Sunshine and Springtime!

It's finally approaching...today was in the upper 60's with the sun shining!!

Flyer joined me for my workout and he has been sleeping ever since. Apparently my 10 miles with speed on the Powerline was more than enough for him. I can't wait for a social 12 tomorrow, 26 hills and trail on Saturday, and then hills with Liza on Sunday. What a great start to the warmth of springtime! I must still be on winter time, though, because I did my workout in long sleeves. Layers to officially shed when the temp reads 70+!

Now the soil just needs a few more days for me to be able to plant my veggies and herbs. One true test of patience is the waiting for gardens to bloom. Timing and effort has to be just right. Hopefully I can nail it this year. I so enjoyed my long lasting crop of tomatoes last year (thanks Mike).

And, to top off this great weather, Paul is coming home early...yippee!! Now, of course, I will never know if he is actually coming home early to see me or to Bomb Run and have Cowboy Breakfast??? I guess he can go play on a Friday if I can spend the morning with the G's and lunch with Pinky's :)

Happy Early Spring!!

mer

Defining a workout

One of Paul's best friends, Jim, sent this note on Thursday. How about that for a slap of reality on work and workouts!!



"Does fighting this large fire today count as a workout? We were dragging 2" hose up to the 2nd floor and fighting fire above the plane impact."
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile (Jim sent this pic)

Thanks Jim and the rest of his team for keeping us safe!! Still crazy to think this happened less than 2 miles from my house...
Mer

Valentine's Day

I can't think of more wonderful way to spend a Valentine's Day, then what we had!

Paul and I woke up bright and early to a beautiful Austin day. We headed downtown to go play at the marathon. He was the pace leader for the 3 hour group and I was for the 3:50 group. I call mine, "party at 3:50." And a party it was. Danny and I lead approx 30 runners through about mile 22 and then held almost 20 strong to the finish. Nothing like sweaty hugs from "new friends" who met goals, qualified for Boston, ran their first marathons, or just gave it everything they had to the finish.

Paul and I then got home and sat outside with Flyer and enjoyed the incredible afternoon weather.

If that wasn't enough, we went to yoga and Zoe treated us to an incredible class geared toward our post-marathon bodies. She is just awesome!

We finished off the evening with a wonderful meal and great time together.

I get it. There are people who think that receiving material "things" are the best way to spend Valentine's Day. But things last only one day. Yes, Paul got me a wonderful gift for Valentine's day, but it is what he does everyday and all life that we get to share everyday that is more meaningful.

Thank you Paul, friends, and family for making everyday my Valentine's Day! Thank you for giving me so much more value than material items have to offer.

Thank you to my 3:50 group for letting me be part of your day. As I said over and over again..."amazing!" And to so many I know who came out to cheer...you are awesome! You lifted the runners and made me so proud to get to run in such a beautiful place on such a great day! I hope anyone wanting to run a marathon will head to Austin. What a great race!

Pics to come! (Next year I will have my camera on the course)
mer

50!

50 miles. 50 minutes faster...

2009 RR 50-miler: 8:02
2010 RR 50-miler: 7:12:40

2010 marks the 10 year anniversary of my running. January 2000 I ran my first marathon in cotton socks and cross-trainers. Funny thing thinking back is that my first marathon was also the last long distance event my entire family attended. It took me so long to get to mile 18 where they were waiting for me that my mother sent my dad to the finish line to make sure I survived. It took me 5:11. I can now run a 50K in the mountains almost an hour faster than I ran that first marathon.

Saturday far exceeded anything I knew 10 years ago that my body would be capable of...what an amazing journey it has been!

Last year I went out at a pace that definitely could have gotten me in under 8 hours, but when it got tough I slowed down. So I went in feeling confident that I could break 8 hours for the 50. Everyone I know always talks about how hard I work. I am not fast. I am not a naturally talented athlete. (Remember I am married to Paul...I KNOW what a natural athlete is). I like to constantly remind them I am just willing to work harder than anyone around me. It's all I have when it comes down to it.

