REBECCA LIFE BE HAPPENING

a New Year

2012-01-02T11:26:00.001-08:00

what can I say 2011 was a very tough year for me with loss of my mother and some other close friends. My goal in 2012 is to find the Rebecca that I used to be and to work on getting back into running. It will take a lot of hard work on my part but I really need to do this. I will take any emails and support from my fellow runner and triathlon friends that are out there. i still hope someday that I will be able to help others learn to run and get in shape. Wishing you all a great HAPPY NEW YEAR IN HEALTH AND FITNESS

FREAKY 5K

2011-10-30T18:11:00.000-07:00

This was the 2 anual Freaky 5K here in Federal Way WA. on oct 29-2011. The weather was nice and I felt glad that I just anble to eep running the whole 5K and no stopping. my time was 39:35 and I was pleased since I had told Jerry that I thought I would be done in 45 min or less. I am caring about 35 extra lbs so that does not help. I will eventually get back to where I used to be wieth my running, it is just going to take some hard work and some training!

I am back

2011-07-10T21:12:00.000-07:00

WOW so much has taken place in my life since I lasted posted. I ended up backing out of the olympia capital city half marathon. Sometimes life just happens and gets in the way. In March i received the very sad new that my best girlfriends husband was killed in a tragic car wreck near Washington DC area, the news hit me hard. My training just started to fall apart and I knew that I was not motivated to run and I just could not get it back. I did how ever go spectate the run and a co-worker was running her first half so it was great to be there to cheer for her.
May 10 2011 my mother was admiited to the hospital in Grants Pass OR. I was able to go down and spend 8 days with her. I knew this would be the last time I would have with my mother. I came back home to Washington and on May 28th at around 6:30 am my mom passed away at the family home in Grants Pass, my Dad was at her side. Jerry and I went back down for the funeral on June 2. Since then my running has taken back seat and I have been just working and not much else. Last night I complete my 3 Sea Fair Torch Light 5K in downtown Seattle, I had a wonderful time running the downtown streets with all the children and people cheering is all on! My time was bad but at this point I was happy to be able to even do the event and not die trying LOL. My time was 38:12 back in 2009 my time was just under 30 min. I will get my running back it is just going to take some time and actually getting out and running like I used too

2 months away from capital city half marathon

2011-03-20T18:37:00.000-07:00

Training is coming along, i am not near the shape I was when I ran half marathons in CO but I am still doing fine for my current weight. This last Sat I ran 8 miles in 1HR 37 MIN 12 SEC that is a pace of 12.33 and that also includes a potty stop along the way LOL. The weather this lat training run with the group was nice there was sun and no rain. Lat Sat it was 10 miles in a chilly rain that was there the whole 10 miles. My goal for this half marathon is to do it in under 2 HR 44 MIN that was my time on my last half marathon in Aug in Tacoma WA. The main goal is to have fun and to finish crossing that finish line with a smile on my face and come across standing up!

Half marathon training

2011-02-20T19:33:00.000-08:00

I am enjoying being part of a training group for the Olympia marathon/jhalf marathon that is in May. I get up early each sat and drive to Olympia to meet with the other runners who are part of the traing group. This weekend was sunny but chilly and I ended up slipiing on a icey sidewalke coming down a hill. Nothing hurt just a skinned knee and my pride lol

Capital city half marathon May 15

2011-01-18T18:05:00.000-08:00

Yikes been so long since I have posted so thought I better get back at it. I joined a training group that will be trainging to run the Olympia marathon/half marathon on May 15 2011. we meet each saturday at 7:30 am donw in Olympia WA about a 40-45 min drive for me. South Sound Running store is doing the training and lectures. IT is really great to be part of a large running group. I am running on my lunch hours again and a few days a week at the gym on the wonderful dreadmill LOL. I hadmy long over due annual check up last Friday, spoke with my DR about some sleeping issues that I have been struggling with and a few other things. My blood test results should be back any day now. Hoping all comes back normal.
My job is going well and I am settling in a feeling comfortable. a co-worker that I met at work is also doing the half marthon training and run with me. Lacey is the only one at my job that I have met that runs. I am hoping to eventually have others that can run with us.

Winter has not been to bad here in WA we had a little snow in Nov but since then not much else but rain.

fall 2010

2010-11-08T20:06:00.000-08:00

I am still here and beenworking full time now since august. i am so blessed I can go out and run at lunch time plus we have a nice workout room on the days that it may rain and be cold. I completed a 5k on Oct 30 here in Federal way the freaky 5K it was raining of course but overall a fun run. i will be doing a 5K turkey trot on Thanksgiving am and then the santa run on Dec 18th I am planning to join the nearby LA fitness health club and get back to working out in the early am before work. I am still working on looseing the 20 lbs I gained while off work for a year. i love living in WA state and my new life.

update

2010-08-03T19:23:00.000-07:00

My contract job ended so I am back looking for full time employment. plus backworking at my running this last Sat I did a 8K run that was the Seattle Seafair torchlight run. I was happ with a time of 54 min considering I am 2olbs heavier then when I did the 5K last year at this time. This coming Sat is my half marathon in Tacoma over the narrows bridge it should bea a very scenic half marathon. Today I did 8miles and I walked part of it overall I feel good tonight. I will most likely have to walk part of the half marathon on Sat but I am ok with that. I have always did my events that I redister for unless they get cancelled.

This will be a great place for me to start working at getting my time and the extra pounds off. Weather will be in the 60's so perfect. I know I can get back my running and the extra weight off.

YAHOO YIPEE I WILL BE GOING TO WORK

2010-07-13T15:34:00.000-07:00

I have been offered a 6 month contract job with Amazon at their south lake union campus area. My first day of work will be tomorrow I check in at 9:00 am. I feel good things are starting to come my way lately. This last weekend I spectated at ladies triathlon here in Federal Way WA it was a nice small one so next year if they bring it back to Federal Way I am hoping to beparticipating in it! I have the Sea Fare 8K in about 2 weeks YAHOO this will be my 2 time doing this event but last year I only did the 5K. I will try and post some photos from this last weekends ladies triathlon.

unmotivated

2010-06-26T18:05:00.000-07:00

I have fallen off the running wagon and I know I need to get back on. I think all the stress of not having a job is starting to get to me. I have 2 more unemployment checks coming and that is it. Maybe there is something else in this life I am supposed to be doing? I am going to look into finding some volunteer work that I may enjoy as I continue job hunting. Summer is starting to show up here in WA YAHOO. I will do my best to get back on the running wagon. I have had some tough times in my life but this one seems real tough. BUT TOUGH TIMES DONT LAST TOUGH PEOLPE DO :)

starting of week number two

2010-05-24T19:46:00.000-07:00

I was able to get all my runs in last week and started another week of training this Monday. today I did 3 miles in about 32 minutes, BOY Mondays are tough days to get out and run, just felt a little tired from the weekend. Our weathere here in Washington is not the greatest lately! does not even feel like we have had Spring yet! and here we are almost time for memorial weekend. In 16 days I will be another year older YIKES 44 I do not know where this last year went. so been doing a little reflecting on this last year and boy it was a year of change for me but overall the changes have all been for the better. Soon I will set down and start workong on my goals for this next year. I am still looking for a full time purchasing job I am keeping my head up!

FRIDAY YAHOO

2010-05-21T14:36:00.000-07:00

Today was a 3o min cross training day for me. I went to the gym and rode the bike for 30 min and then did some stretching and core work, not to bad. The weather is still rainy and in the 50's sure hope it starts clearing up soon.

Good run today!

2010-05-19T17:12:00.000-07:00

I did a nice 3 mile run today time of 30:25 ave pace of 10:08 so I was pretty pleased. I did this run near the 24 hr fitness gym that I work out at. I knew today was a 3 mile run and then had to do some strength training so might as well get the run done near the gym. I felt very happy about the run. The weather this am was great this afternoon the storm has arrived rain and wind AGAIN LOL. I watched last night episode of the biggest looser it was the one where the run a marathon it was great to see them do this it goes to show that you can do anything you put your mind too! todays running quote:

With a body made joyous through movement, the mind is able to relax. With mind/body balance, we can take the power of feeling good and generate compassion.
The Sakyong, Jamg?n Mipham Rinpoche

A rainy day run

2010-05-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

Good morning! day #2 of training, it was raining out this am but I do know that rain cannot stop me from doing my training, there may come a day when I have a event run and it will be raining so as a friend of mine says, "SUCK IT UP BUTTER CUP : ) today was 2.37 miles time of 26:22 not to bad considering the route I ran was what I call roller hills. This route is very nice since it also goes to a nice lake that is near my home. Today since it was to be a short run I did not go to the lake but that will be in the near future. I am going to try and get some photos too and start posting them on here. If any of my other blog running pals read this I would like to know what is it that makes you run? I might start doing a question of the day for the friends out there in blog land always interesting to hear others thoughts and opinons.

Running has the power to change your life. It will make you fitter, healthier, even happier.
Selene Yeager, "Let's Get Started," May 2010 issue of Runner's World

Training has begun!

