has a kids race and it doesn't cost anything extra, thank you for that!  It is so important we encourage our kids to be healthy by keeping active and having fun doing it.  

I love that there was different races all throughout the day and there was a time that would work for everyone.  There was a covered area with a lot of tables and chairs with heaters to keep warm while we waited which was nice, it was a little colder than I had expected.  

The next event put on by Uberthons is the Turkeython that is held on Thanksgiving morning at Washington Square.  Check it out!   

Enjoy The Run!   

  **Thank you so much Uberthons for the race entry for Katie and me, we had such a great time!  Looking forward to your next event!  Of course my opinion is my own, I can't speak for Katie but she looked like she was having fun!  Plus Uberthons does a great job so it isn't hard to have a great time at their events.** 

Uberthons Halloweenathon Preview

Hi!

October has completely gotten away from me, I can't believe next week we'll be trick-or-treating.  This Saturday is Uberthons' Halloweenathon and I am so excited!  Katie and I are running the 10k in the afternoon and the girls are signed up for the Casper Dash.  I love that Uberthons always has a race for the little racers for no registration fee.  

   Packet pick up is available on Thursday October 24th from 4-8pm at the Sports Authority on Cedar Hills Blvd.  The event is taking place at the Reserve Golf Course in Aloha and follows a paved course.  Uberthons has reserved the entire golf course so it'll be a runners heaven, can't wait!  Dogs are not allowed but strollers are welcome, just stay towards the back.  There will not be a bag check but parking is very close.  There will not be any day off registration and I believe they have started a waiting list for all of the races.  This race is popular!  

I am jonesing for a race so I am pretty excited for Saturday.  Plus I love that the girls can come and I'll be able to cheer them on before my race, the Casper Dash is at 1:15 and I race at 2:00.  I say "race" loosely since it'll be more of a fun run with Katie.  Both of us have been out of the race game for a bit so we are just looking forward to a run together.  Which race are you signed up for on Saturday?   

Running Report

I miss talking about my running now that I am actually back to a routine.  I found a running partner and we've been meeting up to run 3 mornings a week.  Starting my day off with a run is my best medicine and I feel completely rejuvenated since starting up again.  Plus the miles just tick by so fast when you have a buddy to run with you.  On average we are running 4 miles in the morning but are working on adding more as we find our groove.  It has been different not focusing on distance and mostly on speed work for my 5k but I do like the change for now.  After Thanksgiving I'll be back to longer distances and training for my 2 hour half marathon in 2014.  Focusing on speed has been a nice change of pace but I do miss my long runs.  It is important to mix it up so that you can try and avoid burnt out.  I ran quite a few half marathons this year and still have one more on the calendar for December so taking this break has been great on me mentally.

See you at the Halloweenathon!

Enjoy The Run!     

Perks Of A Morning Run

GOOD MORNING! 

Yes I know that was in all caps because I am yelling at you, it is a great morning!  I made a running friend who wants to run with me in the morning when it is dark, YAY!  We had our first run this morning and it was glorious, I am not even kidding you I'll be walking on cloud 9 for the rest of the day.  

My Starbucks secret: Tall Cafe Misto 1 pump Pumpkin Spice, half the price of a pumpkin spice latte 

Another perk to running when the rest of the world is sleeping?  No line at Starbucks and I'm home before the sun is up!  

Why run in the morning? 

- Far less distractions or excuses

- The roads are quiet and the air is fresh, early morning runs are more peaceful 

- You have the rest of the day for work, kids, errands, whatever you need to do 

- You've started your day on the right foot both mentally and physically 

- You have a jump on the day because you already logged a few miles before your neighbor had their 1st cup of coffee  

I hope you all have a great day too and if you don't already do a morning run, trust me you'll love it! 

Remember to get registered for Uberthon's Halloweenathon and share with me which race you plan on doing!

Enjoy The Run!

Loving All Things Fall

Good Morning! 

Still working my way back up to 4 runs a week.  I got 3 in last week and they were decent so going to try for 4 this week.  I was also able to find a group that runs early in the morning once a week and I may have found another partner for an early morning run, score!  That would be at least 2 mornings a week I could get out there which would be amazing.  I am also going to work on getting my treadmill working again, the belt is off and just needs to be tightened back onto the roller.  Once my treadmill is fixed I could get another run in during the week when the girls didn't have school.  This no morning day light is really annoying, I don't remember this being such an issue before but maybe I just wasn't running as much?  I do know that starting my day with a run is key, is this the same for anyone else?  

