Pages

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Half Marathon #2 Training: Week 2 & 3

I have let me training updates fall by the way side!  It's been a while since I have even wrote a post!  That means life has been busy...and the first thing to take the back burner is the good ole blog!  As much as I love it, there are just some things that are more important...such as work, family, & friends!

My second half marathon training is still in full throttle...there are times I switch up the days I run with the days that I rest so that it makes my life a little easier...I definitely continue to dread some runs, but once they are over I feel amazing! I think that is the only reason I keep going...the way I feel when I am done is worth the hot sweaty runs!

Week 2:
Monday: Strength & Stretching...Jillian always kicks me rear...and many days after I do her video I am reminded that she put me through the ringer several days prior!
Tuesday: 3 mile run...
Wednesday: 2 mile run...I always look forward to this run...it's short and quick!
Thursday: 3 mile run...
Friday: REST...I love this day the best!!!
Saturday: 30 minute cross training....I like this day as I get to do something different!  Love the elliptical!!!
Sunday: 4 mile run....my "long" run of the week!


Post run 4 mile run!!! 



Week 3:
Monday: Strength & Stretching....I had a massive headache when I woke up, so I went back to bed for an hour and didn't let Jillian boss me around...
Tuesday: 3.5 miles...we are increasing the milage here people!
Wednesday:  2 miles...I drove to KS to spend time with my family and my little sister and I ran this run in the dark...and we rocked it! We ran a 9:30 min/mile, which is quite amazing for me! She pushes me beyond my comfort level and I LOVE IT!!!
Thursday: 3.5 miles....after getting up at 6:30am for 7:00am mass for The Assumption of Mary and a 3 hour afternoon nap...the sister and I took a break....
Friday: REST...the sister and I ran 3.5 miles that we were supposed to run on Thursday!!  Again we rocked it!!!
Saturday:  40 minute cross-training...the sister and I headed to the gym bright and early at 6:15am...way too early for me!
Sunday: 5 miles....the sister and I pounded out 5 miles!  Again...we freaking rocked it!! We kept a pace of 10:00 min/mile!  I love that she pushes me to have a better pace!  I just wish she could run every run with me!

I love this!!! :)


As week 3 ended and week 4 has began...I have a ton of motivation that is compliments of my sister and a another blog that I follow!  I love Desiree and her blog!  She just ran a half marathon this weekend and reading her re-cap gave me amazing motivation!  Of course it helps that she has the most adorable little boy, her husband is a K-State alum, and they used to live in KC!  I love people with KS roots!!! :)  Thanks for the lighting a fire under my arse and giving me the motivation that I needed to get up and moving this week!!!

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Part 5: Who are you?

Part 5




*Describe your relationship with your parents*
My parents are the example I have ever had!  They have been married for 38 years and strived to give me and my sister's the best childhood ever, and they succeeded!  Of, course there were times when I didn't like my parents, but I now know that they just wanted the best for me!  As an adult the relationship with them is one that I will forever hold dear to my heart!  They care, love, and respect all three of us!  I love the relationship with my parents and I love spending time with them! 



*Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?*
Many people answer this question with certain things that they want to accomplish or experience within these years such as being married, having kids, taking trips, getting a certain degree...and while all those things are great...in the next 15 years, I just want to be happy, full of love, be loved, and always smiling...and if all those things that I mentioned above plus some happen in my life, and I never stray from happiness then I will be happy with my life in all the years to come!

*What is your favorite holiday and why?*
I love Easter!  It doesn't get as big of a hype as the other holidays, but to me it's just as important.   While I love spending time with my family on the holidays, I always leave Easter Sunday mass with this feeling in my heart that makes me think about my life.  As I am reminded every year of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, I am also reminded that while I was given a my own cross to bear, I know that I am capable of overcoming anything!



*What is your favorite and least favorite thing about parenting?*
NO children here....

*If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?*
I would have a small, quiet dinner at home with my family and the Pope!


Part 4: Who are you??

