tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56215220666866595022024-03-05T13:39:30.450-08:00My Happy NestCome along with me as I raise three kids, work in our real estate and construction business, achieve my running goals and keep my life in balance.My-Happy-Nest.Blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14965979504462735740noreply@blogger.comBlogger334125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5621522066686659502.post-43042363340782452192017-09-03T07:59:00.000-07:002017-09-03T07:59:49.787-07:00Rome, Italy - 5/16/2001 & 5/17/2001<i>{This is a post from my travel journal that I kept while on our 3 week tour of Europe in 2001. I thought it would be fun to compare our 2017 trip to Italy with the one we took 16 years ago. In retrospect, I am SO glad I kept track of our trip - even though it may not be as thorough as it would be if I was writing it today!}</i><br />
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May 16, 2001<br />
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Today was another day of travel. We went from Nice to Rome. For most of the way, we sat with girls who had studied in Spain since January. The one girl made it a point to put a Spanish accent on everything she said. It was really ridiculous, especially when she said, "Fanta." Anyway, we finally got to Rome and we were approached by a man from the tourist office. We were skeptical at first, but then we realized he was from the office and he didn't want any money up front. So, he suggested a place and we went to look at it. It seemed a little odd, but we took it anyway and it turned out to be fine. After dinner, which took forever to find a place, we took a walk around the town. We were trying to find Piazza Navona, which is supposedly the place to be. We didn't find it, but saw some neat parts of the city anyway. It is really amazing how the ruins are just there in the middle of a big city like that. We also found some ruins that were turned into a cat sanctuary. And, there really were cats there.<br />
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May 17, 2001<br />
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We walked the city of Rome today. It is an amazing city and it is impossible to see it all in one day. We first went to the Colosseum. We went in and walked around and climbed the horrible steps to the top. The floor is no longer there so you can see the old tunnels that are underneath. You can take a tour with an archaeologist for about $3 extra, but the next one didn't leave for a while so we didn't take it. We then walked to the Vatican and what a walk that was! It's so hot and muggy in Rome that it made the walk seem much worse I'm sure. But, once we got there, we realized it was so worth it. The place is truly amazing. There's really no way to describe the place and how beautiful it was. I'm sure our pictures won't do it justice either. It's something you really just have to see! We took a taxi to the train station because our feet were about to fall off. We checked the times for Venice and then shopped around for a while. We walked back to the hotel and took a nap because we were exhausted. When we woke up, we shopped for a while and then had dinner at an Irish pub. After that, we sat out at a cafe and Tommy had some wine and I had an espresso, which is what everyone drinks there as coffee, but it is as thick as oil- the sugar just sits at the top of the coffee. It was strong, but good. Although, I'm pretty sure it caused me to sleep horribly through the night!My-Happy-Nest.Blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14965979504462735740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5621522066686659502.post-35265015597615774092017-08-05T07:35:00.003-07:002017-08-05T07:35:35.337-07:00A Letter to Josie's Teacher<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-size-adjust: auto;">
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{Well, it's been a hot minute since I've touched this blog because...life. (Actually, it's been a hot year, but that doesn't sound as snappy.) I'm not bothering to recap the last year of life, but instead, patting myself on the back because one blog post is better than none.}</div>
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Josie started middle school this week. What in the what?!?!?! Wasn't she just in preschool?</div>
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Nope - that was 8 years ago. I'll stop the incredulousness now because it's definitely happened. She's definitely 11 1/2 and in 6th grade now.</div>
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Back when I was an overly optimistic new mom, I decided to write my kids a letter each year on their birthday. I would seal it up and then deliver them all at the high school graduation party so they could read and we could cry together. Or laugh and roll our eyes. That's probably more our style.</div>
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Guess how many letters I wrote? One. That's it. Josie's first birthday letter is tucked away somewhere in the basement. Sorry Tessa and Jack. Three kids in four years, moving three hours from "home," starting and running a business, and just keeping it all together was enough for this mom. I've got lots of memories to share though thanks to Timehop and this blog. I'm 100% OK with that.</div>
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I had a homework assignment this week for Josie's Social Studies class. The teacher wanted us to write a letter introducing our child. Time to redeem myself! What could I write in a letter that would summarize the last 11 1/2 years and represent my daughter's personality? When writing, I realized that really not much has changed since that first picture. She's still an enthusiastic learner, not shy in any way, shape, or form, and loves new experiences and meeting new people. She's a lot like her mother, but definitely has a better sense of humor, and penchant for fun, and other great features, that she earned from her father. </div>
