Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Physical Therapy

Today I went to Physical therapy to figure what is going on with my left leg. I have not been able to run for 3 weeks now. I injured my left hip flexor. This is very common with people in my age group He told me that as you age your tendons get brittle. Well isn't that a delight? Gee Wiz! Anyway a little stretching and the start of a new walking program I should be able to run again in no time. I will be taking it easy though. The problem was I ran too far too fast instead of gradually moving up. I have learned a lesson and look forward to the healing process! Just an update to anyone who reads I will keep you posted.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Much needed date night!

Brian and I are having a date to see one of our favorite comedians Brian Regan. He is so funny. The thing I like most about him is he uses no cuss words or profanity. He is just a good ole funny guy. You should look him up on Youtube. He is playing at the Shnitzer concert hall downtown Portland. I am very excited. Well the show will be starting gotta run!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Big Bummer!

Well I haven't posted in a while. I thought I would update. I have not been able to run for 2 weeks now. I pulled muscles in my quads. I ran too hard too fast and now need to take it easy for a little longer however I have been swimming and riding the bike to keep up my physical endurance. I miss running so much I realize how much I enjoy it now that I cannot. I went to the doctor today she said I shouldn't have a problem running the marathon so that is great news, but I do have a race scheduled July 12 I probably will not be able to run. I am so bummed. Back to the swimming to be quite frank I SUCK at it. I don't have the technique I tried the whole breathing thing and flowing through the water I do not know how people do it, it is not easy. It is a great workout though Did you know swimming one mile equals the same as running 4 miles. Crazy huh? Anyways gotta run!! (did I just say that) not run but I gotta go! So you think you can dance is on Cant miss it! Take Care Y'all

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Back in business


I had a few days off of running over the weekend due to a very important event. Christian's graduation.
What an exciting time. Family came to visit. I got to see my sis and mom I miss them very much. We had so much fun celebrating. So after taking a few days off I am back to training. It actually is good for your body to have recovery time when I got back to running on Tuesday I felt great I ran 5 miles with no problems and had lots of energy. I will be running Nike campus today 4 miles. I am right on track with my training. I am looking forward to summer and the boys being out of school (4 more days) so that I can run earlier in the morning and also take them to the gym with me at our gym we have this great outdoor pool with lounge chairs it is like a retreat and the boys love it there. This school year seems so long we had days added because of all the snow days we had in winter. I am looking forward to no homework and that I don't have to make lunches every morning. Anyways I am babbling on and on. REMEMBER: Keep on moving on!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

slow week

It has been a slow week for running. My plan is to run Tue,wed,Thur,and long runs on Sat. Well with Christians graduation this weekend and family arriving I have not had time really. It has been an overwhelming week Cam got sick, I had to go to the eye Dr and she said I have 3 ulcers in my right eye which is pretty painful. So tomorrow I plan to get up and go run as soon as the kids get to school and then clean house, store and make Christians memory board for graduation. The memory board is a board where we decorate and add pictures from when he was a baby up to now it should be fun and bittersweet. I am very excited that he is becoming an adult but yet sad. I had Christian the August before my senior year. He attended my high school graduation at 11 months old so this is an emotional time for Bri and I. I can't believe he is graduating high school already. Where does the time go? For all of you out there with newborns or toddlers pick them up and coddle them like there is no tomorrow because it goes so fast. I was going through Christians baby pictures I just remember his little personality and how loving affectionate and sweet. I love my three sons. They are treasures from God I am so thankful God let me borrow them on this earth and trusted me to raise them. Thank You Jesus! Happy Graduation Son! Your time has come!

Sunday, May 31, 2009

8 miles

I ran today through forest park. I ran 8 miles. This is my 7th week training. 8 miles was a little harder than anticipated, although I accomplished it, I did have to take a walk break I know that is okay being I am a new runner but it is also a pride factor I feel that I should be able to run 8 with no problems my body begged to differ that is why it is important to listen to your body. What is great is that I am achieving goals each and every week and should be plenty ready to complete the 26.2 in October if I keep on doing what I am doing. I am very happy with my accomplishments each and every week. Just a little update I will be taking a rest today. Have a great day to All!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

ICE

Ice is my new companion. I tell this to you because once the running starts you start feeling aches and pains on places you didnt know existed. I have been reading alot of material on running, proper technique, stretching, attire, motivation and all sort of stuff. People actually take ice baths. I try to imagine what that would be like but oh my I dont want to go there it is hard enough to ice my hip for 15 minutes. Can you imagine and ICE BATH. I would rather suffer. The importance of ice is to reduce inflamation. It is only my 6th week I have a long way to go I am sure there is plenty more ice in my future. For now I will keep icing. Sunday I will be running 8 miles.. Bring it on!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

I came in First!!