2010-05-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

training run number #1 done! LOL not to bad out this am. I was out the door at 7 am weather cloudy but temperature not to bad. I seem to do better when I have paid for run on my schedule and my training program all figured out, it drive me to stick with my program a while lot better. In the last 4-5 years I did a lot of goal setting and it sure helped me keep on track with things.

half marathon training

2010-05-16T18:31:00.000-07:00

My 12 week training program for Aug 7th marathon starts tomorrow! hard to think that it has been a year since my first full marathon that was the Colfax marathon in Denver CO. Lot has changed for me in the last year 24 more days and then I turn 44. I will be glad to let 43 go and move forward with a new year in my life! I am hoping by then I will have a full time job. Meanwhile I need to FOCUS! on my running and proper nutrition, running has always helped me thorugh some tough times in my life and more than ever at this time I need to focus and get return to the runner that I was developing to be. I am going to do my best to blog a few times a week and keep this updated better. I know I can do the training and complete my first half marathon in my home state of Washington.

Moving forward

2010-05-04T09:06:00.000-07:00

I am still battleing getting my weight back down along with my running. I know that not having a full time job has created some stress and I am learning to work through it all. I recently looked back on all my training that I did the lst 3-4 years ago. I have and still do log my information on the beginner triatlete.com web site, it was great the other day to look back to around 2006 & 2007 to see what I was doing back then and to just overall look at my journey I was on.

I am now back on the journey and will get back to where I was. A year ago at this time I was preparing for my first full marathon and I know that in my future there is another marathon and triathlons. I recently signed up for a half marathon here in Tacoma WA to be held on Aug 7 that will be my 4th half marathon I am also doing the Sea Fair Torch Light run that is at the end of out here in Seatlle WA. Last year I was out here visiting and I did this event run it was a 5K this year I am doing the 8K. It was a very hot summer night last year and very humid but I completed it YAHOO. I called it my sweat festival run since I had never did a run in such hot and humid conditions LOL. So the journey continues for this woman I know there are many others out there who are on a path similar to mine. Still in the back of my mind are the thoughts of someday helping others to change their lives through running and health nutrition. Thanks to many friends out there who are following this journhey of mine.

half marathon this summer

2010-04-21T19:20:00.000-07:00

There is a half marathon that is Aug 6th it is the tacoma/narrows bridge run. They only take 1000 runners so I am going to have to sign up May 1st at the sports expo that is being held for the Tacoma marathon. My running is coming back little by little as my weight is coming off slowlllllyyyyyyyyyy LOL. I am hanging in here as I am still looking for work. It was about a year ago that I was finishing up the last few weeks of training for my first marathon that was in Denver CO. WOW how my life has changed since a year ago. I am glad I made my move to the Seattle area and just love being near the water out here. I have explored lots of new running areas and have lots more to go check out.

Spring is arriving here in The great pacific northwest

2010-03-04T07:35:00.000-08:00

I know it has been a long time since I last posted. I am still looking of for employment and nothing yet. I get discouraged at times and wonder if this is Gods way of telling me I should be doing something else for a job instead of my purchasing background? I am still running it is going OK but nothing like it was in CO. I recently had my blood check as I needed prescription renewed for my medicine. They new DR incrased my dosage so maybe that will help with my issues with my weight gain. I am working on eating better and exercising but the weight does just not budge much LOL. The winter here in my new home state of Washington was pretty mild the rain did not bother me to much.

Norpoint Turkey trot 5K

2009-12-16T08:07:00.000-08:00

I forgot to post how my first 5K Turkey Trot here in WA my new home state. It went well for the most part considering it was raining and the course had a few hills here and there. I am not in my best running shape since I moved but I am getting it back little by little. I enjoy running here in my new neighborhood here in Federal Way WA lots of new places to explore and all.

I am still looking for a full time job so a bit stressfull at times thinking when will I go back to work. I am also thinking that eventually I want to start a running group and help others change their lives thorugh running and fitness, maybe something like being a life coach and in the area of fitness and health overall. Any suggestions any of you may have would be great!

I look back on this last year and I have to say I am pretty pleased with my accomplishments, I did my first marathon and did not give up on all the training for that. I also am so glad that I got out of the dead end relationship that I was in and I am moving life forward. I lost my job back in AUg and that hurt but I closed one door and opened another moving from CO to WA and now I am in a very great relationship and very happy with how the new life is going. So 2010 should be pretty darn interesting I will set new goals here soon. Want to wish all of you a MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

got a run

2009-11-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

This morning I am getting ready to head out to preview the 5K course that is the Norpoint Turkey trot course that I will run on Thanksgiving morning. It is real close to where I live so should be pretty easy to find. The weather here lately has been rainy and stormy but I am adjusting to it just fine. I have gained about 20 pounds since I lost my job back in Aug plus with my relocation and life transistion. I am back logging all that I eat each day and my work outs, that will keep me motivated. I also have a lot of clothes that I have been putting away here in my new home and many of the clothes are tight! so I best get back with the program!

I recenly found my garmin YAHOO I had not been able to locate it here in the house since the move in but I have it now and I am so happy! HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY. it is a big motivator for since I can see my times and distance I just love that. I am also seriously looking at running the Eugene ORE marathon that is May 2 so if I want to run my 2 marathon I best get back training hard and serious plus get the 20 lbs off me. I am very very happy to say that things are going great in my new relationship with Jerry we had been friends since around 1999 and then this summer well it is a long story but we are now a couple and are very happy together, we both agree that just being good friends over the years had a lot to do with us now being in this relationship.
I am still looking for work I need to land a full time job eventually that will take some of my stress off me and then life will be pretty much back on track. I will try and post here more often and let you know my progress.

YAHOO I am now living in Washington state

2009-10-26T11:07:00.000-07:00

I am now officially moved out and at my new place in Federal Way Washington. The move out went well sure helped having my sister Cindy help with the drive out from Denver area. I have a job now off getting all my stuff organized in my new home but I am so looking forward to it. I went to start my car this am and the check engine light was on. Sort a bummed me out but was able to get it looked for free and the codes have something to do with the emissions area and some sensor so I am able to drive the car and should not hurt it. I was planning on gettting to the gym this am but by the time that was all done I just came home, I have lots of stuff to get put away and organized in my new place so best I get working on it. I will be back running soon! I am planning on doing the Tacoma turkey trot run this Thanksgiving YAHOO.

changes coming up

2009-09-22T07:29:00.001-07:00

It has been awhile since my last update lots going on in life since then. I drove to Washington state from Colorado been about 3 weeks now. I am staying with a friend out in WA since I am looking for work out in WA. I also made the drive down to Southern Ore to see my folks so I am currently in my home town of Grants Pass OR. I am house sitting for my sister and also helping my dad with my mom a little, my mothers health has been bad for many years do to all the smoking she did over the years, thank god I have never touched a cigarette and never plan too.

I have been struggling lately with my eating and it has been bad. I have been running a little but nothing like I used too and I know with the bad eating and not running some weight has been gained. It scares the hell out of me to think that I am slipping into old habits! I think it is due to not working and just overall loneliness and times and boredom, especially here in ORE at my sisters, there is not much for me to do around here and I feel lonely. But I am doing some sould searching and reading and I think I will be ok. In a few days I am going back to WA and I will be happier up there since there are 24 hr fitness gyms that I can go to my membership lets me into any of the those clubs across the country so I best be hitting it hard!

I will be moving out to WA in the month of Oct so need to get planning that move. I am going to miss my friends in CO I have lived there since the early 90's and in the last 3-4 years made some great triathlon and running friends who I am going to miss the hell out of! BUT I know that once settled in WA I will get a new group of friends and that will be great! I will keep in shape and this is a life time thing I have to do! It is hard work but I know that with exercise and good eating I will be the person I want to be inside and out. chat soon!

I am still running

2009-08-27T15:18:00.000-07:00

Well it has been about 1 week now since I lost my job of over 2.5 years. It sort a sucks but I seen it coming so I seem to handle it ok. I think this is part of the bigger plan for my life. I made the decison to not return to the relationship I was in and I feel great about that decison time to move my life forward.

Since I have not been working I am still running I am training as if I am doing the Denver marathon in Oct, will see if I end up being able to sign up for it do to my money situation. I am taking a road trip out to Seattle/Tacoma WA area to visit my oldes sister and some other friends thinking I might want to eventually move back to the pacific northwest. I am originally from southern ore and my folks still live there. I know I do not want to live in ORE. and I have never lived in Seattle but i really like that area up there and have missed being near the ocean and overall the water.

I have changed so much in the 2.5 years I was at Imageseller lots of memories since that was when I started my running the day I was let go walking out with my gym bag and running shoes was the hardest part! at that job I was able to go run at lunch plus overall the work place was pretty relaxed. I can only dream of landing a new job that i could run at lunch and not have to dress up to much.

So life goes on and I as I always say TOUGH TIMES DONT LAST TOUGH PEOPLE DO! I look at this all as closing a chapter of my life and opening a new one YAHOO let the adventure begin!

I AM STILL RUNNING

2009-07-13T06:27:00.000-07:00

Wow lots has happend since I last posted. I did complete the Colfax marathon in 6 hr 1 min. The worst part of it all was coming into the park and the finish area it was not marked and no voluntters so I was offf course about 1/2 mile that was when I started to almost cry! I did see the finish line finally and picked it up the announcer was there along with my friends! I almsot lost it when the announcer called my name and then said. "Welcome back home Rebecca!" out of 414 people who did the full marathon I was 404 so I cannot complain.

