How quickly the tides turn...

I knew I had to enjoy and indulge in every amazing and fun experience the past few weekends because it would come to a quick halt soon after. I am so grateful for the love and support of so many family members and friends. I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of many. Scott has been Mr. Mom for almost two weeks now. He has both duties and is surviving...barely!! He actually does incredible. We have had thoughtful cards and phone calls, flowers, meals, visits, housework, foot massages, and people caring for our children. I am not accustomed to being on this side of the coin and am being forced to learn difficult humble lessons. Recovery is going better than expected but I still have over 4 weeks without housework and lifting children. We are all doing better than previously thought and continue to move forward.

Suntrust Richmond Marathon 2008

I started running last spring...I had just completed the YMCA boot camp and felt ready to tackle some mileage. I was thrilled to get a spot in the coveted St. George Marathon. Both my parents ran the St. George Marathon together only a few short years older than I am now. I remember as a girl handing out water cups at the race every year as a service project for the Young Women's organization. I promised myself that one day I too would attempt this great race. The stars did not align for me this fall when I suffered a groin and IT band injury. It took me out of running for three months and cost a hefty bill in physical therapy. I felt discouraged at my loss and started researching for a possible replacement. One night I came across the Richmond VA marathon. I became giddy thinking of the possibilities...a marathon not on Sunday, close to Scott's brother and sister out East, and before the Boston qualifier cut-off. It didn't take long before Scott had booked us a flight to Virginia with Sky Miles ($10 dollars each).He had committed to a half-marathon if I would go for it.....I had a month and a half to pull it off.

We trained so hard with what little time we had. I even invested in a obscenely expensive watch (Garmin 405) for Scott and I. We made it out in the evenings and Saturday mornings. We never went more than four days a week but did the best we could with such a busy life. The flight to VA was exciting. We were both apprehensive about our races with so little training and nagging injuries but anxious for the potential possibilities.We love the energy and culture that surrounds a race. We spent a few hours in the race expo getting our numbers and t-shirts and enjoying the people. We soaked up the freedom that so rarely we can afford as friends and a couple. We ate in a little "hip" restaurant in a trendy downtown cobblestone road basement. The pasta was amazing. That night we waited for the arrival of Jeff and Angela Stevens to join us in the wee hours of the morning. They had previous obligations and suffered an extreme night of bad luck trying to get to Richmond from Pennsylvania. Angela didn't even get 3 hours of sleep before we all arose to put on our running shoes.

We walked the few blocks to the starting line together. Scott's half-marathon started a half an hour before the marathon. We had to take one picture together before the race began and gave hugs one more time. Scott finally got to the front of the Porta-potty line just as the race was beginning. Poor guy had to skip out of the line and join the thousands of runners.

Scott was awesome. He went out really strong with his first six miles at an eight minute pace or under. That was about the time the 100% humidity hit. He was over heated and exhausted. He managed to still continue his race with an incredible kick and beat the clock just under his goal. The only bummer was not being there to cheer him on.

It was a good thing that sweet Bobo and Jeff were there waiting. Kimber had got up super early, brought signs and candy Leigh's to celebrate with us. She waited at the last bend as you turn towards the finish. She was a beautiful sight for sore eyes. Jeff managed the three boys for a long time by himself at the finish line...he was a great sport and supporter.

Angela and I did not have the experience we expected but both of us felt and overwhelming relief and sense of accomplishment with our races. It was so fun to run together even though our lives are on different sides of the country. We both experienced the adrenaline rush, exhaustion, pain, and mental anguish at different points in the 26.2 race. I thought the course was beautiful in many parts and was grateful to have taken some of it in. I hit a wall at about mile 12, but did not start walking on and off until mile 16. I kept convincing myself to just get to the next mile marker. Every time I would get into a good rhythm my legs would begin to cramp and I would start my hobble running again. I finished my race just under 4 hours...not a Boston Qualifier but in many ways so much more!!!

Cute pregnant Kimbo was a great support. She treated us like royalty at her home that evening with games, great food and fun company. It made all aches and pains diminish...at least for the evening.

Is it possible to run a marathon without loosing a few toenails??? I will have to report on that in about a month while my blisters that covered every toe recover.Sunday began with another divine meal, cute nephews running around, and really sore runners. We giggled at our poor choices for foot wear. I do not recommend high heels with a small toe box. Scott took my arm and helped me around most of church.

Our trip home was not as quiet as our flight out. We were involved in a mix-up in Virginia which resulted in us watching our plane fly out without us. We were put up in a hotel that night. I was missing the children so much that I had a hard time relaxing. The next day we spent in the Salt Lake airport on standby because of another delay. We came home over 24 hours after estimated time. We were so glad to be in our own home with our little family once again. I am definitely grateful for the health of not only me but my family. I am privileged to have had the opportunity to participate in such an incredible physical experience...but also glad to have it done.

Girls Weekend 2008

Jennie Dildine was the mastermind of our entire fun weekend. She was entirely organized and orchestrated a detailed and flawless weekend.

It was quite the amazing treat to relax for an entire weekend with uplifting fun and entertaining women, whom I love. We had some crazy moments scraping out the driveway of Jennie's Mom's home, and driving for two straight days to see a fictional character's residence, but we also enjoyed the sweetness of friendship and camaraderie.

After packing a sack breakfast, we loaded the two Honda Odysseys with 12 people to explore the infamous Forks, Washington.
We were among many crazy groups of "Twilighters" who were willing to stand in the pouring rain and take pictures.
The entire community supported and embraced their new found celebrity status as the hometown of Bella and Edward Cullen. The economy breathed new life with stores supplying all kinds of Twilight paraphernalia and restaurants offering "Bella Burgers" and "Bella Berry Pie"!
La Push was nostalgic with huge gusts of wind and the waves and cliffs. This was highlight of my day. I could have stayed and explored and hiked like a child. No sign of Jacob or his pack.


You gotta love my first beanie cap to keep the rain and wind at bay. We visited the chamber of commerce to get all the low down on the Twilight happenings and then took a tour of the town. We visited places of interest that inspired the novel. Dr. Cullen is deserving of his own parking spot at the hospital and tourists loved Bella's beater truck.






We concluded the evening at none other than Bella Italia in Port Angeles. The meal was divine.
I arose early Saturday morning to sunshine and mist...amazing. Perfect running weather. My run was breathtaking in the hills of Washington, smells just after rain, the huge majestic trees, the excitement of a new day, and enjoying the stillness of the morning... knowing you are awake and moving before most of the world is up.
The view from the balcony was priceless. Welcome to downtown Seattle with never ending shopping...no one get lost!We attended the Broadway musical 'The Drowsy Chaperone' in the afternoon. It was set in the 20's complete with dancing and singing. We watched the show in one of the oldest theatres I've been in. I was even a rebel attempting to take pictures of the scenery.

There is something magical about leaving laundry, dishes, never ending needs and trading it in for pristine white carpet (free of all stains), plush accommodations without the work, and not a single dish in sight. It would only remain magical if it was on rare occasion that a person could do Yoga to the sound of a real waterfall, eat divine food without prep or clean-up, and relax in a hot tub until the wee hours of the night realizing although you felt like a teenager that really your conversations dated you to include the best vacuums and birthing stories. This was all possible due to Jennie Dildine's Mother. She was the hostess with the mostess. When do we get to come back?

Momma came home a happy camper with a long list of good books to read, personally solving all of the world's problems with the help of several other mothers, the longing for children and messes, and the love of her sweetheart fresh in her mind...it was a success.