Wednesday I ran 3 miles and felt like I was really pushing it but ended up around a 10 minute mile.  

Friday I ran 5 miles while the girls were in preschool and it was an absolutely beautiful fall day.  

Yesterday (Sunday) I left the house around 10 to get in some miles.  I didn't have a plan when I left and ended up doing 8 miles at a 9:44 pace.  I felt like I was running through peanut butter most of the run and I never found my groove.  It seems to be taking a little longer than I thought to feel like I am running healthy but I hope to get there soon.  Honestly I know a lot of it is my diet and being completely out of my routine. 

This past Saturday was my Stella & Dot Launch Trunk Show!  I wish all of this product was mine but my sponsor really helped me with my display.  It was a great experience and I feel ready to fly solo on my next show.  

Do you have any fall races coming up?  I am participating in Uberthon's Halloweenathon and also Sherwood's Give n' Gobble on Thanksgiving.  

If you haven't registered already remember to get signed up for the Uberthon's Halloweenathon.  

Saturday October 26th

Different races and times to choose from all day 

Plus a Casper Dash for the kids!

I'll be doing the 15K and it'll be my first time racing that distance, so excited!  

Also this upcoming weekend, October 13th, at Western Oregon University in Monmouth.  There is a 5K & 10K race put on by the WOU Criminial Justice Department.  Check it out and get more information HERE.

Enjoy The Run!

Barre Prana in Sherwood

Good Morning! 

I'm grouchy today and I know exactly why, this no morning run thing has to change.  I really thought that running while the girls were in preschool would be no big deal but mentally it is hard.  I like running in the morning for a multitude of reasons but the main one being that I get it done and I can get on with my day.  Running in the middle of the day when there are a thousand distractions and excuses just takes all of the joy out of my running.  I've been in a yucky mood because of it for a while and I don't have the energy I normally have when I am getting in my morning runs.  In a nutshell I am grump and everyone around me wants me to start running in the morning again, pronto.  I need a local running partner for a least a couple times a week and I am hoping to find one SOON!

In happy running news I had a great 8 mile run on Friday. 

It was pretty windy and rainy but I felt good and really enjoyed the run.  It was my longest run since my half marathon over Labor Day weekend.  I am slowly working my way back up to my mileage and I know getting back to morning runs will be key.  

I've also started with my cross training again which will help me with my speed work.  A strong core and legs will be key to getting me to my goal 5K pace.  I am going to buy a punch card to Barre Prana in Sherwood.  I took a free barre class on Sunday afternoon and it was awesome.  

If you are from around the Sherwood area I would recommend this studio for your cross training.  The owner is the cutest little thing with such a welcoming demeanor.  The instructor was a lot of fun and really good at making sure everyone knew what to do and was in proper form.  I am really excited to have some barre class options that I can actually attend!  It is definitely time for me to start making some time for me to get healthy again.  I can tell the difference in my body and my mind and by all of the acne all over my face that I have slid too far down the mountain.  

Enjoy The Run! 

  

On Track To Be A 4-Timer

Good Morning!

I had a really great run yesterday while the girls were in preschool and it was the boost I needed.  I also was hollered at by the same high school boys...thinking I need to find a different route.  It was cute the first time if you know what I mean.

I am still working towards my pace pre-set back but yesterday's run was definitely closer to where I was!  Next week I am going to start my Train Like A Mother 5K Own It Plan and I am really excited to have a plan for the next couple months and watch my 5K pace improve.  I don't normally like training plans but I saw some really great improvements while in Michigan following the Half Marathon Own It Plan so I am going to follow one again for the Give n' Gobble 5K.  

I highly recommend this local race if you are looking for a Thanksgiving Day run.  This race benefits the Helping Hands Food Bank and participants who donate a bag of non-perishable foods will receive a free race t-shirt!  

{Katie & I at the 2011 Give n' Gobble}

Today is a run rest day and I am thinking tomorrow I'll shoot to do 6-9 miles depending on how much time I have.  Tomorrow is Sherwood's Homecoming parade and football game, Go Bowmen!  I love everything about this time of year, Sherwood just does fall right.  

