26.2: Ice Ice Baby

No, not this...

...or is it?

What a great run I had today, It was cold mind you but I was well rested, hydrated, nourished and best of all motivated. In one week I will run Spring Dash, two weeks later, Bloomsday and before you know I'll be posting my full marathon results. In all three races I have goals to PR (personal record) over my past race results. On my weekly long run this morning while using my trusty runtastic app I hit two PR's with regard to distance and time on similar terrain which motiviated me even further. My husband was home with Ethan and tended to me on my pit stops by the house. I called him when I hit my 8th mile back at home at which point he met with Gatorade, GU and my inhaler.

I headed back out to the cold to pound out a couple more miles and hit my goal of 2 hours, 20 minutes and yup - I listened to a little VANILLA ICE ICE BABY to keep me going! What can I say, for my generation - it's a "classic!"

I then called him when I hit my 10th mile and told him I'd be home in 20 minutes and in need of, as you might have guessed...

Yes, after running 12 1/2 miles for 2 hours and 20 minutes in 32 degree weather and wanting nothing more than to slink into the hot tub (at a toasty 104 degrees) I embraced my inner athlete (hiding these many years under a crafting, quilting, baby making momma) and jumped into a zero degree F ice bath. Shrieks and shrills filled the upstairs floor of our home as I slowly settled into the frigid waist deep waters in our tub. My very concerned almost 2 year old toddled up the stairs to peek in on his momma who was making all manner of silly and even distressing sounds just to make sure I was okay. He kept pointing up at the shower head saying "Take shower... take shower... momma - take shower." He is so smart. I wonder what he must have thought about his crazy momma freezing in an icy tub when the warm shower he enjoys so much was right there!

"Alright stop - collaborate and listen!

Ice is back with a brand new invention!"

Yes, 1990 was "To The Extreme" for sure - just like me! HAHA!

Thank you for your continued support, donations and prayers while I train...

EVERY MILE, EVERY STEP AND EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS!

Ps... I will redeem myself in my next post with my complete playlist and would love to know what my fellow runners listen to as well!

I won a treadmill my first season. It was gently used and one of my teammates raffled it off at a fundraiser and wouldn't you know - I won! It was a great little treadmill that served me well in the winter months during my second season. When we moved we got rid of it - too big and heavy to pack. Once we seltted into our new home and set up our gym area in the garage we purchased a new one that has been a great tool in my early training so far this season. I use it in a pinch for shorter runs when I can't get my run in before dark, until today that is.

Our beautiful weather of late has passed and I woke up to quite a bit of rain and wind yesterday and today. I grabbed Tyson and headed out a dedicated little runner this morning but we only made it a half a mile out before turning around. We walked back into the house soaking wet and David just chuckled (as thought he expected me any minute). Tyson was miserable out there - he usually leads the charge but he kept dragging behind me. I was cold with feet already soaked so to the treadmill I went. I logged just over 10 miles in 120 minutes on the treadmill with the garage doors open and a good show on the iPad. The cool air felt great and 3 episodes of Parenthood kept me entertained for such a long run on in one spot. I had a great run but can't wait to get back out on the open road!

Thank you for your continued support, donations and prayers while I train...

EVERY MILE, EVERY STEP AND EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS!

Spring has sprung in beautiful Spokane this last week and just in time to deliver unto us absolutely amazing Easter weather. Along with egg hunts in the park this weather brings great opportunities for warm morning runs in the glorious sun. With Ethan having started soccer tots this last weekend I chose to tackle the long weekend training run on my own using our house as home base for water and fueling breaks. This way I wouldn't miss out on Ethan showing off all his athletic skills for the 18mos - 36mos old set.

For my first leg of 3 miles I grabbed my mischevious pin min Tyson and his harness and we discovered that my shadow has a darling little best friend of her very own too:

It was so wonderful to be out in the sun on Easter morning and Tyson did great on his first run in quite some time. I dropped him off at home and headed back out for 7 more miles. It was my best run of the season so far, a great time with Tyson and a the little "calm before the storm" of getting back home and whipping up a wonderful Easter brunch .

I hope you all had an amazing Easter weekend and are basking in the warmth of the sun we've been blessed with this week. If you have some time get out there and go for a jog!

Hola! We've been on an incredible journey this last week to Puerto Vallarta and back. It was such a blessing to escape the chilly temperatures of good old Spokane, WA and bask in the glow of the sunshine on a beautiful beach. Not only did we warm up our toes but we rejuvenated our spirits. You just have to get away every so often!

We mostly hiked, swam and carried around our 21 month old son for cross training but I was able to work in some light training jogs on the sandy beaches:

We swam with dolphins, saw a mother whale and escort whale teaching a baby whale to breach the waters and even tried to save some darling baby turtles left behind on the beach. But as all goods things do, our trip had to come to an end.

The following day my training run wasn't quite so warm and wonderful...

I was so grateful to return home to donations in my mail box and I appreciate all the love and support you've all provided so far. I'm over half way to my goal and with your continued support I know we can make some miracles happen!

Please consider a donation of any size -

every step, every mile and every single dollar helps!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Today would have been John's 64th birthday if Leukemia hadn't taken him from us.

We wish you were with us to celebrate Grandpa John, you would just adore your grandchildren as we would all adore you. I'm running for you and with the love and support of our friends and family I'll make it to that finish line. I know you'll be watching over me on race day too!

God Bless!

Update from the Treadmill: I ran 1 hour and 22 minutes yesterday on my long training run. It was a strong run but I have much farther to go in the near future. Please help me in this war on cancer - your donation will go miles in helping patients in need and researchers to close in on the cure.

EVERY MILE, EVERY STEP AND EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS!

Thank you for stopping by my TNT page today :)