Training with James

James has his first race tomorrow.  He's doint a 3k called the MudPuppy Chase.  Today we went and picked up our race packets.  He got his number, timing chip and t-shirt.  He was so excited.

Last week he got new running shoes that tie.  We have been practicing tying our shoes.  Today he tied one all by himself.  He as excited about that as well.

After we got our shoes on, he and I went for a practice run.  He did a really good job.  We started out at a nice slow jog.  Then we got a bit faster as we warmed up.  We did a couple of sets of light post drills as well.  That's where you start at a light post and sprint to the next one then jog to the next one then sprint etc.  He liked that.  He did have to walk a few times, but he walked a a fast pace.

By the time we got home, we had run 1.1 miles in 17:59.  Not bad for the first time out.  He wants to run with me a few days a week after school's out.  I said that won't be a problem.

Here is a picture of him in his first offical race t-shirt.

The Royal Wedding

Yes, I'm up watching it. 

30 years ago my mom and I watched Charles and Diana get married.  I have always remembered that time.  I remember the way Diana looked and all the hats and dresses.  That train was something I would never forget.

My great-grandma loved William and Harry.  She would send me newspaper clippings about the two.  I have one particular picture of one sticking their tongue out at the other.  That is the image I have right now.

As I'm watching this I can feel my great grandma smile and watching with me. 

So I'm watching this with tears in my  eyes and warmth in my heart.

I can't wait to see everything!

James' Race Shirt

James runs his first race on Sunday.  He is so excited.  He got new running shoes and asked what his t-shirt was going to look like.

A bit of background.  In October when I ran my first 5k, I made James and I shirts.  I was doing the Run for the Cure so we had shirts with breast cancer ribbons on them.  He loved them so for the next race he wanted shirts again.  Those I painted fall leaves on a red shirt.  We haven't had him with us for any of my other races so this shirt is the next one.

I decided to make one shirt for all four races that he will be running between now and October.  Here is what the front looks like.

These are the logos for each of the races.  Starting in the upper left and going clockwise.  Erica's Wish (August).  Mudpuppy Chase (Sunday).  Run for the Cure (October).  Lake Festival (July).

I'm not an artist at all.  I traced the breast cancer ribbon.  The others I printed the logos and free handed them the best I could.  My favorite is the mudpuppy.  I think that little guy is so cute.

Here is the back.

I used fabric markers.  It's not the best writing and the Run for the Cure didn't want to cooperate, but it looks okay.  There is a place for him to write in his time after each race.  I think he'll like being able to do that.

I'll know tomorrow if he likes it or not.  I'm sure he will.

Rainy Tuesday

I had a rough night last night. I wasn't sleepy so I came downstairs and fell asleep on the couch.  My neck is now stiff and sore.  Plus with the rain moving in I had a raging headache all night.  Today it's supposed to thunderstorm.  I love thunderstorms during the day.

I went to practice and got the kids going.  Then I went and rode 9 miles on the recumbent bike.  It felt good.  I still may take the dogs out for a quick walk between rain storms. 

After I worked out I went to Michael's to get supplies for James to make a Mother's Day present for his mom.  He is going to decorate a jewelry box for her.  He loves doing things like that.

I also had to get the materials to make James a t-shirt for his first race.  We started this when I ran my first 5k.  I made us shirts and he loved it.  He asked what his t-shirt was going to look like.  I was trying to figure out a design when it hit me this morning.  On the back I'm going to put World Race Tour and list the 4 races that he's signed up for. I will leave a place for him to put his time if he wants.  On the front I'm going to put some picture that represents each race; a mudpuppy for the Mudpuppy Chase, a lighthouse for the Lake Festival, a pink ribbon for Run for the Cure, and stars with a purple ribbon for Erica's Wish.  I'm going to be busy for the next few days getting these done.  I hope it turns out like I see in my mind.  I also have a Canadian Flag iron on patch and some stars that I will put on the sleeves.  I'm washing the shirt now so I can start on it tonight. 

Tomorrow is Wednesday and its my long day.  I want to try to get 10 miles in on the bike.  Hopefully Thursday and Friday I can get a run in.  Only a few more days until my May race!  I'm hoping to do better than my April one.

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure:

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure:

Please consider helping me meet my new goal of $500. I am currently at $320. A donation of $5, $10, $15 or more goes a long way. I now have James and Mike joining me in this run. Please help you you can.