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For posterity sake, and for reference at her high school graduation party, here is my letter to her teacher...</div>
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Dear Mrs. _____________,</div>
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We are all excited for Josie’s first year of middle school! This is new territory for us as Josie is the oldest of our three kids. Her younger sister, Tessa, is in 5th grade and brother, Jack, is in 1st grade. My husband, Tom, and are both from Ohio and we moved here to Greenfield when Josie was about a year old. </div>
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Josie has loved school from the very beginning. She has always enjoyed reading and learning about new things, both in the classroom and here at home. And, she’s not afraid to share what she knows with anyone who will listen! She is definitely not shy and usually will not hesitate to be in front of the class or a crowd. </div>
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On the academic front, Josie is a good student and receives good grades. She probably enjoys the reading/language arts side more than math, but she seems to do well with both. She is a speedy reader and almost always has a book in her hand! That speediness can get in the way a little when doing school work, so I try to encourage her to take her time when working on school work as she does have a tendency to rush through things. </div>
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Josie has always been the one in our family who is not afraid to try new things. She is almost always enthusiastic about trying things and usually has a very positive attitude. This follows through to school work but also in her interactions with friends and strangers. Her favorite place as a toddler was the McDonald’s Play Place because she could meet new friends!</div>
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We are looking forward to watching Josie continue to grow through 6th grade this year. Thank you for taking the time to get to know our kids a little better! This exercise was really nice for me as well. I don’t usually take the time to think about all of these things so it was nice to focus on Josie’s qualities and personality!</div>
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Sincerely, </div>
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Sara</div>
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My-Happy-Nest.Blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14965979504462735740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5621522066686659502.post-22096218834144822582016-06-05T17:58:00.000-07:002016-06-05T18:16:55.070-07:00Deep Thoughts at a Country Music ConcertLast night, in the middle of a fantastic Keith Urban concert, a pretty deep thought popped up out of no where. One that was way too deep for the usual country music lyrics. (I mean, really... "Huntin, and fishin' and lovin' everyday?" How do they even write country music? My iPad didn't even want me to type that because of spell check!)<br>
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For a big part of the show, this was my view...<div><a href="http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/joynerhomes/Sara%20Blog/DB31E79B-D0F6-4FDA-B6B6-C7506C8C4B80_zpso9d5fnxe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbkwgNzOb1lykZV-NLZrI2A7j60E-f9_-I0qfquc0P2AmHuY00ryV_cr7rvO_TiEgIFknumzslfmd4trXOgl3EVTUe6Fbw8-PjzHGY-zfI6ZHveawC6mTgXWE2glgOdghy4X7r22stA0/s640/blogger-image-450843932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbkwgNzOb1lykZV-NLZrI2A7j60E-f9_-I0qfquc0P2AmHuY00ryV_cr7rvO_TiEgIFknumzslfmd4trXOgl3EVTUe6Fbw8-PjzHGY-zfI6ZHveawC6mTgXWE2glgOdghy4X7r22stA0/s640/blogger-image-450843932.jpg"></a></div></div><br>Obviously, I took this from an angle to be dramatic...before said deep thought hit me. I didn't stand there like a martyr the whole time. I wiggled around and watched over his shoulder and paid attention to the screen more than anything - not uncommon in such a large concert space. I was having a great time even with the slightly obstructed view. <br>
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About 20 minutes before the concert ended, the couple next to Tom left. And, he slid over a few inches. Suddenly, I could see it all. Right in front of me. Though still far away, clear as could be.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijV-fyfIhyOPZCRe8GadIM6JPBMSacUahYlscm8ZAd4dZ0T9E83W6TGmzxvIxBToIovg0CAVbueMCelIaIQrz7_y3OnF3T3HQRYuTVuN-Xt9I58U1ueqQ2v8J-jhiFR8Slzd90kFqNPnU/s640/blogger-image-2128190682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijV-fyfIhyOPZCRe8GadIM6JPBMSacUahYlscm8ZAd4dZ0T9E83W6TGmzxvIxBToIovg0CAVbueMCelIaIQrz7_y3OnF3T3HQRYuTVuN-Xt9I58U1ueqQ2v8J-jhiFR8Slzd90kFqNPnU/s640/blogger-image-2128190682.jpg"></a></div>
<br>I started thinking about was how one small little deterrent - a few inches - separated me from a straight-on shot of the stage. From a different angle, everything had changed.<br>
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What "straight shot" is just a few inches away? What little change needs to occur so that the next big thing is in sight? What problem might be solved with the simplest of answers or a tiny shift in thinking? What small change can be made for a completely new perspective?<br>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">At the moment, I'm not trying to solve life's biggest problems. I'm really just getting through the regular days of raising kids to be mature, responsible citizens. I also </span>don't have answers to those questions (and I don't really even have a problem to which to apply them) but I'm sure going to chew on the thought for a while. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I'm pretty sure it won't be anything earth shattering but it may just be a good tool in my problem-solving toolbox.</span></div><div>
