tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14081568148838426792024-02-06T18:39:49.967-08:00Enough of the FluffFrom overweight gym class failure to marathoner. Kandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07356396299844763695noreply@blogger.comBlogger339125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1408156814883842679.post-53064149700006445592018-09-08T20:15:00.001-07:002018-09-08T20:20:01.375-07:00FluffI started this blog years ago as I began my weight loss journey. I’m still amazed to look back and read the early entries...it reminds me of where I started and how far I’ve come...even if I have had peaks and valleys along the way. (That’s life). The “Fluff” was originally referring to weight. Extra fat that was keeping me from feeling like I could be a good role model for my daughters. Keeping me from being able to keep up with them. Keeping me from being able to feel comfortable in my own skin. Keeping me from wanting to be in pictures. Keeping me from wanting to<br />
go clothes shopping.<br />
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I won that battle (the war is ongoing). But over time, I’ve realizef the “Fluff” is more than than all that aforementioned stuff.<br />
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It’s being focused on what will keep me healthy, so I can be my best for my family. So I can be present. So I can have more patience and better responses for the very trying situations my pre-teen girls are running into. It goes so much deeper than I imagined 7 years ago when I started...I was a mom of very small little girls and I just had no idea what was coming. I probably have no idea what is coming yet 😂<br />
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But I do know that eliminating as much fluff as possible means working on both physical AND mental barriers to being the very best mom I can be. Not perfect. Nobody is. But the best I can be, for my kids, where they are at.<br />
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It’s a struggle, but it will be made all that much easier if I keep battling the battles. The war? I’m not convinced that’s coming. Life is an endless series of battles...and weight loss, getting healthy and strong...that’s no exception for people like me who have to work their asses off in this particular area of life. Not that strong and healthy people don’t work hard...but some will gain nothing by looking at a piece of bread, some will gain 5 lbs when they look at that same piece of bread 😂 I also get that everyone has their own struggles and there are folks who want or need to gain weight.<br />
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My point is...do your best, for all of the right reasons. Exercising makes me feel proud, accomplished, and hopeful that my kids will see this and also want to be as strong and healthy as adults. That they’ll look back someday and remember mom and dad in he back yard playing soccer with them on a September Saturday evening (like tonight). Do YOUR best, with YOUR circumstances, for YOUR perfect reasons.Kandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07356396299844763695noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1408156814883842679.post-7850459744345043212018-07-26T17:17:00.001-07:002018-09-08T20:15:50.995-07:00Keep on Keepin’ onThis week was a success! The scale finally started moving and once again I stuck to my training plan.<br />
I was running naked last week (see previous post), but this week I’ve been back with my beloved Fitbit. However, I haven’t paid much attention to pace during my runs. Good thing too because I accidentally had it set to not use my phone GPS at first, and it was giving me slightly better feedback than I deserved 😂<br />
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That’s okay though. It feels great to be active again. I’m sleeping better, have more patience (usually...) and I’m feeling positive about the next couple of months training for my fall half marathon.<br />
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This weekend, I’m doing 6 miles with my friend Pamela (AKA Ely Half Marathon sidekick/bad-ass).<br />
And I’m looking forward to it! I feel strong and motivated. Not that it means I won’t struggle... I KNOW I will, at times. But it’s all part of the journey. Running a race is awesome. The excitement, nervousness...and feeling of accomplishment when you cross the finish line. But really, it’s not the race itself that is the biggest deal. It’s all of the time, energy and sweat you spend in the weeks or months leading up to it. Whether it’s a former gym class failures first 5k (AKA me, circa 2011), or a half marathon, marathon and beyond...The biggest thing that makes you a bad-ass is that you invested and worked hard to prepare for just one day. For a matter of an hour or less, or even 5 hours. You spent WAY more time preparing...and it pays off.<br />
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The last two years, I ran this same half marathon. In 2016, I sort of crash-trained but I was coming off a marathon in June so I had some cushion left. In 2017? Crash trained, all the way. A few weeks, a few long runs and a few short runs. This year? I’m investing the time amd energy to be truly prepared. I haven’t done that since the marathon in 2016. And I’m ready. #imbackKandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07356396299844763695noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1408156814883842679.post-5882010304982308642018-07-19T06:38:00.001-07:002018-07-19T06:38:34.255-07:00Running NakedRunning naked feels weird and unnatural. Why is that? It’s not like we were born with a GPS attached to us, and it’s not like you NEED to track everything in order for it to count.....<br />
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...that’s right, the naked I’m referring to is being without a GPS watch or some sort of fitness tracker.<br />
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A couple of weeks ago, I misplaced (lost) my Fitbit Charger. Looked everywhere for it, and came up empty handed. And so, since I’ve started running again, I’ve been doing it NAKED! *Cue horrified face*. It was not easy at first...I’m totally a tracker. I’m damn near obsessive about having each run tracked so I can see how I did and see the increase (or decrease) in pace or distance over time. I do tend to Che k it often during my runs, to see how my pace is and help push myself to go a little faster, or remind myself to slow down. Running without my Fitbit felt like a had a giant question mark when it came to my progress the last couple of weeks. I did use my Iphone’s Health App to at least track daily steps, which is cool, but just not the same. However, I will say, I got used to it. And even liked it. It started to feel good to run without having any kind of device to refer to. To just go, and go at whatever pace my body naturally fell into. No temptation to analyze (over analyze) time, pace, distance...I just went. Didn’t know my pace at any given time, never knew what my final exact mileage or overall pace was.<br />
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Yesterday, my husband found my charger (of course, since 2 more are on the way from Amazon). And it felt good to have it back when I went out this morning. I’m excited to track my progress as I get further into training for the Ely Half. But, I’m goung to keep in mind that sometimes, a naked run is freeing. Sometimes, you just need to run NAKED.<br />
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<br />Kandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07356396299844763695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1408156814883842679.post-1372651728411223872018-07-17T12:15:00.003-07:002018-07-17T12:15:45.734-07:00Ely, Year 3...Here I Come!Total.Fail.<br />
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I’m a blogging disgrace...distracted by life so much so that I haven’t updated in months. Obviously..In the grand scheme of things...my casual, non-money making blog isn’t really such a big deal. But it WAS one of the keys to my success back in 2011 when I started my journey. So hopefully I can get back into the habit of updating, because I could really use as much motivation as I can get<br />
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Over the last several years, A LOT has changed. A LOT has happened...as the case is for any human on the planet.<br />
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So.... how am I doing? I’m doing alright. I have not maintained the absolute low weight I was at, not have I maintained the mileage I could once do or the speed I once had. But I’m stronger now, thanks to Orange Theory. I still do that. Also thanks to Orange Theory, I CAN go months without running outside and then pick back up pretty easily. That’s nice, and definitely wouldn’t be possible without OTF. Weight-wise, I’ve been fairly steady over the last year. I really do want to get back down a little, but it’s not my number one goal right now. (Yes it would be a bonus and I’d be damn thrilled if I lost a few, DUH).<br />
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My goal right now is to 1.) Finish the Ely half marathon this fall and 2.) Finish it faster than I have the last 2 years.<br />
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We shall see about number 2, but I am confident number 1 will be in the bag 🙃<br />
Last week, I started getting up early to run or walk during the week. This week, I’m beginning my “plan” (which is essentially 3-4 miles, twice a week, plus a long run on the weekends. And continuing with OTF which is great for speed work, cross training, and adding variety).<br />
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So far so good.Kandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07356396299844763695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1408156814883842679.post-72662493435189817912017-12-10T09:26:00.000-08:002017-12-10T09:26:16.133-08:00The challenges of the Holidays Christmas is only a couple weeks away, so we're in full swing of the Holiday craziness. Parties, shopping....treats everywhere. It's been a challenging year for me as far as getting back on track but the last few months and especially the last few weeks I've done a good job of balancing it all. In fact, for the first time ever, I've actually lost weight in November/December! Probably about 10 lbs so far. My goal is 10 more...my "reach" goal would be more like 20 more, but that will be hard knowing where my body's happy weight is. Either way, I'll keep doing what I'm doing which is running and Orange Theory, along with allowing a couple of splurges sometimes but making sure to choose healthy the rest of the time. It's hard...treats are everywhere...at work, at parties, at everyone's houses. Fitting in the workouts is hard too, with crazy schedules. One motivator for me right now is a weight challenge at OTF. $5 buy in, and then an entry for each workout. As long as you stay within 2 lbs of your weight (or less) and you're in the drawing to win half the money (so 2 names will be drawn). The pot is something like $1180. The chance to win $590 is a great motivator 😜<br />
With that I leave you with some pics of what I've been up to. It's been awhile since I posted any pics.<br />
