13+ miles

Jenn and I took on the trail on Saturday and did one of the longest sessions we've done in a while....13+ miles.  It was a nice morning, I sure do enjoy our time together.  We never run out of things to talk about, rework, or analyze.  The three hours goes pretty fast when you are having fun!

Thursday Trail time

Yesterday, Jenn, Darla, and I did three miles on the trail.  It was a misty morning, but not soggy.  It's always good to catch up with my dear friend and get my heart going. 

30 mins on a treadmill

Jenn let me borrow her treadmill today, so I did 30 mins on an incline.  Felt good to get my time in and be done with it before family time tonight.  Thanks, friend!

Stepping to the cartoons

Ugg!!  Too many holiday sweets in my house!!!  So, with all that temptation, I had to move my body.  I did 60 minutes of stepping today.  That's over 4000 steps!  I feel better....now if I could only quite eating so much sweet stuff!

Friday Night Dance Party

The kids and I had some energy to burn on Friday afternoon, so we had a dance party!  I probably shouldn't have played Lady Gaga for them, but oh well.  We danced for 45 mins and got some blood pumpin.  Good times!

Cold three miles

Brrrrr!  Baby, it's cold outside!  But, Jenn, Darla, and I did our three miles anyway.  I brought (at Jenn's suggestion) a warm pack and put it under Darla's bum in the stroller.  Worked like a charm!  So, we were all warm once Jenn and I got going.  Yay!

Stepping to the Wild Kratts

Darla and I watched some tv this morning, while I stepped.  I did 45 mins and about 2500 steps.  Felt good after the HUGE meal I had last night. 

To the lake and back

Saturday, Jenn and I got in a good 7 miles in the cool mid-day air.  It was a nice break from the dark cloud that was over my house on the weekend. 

Foggy three miles

Jenn, Darla and I did the cedar river trail this morning in the cold, thick fog.  It was a nice way to start my busy day.  And we even got hugs from ms Janel, which is always great! 

Doing the hill

Jenn and I enjoyed the dry weather and a nice evening hike up the 140th hill tonight.  It was cold, but crisp and it felt good to get out and get the blood moving.  We did 5 or 6 miles and the hill, in about 90 mins.  Good enough for me to enjoy a beer and my cozy robe after. 

A very wet 9 miles

Wow, with the holiday and kids being home for teacher conferences and just general 'extra' stuff going on....it's been a whole WEEK since I worked out.  But, I am back on track now.  Jenn and I did 9 miles this morning in a downpour.  It was cold, VERY WET, and grey on the trail.  Yet, I still enjoy the time spent with my friend and moving my body.  It's always good for my soul. 

Driven inside

Rain and blustery winds, joined with pretty cold temps has driven me inside for workouts this week!  But, I won't be derailed!!!  I did another session on the stepper tonight...60+ mins of total time and 3800 steps.  Yeah, baby!  I liked wearing my size 16 pants today.  They are still snug, but wearable.  Just the motivation to keep at it. 

Steppin up

Lots of anger this afternoon....needed to sweat.  Did 60 mins total time on the stepper and over 3000 steps.  The lioness is beat and hopefully sleep will come quickly and stay deep.

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3 miles with Darla

Darla and I did three miles this morning.  I needed to get out and move, so I pushed the stroller.  She was somewhat willing, the warm stroller blanket that I found works well and keeps her warm enough.  We made it to the park and back, with a few laps for me in about 45 mins.  I didn't do any jogging, but after those stair steps, my quads were in need of a break.  :) 

Steppin out!

In an effort to 'cross train' and keep burning the fat, I borrowed Jenn's stair stepper and just did over 2000 steps in 40 mins.  I had to keep stopping to stretch but it still felt good to do it right here at home. 

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Amazing, Magical Morning

Jenn and I did almost 13 miles this morning in the very, VERY cold!  I know it was down under 30 as I scraped the ice off the car windows and hurried down the hill.  What was magical, was all the leaves falling!  It was almost like a snow storm, but with leaves instead.  It was beautiful.  We kicked up piles of leaves, like kids, as we jogged along the trail and listened to the quiet air.  I even witnessed bits of frost falling....so neat. 

