Back to it...

After a two week break I finally got back to running again and I am so happy about it. I had to take a week off so my blisters would heal and last week...well...honestly with the weather I just wasn't motivated. I did an easy breezy three, a bit faster than I planned but the cold and the wind may have had something to do with that.

Everything felt great and I was reminded how much energy I have at night for the family and how much better I sleep. I'm up for 3 again today...I'm taking it easy this week. I'm planning speed training for tomorrow. I really want a new PR in Galveston.

The weekend stayed busy, the hubby was sick and we worked on the boy's behavior. There are some really good books out there regarding "strong willed" children and much like a marriage you are reminded during times like these you cannot become a complacent parent. Unfortunately strong will doesn't bode well for a child that is trying to be taught structure but I have every confidence he will use that structure and strong will to his advantage as an adult.

The boy went to the office again yesterday morning so he did not get his "cars" or get to watch his shows last night. We spent alot of time with him last night and it was totally amazing to see him morph into a well mannered, pleasant child. We have a meeting with his teacher tomorrow. Here is hoping they will reinforce what we are doing at home to make their life much easier. I can't imagine trying to corral 12 three year olds ten hours a day, five days a week.

The girls and I are planning a "girls night" on Friday. YAY!!! Mexican food, margaritas and a chick flick are on the agenda. It's funny how "girls night" has taken on a different meaning nowadays. We are all in much different places now. Three years ago girls night meant napping before the club, the club until 2a and IHOP until 4am. Oh good grief. The thought of staying up past 11p just makes me tired.

I better get back to it...work that is.

Oh...I saw my first robin this weekend...Spring is near...

The Curse

Thank you to all that provided advice and confirmation for speed training. I am grateful for the overwhelming response. Thanks Junebug for sending everyone my way.

I decided to take off one more week and I can honestly say that I am truly ready to get back to it. I am feeling like I am forgetting to do something as I have come to enjoy my running adventures and work is starting to get crazy again and I need to run of some steam.

I am very excited about the speed training. Thanks for dumbing it down for me. For all those that invited me out to Memorial, that is a little out of the way for me as I work South and live North East. I have a 50 minute commute already each way. No worries as I have an 800 meter track that is available for speed training days at work or one at the school down the street from my community.

I am currently planning on doing the Mardi Gras 5K beach run in Galveston on the 17th and the Bayou City 10K March 10th. So I better get to it.

So...on to family matters...

I get a call from the hubby this morning and evidently the boy's school called to talk about our 2.5 yr old's class disruptions and behavior issues. Not to make light of the situation we are totally addressing the situation at home and looking for ways to help the boy and his teacher cope with these new developments but I can't help but chuckle to myself.

The curse does exist! My parents received many of the same phone calls regarding class disruptions and behavioral issues when I was growing up and no... they didn't put me on Ritalin...although they probably would have liked to. So instead...they cursed my children. I always had the "needs to pay attention" and "needs to follow direction" boxes checked on my report card until the 4th grade causing many many weeks of being grounded and various other punishment that was enforced on my parents.

As luck would have it my son is carrying on the family tradition. The hubby is off developing a reward chart and I am stopping by the book store for a couple of books in order to better understand the issues at hand. And I was going to get a massage this afternoon...now I have to go be a parent.

I am extremely thankful to have that opportunity.

Everyone have a fun, safe weekend.

I'm Melting...

Since my run last weekend I have been enjoying some time off. Honestly, I've been looking for a training program that works on speed. Now that I know I can do the mileage I want to speed up. I thought I found a program last week and I was all motivated to start today but there were so many different numbers and speeds I couldn't bring myself to pack my clothes and I didn't prepare my crib sheet. Any tried and true suggestions would be helpful.

It's not that I don't understand the reason for all the different numbers. I am just wondering if there is something more...less scientific...out there. BTW...I'm exaggerating, I think it is the heat in my office. Through the blurred vision I see palm trees swaying in the nice cool breeze, a lava lamp from Pinche's waiting for me by the lake. Aaaah...then I wake up.

