Testing

This is a test...wanted to see if the new app works.

MIA and a Race Report

I have been out of bloggy land! So much has happened over the past month or so! We have moved back to Utah! Sunny St. George. Hubby and I grew up here and we have always said we would never live here...well, here we are. There are several reasons we came back to the mainland, but the number one reason is family. BUT my #1 selfish reason is my 40 by 40 is ON! ( : I'm so excited!

Although I miss Kauai, the beauty, the friends I've made, the ocean, the trade winds, the tropical rain showers, the plumerias, the waterfalls, just to name a few things. It is good to be back on the mainland.

We finally found a house and moved in last week. I am still not completely put away, but that is okay, I ran the Mesquite marathon yesterday and it was great!

First of all I have to say, I haven't been able to run over three miles at a time for several weeks. I have had plantar faciitis in my right foot and my outer calves have been giving me grief, so much so that my form has been off and I can barely lift my feet...crazy! So, going to the sports doc was a must when we got back. And it doesn't hurt that he is cute! ( : He gave me a plastic cup to put in my shoe for the PF and he said that for my calves, the new Kayanos are not as supportive for my high arches as the older versions...so I tried the Asics 2140s. They didn't make any difference. Luckily, the St. George Running Company took them back. That is service! So, Friday night, the night before the marathon, I called my friend, who is a nurse, and asked her what she thought. She said it sounded like a vitamin B-12 deficiency. Could it possibly be that easy??? No calf pain...and no nausea! It was a two-fer. I'll tell you what I did a little later in the post.

The marathon started just outside of St. George, although we drove down to Mesquite to ride the bus and pick up our packets. The weather was perfect, not too hot, not too cold and blue skies! The scenery was a bit desolate, being a desert and all, but it was beautiful in its own right!

There were only 189 marathoners, so it was a small race.

The first 10 miles just flew by. The course was relatively flat and slightly downhill. At mile 11 the rolling hills started, which I didn't think were that bad.. after running the Kauai marathon, no hills are that bad! ( : At mile 15 my quads started cramping, I have never done that before, but I also haven't been running very much! (My last long run was 12 miles, mid October). I realized that it hurt more to walk than to just keep running, so that is what I did. At mile 20, I still didn't have any nausea, I was feeling great! I'll take cramping over nausea any day!

I crossed the finish line before my family even got there. I knew at the halfway mark that this would be the case. My husband was shocked and impressed! heehee. But with no nausea, I was able to sit and enjoy eating post race food. I ate 2 yogurts, a banana, 3 waters and a powdered donut! ~ Normally, I can't choke down anything, let alone something sweet!

The race was pretty organized. They ran out of water at the mile 15 aid station, but they were on top of it and got some there as fast as they could. (that is why I always carry some with me). The medal was a little cheesy, my husband hit it right on the head by saying, "Did they pull that thing out of a cracker jacks box?" Funny. But for the most part, I really liked it. I would run it again.

The B-12...I took 17 drops under my tongue before the race..

Mile 10 ~ 7 drops

Mile 17 ~ 3 drops

Mile 20 ~ 1 drop

I actually didn't count the drops during the race, I just guessed. I forgot to take it immediately after the race, and during the drive home I started feeling a little sick, so I took some and a few minutes later I felt great.

Keep running!

UGH!

Last night as I was getting into my bed, I felt the urge to go to the bathroom, not an uncommon thing for a girl who drinks lots of water! Got back to bed and was almost asleep when that urge hit yet again. The urge continued for an hour....then I noticed there was some blood. That is NOT normal! and I was a little freaked out. By now I had spend about an hour and a half on the potty and it was 12:30, WAY past my bedtime. I was finally able to go to sleep and then I woke at 4:30-ish to go and it was bright red. I am probably giving you way more info than you want, but it freaked my freak! I called the doc's office and the receptionist said, "We don't have any openings until next week." And I said, "Well, I was hoping to come in today, since I AM PEEING BLOOD!" " Oh, can you come in an hour?"

I am on anti-biotics for 10 days. This is my first ever bladder infection/UTI. Yay, me. I am thirty something and I have never had one of these. I guess I have been really lucky! I guess I should be drinking more of this...

On a happier note, Candice over at I Have Run is having a great giveaway! Go check it out!