Recovery from it went well was not bad at all. I have been sort a slug the lastfew months still running but nothing really much. I am starting back to today to train for marathon #2 Denver marathon Oct 19! yahoo I am excited. it seems when I set goals out there I then have no problem reaching them especially running ones!

At the end of April I moved out of my boyfriend Kelvin home. we have been dating 7 yrs and lilving together about 3. It was one of the hardest thing to do but I felt it was time for me to move on. I found a great 1 bedroom apt not far away and so far the transition is going well. Only time will tell what will take place. We are still friends and see each other here and there.

Running has changed me a lot the last 2-3 yrs and I cannot go back to the person I used to be.

I am also doing triathlon training but not many events this year do to $ now that I am living on my own.

11 DAYS TILL COLFAX MARATHON

2009-05-06T05:40:00.000-07:00

I am counting down the days now! I am starting to look forward to the marathon. yesterday I did a 3 mile run boy that is sure different than the 20 that I did the other day. I have a different mind set when it comes to long runs vs short runs but either way they both make me stronger!

It has been 2 yrs that I have been running and now the test will come the 26.2 miles! The goal is to start with a smile and cross the finish line with a smile! I have many friends to thank for all the encouragment and support through all of this!

20 MILE RUN

2009-05-04T07:13:00.000-07:00

Lots going on in my life at this time! I recently moved out of my boyrfiends home. we have been together 8 yrs and living together about 3. I just not sure what I want anymore and we both need to step back and see if the relationship will move forward.

Meanwhile I am marathon bound! I start tapering my miles now and May 17th is fast approaching! I will start with a smile and finish with a smile! I am excited and have lots of people supporting me! This is an incredible journy that I am on!

14 MILES

2009-04-19T17:25:00.000-07:00

We had bad weather the last few weeks major snow storms that would come in for a few days and dump the good old Spring snow. Today I woke up to sunny Colorado skies and new that it would be a great day to get my 14 mile long run in. I went pretty well the area I ran on today was clear and a little water here and there so overall got it done! 2 hr 38 min not to bad considering there was a potty stop in there LOL.

Next weekend is my longest run that I will do before the May 17 Colafa marathon. It suppose to be 20 miles and depnding on how I am feeling I just might try 22. Back in the fall I had run a 20 mile run so honestly IT HURT so at least I know what I will be feeling next weekend. If I do 22 I know it is going to hurt a bit more. Our weather is suppose to be in the 70's this coming week so I really hope next weekend the weather holds for my long long run. Then I will beging to tapper down a bit that is going to seem odd but I know that is what I have to do and will follow the training plan that I am on. So far so good no injuries and staying healthy YAHOO

marathon training

2009-04-09T20:08:00.000-07:00

I completed my 3 half marathon this last weekend. The weather was a bit chilly since it had snowed teh night before but overall I wont complain I was 8 minutes faster than the Las Vegas marathon back in December. The next 3 weeks or so are going to be my toughest yet as I am doing long runs on the weekends to get me ready for may 17th the big day. This weekend is 18 and I will do it on Sat as Sunday is Easter and I want to go to church. I want to thank God for keeping me strong and running and for the pateience to keep working at it. I try and not think how close the marathon is but at least a few times week it pops into my mind.

I just have to rmember that it is just run and there will be many others out there along side me so it will not be near as lonely as some of my long runs that I currently do. I have asked myself what made me decided to run a marathon and the only thing that comes to thought is because I honestly think I can do it. I wont be fast but doing your first marathon is not about being fast it is about finishing it and having a smile on my face. I think of my parents when I run and how they are older and there health starting to fade, my mom has to be on oxygen 24 hrs a day and is pretty much bed ridden with bad lungs and week heart. I run for her and I breath for her. I am going home in June for my 25th high school reunion and to see my parents. I will be taking my marathon medal with me and sharing it with my parents. Never in a millions years did I ever think that I would be running let along doing a full marathon. It is a journey that has been worth every minute of it! At times I get scared along the way feeling like I want to give up but I know this is a way of life for me and I will keep putting one foot in fron of the other.

60 days till marathon

2009-03-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

It is official as of tonight I am registered for the Colfax marathon! I am excited but I also know that I have 60 days more of training. Sunday is the day that I do my long run and this weekend it will be 15 miles. I think I will be ok just take it easy and one foot in front of another. May 1st 2006 was when I truly feel that I started running and I could barely run 2 miles with out stopping! I am living proof that perserverance pays off! I truly believe in following your dreams they can come true.

I keep thinking that come May 17 on that day all my hard training will have paid off. It is hard to believe all the time I am putting into my training and that one single day I will run 26.2 miles! I am hoping that my love for running will be strong after the marathon. This is an incredible journey that I am on.

75 DAYS & COUNTING

2009-03-03T18:25:00.000-08:00

I what into work early today actually been into work early a lot lately, it is a busy time of year for my job. I started to think this morning when and how did I decide to do a marathon? I really started thinking about how this call came to be. I really do not have all the answers yet, if you would of asked me 2 yrs ago if I ever thought of running a marathon I would of said, "what are you on drugs! LOL. I am on a journey one that is going to last a long time. I decided to run a marathon because I know I can! The hardest part is the training day in and day out for a total of 18 weeks. It is the getting up on Sun am and knowing I have a long run on Sundays and can't sleep in to much. It is the daily runs at lunch getting up from my desk and getting changed and out the door I go.

I truly honestly say that I feel that the marathon is going to change my in more ways than one. It is about helping me become a stronger woman mentally and physically! It is about doing something that I never thought I could!

I have been thinking that in one day 5-6 hrs it will be all done. The marathon will be the icing on the cake! It will be a pivital point in my life. What a way to put a close to this last year for me. I will be 42 yrs old when I finish my marathon and dam proud.

I hope that someday I can assit other people in following their dreams! I trully believe that dreams can come true!

91 DAYS TILL MY FIRST MARATHON

2009-02-15T18:19:00.000-08:00

WOW time is flying bye. I am 91 days away from running 26.2 miles. So far the training plan that I am using is going well. I do feel at times it is consuming my life but I know I have to put in the miles to be able to come across that finish line with a smile on my face!

I lately think about how will I feel once it is all done? Will I want to do another marathon in the future? Will I possibly want to do a ultra run someday? Then the big thought is will I ever consider a full iron man triathlon? YIKES that sounds so scarey to even say that LOL.

It has really amazed me how my athletic adventures have not only changed my phsically but how it has also changed other areas of my life and has helped my self esteem get much better and stronger. To be honest all I ever wanted to do was get in shape I did not realize how it would change other areas of my life. Some of it in the future will be scarey but I know I have to do what is best for Rebecca

CONVERSATIONS OVERHEARD AT WORK

2009-01-14T20:10:00.000-08:00

OK I am going to get on a soap box here so just wanted to say that up front! The young girls I work with in their mid 20's are doing weight watchers program. That is one of the better programs if someone asked me my opinion. But these girls just do not get it you also need to exercise and stick with it!

These girls are not seriously fat but I know their fitness level is not that good. If they would just exercise and do it on a regular bases they might see a difference in how they feel. A many of the young people I work with also drink WAY TO MUCH ALCOHOL! I like my wine but on special occasions and that is about it, I do not have much room in my eating plan for those calories.

I do not talk about my running or triathlons much at work unless someone approaches me and ask me. I just some how wish that people would realise that you can do anything you set your mind too. It takes some hard work and determination but it can be done if you want something bad enough. Maybe someday I can help others follow their dreams and desires.

a New Year

2009-01-12T19:07:00.000-08:00

Well hard to believe another year is upon us. I will be joining the CWW triatlon group here in Denver we kick off another season Jan 24th YAHOO. I am looking forward to it and this season I will do spring distance and do my first olympic distance.

The first big event for me is May 17 as I will be running my first marathon. This week kicks off my 18 week training plan I am using a plan that is by Hal Higdon a famous coach and runner and has written many books on marathon running. I feel very comfortable with the plan I am using.

I sometimes think WOW I am really going to do a marathon A FULL MARATHON? I reflect back at times how running has changed my life and that maybe someday I can do some motivational speaking and teach others how to follow their dreams! It is very interesting with co-workers or friends hear me talking on occassion about running and how they think I am a bit nuts for wanting to do the running that I do. I love what I do for keeping in shape and also love the challenge of seeing what my body can do. Setting up events to participate in also keeps me motivated and working hard.

Dream it............ believe it........

LAS VEGAS HALF MARATHON

2008-12-24T19:21:00.000-08:00

Dec 7th was the running of the Las Vegas Marathon and the half marathon. It was my first time in LV and it was a great time. My friend Becky who was suppose to to be running her first mararthon but due to injury she was there to cheer me and our barefoot marathon friend Byron who ran 26.2 miles dressed as Elvis and did it in 5 hrs! This man is awesome.

The event started on time at 6 am with fireworks going off at the start. I had my brand new garmin 305 but did not start it properly so that mentally frustrated me. I learned that you do not take new toys with you on a big event race unless you have worked the bugs out of them LOL. Overall it was a fun time I had also been on my legs to much the day before seeing the sites of the strip.

