Rock 'n Roll- Denver

This weekend I completed my 2nd half marathon!!!
I was excited to run it with my friend Rosa who was running her first half...and I am already trying to get her to do another one...her words after asking her were..."Give me a week!"
The first text I got today was...ALLISON, I CAN NOT MOVE!!!  Oh, the memories of running my first half marathon...

Rosa and I at the expo!!!

Rock 'n Roll- Denver is the biggest half marathon I have ran.
15,000 people ran this race...between full, half, half relay, and mini half...that is a lot of damn people!  It was a great race, fairly flat and right through downtown Denver.
I would never have been able to run through downtown if I had not run this race...it was so nice with all the streets closed down to be able to take in the gorgeous city of Denver!

I felt great through the whole run until I hit mile 10...
...for some reason that dreaded mile 10 was a pickle for me in my first half marathon and this one.
I just hit a wall, my legs feel like they are 400 lbs. each, I felt like I couldn't take another breath, and I just had no more energy.
As I was between mile 10 and 11, I came upon a little hill...
...I got to the top and saw the mile 12 marker.  I thought, "WHAT, I'm already at mile 12???  Hell ya!!!"
I looked at my watch and the miles were off, but if this was right, and I was really at mile 12, I was going to make great time...
...but then it happened...
...I had to turn the other direction.
....and run all the way around another park.
I felt so defeated.
I wanted that to be for real so bad.
I wanted to turn right instead of left.
I wanted it to be over.
I didn't want to run around another park.
I wanted to cross that finish and cross it NOW!

I didn't PR, and I was disappointed.
However, I finished...and that's an accomplishment of it's own!

As I went through the pictures of me from the race and the professional photographers, I was in shock...
I look HORRIBLE when I am running...besides it looks like I am not even moving...like at all!
Just think of this when you are wondering what I look like because this is pretty darn close!

Official Stats:
Time: 2:23.51
Pace: 10:59
Overall Place: 5141 out of 8273

I have to say this race shirt is the best one yet!!!!  Love it!

Rosa (on the right) ran her first 1/2 with me and I am soooooo proud of her!!!  She accomplished something that she never thought she would!  Sabra (on the left) rode in the bike ride.  I was so jealous of her participant medal!!!

So, I'm trying to find my next half...and I have several friends trying to talk me into the Hospital Hill 1/2 in KC in June...I just might take on the challenge...but this girl has got to get some more muscle and drop some weight for that hilly race!!!  

HATED running...

I have one week left until I run my second half marathon...
Something that I never thought I would ever do...
When I was in middle school, I did all the field events when I was on the track team...
I HATED running...
When I was in high school, I remember running 10 times around the gym and 10 times up and down the stairs, 3 times during each volleyball practice...
I HATED running...
When I was on the basketball team we were timed doing down & backs, and running lines...
I HATED running...
I dreaded each and every basketball practice with a passion because I knew I would run countless times up and down the court...
I HATED running...
It was no secret...I would have rather worked day in and day out than run...
I HATED running...

I would have rather worked day in and day out, until I found my place in the running world...
I have this need to run...
I have this want to run...
I have this desire to run...

I never thought that I would ever, in my entire life, admit that I love to run...
I LOVE to run....
My therapy when it seems like my head is going to explode...
I LOVE to run...
I may not be the fastest, but I finish...every.single.time...
I LOVE to run...
I may be in the worst mood ever, but I will always find time...
I LOVE to run...
My feet may be calloused and ugly...
I LOVE to run...
My knees may hurt every time I run over 5 miles...
I LOVE to run...
I may feel like I am going to die while running...
I LOVE to run...
I may stalk many blogs where all the readers are runners...
I LOVE to run...
I may not break my personal record...
I LOVE to run...

I have that love hate relationship with running....
I have had this kind of relationship with running my whole life.
I still have this kind of relationship with running...
There are time when I hate running and have to talk myself into it, but when I am running and finished running, I love the way I feel!
It's an amazing euphoria....

Here's to Rock n Roll-Denver!!!  

Catch up...

I have been fighting a horrible cold for a week and many days....it's awful!!
I am actually on the mend now, but there have been days that I would have liked to poke a pin in my sinuses and I knew they would've exploded.
The copious amounts of snot was ridiculous, I used boxes and boxes of kleenex, taken the world supply in DayQuil and NyQuil, drank the amount of the Indian Ocean in Emergen-C and Airborne, and I haven't ran in over a week....
I'm dying...
...dying to run
...dying to quit coughing
...dying to quit sniffling.
Oh, and I'm poor after all the meds I have bought!

One of my friends told me about the Neti pot, but I have always been afraid to use one because I was afraid that it would hurt.  

But, after having a head full of snot for a week, I decided to give it a whirl.  

And I love it!

The amount of snot that poured out of my nose was unreal, and it didn't hurt at all.  It was amazing!

And I look just like this when I do it!!!  

Since I have had a cold and haven't been able to run, I have been able to catch up on my DVR!  

New shows started this week, and I love Fall premieres!!!  

It's no secret that I love reality TV, in fact my DVR smokes at times!