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<img alt="" id="id_3745_7f4e_c565_ac29" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMwTfGq0YlC-3TPd9fLwHbNRBIWVAswdwQYB_CP4dddQejU3BfP8XeqFitJU36BJe76IAh0mSaUEVX7J71lioC82k_QbqAtcKLAdPR6HEb1H6KnR1xzsidVoXWLLVoRCWdGsGHx1rHy0/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
About to finish the Boundary Water Bank Marathon (Ely, MN) in September.<br />
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<img alt="" id="id_1c9f_acd9_c6b_964e" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC16YMyKbd0ALTqu0CxPRwwm3U3AxxJXqwkDe0oBwDMv62qrFTgyVjkotgpWvvUuUCAZ5wTErTRx5hED2C20QL_KMFjS2nqEhyphenhyphenig5N6duLe27FfT41anw3ThFECicnuUeb2_PxbRdLetA/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
Start of the Monster Dash in St. Paul.<br />
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<img alt="" id="id_d7b8_5b9a_bf7b_f266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsWM9uW_AI1mconqc3nN59IlRgBSwudXXGu7Wj_rM0IBJWiw4BoFPqq3QgQwxPCNQTgj6AcDE03szM8IdQrAJvP_TYuBoLozEVUnnwfn6ZlD-KWtuQZMyxvpfZCSmlPUQBtguOjr5FXs/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot with MRTT. I'm on the far right, bottom row. </div>
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<img alt="" id="id_c04c_2a4c_7784_2922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawx0rKAjvTellxzTOIV-uPsVD79HFUZ5lxNUVO6DMuTDuSM5i2za3XHhw8wSWaqAMGszoCXL8cr59Da6MwqlF5UbO5qngajrGvSz3256J6j2xWJyQ5x7HJJXT6LRzn07gG5GP921r4YE/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
Turkey Trot was followed by Mimosas and coffee/Rumchata (I'm on the far right)</div>
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<img alt="" id="id_2449_eeb2_3409_5fc1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIkwMsF-dOpWCYVvAemHi50f_ELhg5HnD6KoyHQ1xHkU9KBsxg2A1EoBE70sBmy_X-OXUximWc9xxh9g3bsTeQEbXZ8-dv5ge3G14imWmT9AT-1I5iMvZ2TKeyjeIuRbtNz4V-NeSp7k/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
Group pic after one hardcore 90 minute Orange Theory session (I am 3rd from left, bottom row. My beast of a husband is far right, bottom row). </div>
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<img alt="" id="id_ba16_c3db_1993_1327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCeQIKmnIE2yOZnUfBQibWWj2WiiWBkTr8KCT6CNoPqtR1lnY-GHnFF_FJyj9TpnVZcW7qSupRs3FAHVn2iMkOjAxIpHMByQDKYffFu7Ox8holXegnGvd_rzJc88dPhddIXUSKxaSDJ8c/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
Enjoying a fire at a Tree Farm where we cut down our Christmas tree this year....and trying to get the kids to let us take a decent pic. (HA).</div>
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<img alt="" id="id_79d2_e929_fa88_130c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdgm0Pzg9s_qooGuOThH_aaOExd5Qtts2CCILVprptMejn-j4QtXknxsN-xKKrJtogHya1UdpjmjdPZmawe0wRMZJbH4DHrW5rv1JA7sWJEvjFy8kPuq77hkbZyvoaNJqVEOFcTvOn5E/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
Epic socks I bought last night while out for a night of sushi and shopping with my awesome friend Katie.<br />
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Kandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07356396299844763695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1408156814883842679.post-53311856829739885492017-10-10T18:31:00.002-07:002017-10-10T18:31:23.710-07:00Return to Running!The last year or so has been a pretty challenging one, personally (who doesn't have those bad weeks/months/years), so I mostly stopped running. I can't recall if I've talked about the whole not-running thing, but it was mostly due to a lack of motivation/enthusiasm/time. It was weird because I WANTED to run, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I had other priorities and no motivation to add running into the balance. <br />
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Fast forward to August, and I finally decided to give it a go again. I had run maybe once or twice a month for most of the last year, so I knew it would be a challenge. Although, I was much better off than I would have been if I hadn't been doing Orange Theory the last several months. Thank God for Orange Theory (yep, still going, still loving it). <br />
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As a motivational piece to running again, I signed up for the Boundary Waters Bank Half Marathon (AKA Ely Half Marathon) again. This was the last race I ran...a year ago. It's an extremely hilly race and I decided to "crash train" for it. Again. I crash trained last year too, but I feel like that was a bit different because at least I was coming off a full marathon in June and had still been maintaining at least some short runs. This time around the only thing I was coming off of was a year's worth of logging almost no miles. My first training run was 6 miles, and the rest of training consisted of Orange Theory twice a week, a few 3-4 mile runs sprinkled in here and there, and long runs of 7, 9, 10, and 7 miles. That was it, that was my training plan. I don't recommend it for a new runner, that is for sure. I think there is something to "muscle memory" at least, and I also had a mindset where I knew I was fine with walk breaks, etc. Over time I worked out a system where I'd run 5-10 minutes and take a walk break NO MORE than 1 minute long. That seemed to go really well!<br />
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So this past weekend, we did it. My friend Pamela and I (and our families for added fun and support), headed up to Ely to tackle this beast once again. We stayed in the same cabin we stayed in last year and it was a super fun weekend. The race itself was about as expected given my year off, lack of training, and the tough course. I ran with some short walk breaks here and there, and finished in around 2:31. But that's okay and it was definitely one of the only times in any race where I truly didn't care. It sure did feel good to be back though! Now that I am trained up (well, somewhat), I decided "What the hell" and signed up for the Monster Dash Half Marathon on October 28th.<br />
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It felt crappy to fall off the wagon so long, but it feels amazing to be back on.Kandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07356396299844763695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1408156814883842679.post-15285850315573171432017-06-09T15:50:00.001-07:002017-06-09T15:50:50.357-07:00Progress!Like many moms (and dads), my life is crazy busy....filled with busy days at work, kids activities, trying to keep a livable house, and doing never-ending loads of laundry. Lately it has been particularly crazy, with 2 kids in softball and husband coaching both their teams (bless his heart).<br />
Although I still haven't been running, I have been sticking with Orange Theory. It's hard to carve out the time but I've figured it out and I love it! I am motivated to push hard, more so than if I were on my own. For the first month, I felt great but didn't see any results on the scale. I definitely know I've gained muscle, so that explains the delayed weight loss (along with "a few" not-so-healthy food choices "on occasion"). But I weighed in this morning and am now at a 4 lb loss. Finally! Feeling AND seeing results is the best motivator of all. I'm taking the approach I took with my initial 90-lb loss, which was to break it up into smaller goals. My next goal is 4 more pounds. I can do this!!<br />
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It's really funny how wanting to lose 15 lbs has been feeling almost as overwhelming as it felt wanting to lose 77 (which was what I wanted to lose when I started the blog...I just ended up surpassing that). I know it's not the same...trust me, I know. But weight loss it hard, any way you slice it. Whether it's 5, 20, or 100 pounds. Your journey is YOURS. Your journey can change. And when you're like me, your journey may never really end. I'm not someone who can eat whatever and not gain a pound. It took a lot to lose 90 lbs, and it's taking a lot to maintain. But one thing I know better now than I did when I started this blog is just how worth it it is. It's worth it, not only for my own sake but my family, too.<br />
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Never give up!Kandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07356396299844763695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1408156814883842679.post-8696999276651297132017-05-12T15:27:00.002-07:002017-05-12T15:27:38.373-07:00Keep on Keepin' onI'm still going to OTF 2x a week. One thing I love about it (aside from the friendly awesome staff & trainers, variety of workouts, splat points, live stats up on big screens, motivating music and going with friends) is that you have to commit to your classes by signing up for the days/times you want. There is a cap on amount of people, so the earlier you sign up the better to ensure your spot...but you can still signup more last-minute, if a class isn't full. But anyways, when I first started my membership, I scheduled my classes for quite a ways out. Tuesday nights and Sunday mornings.<br />
Haven't missed one yet! This is a miracle considering how busy we are right now, between softball x2, dance x2, Girl Scouts x2, and gymnastics. This time of year is crazy because the school-year activities are not quite over but some simmer activities already started. This results in a month of overlap where we sometimes juggle/choose between 3 different activities in one night. It's insanity - and it leaves little time for me to do my own stuff. But with OTF, I committed to certain days/times and it's on my calendar. I have to do it. Whereas with a normal gym, or running - I can have great intentions but it's easy to shrug off when it comes down to it.<br />
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I haven't lost much more for weight but I am definitely getting stronger and feeling better. There is still room for improvement in the eating habits 😂<br />
But I'm doing better than I have in a long time.<br />
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Cheers to a never-ending journey!Kandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07356396299844763695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1408156814883842679.post-51016660381024109922017-04-26T18:43:00.002-07:002017-04-26T18:43:24.951-07:00Comfort ZoneSo I've changed the plan for this year. I was originally thinking Marathon #2. Instead, I've somehow been convinced to try something TOTALLY out of my comfort zone...I signed up for Orange Theory Fitness. One of my friends is a die-hard Orange fan and she roped me in.<br />
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The whole group fitness thing is new to me, with the exception of Zumba. Weights and floor exercises are new to me, aside from the limited stuff I've done at home on occasion. There is also a water rower, which kills me but I love it! I've been twice now and both times were different. I'll love the variety. I love that you can see your stats up on a big screen as you work out. I love the workout summary email afterwards. And I know I'd never push myself like that working out on my own. I think it will be a great motivator. Especially the "Splat Points" you earn for time spent in the "Orange Zone".<br />
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Because of this new venture/unfamiliar territory, and crazy life, I'm going to forgo the Marathon this year. I'm hoping to find a Half Marathon later in the year, and I think that level<br />
