Three Things Thursday

1. I don't get Twitter! Although I have an account, (runnergrlstacey) I have never "tweeted." I just don't get it. If someone could explain it to me...

2. I am afraid of spiders! I hate them! I feel like I have to wash my hands after I see one...  I had to kill one this morning...Ewww!

3. I am getting really excited for the St George marathon on Saturday! I just drove past the finish line area...They are setting everything up as I type this! I am giddy!

Have a great weekend and good luck to all of you who will be racing!
Keep running!

My Shameless Plug...

...for free stuff! (:

Thank you CafePress for this SIGG water bottle with my Runner Girl logo! 

CafePress offers millions of personalized hoodies, and 2011 monthly calendars for any brand, topic or interest. If you haven't already, go check them out! They have tons of designs to choose from or you can make your own!

Keep running!

St.George Marathon

Hmm.. Eight years ago I ran my first marathon..the St. George Marathon. 

Looking back there are several things that stand out in my memory. I remember that nervous excitement the week leading up to the race. I didn't sleep very well that week in anticipation, I remember I did a lot of deep cleaning. I remember the anxiousness I felt riding the bus to the start line early in the morning, not knowing exactly what to expect in the next few hours. I remember being ecstatic just making it to the starting line. I remember all the energy at the start listening and talking with other runners as we tried to stay warm by the fire. And then it was time..the gun went off and I was running a marathon! My first marathon! I had dreamed about that goal for years and it was finally coming to fruition. At mile 7-ish, the metropolis of Veyo, was the first of several times that I got teary. The spectators were cheering and I couldn't believe I was there. It was a bit surreal for me, I guess. 

Then at about mile 18-ish, I got teary again..I had to keep reminding myself to breath..it isn't easy to run and cry at the same time. Once I got into town, it was really hard to hold back the tears. I was almost there. And when I saw the finish line and my family, that is when the tears really started. I had done it! Crossing that finish line was the most empowering feeling I had ever experienced. I had run a marathon! 26.2 miles! I KNEW at that moment I could do anything!

Next Saturday I will be running the St. George marathon again. (Marathon #22) I am so excited! Although I don't get nervous anymore, I do still get teary when I cross the finish line.. There just isn't anything quite like it.

Keep running!

Inspiring..

I know this video has been going around, but I finally watched it today... loved it. And yes, I totally cried! So I wanted to share.

Keep Running!

America's Nutrition

I am a supplement girl. I use creatine and I like drinking a protein shake after my workouts. I take a multi vitamin and fish oil every day. So when Zach over at  America's Nutrition contacted me a few weeks ago to promote their website I was very excited.

America's Nutrition is a great site for nutritional supplements. They have a wide range of products from  supplements to weight loss pills to protein powders. They also have bath and beauty products. They are located in Northwest Indiana, near Chicago.

Zach sent me some samples of protein powder: Dymatize Elite Whey Protein, and Musceltein Ultra-7 Protein. Some GABA (which I use the two nights before a race, helps me sleep). And some Glucosamine Chondroitin with MSM, which is helping my knee tremendously. Everything came quickly, and  I would definitely recommend America's Nutrition!

They also have a great new blog: The Fit Wits and you can check it out here. Thanks so much Zach!

2010 Patriots Run

I remember September 11, 2001 like it was yesterday. I woke up, turned on the news and just cried as I witnessed those tragic events. Even now when I see the footage from that day, I get teary.

This past weekend on Sept 11th, I was able to participate in the Patriots Run marathon in Olathe, Kansas. It was an amazing event that I am so glad I was able to be a part of. Before the start, which was at noon, someone announced that as the troops in Afghanistan were running their Patriots's Run, they were shot at. Wow! I can't even imagine! We are blessed with so many freedoms in this country.

There were many soldiers there to support and participate in this event, which was held at the Great Mall. The course was a 1 mile loop that went through the parking lot. It was awesome to be able to run with the soldiers, many in their fatigues and a 60 lb pack on their backs...made me teary every time I would see them.

I wasn't sure how I would like the loop, but it was actually fun because we were able to see and encourage each other all along the way. And this was the one and only time I will ever run next to Sam Felsenfeld in a race..(: By the way, he ran the marathon in 3:42 and then continued on with the ultra, running over 54 miles in 9:11 and won the ultra!

Kim and Doug, who were my hosts, were just awesome. Thanks again for letting me stay and hang with you guys. This was Kim's 31st marathon and Doug's 87th! You are both my marathoning heroes! 

I loved seeing the flags along the course..

This "Flag of Honor" has all the names of the victims of 9-11 printed on it..

It was raised for the entire race.

Kim and I before the race..

I met so many nice people at the Patriots Run this past weekend.. I like Kansas. 

I can't imagine a better way to spend 9-11-10 than running in a marathon honoring those who serve and protect our country! I am proud to be an American!

**Thank you Little Caesars for making this race possible!**