<br></div></div>My-Happy-Nest.Blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14965979504462735740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5621522066686659502.post-84531438830493860232016-01-05T18:31:00.000-08:002016-01-05T18:31:19.018-08:00Parenting is Hard and Makes No SenseWe all know this right?<br />
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Let me tell you about our most recent example of how this played out at our house...<br />
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Many of our friends and family may know that Tessa has always been quite the picky dresser. She has also been a bit of a "spirited" child. (I just love that term - it sounds so fun! It's not so much...most of the time.)<br />
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A little background...<br />
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From the time she was 2 until about 2 months ago, Tessa has worn jeans by choice approximately zero times. Uncomfortable, and probably more importantly in her mind, unstylish, Tessa would NOT wear them for anything. No bribe would work. Tears, wailing, and gnashing of teeth ensued any time the topic was broached. It quickly became a battle just not worth fighting.<br />
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On another note, occasionally, spirited little Tessa would have a particularly chatty day at Pre-K or Kindergarden. Nothing serious, but enough for the teacher to bring it up at pick-up time or move down a color on the color chart. This never bothered Tessa and didn't really do much to deter her the next day.<br />
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Enter the infamous "Jean Punishment." This was a brilliant idea that worked almost without fail. In the course of our 10 years of parenting, we have tried countless ways to get our kids motivated to do what we want - sticker charts, chore charts, work punishments, time-outs - you name it we tried it. This was the simplest and the one with the most success. If behavior was an issue at school, Tessa wore jeans the next day at school. Every time and it worked. The following days were so much better!<br />
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Now, you may ask how we got her to actually put the jeans on since they were so terrible. I have no idea. It defies logic. I have no idea why, when it was a punishment, she would willingly put them on without an argument, a tear or even an ounce of hesitation. But, thankfully, she did. And, it worked. Her kindergarden teacher kind of thought we had achieved expert parenting status. In reality? We were just lucky. Something worked and it stuck. For a while anyway and then it stopped working and we started trying new things all over again.<br />
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Anyway, that was all just backstory to what happened tonight. And, why parenting is just such a wild card and just hard.<br />
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About 2 months ago, Tessa decided jeans were not so bad. Little by little, she sweet talked her dad into a handful of pairs. On our last trip to Ohio, she only packed jeans. That's it.<br />
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And, now tonight, we had tears about jeans again. She has no clean jeans for school tomorrow. The horror. How ironic right? My how things have changed! (And, now I'm getting flashes of what is in store during our junior high and high school days.)<br />
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Interestingly enough, she has four pair of dirty jeans on her bedroom floor. I did laundry today. I tried to logically explain to her, through her tears, that if she had simply put those jeans down the laundry chute, they would have magically been clean by tomorrow morning. Somehow, that logic didn't seem to help and just made the tears fall faster and louder.<br />
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Parenting is hard. Consistency is key until it doesn't work anymore. Kids love things until they hate them and vice versa. Logic is hard to communicate and is mostly lost on them. So is irony. (Sarcasm may fall in that category for some families, but not ours. It's so common in our house that they picked up on that real quick.)<br />
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All we can do is keep trying until something sticks and try again when that doesn't work anymore either. And, we have to hope that our unconditional love sticks most of all. Because even though they're not easy to figure out and they may do things that drive us batty, we wouldn't have it any other way.<br />
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My-Happy-Nest.Blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14965979504462735740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5621522066686659502.post-20746944857254175922016-01-04T19:55:00.003-08:002016-01-04T19:55:46.363-08:002016 Book ListI finally did it! 24 books in a year! It was a mix of serious and fun books and I also half read a handful of others. Here's the list with a brief (very brief) review. These are listed in order in which I read them with the exception of the last. I don't remember when I finished that one as it didn't make the list I keep in my phone.<br />
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1. <u>Does this Church Make Me Look Fat?</u> Rhoda Janzen - This was a cute book and an easy read. It's a memoir style book about the author's experience with the Mennonite Church and coming back to church after time away. </div>
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2. <u>Killing Jesus</u> - Bill O'Reilly - I really enjoyed <u>Killing Lincoln </u>and this was no different! I couldn't put it down! Highly recommend! </div>
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3. <u>Best Kept Secrets</u> - Sandra Brown - I don't remember anything about this one but I'm guessing it was a typical Sandra Brown mystery. </div>