We had a great weekend we went to a little rustic cabin in the woods in La Pine, Oregon. It is about a four hour drive from where we live. When we arrived, after driving on dirt road after dirt road in the forest, we came upon the little rustic cabin. When I say rustic I mean rustic. It did not have any running water the only water source was from the outside pump. It had a wood cook stove which was amazing and this little cabin overlooks the deshutes river. It was beautiful and great. I took a lot of pictures but our camera failed us (darn). We did a lot of fishing (cameron caught one). On Sunday we went to sunriver where I was competing in my first 5 mile race. Saturday night I had a hard time sleeping, I wanted to do well. We arrived at the Sunriver Resort Saturday morning at 7:30 am. Registration took place at 8:00 and the race was due to start at 9:00. I registered and received my number and a shirt. Being it was my first race I didnt know where to pin the number (you want to make sure it is in just the right spot). I was watching the racers arrive checking out my competition. I had butterflies. We had a prerace meeting at 8:45. They were going over our course and telling us to follow all the blue arrows. The course was amazing. around a golf course follow the river around the airport and back again. It was 75 degrees this day, the sky was blue, Snow capped Mt Bachelor off in the distance, what a beautiful sight. It was time to start. Brian, Cayden and Cameron were there to cheer me on. Here it goes they start. Take your mark, set, Go! I started off a little too fast but that was ok. I was on a little paved runway through the golf course, listening to the birds, taking in all the fresh air I come around the bend I see the river flowing by me, I see Bri and the boys in the car Yelling GO MOM I kept running keeping a good pace I felt my shin start tightening up I need to stop and stretch and tie my shoe. I kept going, I see a coyote, I start picking up my pace, there are a lot of folks on the trail riding bikes and running so I am not too frightened. I come around still along the river I see 3 fish jump in the river it was amazing I then come upon 4 deer on the course I am thanking God for all his beauty and what a gorgeous creation. I come upon the drink station I am so thirsty. I take a drink and the volunteer tells me only one mile and a half to go I yell YEAH!! I see the boys again in the car they were able to follow along on parts and they are yelling for me. I keep going I am feeling great my leg loosened up so it is no longer hurting I am enjoying the environment. I come around the airport a little plane is landing. People are passing me on bikes and saying "You are almost there" I see it the Finish Line in the distance I pick up the pace and start booking it to the finish line I see my family I am excited a few more feet to go, the people are cheering, there I go across the finish line arms up and all smiles... 49:44 is my time. That is a very good finish for my first race. 5 miles in 49 minutes and 44 seconds. I received a first place ribbon for my age group. I love the Race. It was amazing.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Sunriver Fun Run

I am so excited. About what? You ask. Well we are going to stay in my friends cabin tomorrow down in La Pine in Central Oregon. We are thrilled her little cabin is so rustic it will feel just like camping. We are planning on having a very eventful time. Lava Caves, Paddling, Hiking, and fishing. Cameron is already packing, he just cant wait. The most exciting thing though for me is I am running a race on Sunday. The Sunriver Fun Run. It is a 5 mile race. I am confident I can do it. It is going to be a very fun weekend. Happy Memorial weekend to All! Did I mention Christian Graduates in 15 days (random thought).

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Nike Campus

Yesterday I ran at nike campus in Beaverton, Oregon. What a beautiful place the track is 2 miles around. I ran 3 times around which equals 6 miles I ran with my friend Janee who is a long distance runner. She was a great motivator and told me I was doing a real good job. I felt a little tired being that after that I had to go to work. I was exhausted last night. Looking forward to good night sleep, but that didnt happen because The weather here in Oregon has been in the 80's and well I guess my skin is not used to the sun anymore because I broke out in this crazy rash. I am miserable. I guess my sunbathing days are over. I have had a nice relaxing day today. Happy Sunday to you All.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Things I recommend for running

Socks play an important part in running. The socks I recommend are smartwool PHD they are a wool on wool woven sock to wick more moisture, they have a blister free system built in to the sock they are great in cool or warm weather.. Also Shoes are the the most important being, I work at REI this has helped because they can be very spendy. I also recommend good insoles (Superfeet). Your feet need to be happy because they are what is going to move you Another thing I recommend for running is an IPOD, this is a necessity for me, music keeps me going. It definitely motivates me. Today I was able to run for 1 hour and 15 minutes and Saturday I will be running 6 miles at the nike campus. 6 miles is the longest I will run. I am very excited for the challenge. I am able to endure running longer and feel good doing it. People have told me that speed will come. I am not worried too much about finishing fast but just finishing at all. For now I am going to keep on running.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Running in Oregon

Running in Oregon can sometimes be very different with the weather. I did two runs last week where it just poured rain. I was trail running when it started to rain. I actually enjoy running in the rain very much. Running in the rain is very liberating. I felt refreshed and cool. Something about running in the mud also (makes me feel like a kid all over again). After wards, all I wanted was a cup of hot coffee and some soup. That is exactly what I did. My girlfriends and I went to lunch ordered a cup of coffee and I had some hot chili. Nothing ever tasted so delicious. In the meantime we were drenched and looking forward to a nice hot shower. What a great day!