Also in local Sherwood news there is a new Yoga and Barre studio opening in Sherwood and I am so EXCITED!  I love Barre almost as much as I love running.  The new studio is Barre Prana located off of Highway 99 in Sherwood.  This weekend they are having a grand opening and offering FREE yoga and barre classes to everyone who registers ahead of time.  Go HERE to check them out, I am all signed up for Sunday's Barre class.  I am pretty excited to have another studio in Sherwood offering Barre classes, hopefully their scheduling will work out for me to be able to go regularly.  I hope you all have a great day! 

Enjoy The Run!  

        

Springwater 5K + Stella & Dot Announcement!

Good Morning! 

High five to me because I ran 3 times last week!  Granted I easily could have ran 4 but I'll be happy with my 3 and aim for 4 this week.  Yesterday I was able to run 5 miles and it took at least 3 of those 5 to finally feel good.  It is a good wake up call for me to see how behind I am right now in my running fitness but so ready to get back to where I was.  I also was hollered at by a couple high school boys and informed that I have a nice ass, I'll put the day down for a win.  HA!  

On Sunday Katie and I ran the Springwater 5K & Kids Fun Run at the Gresham Main City park trail.  Katie ran an awesome race and placed 3rd woman overall!  Althetepath has her listed as 2nd but I think they'll change it, just type-o :) I am just so impressed with her running momentum and how hard she works.

{I also just love my moon face}

I did not place (or even come close) but I had a good run and really enjoyed the route.  This was the inaugural event for this race and it was put on by the Gresham Running Club.  I was really impressed with all of the volunteers helping with course direction and how friendly and welcoming the race directors were to every racer.  Katie and I were probably thanked at least twice for being there and running.  Plus the 5k was only $20 and it included a t-shirt and very practical little bag.  They had some snacks and coffee after the race and handed out awards for the top 2 overall winners for both male and female.  The race directors talked about doing more races in the future and I hope that they are able to follow through with that.  Sunday's race was a small gathering of about 50 runners and everyone was all smiles and really enjoyed the event! 

In other fun news I have started as a Stylist with Stella & Dot and I am so excited!

What I love about this company is that it was founded by women for women.  The 2 leaders of Stella & Dot are both mothers and the original founder, Jessica Herrin, is also a runner, win!  I find a common connection between successful people and runners, don't you?  Runners just tend to push themselves and expect more out of their days.  I researched this company and talked to a lot of stylists before I decided that YES this was for me.  Their company is not about pushy sales or tapping out your closest friends and family, it is about empowering women to be successful.  They encourage all of the stylist is define what their own personal success will look like because everyone has different goals and seasons of life.  I am so excited to start with this company and challenge myself to break out of my comfort and see what I can do.  Plus I can build up my collection of jewelry and accessories which is something I've been wanting to do for a while!  

Today is a run rest day and I am going to enjoy every minute of it.  Although I do feel like a new person after my 5 miles yesterday, it still amazes me what a run does for my soul.  Not going to lie the "nice ass" comment didn't hurt my feelings either.  

Enjoy The Run! 

       

Finding My Routine!

Good Morning! 

I ran yesterday and it was awesome!  Well it didn't feel awesome but I was so glad I was out there.  I ended up listening to the Marathon Training Academy podcast because I needed to have something else to focus on.  Normally I don't like to listen to anything while I run but I think while I am working back up my mileage and getting my body use to running again I'll break that rule.  

This summer was intense in terms of half marathons and traveling so I am looking forward to slowing both down.  I don't have another half marathon until December so I am going to take the next couple months to improve my 5k pace.  On Thanksgiving I am running the Sherwood Give 'N' Gobble 5K and I am looking to PR.  I've been challenged by our neighbor and it is the first time I actually want to beat someone at a race.  It is going to hurt but I am ready for the challenge and excited to see what I can do.  

Today is a free day in terms of preschool and all that so we'll see where the day takes us!  

Enjoy The Run! 

Anchor Away My Boys!

Good Morning! 

I normally write my blog posts after my run in the morning but since my runs aren't going to be morning runs anytime soon I'll be blogging pre-run.  I have so much to share about this weekend with Joey and his graduation!  Saying I am proud of him and what he has done wouldn't do my feelings about it justice.  My brother is a Sailor in the United States Navy and it brings me tears of pride every time I think about it.