PART 4

*What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?*

1. Graduating college....my degree is something that I hold dear to my heart because I know how much work, how many tears, and how much I sacrificed to get it!  I am not a student...I hate school...so going to college I didn't know what it meant to study...I quickly found out!  My mom told me about a year ago that she was really nervous that I would never make it through college...and here I am, 7 years out and thinking about more education!
2. Running my first half marathon...I was so proud of myself!  If anyone knows me, they know that I hated running when I was growing up...you couldn't pay me enough to run...let a lone run for fun!  However, when I crossed that finish line after running 13.1 miles, I was proud and wanted more!
3. Being a good friend...sometimes this isn't easy...people will change and so will you, but if you stay true to yourself you will be able to be the best friend ever.  I pride myself in being a good friend, I know what it's like to think you have the best friend in the world, and then she's gone...I haven't talked to her in 7+ years and I think about her a lot because I have no idea what happened, she just stopped answering my phone calls and never called back...so, I never want to make anyone feel like that.
4. Being independent....I always thought I would be that girl that got married right out of college and always have a man to help me through life, that is far from what has happened...God showed me for trying to plan what was going to happen in my life...however, I wouldn't have it any other way...I know too many people that are so dependent and I am grateful for the fact that I know I can do everything that I need to in life myself...independence is a great thing! 
5. Getting back to my faith...as I was growing up not going to mass wasn't an option, we went every weekend as a family....but as I went to college my faith took the back burner, I fell sideways and it didn't matter as much to me.  As I was going through a tough time in my life, I turned to my faith, but I wasn't sure if I was worthy because I put it on the back burner for some time.  As I realized it was helping the healing in my heart I knew I would never put it on the back burner again, and it has become the most important thing in my life!

*What is the thing you most wish you were great at?*
Hmmm...this is a toughy because I wish I was great at a lot of things...but I think as I get more and more into running and cycling, I wish I was great at swimming...I would love to do a triathlon...but, I can't swim!  I never remember passing a swim lesson when I was younger and to this day I don't like to swim!

*What do you think your spouse loves most about you?*
I am not married, but someday I hope that my spouse loves that I love my faith more than anything!  There is nothing like having a threesome...well so I hear...you, your husband, and God!

*How did you feel the moment you became a parent?*
I don't have any kids, and you know, I am not sure that I ever want to have kids.  I just might be to selfish!

*Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.*
1. I remember this babysitter, she was MEAN!!!  She put me  in my closet because I didn't want to go to bed upstairs all by myself while she and my sister were in the basement watching TV....my closet doors had these metal things that were screwed into the bottom of the doors that criss-crossed when the doors were closed to keep them shut, and one of those metal things hit me in the eye and gave me a black eye.  Needless to say when my parents got home, my dad left to take her home and when my mom came to check on me, I was still in my closet, sleeping on my shoes.  A few years later, my family was taking a road trip to CA and as we were pulling out of the driveway my Dad said, "If you girl's fight on the way to CA I am turning around and hiring Terri to baby-sit you." Needless to say, we didn't make a peep until we were on the road for 3 hours!!!
2.  My sister's and I would spend a week each summer with my grandparents.  We loved spending time at my aunt and uncle's farm while we were there.  We feed calves, rode in tractors and combines, played in the dirt, and just had a care-free week on the farm.  Not to mention, we also eat well!  Grandma's make the best food!
3.  Riding the neighbors horses...my little sister and I would call them and ask when they were coming to ride horses...we loved riding those horses!  One day, Sunny took off while I was riding him and when he stopped I fell off of him, and my mom made me get back on...even though I was crying and never wanted to get back on a horse again! I overcame that  fear, but I am not much of a horse person anymore!  I'll leave that to someone else!

Part 3: Who are you?

PART 3


*Describe 10 pet peeves you have*
1. Dirty dishes in the sink.
2. Bad drivers....
3. Red lights...
4. As I am walking into work, just clocked in, and still have my bag on my shoulder the day nurse asks..."Do you have my patients?" Give me a minute to BREATH and put my things down!!!
5. IV bags that are still hanging in the patient's room that haven't been hooked to the patient in days...IRRITATING!!!
6.  People that talk on the phone while trying to check out at a store...RUDE!
7.  Patient's families that look in every room they pass by to get to their loved ones room, but yet get mad that another visitor looked in their room!
8.  Lazy people...
9.  Stay at home mom's that think the bike trails are their's to walk 4 mommies side by side and are too into their gossip to hear "On your left!" Single file ladies, single file!
10.  The driver of the car behind you that lays on their horn 2 seconds after the light turns green, not even giving you a chance to move your foot from the brake to the gas pedal...patience is a virtue people!