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4. <u>The Happiness of Pursuit </u>- Chris Guillebeau- I don't remember this one being a particularly exciting book but I liked the idea. Basically, we are happiest when we have goals and are actively working to achieve those goals. I wholeheartedly agree!</div>
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5. <u>The Rosie Project </u>- Graeme Simsion - I liked this one. It's an easy read and a little bit of a unique premise. Plus, it is part of a series so the fun can continue.</div>
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6. <u>Private #1 Suspect </u>- James Patterson and Maxine Paetro - See #3 except replace Sandra Brown with these authors. </div>
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7. <u>Yes Please</u> - Amy Poehler - Another good one! I realized this year that I am a sucker for memoirs. And, it seems I have particular affection for those written by women. The only thing I will say about this book is that I was surprised at the drug references. Maybe I should have known this happened but I was surprised nonetheless. </div>
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8. <u>Wild</u> - Cheryl Strayed - This ranks up there with my favorites of this year. The author does some crazy stuff for sure. I watched the movie too and I will suggest that you read the book first. (Actually, that's almost always my suggestion!)</div>
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9. <u>1-2-3 Magic</u> - Thomas W. Phelan PhD - I can't remember how I even found this book but I'm glad I did! This is a book on disciplining your children and I just loved it. It's a great system to use and you can implement it right away. Plus, the author is really funny and sarcastic which I enjoyed. </div>
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10. <u>Heart Monitor Training for the Compleat Idiot</u> - John L. Parker - I had to buy a used copy of this book because it's no longer published. So, if you want to borrow it, just let me know! This is the book that got me moving down the path of slow running. The author does a great job of explaining why this works without getting extremely technical. Although, if you search for this online, you may come across a brief essay of just a few pages that describes the concept in fewer words. This book, and the concept, has made my running much more enjoyable! </div>
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11. <u>Gone Girl</u> - Gillian Flynn - Why do I always put off reading bestsellers!?! I seem to be the last to the party on a lot of these. Regardless, I read this and loved it! It was one I just couldn't put down! I watched this movie after reading as well and again suggest you read the book first. Highly recommend!</div>
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12. <u>Breaking Night</u> - Liz Murray - Look at that! Another female memoir! This is about a girl who was raised in less than favorable circumstances, became homeless as a teenager and then later went on to an Ivy League school for college. A very interesting glimpse into a world in which I am not familiar. I have thought about Liz Murray and her situation frequently throughout the year, especially when social issues come up as a topic of discussion. Highly recommend!</div>
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13. <u>Racing Weight</u> - Matt Fitzgerald - Interesting read but probably beyond my level of nutrition and running. It is geared more for the elite/professional/serious runner. However, I still picked up some interesting tips!</div>
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14. T<u>wo for the Dough</u> - Janet Evanovich - These are fun and easy reads. Nothing else to say here!</div>
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15. <u>Orange is the New Black</u> - Piper Kerman - Uhhhh... This is another female memoir. This one is written by the real woman behind the Netflix series. Suffice it say, the series is pretty highly embellished in a lot of areas. Every once in while though, I would be surprised by something that I thought was made up for the show but it was actually reality. Good book. </div>
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16. <u>So Long, See You Tomorrow</u> - William Maxwell - Though this was a quick read, I can't say that I enjoyed it. I think it was too deep for me. It felt like a book that I would have been required to read in my freshman English class. Not one of my favorites. </div>
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17. <u>80/20 Running </u>- Matt Fitzgerald - I bought this book at the same time as <u>Racing Weight</u>. It is similar to the heart rate training book listed above, but with more specific data and training plans. </div>
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18. <u>How to Be Rich</u> - Andy Stanley - Hint: it has nothing to do with money. In fact, we're all rich in so many ways. This is a short little book and I would say worth the read. I really like Andy Stanley. </div>
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19. <u>The Girl on the Train </u>- Paula Hawkins - Again, why did I wait so long?!?! I loved this book and couldn't put it down. It is very intense so make sure you can stay up late to finish this one!</div>
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20. <u>American Crucifixion - Joseph Smith and the Fate of the Mormon Church</u> - Alex Beam - This was one that popped up on my library's e-reader's site. It was interesting but long and unnecessarily so. I learned some new things though. </div>
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21. <u>Life on the Ramona Coaster </u>- Ramona Singer - Last one - I promise! Yet another female memoir!i saw this at the library and couldn't resist. I watch Real Housewives of New York usually on the treadmill or while doing laundry. I can't say it was super interesting but it was a fast read and a glimpse into a totally different world. </div>