of training plus OTF will be manageable and a motivating enough.<br />
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I have lots a few pounds since finally focusing on getting back on track again. And I feel muscles I didn't know I had! Stay tuned...it's a never ending story when you're naturally and biologically inclined to gain weight just by looking at food. It's a great eye opener that the weight loss journey is not just the period of time when you initially lose all the weight. It's a lifetime commitment to keep up the good habits, knowing that you're not one of those people who can eat whatever and never gain an ounce. Though even if I could...I wouldn't get stronger without actively working for it...and that is want I want. I want to be strong and fit and feel good.<br />
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Kandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07356396299844763695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1408156814883842679.post-78325766550076420792017-04-10T12:05:00.002-07:002017-04-10T12:05:37.715-07:00Maybe, probably.There have been at least a few times over the last several months where I told myself I would get back on track - but didn't. <br />
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I told myself I would get back on track after Christmas. That didn't happen.<br />
I told myself I would get back on track after the peak of Minnesota cold weather. That didn't happen.<br />
I told myself that I would get back on track prior to vacation. That didn't happen. <br />
<br />I mean...even a trip to Mexico didn't motivate me to get back on track enough to at least lose a few winter poundages. So to say that I have been lacking...something...is an understatement.<br />
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However - I think I'm ready now. For real. Maybe. Probably. Here is why....<br />
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This past weekend, I was able to get out for a run with a friend. It was my first actual run in nearly 4 months (yes, 4 months) and it was hard. Like, really hard. We did 3 miles (and then a short walk afterwards). That 3 miles included a couple of walk breaks. My legs are sore like I just ran a half marathon. I am <em>so</em> out of running shape. It feels like a lifetime ago that I ran my first full marathon, but it was only 10 months ago!!! How is that even possible? Now, I feel like I'm starting from scratch. <br />
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However... Getting back out there this weekend was just what I needed. I had forgotten how I actually kind of miss that soreness after a good run that challenges your muscles. I have been missing my running friends. I realized I physically felt so much better the whole weekend, just from getting in that run. I didn't even bloat as much as I normally would on a weekend after eating weekend-y stuff. All of that, plus recent conversations with my husband about the possibility of doing Marathon 2 this fall, and I am starting to feel (dare I say it) excited. <br />
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If the Marathon thing is going to happen, I will know very soon. I am looking at Twin Cities Marathon, and the price increases in 9 days. I'm all about value so if I sign up, I will do it soon to save that $25. To be continued.....Kandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07356396299844763695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1408156814883842679.post-55730097886864150502017-04-03T17:16:00.002-07:002017-04-03T17:21:34.998-07:00Life happens...And when it does, it can be a challenge to get back on track after falling off.<br />
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And I'll be honest...life happened to me. And I fell off track. Wait, no...more like I fell off, rolled down a hill, and landed traight in a pile of dog crap. Maaaaybe I'm being dramatic but it's how I feel. I've barely run in months. I've gained more than I usually do over the winter. I'm hoping to lose about 20 lbs. My clothes are tight and I once again hate pictures of myself.<br />
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It feels shitty. It's complicated...in any case, Ive been struggling. But you know...life happened. Now I'm ready to fight my way back to where I was. Last week I was on (a desperately needed) vacation for 9 days. Now, it's time to get down to business.<br />
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First is to clean up my eating habits and start getting active again.<br />
Then get back my running mileage...working up to 6 miles just for funsies.<br />
And finally, my sights are set on Marathon #2 this fall.<br />
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High expectations? A fall marathon, after an epic fail of a winter? Maybe, but I've proven to myself many times before that I could do what I thought seemed impossible.<br />
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I've got this. I've run half marathons. I ran a 5k in 26 minutes. I ran my first marathon under black flag heat warnings.<i> I lost 90 lbs. </i><br />
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I've got this.<br />
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<br />Kandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07356396299844763695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1408156814883842679.post-67867471027471428182016-10-02T16:02:00.001-07:002016-11-03T18:49:17.637-07:00Boundary Waters Bank 1/2 MarathonThe fam-damily and I traveled to Ely, MN at the end of September, where I ran the Boundary Waters Bank 1/2 Marathon....my first experience with a smaller race, with just a few hundred runners in the half and another couple hundred in the full. I finished in roughly 2:16, and considering the crash-training I did for just 3 weeks before race day, I am thrilled with that. Not to mention the course was hilly. So very, very hilly. <div><br></div><div>We headed up on Friday so we could get settled in our cabin, which we rented along with 2 other friends and their families. Us moms also had to grab our race packets. And made a stop at Kohls because I forgot the pack comfy pants. Comfy pants are a MUST!! We all ended up buying the same pair just for fun... Don't worry, I don't mind that you think I'm a giant dork (photo proof below...I'm on the right). </div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2d0lTVrV703_2moJjhwWFbRugQxsYzkxy81PK3_4cyfUBJcChdVzYChU_wEHx3EksfaHOB0Sce6HderHwZi4OtF_L1JwJrRjjGDKaDUJqyVI-YtZ3QMDoqGNFrnF6sedOjpWuuoXNss/s640/blogger-image--6276755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2d0lTVrV703_2moJjhwWFbRugQxsYzkxy81PK3_4cyfUBJcChdVzYChU_wEHx3EksfaHOB0Sce6HderHwZi4OtF_L1JwJrRjjGDKaDUJqyVI-YtZ3QMDoqGNFrnF6sedOjpWuuoXNss/s640/blogger-image--6276755.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> It was an exciting race-eve...this was a first half marathon for both of my friends. I may or may not have been the instigator for the whole thing.... 😎</span></div><div><br></div><div>Race morning, my very supportive husband dropped us off at the start. This is early morning, in Northern Minnesota in late September...so it was a tad chilly. One thing I loved about this race was that they encouraged participants to bring a blanket to stay warm prior to the start, and then ditch it....blankets are then gathered and donated to those in need. What a fantastic idea!!</div><div><br></div><div>The race began and I did a good job of pacing myself. Soon, that decision was confirmed in my head...as I went over hill after hill after hill. </div><div><br></div><div>The best part of the race came fairly early, after just a few miles. My husbands best friend happens to live on the race course, so my family and my friends families were at the end of the driveway way cheering us on. ❤️</div><div><br></div><div>The rest of the race went fine, apart from feeling like the hills would never end (and they really didn't). Like I said, I finished in 2:16 and felt great about it given my crash training and the hills. My friends finished in 2:13 and 2:10 respectively (post-race pic below, me in pink). </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHxkzcgsr-Jvnu4pkX539jtWdtwN7r22bHeOeXnDrOWi7upVq-qSXv7fa-ZLlKECTd0WLOGCjozutE045lGr1E8gWm-Jfcq-COJqXR3VR8TSZnLT3_k_cLiVKnCgPFzAqKZi4X1Bp4o8/s640/blogger-image--1951446057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHxkzcgsr-Jvnu4pkX539jtWdtwN7r22bHeOeXnDrOWi7upVq-qSXv7fa-ZLlKECTd0WLOGCjozutE045lGr1E8gWm-Jfcq-COJqXR3VR8TSZnLT3_k_cLiVKnCgPFzAqKZi4X1Bp4o8/s640/blogger-image--1951446057.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>I loved the race and I loved the weekend at the cabin with family and friends and the kids being able to just explore the outdoors. I'd love to do that race again next year and highly recommend it to</div><div>Anyone looking for a smaller, scenic and well-organized event. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Kandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07356396299844763695noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1408156814883842679.post-7014553117263259152016-09-03T10:17:00.001-07:002016-09-03T10:17:12.371-07:00Hawaii Ragnar Hopeful....So.....Im in the running along with dozens of other awesome MRTT leaders across the country, to go with our fearless leader, Pam, to Hawaii (!!!!) as a part of the Bondi Band Ragnar team. Which by the way is awesome, since I love Pam and I love Bondi Band anyways! And...running?! In Hawaii?! No brainer. <div><br></div><div>Wish me luck...it would be an amazing experience. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Thanks especially to my hubby for giving the okay...in the event I actually win.....</span><div><br></div><div>If you follow me on Facebook, you'll see me post about this a lot over the next 2 weeks. Apologies in advance. Kinda. 😜</div><div><br></div><div>#mrttbondibuddy #momsrunthistown #mrtt #bondiband #ragnarhawaii</div></div>Kandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07356396299844763695noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1408156814883842679.post-16984054786562775172016-06-22T17:24:00.000-07:002016-09-01T15:58:50.047-07:00So I ran a marathon....<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Oops. It's September. Slacking much? Sorry for the slight...ok, giant...delay in writing about my marathon experience. Life has really thrown me for a loop. Busy, crazy, stressful, insane. Good words to describe it. But I'm writing now.......and.....</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div>I <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">ran a fucking MARATHON. 26.2 MILES. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">WHAT?!