This time last year (or at any point in my life) I would never have believed you if you told me that I would be running a 5k.
Or a 10k.
Or a half marathon.
I would have said to you, "you're off your rocker!"

Things have changed BIG TIME and I have grown to love running and the benefits it brings.

Starting in June 2010 I trained for my first 5k using this amazing 9 week program called "Get Running" (click here for the link to the app). There was a point about 3/4 of the way through that I started doubting myself and wondered why people love running so much. Glad I got over that hump. Now I'm addicted.

After running my first 5k in September I used another app called "Bridge to 10k" (click here for app link) which is a 6 week training program for graduates of a 5k.  

From there the next goal: half marathon! It's been surprisingly easier than I thought it would be. I'm using the Jeff Galloway (Olympic marathoner) RUN-WALK-RUN method. Using this method allows you to run injury free, have a quicker recovery and finish your race with a smile on your face. He has you calculate your "magic mile" to determine your pace and provides the correct run/walk ratio according to your "magic mile." The ratio I'm using right now is a run 4min/walk 1min (faster runners could be using an 8/1 ratio) while slower runners could be using a 2/1). With that little 1 minute walk break it allows me to run faster than if I ran the whole thing straight through. Then if you choose, you can run the last 1-3 miles of your run without any walk breaks.  Something I've noticed with training this way is that it has improved my speed on my short runs during the week. A little added benefit. I also want to add that I have a little arthritis in my knees which makes them snap, crackle and pop. Using this training plan gives me hope that I'll be able to keep running even with my knee issues.

If you're interested, you can purchase his book on Amazon: "Half Marathon: You Can Do It." I don't own the book but have checked it out from the library and highly recommend. Lots of tips and tricks on good running form, what to eat, what to wear according to the temperature outside, etc... He has training plans for all levels of runners. The schedule I'm using is this:

One evening our tummies had a fever.
And the only prescription was....

Wheat Thins dipped in Cream Cheese
with Sweet Chili Sauce!!!

I'm warning you! There will be not a crumb or a swipe of the
creamy/sweet/spicy goodness left if you turn your back.

And there wasn't.


Sorry. Cell pic does not do it justice. You'll have to try it for yourself.
Mae Ploy is the brand of choice for sweet chili sauce goodness...

We've had the privilage of having my niece stay with us for the past month.
She's like a daughter to me.
She is beautiful with a heart of gold.
We're always sad to see her go.

Apollo, lying on the top of the couch, watched Teesha walk up the driveway to get in the car to leave.
With tears in his eyes and his voice he said, "Mom, I think we need to adopt Teesha!"
It broke my heart.

We miss you already sweet girl...

Some posters I designed and had printed for some recent birthdays:

Honeybob has one more year until he starts counting backwards.

His request for a good party:
good peeps
balloons
hot fudge brownie sundaes
and a whole lotta sass!

I have a 12, almost 13 year old lifesaver.
She's smart.
She's beautiful.
She's kind and giving.
AND
She's always willing to help me out with Apollo.

This week I've had something going on every night.
Sarah has been quick to step right in and take care of things.

I feel bad because she hasn't had much of a break.
And she hasn't complained.

If you happen to see her, let her know how amazing she is.
I couldn't be more blessed to have such a special daughter.
I always know Apollo's in good hands.
Apollo really loves her.
And I do too!

(don't mind the dirty mirror.)

Remember this post: "Patiently Waiting for Me."

Well, I have new babies.
But they aren't what I was hoping for from my previous post.
In fact, they aren't even Asics!
They're Brooks!
I never thought I'd veer from Asics but the professionals gave me the best options for my foot type and from those three particular styles (one from Asics, Nike and Brooks), I chose these:




They felt the best over the other two.
I have 90 days if I decide they're not working out.


They have "Shoe Dog" which is a free service where they find the perfect-fitting running or walking shoes for you, reducing injuries, eliminating blisters and running in total comfort (can you tell I pulled that from their ad).

They have you run or walk barefoot on a treadmill while they videotape your feet so they're able to analyze your foot placement. They then show you the footage on a big screen and watch in slow-motion how you run/walk. They also have you stand on a pad that is heat/weight sensitive and measures the amount of weight that is distributed throughout your feet. I found that my left foot carries 45% of my weight, while my right is 55%.

For my feet, they suggested custom insoles which they mold to your feet while there and you take home immediately. They're good for 1 1/2 years and have a 30 day money back guarantee. They also have pre-made insoles that might be a better fit for some people. 

I felt the custom insoles were definitely worth it since I'm training for a 1/2 marathon and I had a sore foot after my last 6.5 mile run.

So with doing the analysis, the shoes I had my heart set on would have been "over-supporting" for my feet and could have caused problems. My friends' analysis revealed that they would have been a good match for her though. 


If you've never been to Road Runner, they have two locations here in Washington:



Kent Station
444 Ramsay Way, Ste 114
Kent, WA 98032
(253) 850-6200


Seattle
7020 Woodlawn Avenue NE
Seattle, WA 98115
(206) 517-5100



Make sure you try out "Shoe Dog." It's definitely worth it.


Your feet will thank you. 

If you're in Sascha's class at school expect to get one of these with a lollipop poked through his hand.

I uploaded the pic and he designed the rest in Photoshop.
So he likes Daft Punk and Tron....
I did have him remove the tomatoes he had over his eyes.
And the Mexican hat.
I thought the mustache was cute.

Here's the pic I got the idea from.
Can't remember the site though...