Here's to getting back to running this week!  I sure hope so anyway!!! 

I never in my life thought that I would miss running...it truly is therapy for me!  

It's my happiness!!!

I got these photos from my sister this weekend...

Hudson loves Cars...in fact I think that Lighting McQueen is his best friend...

I made him this stocking hat, and when I gave it to him, he was less that impressed...

In fact, I would put it on him and he would rip it off....

Now, he asks for it everyday, and even wore it to eat supper one night this weekend!  

Gosh, I love that little boy!!! 

The Chiefs were the highlight of my weekend with a record of 4-0!  

I am so excited I can hardly stand it!!!

It's times like this in Chief football that I wished I lived back in KC...I would be at Arrowhead stadium EVERY Sunday!!! 

Living life for me...

As every blog that I stalk follow writes letters to their "future" children, I have decided to discuss the single life that I have.
                                    


Single...when I think of that word I used to think it was the most lonely word in the world.
I have dated people, but I am not a serial dater.
I'm not that girl that has to have a boyfriend.
Is it nice to have a companion...sure it is...
But as I have gotten over the last horrible relationship I was in, and dated some men here and there, I have been loving my life in the single zone.
I, no longer look at the word single as so lonely.
I love my single life!
I love it so much that dating is not up there in the things on my list to do.
Yes, I date, but I do not base my life, plans, or hopes on it.
Many times I go on dates with duds...
Duds that can't even form a sentence, much less a conversation.
Gah, there is nothing more annoying then having to pull info from these men that just don't know what the hell they are doing.

Single life for me is amazing...
I have the time to do what I want, when I want it, and how I want it.
If I want to sit on my couch naked watching brainless reality TV with an over-filled glass of vino, I don't have to explain it to anyone.
Well, except for the people that accidentally see me walking through my apartment because I forgot to close the blinds...sorry about that one!
I have the greatest friends ever that love to indulge in my crazy ass ideas like hiking a 14er, spending all day downtown at a music fest not remembering how we got home, wrecking our cruisers, or gathering at each others house drinking 6 bottles of wine celebrating our friendship...
Most of the time this is all done without the presence of men...
Many times we cuss and discuss this crazy creature that God created for us to love...
We laugh...
We get angry...
We get fed up...
We vow to never date again...but, we always do...
I hold my girlfriends close!

Yes, both of my sister's are married and I always hear "Well, when are you going to get married?"
Most of the time I would like to respond..."Well, you idiot, there isn't a damn man out there that is worthy to have this package."
But, I refrain...
Seriously...what kind of freaking question is that???
As much as I would like to pull me hair out when I get asked this question...I usually respond politely with some kind of fake laugh.
Is that polite...probably not, but it's all I can do!

Bottom line is...
I have come to terms with the fact that it's hard to give someone else love if you don't love yourself.
For a while, I wasn't sure that I was worthy to get married...
I didn't know that I had many great qualities that lots of men would love to have in their partner.
When I go through my qualities, I know that I have good ones...and bad ones...
Some are hard to find...
Some are worn on my shoulder...
Some are amazing...
Some I wish I didn't have...
But, they all make me who I am.
And I love them all...
So, while I find myself sitting on the couch by myself some nights while others are in the presence of their significant other or children...I am happy.
I have my expectations of what I want...
I am picky...
And...I WILL NOT SETTLE!

Weekend Happenings!!

This weekend was full of family time and anyone that knows me, knows that I love my family time!  I headed to Oakley last Thursday so that I could be there Friday morning, bright and early to watch my 6 month old nephew Owen!  He is such a doll....I can't get enough of his cute little smile and giggle!  We had a great day!

I made this puppy hat for Owen!!  It was too cute on his little head!

Just love that smile!

Friday afternoon we loaded up the car and drove to KC for the rest of the weekend!  I meet with 3 of my sorority sisters for brunch Saturday morning...we always have a great time, conversation, and laughs!  We really did reminisce this time...it was a blast going back to our college days!  I was then off to a baby shower for my cousin's wife...it was great to see more family and spend the afternoon with them!  Of, Lindsay was showered with many wonderful gifts!
 

My family attended church and then we were off to Stroud's for dinner...this place is fabulous!  They serve fried chicken and all the trimmings family style!  I am pretty sure that all of us were close to being rolled outta there!!!

Jera and Owen

Nana and Hudson

Nick and me!

Darren and Hudson getting a little too close to the swan.

Hudson and Owen

Mom and me!

Sunday we all got up bright and early and headed to Arrowhead stadium to watch the Chiefs beat the Cowboys!!  There is never a dull moment when tailgating at Arrowhead!  We had a blast!  My parents have made friends with people that sit around them and they put on quite the tailgating party!  Both of my sister's and their kids were there...so it was a great time!

Family!  Love these guys with everything I have! :)

SISTERS!!!

My little sister's family!

Nick and me

Brothers!  Nick and Hudson!

Love baby Owen!

Chief 17-Cowboys 16

Half Marathon #2: Training Update

I haven't written an update on my second half marathon training since I was on week 3 of training...I am not on week 8...it's hard to believe that I am already in the 2nd month of training!!