*Describe a typical day in your current life.*
I am a night shift nurse, so my typically day starts with getting off work at 0715 and sitting in rush hour traffic while I would rather gouge my eye out!!  When I get home, I love on my little Mia for a little bit then I hit the shower (but, I don't wash my hair.).  I have a goal to be in bed by 0900...and my alarm awakes me from my slumber at 3:30 pm...I pull on my work out clothes and go for a run or hit the gym...take another shower, this time washing my hair...and I get ready for work...all of this is complete by 5:30 pm.  I pack my lunch and eat dinner...and I am out the door by 6:07pm...just to do it all over again for 3 days in a row!!!  Oh the life of a night shifter!!!



*What's the hardest part of growing up?*
Being responsible in all aspects of life...money, bills, cleaning, laundry, being on time, managing time, working...it's all hard...but we all get used to it and it becomes our life!  Life wouldn't be complete without those mini-meltdowns that we experience when we get overwhelmed with all the grown-up things we have to do!  If only, I could go back to high school when my mom was the bomb and did all the laundry, cleaning, cooking...and well everything!!

*Describe 5 weaknesses and strengths you have.*
Weaknesses:
-  Patience...or lack thereof!
-  Food
- Reality TV
- Not taking enough time for me...
Strengths:
-  Staying motivated
-  Completely something that I say I will do
-  Having a listening ear for those that need it
- Loving life
- Multitasking

*Describe when you knew your spouse was the one or how I fell in love*
I am not married, nor am I dating...it's too difficult and I'm too independent and get too annoyed to let myself fall in love!!  Ok, I'm just too independent to fathom giving up the things I like/want/have to do to make my life what I want it to be!!  Besides...I WILL NOT SETTLE!!!

Monday, August 5, 2013

Half Marathon #2 Training: Week 1

I am at it again...training for my second half marathon!!!  I am registered for the Rock 'n Roll half marathon here in Denver and I am looking forward to it!  One of my good friends is running it with me...and I'm super excited about that!

Week 1:
Monday: Strength and Stretching...To say that Jillian kicked my ass would be an understatement!
Tuesday: 3 miles....it was flippin' hot outside, but I pounded out those 3 miles!
Wednesday: 2 miles...again it was hot, and I ran by a homeless man that gave me anxiety and I kept looking over my shoulder, but I finished in one piece!
Thursday: 3 miles
Friday: REST...that I did...I slept from 9-5 after getting off work and was back in bed by 10pm and slept all night!
Saturday: 30 minutes of cross training...I got up early and cycled 26 miles...
Sunday: 4 miles...Rosa and I headed out to Sloans Lake and pounded out the miles!!!

This week was hard, but I finished!  I haven't been running as much as I thought I would when I finished my last half marathon...but I felt good finishing this week!!  Here's to week 2!!!!


The mountains across the lake

 
Downtown Denver

4 miles...DONE!


Finished!


Week 1...D-O-N-E





I got new shoes for this half marathon and I love them!!!  I always wanted loud, obnoxious shoes...and I scored just that!!!  I love Brooks!!!



Part 2: Who are you?


Continuing on with Part 2 of Who are you?  Let's see what you get to learn about me today!!

*If you had 3 wishes, what would you wish for?*
1.  I wish...some people were able to stay alive forever, mostly my Grandpa Honas and Grandma Chaput!  The hurt that my heart felt when they were called to heaven was the most hurt I have ever felt.
2.  I wish...that the bullying in this world was nonexistent....there is nothing worse that a child getting bullied and thinking there is no hope for them.  No one deserves to feel like that...EVER!
3.  I wish...everyone the best of health with the ability to live life without suffering!  There is so much disease in this world and so many people are suffering...

*What is your dream job, and why?*
My dream job is to be a real life princess...think of all the little girls in this world that play princess and dress up as one...they dream of one day growing up to be a princess!  Damn you, Kate Middleton for your childhood dream to become a princess actually coming true!!  Maybe I could start royalty in America....I would have to say that I would be nothing like the Kardashians...especially Kim! Hey, Harry's still available and the cutest one anyway!!!