Over the past 2 months I have been working in a much more structured way; thank you Coach A. I needed it. I needed someone to reign me in, and keep me focused. Not every run was about chasing the guys, although that is still super fun. There were still plenty of social runs and my usual time on my bike. But over the past weeks there have been many runs on my own. There have been many many miles to log, but each with a purpose.

I saw it play out during my training day at the Bandera 50K. I knew the training was working and with each passing week I have trusted it more and more.

It was in such a matter-of-fact conversation two weeks ago that I was told, "I figure you will stay in the 8:30-8:40 range." I don't think I responded because I don't even think I calculated what that meant. At lunch with my friend, Liza, the winner of the 100-miler, when she asked what my goal was I said, "I will be happy with 7:30-7:40 finish time." But this was in conversation with the girl whose big goal of the race was to, "not take a nap this year."

I set up my plan for Paul. I would be at mile 12 at 1:45ish and finish loop 1 at 2:25 or so, finish loop 2 at 4:50ish, and finish in 7:30-7:40. Easy enough...he would switch my bottles and I wouldn't have to hit the aid stations.

(see my food blog for my fun food adventure on Friday)

Saturday morning was thankfully warmer than predicted, so I didn't have to wear tons of layers. I got to the start line and set up my stuff. Once I checked in I saw Melanie. She said, "I hear it is going to be between us today." I paused for a moment and told her that I was not worried about my placement at all, but I had a goal time and wanted a good day. She said that she,too, had a goal time and felt the same. I think on some level it made it easy breathing for both of us because we could then totally focus on our goals without being wrapped up in the "competition" of it all.

Before long off we went. After the first few miles I was able to settle in. The aid stations were great because I knew people at each of them. It's always great to see friendly faces. At about 1:35 (maybe faster) I hit 12 miles and my first bottle switch with Paul. I just love his crewing style because he is calm and doesn't tell me I am too fast/too slow. He could tell I was comfortable and just cheered me through.

I came through loop 1 as Melanie was heading out..I think about 2:15. We cheered for eachother, and in I went. I like to be very fast through aid stations, but there was a huge crowd of people around my stuff. Quick switch of bottles and off I went. The way the course is set up is awesome because as you are heading out you can see everyone coming in. I could definitely tell by the look of some of the guys I normally run near that they were thinking my pace was hard for what they knew me to run. Yes, I was faster than planned but I was ok...so easy to say early on :)

During loop 1 my pace was all over the place. On loop 2 I seemed to be much more consistant. As it was warming a bit I had to stop to refill with water at Dam Road aid station. Fortunately, Sandy was there to help me quickly. I was very thankful for him. As I have told Joe, I love the new course. You get to see plenty of people, but with the 100-milers doing a bigger loop you also get your space. I was truly enjoying the best of both worlds. Funny moment was when I quickly tried to go off trail to go to the restroom...a guy came running up and told me not to even bother. It was a big race with lots of people. I figured I should at least TRY to squat off trail :) Oh well, I was well hydrated. Again, I came through Park Rd to Paul in quick motion and cruising along.

As before I was running in as Melanie was running out of the loop. This time we both put our arms out for a sad five to eachother. Things were looking really good for both of us! I think I turned around at about 4:27? Paul ran out with me, and I told him, "If I run 3 hours I will hit my goal." I hadn't even done the math that I had been significantly faster than that for each loop, so for some reason I thought it would be close.

As I was running toward the first aid station of the loop I could definitely feel my effort from the day. I kept telling myself that I had gone for it, so now I have to hang on. Everyone was really really sweet on the course. Olga, Mark, Robert, Larry H, just to name a few really kept me going and kept my spirits up. Again, I came into Dam Rd and Sandy was ready with water. I was just constantly lifted by all the support on the course. Once I hit the jeep road for the last time my legs were trashed. They hurt and I just wanted to be done so badly. My watch had died (Melanie said hers died at about the same spot), but it no longer mattered...I just wanted to finish and stop running. When I saw Paul at Park Rd the last time I tried to tell him that my legs were fried, but I am pretty sure the best he had to say was, "suck it up."