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22. <u>Walk in the Woods</u> - Bill Bryson - If you read <u>Wild</u>, you should read this one soon after you finish! Bill Bryson chronicles his time on the Appalachian Trail in a humorous and informative way. It has made me at least consider a multi-day hike on the trail at some point in my future. </div>
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23. <u>The Mistletoe Promise</u> - Richard Paul Evans - A good book to read around the holidays! Another quick read, but I enjoyed it. I may have to read some more books by this author, especially around the holidays. </div>
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24. <u>The Anxiety Toolkit </u>- Alice Boyes PhD - Another impulse library selection! I definitely have my bouts with anxiety that range from silly worries to the more serious things that border on panic. My anxiety issues have grown as I have aged and this book did a good job of offering simple solutions and tactics for a lot of the simpler issues. </div>
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If you asked for a suggestion, these are the ones I would recommend...</div>
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<u>Killing Jesus</u></div>
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<u>1-2-3 Magic</u> (if you have young kids anyway)</div>
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<u>Wild</u></div>
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<u>Gone Girl</u></div>
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<u>Breaking Night </u></div>
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<u>The Girl on the Train</u> </div>
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Can we say "Girl Power?!" Well, other than Jesus anyway. :) I've had other years of specific genres taking over my reading list, but this one does seem a little heavy in one area. Oh well. I found something I liked and stuck with it!</div>
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Let's see what 2016 will bring!<br />
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You can find my old lists here - <a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/2015/01/book-list-2014.html">2014</a>, <a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/2014/01/book-list-2013.html">2013</a>, and <a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/2012/12/book-list-2012.html">2012</a>.</div>
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My-Happy-Nest.Blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14965979504462735740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5621522066686659502.post-66284433281935182552015-12-31T08:15:00.001-08:002016-01-04T19:50:09.474-08:002016 GoalsAnother year has come and gone! And so it's time to reflect on the past year and set up a plan for the coming one. I've gone back through old posts and found my <a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/2014/01/running-update-next-race-goals.html">2014</a> and <a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/2015/01/2015-goals.html">2015</a> goals. I've copied them here and added my 2016 goals in each category.<br />
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Putting these out there make it real and help keep me motivated to know that I will hold myself accountable throughout the year. Here we go! (Previous year goals are the abridged version.)</div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Running</b><br /><br /><b>2014 Goal - </b>4 half or better runs and beat 1:50.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>2014 Actual - </b>I got in all 4 of my half or better runs. I did NOT get under 1:50.<br /><br /><b>2015 Goals -</b> 5 Half or better races for me this year! I'll still be working toward under 1:50.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b>2015 Actual - </b>I squeezed in 6 half or better with one clocking in at 1:45:12. It was quite literally an all downhill race, but under 1:50 nonetheless! I had a few right at 1:50 but none others that were under much to my chagrin. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b>2016 Goal - </b>6 half or better races and have a non-downhill race under 1:50. In fact, my stretch goal this year is a sub 1:45 although I know it is indeed a stretch. I only have one race on the books right now so I need to get planning! </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Work</b><br /><br /><b>2014 Actuals - </b>All of our Timber Run homes are now under contract and we had 50% more custom home deposits than our goal. Additionally, we purchased lots in a new subdivision and that wasn't really even on our radar for the year.<br /><br /><b>2015 Goals -</b> If 2014 brought high expectations, 2015's goals are mountainous! By the end the year, we are expecting great things!</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b>2015 Actuals - </b>This year was my favorite year so far in the home building industry! We closed out Timber Run, launched and broke ground on a new subdivision, Summerset, and built more custom homes than any previous year. Also, we purchased and renovated a new building for our offices in downtown Greenfield and have enjoyed our short time there with our great team. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b>2016 Goals - </b>Tom and I have an appointment on our calendar to sit down and talk through these goals. I'm excited to see what the new year will bring!</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Books</b><br /><br /><b>2014 Goal -</b> Read 24 books. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>2014 Actual - </b>Didn't get there. There's always another year. :)<br /><br /><b>2015 Goal -</b> Read 24 books. That was easy. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b>2015 Actual - </b>Finally I did it. Hopefully there will be a follow up post to this with the books that made the list! We will have to see how much time I have on my hands!</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Weight</b><br /><b><br />2014 Actual -</b> Lost weight but didn't hit my goal of pre-kid weight. <br /><br /><b>2015 Goal -</b> Lose the rest.<br /><br /><b>2015 Actual - </b>I did pretty well here this year, but still didn't hit that number. I did another round of elimiating sugar, and this time with no artificial sweeteners either. That was hard. I did stay off the Diet Coke for the whole year. Although, I will treat myself to a Diet Dr. Pepper every once in a while. I don't think it's a coincidence that cutting out the Diet Coke has led to holding close to my most recent low weight. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>2016 Goals - </b>I'm not sure that "weight" will ever not be a yearly goal. I just love to eat too much and can't ever seem to get the hang of "moderation." So, I always just try to keep things reasonable and find new little tricks to keep me motivated. This year, I was able to actually get under the weight I have listed on my driver's license. In 2016, I want to be five pounds under that number and hold steady there. I'm not exactly sure how many pounds that is as of this moment, probably 8-10 depending on how bad the holidays play out on the scale. </span><br />
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<b>New Goals for 2016</b></div>
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I have a couple of new goal categories for the year. I think these will help with my running goals and my weight loss goals. </div>
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<b>Mileage - </b>I've never set a mileage goal for the year nor have I done a great job of tracking mileage. I will do this in 2016. Tom went for 1,000 running miles this year and blew past it! I think it sounds like a fun thing to track. So, in 2016, I will run 1,200 miles which works out to 100 miles per month. This will not be a small task. It works out to about 23 miles a week which would be more than I run when I'm not in a training cycle. I'm hoping this will motivate me to not skip runs and to up my weekly runs from my usual 5 up to 6 and to keep a long run every week. </div>
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<b>Steps - </b>This year, I had over 5,000,000 steps (5,080,909 as of this second). For 2016, I'm going for 5,500,000 which is just over 15,000 a day. This should go hand and hand with the increased mileage goal. </div>
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<b>Pull-ups - </b>Right now, I can do exactly zero pull-ups. I keep saying I want to master at least one but now I've officially put it in writing. My plan is to start with my bands and eventually work up to at least one unassisted this year and maybe even two. It's doable, but I will have to work pretty hard toward achieving it. Upper body has never been one of my strengths! </div>
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There you have it. These are a few areas of focus for me this year. Do I have other plans as well? Sure but these areas are concrete areas of my life in which I can set attainable and measurable goals which is really the whole reason I choose to run in general. It's such a great mechanism for me to set, track and achieve goals as an adult! </div>
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My-Happy-Nest.Blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14965979504462735740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5621522066686659502.post-19179765699533563842015-10-28T17:13:00.000-07:002015-10-28T17:13:24.661-07:00Indianapolis Monumental Marathon - The Rest of TrainingSeeing this video making it's way around social media this week made me realize that I haven't updated the world on my marathon training! (My favorite line is when she says, "Why would I talk about something that is interesting to no one?!") Well, this post is all about marathon training so if you're not interested, click away. :)<br />
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I left off at Week 7 and I'm now in Week 19. Without a ton of specifics, I ran a lot. Not as much as many people run during marathon training, but enough to keep me eating and sleeping more! Plus, I added in a handful of spin classes and continued strength training once a week.<br />
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I also squeezed in two half marathons in September which means I hit my <a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/2015/01/2015-goals.html">2015 running goals</a>! One of the races I even got under 1:50! It may have an asterisk but I'm counting it! The full marathon wasn't even on my radar for the year. (Race posts upcoming!)<br />
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I'll do a quick update via photos for the missed weeks...<br />
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First up was our 14 mile run. I say "our"... Steph is in! She's doing the whole thing too! Soooooo thankful that we've been able to do all of our long runs together!<br />
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I've been on a mission to fix some foot issues. This was an attempt at heat moldable inserts. Boiling inserts on my stove is not something I ever pictured myself doing! (They didn't work.)</div>
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Next up was a 16 miler. Slow and steady has been our game plan! I'm totally convinced that this theory has made training so much more doable. I didn't start needing a nap and eating like crazy until 18 or 20 mile runs. "Slow" running is the best. :) (I'm probably running 45-60 seconds per mile slower than I did last round, but plan on beating my time in the race.)</div>
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New favorite song on my playlist this round.</div>