Monday, May 11, 2009

Mothers day!

Yesterday I went for a run at the track while Cayden had to do field work for his baseball team at the school. I ran for a full hour without stopping. It is getting easier every week that passes. Anyway, Cayden and his teammates lined up around the track and were clapping me on. It was so hilarious. He told me he was proud that I can run an hour without stopping and assured me his friends cannot even run for 5 minutes. I thought I would share. Its things like this that help us to continue on in the race. Thank You Cayden.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Mothers Day!

Happy Moms day to all you beautiful mothers Everywhere!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

How does a Mother of 3 run a marathon?

I am running a marathon (did I mention that?) I have 3 kids and a full time job. One thing that helps is that my kids are all in school. I work a retail job this also allows me to go to the gym before work being that I do not need to be there until 945 usually. Cameron is on the bus at 755 I am out the door at 8 I run 3 miles at the gym and then I get ready for work. On the days that I am off I will run a trail or I run the track while Cayden is at baseball practice. Today I was off and I ran with a friend and her boot camp class, we ran at Mt. Tabor in Portland Oregon (what a beautiful place). We had a blast. After that we went to a great little cafĂ© in SE Portland. We ate a much needed breakfast, it was delicious. I am a little sore today and I am sure it will be worse tomorrow. Tomorrow I will be running forest park and I am looking forward to that. Having support from my family has really helped too. The boys are all supportive and that carries me along. I am going to continue putting one foot in front of the other. That’s all I have for now. Keep on running.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Run,Run and Run

Do You not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 1 Corinthians 9:24

I am in my fourth week of training. I feel great. I never thought running could be so much fun. June 1st will start my official marathon training right now I am preparing my body. I signed up for my first race July 12. Go Girl Trail run, it should be very exciting. Tomorrow I will be running with a friend from work and Thursday another girlfriend and I are going running. As for now, I am going to keep on running!

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

training

I am now on my third week of pre-training. I am able to run a full hour without stopping (that is at a slow pace). Running feels really great. It definitely clears the mind. I signed up for my first race for July 12th, Go Girl trail run it is a 6 miler. I am so excited. I have a lot of friends rallying around me so that keeps me motivated. I am on the run. Post more later

Friday, April 24, 2009

What's new with me!

Well It has been such a long time since blogging last. What is new with Me? Well April 9th Brian and I had our 16th wedding anniversary. We had a great time, had dinner at PF Changs and then went to Barnes and Noble for some coffee and good reads. I came across a beginners runner magazine (I have always been inspired to run a marathon). I bought the magazine and became really inspired. Guess What? I will be running Portland Marathon on October 4, 2009. I have started training to train (if that makes sense) My goal is to lose 10 pounds before June 1st. June 1st I begin training. I will be running two 10k races prior to the marathon (God Willing). All Prayers appreciated! I will be posting throughout my training to let you all know how its going. I will be seeing the finish line!

Monday, February 23, 2009

Baseball Season in Tack





Today is the day for the next few months where we get busy, busy,busy. Today is the first day of baseball for Christian. It is his last year, unless by God's will he will be able to play at Community College. Only four more months of high school for him. I have been looking at baby pictures of him, boy he has grown fast. Where has the time gone? I look forward to the next few months. Bring on Baseball season. It is my favorite time. I love to watch my boys play sports.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Black bean and Egg Burrito

I love to cook. I have some great recipes that I would like to share I am going to be posting them on my blog once in a while. Here is one that I think you will love. It is very easy inexpensive and quick. You will need:
1 can black beans Drained and rinsed
1 red bell pepper
1 medium onion
2 cloves of garlic
cooking spray
6 eggs (scrambled)
mexican cheese blend (grated)
burrito size tortillas

Directions
saute pepper,onion, and garlic in pan with spray until soft (4 minutes)
add beans, season with salt and pepper (substitute salt w/mrs. dash if you choose)
cook 3 minutes
layer tortilla with cheese, bean mixture and eggs. Roll up and enjoy! Delicious!
I would have a photo but I ate it too fast!

Friday, January 23, 2009

calling in sick


Today I had to call in sick not for me being sick but Cameron. I dont know about you but I hate calling in sick.It makes me feel that I am not very reliable. This guilt comes over me I am not sure why because really, will they fire me for having an ill child? I dont think so and If that happens I need to remember it is the will of God.It is hard when you work outside of the home and you are responsible for more people then yourself. When you have a boss that does not have children this becomes very difficult because they are not sensitive to the fact that someone needs to nurture a sick child. I have a new understanding of what moms go through battling the guilt of when to call in or not. So today while at home I am baking cookies catching up on laundry and doing housework (well, kind of).I pray that Cameron will feel better and I will enjoy the rest of my day. And remember The Good Lord is in control of ALL things! Jen