They cannot get the a/c and heating to work properly in my building. Last week it was cold in every one's office (comfortable in mine) now it's 80 degrees in my office and comfortable in the others. My makeup is literally melting off. Tomorrow I'm wearing a tank top and a skirt with cute little strappy sandals to work. Enough!

The weekend was good. Sunday our featured film was "Antbully". I would give it 3 out of 5 goobers. The boy was riveted, he sat in his chair with his popcorn and goobers, eyes glued to the screen for an hour of the 1.5 movie. We had our first family dogpile afterwards. That was awesome.

I joined Striders last Friday. YAY!!! I have been reading several blogs since August and I really saw the support and camaraderie from the club, especially with the half/marathon last weekend. I didn't have to give it a second thought when I was invited to join. I'm looking forward to getting involved.

In the future I will not be inundating you with "6 things only your first boyfriend in college knows about you". Initially, I thought it was interesting and provided a bit more insight for readers like me that haven't met you all face to face...Yet.

6 Weird Things About Me

Thanks Jodie! Since you used half of the things I would have posted I'm going to have to get creative.

The Rules: Each player of this game starts with the six (6) weird things about you. People who get tagged need to write a blog post of their own six (6) weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose six (6) people to be tagged and list their names.


1. I absolutely must take a shower at night before I go to bed. It doesn't not matter if I have had three showers earlier in the day or that I have not left the house all day. I do not sleep well unless I have had my shower.

2. Although food touching is at the top of my weirdness list I also eat one food at a time. None of this mixing and matching. Eat all of the taco, move on to the enchilada and finish with a little bit of beans and rice and I may elect to eat chips along with my beans and rice.

3. I hate feet. Yours...mine and ours. Feet disgust me. That's all I'm going to say about that.

4. I cannot sleep if I do not have the fan on. I don't care if it is 20 degrees outside the fan must be on. I may concede and turn it down to medium during cold weather. If I am in a hotel I turn the A/C down as low as possible...I have to have air circulating.

5. All doors visible in the bedroom must remain close. Hello...panick room and the guy standing in the door way when she was sleeping. Hell no! Bedroom door, bathroom door, closet door...all closed at night for safe sleeping.

6. Man I thought I was the only one that was freaked out if the toilet paper was upside down. I am a big proponent of making sure the toilet paper dispenses from the top. I hate spinning and spinning and spinning looking for the start of the roll and it remains upside down. I will also fix toilet paper, even in a strangers house if it is upside down.

I tag June and Pony. I am still developing a blog circle.

13.1

It is official! I am a runner. Although I was reminded this morning by Jodie that I was a runner long before I crossed the start line of yesterday's race.

Up until the actual morning of the race the weather was a constant unknown I was prepared, I had my skirt and my tights packed. I decided to go with the tights and I second guessed my decision up until I turned my bag in to baggage claim. I finally made my peace with my decision and didn't think twice about it. It wasn't a horrible decision, I wasn't too hot and I was thankful for them at mile 11 on in...it got a bit chilly over Allen Parkway. Now I'm getting a bit ahead of myself.

Friday afternoon I went to pick up my race bib and goodies by myself. Jodie and Bryan planned on picking up their packets on Saturday and I wanted to spend time and actually walk through the expo instead of chasing my 2 and 1/2 year old so I went on Friday. It was great. I walked right in...the huge signs made everything crystal clear. I got my packet, my shirt and proceeded to browse.

My first stop was the skirts booth. I bought a "run houston" t-shirt. I should have gotten another skirt but I wasn't in the mood. I walked around and bought a couple of other shirt and some socks that I would find out later would be my undoing.

Saturday was relaxed. I drank my water...thanks babe. The family and I went to Sam's and the boy kept asking where Sam was. Too cute. We all took naps and watched football then went to dinner at Hasta La Pasta. It wasn't too bad but the boy was done with the place. After two spilled waters later the hubby and I were done. "We're not doing this again" I love it.

Saturday night I got about four hours of good sleep. 12:30, 3:00 and 3:55 and finally 4:15. It wasn't too bad. I didn't rush...I eat a bowl of granola and I checked the weather one more time and was off around 5:15. It was funny, as I passed drivers on the road I wondered if they were going to the race. Turns out a few were. YAY us!