</span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><div>I was always overweight and lazy and unmotivated and unhappy and miserable and a host of other things that do NOT equate to "Marathon Runner". </div></div><div><br></div><div>So, I was going to do a whole play by play like many do for their marathons (especially first marathons), but I'll keep it simple. The morning of the marathon I was nervous. So very nervous. And excited. And worried and scared and happy. It felt like a dream. </div><div><br></div><div>Unfortunately, marathon day in Duluth was uncharacteristically hot. Even standing at the start, I was sweating in the sun. I knew then that I had to let my hopes of a 4:30 go. And surprisingly, I was totally at peace with that. </div><div><br></div><div>By mile 13, things were rough. People were dropping out, both by choice and not. The warning flags turned black...extreme heat. I made a conscious decision to really slow down and take it easy, including walk breaks and taking in as much extra fluid as I could. I dumped water on my head. I stopped to take pictures. I really focused on staying safe and enjoying the experience as much as possible. </div><div><br></div><div>I ended up finishing in 5:30(ish). An hour slower than my training had me on par for. Guess what? I truly didn't care. I had friends who had to pull out of both the marathon and even the half marathon. I saw runners down, people puking, ambulances. So the fact that I finished in 5:30, feeling exhausted and spent but...good...well, that was fantastic. </div><div><br></div><div>My legs were sore for about 3-4 days. I was moving slow...AKA doing the "marathon shuffle". But then one morning I woke up and it was just magically all better. I was pleasantly surprised, as I was thinking it would take 1-2 weeks. </div><div><br></div><div>And so here I am. I'm a marathoner. </div><div>Will I do it again? Yes. I hope so. For now, I have a half marathon coming up in 3 weeks. More on that in another post. </div><div><br></div><div>Here are some pictures of marathon weekend. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsP8nozYH-226rjQuTViEDrpEdXkikIuTrGiTWclHNnBWTJYyySMsbkxIvcEO3zQfhw0-l599mBszIXgWXjAg2Scw9YDb2PimXfCwWkA_yFEwYazg5v_48uerypUyx2kqHAJ-lkmyxioA/s640/blogger-image-221214501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsP8nozYH-226rjQuTViEDrpEdXkikIuTrGiTWclHNnBWTJYyySMsbkxIvcEO3zQfhw0-l599mBszIXgWXjAg2Scw9YDb2PimXfCwWkA_yFEwYazg5v_48uerypUyx2kqHAJ-lkmyxioA/s640/blogger-image-221214501.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qP0Fw3Tfahwm2fHDX7lGsIXNF6iaQ918JTWAMw43uYx2C1W32aeQf4hwdA0L20jt_sxAKmSXBL0VBnH6c26StQNYZaHifXIYAcECNXVEQezNK3ytetHu9050q5q7ajCwmow6JFl_7Qs/s640/blogger-image--1143022736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXeWpNRVNtE0S6CPuqmXzkyagb6KVVlJlmxUgr6XgLqTNBi9g7aUTKlUSDVeDYHbBLhqTekcV3UydkB6ajHmzcchygpx5jGHN8njND9_usf_NgackSv6MySkml96V7W_55MJqyF9L2b4Y/s640/blogger-image--1893690968.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaf-Iv_Jhr6MWJ7I7L0v1QbLdyRYYaMYx1aOZkQXpcLrCV4fE3Ei_ob-FGHsZi32DRQ_KLq7Z5muKqvaJiVDHmkBJeI5TRZeK3rAgT0e3-pVWPQVym41no21DrGTFHBHhiba-FyRU8ogc/s640/blogger-image-1737438244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaf-Iv_Jhr6MWJ7I7L0v1QbLdyRYYaMYx1aOZkQXpcLrCV4fE3Ei_ob-FGHsZi32DRQ_KLq7Z5muKqvaJiVDHmkBJeI5TRZeK3rAgT0e3-pVWPQVym41no21DrGTFHBHhiba-FyRU8ogc/s640/blogger-image-1737438244.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Kandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07356396299844763695noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1408156814883842679.post-87207193696335406572016-04-17T18:21:00.001-07:002016-04-17T18:21:54.019-07:00Halfways through!!I am officially over the halfway point in training. This week I did a 3, 4, 7 and 10 mile run. The 10 mile was a step down from last weekend when I did 13. <div><br></div><div>The coming week has me doing 4, 4, 7, and...15. Oh, shit. I'm now getting into those mileages that I've never done before....I hope I can hack it. I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. It is this upcoming 15 miler when I'm going to start experimenting with fuels - another new aspect of training for me. </div><div><br></div><div>Overall though, things are going as well as I could have hoped. Fingers crossed that this continues. No injuries, feeling strong, happy with paces, comfortable with the progression in miles. And I know the hardest weeks are ahead but it feels like it has flown by so far. Bonus-my weight is staying steady, maybe slightly down even. I have been concerned about the weight gain many marathon trainees experience due to bring SO hungry and the trickiness of balancing that to get the calories your body needs and going overboard. Umm, not that I never go overboard, because DAMN I've been starving (ugh and who <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">knows how I'll feel a month from now...might need to lock myself out of the cupboards). </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I leave you with a little post-run photo from today...it was 80 degrees and sunny. Hot. Incidentally, 2 years ago today we has a snowstorm (thanks Facebook memories). Gotta love Minnesota!! Anyhow...from my 10 miles, I came away with a face full of salt, a slightly burned back, tired legs and...a nice Fitbit tan. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrBxULtPrGvAhINq9W3vJpeSzCWvAxoCj6u6IgPN3YcoAV9kSJQWCQ08n79hZVxZuL0M86rjI-05SfS-tqGZf9dyOLZc0XOxmvxoYSFJm0bOx_81mPn0mYXu3GPY6cYiUiiADCgDU9MY/s640/blogger-image--212823586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrBxULtPrGvAhINq9W3vJpeSzCWvAxoCj6u6IgPN3YcoAV9kSJQWCQ08n79hZVxZuL0M86rjI-05SfS-tqGZf9dyOLZc0XOxmvxoYSFJm0bOx_81mPn0mYXu3GPY6cYiUiiADCgDU9MY/s640/blogger-image--212823586.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Kandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07356396299844763695noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1408156814883842679.post-6027932975100305332016-03-25T10:30:00.001-07:002016-03-25T10:31:27.379-07:00Training and Vacation<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This week, I'm on vacation. Vegas, Wednesday night until Sunday morning. Awesome, right?!! Well yes. I love Vegas. I'm not a huge gambler but do enjoy sitting at a slot machine for a short time and getting "free" drinks. I LOVE people watching. Checking out different places to eat, going to shows, sitting by the pool, seeing the sights, that kind of stuff. And...PALM TREES!! I absolutely adore palm trees. The weather in Vegas right now is great...70's...not too hot but plenty warm to feel lucky coming from Minesota in March (though we've had a pretty mild winter and some fantastic days lately, but still). </span></div><div><br></div><div>With vacation comes a conundrum though...training! I'm missing/behind a couple of runs, so I'll have to adjust next week. I did get 10 miles in on Sunday (which were fantastic by the way, I felt like I was taking it easy, which I wanted....but yet my pace was still really great. It was just one of those runs where everything comes together). </div><div><br></div><div>Add in the food and drinks of Vegas and...well, let's just say my first run back, an 8-miler I'm going to try and tabckle Monday...should be interesting. I'll survive but it may take a few days to get back in the groove...and to filter out all the junk in my body!! The good thing is, I'm early on in training so I'm not too worried. As long as i pick right back up, and stay on track, I'll be fine.</div><div><br></div><div>I'll leave you with a couple of Vegas pics! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbavpzep2Tq1ggkbzQgjj78uHkfm2UlJrOpt36Ryucl6VN7rOVGgd3fkrCD-eM-DpqDs4DU0nI6RCoEoGpWe0XwJ7Mttl9Wo0oCeEvYN3gjHS2uCDG-AZFcfjrKfe4yCYPSSXjYbrKMjo/s640/blogger-image-2020492226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbavpzep2Tq1ggkbzQgjj78uHkfm2UlJrOpt36Ryucl6VN7rOVGgd3fkrCD-eM-DpqDs4DU0nI6RCoEoGpWe0XwJ7Mttl9Wo0oCeEvYN3gjHS2uCDG-AZFcfjrKfe4yCYPSSXjYbrKMjo/s640/blogger-image-2020492226.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvEK-3L6MHZRLy-6VMlWLmVB-kVo5dcxtEv1kAIQagundJ89XSCXNYrfXVpsEwE31B_QqpbF8ENw6HI9sJcYKFQreOoTCaEkrCkMSe-AV271se17O5YO4HYYbFoCph8OA53aPpDObklY/s640/blogger-image-1781959328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvEK-3L6MHZRLy-6VMlWLmVB-kVo5dcxtEv1kAIQagundJ89XSCXNYrfXVpsEwE31B_QqpbF8ENw6HI9sJcYKFQreOoTCaEkrCkMSe-AV271se17O5YO4HYYbFoCph8OA53aPpDObklY/s640/blogger-image-1781959328.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOP78koHSasFw_P0Rc4iBEaHXF7SGSUMqaJ1hIZA1xNs6H6bYOEh76fJkClQi5Olo0WiE0gsVQ31VMbHSBTrK2SGgKzJ5wmubOuchQAggZUArT8_-sIh44Rt5Pl4ZYekjQuqiOtOySdg/s640/blogger-image-38882784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOP78koHSasFw_P0Rc4iBEaHXF7SGSUMqaJ1hIZA1xNs6H6bYOEh76fJkClQi5Olo0WiE0gsVQ31VMbHSBTrK2SGgKzJ5wmubOuchQAggZUArT8_-sIh44Rt5Pl4ZYekjQuqiOtOySdg/s640/blogger-image-38882784.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiess4PhtBdenhWCfh7dzEO0iQNG4Vb2mKdM2-nsev7ILupyZ0U9inRKXrPVXn7w62jwmU5H6PZlimTIS9C3sMZizUPdQT4QJZI4u2CyyVQ8UjfnYXbLa793_G9_XxNtSfO4Q8lX0u3ob0/s640/blogger-image-1537719469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiess4PhtBdenhWCfh7dzEO0iQNG4Vb2mKdM2-nsev7ILupyZ0U9inRKXrPVXn7w62jwmU5H6PZlimTIS9C3sMZizUPdQT4QJZI4u2CyyVQ8UjfnYXbLa793_G9_XxNtSfO4Q8lX0u3ob0/s640/blogger-image-1537719469.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Kandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07356396299844763695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1408156814883842679.post-85347754160914856052016-03-10T16:32:00.001-08:002016-03-10T16:32:51.750-08:00Marathon Training: Week 4I just finished up my last run for week 4 and it was fan.tas.tic. I was able to squeeze it in OUTSIDE! Almost all of my other runs this far have been in the sports dome or on the treadmill, so this felt pretty damn good. I felt like Meb! Ok...no really...but I did feel strong and happy. <div>Runs like that are what keep runners running despite the occasional struggles. :-)</div><div><br></div><div>So anyhow. Week 4 completed, with 6 miles Sunday, cross training Monday, 3 miles Tuesday, 4 miles Wednesday and 3 today. </div><div><br></div><div>Tomorrow is a rest day. </div><div><br></div><div>AKA wine day. </div>Kandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07356396299844763695noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1408156814883842679.post-24252154235117613222016-03-10T16:28:00.001-08:002016-03-10T16:28:35.903-08:00Marathon Training: Weeks 2 & 3That's a wrap on week 3 of training...unsurprisingly, I'm still alive given that these are the (comparatively) easy days. <div><br></div><div>Week 2 brought an 8 mile long run, a day of cross training, and a 3, 3, 3. </div><div><br></div><div>Week 3 started with another 8 mile long run, followed by cross training, 3, 4, 3. </div><div><br></div><div>It's great-I haven't missed a day yet. The one downfall is that my runs have all been on the track in the local sports dome, or on the treadmill. I'm ready to get outside more, and luckily it appears the weather may be changing to help support that desire. Add upcoming daylight savings time and I'll be ready to rock the outdoors...</div><div><br></div><div>My legs are feeling strong and I feel healthy. Fingers crossed that the trend continues....</div><div><br></div><div>One last thing...how can I barely be getting started but already getting hungrier? Perhaps it's just my mind playing tricks on me, looking for excuses to stuff my face. </div>Kandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07356396299844763695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1408156814883842679.post-217384586405802792016-02-17T11:04:00.001-08:002016-02-17T11:04:11.022-08:00Marathon Training: Week 1Well...here I go. I've officially begun my training plan and by the end, I'll hopefully be able to run 26.2 miles without keelung over.