I cannot complain to bad my time was better than my first half marathon here in Denver back in May. Las Vegas time was 2 hr 39 min. There were people from 47 countires doing the LV event so met lots of neat people while out on the course. One shirt I will always remember said pain is temporary pride is forever! GOT LOVE IT.

Becky and Kelvin met up with me in the family reunion area it took a little bit to find them but when I did it was a great site to see them, I was a bit tired LOL. Overall a fun time and if you would of asked me 5 years ago what I would be doing Dec 7th 2008 it would of not been running a half marathon down the Las Vegas strip LOL. Now it makes me think were else would I like to travel to someday to do another half marathon or better yet a full marathon.

May 17 will be my first full marathon here in Denver if all goes well with my running this winter and into spring. I am also working out at the gym more this winter to get more core strength and just overall stronger

Thanksgiving 2008 Wash Park Turkey Trot

2008-11-30T15:44:00.000-08:00

The weather turned out warmer than last year! YAHOO it was a large turn out as always for this run. I had just found out the night before that my friend Becky Marzano who has been training to run the Las Vegas marathon will not be able to run it! She has a left quad that is pretty messed up and a MRI proved that. She will be coming to LV still to scream for me on my hlaf marathon!

I ran hard at the turkey trot and pleased to report 4.0 miles in 38:42 which is about 9:44 per mile time! So I am getting faster! that was 5 min off last years time. I am also happy since I had to navigate a large crowd of walkers, kids, etc etc so learning how to do that is great experience for me at large runs.

Next Sunday at this time I will have run my 2 half marathon ever! I am hoping to do it in 2:30 or less. I know it will be better than my first half marathon which was in May 2008 and it was a time of about 2hr 45min and it was really hard! Since then I have increased weekly mileage and done more hill training which is helping me. My lonest run to day is 20 miles in about 4hr 14 min. I will back down my mileage in Jan and then come Feb-April bring it back up and on May 17 2009 I will return to the Colfax Marathon this time to do the full 26.2

I am also currently 183 miles away from reaching 1000 miles for running this year. My goals is to reach it by the end of December. I am wanting to do the Denver resolution run which is a 5K and have that round out my 1000 miles for the year! Last year I did 300 and some miles for the whole year. At the beginning of 2008 I had told myself all that I wanted to do was more miles than last year I NEVER set the goal of 1000 miles it just sort a happened LOL.

I am hoping to get my running times down and would like to become a 9 min per mile runner and also keep running long distances.

Hope you all have a great holiday season! I will report in after Las Vegas Marathon.

11 DAYS AND COUNTING

2008-11-25T19:03:00.000-08:00

I am now 11 days away from running the Las Vegas half marathon. Last weekend I did my 20 mile training run. It was not like the other long runs I have done since I had to go at it alone. Becky is having issues with her quad and tonight she went and had a MRI done we are all praying that it is nothing serious. The 20 miles that I did alone was tough and I have learned how mentally hard it can be to do long distances ALONE!

What got me through it was that I on the same day there were friends going IMAZ and I thought if they can be doing a full ironman then I can be running 20 miles! So that is what helped me get through it all! The weather was great temperatures in the 50-60. I will run a turkey trot 4 mile event here in Denver the am of Thanksgiving morning alone with about 8000-10,000 other people, our weather is suppose to turn cold and maybe a few snow showers. LOVELY it will be just like last year DAM COLD. Still a great way to start off a grat holiday weekend.

NINETEEN MILES

2008-11-17T19:50:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the big 19 mile run. The weather was perfect for this long run. Becky and did the run toom me about 3 hr 40 min and I felt pretty good that I was able do a quick walk while she used the restrooms. I still find it hard to believe that I am running that far LOL.

Best part was when we was done and had cooled down then it was the drive to chatfield gravel pond where we walked into the water and did what is now called the Colorado ice bath! It was tough but my legs feel better today then they have after any of our long training runs. I also had a full hour massage tonight OH THAT FELT SO GOOD and it was so needed.

ANOTHER LONGEST RUN

2008-11-15T19:18:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is longest run to date willbe 19 milessssssssssssssssssss! then next Sat it will be 20 miles and that will be the longest I run till I kick back in serious training miles most likely come Feb. Dec 7th I will be attending the Las Vegas marathon to do my 2 half marathon ever.

I feel very comforatble with doing 13 even thought many have told me I am good to go on 26.2 if I should decide to change my mind once I get there LOL. I truly want my first full marathon to be in Denver where I live, work and train my butt off. I am very thrilled that I can even run these trainng distances but learning lots and I hope someday I can use this knowledge to inspire others.

I have many fellow triathlete friends and runners that have been awesome in giving me advice and pointers thank you all so very much!!!!!!!!

10K PERSONAL BEST

2008-11-02T17:18:00.000-08:00

It was the perfect conditions for my 10K today. I did this race last year as my firt 10K ever plus it is well know that this 10K is one of if not the toughest in the Denver metro area.

Last year my time was 1hr 11 min and I was pleased since back then I had never done that distance let alone on a tough hill course! Today I came in at 1hr 2 min! pulled 10 min miles! I remember a lot of the hills so I knew what was going to be coming up! I paced myself and I also did not try and analyze my running during the event. I did what I was suppose to do and that is RUN RUN RUN!

I would say at mile 4 it started to seem a bit tough since you still have 2 miles to go and there is up and down still LOL. Once to the top of the hill and I knew I was head towards the finish I just kicked it in! I am learning that my daily work outs are paying off and learning to push myself harder and that the body can endure! The temperatures were perfect in the upper 60's and a lite breeze. The treats afterwords were great! I will be back at this one next year with a goal of getting it under 1 hr and I know I will do it!

I am learning so much about the mental part of running and I am loving it

October update

2008-10-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

The 18 mile run last weekend went pretty well took us about 3 hr 30 min wow where does the day go when you do a long run LOL. This week is sort a low miles week for me since Sunday is a 10K and I want to get my time down from last year. It is a very hilly course so will see.

Friday for Halloween I am going to dress up as......... take a guess LOL I will post photos here over the weekend should be interesting since I havenot dressed up in years! Weather is holding nice here in Colorado almost 70 today. Looking forward to Dec 7th half marathon in Las Vegas.
DIVA LAS VEGAS BABY!

ANOTHER LONGEST RUN

2008-10-25T12:06:00.000-07:00

I am headed out tomorrow at 9:00 am for NOW my farthest run ever LOL. LAst weekend went pretty well with Becky I did 16 miles in about 3 hrs 10 min. I could feel the pain starting around 14 miles but I held on. It is really amazing what the human body can do and how it handles running. The day after I did not feel to bad. This week was low miles 17 for the week and this coming week will be more since tomorrow I start the week with 18 miles.

Nov 2 I will be doing the Littleton Stride 10K a very challengin 10K hills up and down hope to beat my time of 1 hr 11 min that was last year, plus my first 10K ever. Our weather here in Denver area is holding nicely. Recently I have read Dean K book 50 marathons in 50 days! great book I highly recommend it. I also read my life on the run another great running book from another famous endurance runner.

FARTHEST RUN YET

2008-10-17T19:17:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I am doing my farthest run yet. I will be doing a training run with friend Becky Marzano. We will be doing 16 miles, Dec 7th we will be in Las Vegas to do the marathon there. OH I mean Becky will do the full marathon and I will do the half marathon LOL.

I am doing my one long distance run a week with her and if i am not carefull I will end up doing 26 miles at Las Vegas. The weather will be ideal conditions in the am to run at Waterton. I may try and take my camera for photos after we are done. I am not doing my marathon till May 2009 so lots of time to still get in long runs and jsut overall mileage base.

RUN THE ROCKS 5K

2008-10-13T17:52:00.000-07:00

This event was put on by the American Lung assoc of Colorado. I always support there events! Last year it was just a 1 mile run up the road at Red Rocks and at that time in my running world that was the hardest thing I had ever done! Now the crazy Mt Evans ascent takes the place LOL.

This year the Run the Rocks was a 5K I was thrilled and it also brought in a bunch more people! It was 2 miles down the road and THEN that wonderful 1.0 mile straight up to the top of the red rocks ampheitheater! The weather was very close to like last years! cold maybe 40 and a rain like mist. I got out my winter running attire and was ready for the challenge. The 2 miles down the road I was watching many people running fast down it. I knew that running down fast would be hard on the knees so I just went at my pace plus I had a feeling I would pass many of those people when it came to the 1 mile up! Sure enough most of them were walking! I was not fast going up it but I took it one step at a time!

Make a long story short my official time across the mat was 36:22 I was 368 out of a total of 759.

I was 30 out of 81 females in the age group I think 40-44. Females I was 185 out of 479 total.

my per mile pace was 11:47. Last year it took me about 17 minutes to just run the 1 miles up hill! So I see an improvment over last year overall mile time.

Afterwords I had some guys get a photo of me and my metal. I told Kelvin (AKA boyfriend) that he could stay home since the weather was pretty yuckie. I then went and got my SHIRT! This year I raised enough funds to earn a shirt YAHOO HAPPY GIRL DOING THE HAPPY DANCE!