Week 7 was a great week!!  I can't believe I am already up to running 7 miles...it didn't seem to go this fast the last half marathon I ran! I was in my hometown Friday and had to get up at 5:40 am to get my 7 miles in as I had to run before watching my nephew that day.  I ran the whole 7 miles in the ran...I was soaked!  It was a great run to say the least!  I actually had pretty good time and I felt great the whole time!!!

All in all the training is going well...and I am looking forward to the race.  It'll be a good one...and hopefully will have a hell of an after party!!!

20 things NO one tells you about running

1. Your feet will look like crap.  Blisters, black toenails, callouses.  If you get pedicures, just apologize when you go in.

2.  When people (non-runner types) learn you are a runner, they often like to tell you hoe much they hate running or that running will ruin your knees.

3.  You don't have to look like a runner to be a runner.

4.  If you only run and don't so anything else (cross train, strength train), you will probably get injured.

5.  Most people, especially non-runners, really don't care that much about your running.

6.  You will run a race and in the middle of the race you will tell yourself you will never do this again.  Yet, 30 minutes after you are done you will surf the internet for your next race.  Running is kind of like childbirth that way.

7.  You will go through phases where you feel totally inadequate as a runner.

8.  You will go through phases where you feel totally like a rock star as a runner.

9.  You might gain weight instead of lose weight while training for a marathon.

10.  Having a spare pair of shorts in your car in important.  Soiling of all kinds can happen. EWWW!!

11.  You will be pissed if someone refers to you as a "jogger" instead of a "runner".

12.  Sometimes other runner won't always say "hi" to you when you run by them.

13.  You might pee yourself while you run, or worse.

14.  Running is expensive.  It's not just about a pair of shoes and shorts and a top.  There are race entries, massages, watches, sports bras, cute running skirts, gels, blocks, and recovery stuff.

15.  You will get addicted.  Yes, there are worse things to be obsessed about than running (like meth and prostitutes), but you might be surprised by how hooked you get into the whole running thing once you start.

16.  After awhile, you cannot get the stench out of your running clothes.

17.  You will never be the fastest runner you know.  You will always never be the slowest runner you know.

18.  Farts happen. A lot.

19.  Running performance is as much, if not more, about mental strength as you physical strength.

20.  You will never forget crossing the finish line of your first marathon or half marathon.  That moment in time will come to mean a lot to you.  Your feet might not even touch the ground!

Here's to Rock 'n Roll Denver!!!

October 20, 2013

Full of Sunshine

My sweet fellow blogger Desiree at Macke Monologues nominated me for the Sunshine award. 

I love Desiree's posts, she has the cutest little boy, is a great runner that I am aspiring to be, and has the prettiest hair! 

I am a little late posting on the award but, better late than never! 

 

Here are the questions:

1. Best way to spend a cool, rainy, Sunday afternoon?

I love cool rainy Sunday afternoon cuddled up on the couch with my favorite blanket, my 4-legged baby Mia, football on the TV, sipping on piping hot spiced tea with the aroma of a fall scented candle burning!

Who wouldn't want to snuggle with this face all day long??

2. If you could meet one person (must be living) who would it be?

I would love to meet Ellen!  I love her!!  Her show lights up my life and even if I just have it on for background sound while cleaning, cooking or whatever, I find myself laughing at her all the time!!! And her books are hilarious!

3. You have $5,000 to donate to charity, which charity would it be?

I would donate my money to Catholic Charities.  They have many programs that help out many people.  Some of their programs are adoption, disaster operations, family strengthening, housing counseling, social issues awareness, and volunteer recognition. 

 
4. You've won the jackpot, what would be the first thing you buy?

A house...I am desperate to get out of the apartment living!!  Hopefully within a year, I will be a home owner!!!

5. Who is a person who inspires you?

A person that inspires me is my uncle.  He is the Arch Bishop of Philadelphia and I look up to him so much.  I was raised Catholic and continue to have strong faith.  However, when there is a time when I am not sure how to stand up for my beliefs I think about my uncle and the stands he has taken to live by his Catholic faith 100% of the time!!! It definitely makes me stop and think about how I am going to live by my faith!

6. Favorite thing to do to relax and unwind?

Sit on the couch, catch up on the DVR, drink a cup of coffee, and not have a worry in the world!!!  I love relaxing mornings that don't require much of me!

7. Your dream vacation destination?

Maldives!!!  I would love to go there!  Staying in one of those huts that are free standing in the water would be auh-maze balls!!!

Who wouldn't want to go there??

8. Indulge, what's your favorite dessert?

My grandma's dutch apple pie...all the way!!!  It's amazing...wish she was able to still make it!

9. What is the number one thing on your bucket list?

Go skydiving...even thought I am scared shitless!!!  But seriously awesome would it be to skydive in Colorado in the fall...it would be like a water painting!!!

10. You're granted one wish, anything at all, what is your wish?

One wish...hmmm.  I would have to say to win the lottery...I would donate my money, give some to my sister's and parents...and still have plenty of cash for the things I want...but giving it to people that need it and have been my rock are first!