*What are 5 passions you have?*
1.  I am passionate about my faith!  I am not one to push it on other people, but I will jump at the chance to stand up for it when someone doesn't have their facts straight or educate someone about Catholicism when they ask.  Other than those two instances, I just try to spread my faith with my actions!
2.  My profession...I love being a nurse and helping other people at their worst and best times.  It's amazing how many miracles really do happen!

3.  My Family...I will drop everything at the spur of the moment to be there for my family!  They are the people that I love the most and spending time with them is on of the best times ever!

4.  Finishing something that I start....when I was growing up it wasn't an option to quit a sport, project, or really anything without finishing it.  My mom and dad didn't expect us to be pros at what we started, but we could not quit!  Not quitting is something that has continued with me in life, no matter how bad it sucks, I have finished everything that I have started...it builds character!!!
5.  Holding on to traditions...I love traditions, especially those traditions that were started by my grandparents!  Christmas Eve is always a favorite of mine because my Grandpa loved it so much and it was the same every year!  I love making foods that remind me of different people and different memories.  M sister's had a rosary in their wedding bouquet that my mom bought for my grandma in 1990's when my parents went to Rome.  The baptismal gown that my nephews were baptized in were made out of my grandma, my mom, and my sister's wedding gowns.  I love to crochet because my Grandma taught me.  Traditions are something that I hold very dear to me heart!

*List 10 people that have influenced you and describe how.*
1. Grandpa Honas:  He taught me lessons that I still live by today!  The memories I have with him before he died have been some of the best memories I have!

2. My Dad:  He is the most kind hearted person on the face of the earth!  He has always been the peace maker of the family and our family needs that with 3 girls around!  He has so much love to give, I find it hard to find a guy that matches up to him!
3.  My Mom:  She is the most loving mother ever, is she hard on us sometimes...absolutely, but I know that she only does it because she loves us and only wants the best for us in every aspect of life!
4. Jera:  My oldest sister has went through things in life that we never thought would happen to our family, but she went through life with grace!  She was able to over come those tough times and make a beautiful life for herself!  I look up to her not only because of her grace, but because she loves her faith and life even though she has been dealt her fair share of hurt and struggle...she NEVER gave up!
5.  Tori: My baby sister is someone that keeps me grounded.  She doesn't give me any bullish*it, she says it how it is...as hard as it might be!  She is rational and makes me want to be like her more and more everyday!
6.  Grandma Chaput:  No one could ever have the most humble heart than this woman...she was so humble and loved her grandchildren like no other!  Not to mention, I loved the cold butterfingers that were always in her bottom drawer of the fridge!

7.  Grandma Honas:  When growing up, she was someone that I looked up to as she ran her household with compassion!  She was passionate about making everyone around her happy and their bellies full.  She would sit back and be the last person to eat on the holidays, while doing dishes as dirty plates came in.  As I have gotten older, alzheimer's has overcome her, which has only made me love her even more. 
8. Kim Riffel:  This lady was my OB professor when I was in nursing school.  All the nursing students were so scared of her...but when I was struggling, she helped me!  Although I hated OB, she made me believe in myself when I thought I was going to fail.  I remember my mom thanking her for believing in me at my pinning ceremony, and she said, "You just know when a person as enough passion to be able to do this profession."  I will never forget her for as long as I live!
9.  Father Bob:  Even though I am not sure that Father Bob even knows my existence, he has influenced me to my core!  Every weekend when I leave mass, I leave with a message that makes me think about the way I'm living my life!  He gives me something to think about for the week and for that it helps me to be a better Catholic.  
10.  Ashley:  I think about her all the time!  She helped me when I stepped completely out of my comfort zone and became a travel nurse.  She was there for me both professionally and personally, and I loved her for that!  I looked forward to her phone calls, and even though we don't talk as much as we should, I consider her a great friend because she helped me grow in ways that I never thought I could!  