I also got my goodie bag and a nice bagel from panera breads. I did not hang out to long as I was starting to cool down and feel chilled a bit.

I do the lung association runs for my mom who was a heavy smoker and is on the last part of her life do to ephazema. conestive heart failure and major depression! She is 72 and my dad who is 75 is her care taker. This last weekend two of my 3 sisters where there taking care of my mom while my dad took a short trip up to Washington state to visit his sister who is 80. So on the run on this day I ran with my heart for my mom RUTH JANE HALLIN! I love you mom and sure wish I could be there to show you my medal that I earned for you.

I also had my yearly check up this last sat and all looks great! Just waiting on the blood results back this week. My weight was down from last year I think 3-4 pounds which I pretty much knew it would be with my increase in running. I have 5 pounds that I am working hard on and would like to see them off me before I go run a half marathon at the Dec 7th Las Vegas. Will be attending that will friend Becky who is 58 and will run her first marathon, she is trying to talk me into the full 26.2 but I am planning my first marathon here in Denver May 2009. I will do the Colfax marathon I did my my first hlaf marathon at that event this last May. I want to do my first full marathon in the state and city that I live and train in! PLUS I can then say I ran 26.2 miles at elevation of 5280! I am currently running about 30-33 miles a week and will increas it before to long to about 35 and hold it there for awhile

cresecent moon sprint triathlon

2008-10-05T17:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry it as been awhile since I posted. My last triathlon of the season was the Crescent Moon at Cherry Creek Reservoir in Denver CO. To make a long story short I did pretty well considering this was my 3 sprint triathlon ever and the 2 one of season 2008.

I was about 6-7 miles into the bike ride when a bee flew down the front of my tri suit and stung me on the chest! I felt it and then quickly reached in and flicked it out! It stung a little but I was not going to stop!! I was cruising pretty well on the bike with my new aero bars. I came cruising into the bike transition I dismounted the bike and had to run it through transitions aways to get to my area. My right calf was acting up a bit and I was like DAM IT a bee sting and now my right calf acting up! I got to my area and Kelvin was near cheering me on. I yelled at him that I got stung and that my right calf hurt! He is so awesome to just take all my comments in stride LOL.

I was able to make it through the run and come to the finish line in a time of around 1 hr 39 mintes not to bad for me considering all that took place. The food afterwords was good and great to visit with other tri athletes.

The next day I had a 5K to run. It was the 2 time that I did the second wind 5K in Lakewood. Last year I did ok about 35 minutes. it has some inclines so was a bit tough. This year I just wanted to finish it since the day before I had the triathlon so I knew I would be a bit tired. WELL I pulled off a time of 31 min about 4 min better than last year! So I guess my training is paying off. I was very pleased!

SUMMER IS ENDING

2008-09-02T18:58:00.000-07:00

Well hard to believe that summer is ending. we just celebrated labor day weekend so in my eyes summer is over and fall will start in real soon. I have my last triathlon of the season Sept 20th the crescent moon sprint. It has been an awesome summer for me I loved being able to be part of my ladies triathlon group CWW they rock!

I also recently got my first pair of aero bars for my trek road bike. I practiced with them yesterday for the first time, it was not to bad and eventually it will be good. I dream of someday really owning a real triathlon bike LOL. I have also been running at waterton canyon I LOVE IT THERE! plus found a new trail the other day it was like running through a jungle and I so love that! I really like trail running. need to save up and get some trail running shoes.

Boulder 5430 long course half iron man

2008-08-11T18:55:00.000-07:00

I went and hung out at the Bouler 5430 long course half ironman triathlon yesterday. My friend Becky Marzano was competing in it for her first 1/2 ironman she came in 3rd in her age group YAHOO!

I met Timothy O'Donnel the pro who came in 2 in the males pro category. He got beat on the run in the last half mile of it! OH that would be so tough! He is from Colorado and was very nice to talk with him. I hung out to watch Becky finish it was a real site to see her coming down the finish shoot! she completed the tri in just under 7 hrs. After watching the people yesterday I know there is still hope for me in the next year or two to be able to a half iron man!

I still have some runs to do this season and a sprint distance triathlon towards the end of sept.

Steve Uchella also did this triathlon he is about my age 42 and his time was 5 hrs 5 minutes, he is a great athlete

Training this summer

2008-07-16T20:21:00.000-07:00

I am really going to hate to see summer go away! I have had so much fun doing my open water swim practice 2 times a week, plus running at lunch and biking when I can. Tonight my triathlon group CWW had a dinner for us after our swim. We me at 3 margarita restaurant had chips and salsa then dinner all paid for by CWW. We had a large turn out!

I have enjoyed the group this season and will see what I decide to do next season. I do know I want to contiune doing this sport but would like to be able to get faster and I know that means training harder and just working hard at it! I am planning on hitting the gym this winter to really work on my overall fitness and get stronger

MT EVANS ASCENT YIKES WHAT A DAY

2008-06-25T18:51:00.000-07:00

This was a day that I will never forget. Kelvin and I arrived at the start area in plenty enough time. I picked up my race package and then went and sat back in the car. We had stayed the night in Idaho Springs so was easier to get up in the am and get to the start area. I was concerned that parking might be a pain. It was not to bad.

People started to gather and pick up there packets and it was warming up a little maybe close to 40. I wore my running tights and running jacket. I had my fuel belt ready to go with water and gatoraide mix. We met some great people from out of state that came to do this event. Always neat to hear why people run let along why this crazy run.

At about 7:45 we all started heading toward the start line. You could hear wispers throught the crowd that Matt Carpenter was there today and was going to try and break the 30 yrs old record for the 14 mile run up mt Evans. I had never heard of Matt until this day. In my eyes he is the god of mt running and high elevations.

The race started in time and we were headed up. I was able to do a jog/walk the first9 miles. I had been told to just keep moving along and that I could make the cut off time of 2.5 hrs for the first 9 miles. SO that was my first goal. along the way you are near some people and can talk a little and then other times it is you and the road and the elevation and that is it! I made it the first 9 miles at a time of 2hr 10 min so I was pleased but starting to feel a bit tired. I had about another 21/2 hours to get the last 5 miles done.

Around mile 11 or so my head was getting a headache and tummy was feeling a bit yuck. I did stop at one of the aid station and got some energy drink and animal crackers. At this time I was walking and it was pretty slow, I talked to God and said just bring me through this! The mental hard part is tryin to not look further up the road! you see that you are still climbing up and it is like HELL.

At mile 13 I seen the alpine rescue vehicle coming down the road. The stopped and picked a lady up that was just a short distance in front of me. They came to me and the vehicle door opened. The driver a older man looked at me and said, "you have 15 minutes and one mile left and you do not look like you are going to make it" I agreed and in tears and a little broken heart I hoped on the paddy wagon. I sat on the floor and just wanted some gatoraide and a plastic trash can to hang my head over I knew I was most likley going to ralph! The medics looked at my hands and knew that I most likely had mile altitude sickness. So down the hill they drove me. They stopped at the half way point and I borded the school bus that would eventually take people back down to the start. BUT the medics seen I was in sad shape so they said come with us back on the paddy wagon and we will take you all the way down to the start. I was so happy to hear that. I sat on the floor again there was NO WAY i wanted to set up and see the drive down this mountain that had just kicked my ass!

It was rough ride down but I knew I would be ok. We even had to stop for some mt goats that were on the road. In my head I was thinking what the HELL who cares if there is one less mt goat on this dam road! JUST GET ME THE HELL DOWN from here LOL.

FINALLY arrived back at the start line. They took me to my car and Kelvin was near there when the paddy wagon pulled up and the doors opened. I saw Kelvin and I was in tears telling him 13 MILES DAMIT I MADE IT 13 miles! I was very emotional and my heart was broke a little. I sat there for a little while and drank my gatoraide like a good girl and started to feel like I was going to be ok. I told Kelvin all about the run and how tough it was.

We then drove town 13 miles to the middle school to the picnic they had for us all. I was not real hungry and just drank fluids and had some chips. The awards ceromony was great! Just to see all the people that made it was great. YES Matt Carpenter broke the record he did it in 1 hr 37 minutes! the ladies time was broke too! What was great too was to see the many older people who did this event. Many of these people do elevation running so they are used to being at 10K 14K elevation. Overall I am really pleased with what I did! considering I have never done an event like this I cant complain. I did not get the finishe medal but I did get a nice sweat shirt.

I cannot say yet if I will try it again next year, I do know that if I do that I have to do more elevation hikes and runs. If you would of asked me 2 yrs ago what I would be doing running 14 miles up mt evans would of not been on my list LOL

Thanks to all my great friends who supported and cheered for me. LOVE YA LL

NEXT STOP MT EVANS ASCENT

2008-06-19T18:28:00.000-07:00

Well I have about less than 2 days till I will attempt to run 14 miles at high altitude here in Colorado. No matter what it will be a beautiful run and up the highest paved road in north America. I guess I am going find out real fast how strong my legs and lungs are.