Thanks!

Easter weekend

It turned out to be a beautiful weekend!  Saturday we took the dogs to the nature preserve and walked for about 3 miles.  It wore them out.  The air was so clean smelling.  It felt so good to be back outside with wonderful fresh air.

Sunday we went to Mike's brother's house for Easter dinner.  I was asked to bring something Southern so I made red beans and rice and a pecan pie.  He served Turducken  for dinner.  It was a hit.  If you have never had a turducken I suggest you try one.  It's a lot of meat, but really good and tender.

While at Easter dinner, we got a message that James wanted to come spend the night with us since he wasn't feeling so hot.  We got him around 7:30 last night.  Poor guy got here, climbed into bed and promptly threw up.  After we got him cleaned up and did a sheet change, he slept fine the rest of the night.

This morning I got up for practice.  After practice I finally got on the bike again.  I only did 25 minutes since I knew James was home sick and I had to get juice and soup.  I did manage to get almost 6.5 miles in though.  After bit I plan on taking the dogs out for a walk so I'll get another 2-3 miles in today.  Tomorrow I will got my full 30-35 minutes and Wednesday I will get on for 35-40 minutes.  I plan on running Thursday morning.  Friday, after the Royal Wedding I will head out for a run as well.  Saturday, Jame wants to do a practice run before his race on Sunday.  I'll take him out then so he can get a feel for how to run it.

He is so excited for that race.  I know he will have a really good time.  Afterwards he gets to go play chess so it will be a busy Sunday for him.

Well, off to plan the meals for the week and to  get the grocery shopping done.  It seems like I'm always playing catch up so I can't let things get even further behind.

Traditional Good Friday trip to Niagara Falls

Today we took our tradtional Good Friday trip to Niagara Falls.  It was a bit chilly in the morning, but it ended up being a good day.

We started out at the Canadian Falls.  The wind was blowing the water on all of us.  It was very misty and the Falls were hard to see.

James and I braved the cold and the water to pose by the Falls though.

We walked along the Falls and saw the ice formation.  Those were pretty cool.

We continued on and got a better view of the American Falls.

I got a good picture of Mike and James.  And a few other fun shots.

And we got a family shot.

James took a picture of Mike and I as well.

We then went to the tourist area and played Glow-in-the Dark mini golf.  We had a lot of fun.



We enjoyed some ice cream and a trip to the Hershey Store.

It ended up being a beautiful day!

It was a lot of fun, but tomorrow its back to the grind.  I have early morning swim practice and then I'm going for a run.  We have to get stuff ready for Easter as well.  It was a nice day today!

I reached my first fundraising goal!!!!!!!!!!

On October 2nd, I will be doing the Race for the Cure.  I did this run last year, but didn't really fundraise all that much.  I decided that this year I would fundraise for this wonderful cause.  I set my first goal of $300.  Well today I reached that goal.  I have wonderful family and friends to thank for that!

I reset my goal for $500.  I'm going to keep on trying to raise money to help.  One of the things that I am going to do is donate half the money we raise from our yardsale in June to help.  I'm going to try to find other ways that I can raise money.

If you would like to help, please visit my page at the following address.  http://www.runforthecure.com/site/TR/RunfortheCure/CentralOffice?px=1361192&pg=personal&fr_id=1278

Thanks in advance for all your help!!!!!

It's too cold!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes...way too cold.  We are supposed to get snow tonight and tomorrow morning.  I'm so over snow now.  It's almost May!  Where's the warm weather!!!!!!

On a lighter note, I got my Bondi Bands today!!!!!!!!!!  They are really neat headbands that help keep the hair and sweat out of my eyes.  Yes, they are sweat bands, but made out of a better material and they can be used as ear warmers.  The also have hats and other items.  I love them and am sitting here wearing one now.  Yes, I am a geek!  Here is a link to their website http://www.bondiband.com/

So I haven't gotten a single run/ride in this week.  I'm such a lazy bum.  I haven't been sleeping well since we got back from Team Champs.  I'm hoping that that gets fixed tonight.  Friday we are going to Niagara Falls for the day.  I will get a lot of walking in that day.  Saturday I'm hoping to get a run in.  Sunday we go to Pat and Kristie's house for Easter.  Monday I should be back on schedule. 