St. George Marathon

I have been a slackah this week. I had a fabulous trip to Utah. When I got to LAX, I took a deep breath, ahhhh, the mainland! The smells were nostalgic. It was nice to rejuvenate. It was nice to visit with family and friends. It was nice to be able to do my hair without sweating from my elbows! ( : I have really missed the dry weather. But it was also nice to get back home to my family!

Last Saturday was a beautiful day for a run, the weather was nice and it just felt good to get back to my "roots." (St. George was my first marathon). At the start, I ran into a couple of old friends from high school. It was fun to catch up.

It felt good to be running in the cold, dry air. I ate my honey every 5 miles, the first couple were really cold, not as easy to suck down, but they still worked like a charm. I love it when you find something that works for you! The race was just as well organized as usual, the aid stations were great, as usual. The scenery was beautiful, as usual. St. George really is a fantastic marathon.

At mile 26 my brother in law and 2 nephews ran with me the last couple of blocks, it was nice to see them and it gave me a real boost! I felt strong the entire race. I attained my goals: I had fun and enjoyed everything!

What's next, you ask? You'll just have to wait and see. ( :

6 Days!

Can I just say how much I love the St. George Marathon! I am flying out on Wednesday night and I am soooooo excited!

This is the Veyo hill at mile 7 of the marathon. It really is incredible to see all those runners on the road.

I love this part of the course, the sun hits those mountains in Snow Canyon just right.

I am feeling really positive about this upcoming race. Apparently there is a 7% rule. Runners from Hawaii run 7% faster when they travel to the mainland. I like that rule!

Many of you asked how I carried the honey with me on my run. I put about a tablespoon of honey in a sandwich baggie, tied a knot in the end and when I needed it, bit it open and sucked it out. Simple. I must say, the honey goes down much easier than Gu. And I don't feel icky. Used it again this morning on my 8 mile run. Again with great results! AND it's cheaper than buying the little packets! ( :

Oliver Shagnasty's

I tried something new on my long run yesterday! Oliver Shagnasty's (I had to laugh at the name) Kauai Natural Raw Honey. And It Was Awesome! Sure beats GU!! I didn't get those icky throw-up hicups! And I had the energy that I needed. I am sold. (I tried to order HoneyStingers, and shipping to Hawaii was 3 times the amount I would've spent on the packets...so I made my own!) Worked like a charm too! I had a great 15 mile run. It was a beautiful morning. I ran the main highway and down to Anini beach. I love running Anini! It is so beautiful, the road is right next to the ocean most of the way, and there are bathrooms/water at the half way point. Can't beat that! I am ready for St. George...12 days!

The Race Report

I always like to think about the race for a couple of days before I actually sit down to write my race report....This was my first "island" marathon. And boy, did it exceed my expectations. It was full of the aloha spirit!

It was a relatively small race, only about 1800 entrants, including Dean Karnazes. The starting line was great, there was a lot of energy, music, and of course, tiki torches. The race started at 6:00 am sharp! The start was lined with tiki torches and conch shell blowers dressed in the traditional Hawaiian attire. The gun went off and then they blew the conch shells, it was so cool! "The blowing of the conch shell" is an ancient Hawaiian ritual. It is supposed to give thanks, bring people together in harmony and receive blessings. When they are blown strongly, the sound can be heard for miles. It is common for the conch shell blower to blow the shell once in four directions to symbolize the four elements of the universe; blowing the shell to the East greets the sunrise; to the West honors the setting sun; to the North pays respect to the stars; and to the South pays respect to the forefathers. I love Hawaiian traditions!

It was a perfect day for a run, there was great cloud coverage and it rained for a lot of the race, which I was so grateful for! The first of MANY hills came fairly early in the race. They weren't kidding when they said it was a hilly course!

At about mile 14-15 I saw Dean, my new best friend, hehehe, he was on his 20-21st mile, it was just him and me running toward each other....and we "shaka'd" (hang loose sign) each other. Ya, it was the highlight, I was a little star struck, but I can say, I ran with Dean Karnazes! And come to find out, my friend's husband went to high school with him...who knew?

The start line

Along the course

There were hula dancers at several different spots on the course

The day was great, I did not get a PR, but I finished the race and I had a great time doing it. I met a lot of nice people and I was really impressed with the organization/preparation for the race. Jeff Sacchini and his staff did an excellent job! The course was absolutely beautiful! How could it not be, it's Kauai!