Trail time

All this Halloween candy is driving me CRAZY!!!  I HAD to get out on the trail today, to at least balance all the chocolate I've been getting into.  So, I took Darla down the street in the stroller and did a few laps around the park before I let her get out to play.  My cardio tracker says I did 5 miles...I'm not so sure it's accurate, probably more like 4.  But we were at it for an hour today, and some of that I did jog.  It was (as always) very good for my soul. 

Almost three miles

Got in almost three miles on the trail tonight in 33 minutes.  I jogged a 1/4 mile, rest 1/8 of a mile.  It was COLD, but beautiful and the crescent moon cheered me on. 

Nice and mellow 3 miles

Thursday brought a nice three mile walk with Jenn and Julia.  Perfect way to start my day!  Thanks ladies for the catch up. 

Pushing the jog

Last night, I went for a jog by myself!  I did 2.5 miles in 36 mins and jogged 5 quarters of that.  It was awesome!  This morning, Jenn and I did our usual 3+ miles, but we jogged for one mile of that.  YES!  I am working on breaking down the mental hurdles that are keeping me from doing more jogging.  Today was a success! 

11.5 Miles

I've been burning the candle at both ends this week with hubby out of town.  This weekend has been no different...and I'm feeling it catching up to me.  However, I also needed to find some time for myself.  So, after an adrenaline boost from hubby (he fell out of bed at 6:15 this morning and woke me with a start) I was able to get up and out of the house for some trail time.  Jenn and I did 11 and a half miles on this cool, fall morning.  It was wonderful and although I was running low on energy at the end of our three hours, I made it.  I am forever grateful for my trail time with my dear, dear friend. 

An emotional 5 miles

Jenn and I did 5 miles this morning.  It was a release day for me, and boy did I.  So glad that what is said on the trail, stays on the trail.  The bubble of stress, emotion, and worry inside me had just gotten overwhelming...so I started leaking and just couldn't (didn't want to) stop.  Thank you Jenn, for letting me cry.  For listening to my heart.  For giving me some things to think about.  And thanks to a tired Darla, the child was quiet (asleep) for most of the time. 

Point Defiance 15K

Jenn and I enjoyed a beautiful race at the Point Defiance park in Tacoma, WA on Saturday.  It was a perfect fall day for it.  The cool air kept us motivated to move, and the scenery was amazing!!!  We had a fun time, as usual, and took lots of time for pictures and enjoying the present moment together.  We were blessed to see a bald eagle and a raccoon along the trail.

 Early Morning view.

We do love our trees. 

A couple of 3 mile mornings

This week, Jenn and I have hit the trail on our usual mornings...Wednesday and Thursday.  Both mornings were dry and today we had fog.  I just love it when the spider webs come out after a foggy morning. 

Old robe river trail

Jeremy and I have enjoyed a beautiful weekend without our kids, and part of that included a hike at The Old Robe River Trail. I have been there before, but it was Jeremy's first time. The trail is about 2 miles out, following the river. There are old railroad tracks to follow and a cave to explore. Alot of the old trail has been lost, due to slides, but we sure enjoyed what was accessible. It was beautiful! 

3 miles

Last Thursday Jenn and I did our 3 miles, in a different direction this time. I pushed to jog a little, needing to burn off some emotion.

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Damp 3 miles

The rains have come, but I am determined to keep on going! So, I purchased a cover for the stroller for Darla and she did well. Yay.

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9 miles and a misty morning

Jenn and I did 9 miles this morning...in the soft, damp mist.  I was feeling silly and a little sassy.  We giggled alot, talked about tattoos, and flirted with the Army guys doing their PT tests.  It was a great way to start the weekend. 

3 & 5 miles

Jenn and I hit the trail yesterday for 3 miles and today for 5 miles.  Felt great!

3 miles

Jenn and I (along with Darla in the stroller) did 3+ miles this morning.  Today is one of my favorite kind of fall days...cool, sunny and beautiful!  Great way to start my day!

9 Mile Morning

Ahhhh, I can not tell you how much I missed trail time without the child until I was there again!!  Such a wonderful morning on the trail...Jenn and I did 9 miles including the 140th hill.  We started just after 7am and where home by about 9:30.  So while it was all walking, it was a great pace.  Yay us!  Now for a quiet peaceful afternoon while it rains and blows outside.  I love fall!

Humid 3 miles

Uggg!!  It's muggy out there today!  But I still got my three miles in.  Sweet!  Now I don't feel so bad about that chocolate cake I had after dinner last night.....