*Describe your most embarrassing moment*
Man, when I think about this I think about the time when I was in a patients room helping her to the bathroom, and I, well I let out a silent, but deadly _ _ _ _! (you fill in the blank!).  My patient was mortified, and said "I am so sorry, I didn't realize I even did that...I was so embarrassed, but if you think I was going to fess up to that one, you are crazy!  Yes, I left the patients room letting her think that smelly little thing came from her body! Moral of the story...don't eat too much fiber before work!!! :)

Friday, August 2, 2013

Part 1: Who are you?

Today,  I decided to link-up with a super funny gal for a 6 part link-up on who are you!  




Fun Facts:

1.  I love reality TV...I mean LOVE it!!!  I watch everything from The Bachelor/Bachelorette to Biggest Loser to Big Brother to So you think you can Dance to The voice to Amazing Race...and everything in between! 

2.  I have the absolute cutest  nephews out there!!  I'm lucky to have them in my life!



3. I am addicted to Spark by Advocare...I LOVE IT!



4.  I occasionally have huge melt downs...all by myself...self pity??  Maybe???

5.  I love the food that 13 yr. old boys die for...spaghetti-o's, canned ravioli, mac & cheese...I can eat a whole box of mac & cheese in one setting...oh, I just did!!  OOPS!

6.  My love for running and cycling makes me a happier person.

7. I will NEVER pass up a chance to hang out with friends and drink!  

8.  There is something about my small hometown that gives me peace in my heart when I visit!

9.  My best friend is 25, a mommy, a teacher, a wife and my baby sister!  My days aren't complete without talking to her!





10.  I love to crochet!  My grandma taught me 6 months before she died and I will never let myself forget how to do it!

11.  I have to use one pen and one pen only until the ink is gone....then I can use a different one.

12.  I am not sure if I ever want to have children....

13.  I am extremely independent and sometimes it's a downfall....

14.  Tv shows like the Biggest Loser, Undercover Boss, and Secret Millionaire make me cry like a baby.

15.  I have the 2 best brother-in-laws in the world...they not only love my sister's and their children, but they love the rest of our family like we are their own!  Not to mention they are pretty protective over the single sister....love my brothers!




16.  I love my faith and fall back on it all the time!  When the roads are bumpy and when they are smooth there is nothing better being able to turn to God to ask for help or thanking him for everything.

17.  My parents have been married for 38 years and are the best example of love and what a marriage should be like.



18.  I love a good thunderstorm with the windows open...

19.  I work the nightshift and sometimes just need a whole day AND night of sleep...happening today!!!

20.  I am happy...I am strong...I am me....

I am freaked out by...

1. Adults...in costumes...with their face covered...there is something about a grown adult in a costume when I can't see their eyes...I never know what they are going to do and I DO NOT like it!

2.  First dates...I HATE THEM!!!! 

3.  Pot-Luck dinners, Buffets, open bags of food/candy on the break table at work (you never know what is on the hands of people that put their paws in those bags...did they wash??)....SICK!!!!

Describe your relationship with your spouse.

The fact that I am not married makes this question hard to answer...but I am hopeful that someday I will be able to answer this question and be proud of my relationship.  I know that with all my heart that no matter what...single or married, I am happy and will be happy because I will not accept a relationship that brings me down from this great place that I am at now!  

Things I would tell my 16 year-old self...

1. GROW THE FREAK UP!!!!
2. Mom and you will eventually be the best of friends...right you are just a big hormonal B*TCH....tough love Alli, tough love!
3. Doc Martens are over priced, too heavy, and not that cute.
4. Dating the bad boy is not a good idea!
5. Going "Dippin'"with friends in Dad's 1983 Ford pick-up is fun...and you will miss that truck when Dad sells it!
6. That small town that helped raise you is an amazing dot on the map that you will look forward to spending weekends there with old friends and family.
7. That job that mom and dad made you have taught you great things...
8. IMing late at night against mom and dad's rules is a waste of time...GO TO BED, you can talk to those people in 5 hours at school in person!!!
9. In 13 years...your social life is just as important to you as it is now....keep being that social butterfly!
10.  While it was fun, or so you thought, stop antagonizing the girls in the neighboring towns...you will laugh about it when you are an adult, but it's not nice...so STOP!!!



What makes me happy??

*My Faith
*My amazing family
*My friends...near & far


NEAR

FAR

*My sweet lovable fur baby Mia

*The fact that I have a job...and a good one