Aloha!

Look Who It Is....

Dean Karnazes!!

Dean is the host of the Kauai marathon and he was at the expo this afternoon signing posters. Of course, I had to take a photo op.

I was impressed with the expo...it was very small, but we got great stuff! A Kauai Marathon tote bag, an aluminum water bottle, another tote bag, and a great race shirt.

I am excited to race in the morning. My goals for this one are very simple:

*Have fun

*Finish

I am not putting time restraints on myself, I am not sure what to expect with the humidity/weather. We drove part of the course today, and it is definitely a hilly course!

I'm off to the races~wish me luck!

Let the Countdown Begin

10 days to the Kauai Marathon! I am actually getting excited! AND I am totally enjoying the taper! I'm still working out the logistics of race weekend, but most likely I will be driving 45-50 minutes down to Poipu that morning. (I really don't want to spend $500 on a hotel room when I have a free room, my own bed, and the home seat advantage!) Let the countdown begin!!!

It's Getting Close

Wow! Has it really been almost three weeks since my last post? Time flies. School started for my 3rd grader, my house has been very quiet during the day. ( : And my 3 year old and I have been playing. It has been a lot of fun.

In running news...the Kauai marathon is approaching FAST! Only 30 days! The past few weeks I have been kind of dreading this race. It has been soooooooooooooo humid and my running has really suffered. This has been the hardest training summer EVER. How do you beat the humidity? I have always trained in the dry heat. Let me tell you...IT IS DIFFERENT! I am struggling with finding the right balances with everything. So, any tips you may have, pleeease, pass them my way!

I went to the marathon website and I got that twinge of excitement back. Apparently, the course is hilly. I love hills! And Dean Karnazes is the official host. There are only 1500 entrants and it is sold out. Even though I live on Kauai, I have not run any part of the course. Going to "town" is a hassle, especially on a Saturday, when I do my long runs...everyone else on the north shore is headed that way too! So, it will be a new and hopefully exciting route for me. I do know that it will be beautiful! How can it not be, it is Kauai!

This is near the finish line.

Have a great weekend everyone. Aloha!

WOO HOO!

I'm running St. George! Just booked my flight this morning! I am so excited! St. George is my FAVORITE!!!! ( : (It's not what you know, it's who you know). Thanks, Mom! ( :

Update

I know, my last few posts have had nothing to do with running. So, to catch you up...last Saturday I ran 15 miles, should have been 17, but I was DONE! I walked in the door, announced to my husband I was finished with running altogether, and started crying. I had convinced myself I was not going to run the marathon in September, and had a huge pity party for myself, and I haven't run once this week. Just haven't wanted to!

They posted pictures of the medals on the Kauai Marathon website...

This is the front

This is the back

Ooooh, how I love running "Bling!" I am actually excited about hitting the pavement again. I have only taken a few days off so, I am not worried about the training. I WILL be running the marathon on September 6th. Isn't it all about the medal anyway?! ( :

I just hope and pray it will be a cool and rainy race day. The course is on the south shore, which is hotter and dryer than here on the north shore...keep your fingers crossed.

The Faces of Africa

A friend of ours, Sue Krupa, is involved with the charity "Africa is Life Changing." They are trying to get some extra exposure for this great charity and I thought I would help them in the effort. Sue wrote and sings this beautiful song. I love it and I hope you do too. If you are interested in helping you can find more information here. Enjoy!

Three

My baby is three today! I can't believe it! We have a fun filled day planned at the beach!

I ran a quick 3 miler this morning. I love running! Hope all you have a great 4th of July, for those who celebrate, and a great weekend!

A Little of This and a Little of That...

I love summer!~ I have been out of the blogging world for the past few weeks. It has been eventful...we had our good friends here visiting, so we have been in vacation mode. We met Matt Damon, saw Pierce Brosnan, visited several touristy spots, and just relaxed on the beach. We have had a lot of fun!

Of course, I am still training for the Kauai marathon (Sept. 6) and have had some great runs. It has been so hot, but those quick, cool, tropical rain showers are heaven sent! I am hoping and praying it rains on marathon day!