This weekend showed me once again what an amazing family I have.  We are about as dysfunctional as they come but we lift each other up, we support each other and come together in good times and bad.  This weekend was definitely a good time!

I also learned a lot about other people which was a good eye opener, there's more to family than just sharing a last name.  Many think that you know who your real family is during times of bad but I feel people show their true colors during both the good and bad.  I definitely saw who was there for my brother this weekend and thank you to all of you who sent congratulations and good wishes for him!

I am also so grateful that my brother and my husband are so close.  Jess and I met when Joey was in Kindergarten and they bonded almost immediately.  Jess and Joey aren't just brother in laws but they are brothers and it was amazing to see the two of them together this weekend.  Jess is so proud of Joey and his decision to join the Navy they were inseparable all weekend.

                           

I love seeing Joey with my girls!  He is such a fun Uncle and they light up when they are with him.  

Doesn't my brother look so handsome in his uniform?   

We had a really good time celebrating my brother this weekend.  I am so glad we were able to be there and spend some time together.  With this new phase in his life I realized we won't be seeing him nearly as much as we did before.  He won't be a 45 minute drive away or staying at our house on the weekends anymore.  Things will be different but that is what life does, it is constantly changing on you.  If things didn't change we would never grow as people.

I could on and on about this weekend but needless to say we are beyond proud of Joey.  He is going to make a great Sailor and representative of our Nation.  I am looking forward to hearing about all of his experiences and everything he is learning.  Joey has started a journey that is going to be scary and exciting and open so many doors for his future.  Go get'em Joey!

   

Coming Back

I feel like I've fallen off the face of the blog planet since Labor Day weekend.  I have so much to share about the Sunriver Challenge and the amazing time we had running that weekend.  I'll be doing a seperate post dedicated to the Sunriver Challenge since it was 2 different races held on 2 different days. 
I just wanted to check into my little baby blog and talk about my current challenges.  I am having the worst time finding my routine for the fall.  I have a terrible fear of running alone in the dark and not really interested in overcoming that fear.  I am working on putting together a running group and looking forward to getting that scheduled.  Since I won't run alone in the dark my morning runs are about to be nonexistent.  It is already staying dark till pass 6 AM in my neck of the woods and that doesn't leave me with much time once the sun comes up.  I have a feeling me and the treadmill are going to become close friends again.  I do have 3 afternoons a week available but will be waiting till the cooler weather presents itself. 

These are very 1st world problems and not even problems just logistic issues.  I'll find what works once we get settled into our new routine and I'll work my way back to a comfortable mileage.  Plus I still have the weekends to get in 2 good days of running.

I hope you all are having some good runs and getting excited for all the upcoming fall races!

Along with everything else I will be back to blogging regularly once we are out of travel mode and back to life mode :)

Upcoming Oregon Fall Races

Good Morning! 

This weekend marks the official end of summer vacation and I think it comes faster and faster every year.  While we were in Michigan I was desperate for summer and getting out of the bitter cold.  I couldn't wait to get home and get summer started!  Oregon summers are beautiful and there are so many ways to get out and enjoy the nice weather.  Although like most Oregonians we love our Oregon fall and Labor Day weekend marks the start of that for a lot of people.  I love this time of year when the seasons start to change and school gets back into session.  I love the routine and coziness of it all, certain things just seem to mellow and calm during this time of year.  We have one more big trip this year, my brother's graduation into the Navy, which is going to be such a great moment for our family.  While I am really looking forward to getting to Chicago again and seeing my brother I am also looking forward to slowing down and being home.  2013 has been a whirlwind of some really awesome things but I am ready to slow things down and be home for good.  

I also have a personal (selfish) reason to want to be home and slow down during the fall. Fall Races!  Oregon has some of the best weather in the fall and it makes the race season that much better.  There are so many to chose from and my race calendar is already set and ready to go.     

My Fall Race Line-Up

Archer Race I 

October 12th 

Champoeg State Park 

I am really excited about this Race Series because it benefits local libraries with the focus being K-5th grade reading and math material.  They also want to help with a technology upgrade at the library.  This race has a 5K ($25) and 10K ($32) option and is a timed event.  This is my first time running this event and I am looking forward to the experience. For more information check it out HERE.