Much needed 3 miles

Jenn and I did a nice 3 mile walk this morning...and it was much needed after a weekend of gluttony and sweets.  :)

Back on the horse

Yesterday, we returned to the trail. We walked three miles and it felt good to just take it easy.

Today we pushed. Jenn and I did our three miles at a jog 2 minute/walk 1 minute pace. I could feel my body resisting but its mind over body at that moment. I'm glad we pushed.....I have to keep up my stamina and drive. I love how I'm feeling right now.

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Skagit Flats 1/2 Marathon

Yesterday, Jenn and I participated in the Skagit Flats 1/2 Marathon; our third and final race that will allow us to qualify for the running club, Half Fanatics.  We decided since it was such a flat race, we'd push ourselves and go faster than we ever have.  We kept a 2 minute jogging/1 minute rest pace almost the whole way!  It was a hot day for a race and at mile 11/12, we were really feeling the heat.  So we slowed down to 1 minute jog/1 minute rest.  We finished at 3 hours, 2 minutes, and 20 seconds: our personal best!!  I'm so proud of us!  I'm VERY sore today...stairs are not my friend.  And I can feel my core muscles aching too, a sign of all that jogging.  But I wouldn't do anything different.  Thank you Jenn for being such a wonderful partner in crime!

 We decided instead of getting up super early to drive to the race, we'd go up on Saturday afternoon and get a hotel instead.  It was a much more relaxing way to get ready for a race. 

 Ready to go!

 Look at all that flat.....

 We made it! 

The COOLEST medal I've received, so far. The middle spins and both sides have great graphics. 

Had one of the LONGEST mornings....

....but the bright spot was my trail time.  Jenn, Courtney, and I did 3+ miles this morning.  I love the feeling I get when I'm out on the trail.  Awesome.

3 mile walk

Got my 'monthly visitor' so we walked this morning.  Ugg.  Even with that uncomfort, I still enjoy my trail time.  Still did 3 miles in under an hour.

3 mile morning

Jenn and I are trying to get our miles in during school hours to see if that will work better for this fall's schedule.  So we did 3 miles this morning.  I have to say, it was a nice way to start my day.  We did 3.22 miles in 50 minutes. 

7 Miles at noon

School is back and my oldest is in Kindergarten....which means mommy has a little more freedom during the day.  So, Jenn and I did our 7 miles last Friday at 11am.  It took us 2 hours and we traded off pushing Darla in the stroller, AND it was warm....but we made it.  This week, we'll do a few short trips before next weekend's race. 

Almost 5 miles

Diede and I enjoyed a nice fast walk tonight.  We did almost 5 miles in 1 hour and 15 minutes.  It felt good to get out there....I needed the trail time tonight.  I'm hoping I'll sleep well tonight. 

Two hours of trail time

A hot summer night + two hours of trail time = one tired woman. 

3 Miles tonight

Jenn, Brooke and I did a quick 3 miles tonight in about 45 minutes.  Felt good! 

Warm summer nights

I really have been enjoying the weather of late.....warm days into the upper 70's and beautiful evenings on the trail.  Jenn and I did 6 miles tonight in 90 minutes.  A little running and alotta fast walkin. 

4 miles

Jenn and I did a nice 4 mile walk tonight.  It was warm and we both had alot to say tonight.  So, it was a nice way to reconnect after not seeing each other for a week.  I sure do love my trail time.  Thanks my friend.  <3

5 mile night

Jenn and I did five miles tonight in 1 hour and 25 minutes.  We mostly walked, but ran a little. 

First Call 1/2 Marathon

Jenn and I completed our 2nd quaifier for the running club, Half Fanatics this morning in the lovely town of Bothell, WA.  We chose to do an early start (7am instead of 8) which meant it was another early morning.  But we did well, finishing the out and back course in 3 hours and 17 minutes.  My phone says 3 hours and 14 minutes...either way, it was a good time for us.  We ran the first half of the race at a 2 to 1 pace (two minutes of rest to one minute of jogging) and then upped the speed to 1 to 1 for the second half.  Go US!!! 

 As we approached the finish line, Jeremy and the kids were waiting for us on the bridge. 

 Me, at the finish line!

 Hot, sweaty, and tired us after 13.1 miles.

  I think she likes to be taller than me once in a while.  :)

One more race to go; Skagit Flats in September.  Whoot!