A few weeks ago, I was helping my friend Jackie move house. I mentioned to her some things that have been bothering me, physically. I'll give you the back history. Since moving to Kauai, I have been struggling with depression, I know, how is that possible in such a beautiful place, but it is true. I have gained weight and I have also been extra sweaty, I just chalked it up to the humidity, but I would continue to sweat for a while after my runs. It has been crazy! I expressed to Jackie how frustrated I have been and she said, "We can fix that." I was intrigued, yet skeptical.

Jackie is an RN and specializes in NeuroModular Technique (NMT). I had never heard of this before. Her description was "It's like defragging your hard-drive." So, we set up an appointment. Now, you have to know, I am queen of the skeptics! But I wanted to see what it was all about. What did I have to lose?

Night and day difference! I feel so much better, it is like the weight of the world is off my shoulders. I don't feel sad anymore, I have actually lost a few pounds and my sweating...back to normal! Honestly, I don't know how it works, but it worked for me! I have been to three sessions now. Each time I go, I have a list of things to "fix." On our last visit, I asked about my bowel issues during long runs, she said we could fix that too. I ran 15 miles on Saturday...no problems, not one cramp! It was fantastic! I don't know how it works, but it does!

If you want more information you can email me at runnergirl371 [at] gmail [dot] com.

Hope you all have a great week!

Ha'ena to Hanalei

I ran the Ha'ena to Hanalei 8 mile race this morning. "The 8-mile course begins at the end of the road in Ha'ena, traversing the scenic stretch of road and one-lane bridges along the breathtaking North Shore towards Hanalei Town. Turn left at Anae Road after the Waioli Bridge, and then turn right at Weke Road to the finish at the Hanalei Pier." This was the 29th annual fundraiser run for the Hanalei Canoe Club.

As with everything, racing is different here on Kauai. You runners will be able to appreciate these differences. First of all, I picked up my packet yesterday. They handed me my race number and gave me a Ziploc bag with a shirt. That's it. No timing chip, which, I kind of expected since it was only an 8 mile run....They shuttled the 8 mile runners to the starting line. I made my way to the bathroom and noticed several people with timing chips on their ankles. What? They had them layed out over a car and handed them out as they saw your race number. There was no real start line, per se, just a big area (the road) where everyone was hanging out waiting to start. And then all of a sudden people started running...hehehe. But the highlight of the race was entrant # 36. She was such a cute "little lady" black fur, four legs and a wet nose! Only on Kauai! ( :

I have told you about this course before, it is beautiful! The road is a curvy, hilly, two-lane road. There are a number of one-lane bridges, where one side of traffic must stop and yield to the other. They didn't shut down the road for the race, like every other race I've ever run. But again, this is Kauai, so, the cars just slowed down and waited for the runners to go to the side of the road. On the one-lane bridges, you only had room enough to run single file behind the other runners if there was a car on the bridge, which made it hard to pass during those points.

There were no mile markers, except the tiny barely visible highway mile markers that run backwards on the other side of the road. But they did have several aid stations along the way, which was great.

The finish line... there really wasn't one. It was more of a cluster. After they removed the timing chip there was someone handing out water and fruit (watermelon and oranges). And they had a pancake breakfast! (one of my favorite things, by the way). My friend made me a ti leaf lei, which, I must admit is the coolest "medal" I've ever received! 

All in all it was a great race. I had low expectations going into it, but the beauty of the course far out ways the craziness....My Garmin said 1:14, but my official time was 1:12. Not bad for me.

Coming in to the finish line 

I love Hanalei Bay!! (It was named #1 beach in the country) 

The Wai'oli Mountain Range is magnificent!

Aloha!

NRD

Have you done your run today? I ran a great 6 miler this morning before the kidlets woke up! The sun was just coming up and it was beautiful. If you haven't already, lace up those runners and celebrate. ( :

There are good runs....

and there are bad runs! I was supposed to run 13 miles yesterday and I just didn't have it in me. I felt sluggish and tired, and to top it off, my ipod died! UGH. Janice said it well, it was a "rock sucker!" But, I really can't complain since this was part of the lovely view along the way! 

Anyone want to come run the Kauai Marathon with me on September 6th? Registration will be closing soon. I am getting really excited! Hope you all had a great weekend.