For the month of May I actually have a somewhat normal swim schedule.  That will be so nice.  I have been trying to plan everything out for the next few month.  I will be in meetings and training throught May, swim meets in June, and running races in July.  It gets really crazy!

My next race is May 1st.  I'm running a 5k and Mike and James are running a 3k.  James is really excited.  I'm glad that we aren't running at the same time so I can take pictures as they start/finish.  I am excited that he wants to run with me.  By the end of the summer he will have run 3 races; a 3k, a 5k and a 1k.  He will really enjoy it.  Once school is out, I will take him out a few evenings a week for short runs.

I'm glad I have Friday off.  I think it's a well needed rest.

It's Easter Egg Coloring Time!

While I was in Indiana I picked up an egg spinner for coloring Easter eggs.  This is the greatest invention ever!  You can color the eggs with very little mess.  James had a ball using it.  He got to mix different colors and add glitter as well.  We had a great time!  The only problem...now I'm the one that has to eat a dozen colored Easter eggs.  I'm the only one that likes them. 

Last Day of Team Champs

Boy am I wiped, but I have this last day to get through.  The 12 and unders had some great swims.  They raced well and scored points.  Today is the last day.  We had some good swims at finals from the 13 and overs.  I hope that prelims went well this morning and we got a few more kids in tonight.

I got up early with the intention of working out, but I was so tired that that didn't happen.  I ate some breakfast, saw the older kids off and then went back to sleep.  I was so tired.  I know I will sleep on the ride home as well.  I did put my glasses in my bus bag so I can take my contacts out after we get going. 

It's been a good weekend.  I talked to Mike and we decided that we want to come up here in August for a visit.  I love it up here.  Well, aside from the snow this morning.  That is just too much for April 17th.  Ugh...  It's really pretty and peaceful.  It reminds me a lot of Zanesville, Ohio with the rocks and how the town is built. 

Heading out to the pool in a just a little bit.  I really hope the kids swim well.

Team Champs: Day 1 Part 2 & Day 2 Part 1

Yesterday the little guys did awesome!!!!!!  We had 2 10 and under boys score us points in the 100 fly and I'm pretty sure that we had a few 10 and unders get us points in the 100 IM.  One of our 12 year old girls scored in the 50 Free as well.  They were all excited and wound up after their swims.  They are ready for today.  The older kids are now at the pool getting ready to swim their events.

Last night I think there was a herd of elephants in the room above me.  The kids from another team were bouncing around.  Finally at 9:00 pm I called the front desk.  I was tired and I jumped a few times when they crashed on the floor.  I was not happy, but maybe that means they won't swim as well.

This morning I got up and used the fitness room in the hotel.  I did the recumbent bike and felt pretty good.  I only did 7.4 miles, but it still felt good.  I had a good breakfast and now I have some time to relax before I have to leave for the pool at 11:15.  The session is only going to be like 2 hours so it will be quick.  I may try to get another workout in while I'm there, but I'll have to see.  If not, I'll get up tomorrow and workout again before the long day at the pool and the long bus ride home.

It's turning out to be a great weekend for the kids.

Team Champs: Day 1 Part 1

Got up at 4:30 and made myself go back to bed for another 2 hours.  I will be needing all the sleep I can get so I need to take advantage of it now. 

I did get up at 6;30 and was out for my run by 7:00.  Mike gave me directions to the house where he grew up.  It was nice 2 mile run.  It was butt cold, but a nice run in spite of that.  I did have some problems breathing in the cold which meant I had to walk for a short bit to get my lungs to stop spasming or whatever it is they were doing.  It was a very brisk walk, but I still don't like having to walk.  It did notice that it is getting better and I am running longer in the cold before that happens.  Maybe that means the running is helping.  I can only hope.

I got back to the hotel and had a nice breakfast.  The kids were filtering in and out. There was a couple that was complaining a bit about there being so many kids there eating breakfast.  The kids weren't bad, but there were about 6-8 of them getting food.  It's a small area and people have to wait.  Apparently there are 2 other teams that will be staying here starting tonight so tomorrow morning will be interesting. 

I'm going to just relax for the rest of the morning and maybe try to get my book read.  I am getting excited for the races today!  I hope the kids swim well!

Team Champs: Travel Day

Well, we made it up to Sudbury.  The kids have eaten and are tucked into their rooms.  I called Mike and our hotel is about a 15 minute walk from his old house.  I'm going to take a run tomorrow and check it out.