Uberthons Halloweenathon      

October 26th 

Reserver Golf Course (Aloha)

This is a full day family affair with a kids race, BBQ cook off contest and 4 different races to chose from.  Every level of runner and walker is welcome and the races go from morning till night so you'll have the whole day to chose a race that works for you.  I personally really enjoy the events that Uberthons put on and I love the family atmosphere of each race.  Also the fact that they offer a kids race at every event for FREE is huge.  My daughter loves to run and wants to be a runner like me (yay!) and she is able to come and participate in every Uberthons race free of charge, nice job Uberthons!  Find out more information and the races available HERE. 

Archer Race II Challenge

November 2nd 

Bald Peak Park 

This is the 2nd event in the Archer Race Series.  It takes place on the 4th most prestigious course in the Northwest and is 13.1 miles of beautiful scenery.  You can find more information HERE.

Give n' Gobble  

November 28th - Thanksgiving Morning 

Sherwood High School 

This is a tradition for me and as long as we are home I'll always participate in this race.  I have a bit of pressure for this race since my neighbor has challenged me to race it with him.  We'll be running the 5K and the poor guy doesn't know what he is in for :) all in good fun right?  There is a 5K and 10K option this year and if you are a Sherwood local or just enjoy a family friendly fun event I strongly recommend the Give n'Gobble.  More information can be found HERE.

As of now those the races I plan on doing in the fall.  There are many more races out there and I am going to be putting together a list of events that sound like fun to me.  Katie, me and our families will be waving goodbye to summer this weekend with the Sunriver Race For A Cause 10K and Half Marathon Challenge.  I am hoping I am in good enough shape for both of these races since I've been sick for over 2 weeks and logged barely 20 miles during that time.  I've already told myself if I have to walk then I am just going to walk, this weekend is about having a good time with some good friends and family.  

Enjoy The Run!       

I Have No Interest In Another Marathon (Right Now)

Good Morning!  

I finally got back out there this morning and I already feel like a new person.  

It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be but it still hurt.  I am feeling a lot better even though I am still hacking up a lung and really congested.  Plus the sneezing has started, really can we just move on now sickness you are done here.  On the other hand it was such a nice break!  It was refreshing to go to bed and not feel the stress of making sure I get at least 6.5 hours before the 5:30 alarm.  I stayed up late and didn't really worry too much about it, it was a really nice break.  

Now after a couple weeks of downtime I feel excited to set some new goals for the fall and get into our new routine.  We start preschool next week and the girls will be going 3 days a week!  Part of me is sad to be saying goodbye to my early morning runs while the other part of me is excited to create a new routine.  If I had a running partner I would be more apt to run in the dark mornings but I won't run alone in the dark.  I have two little girls and a husband waiting for me to come home and it isn't just my life I am messing with when I put my safety at risk.  Please be alert and be safe if you run alone in the dark!  

Light yourself up! 

I don't want to just leave you hanging because I am sure you are dying to know what my fall running goals are, here you go! 

Fall Running Goals 

- Hit 100 miles each month for the rest of the year 

- Break my current 5K PR by Thanksgiving  

-  Run with friends and a group more often, I am missing that part of running 

- Run a 10+ mile run each week

- Accept that I don't like running marathons and really don't want to sign up for another one in the near future.  This is a something that I struggle with and I need to get to a place of acceptance.  It isn't that I can't run another marathon but I am just not willing to give that much time to the training right now.  I am constantly harping on this but it is important to me that running stay fun and enjoyable.  Right now I have two little girls at home and for me personally running a marathon just isn't in the cards.  I will run another marathon in my lifetime but not right now or probably even in the next year.  I realize it is a strange goal since I am basically saying I am *not* going to do something, but accepting my current limitations is a goal of mine.  I am glad I have one under my belt! 

I also have a personal writing goal that does relate to running but isn't actually me running.  I am working on a few pitches to some running magazines, local papers, etc.  Writing has always been a passion of mine and since I've started running I have found myself even more excited about it.  It is probably because I have that time while I am running to think about different topics and run them through my head before getting them down on paper.  I am not trying to keep anything a secret from you but I don't want to jinx anything, I am superstitious, like it really makes a difference! :) 

Enjoy the run!        

   

I Use To Be A Runner...

Good Morning! 