Running in Paradise

I have to say that I looove Kauai! It is THE most beautiful of all the Hawaiian islands!! I had a great run yesterday.  I met up with my friend at 5:45 and we drove to the end of the road...(north shore), which is Ke'e Beach. This is where we started our 8 mile run.

The views were fantastic! You can see the ocean almost the entire way. The road is really narrow in some areas, with no shoulder to speak of, so it was a little scary at times, but sooo worth it! Absolutely gorgeous!  On one side I could see the ocean...

and on the other, Lumahai Valley. 

At the 4 mile mark I realized I left my car keys in my friend's car...important factor, since we were running to my car at Hanalei Pier. Luckily, another friend lives right in Hanalei, so she drove us back. We only went 7 miles (key mishap) and  I needed to go 11. So after I took my car home I headed back out for 4 more miles. It was a fabulous morning and I am so lucky to live here! Hope you all have a great week! Aloha!

Foto Friday

It's Foto Friday over at NikeMom's blog. Thought I would share these this week. This is my boy (in the green soccer shirt) running the jog-a-thon at his school. It was a PTA fundraiser and it was so much fun! The kids had to run laps around the field.  His group had 15 minutes to run as many as they could...

The local Fire Department also came and donated their services.

Have a great weekend!

National Running Day

National running day is right around the corner~June 3rd!  How cool is that? You can find more info here. 

Thank you for your kind words of encouragement on my last post! By the way, I am down 4 pounds!  Woo hoo! 

I want to give a shout out to a couple of my friends back in Utah.  Lyndi will be running her 2nd marathon this weekend! And Heidi will be running her 1st! Good luck ladies and have fun! 

Have a great weekend everyone!

Oi Vey!

Last weekend I bought myself a scale for Mother's Day. Since we have been in Hawaii, I have gained a few pounds. You would think I would be motivated to at least maintain my weight, right, since I have to wear a swim suit almost daily? So, as I stepped on the scale I knew I would be a bit heavier. Did I say I have gained a few pounds? It is 15! That is not a few! UGH!! I could give lots of excuses for the gain, but the fact is that I have just been lazy! So, I have followed Denise's example and will be setting up a food journal blog. I am going to record what I eat everyday, so that it is out there for all to see. I am hoping that it will keep me motivated and on track!

My goals are:

** lose 15+ pounds 

** keep my calories at 1500-1800/day

** continue running 5-6X/week 

** strength training 3X/week

** eat healthy and drink lots of water

I started my training for the Kauai Marathon this past week. Yay. And the Haena to Hanalei run is coming up in a few weeks. I am going to run the route, which is on the main highway of Kauai, this weekend with a friend, the road is pretty gnarly, so we have to go early before the traffic hits. 

Oh, and congratulations to all of you who got into the St. George Marathon! I hope you love it as much as I do!

I Am a Runner!

I ran 10 miles last Saturday~my first double digit run in weeks~and no problems! Woo Hoo!

Over the past few months I have been a little, no, a lot discouraged with the fact that I won't be able to do my 40 by 40. (finances).  But as I ran on Saturday, I realized, ironically, I am a runner! It doesn't matter if I don't run this race or that race, what matters is that I keep running. For alone time, for weight loss, for a faster time, whatever the goal may be. It is not the race that defines me as a runner, it's the fact that my feet hit the pavement every morning and I feel good doing it! I have been running for over 14 years, I have run 11 marathons, I guess I can call myself a "veteran" now, right? No matter what though, at the end of the day, I AM A RUNNER!

Injured

Remember back a few weeks...my calves were causing havoc. Well, I have finally admitted to myself that I have an injury. Self diagnosis: micro tears in my calves. The hubby's diagnosis: my hamstrings.  (I think mine sounds more impressive, but he is probably right). 

I took a full week off from running and  decided that I needed The Stick, so I went online to order one, (ironically, I have one in storage in Utah) only to have them tell me it would be better for me (shipping wise) to find one at a retailer here in Hawaii, they gave me a list of 4 stores. Not one on Kauai! Ugh! Luckily, my friend went to Oahu last week and was able to pick one up for me. Let me just say, The Stick is an incredible tool! I have been using it several times a day. My calves are feeling better, not 100%, but better. I have run three times this week. This morning's run was great, 3 miles and I didn't have to stop and walk! Yay, me! It felt good to be running again. I am still going to take it really slow.