It is cold though.  I want to to get out and get a run in though.  I'm getting up before everyone so I can go out and have a nice quiet run.

We don't have anything until 1:00 tomorrow.  There are only 2 sessions so that will be nice.  I'm hanging with the 12 and unders and going to finals Saturday and Sunday.  I really do enjoy Team Champs.  The kids have fun.  It seems to be a good meet for most of the swimmers.  It's fun to watch the little guys get paired with the big guys as bus buddies.  They all have so much fun.

I'm hoping to get some pictures for the newsletter and watch some really great swims!

Right now it's bedtime for me!

Blah...

I feel like such a slug since I haven't had a chance to do anything active this week.  I've been finishing up the newsletter for the swim team.  It's done!

Last night I got no sleep.  I couldn't fall asleep at all and when I did I kept waking up.  It was not fun.  Today has been my long day at the University and I haven't had a chance to get anything to eat.  I'm craving a huge salad.  Yummy!

Tonight I would like to get the dogs out for a walk and I just may have to do it in the dark, but I need to get some form of exercise.

Hopefully tomorrow I can get a run in.

CIBC Race for the Cure

I will once again be running the Race for the Cure.  This is to raise money to find a cure for breast cancer.  My goal is to raise $300.  Please help my donating. 

The race is on Sunday, October 2, 2011.  I will be running for a friend who has beaten breast cancer and was the best team manager a head coach to ever have, Cathy Hurst.  She is a wonderful caring woman with 2 awesome kids and a wonderful husband.

Please consider donating to help us find a cure for breast cancer.My personal page for the Race for the Cure

Upcoming Week

It's going to be one crazy week this week.  I have to cover a morning practice tomorrow morning so I'll get on the recumbent stationary bike and try to get 10 miles in.  Then since it's supposed to be nice I'll get the dogs out for a long walk in the afternoon.  Tuesday and Wednesday will pretty much be the same.

I will finish up the newsletter as well.  It has to go out on Wednesday so I'll finish that up tomorrow and add the last minute stuff on Tuesday.  That will take up some time. 

Mike leaves for Syracuse and Ottawa tomorrow and will be gone all week.  I want to get a bit of cleaning and laundry done as well.  Wednesday is shot since I'm at the University all day.  Thursday we leave for Sudbury so I have to drop the dogs off at the doggy hotel.

I won't get home until around 3-4 am on Monday morning.  I plan on just staying up until Mike and James leave then I will crash.  I'm taking my running stuff in hopes of getting a run in on Friday and Saturday.  Right now the exercise is really helping me stay sane with all this craziness.

My next race is May 1st.  I have to get at least a 34:00 on this 5K.  Plus Mike and James will be running a 3.5k.  It should be fun!

April Race Down

I ran the ENDURace 5k last night and was not happy with how I did.  It seems like everytime I have pretty good race, the next one is not so good.  I am just getting really frustrated with all this.  I want to break 30 by September and at this rate that won't happen.  I'm so mad at myself over this.

I was telling Mike that I love to run.  I love being outside.  I love pushing myself.  I love the feeling that I get when I'm done with the race.  I now have a schedule that I can do once this week is over and I hope that will help.  I think if I can get out and run 3 days a week and bike or something else 3 days a week that will help so much.

I have a race that I think I'm going to do in May.  I am a virtural runner for a race in DC, but I think I'm running another race here in Kitchener the next week.  Then June gets crazy so no races then.  But July is just packed.  I'm really looking forward to running in July.

Just have to keep going forward.

Here are a few pictures from last night.

Hump Day!

What I thought was going to be an icky day has started becoming a pretty good day.  I got up at 2:45 thinking I was late for practice.  When I realized I could sleep for another hour it was hard for me to fall back asleep.  I had just gotten back into a good sleep when my alarm went off.  I was not a happy person, but I got up.

Luckily I had gotten James' lunch and the casserole for dinner made up last night.  I was moving in slow motion this morning.  I left and got 2 cups of coffee and a protein bar for breakfast.  I needed all the help I could get. 

I had to supervise the weight room for 5 of the University swimmers.  It was all I could do to stay awake.  I came down to the office at 6:30 and got some emails answered.  Then I got to have fun!