This is so sad but I haven't ran in 8 days, 8 DAYS!  I was going to run this morning but obviously I didn't.  I honestly feel I needed the break and now I am ready to get back to it.  I miss the feeling of already having my day started by the time the girls have woken up.  I miss the shot of energy a run will give me and I miss my running routes.  Basically I miss running and like anything else in life I just needed a break from it and this awful sickness gave me just that.  I am still hacking up a lung but physically actually feel a lot better, the cough is just par for course.  I am a little nervous to go back to out cause I know it won't be pretty since I am sure I have lost some fitness but I'll get there.  

This weekend Katie and I have the Sunriver Marathon For A Cause and we are so excited!  

Katie and I registered for this back in February and we really thought we would be able to run the marathon, then life happened.  We are hoping to change to their 10K & Half Marathon challenge but haven't heard back yet, maybe we'll be running that marathon anyway! HA!  No.  I am barely going to be ready to run the half marathon let alone a full marathon so hoping to hear something sooner rather than later.  Either way the weekend will be a lot of fun and I am looking forward to spending the last weekend of summer with my family and our good friends.  

We got our picture with Bigfoot that we took at the Huckleberry Half!  That was such a fun event and I am already ready to register for next year, hills and all!  

I am working on a post for some upcoming fall races and would love your input!  

-What fall race are you most looking forward to?  

I Run Because...

Good Morning! 

I haven't been blogging very much because I haven't been running very much.  Well to be honest I haven't ran since Sunday, GASP!  Actually it is what needs to be done right now since I have a hacking cough that reminds me a bit of bronchitis.  So many other blogs and fellow runners will tell you to run based on certain symptoms and if it is above your neck or below or some jazz.  My advice about running when you don't feel good?  Don't run.  Honestly if you don't feel good and your body is trying to fight something it is best to rest.  Rest is the best thing you can do for your body and mind when you are sick.  

I run for the pure reason that I love to run.  I run because it clears my head and gives me a shot of energy for the rest of the day.  I love running alone but I also love running with a friend or a group, I love to run.  I am not the runner that sets lofty goals, you'll never see me exclaim I am going to try and be an elite!  Mainly because that'll never happen, I am realistic, this girl's legs just don't work that way.  I do refer to myself as a mother runner and I'll always put the mother part of that title first.  In order to do the mothering part of that I have to be healthy which is another reason why I run.  Running keeps my my body and my mind healthy so I can take on whatever 2 little 4 year old girls want to throw at me.  I can chase them and pick them up and run around with them all day because I run and stay healthy.  

When you aren't running you have a lot of time to ponder why you run in the first place.  It also gives you a chance to remember why you love it and that when you get back to it you'll make it better than before.  I am also reminded that running is a choice and I am grateful that I have the support and ability to get out there.  There are a lot of different runners out there and I am definitely more of the laid back type.  I try to take the laid back approach to most things anymore because I have learned through experience getting worked up really achieves nothing.  Life in general has plenty of stresses and I refuse to have running become another stress in my life.  There are people out there who have real problems and I am reminded of that everyday, just this morning actually.  

I haven't ran this week and maybe I'll run this weekend it depends on a few factors, like if I can breathe.  Maybe I'll spend the weekend not running and start fresh and new on Monday.  I am glad I have that choice and I can make running whatever I want it to be for me.

I run because...

I like it.  

I love spending that time with my thoughts. 

I really love running with Katie. 

I am a runner.  

          

Petco 5K9 Powered by Purina

Good Morning! 

I didn't do much running last week, my grand total was 11 miles.  So far this week isn't looking too great either, boo.  Last week I was feeling a little burnt out and decided to take it easy.  I also have this hacking cough that just won't quit and it kept me up most of last night, amazing.  I am going to need to get creative this week to get my runs in and will be making friends with my treadmill again.  Actually I am not worried about my mileage right now since I feel like I've been hitting it hard most of the year.  Sometimes I need a break from the 5:30 wake up.  

I did do a 5K with Katie and Maverick on Sunday and it was a lot of fun!  The Petco 5K9 Walk/Run was held in Portland at Columbia Annex Park in North Portland.  I wasn't sure how I would feel going into it since I hadn't ran much earlier in the week.  Katie picked up my race bib and swag bag for me and had it waiting for me when I met up with her and Maverick.  That bag was full!  