<div><br></div><div>I'm halfway through week 1, and I've gotten a 7 miler, cross training day, and 3 miler in. Two more 3 milers are all that is left. </div><div><br></div><div>I will keep updating on my progress. I'm happy to be starting off strong, to hopefully set the baseline for a strong few months coming up.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Kandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07356396299844763695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1408156814883842679.post-83587194114474328122016-01-03T16:04:00.001-08:002016-01-03T16:04:34.751-08:002016Another year upon us...how did that happen? It blows my mind to think that my journey began 5 years ago now. To think that, at the time, I felt as though I would never get there. Losing so much weight felt like an impossibility. Luckily, something deep down in me decided to give it a shot anyhow. 18 months later I hit a 90 lb weight loss, and I've maintained it ever since (with the exception of 5-10 winter/holiday pounds each year...I know I'm not alone in that!!). <div><br></div><div>This year will be a big one for me...training for, and hopefully completing my first full marathon. 26.2 miles that for 30 years of my life, I never imagined doing or even wanting to do. 26.2 miles that, for the last 3 years, I've been dying to do but holding off on while I was in grad school. Now, I'm just a little more than a month from my official start of training. Yep...I'm a little scared. But I'm ready to prove myself to...myself.</div><div><br></div><div>Other goals for 2016, aside from training successfully and crossing the finish line of the marathon:</div><div><br></div><div>Get back into shape the next couple months leading into training...including getting stronger and shedding a few holiday pounds.</div><div><br></div><div>Sub-25 minute 5k in August</div><div><br></div><div>Drink more water</div><div><br></div><div>Be more active as a family, with my husband and kids all together. Bike rides, walks, jogs, tennis, swimming, running in the back yard. Whatever...as long as it gets us moving, together. </div><div><br></div><div>And finally....Update blog more frequently...HA!!</div><div><br></div>Kandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07356396299844763695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1408156814883842679.post-38181652561824326792015-10-17T19:13:00.001-07:002015-10-17T19:13:02.259-07:00A grand traditionIn 2011, I made a decision to lose weight. To change. To get healthy. I changed my lifestyle, my mindset and I changed my future! As a part of that change, I took up running. My first 5k was done in June 2011, the 5k that is a part of Grandma's Marathon weekend in Duluth, MN. I finished in 38:48. I was spent. Miserable and sore. And... I was hooked. But even still, when someone teased that the following year I should do the half marathon, I cracked up. Like...seriously? HA!!! Never going to happen, I said.<div><br></div><div>Fast forward to June 2012... And I did my first Half Marathon. Again it was Grandma's in Duluth. I've done 6 more since then, including Grandma's half repeats in 2013, 2014 and 2015. I had marathon dreams, but juggling work, kids and both me and hubby in grad school meant a Marathon was just not feasible. </div><div><br></div><div>But I'm done with grad school now. And it's time to do what I've been wanting to do for so long. Grandmas Marathon, 2016!</div><div><br></div><div>Here.</div><div><br></div><div>I.</div><div><br></div><div>Come!</div><div><div><br></div><div><br><div><br></div></div></div>Kandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07356396299844763695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1408156814883842679.post-78615355560846398582015-10-02T07:33:00.001-07:002015-10-02T07:33:47.470-07:00Slacker<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">So I've been totally slacking on keeping up here...for that, I apologize!! I find it funny that I was looking SO forward to finishing school and the "extra time " I'd have...but somehow I still don't find myself with extra time! </span></div><div><br></div><div>So last time I updated, I was literally RIGHT at the finish line of getting my Masters degree, and just a few days out from starting a new job. I've now have that sweet, sweet piece of paper (AKA Diploma) proving that I DID IT!!! And, I have in my new position for 2 months and I love it!! I got lucky in that my position nicely ties together the two unrelated degrees I have. I was scared to leave my old job, which was completely flexible and just really awesome...but this new job is flexible too. The commute is also better, my coworkers are great, I'm liking what I do and learning fast, and of course the bump in pay wasn't a bad thing, either. I even have an office, with a window and my name/credentials on a nameplate outside the door. I have to dress business casual, which I thought I might not like and figured I would miss being able to wear yoga pants and sweatshirts to work ...but I'm enjoying it. It's nice to feel "put together ", although I suspect I wouldn't have enjoyed it nearly as much 5 years ago when I weighed 90 pounds more . No... I would have HATED it. </div><div><br></div><div>I've been walking on my lunch breaks, and really loving that as a part of my new routine. As far as running, well I've been getting out there (just did 4 miles with a neighborhood friend at 5 am today) but not as much as I would like. I did have bronchitis which took forever to recover from, and that put a big wrench in my running plans and my goal to get a new 5k PR at the Esprit De She. However I still did good, especially considering the circumstances, and ran a 26:11...same exact time as last year, only unfortunately the course was .2 short this year (oops). Regardless of time, I had fun. We took our obligatory group MRTT photo before the race, and afterwards we went out for apps and drinks . A good time was had! I added some pics of that race at the end of this post.</div><div><br></div><div>Weight-wise, Ive been lucky. Not that I've been eating bad, but I definitely have had my fair share of naughtiness over the last couple months. Oops. Coupled with decreased running mileage, you would think I would gain weight...but so far, I've maintained!! This is new to me...last year when I started slacking, the weight <i>immediately</i> started coming back...to the tune of 10 or 12 lbs by the end of winter. Either I've finally found a truly good lifestyle balance or my body is finally adjusting to a new "happy weight". I have no clue, but it sure is a relief.</div><div><br></div><div>My kiddos are doing good in school although we've had some bumps in the road with getting them to do their homework without a fight. When they get a paper to complete that they could finish in 10 minutes if they just SAT DOWN and DID IT...but instead complain and fight and whine for 2 hours....over 10 minutes worth of work....well, let's just say my patience wears thin. </div><div><br></div><div>Both girls are excited to be in some activities again for the school year. Growing up not doing any activities (except band and Girl Scouts), and of course knowing how that turned out for me, it was important to me that they do something. Their choice, I would never make them so something they didn't want. But something, anything. This school year, they are both in dance (tap/ballet combo and conveniently they're in the same age group/class). My younger girl does gymnastics as well, and my older one will start soccer again soon. Then they both chose to continue with Girl Scouts which is awesome!! At their ages, troops typically meet just once a month (and then a few random special events here or there), so it's not like it's a strain on our schedules. </div><div><br></div><div>So all is well in my world... Just navigating life. Maintaining my newfound health. Well, it still <i>feels</i> newfound but it has actually been almost 5 years since I started my journey (whoa). I'm looking forward to this weekend...playing with my kids, enjoying some perfect fall weather, cleaning and organizing (I catch up on weekends. And I try to think of it as exercise/calorie burn to make it seem not so bad. Ha.) I have new furniture coming tomorrow, which was SO BADLY needed. I am excited - and it's making me feel old. </div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div>How is your health/fitness routine or journey going? Or share what <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">is on your agenda for the weekend!</span></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOT5kSKx8E4BkQCU_P78kBZFmi1YpeoJNKTFTJ7x3L6qMrwupv14GT7ArXujAzK4wHWafHEHqUENJ9RTi5H-DDzzdjXJuCMmLoXbhViW3rFtcb00tr9iS_D17TLg26XW-gC-G_bzzDdI/s640/blogger-image--1220006677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOT5kSKx8E4BkQCU_P78kBZFmi1YpeoJNKTFTJ7x3L6qMrwupv14GT7ArXujAzK4wHWafHEHqUENJ9RTi5H-DDzzdjXJuCMmLoXbhViW3rFtcb00tr9iS_D17TLg26XW-gC-G_bzzDdI/s640/blogger-image--1220006677.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9W5PCLrk1obK-PxgNJzB1BYrZUOkT5FO49Yzex1R9dyLsxUng9Bh7Vi6aumrG95SLSfDg9gr6rlsUfigUNLmww-7DFv8mHzIeoBx2vmHintFjAGKowZYIIDx0Wd-dTbBZVaUyXscm3c/s640/blogger-image-1436349226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9W5PCLrk1obK-PxgNJzB1BYrZUOkT5FO49Yzex1R9dyLsxUng9Bh7Vi6aumrG95SLSfDg9gr6rlsUfigUNLmww-7DFv8mHzIeoBx2vmHintFjAGKowZYIIDx0Wd-dTbBZVaUyXscm3c/s640/blogger-image-1436349226.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWi8cEW9nEaouE1DXGqnKvdlXmN6aqZ0_FlZ9IsKhHk7dWg84JEsWLtEYrDjJGPJbkEpGBhvV5i7_QMfH9cbLvpntv3UMc4W8hSBo1lK2g3c9r189vsgmue4NGbNVxRf5723mHd1QjA0E/s640/blogger-image-1302960401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWi8cEW9nEaouE1DXGqnKvdlXmN6aqZ0_FlZ9IsKhHk7dWg84JEsWLtEYrDjJGPJbkEpGBhvV5i7_QMfH9cbLvpntv3UMc4W8hSBo1lK2g3c9r189vsgmue4NGbNVxRf5723mHd1QjA0E/s640/blogger-image-1302960401.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbwDkmRjgOERAnIEN3Knri-tcWH2YD7i9mAgBMPU-O49U1QjLvI6k2yEc5OUlNeGuA56ynQQ3-BIdniTsg7zzVG38MZPmiptYMbT0PFnIYNFGble3Uz_bNlc5ejSMsCShLjQ-LIfq3fc/s640/blogger-image--1509574751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbwDkmRjgOERAnIEN3Knri-tcWH2YD7i9mAgBMPU-O49U1QjLvI6k2yEc5OUlNeGuA56ynQQ3-BIdniTsg7zzVG38MZPmiptYMbT0PFnIYNFGble3Uz_bNlc5ejSMsCShLjQ-LIfq3fc/s640/blogger-image--1509574751.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bchTNEOWFR5M65liAWvTVaHUOCrPp4QHnsvyuOQLBfblI0sQwABI2c7OPihGuM3AwvMLBvvGDrGoyERzvhYLz6fm0q19MFUN4YhhCcu2Ru8JULeVv0qljoI97nR1MWvLMvgPE10rk-E/s640/blogger-image--558184194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bchTNEOWFR5M65liAWvTVaHUOCrPp4QHnsvyuOQLBfblI0sQwABI2c7OPihGuM3AwvMLBvvGDrGoyERzvhYLz6fm0q19MFUN4YhhCcu2Ru8JULeVv0qljoI97nR1MWvLMvgPE10rk-E/s640/blogger-image--558184194.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div><div><div><br></div></div></div>Kandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07356396299844763695noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1408156814883842679.post-25442962758334694602015-07-30T10:02:00.003-07:002015-07-30T10:02:48.169-07:00A new chapter!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
This blog post is going to be a little different than normal because it talks about actual real-life happenings APART from just weight loss or running. I don't really do that very often on the blog. BUT, it's all connected in the end and I will explain why.<br /> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Losing a lot of weight, getting active and getting healthy