Solo tonight

My dear partner in crime wasn't feeling good tonight and with our race coming up in two days, she stayed home. Me, I needed to go burn some emotion. So I did. 4 miles in 57 minutes. I kept a 2 minute rest to 1 minute jogging pace the whole way. It felt wonderful. Missed my buddy, but there is something to be said for musical inspiration.

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5 Miles

Jenn and I logged on 5 miles tonight, in about 1 1/2 hours.  We walked alot, talked alot, and jogged a little.  It was a nice night. 

Change

I have been walking fast/jogging now for over a year and a half.  I've been training with my dear friend, Jenn, who makes these experiences fun and light, yet challenging.  My physical body has changed and my mental outlook has changed. In fact, most of the change in me would be undetected by someone that didn't know me very well. But there has been change.  I am slowly changing how I feel about running as a sport; and in turn, it is slowly changing me.  It has gotten me through some very scary, sad, and stressful moments this year.  I know there are more to come.  I am grateful for this outlet and release.  I am grateful for my friend, who helps me keep going; encourages me to keep pushing.  Most of all, I am proud of my changes and that keeps me going....getting up...and getting out there.

7 Miles

Jenn and I did 7 miles this morning on the cedar river trail.  Both of us were feeling a little tired, but we pushed on to get a longer session in.  I even jogged for 3 minutes straight; my personal best.  Next week, we have another race; race # 2 in the quest to qualify for Half Fanatics. 

Fast Thursdays

Jenn and I were joined by the lovely Ms Janel tonight on the trail.  Our 3 miles went quick so I checked, and yup, there's a pattern starting to develop.  Tuesday nights we are usually about 2 minutes slower than Thursday nights.  Same distance, same pace.  So....it's the weekend coming up that helps??  Hmmmm.  Well, either way, it's good to get out there and just do it!! 

3 mile nights

I am beginning to sound like a broken record...but we did 3 miles again tonight.  Took us 47 mins, doing one minute of jogging and one minute of walking.  Hopefully, I'll sleep better tonight.  I'm ready to go deep.....

5 mile morning

After almost a week off, Jenn and I did 5 miles this morning on the cedar river trail, in about 1 1/2 hours. Slow for us, but it felt just right today.

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The Wild Thing 2011

Oh, my goodness, I had so much FUN today!!!  Jenn and I participated in my first loop run, at Lake Padden, just south of Bellingham, WA.  We did 13.1 miles in 3 1/2 hours which is pretty fast for us, considering we stopped after each loop to complete a task before continuing on.  We jogged more today than I ever have in a race.  It was great!  The trail was a nice, rolling track, with lots of pretty views.  I didn't have my camera with me on the trail, so here are the before and after pics. 

 On the road, appreciating the early morning clouds.

 Pee stop!

 Dressed up Divas, pre race

 Our task list, we did 5 laps, so we did the first 5 tasks listed in order to get our 'offical' time.

 Pre race, silly faces...we were ready to go!

 After the race, Diede and Jonathan came to meet us and helped take pictures while we cooled down.

 One of our tasks was to write down why we run.  Jenn's is in blue and mine is in orange, in the lower middle of the page. 

After the race, Jonathan offered to cook for us, and who were we to refuse???  We enjoyed a very relaxing hour or two hanging with them before heading home.

Great race, Jenn!!  It's our first qualifier for Half Fanatics.  We have much to look forward to this summer.

3 miles goes fast...

....when you are walking one minute and jogging one minute.  We did another quick 3 miles tonight and shaves 2 minutes off our time from Tuesday.  Whoot! 

A quicky

Jenn and I are getting close to our next race, so we did a quick 3 miles tonight.  And by quick, I mean 3 miles in 47 minutes; running one minute: walking one minute.  It was good.  It still takes me a while to warm up, but I like how I feel afterwards!!!

Finally, a long one

I've been slacking on getting in the long training sessons this summer.....mostly due to my being out of town so much in June. But that's about to change. And it's overdue. Jenn and I did 9 miles tonight, with a big hill, in 2 hours and 20 mins. The last three miles were hard (mentally) and I once again relied on my friend's strength to get me home. Thank goodness for her!

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6 Miles

Whopps, I forgot to log my latest trail effort.  Tuesday July 5th, Jenn and I did 6 miles on the cedar river trail.  It was the day after 4th of July and we both were forcing ourselves to go.  But, as always, I'm glad I did. 