Katie's swag bag picture but you get the idea 

I absolutely love when races offer the participants a free race photo.  I think this is a huge benefit to someone registering for a race.  They had photo booths for all of the race participants and printed the picture right there for you to take home.  Kuddos to this race for offering that!  

I should really have opened my eyes for the picture 

This race was open to anyone not just runners with dogs.  Katie and I ran the 5K with Maverick and it was so fun to see so many different dogs out there running.  All of the dogs had huge smiles on their faces and it was fun to watch them all come through the finish line.  Whenever I run with Katie and Maverick it makes me realize how much I want a dog to run with.  While Lucy is my favorite little pug I can't expect her to be able to go out and run with me, she's a walker.  I definitely see our family adopting another dog one day and I look forward to getting him or her out there to run with me.  

Earlier this summer Purina sent me some of their new dog food line Dog Chow Light & Healthy.  

Now I wouldn't call my little Lucy "light" but she is healthy and happy.  

And adorable 

We like to go on walks and she loves to run circles around the house and in the backyard.  Just like people, dogs who are exercised regularly and fed a healthy diet are happier dogs.  Lucy has always eaten Purina and I feel good about the product they sell.  Healthy dogs are happy dogs!  Purina also sent me a pet pedometer.  Lucy is going to wear it for a week and then we are going to have Maverick wear it.  I am interested to see the difference between the two!  We both already know Maverick will have a higher number but it will be fun to see the difference between a pug and lab.  

Every time I run a 5K I am reminded that I really do enjoy them.  Don't get me wrong the half marathon will always have my heart but really pushing it for a 5k just feels good.  Plus I am done in less than 30 minutes, always a plus.  Don't forget The Color Run 5K is coming to Portland in just a few weeks, don't forget to use this code to get $5 off!   

**Purina sent me a 4lb bag and some samples for me and my dog friends to try.  I've always used Purina with Lucy and felt safe using their product.  I didn't receive any financial compensation for this post and they did not sponsor me to run the Petco 5K9, I paid the registration fee myself.  I do believe that keeping yourself and your animals fit and healthy is important.  All opinions are my own**  

4+4 = 8 Sad Miles

Good Morning! 

I ran this morning and it was another not great run.  My 2 runs this week have both been blah and cut short.  

I am not feeling well and think I am catching what Sarah has so graciously shared.  

She stayed home yesterday from preschool camp and is currently still asleep, we will see what today brings.  To answer your question, yes Starbucks cake pops do make you feel better.  

This week has been a bit of a running slump and when that happens it tends to get me thinking about my favorite hobby and what I want out of it.  I started the year off in Michigan wanting to keep up my running fitness and start training for the Portland Rock and Roll Half Marathon.  I was able to work up to 14 miles on the treadmill and came home ready to tackle the upcoming races on the calendar.  Basically since my PR at Helvetia I have focused on staying half marathon ready and doing between 20-30 miles each week.

{Instagram Pic}

  

Lately my weeks have been closer to 20 miles and I am so ready to get back to my 30 mile weeks.  Honestly I am ready to get back into the fall routine, cooler weather and all of the colors.  I don't want to wish away time or not be present but there are times that I just really look forward to fall.  We have 2 more trips on the calendar with our final trip being Chicago for Joey's Navy Graduation, so excited!  When we get home from that we'll be done with any major trips for the year and let me tell you how good it feels to say that.  This year has been a lot for travel which overflows into so many other aspects of our life.  It is definitely time to slow things down and be home for a full 90 days or longer, lets hope for longer.  

I've been working on getting our house back in order one room at a time.  Why did I start this process you ask?  I had to get the girl's room cleaned out and ready for their new big girl beds and it lit a fire under me to get the rest of my house in tip top shape.  

{The girl's new big girl dollhouse bed}

So far I've got their room, our room and the office/playroom cleaned out.  

While I was cleaning out the office/playroom I came across my stack of bibs.  I have wanted to put my bibs on a cork board forever and finally just sat down and got it done.  I am so glad to have them all in one spot and hanging up in our garage.  Nothing fancy, I just wanted them somewhere and not stashed all over the house anymore.  

Here is to hoping I can fight the bug and still get a long run in this weekend, fingers crossed!  If not I'll just sit and drink my coffee and start new next week.

Are you training for a fall race?  

If you are running a fall race you are getting close, how are you feeling about your training?