has obviously been a life-changer for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Physically of course….I look different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And I can run up flights of stairs no problem whereas at one time, I
could barely walk up the stairs in my house without being winded. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the mental changes are even more dramatic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gained confidence in so many ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Confidence that I am good enough, confidence
that I can do whatever I put my mind to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And just in general – no more feeling uncomfortable when meeting new
people because I am worried they are judging my weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was a huge issue for me….it affected me
when meeting new people socially, and it affected me in a professional
environment as well, for example when going to a job interview.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made me feel awkward in groups ….because
it’s no fun being the largest person in a room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now, I can look back and see that generally the people who surrounded me
were probably NOT actually judging… but in my head they were<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>, probably because I was judging myself. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
really, that is what matters most – how YOU feel about YOURSELF.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not saying that there aren’t those out
there who do judge (there are) or that being judged by others doesn’t feel like
crap (it does). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Just that your
self-perception is even more important than that, and self-perception sure can
be shot when you are overweight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
least it was for me. It's dumb, and it's unfortunate because we all know it is what's inside that counts....but that is simply how I felt. <br /> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So anyhow... I am
feeling awfully thankful right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
see, around the time I was losing weight, I also made the decision to go back
to school for my M.S. in Health Information Management.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a terrifying decision, but because I
was feeling good about myself after seeing weight loss success, I decided to go
for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And now – over 3 years later –
here I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I exceeded my initial weight
loss goal and I’ve maintained my weight loss. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>And guess what?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finished grad school!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While working full time, being a mom to 2
young kids, and having a very successful<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>computer nerd- IT Manager husband working MORE than full time AND also
completing his MBA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of that, and I
finished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> And
best of all?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My degree is already paying
off, as I scored my first “big-girl career job” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a few weeks before graduation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went
to an interview and ROCKED IT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t uncomfortable in my
clothes, or paranoid about being judged right out of the position the moment I
walked in the door<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(which would be SO
not okay,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but unfortunately I am sure it
happens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s a whole other blog post,
though).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was myself, and I was confident, and it paid
off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am SO excited to see where this new path will take
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have always known I WANT a
successful career…I truly like contributing and excelling in the work
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just never knew exactly what
that career would look like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you
know, I still don’t, but who ever does?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is just the beginning. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>All I
know is that I went to school, successfully finished, and got a job that I am
excited about as a result.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It feels
good!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Well, okay, it’s also a bit of a relief to
have this job lined up because…student loans!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am blessed that, even right out of school, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>this job will cover them – and there’s nowhere
to go but up!)<br />
<br />
So obviously I am feeling all positive and excited at the moment, but I know
more curve balls will come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I
honestly don’t think I would be where I am if I hadn’t made….and followed
through….with the decision to lose the weight once and for all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would never have had enough energy,
confidence, or drive to get to where I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>And the same energy, confidence,
and drive that resulted from losing weight will help me to deal with any bumps
in the road ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>If you dream it, you can achieve it</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>- Zig Ziglar</i></div>
Kandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07356396299844763695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1408156814883842679.post-4701425874435008612015-07-01T10:57:00.001-07:002015-07-01T10:57:07.159-07:00The Post-Race Void
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQkAlK13Ba5SYZFK_dLl7MT-3cnyYwjJdfijkeVc8aVQpqpM7stGHZV56kU_f06wuD3P890xbci3GwF8eF7TiNOSU4FIWwIzDfhQBsMSPR3zXfVGUWQeJEmsBfuVcJbUBuevwZpM3CSw/s1600/tr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now that I wrote my title, I feel like I should first clarify that I am NOT going to be blogging about poop. Although, post-race poops ARE a fascinating and important subject, and one that many runners are all too familiar with. <br /><br />But let's save that for another day. Instead, I am going to talk about the void in life after a race has passed. I find myself in a mental struggle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, there
is good – I like not getting up at the butt crack of dawn on weekend mornings
so that I can squeeze in a long run before my kids are up and fully charged for
the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there are also hard things,
like decreased mileage equaling decreased calorie burn. In other words…less
food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, and less ability to excuse
away that <strike>glass</strike> bottle of wine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And without an event or goal you are working towards, running is suddenly
“just for fun” again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Don't get me wrong - r</span>unning for fun is
good. It’s nice to go, without worrying about distance or pace or
intervals if you don’t want to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it’s
also easier to blow off a planned run when you don’t feel like you NEED it to
stay on track with training for a race that you paid good money to run. <br />
<br />
So I had a great race a couple of weeks ago, and I beat my old PR by nearly 5 minutes (HOLLA!)</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve been running for fun, and I suppose to keep up my base a little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am lucky in that I have a myriad of running
buddies I can call upon to get me out the door, even at 5 am which is when I
most commonly go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I also try to go one evening per week to meet with a larger group of ladies for my favorite route...a 4.5 mile loop of paved trail over rolling hills surrounded by canopies of trees and the occasional body of water to our side or animal friend watching us go by. <br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQkAlK13Ba5SYZFK_dLl7MT-3cnyYwjJdfijkeVc8aVQpqpM7stGHZV56kU_f06wuD3P890xbci3GwF8eF7TiNOSU4FIWwIzDfhQBsMSPR3zXfVGUWQeJEmsBfuVcJbUBuevwZpM3CSw/s1600/tr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQkAlK13Ba5SYZFK_dLl7MT-3cnyYwjJdfijkeVc8aVQpqpM7stGHZV56kU_f06wuD3P890xbci3GwF8eF7TiNOSU4FIWwIzDfhQBsMSPR3zXfVGUWQeJEmsBfuVcJbUBuevwZpM3CSw/s400/tr.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But I traditionally run 2 half marathons per year, so I’ve been considering
what is next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2012 and 2013, I did the Women Rock
half-marathon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was okay except I
love bling (medals) and you receive a necklace instead, which I don’t
love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2015, I did the Diva’s half
marathon in Peachtree City, GA. Due to
schedules, priorities and budgets, a destination race is not an option, unless I schedule something into an upcoming trip to California - but no way. That trip is for leisure and drinking and eating and exploring... and NOT worrying about race day logistics :-) </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">No...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need something reasonably close. But something awesome. <br />
<br />
Enter the inaugural <a href="http://www.elymarathon.com/" target="_blank">Ely Marathon and half marathon</a>, happening at the end of September
in Northern Minnesota - maybe around 3.5-4 hours away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The course will
be a little more challenging than Grandmas, with it's hills and gravel roads. And it will be very small. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the scenery will be
amazing and if the race logo is any indication, the medal is going to be awesome too. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I'm considering doing that
and hoping to make a weekend of it with my hubby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe he will even do it with me - time will
tell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Either way, should be a great
little “mini-vacation”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re thinking
we’d camp out and do the whole wilderness thing, just like you should when
visiting Ely. My parents live not too far away from there, so they can watch the kiddos. Which they (both my parents and kids) will love. It's a win-win, so I hope it works out! <br />
<br />
</span></div>
Kandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07356396299844763695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1408156814883842679.post-10689329866920465642015-06-23T08:38:00.000-07:002015-06-23T08:38:38.069-07:00Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon 2015 - Recap *Warning - this post is long and has lots of picture!<br /><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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Well, another Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon (AKA Grandma’s
Half) has come and gone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was my 4<sup>th</sup>
year doing this race, and my 7<sup>th</sup> Half Marathon ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may remember I posted that 7 is my lucky
number and I was hoping it was a good sign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also mentioned feeling strong
and like this might finally be the time for a new Half Marathon PR.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Umm, or maybe you just stumbled in here
having never heard of my blog before, in which case I would encourage you to go
back and read because I am super awesome).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then, being both a typical woman and a typical nervous runner, I started
having mood whip-lash and decided that my training was not that fantastic after
all, and a PR was unlikely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
A couple of weeks before the race, I started having an issue with my knee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sharp twinges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It felt okay while walking and during the
course of a normal day, but acted up as I was running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes it would be a twinge every time my
foot hit the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other times, it
didn’t hurt BUT only because I could feel myself involuntarily changing my
gait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that, as most runners know,
only leads to more issues!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, in light
of this knee annoyance, I decided to pretty much take the entire week off
before the race. The only thing I did was test out my knee with a walk/short
intervals of EASY jogging on Thursday morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let me tell you – when that felt good, I had such an urge to run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I avoided the temptation knowing that the
rest had been working, and the last thing I wanted to do was go backwards just
2 days before the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I stuck with
the plan and mostly walked on that beautiful early morning
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On Friday, I headed up to Duluth with a crew of awesome
fellow MRTTers – Ashley, Erin, Linda, and Paula.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like last year, we decorated the vehicle with
our Grandma’s and MRTT pride.<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcYVcFHyt5FjlNEivGat0vzmahbcORmi2ua39jbL5UiaXf4MpHqE24Gv9HHKXGHXT9mh_qaUTuFxT7rxJuc8ZDbY8y6Po0xF8qkhPxkeiHsPU2o9T0COxgB3A19yj_lGv1j5vKIIZ428/s1600/gmas+or+bust.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcYVcFHyt5FjlNEivGat0vzmahbcORmi2ua39jbL5UiaXf4MpHqE24Gv9HHKXGHXT9mh_qaUTuFxT7rxJuc8ZDbY8y6Po0xF8qkhPxkeiHsPU2o9T0COxgB3A19yj_lGv1j5vKIIZ428/s200/gmas+or+bust.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShE1UjKJtbO7mU-PG_FPhU_m6reSKujNeQy_bd24ZWDWqdRgqJNLQ-Kt-c5csBm6xnLUrcE0gB5GZbl15kuj_oTBz4Bf034R1xudzeS9ai9s2_8x9xJosXt1leKk648zKOwNgj7Vnq54/s1600/mrtt+car.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShE1UjKJtbO7mU-PG_FPhU_m6reSKujNeQy_bd24ZWDWqdRgqJNLQ-Kt-c5csBm6xnLUrcE0gB5GZbl15kuj_oTBz4Bf034R1xudzeS9ai9s2_8x9xJosXt1leKk648zKOwNgj7Vnq54/s200/mrtt+car.jpg" width="200" /></a><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShE1UjKJtbO7mU-PG_FPhU_m6reSKujNeQy_bd24ZWDWqdRgqJNLQ-Kt-c5csBm6xnLUrcE0gB5GZbl15kuj_oTBz4Bf034R1xudzeS9ai9s2_8x9xJosXt1leKk648zKOwNgj7Vnq54/s1600/mrtt+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Upon arriving to Duluth, we first hit the grocery store real
quick, and then headed to our apartment at UMD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Side note - If you ever consider
running Grandma’s, definitely look into getting an apartment with others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friday/Saturday night costs just over $400
total. Split that between 4 people (there are 2 bedrooms, each with 2 beds) and
you have yourself a significantly cheaper crash pad than renting a hotel room
would be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As much as I love Grandma’s,
the hotel prices sure get jacked up sky high for the weekend. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then again, why not – they sell out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Huge money maker!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s business. Anyhow, the UMD apartments are fantastic. Yeah, it’s no luxury hotel but it’s cheap,
and you have access to a full kitchen which is nice. Plus, UMD is a central hub
for shuttles the entire weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not
only is it one of the points for grabbing a bus to the start line on race
morning, but the busses run back and forth every 15 minutes or so, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>up until well after midnight,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to/from Canal Park for the entire weekend. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it’s free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The convenience of not needing to deal with traffic or parking the whole
weekend – well, it’s worth it right there. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2geD6JDWwW-y0Mt4vFiAxRtTCJudsLacODcZB2cxyP98D8sZwa7FNUnP0qM63QXB57KKHp6bVFISfoUHn_gPCYj12ilNY-6Eeqe0o9FILYbIPZYmZGxnQlPZ5m2Jt8xNDPQ4WLf4Qd0/s1600/gma+herself.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /> UMD rave over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After checking in
and hauling in our stuff, we headed right back out for dinner (reservations at
Grandma’s!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it was a quick trip to
the Grandma’s office to get a bleacher pass for Linda’s husband, and that ended
up being awesome because we ran into GRANDMA HERSELF! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2geD6JDWwW-y0Mt4vFiAxRtTCJudsLacODcZB2cxyP98D8sZwa7FNUnP0qM63QXB57KKHp6bVFISfoUHn_gPCYj12ilNY-6Eeqe0o9FILYbIPZYmZGxnQlPZ5m2Jt8xNDPQ4WLf4Qd0/s1600/gma+herself.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2geD6JDWwW-y0Mt4vFiAxRtTCJudsLacODcZB2cxyP98D8sZwa7FNUnP0qM63QXB57KKHp6bVFISfoUHn_gPCYj12ilNY-6Eeqe0o9FILYbIPZYmZGxnQlPZ5m2Jt8xNDPQ4WLf4Qd0/s320/gma+herself.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br /> After getting a photo with the extremely sweet and charming Grandma, we headed to packet pick up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was
uneventful – just navigating the crowds and checking out the various vendors at
the gigantic Grandma’s expo. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
excitement in the air, even the evening before, is just awesome! After we were
finished at the expo, we took advantage of a quick photo op with the lift
bridge behind us and then hopped a bus back the UMD.<br />
<br /> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0PfksMO_6hyphenhyphenpmrqLLlcZ2Q6KR_QCKg6ii0GLI_XoYTLoqJ-SifN8sV1yFv0ByovOBxSUdKyp3-LVtb-fHJIccNJhjNqtUtR-yxXT7Ai7XpghelVVv7ZtPdFv8nS8LXel_WZFJZH0oHU/s1600/lift+bridge+photo+op.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0PfksMO_6hyphenhyphenpmrqLLlcZ2Q6KR_QCKg6ii0GLI_XoYTLoqJ-SifN8sV1yFv0ByovOBxSUdKyp3-LVtb-fHJIccNJhjNqtUtR-yxXT7Ai7XpghelVVv7ZtPdFv8nS8LXel_WZFJZH0oHU/s320/lift+bridge+photo+op.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8mrlhqs0B8bwNr7qx6mou6yYr1uZv_k8lu-df9jhahdXOwGOTJsn7tlQrmDZdWo19wgMOpaVnM1wHhxJ05fNnm7m7fKkeXG0hAecYCA04MpX5vkSJyk8L_O3AV_oOKoh3cmVflgliTA/s1600/flat+mamas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8mrlhqs0B8bwNr7qx6mou6yYr1uZv_k8lu-df9jhahdXOwGOTJsn7tlQrmDZdWo19wgMOpaVnM1wHhxJ05fNnm7m7fKkeXG0hAecYCA04MpX5vkSJyk8L_O3AV_oOKoh3cmVflgliTA/s1600/flat+mamas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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Back at the apartment, it was prep time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Laying out our “flat mamas” is an MRTT
tradition, but serves another purpose other than just fun and pictures for social
media.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a great way to ensure you
aren’t forgetting anything!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8mrlhqs0B8bwNr7qx6mou6yYr1uZv_k8lu-df9jhahdXOwGOTJsn7tlQrmDZdWo19wgMOpaVnM1wHhxJ05fNnm7m7fKkeXG0hAecYCA04MpX5vkSJyk8L_O3AV_oOKoh3cmVflgliTA/s1600/flat+mamas.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8mrlhqs0B8bwNr7qx6mou6yYr1uZv_k8lu-df9jhahdXOwGOTJsn7tlQrmDZdWo19wgMOpaVnM1wHhxJ05fNnm7m7fKkeXG0hAecYCA04MpX5vkSJyk8L_O3AV_oOKoh3cmVflgliTA/s320/flat+mamas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We chatted, snacked, hydrated, taped up what was ailing us
(for me, I used KT tape on my knees just for some extra support given the issue
I had been having) and headed to bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Out of the 5 of us, 4 did the half marathon and the shuttles to the
start ran between 4:45 and 5:15.... so that’s an early morning! <br />
<br />
I slept decently until a car alarm went off at around 3:45. It was only 15
minutes until my alarm was to go off, but annoying nonetheless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 4:00, we all got up and
the next hour was spent dressing, checking and re-checking our sweat bags and
gear, eating, fueling up or drinking coffee to “get things moving”. Finally we made the walk over to the shuttles (after saying good bye and good luck to
Linda, our one roomie who was doing the full marathon which didn’t start for
another 1.5 hours after the half).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
weather was cool-ish but comfortable, for once not foggy, but a little muggy…and
there was a threat of thunderstorms, gusty headwinds, and heavy rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talk about nerve-racking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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The shuttle line was long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In previous years, we never had a problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must have arrived later than usual though, because we waited quite awhile to get on a bus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had it in our head that the race started at 6:45, so when we arrived
at the starting area at 6:00 I headed right for the bathrooms after dropping
off my sweat bag. I was thinking my timing would be just fine, even with the
wait for a port-a-potty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine my shock
and panic when I realized the race started at 6:15! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first, I figured I could wait it out with
the many others who were still in line, knowing how many thousands of runners
had to get going anyhow and that it takes several minutes.