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After the insoles, I tried a Brooks Ghost 7 in a larger size. No dice. I then tried out some Altra's. Numb toes. Absolutely loved the cushioning though! Just a little funky looking!</div>
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Really, in total, I've only had two runs this entire time that felt bad. And, they felt terrible. The first was 18. Ugh. Plodding along and sore knees. </div>
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I also did my first specialty 5K - the Glow Run! Super fun with black-lights and neon powder. Glow in the dark tattoo...</div>
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Here's my personal marathon cheerleader - Monica. Remember how she stood out in the freezing cold rain last time around?! She always makes everything super fun! </div>
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The next day was a very early 20 mile run. I carb-loaded with some pancakes at Denny's around 11PM so I was ready to go! Headlamps were necessary for this one! (Maybe I should have just kept my light up glasses and necklace!) </div>
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This 20 miler felt SO much better than the 18 of the previous week. How does that even work?! It must have felt good for Steph too because she signed up after this one!</div>
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Tom and I both ran before church that morning! 50K (31 miles) between the two of us! Not too shabby!</div>
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The next week, we took off for Virginia for Fall Break. I owe a big post on that one! On a running note though, Josie ran 4 miles with Tom at a great pace. Look at her stride! </div>
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I got a run in at the park too and a few others on a treadmill. This morning, I had the entire State Park to myself! I seriously only saw one truck and one other runner the whole time!</div>
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Home again. I love our trails in the neighborhood, especially in the fall. So familiar!</div>
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Finally, the last 20 miler came around. This was the other awful one. I know why though I think. I slept badly, didn't fuel right and didn't have enough water. I suffered through though even if I did take to the couch until 6PM. Tough. Didn't even get any pictures. :) Appreciated seeing this on IG the next week though!</div>
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Last weekend was a 10 mile run at race pace. We brought it home with an 8:45 pace. And, talked the whole time. Piece of cake! </div>
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Oh year. And, Tom decided he will take on the full as well. What a guy! I'm sure he'll be able to do it and I'm excited to see what he thinks!</div>
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So, here we are. Race day shows up on the 10 day forecast tomorrow. We have less than 20 miles left in our training program. We're there folks. Bring it. </div>
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#bemonumental</div>
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<br />My-Happy-Nest.Blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14965979504462735740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5621522066686659502.post-15812131868065551332015-08-22T08:45:00.000-07:002015-08-22T08:45:31.019-07:00Indianapolis Monumental Marathon - Weeks 6 & 7 (And, some wedding pics!)Week 7 was another pull back week. This plan basically increases mileage for two weeks and then pulls back a little as a mini-rest week. I like those weeks because of the rest, but since I've been calorie counting, I miss my mega-calorie burn Saturdays. :)<br />
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Speaking of calories... one of my goals for this round is to NOT gain weight. In fact, I really want to lose 10 pounds through the process. I started this training cycle around 10 pounds under where I was at the last full marathon and with the additional 10 pounds, that will put me 20 pounds under that number. I think it's doable.<br />
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I enlisted a little help from Matt Fitzgerald, an author who writes about running and diet. I really like a lot of what he has to say in "Racing Weight." His Diet Quality Scale (DQS) makes perfect sense and allows you to get away from counting calories if you eat real foods and not junk. I have definitely upped my carbs as well in the form of Ezekiel bread and high fiber cereals. I will say "Racing Weight" is more geared toward an elite runner, but definitely good for the casual runner too.<br />
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My favorite nugget from his book is, "A 160 lb. runner expends 6.5% more energy than a 150 lb. runner at the same pace." That's good stuff and reason enough to shed 10 pounds. </div>
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On another diet related note, my friend Claudia asked if I would participate in a no sugar added challenge that included artificial sweeteners too. That was tougher in some ways than I thought! I really missed my iced tea with sweetener and a few other treats as well. I got through it though and even did my 11 mile run with no gels! </div>
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My birthday fell in this time frame and my mom sent some fantastic new workout clothes to me! So excited! (Side Note: I can't even tell you how much I sweat. All.The.Time. Dripping!)</div>
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Week 8 was a fun one! We traveled to San Diego for my brother's wedding! It was a beautiful long weekend and I got in two beach view runs with my mom. I also managed to 5:30AM workouts this week. I did spin with my friends on Tuesday and then ran on Wednesday morning since I knew I'd be on a plane most of the afternoon and evening. Got it done!</div>