Parking was relatively easy. I decided to be a lemming and follow all of the other cars since I am not downtown savvy. I think it worked out fine. I was inside the GRB by 5:45.

I though I would be more anxious about doing this all by myself but to my surprise I was calm. I guess because I have trained by myself and it was only me out there during the long mile days it seemed only fitting that I would be doing this by myself. Running isn't a team sport and I guess I was secretly fine with that.

After a potty break, some beans and water, I checked my bag and I proceeded to the black corral. I had torn out the directions they gave in the race packet just in case and instead of being a lemming I actually referred to them once. I was petrified I would end up in the wrong place and have to run 26.2 miles instead of 13.1.

I made it to black and just took it all in. I don't remember what I was thinking...I was just ready to go and see my friends and hubby along the way cheering me on. All I heard was a thunderous boom and several cheers. It took me 5 minutes to cross the start line. We were off...man there was a crowd.

The first mile was frustrating having to navigate through the "walkers" and slower runners. At mile two it was pretty awe inspiring to be at the top of the hill and see all the runners in front and to know I was apart of it. I ran with super girl and superman for a bit but lost them somewhere in the crowd.

I knew I had some friends meeting me around mile 5 but I started looking for them after mile 4. There they were...Kim and Nicole. I ran and gave them a hug and trudged on.

At mile 6 I started feeling my toes and the rubbing that ensued with each step. I ignored it and continued on...focused on the crowds. The house"men" in the heights. The chickens on the overpass the go "team wayne", "keep it up sandy" they were priceless and sustained me until just before mile 9. I had to stop at a medic stand and try to do something about my feet.

I took my socks off and oh my gosh...it was disgusting. Quarter size blisters on each toe thanks to the seam of the socks I purchased the day before. I even deliberated that morning on which sock to use. Then I heard a voice "don't you know you aren't supposed to wear new socks the day of the race..." Shut it...I proceeded to apply bandaids. If I could have cut my toes off I would have been in less pain.

I trudged on and found Kim and Nicole shortly before the 9 mile mark unexpectedly. I got choked up a bit. The emotion of all it hit me. I thought I was going to hyperventilate. Then I focused on the pain to settle myself down.

My 6/1 became 4/1 then 3/1 and finally 2/1. Not only was I fighting the mental aspect of the run but I was fighting with the pain every step was causing. I kept on...still running...I wouldn't let myself walk more than a minute.

Finally...we turned the corner on Rusk and I could see the finish line in the distance. I was never so thankful and relieved to see those balloons. I almost got choked up again but again...but I had to focus. I had enough gas for a strong finish and look who I run into just past the finish line. Kim and Nicole and finally just before I go into the GRB I see the hubby and the boy. I broke down for just a bit. I did it. The boy wanted to show me what he did to his hand and the hubby looked like he could have just ran a half marathon. Keeping up a with 2.5 year old seems like a marathon some days.

I stumbled in to the GRB, had a finisher medal placed around my neck, fought back tears then headed for bananas and picked up my finisher shirt. Then off to see my fans. I was so happy to have finished. I didn't finish in my goal time but I chalk that up to two things. I took a month off from training during the holidays and my feet didn't take care of me. But...I'm not going to focus on that. I finished at 2:43:42 at a 12:29 pace.

On my way back to the car I had one woman tell me congratulations. It really made me smile. The amount of support of strangers was overwhelming. Oranges, cookies, mini bars the cheerleaders along the way. I hope those people, every single one of them know how important of a role they played in my success and many of the other runners who didn't think they could take one more step.

I appreciate everyone who supported me through this endeavour you know who you are! A special thank you to my hubby who supports me continually, loaded me up with running equipment for Christmas and made sure I was drinking plenty of water on Saturday. This will not be my last half and dang...5K and 10K will be a flash compared to this. Here is to my new PDR and PR! Congratulations to all of the runners!!

Much needed 6

Friday update, I only ran 6 after much consideration and reading a few articles and convincing myself I can't make up a months worth of training in one day. The weather was on the warm side but not uncomfortable. I ran in my skirt and LOVED it. I felt so "free". I may be behind the curve on the noteriety but I loved it and will purchase more.