Somewhere in my final miles I reasoned with myself that I would definitely run my 7:30. What I hadn't factored for a moment was that my pressing forward at the pace I was (I felt like I was barely moving) would have me faster than that. I ran over the boardwalks and weaved my way through as many were going back out. I was so filled with excitement. I had worked hard. I had continued to push. I had not given up. I finished. I gave Melanie a huge hug in celebration of us both beating our goals! Paul gave me a huge hug and kiss in celebration...this was for him!

As Chris emailed me yesterday, it is so rare when all of your friends and people you care about have a great day! Saturday was one of those magical days. I am so fortunate to be around people who shoot for the stars with such positive attitudes. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by such a wonderful support crew in life and running. They lift me. They are what keep me going when I am tired and when things get hard. They share every step with me and keep my heart full. It is the incredible people in my life that make me a better person everyday...which translates to every piece of my life. Saturday was just proof of that :)

No rest for the weary...Paul and I pace at the Austin Marathon on Sunday!

mer

Smiles

Report to come in the next day or two, but in the meantime here is a very quick update and some pics. (more pics to come when Dave and Melanie's mom, I think, do their downloading, hint hint)

Couldn't have asked for more, Melanie and I both had goals for a great day and specific times. We both got more than either of us could have asked for in the most wonderful way! My report will reflect the gift of the day we were each given, as the positive support I felt and received only lifted me and my ability all day.

On the 100 mile side, Paul enjoyed pacing Greg Crowther as he "enjoyed" his first 100 mile finish.

What a wonderful weekend! I got to visit with Jamie and Dave (fun fun times Friday and Saturday post-race) and in typical fashion she ran effortlessly and as though she had only run about 5 miles total; my friend, Liza, killed the 100 miler to honor her grandmother; and my friend, Bruce, finished his first 50-miler...and much much more.

Smiles all around :)

mer

Relationships

It is so funny. I started this post yesterday and now it is so very changed and more meaningful!

Here is where it started:
This morning at yoga we were tasked to set our class intention on relationships. Then we went on to spend much of the next 90 minutes doing partner work. It was the perfect Sunday class. I partnered with my friend Clea who is 9 months pregnant. It was a blast pushing, stretching, and mirroring each other. We found a good rhythm and enjoyed it. Great treat! If you read my other blog you will see that she obviously didn't have her baby on Thursday...maybe at the end of this coming week.

It has been absolutely amazing to watch her be pregnant and stay so very active and healthy throughout. It was awesome to partner with her today and see what her body was able to do.

Today's addition - last night I got a text while Paul and I were out that Clea had in fact been in labor during yoga class, and the rest of the day, and was at the hospital! Jasper was born this morning!! Welcome healthy boy, and what a blessing for Clea and Mike. I can't wait to meet him :) So let's take it a step further with how very impressed I am given the yoga class we did, AND she was in labor! I have the most incredible friends.

This pic is Clea starting the Vermont 100-miler. Given seeing her both at the finish of this and yesterday, I aim to say forever that Jasper's arrival was not only easier but will FOREVER be more rewarding!! I can't wait to share 3:50 at Austin with you in 2011 :)

Back to yesterday's post -
Over the past few months I have come to learn that creating complete happiness in your relationships takes work. It is not something that is handed to you like a gift. It is like a seed, and must be planted and cared for in order to grow and remain healthy.

I am absolutely thrilled that I have been given the chance over and over since November to see what wonderful growth my relationships have been able to have.