But even still, once I knew it had started, I could feel myself getting antsy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I abandoned the bathroom line, crossing my
fingers that the decision wouldn’t come back to bite me (spoiler alert: it didn't). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point, the weather was still holding
out.<br />
<br />
Almost right away, a fellow MRTTer, Sara, found me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then spied Ashley, so we caught up to say hi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ashley had a little faster goal in mind, so we wished her well as she sped
on up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From then on, it was Sara and I. We would end up staying together until late in the race.<br />
<br />
My plan was simple – stay positive, don’t go all out in the beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SAVE ENERGY so that I could pick up the pace
towards the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ended up doing the
first mile at about a 10:00 pace, which was roughly what I had in mind.
Perfect! However after that, I started getting down more around the 9:30's on average. It
felt super comfortable, not like I was working too hard to do it, so I just
went with it even though none of my longer training runs had been that pace so
early on. </div>
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Sara and I trudged along. I told her my plan and my desire
to keep my pace in check in order to save energy, and there were a few times
that she helped me do just that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
very thankful to have her to run with, because it was just a great
distraction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never actually run
that many miles of a race with a person – the closest was when I ran 6 or so
with my sister in law at Women Rock one year. And maybe not coincidentally,
those 6 miles were pretty awesome too. Maybe I am onto something here – I do
better finding someone to run races with rather than going it alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At mile 7, I started feeling a slight twinge in my knee. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather than getting worried, I stayed
positive. I kept myself distracted by chatting with Sara and taking everything
in around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It worked!! Within a half
mile or so, the twinge was gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
continued on, still feeling very positive. The weather was mostly holding out –
early on, we heard a couple of distant rumbles of thunder but that was it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It did rain a little off and on throughout
the race, but never any heavy downpours. Actually, what rain did come down felt
pretty nice!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wind was calm. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I already knew I had a definite shot at a PR,
but still wasn’t about to count my chickens before they hatched. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just focused on the fact that I felt awesome
and was having a great time. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBx8RT1Cv4hFJACavsPZUqt10H992VuLkrrdlRDNrFD82ApF9EEY6LU1_1HdRhctyNQpm1AnqGkrMU_2ePwBofFaugQL_oQU83ze1wc8I__94T0-7ysKB81rJk-l_gaLKdIIbuqwvbn0/s1600/trolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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At one point, we came around a fellow MRTT friend, Morgan.
She was doing AMAZING and I felt very inspired by her being she is 20+ weeks
pregnant!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ran with her for awhile and
that was a nice distraction. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Eventually
I found my legs itching to go slightly faster, so I went with it. Sara caught up with
me shortly after and we continued on. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I got a good look at the trolls that line the curb at one point in the race, which gave me a smile. I stole the below picture from Linda (thanks Linda).</span><br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBx8RT1Cv4hFJACavsPZUqt10H992VuLkrrdlRDNrFD82ApF9EEY6LU1_1HdRhctyNQpm1AnqGkrMU_2ePwBofFaugQL_oQU83ze1wc8I__94T0-7ysKB81rJk-l_gaLKdIIbuqwvbn0/s1600/trolls.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBx8RT1Cv4hFJACavsPZUqt10H992VuLkrrdlRDNrFD82ApF9EEY6LU1_1HdRhctyNQpm1AnqGkrMU_2ePwBofFaugQL_oQU83ze1wc8I__94T0-7ysKB81rJk-l_gaLKdIIbuqwvbn0/s640/trolls.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /></span></div>
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Around mile 10 or so, Sara hit up a water stop and we ended
up separated for the remainder of the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I kept looking behind me for her, because having company was helping me
so much until then, but I couldn’t see her. She wasn’t far because she ended up
finishing less than a minute after me, but she just far enough that I am sure
she blended in or was blocked from my view by other runners. <br />
<br />
So from there on out, I was on my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Despite losing my partner in crime, I was still feeling positive and
strong. I found myself singing at one point and I just felt plain <i>good</i>. I decided to try and "pick it up" a little, although being the end of the
race I was definitely putting more effort into less results! But still, I was
maintaining my stamina and having fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At mile 11-12, I did start to feel the fatigue set in, but that is also
around the time that the cheering spectators <i>really</i> get thick, so that helped
keep me going. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By mile 12.5, I was feeling
amazing and ready to finish strong!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
end of the course has a lot of turns, so it’s a bit of a mind fuck (excuse the
language but that’s the best way to describe it!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But at least I am familiar with the course,
so I knew to expect it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I came around
the very last turn before the finishing stretch, I knew I had it in me to
finish strong like I wanted. I also knew I had a PR in the bag, and realizing
that it was going to be a significant one helped give me another push. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I picked up the pace, set my sights on the
finish line, and took off. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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My official finishing time was <b>2:05:31</b>, which is a 4 minute,
50 second PR from my now-second-best time of 2:10:21, which was Grandma’s
2013.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was just never in the shape to have
a half marathon PR in 2014, but I am happy to have redeemed myself in 2015! <br /><br />My splits worked out as follows (per my trusty Fitbit):<br />Mile 1 - 10:06</div>
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Mile 2 - 9:32</div>
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Mile 3 - 9:30</div>
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Mile 4 - 9:38</div>
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Mile 5 - 9:31</div>
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Mile 6 - 9:08</div>
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Mile 7 - 9:32</div>
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Mile 8 - 9:38</div>
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Mile 9 - 9:15</div>
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Mile 10 - 9:27</div>
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Mile 11 - 9:03</div>
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Mile 12 - 9:19</div>
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Mile 13 - 9:32<br />And finished out the remainder at 9:01</div>
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After crossing the finish line, I received my medal (which
is awesome, by the way – shaped like Lake Superior in honor of the Garry
Bjorklund Half Marathon’s 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary) and got my shirt. Over the
next hour or so I chatted with various people, wandered around with Ashley, and
of course – ATE and DRANK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> For whatever reason, orange juice was calling my name and I quickly slammed down 2 glasses of it. </span>Once we
caught up with Erin and Paula, we headed back to UMD. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were wet with sweat and rain, and got
freezing cold REAL quick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Back at the apartment, it was just showers and food. The
other ladies were staying another night while I had to head back home to attend
a benefit, so they took naps while I hooked up with my sister in law and her
family (including her husband who did the full marathon) to hitch a ride home,
as they were heading back to attend the same benefit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that concludes my fantastic Grandma’s 2015 experience! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See you in 2016, Grandmas!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9LbTrtUYLpZD2DMN3roGJZcRZAPgjvQVyCEDnebNIuDENltXAZ_rndD2ct_EvVHuJihV2slZf98fgtqxGKn8P6AvGC_6npxJD-WdGOqHDGrUemLQHM9Am1FsTndgp1wJbF1iZEOz2N0/s1600/bib+n+medal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9LbTrtUYLpZD2DMN3roGJZcRZAPgjvQVyCEDnebNIuDENltXAZ_rndD2ct_EvVHuJihV2slZf98fgtqxGKn8P6AvGC_6npxJD-WdGOqHDGrUemLQHM9Am1FsTndgp1wJbF1iZEOz2N0/s320/bib+n+medal.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2015 medal and race bib</td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhlMkjF1yOU0kjldtmsV_0wifMe6HtLSNVRGs6EyV-78o2AXFenBhP5vwVrORZWm6qyhWtzWS3S575d2Ql-klwE6RH1t4tPh0b5WASVALTr0mvRy_R9wR9UoT1xmVfW7gh_042qy7RHc/s1600/4+years+of+gmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhlMkjF1yOU0kjldtmsV_0wifMe6HtLSNVRGs6EyV-78o2AXFenBhP5vwVrORZWm6qyhWtzWS3S575d2Ql-klwE6RH1t4tPh0b5WASVALTr0mvRy_R9wR9UoT1xmVfW7gh_042qy7RHc/s320/4+years+of+gmas.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four years of Grandma's Half finisher shirts! Left to right: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015</td></tr>
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<br />Kandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07356396299844763695noreply@blogger.com0