I was a buckethead and got sick later that evening. I didn't eat enough. I am really struggling with that. I went in knowing that I didn't eat but I brought an extra bar and gatorade and ate as soon as I got home only to lose it all. I feel like I need a number of calories to have consumed before running so I am sure that I won't get sick from the lack of eating.

I received my confirmation card for the half marathon. Scary...it's actually here. Nicole asked me what I was going to be doing on Saturday and I told her I would be cowering under the covers from the fear and anxiety of Sunday's race. You chuckle but it is not that far from the truth. I'm ready for it to be over. I hate checking the weather every hour...no knowing what to expect...will I eat enough? Will I sleep in? How early should I get there? Ok...I'm done...I'm really starting to freak out.

I've got to go buy a new battery for my watch. I haven't used it all through my training but I'm suspecting my Nano is jacking up and I want to be crystal clear on my time and pace now matter what my Nano says.

Saturday night the hubby and I celebrated our anniversary dinner at Ruggle's. I love adult time...it's so much fun getting all dolled up and eating a restaurant that doesn't begin with Mc!

We ordered rib-eyes, had wine and a big ole dessert...EACH. YUM-Y. Then we proceeded to get pulled over shortly after leaving the restaurant. Thankfully the cop took pity on us and didn't write us a ticket for ignoring an imaginary sign that said no right turn after 6pm on the second Saturday of the month. WHAT? Okay...we don't go to midtown much and there may have been a street sign that says not to turn but really...they inadvertantly close roads after certain hours? Why not just block off the freakin street. I'm over it...but I do believe the carseat in the backseat really helped say "look...we're out being adults, we have a small child, give us a break"...and he did.

The rest of the weekend was relaxing. The boy was sick Saturday and Sunday but we managed to pull him through. He is a great boy.

The hubby purchased us a smoothie machine. I mentioned getting one and he said we have one...it's called a blender. I proceeded to counter with the cons of the mixer and I guess I argued my case successfully, he went out a few hours later and bought one. LOVE HIM!

I didn't charge my Nano so I'm going to run my 3 tomorrow.

Off to check the weather for Sunday and go by some Tylenol PM so I can sleep the rest of the week.

Going for 10

I didn't run yesterday but I thinking I made the right decision. I am planning on doing 10 today and my knees have been bothering me lately. I think it is because I've been running on concrete the last few times at home and I'm used to running on asphalt at the trails. I'm sure I will be hurting severly after the race on Sunday so I absolutely must remember to pop a few Aleve before the race.

My manager scheduled a meeting at 2 today and I was planning on leaving at 2:30 so I can be done with my run by 5. Hopefully it will only last the 30 minutes she scheduled. It is forcasted to be rather warm today, mid 70's, it is 59 now and I highly suspect it won't get above 70 but I'm not a weatherman...but I could be.

I'm excited because I got a triks running skirt for Christmas that I plan on running in during the race next weekend so I will be trying it out to see if I like it. FUN!

I mentioned I would have goals for 2007 by the end of the week. I have my "list", it is taking me a bit longer because I am actually planning out how to acheive these goals and the only way I can do that is by formulating a plan of attack. I have noticed that many people who actually make goals or resolutions simply have a "list" and a list without any meat is just a list of words. So...I'm working on the meat.

The hubby and I are officially celebrating our anniversary with dinner at Ruggles on Saturday...the place where it all started. Whenever anyone asks one of us how we met I can't help but smile and then laugh because the sun, the moon and the stars lined up on November 21st, 2002. So...here's a brief summation.

In the fall of 2002 I was done with dating and focusing on myself and in anticipation of living and working in Russia for three months the following Summer it was all about having fun and new experiences. So...on the news one night I saw a segment about speed dating (8minutedating to be exact). So...I signed up on the internet and persuaded a few other friends to come with and BAM...as soon as I walked in the door I saw my future husband and he turned out to be date number 3 out of 8. Of course I was just going for the experience and never in a million did I expect 7 months later he would be proposing to me in Moscow. He did...