Paul and I are in the most incredible place. Every moment, laugh, touch, and conversation is renewed and is filled with such peace. I am so very lucky. I told someone the other day that I am so very lucky to be married to such a good man who doesn't hold onto negativity and posesses the true sense of forgiveness: the ability, in truth, to let go of something and move on. I will continue to cultivate and make our relationship blossom into all it is and can be. What a blessing!!

With all of my friends I am so very fortunate to have been given the chance to have deep and hard conversations with them, and have created better and stronger bonds than were ever there before. What a gift! I have always loved and appreciated the friendships I have, but over the past few months they have proven to be the roots keeping me grounded and helping me not fall.

Although there are a few more weeks of Texas cold, it is almost time to plant seeds for spring flowers, herbs, and vegetables. May we, too, continue to plant our seeds...reap what we may sow...feed and water those relationships we value and cherish...and watch them bloom into beauty and plenty.

May each of us continue to move forward and be so blessed in all that we have an all that we can be grateful for!
mer

Merry Freezing Christmas!!

Greetings from th 12 degree tundra of Leavenworth, Kansas!

I was fortunate enough to be on the last flight not cancelled from DFW to Kansas yesterday, and arrived to 32 degrees and rain, which quickly turned into blizzard conditions. By time we left evening mass the ground was covered with snow, which was storming in. My constant words were, "this is crazy."

We are here celebrating Christmas with Paul's family, and enjoying fantastic time with his sister's kids. They are just amazing!

I will be honest that since stepping off the plane my fingers have been blue and have been FREEZING. Fortunately, CJ has been precious and trying to cuddle up and keep me warm :)

We woke up to 10 degrees this morning, I went for a run on the treadmill (thank goodness for nice warm basements!), and we headed over to Nicole's for Christmas present opening. (We are staying at Paul's cousins house). It was an incredible morning, as we got to share opening of presents with Nicole, the kids, and Ryan (my brother in law) on Skype from Iraq! What a cool world we live in that he is doing such an amazing thing for our country and the Iraqi country (they are there training the Iraqi soliders...he is there for the next year) and he got to watch his family open their presents (twins and a one year old). The kids would open and then show each present to their dad. I am so glad he got to share the morning with us!

I'll admit that this is not my most fun vacation, as seriously I will need weeks to defrost from it, but my heart is filled with absolute warmth by spending some fantastic time with my wonderful husband, and seeing what an incredible job his sister is doing. This is the first time Ryan has been deployed since they have had kids. She is managing work, as a doctor, twin 3-yr-olds, and a one year old without complaint. At dinner last night we were talking, and she was talking about taking them to church with her. I know families that don't take three kids to church with two parents, but she goes every week without anyone else to help her. She does it all: work, grocery shopping, meal prep, and once the kids are asleep she gets a workout in. She looks fantastic! What a blessing her example is for me and for anyone who feels challenged by the day-to-day of "getting it done." (Clea - seriously she would give you hope in what is to come for you!!)

On another topic: running...I went to Bastrop on Wednesday to get my 15-miler in. It was a LOVELY 60ish degrees and 100% humidity, seriously some of my favorite weather. I have been logging some pretty big miles so my motivation on the first loop was not high, to say the least. But I still set out on the 2nd loop. As I headed out, I was filled with such gratitude for the sacrifices Paul makes for us every week, for the amazing moments of self-reflection I get to have during my time in the woods alone; for my ability to be able to run in such incredible weather; for my health; and for all the gifts of wonderful people in my life. As these thoughts passed through my head. I was lifted...my legs floated and I had the best end of the run. It was just an incredible moment. I shared it with Paul when I finished and told him just how grateful I am for him and his support. I am so truly blessed and felt it every step as I went through the run. Having that run on my own was absolutely uplifting and priceless!! What a great reminder of what a gift a run can be...I will need this, I am sure, as I train for Western States.

As always, I am just so filled with gratitude for my wonderful life, all the gifts I am given; and all the people that create such happiness in my life! I just hope for the next few days that these thoughts can keep my body thawed and warm until I return to Texas!!

Merry merry!

mer