I went to ride the recumbent bike.  I got my book and started pedaling.  I rode for 40 minutes and went 10.11 miles!   A new record for me!  I didn't even realize how long it had been until it beeped to let me know it was in the cool down mode.  I feel great!!!!!!!

I have one more workout on Friday and my race on Saturday.  Next week I will ride Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday because we have to go to Team Champs on Thursday.  That means a 5 hour bus ride north.  I will see if I can get some sort of workout in on one or two of the days we are up there.  I may be able to on at least one day.

Now I have to ton of stuff to get done here in the office.  Of course some of it has to be done on a program that seems to be not working at the moment, but oh well, I'll make due.

I'm just feel so good right now!!!!!!!!

Busy Tuesday Morning

Up at 4:00 am for practice.  Had a pretty good practice.  Wanted to workout, but forgot my clothes.  I was not happy.  Instead I drove home and stopped at Walmart to get what I forgot yesterday.  I ended up getting the stuff for James' Easter basket.  They had Spirographes on sale so I got him one.  He loves doing things like that and I really think he is going to love it.  I also got him an animal atlas. 

Then I came home and put some beef stew in the crockpot.  It's a recipe I haven't used before.  It has sweet potatoes, zuccini, diced tomatoes, onion and lots of garlic.  I looks good so we'll see how it goes.  Yesterday I made meatloaf and James ate half of it.  I think he's getting ready to grow again.  He's eating everything in sight.

I'm now getting a few things done around the house and a few loads of laundry folded.  I love doing laundry, but I loose interest after the first 2 loads with folding.

Last night the dogs went to the groomer.  They have everyone so wrapped around their fingers there.  Mulder was spoiled by the girl that gave him his bath and brushed his teeth.  Since he was done before Anya she played with him for an hour.  Anya was spoiled as well.  They loved on her and played with her.  They even gave them matching bows.

They looked so cute.

Here they are relaxing on the couch this morning.

They are too cute and they know it.

Tomorrow it's a regular workout after practice then at the pool all day long.  Wednesdays are my long days.  I'm so so about that some days.  I do get a lot done though.

On to the rest of my Tuesday!

Monday Monday

Very busy day ahead of me.  I spent all weekend at a swim meet where my swimmers shined!  Yesterday coming home it was snowing...Yuck!  Today is raining.

That's okay since I have a ton of stuff to do.  My morning started with packing lunch and getting school stuff together for James.  Next up I have to take Indy to the vet, get dog food at Global, grocery shopping, Walmart, post office, clean the basement (?), make dinner, and finally take the dogs to the groomers.  I don't have practice today, but I will be running around all day long.  It's amazing how when one thing is taken away to give you more time, 15 other things seem to need to fill it. 

I wanted to get a short run in today, but I don't think that will happen.  It's raining now and is only supposed to get worse as the day goes on.  I willl get on the bike tomorrow after practice. 

I do have my next race on Saturday at 6pm.  I'm hoping its nice and that I do well.  I'm heading towards my goal of under 30 by September 24th.  We'll see though!

On my way

I did get out to run today.  I ran 2 miles towards my 26.2 miles for the month of April.  I may not get in another run until Monday.  I'm at the meet all day tomorrow and Sunday.  The way the sessions are broken up means I can't get away like I could today.  That's okay though.  I'll  get home Monday morning from taking Indy to the vet and head out for a run.

Right now I'm so tired from being on deck all day that I'm just going to head up to bed.  Tomorrow the only long distance is the 400 IMs.  200 Breast isn't until Sunday so it should go quickly tomorrow.  Although 200 Fly long course can get a bit long if there are a lot of novice swimmers doing it.

Oh well!  Good night!

April Challenge

The running program that I used to help me get back into shape was Running Mate 5k 101.  It's wonderful interval training.  I knew that's what I needed to do, but I didn't want to have to look at my watch.  Todd made it so easy. 

Well, they are having an April Challenge.  The Challenge is to run 26.2 miles in April.  Not all at once, but during the month.  I have decided to take that challenge on!  Now that it is warmer, I will be able to get out at 2-3 days a week for a run.  I start today.

I love running outside because I love looking at what's around me.  I love the fresh air.  I love the silence of my early morning runs.  It's just wonderful! 

For those of you interested in the 5k 101 program or the April challenge here is the Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/5K101?sk=app_134704433258950

I challenge you to just get out and do something active each day.  You will feel so much better in the long run!