I have gotten into some really bad habits over the last couple of months...not eating well, not strength training as much, not taking vitamins...just dumb stuff and I know better. This week I have been really trying to get myself back on track and into a regular routine. And I am going to take the next few weeks to make sure my legs are 100% better and then I will start training for marathon #12!

By the way, I signed up for the Kauai Marathon ~ September 6. This will most likely be my only marathon this year, and there are also a few small races on Kauai that I am really looking forward too. 

Hope you all have a great weekend and a Happy Easter!

Weekend Recap

I had to call Garmin customer service the other day. My Garmin wouldn't turn on! I was totally impressed that I didn't have to wait forever to talk to someone. The customer service rep asked a few questions then had me push a series of buttons and voila, my Garmin turned on! I really appreciated the great customer service. It is nice to know they back up their product! 

I had a great run on Saturday, 11 miles. I ran my favorite route. I love running hills and my calves felt great the entire run. I left early, before little runner girl woke up (I don't like saying "no" when she asks if she can come). It was a beautiful sunny morning! 

After my run we headed over to the farmer's market and a walk on the beach. I love island living!

I had a nice 6 mile run this morning. I ran on a road I haven't run on before. It was part of the old highway, so there is no traffic. The road was covered in moss and the trees that lined the road made it nice and shady. I turned off my ipod just to hear the sounds...frogs, birds, roosters. I came home and worked my legs, chest, triceps and abs. It was a great, productive morning. Hope you all have a great week!

Asics Gel-Kayano 15

I love these shoes!

????

Over the last couple of weeks I have been noticing weird aches in my lower legs. Saturday I was scheduled to run 20 miles, I hadn't even made it to the end of my street when both of my calves started burning. I thought if I stretched and walked for a minute they would loosen up. Well, no such luck. I would run for a minute, then I would HAVE to stop. My calves felt like they were going to explode! And my feet were going numb. Has anyone else experienced this?? I ended up just walking home with a total mileage of 1.83. I was so mad! Disappointed! Frustrated! The hubby (love him) rubbed out my calves with Biofreeze, which hurt so bad it brought tears to my eyes. 

I went on an easy "test" run this morning and my calves still were a little tight, but not completely debilitating like Saturday's run. I ran 5 miles and felt pretty good, my shins are kind of achy this afternoon...hope it isn't a bad omen.  

P90X

So I did the P90X this morning...it kicked my tushy. I did the chest/shoulders/triceps workout. My shoulders were totally burning when I was finished. I was disappointed that I couldn't do all of the last few sets of pushups...I know it was my first time, but still, I like perfection! ( :  I am excited to continue with the program. And I think it will continue to kick my hiny! 

I Love a Long Run

I ran 18 miles this morning! The picture is one of the roads I ran up and it was absolutely gorgeous! There were several killer hills, which I conquered (I am sore tonight). The miles just flew by, so much to look at. On the way back I could see the ocean in the distance. I am so grateful to be able to run in such a beautiful place!   

This afternoon, instead of taking a nap, we packed up the kids and went to relax at the beach. My boy LOVES the water and he had a great time boogie boarding and trying to "catch the wave." My girly is content in the sand. 

I am going to start the P90X program on Monday. It looks like a killer workout, I'm excited.

Hope you all have a great weekend.  Aloha!

Check This Out

This video is amazing! You can visit the website here.

A New Running Partner

I think I may have found the perfect running partner. She is the funniest girl I have ever met. We have great conversations. She is ready to go at the drop of a hat. She doesn't care about pace/time. She just wants to be out there running. She is also only about 40 inches tall and the cutest 2 1/2 year old I know!

The other day I was having a hard time getting out the door and my little runner girl asked if she could come too. How could I say no? So, she and I asked Daddy (the non runner) to come with us and to my shock and surprise he said yes! I got to push the stroller since I am "the runner" and it was actually great, the elevation here makes running a bit easier. 

This morning she wanted to come with me again.  We ran three miles together and then I ran another two on my own and did stairs. But during our run we found THE hill of hills. Ooh, I am so excited! I love hills and I WILL conquer this one! 

I have...

officially run in paradise! 