I want to say thanks to GOD for letting me even be in the shape that I am to attempt this run. I truly believe this will be the hardest physical thing in my life that I will have done so far. I am only 42 so maybe there are more crazy athletic events for me to come??????? WISH ME LUCK

Boulder 5430 sprint triathlon

2008-06-19T18:18:00.001-07:00

I am a bit behind in my blogging. WELL the sprint 5430 went as well as I could expect. Total time was 2:09 not bad considering the practice the weekend before I was at 2:18. The swim this time went much better for me, I felt relaxed and did not panic at all.

My transition times need work but that is why I will practice and keep working at all aspects of a triathlon event. It was just so much fun to come in from the run and see all the people there cheering us all on. There was about 1250 people doing this tri and 200 of them were first timers! is that great or what! YAHOO for us a little new into this sport.

I recovered pretty well this week Monday I was a little tired but legs felt fine. I guess that means I could of pushed harder LOL.

This week I have laid low a little since this Sat I will be trying to run 14 miles up! The Mt Evans ascent run. we start at 10K elevation, if I can make it the first 9 miles in 2hr 30 min then all that is left will be 5 more miles. TO THE TOP OF THE HIGEST PAVED ROAD IN NORTH AMERICA. Now I know I may not make it but hey at least I am in shape to even think about doing this event. Wish me luck!

5430 SPRINT REHERSAL

2008-06-12T18:48:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday I did the full rehersal for the 5430 sprint distance triathlon. It was at the Boulder reservoir where the actual even will be June 15th. It took me 2 hr 18 min to swim 800 meter open water swim, 17 mile bike and close to a 4 mile run.

I struggled with the open water swim but what can I say I need to practive that alot more. I purchased my first ladies tri wet suit tonight so I am really excited, I get to break it in at the actual event this sunday. The bike went pretty well considering I had never been on the course before and I really did not realise it was a 17 mile ride LOL.

The run went good. Once I got off the bike and started running it took me about 5 minutes to relax a little and get my land legs back. Kelvin was there as I came in off the bike and said, "ok now you can run so go get it! It was perfect weather and I knew the run course since I had done a 5K up there back in the fall.

It was fun to be there with many of my CWW team mates. cheering each other on the whole way! As I was coming in off the run I could see K along the side and I yelled at him, what a great man he is he had the camera all ready to get my photo! :) I pushed myself very hard at the finish and it felt great and tough! But I was pleased with what I did.

I am not sure where I will end in this sport but I do know I wans to keep doing it. Running and the training for triathlons has really changed my life more than I ever expected! I just turned 42 the other day boy 41 was just a great year for me! Lets see if 42 can top it :)

THE HALF MARATHON

2008-06-12T18:35:00.000-07:00

Well sorry it has been awhile since I update my blog. The half marathon was good and I was so glad that I did it. I had to stop and use the port a potties 2 times within the first 6 miles. That upset me but there was not much I could do about it.

I think the reason why I had to stop is I ate to much the day before. I sort a over shot my nuttirtion the day before, thinking that I would need all those calories and I really did not! When I did use the port a potties it was not like I had to go real bad LOL.

There were not many spectators out on colfax that am cheering us so at times it was a lonely run. But I enjoyed looking at the different business along the street. At about mile 10 I was starting to feel some paing setting in, GOOD News it was nothing that I was not able to deal with. I remember thinking wow I am almost done with 13 miles!

The best part of it was when we started to head into the city park area. I knew I was coming home! I saw my friend Becky and I yelled for her! she saw me and came onto the course and ran a short distance with me, she cheered me and said, "you can see the finish line go get it" I do not know where the strength came from but I saw that large finish line and off I went! I ran as hard as I could towards it the whole time looking for Kelvin so he could give me my metal! Make a long story short he was not the one who gave me my medal. Seems that am when he got there it was not very well organized and he said to hell with it. BUT he was close by when I came into the finish area.

I was crying tears of joy! My right calf was aching so I walked around till it felt some what better. We stayed around a little while watching others come in it was a great time! When we did decide it was time to walk to the car I thought how am I going to get to the car LOL. My calf was acting up and I was so scared that maybe I pulled something!

We finally got home and I laid down for a few hours and after that nap I felt almost back to normal. What a day it was something I will always remember! The medals we all received are so pretty! It hangs at my desk with the many other medals I have from other run events.

The great news is I am still running and loving it! In the back of my mind is a marathon for now it will just stay back there.

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFOR MY FIRST HALF MARATHON

2008-05-17T18:52:00.000-07:00

wow it seems like it was not long ago and my first half marathon was months away!

Here it is now the night before I will run 13 miles. I went to the sports expo today and picked up my bib # and chip. I am as ready as I can be. Weather looks like it will awesome. I am telling myself it is just another run and nothing to get stressed over. My friend Becky will be there to cheer me on and Kelvin will be there at the end to give me the medal.

I think I am going to be a bit emotional on this event LOL

4 DAYS AND COUNTING

2008-05-14T19:26:00.000-07:00

wow this week is going faster than I thought it would LOL. It is a real adjustment to be on a tapering week. I will run 3 miles tomorrow and I might do a few miles on Friday. I also play baseball on Friday night so maybe that will count as some exercise LOL.

Lots on my mind about the half marathon. I think I will be OK physically and finish ok.

I know as I come through that finish shoot I am going to have some tears going. I really will if I get to find Kelvin at the finish area and have him place the finish medal around my neck.

I so miss being able to go out this week and just run like normal.

7 DAYS AND COUNTING

2008-05-11T06:15:00.000-07:00

Next sunday at this time I will be running my first half marathon. I did a little drive yeterday in the area of the run. Going tobe very interesting Colfax street in Denver has a lot of history behind it. I call it the good, the bad, the ugly LOL.

A lot has been going through my mind this last week about the run some good and some bad LOL. Overall more good than bad. It will be a early run starting at 6:00 am good thing for the most part I am a morning person.

This morning I will head out and do my longest run. After this 8-9 mile run today then I get to start tapering LOL YAHOO

Video of the 10K in Steamboat

2008-05-06T20:06:00.000-07:00

STEAMBOAT 10K

2008-05-06T18:44:00.000-07:00

long, long road

I had a great weekend in Steamboat Springs Colorado. I took a vacation day on Fri and left that am. The roads were winter driving conditions, I even went and purchased chains, knowing that if I did that I would not need them LOL. I just took my time and enjoyed the drive.

Friday once I arrived up there I headed on over to Craig to visit some olf friends that I had not seen in years! That was a great time! Some of them looked at me and said you look sort a familar? Then when I said. "Well I am Rebecca who used to own the copy shop and was married to Scott Mckinney" they said OH WOW how are you AND you look different what have you been doing! Yes I look different about 50 pounds less. Getting lean and mean LOL.

Friday night my friend Jan & her husband Jim met me back in Steamboat and we went to a nice Italian dinner I was good and just had my spagetti dinner and nice salad. Jan stayed the night with my at my hotel so we could get up early Sat get a little something to eat before heading to the run which started at 10:00 am. I like runs that start later on a sat am LOL.

We checked in around 9:15 and I found out this was going to be a small event maybe total runner between the 5K and 10K 60-65 people. Most doing the 5K and maybe 10-12 doing the 10K. That made me feel good! but I also knew that I would back in the group of 10K runners LOL. The night before I drove a portion of the course. The race started on time and it was a out and back on a nice country paved road a few inclines but nothing to bad UNTIL..........

the 3 mile mark was a good incline up to the water aid station. I had my own water with me so I just turned around and told myself time to head back and I best pick up my pace a bit. One lady did pass me at the 3 mile mark I let her go I knew I was not going to be able to keep pace with her and I was ok with that. It was around the 4 mile mark when I could see the middle school where I was to finish the run, that is when I talked to myself and said, " there is not much further to go and you can do it! push it harder! my mantra is, "this is only short term pain" and that is so true. so I kicked it in a little and down to the finish line I went to a time of 1hr 9 minutes. I was happy since the only other 10 K I did had been back in Oct in Denver and it was 1 hr 11Min. it was a much more hilly course too! BUT steamboat elevation is around 9500 feet that is 3000 higher than Denver! So I guess I can do OK in a little higher elevation. SUnday the day after the road I went and took some video of the road I ran on. what is so very funny as I was holding the camera up to the window to get the video I had my radio on to some local station. You will never guess what song came on. " The long and winding road" so the little video that I caught on my camera has the song playing in the background. What timing is that! LOL

I had a great time and felt pretty well overall and proud of my run. I stayed another night in Steamboat and Sun am I went and sat in the nearby hot pools at the local fitness center. I felt like I was in heaven!

If I ever win lotto I would love a little condo in Steamboat Springs it is my slice of heaven!

I have about 12 days till my half marathon. I know I will finish it and that is my first goal. Second goal is if I can I would like to come in at a time around or near 2hr 15 min that I think would be close to a 10 min mile and that would be good for me.

In the back of my head I keep thinking mmmmmmmm wonder how I will feel after running 13 miles flat course? Is there a marathon in my future.............. stay tuned and find out!