So that's our story...and the hubby...a test to the truly amazing and thoughtful guy he is made reservations for us to have dinner at Ruggles. The place where it all began. (Ahhh)

Cleaning House...so to speak

Yesterday was my first day of work after the long break and I did a bit of cleaning house. In honor of my anniversary I finally deleted my maiden name from my automatic signature. Yes sweety...you have proven that you are sticking around - my gift to you...happy anniversary. I still need to figure out how to change my voice mail. I still receive messages..."uhm your message still says 'Allen'". Uh...I know...It is part of my ploy to make you think you have the wrong number and perhaps you won't leave a message. I guess I've been found out. Since the gig is up I guess I have to find out how to change my phone mail message.

I ran yesterday...yes...just as I said I would I did...whoo hoo. Except...I had to run indoors because it was raining. I was mentally prepared to do 5 miles on the treadmill and I even left work early so I wouldn't catch the "peak times" for the treadmills. I was only able to due 3 and even went over the allotted thirty minutes (I know...I'm a rebel). But there were people waiting and the treadmill practically broadcast with a minute by minute commentary how long one has been exercising.

Dang everyone's New Year's resolution. I wanted a sign over my head that says I get to stay here because I'm training for the 1/2 marathon and I didn't decide yesterday to start working out. Then...a good angel in my likeness, complete with Nike apparel, popped up and reminded me the courage and strength it took for these people to come and workout and they should be rewarded so they will come back and lead healthier lives. :D Therefore, I relented and decided to due 20 minutes on the bike. Yeah...not the same but nevertheless I did exercise for about 55 minutes in all; but for my sacrifce I saved a muscle from turning into fat.

It's raining pretty crazy this morning but it is expected to clear of by this afternoon. I'm looking forward to getting back on the trails for my 3 miles, I've missed them.

Have a productive day!

Hel...lo 2007!

The Christmas tree is put away, the lights all snuggled in their storage boxes while visions of sugar-plums faded with the season. 2006 was a good year for the Wayne family. I'll post a link to the annual Christmas letter that sums up the ongoings of the year. The closet and most of the rooms have been organized. (It's been a year in the house and we still haven't unpacked all of the boxes)...that's a goal for this year.

Today is mine and the hubby's three year anniversary. The hubby asked me this morning if it felt like three or thirty. I told him thirty... but in a good way. We each had "previous lives" and the reason it seems like thirty is because I do not remember a life prior to ours together, not the oh my gosh you are sucking the life out of me.

I am very happy with "us". We both understand the work and effort it takes to actually have a happy marriage, not the facade of one. We often look back at our rocky beginning, prior to being married, and laugh at how far we've come and who would have thought we would be at this point in our lives both happy and fulfilled. I love him for the constant love and support he provides for me and the loving father and ambitious man that he continues to be. Thanks for picking me. Go Chargers!

11 days till the half marathon. I'm both excited and worried. I inadvertently took off a month of training between Thanksgiving and Christmas and I have been consistent the last couple of weeks. I only have myself to blame and you know what...I'm not doing that either. It is what it is...I am going to try to accomplish a PR record of 2:30 and a PD record of 13.1 miles and if the PR is 2:45 then so be it...I'm out there doing it.

I love the new year. For me, as with most people the new year is a demarcation of starting fresh. New goals, a time to plan for self improvement and the possibility for new achievements. How exciting. I've organized my side of the closet, donated old clothes that have been in storage for over a year or been in bags for more than three years. (I plan on tackling my office this weekend for the finale). I am working on my goals for the year and with one of those goals consisting of being more articulate I won't expand on any more until I am sure of the the list and what steps that I am going to take to successfully achieve those goals. I love the new year.

I am running 5 today. I ran 3 on Monday and I tried to stay at an 11:00 pace, I'm really going to need to keep that pace if I want to get close to my intended PR. I bounced all around 10:00-11:45 and wasn't as consistent as I wanted to be. I plan on working on it again today. It is supposed to rain, hopefully it will hold off until after my run. I am scheduled to due 8 on Friday but I'm going to go for 10. I have only ran 9 miles once so I'm going to do 10 and focus on my pacing (11:00/mile)and I'll report back on my success. I'm putting a lot of pressure on that run to gauge my readiness for the 14th. It is what it is...right?

Be sure to tune in for the 2007 Goals to be posted by weeks end.