My first run here was just a quick 3 mile run to the end of the path by our house and back...on that path is a scenic overlook of the ocean. All I can say is WOW! I saw whales breaching on my run yesterday.  It was simply amazing! This has to be what heaven is like, running in the warm ocean air, smelling the tropical flowers, hearing the waves crashing on the sand, waking at 3:45 am to wild roosters..there aren't any mongoose on the island of Kauai so the roosters are everywhere! I actually kind of like it. It is part of the experience!

Before my run yesterday, I stubbed my toe and it really hurt, but I went running anyway. When I got home, my sock was completely covered in blood. I have a huge gash in the tip of my toe! I didn't notice a gash before my run! I didn't run this morning because I am afraid it will get infected, cuts don't heal as quickly in this climate. So hopefully it will look and feel better on Monday! 

We just got our computers today. We had to go to 3 different Post Offices to get them, and apparently our house doesn't get "home delivery." Who knew?? It is all part of the adventure! I will post more pictures later, haven't downloaded them yet. Aloha! 

The Marathon

This week over at Runner's Lounge they are talking about the marathon.

"The marathon is an obsession. It has to be."~ Mark Bloom

There's something about 26.2 miles that totally intrigues me. I have done it 11 times and I am still in awe with the experience, from the excitement of signing up to the feeling of accomplishment and relief as I cross the finish line. I love the energy that is in the air pre-race, talking with other runners, the anticipation I feel as I embark on the adventure, which is always the same, but yet a bit different each time. I love pushing myself to the limit and realizing I can accomplish anything. 

"Completing a marathon is a feeling that you can't buy. You have to earn it. The experience is what you make of it. The camaraderie is awesome."~Dan Morihiko

If you have read my blog for any length of time, you know that St. George is my favorite marathon. This year my plan was to run at least 12 marathons. Although our move will put a slight glitch in that goal, I am still planning to run 5 or 6.

The 40 by 40 is still in the works! Anyone know a good sponsor? ( : 

Foto Friday

It is Photo Friday with Nike Mom.

I am counting the days until the big move!  This is a picture of the taro fields in the Hanalei Valley, very close to where we will be living. 

  
This is Anini Beach, walking distance from our house. The original name of the beach was Wanini...the W fell off the sign and it never got replaced, thus the name change. (:  

Have a great weekend.

I had...

a fabulous 12 mile run this morning. I went by myself and it was MUCH needed alone time. As I was running I realized I haven't really been alone for nearly 2 weeks, I always have a little one in tow and it was nice to just hear the sound of my feet hit the pavement this morning. I ran on an old country road by where we live. Farm land. Who doesn't like the smell of wet hay, horses and wood burning in a fireplace? It felt great to be out in the fresh air...by myself! 

I also ate well today. It is amazing how good you feel when you make wise food choices. Hey, thanks for all of your encouraging comments! It is nice to know I have people on the sidelines cheering me on. Have a great weekend everyone!

A Clean Slate

I have been really struggling the past few week with motivation. I started this new year determined to get my life together...you know eat better, loose weight, workout everyday,give up this or that. I started with so much enthusiasm and determination. But somehow I have gotten off track, already. I have only run once this past week. I have all the excuses, my treadmill broke last week, I am moving in two weeks, so I have been packing like a mad woman, both my kids had cavities that had to be fixed this week, the list goes on.

Yesterday I spent a few minutes thinking about how good I will feel if I actually stick with my goals, if I really lost that 10 pounds. There is a huge part of me that wants to be happier and healthier this year. So what is getting in my way??

Is it fear or sabotage? OR is it just being more comfortable with my own laziness? Most people just slip back into their old habits, I haven't even done that. My old habits were good, I seem to be creating all new ones. I have been asking myself  "How badly do you want this? or is it just some silly fantasy that would be nice if I didn't have to work too hard at it?

I decided if I really want things to change I need to put all my effort into it and start with a clean slate:

* Reconfirm to myself what I want.

* Make sure my goals are realistic.

* Write down my goals for the year.

* Spend a few minutes every morning reading my goals and imagine what it will be like to achieve them.

* Make a plan to attain my goals.

* Take small steps each day to achieve my goals.

I think if  I keep a positive attitude and remember Frayed Laces' motto~DDYA, I can do anything I put my mind to.