A little faster now

Jenn and I would like to start improving our times on our half marathons...so tonight we did 3 miles, running for one minute and then walking for one minute.  It took us about 45 mins to do three miles.  I'd say it was a start. 

Trail therapy

I love my girl time on the trail! 5 miles tonight in 90 minutes, and lots of sharing of the heart, mind, and soul. Great stuff.

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Hike at Mt. Rainier

While camping with the family over the weekend, we went on a beautiful little hike. It was about three miles overall, with an amazing falls at the top. I carried lil D up and down the trail, so I feel like I got a nice workout along with all the amazing views.

5 more miles

I did 5 miles tonight, in a little over an hour.  Good times, I'm beat.  Off to bed I go.

Back to it

There's been alot going on in my life...and when that happens, I usually give up what I shouldn't...like eating healthy and exercise.  But, it happened again.  Oh well, I'm back.  The good news is, we get to start over, every day. 

Jenn and I did 5 miles tonight in about 1 hour and 12 minutes.  It was a beautiful night for being on the trail.  And I'm so grateful for the therapy time. 

Another 5 miles

Jenn and I did another 5 + miles tonight on the trail.  Boy my feet are feeling it tonight.  OUCH!  I didn't realize how quickly the body can forget it's previous conditioning.  It's ok, though. The feeling I get when I'm out there outweighs the pain, every time. 

5 miles

I didn't wanna, but I did........5 miles on the cedar river trail in about 1 hr and 23 mins. And, after it's done, I'm glad I did.

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Cedar river trail

It's been almost a month since I've done a long walk, and boy did I notice it this morning! Jenn and I did 7 miles in 1 hour 45 mins on this beautiful June day. It was good for my soul to get out there and move, sweat, and work my body. I can't wait to go again.

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Park walk

Darla and I did 35 mins and almost 2 miles today at the park.

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A little behind...

...but I'm still working out.  I walked the trail at the park on Monday night,  did about 2 miles in 45 mins.  And then Wednesday night, I walked the cedar river trail for 1 hour and 15 mins and got close to 6 miles.  I'm fight a cold this week, so I'm not pushing too hard.  I just want to keep up my routine so I don't slide backwards too far! 

Cougar Mtn hike

I went for some much needed tree time today. Hiking settles me, fills my tanks, and helps me breathe. Being outside in the forest is my church. And I was long overdue for a visit. Thanks D, for sharing it with me.

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I'm BACK!

After a week of sick kids and sick me, I'm back to the routine and LOVING it.  Daddy and big D did soccer practice tonight, so Darla and I hit the trail.  We did our usual 3+ miles in about 45 mins.  And I got a special treat tonight!  My niece Jordan was there working out and joined us.  I hope she does that again sometime.  It was nice to have company! 

A quick 3 miles

After the big race over the weekend, I wanted to keep my momentum going. So Jenn, Brooke and I hit the trail for a quick 3 miles tonight. It hurt a little to run, but I pushed my way through it and I'm glad I did it. We did 3 miles in 48 mins, doing intervals running and walking.

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Tacoma city 1/2 Marathon

Today, I participated in my third 1/2 marathon ever! It was also the 1 year anniversary of the very first race I'd ever run. The weather was warm (a little too warm at times) but just beautiful! Jenn and I enjoyed reliving our first experience on this route all the while making new memories. We beat our time from last year, by about 4 minutes. Official time for today's race was 3hrs, 9 mins. Jenn and have been trying to improve our time with more running and we did alot of it today. We did 1 minute of running and 2 minutes of rest. It is a good rhythm for me and we can keep adjusting the rest time down, as we get faster and stronger. Yay us!

 About half way through and feeling GREAT!

 So very close to the finish and still smiling!

Our leapfrog friends.  :)

Thanks, Jenn, for being such a wonderful friend and running partner! I don't think I would enjoy it as much without you!

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A wet one

Jenn and I had to get one more good training session in before our next race this weekend. Tonight we tackled the 140th hill and attempted to run UP parts of it. Which we did a little of. But we were distracted by a crazy downpour and then this amazing double rainbow, which just had to be appreciated! Overall, we did 6.5 miles in 1 hr 42 mins. I am proud of us, and am much warmer after a long, hot shower.

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