30 DAYS TILL HALF MARATHON

2008-04-19T15:28:00.001-07:00

WOW I do not know where time is going! I have lots of training to still get in, good news the weather is getting much nicer. I have been thinking so what will I feel like after running a half marathon? I remember when I was running my 1o mile run event this last winter. At times the self talk kicked in, " what the hell am I doing out here running 10 miles LOL what makes me think I can run, etc etc. Once the 10 miles was complete I was like mmmmm it was not to bad so maybe I can continue running and go a little further LOL. So here I will be running a full half marathon in Denver, I keep wondering what is it truly like to run a full marathon 26 miles? That is a heck of a long run LOL. Maybe I will eventually do a full marathon but at this time I really do not think about it much. I would like to get a time of 2.5 or less for 13 miles but the real goal is to run the complete event and finish with a BIG SMILE on my face and saying. NOW THAT REALLY WASN'T THAT BAD. Oh also at this time I am the only one signed up with the Colorado lung association as a fund raiser. I will add the link here soon. I really could use some donations!

Metro 5K

2008-04-13T15:20:00.000-07:00

It was a nice event about 200 runners. I arrived at around 7:15 picked up my bib number and my goodie bag. It was sunny out but a bit chilly but I was dressed for the temperature. This was not a chipped time even but still it was timed, plus I had my HR monitor on a ready to go. We started at 8:00. The first mile seemed tough for me I was a bit tired since I did do a bike drills clinic yesterday with my Tri group, it was pretty easy and I did not push to hard on it. It was a nice course for this 5K through the campus and some streets near downtown Denver, the skyline view is awesome. Around mile I started to think wow what is 13 miles going to seem like when I run my first half marathon in about a month. I know I will be fine and I look forward to it with the thousands of other runners. After I reached mile 2 I said mmmm there is one mile left and you better get going! I had few people ahead of me that I thought that maybe I could pass one of them I did and it was at the very end near the finish shoot. I did feel at the end that I was giving it my all since I started to feel a little like oh wow I might get sick LOL. My friend Becky always has told me if you feel that way as you get close to the finish line you know you have given it your all! Speaking of Becky she finished the Iron girl olympic tri in Las Vegas she was 2 in her age group I think there was 5-6 in her age group. I am so thrilled for her! cant wait till she post her race information. She inspires me! Next even coming up first part of May a 10K in Steamboat Springs CO my first run at a higher elevation then Denver, it will be a good challenge for me.

SPRING TIME

2008-04-02T19:46:00.000-07:00

Well the weather here in CO is typical Spring one day snow the next 65 LOL today was 50's so I got in a 4 mile run felt great! Then it was off to swim class tonight for 1850 yards I have a 1 hr swim class with my triathlon group I go 2 times a week. Swimming with others is so much easier and times flies LOL. Since the weather might be YUCK tomorrow I think I will go to the neardy Golden recreation center at lunch jump on the treadmill and get 5 miles in. I have my road bike at work but have not road it much since the weather has not been real stable. I do not mind running in cold or snow but riding a bike in the WIND is pretty wild LOL. Hope you all are doing well. HAPPY SPRING

EASTER DAY

2008-03-23T17:03:00.000-07:00

Had a nice turkey meal with Kelvin parents. Then came home and got my bike out and did my first little ride of the season. Wanted to make sure the bike was in decent shape plus wanted to see how I would feel on the bike much liter weight then last year at this time. It felt great! I was like WOW I feel good and will be able to ride more this year and looking forward to riding into to work maybe one day this week.

GETTING OVER COLD

2008-03-20T05:41:00.000-07:00

Well since I returned from my vacation I caught a cold. It was not much until last weekend it got worse, I took a sick day on Monday went to Dr and got some meds so feeling much better now. Still got a little of it left so hope it goes bye bye soon! I did my first run in awhile yesterday it wasnt to bad I did not go to fast since I do want this cold to go away. My weight has gone down another 2 pounds YIPEEE for me I am within 2 POUNDS of a goal of 140. I would like to reach it before summer and maintain it through out the triathlon season.

BACK FROM VACATION

2008-03-11T19:28:00.000-07:00

Well has always the time went way to fast! I arrived on Thur at 2:00 in the afternoon, flight out to west coast went well just long day of flying. I stayed with my parents and had a great time! It was great to just be there alone with them both and be able to visit with them. Mom is not doing as bad as I thought but still hard to see her in bed most the day. She did get up to eat each meal even though she doesnt eat much. She showed me here exercises that the home health care has her doing, I even sat beside her and did them too. I explained to her that she needs to keep doing her exercises.

March 8th was the 5K at Crater High school in Central point ore. I got there at about 8:00 am and checked in. I met the race director Mike Barret he is 70 and years ago he worked with my Dad in one of the local saw mills. Check in was in the high school gym that was nice since outside it was very foggy and about 35. I kept thinking that the sun would come out about the time we would start at 9 am but NOPE! I did a few warm up laps around the track it is a very nice state of the art track with special coating very well taken care of. Before the 5k started they did the little kids run around the track that was really cute and fun to see these little kids run fast! I really enjoyed that. I was not able to have any friends there at the run to cheer me on but that was ok. BECAUSE when I was walking out to the track the first time I looked down and there was a PENNY! I bent over and grabbed it up! I said to myself, " find a penny pick it up and you will have great luck" those are famous words that my grandmother had told me years ago when I was a little girl and found a penny on a sidewalk. SOOOOOO I thought what the heck I can use all the luck I can get on this run. I knew it was going to be all flat and a out and back course. I was dressed for the fog and chilly damp weather. 9:00 I WAS OFF and running! Throught the parking lot over gravel out on to the local nearby streets in the area of the high school. Legs felt pretty good, ( i had run the day before about 1-2 miles) a little into the first mile there was this man next to me that some how I started chatting with said he was from the area and I told him I was back home visiting family but now live in Colorado. WELLLLLLLLLLL make a long story short I asked him his name and he said. Mark Mayfield! This was my oldest sisters first X husband! I said oh my gosh I know you and he looked at me and said, " your Cindy Hallin little sister Beka! I said YEP I was like still running and watching ahead to make sure I did not trip over a sidewalk LOL, He was there at the run to take some photos of friends. He ran most the run with me as we chatted. It was getting not far from the finish and he took off and I knew that I best picl up my pace since it was not much further and I would be doing the final lap around the track and coming to the finish shoot! I looked at my watch and it said 25 min I was like DAM I am not going to get the time that I want. But I thought well just run hard and do the best that you can! There was a lady in front of me I passed her but I could not stick with her so I let her go. I saw the finish line and the clock and my finial time was 31.00. Mark was there and got a photo of me as I finished. I wont complain about my time since that is a PR last best PR was 31:33. There was about 150 runners and I was number 118. I almost placed in my age group good news is I did get the award for the person who came the furthest! I got a box of Irish Spring Soap! I was so thrilled! what can I say I will treasure that!

The night before the run I went to a spagetti dinner at the local grainge hall there in Grants Pass it was yummy! I won a nice door prize! this large ceramic St Patricks day mug!

This was a trip back to my hometown that I will treasure for years! It was so hard to leave my folks knowing that my mom is so ill. Dad will be 75 in July and doing pretty darn well. I also spent time with my 2 oldest sis and her husband Matt. I went back to work today and dead tired! I did not get in last night till around 12:30! weather here today was great about 65 and sunny. So now got to get back to my daily runs and work outs I have a lot of events coming up in the next 4-5 months!

GETTING READY FOR SEA LEVEL

2008-03-03T19:08:00.000-08:00

I will be flying out in a few days to head to southern Oregon. I am going to visit my parents, my mom has had ill health for a long time now and I have the time to go see her and jsut let her know how much I love her, plus maybe take a little stress of my Dad has he has been the care taker of her. I cant wait to see them both. This coming Sat I will do my first 5K at sea level YAHOO cant wait it is in the town of Central Point and will be a flat course so I want to give it all I got! It might rain but that will not stop this mile high girl!

Tonight I got looking at a event guide that has runs and events coming up here in Colorado. My eyes landed on the Mt Evans ascent run 14 miles up to the top of Mt Evans, this is the highest paved road in the USA! elevation to climb on this run is 4000ft. You have 4 hours to complete the run. The finishers get a medal! and I would love to have that one for my collection, they allow only 350 runners to do this event and there is still spots open for 100 more. So I have some serious decsions to make about this one. The weekend before this event I have my first sprint traithlon of the season, so that is something that concerns me will I be recovered enough to make a 14 mile run at at that elevation?

CLIMB THE REPUBLIC BUILDING

2008-02-24T18:00:00.000-08:00

what a great event! Kelvin and I arrived at 7:00 am. he checked in for volunteer duty. He was given the water aid station on the 35 floor, this was the last stop for anyone to get water before the get to the finish at the 53 floor. Official chip time 13:49

I went and sat down near the start area, so that I could see the elite runners start at 8:00 am. It was a great time I got some great photos. I am not sure what the first place time was but I did hear that the record was like 6 minutes. I really enjoyed being with such a large group of people it is just awesome. My start time was to be at 9:50 but the line was not to bad so I snuck in at 9:40. My legs felt pretty good considering running 10 miles yesterday. I had a little talk with my legs and said, "OK just get me to the top and I promise I will let you rest a few days after all this work this weekend" SO off I went through the start door. I started my heart rate monitor so I could see how hard I was pushing. 4th floor I was talking to myself saying wow 53 flights LOL guess I better keep moving. After that I just kept breathing and breathing I told myself you can do this! Legs were not feeling to bad. Next stop 35 floor I peaked in the hall way to yell at Kelvin. I said I AM HERE GOING UP!!! I had water on me so need to stop along the way at all.

Before I knew it I was at the 45 floor and knew I was getting closer to the 53 FINISH LINE!

It was great when you get to the finishe line. there was volunteers there that put the medal around your neck and then you also had them remove your timing chip. The view was worth a million! I got some great photos out the window looking at the sky line of Denver! It was all so worth it! I felt like I was on top of the world. OK OK I was on top of the highest building in Denver.

Once done taking photos I was into the elevator that takes you down to the lobby. The lobby area had great food and other goodies! I picked up my shirt YAHOO. I will also be getting a nice technical running shirt. April 15 the CO lung association will have a get together at a nice bar/grill restaraunt down town, they will honor the people who raised the most funds plus the people who finished in top spots. I will get my running shirt then. I raised so far 300.00 I want to say thanks to any and all who supported me on this.

What a wonderful weekend this was! Sure I will bit sore tomorrow but I would do it all again in a heart beat.

SNOWMAN STAMPEDED 10 MIL RUN

2008-02-23T18:11:00.000-08:00

I did it! Yes I ran the complete 10 miles not at record pace but I am happy with what I did today. Considering a year ago there would be no way I could of run that distance. My time was 1:57:33. The weather could of not been better, this was the last race in a series of 3 that I did called the Winter Distance. Now that is done so lets get Spring coming here in Colorado! My friends Becky and Andria where at the run today also Susan from Evergreen was great to finally meet her. OH also a few other ladies that blog on BT too. My legs towards the end started feeling a little like lead LOL. At times there were not many other runners near me so I did lots of thinking about things like THE STAIRS that I have to climb tomorrow LOL. But that will be a fun event and a great cause! stay tuned for that story tomorrow

WHAT THE HECK WAS I THINKING

2008-02-22T17:44:00.000-08:00

This is a weekend that I will most likely always ask
myself what was I thinking! Tomorrow I will be
participating in the last of the winter distance
series runs. This is the snow man stampede
10 mil run at Cherry Creek Reservoir. Weather
looks like it might not be to bad. I have done many
runs in 2007 and now continuing in 2008 this
will be my longest event run ever done. Getting
ready for a half marathon in May here in Denver.

This Sunday will be the icing on the cake LOL I am doing the Colorado Lung Assoc Climb the stairs of the Republic buildin here in Denver CO. It is the tallest building in downtown Denver. It has 53 flights of stairs and a total of about 1018 steps to the top. More to follow after these events are done and completed. So tune in.......... ..... as life be happening for Rebecca :)

THIS COMING WEEKEND

2008-02-19T17:57:00.000-08:00

Well I am counting down the days till this weekends events. Saturday is my 10 mile run at Cherry Creek reservoir it is the last of the winter distance series runs and the longest! I am crossing my fingers that it will be half way decent temperatures.
Sunday is the Colorado Lung Association run the Republic building stairs! I DO NOT think I will be running up 53 flights of stairs more like draggin my sore and tired legs up them LOL. I am excited about this event since it is a good fund raiser for the lung association out here in Colorado. My mother whom lies in ORE is batteling bad lungs do to smoking for years. Every step I take on this even is for her! All participants in this event get a real nice medal. I will be going back to ORE March 6-10 and that medal will travel with me to show to my mom and tell her this event was all for her! I will most photos after both these events. WISH ME LUCK

I CAN DREAM

2008-02-11T18:16:00.000-08:00

a few years ago Kelvin and i was down at the Olympic training facilty in Colorado Springs. A friend of his was going to compete in a power lifting event. It was a great time roaming around the campus there. Must be really something to be able to be a olympic athlete and compete for our country. I have been tossing back and forth in my mind should I try and do a olympic distance triathlon at the end of this season. Maybe just maybe I can do it!

This last week.

2008-02-11T18:07:00.000-08:00

Well still winter here in Colorado but not to awful bad. I did a long run yesterday 1 hr 30 minutes. I think it was between5-6 miles, It was area that I never had run on before but had biked there about a year ago. I told myself going out that I will just do the best that I can and it is not a race! just wanted to get a endurance run in. I was pleased when I completed it and I truly feel that in about 2 weeks I will be able to run 10 miles with out stopping.

My legs felt find this am. Yesterday after the run they did feel tired but overall good today. I was able to ride the bike at the gym for 45 min on level 8 hill climb boy great work out, then did my upper body training. I will be going home to OR March 6-9 and I can't wait! Will be fun to run at sea level YAOO

SWIM TRAINING

2008-02-06T19:02:00.000-08:00

Well had a swim training class with my CWW ladies. It was great! I really thought that I was not going to like doing laps but when there others there in the lane with you it makes time fly! I really enjoyed what we learned tonight and gives me things to practice on. Felt weird today to not get a run in like usualy but I thought best save the energy for swimming glad I did. Next swim class is this Saturday at the University of Denver pool

BEFORE AND AFTER

2008-02-03T16:43:00.001-08:00

Oct 2007 Boulder back roads 5K run

I found a photo of me from summer 2005 OH MY GOSH I can believe I will post this photo but it also helps for me to see where I was and where I am now. Lots of hard work and worth every minute of it.

LOOKING AHEAD

2008-02-03T14:38:00.000-08:00

I am looking at what events I want to do this season. I have signed up for 1 sprint triathlon that is June 16th. I am wanting to do another one and that just might be the Steamboat Sprint triathlon that is at the end of August. I really love Steamboat and to have the opportunity to do a triathlon up there would be great for me. Looking at still doing some good runs too this year.

My last day at my part time Kohls job is Feb 12th and I look forward to that, it has been a nice place to work but I just need time for my training which will take a lot of my time this Spring and Summer. March 6-9 I am going back home to Grants Pass ORE to visit my Mom and Dad and friends. My mom health is not well and I want to spend time with her, when I run I often think of her since she has bad lungs and week heart she was a heavy smoker for years. Looking back on why I run and how it all started is very interesting for me, it will be a year in April that I started running just a little at a time, I kept thinking to myself either I am going to learn to run and keep doing it or I am just going to have to let it go and do something else. It has taken training and just overall getting out there and doing the runs and putting the time in. I enjoy seeing how I have progressed and I look forward to running in the years to come.

SWIM ASSESSMENT TONIGHT

2008-01-30T16:44:00.000-08:00

Well been a little while since I have posted so let me get you up to speed. Tonight I will be getting my swim assessment with my CWW coaches. I get to swim 2 full laps in a pool and they will see where they will put me LOL. at least I have no fear of the water and can swim, I just want to become a good swimmer and learn the proper strokes that will make a better swimmer. My legs feel the work out from yesterday OUCH pretty sore must of been those lunges I did plus leg work out on top of those. BUT at least I know I worked them.

I have been thinking about my 10 mile run on Feb 23rd then on Feb 24 a stair climb up 53 flights of stairs for the Colorado lung association event. I have a feeling that my legs will be pretty tired come that Monday. I am hoping soon to jazz up my blog a bit so hang with me as I learn all this blog stuff here in blog land 01/30/08 8:82 pm. I just got back from my swim assessment it went fine, I will be in the lower part of the intermediate group which is fine for me.
It was snowing hard in Littleton when I left almost a blizzard! I got home and there is no snow here in Morrison what a odd storm this one is. I am going to try and work on swimming 2 times a week to start with. If I can put in the effort on my swimming like I do on my running I will eventually get better at my swim stroke. The photo here is the swimming pool at the University of Denver I will on occassion get to practice swim here. NOW THIS A REAL POOL

THE LIFESTYLE CHANGE

2008-01-22T19:35:00.000-08:00

well were do I begin LOL. about 3 yrs ago I finally decided that it was time to make the lifestyle change and get fit once and for all! My weight was at about 189 and I am 5'5. I knew it was time to get the weight off for good. Years ago I battled my weight up and down and up and down. This time I was going to have to really do something different to keep the weight off. make a long story short I changed my eating and got to the gym on a regular bases. I lost enought weight to do my first sprint distance in Triathlon in 2006. My goal was to finish it with out quiting any part of it and I did. This was a proud moment in my life. I still wanted to get some more weight off I was weighing about 159 pounds not bad from 189. April 2006 I started a new full time job and the people I work with are pretty active, I heard that they run at lunch. I thought mmmm maybe I will go out with them and see what that is like. It was interesting is all I can say I could barely do 1 mile and had to stop and rest. The thought that entered my mind is I am never going to be able to run. I cannot explain what took place or how it happened but I kept going out and running and then eventually did a 5K and then another 5K and etc etc. In 2006 I ran in 11 different run events and finished them all! I run 4-5 times a week and I love it. It has helped me drop my weight another 15 pounds 144 and I am 4 pounds away from my goal of 140. I joined a local triathlon group for the season 2008 I am also going to do my first half marathon this May here in Denver Colorado. Life is good and will only get better. The people I work with wonder how I can just go out and run each day at lunch I do not know what to say LOL. I love what running has done for me mentally and physically. Come along with me on this wonderful journey of mine