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My speed work started up this week as well. Wednesdays are now my tempo runs. This plan calls for three different tempo runs. The first "A" workout is Walk 5 minutes, East Run 10, {Hard 5, Easy 2} x4, Easy Run 5, Walk 5. It felt good to speed up a bit! </div>
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The beach view 12 mile run was one of my favorites so far. It was incredible scenery and running with my mom is always a treat! She cranked out 12 miles even though her previous recent long run was only 7. Go mom!</div>
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And, then this was our recovery Sunday view...</div>
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It was a beautiful wedding and so much fun to be with so many of our family and friends to celebrate! Congrats Matt & Sarah!</div>
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Week 6</div>
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Monday - 50 minutes </div>
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Tuesday - Strength Training</div>
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Wednesday - Tempo A</div>
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Thursday - Rest</div>
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Friday - 40 minutes </div>
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Saturday - Rest</div>
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Sunday - 7 miles</div>
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Total for the Week - 21 miles</div>
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Total Training Mileage - 134.9 miles</div>
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Week 7</div>
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Monday - 60 minutes </div>
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Tuesday - Spinning</div>
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Wednesday - Tempo A</div>
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Thursday - Rest</div>
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Friday - 40 minutes </div>
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Saturday - 12 miles</div>
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Sunday - Rest</div>
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Total for the Week - 28 miles</div>
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Total Training Mileage - 162.9 miles</div>
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<br />My-Happy-Nest.Blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14965979504462735740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5621522066686659502.post-67690215868291005012015-08-22T08:06:00.000-07:002015-08-22T08:06:00.544-07:00Indianapolis Monumental Marathon - Week 3, 4 & 5 5 weeks down and 14 to go! (For what it's worth, I totally wrote out this post forever ago and could have sworn I hit publish. Guess not... it was only saved as a draft with a few paragraphs. Oh well...)<br />
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Week 5 was a pull-back week for mileage but only by about 2 miles (10%). I managed to work out 6 out of 7 days of the week which is the first time I've done that in forever. Admittedly, the yoga video I did on Tuesday was not great, or challenging, or good for much of anything, but I showed up.<br />
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I mentioned earlier that I like this plan because of the four days of running. I'm really settling into a good routine with it by now and it all seems so doable. A run on Monday and a rest on Tuesday then speed work on Wednesday, strength training Thursday and a short run on Friday. Then, all that's left is the long run on Saturday.<br />
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Week 6 kicked it back up again with adding 5 minutes on Monday and a 10 mile run on Saturday. By Week 7, it is up to 11 miles on the weekend. Both of those weeks, I got in my 4 days of running and 1 day of strength training.<br />
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Things are still feeling good. Not too hungry or sore or tired. I suppose it will come. I bought a foam roller this week to start working out some of the more achy spots, especially that IT band.<br />
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July brought my highest mileage month yet - 98.8. August will surpass that as will September and October, but I do feel like I'm building a great foundation.<br />
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Steph has stuck with me on my long runs - both the 10 and 11 miles. We've been very lucky to have beautiful mornings to hit the trail!<br />
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That's the only running related pic I have for the 3 weeks! </div>
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Stats:</div>
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Week 3</div>
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Monday - 45 minutes </div>
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Tuesday - Yoga</div>
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Wednesday - 60 minutes with 5 Pickups (short bursts of faster pace) </div>
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Thursday - Strength Training </div>
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Friday - 40 minutes (I ran this one extremely slow for some reason!)</div>
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Saturday - 7 miles </div>
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Sunday - Rest</div>
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Total for the Week - 20.4 miles</div>
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Total Training Mileage - 63 miles</div>
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Week 4 </div>
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Monday - 50 minutes </div>
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Tuesday - Rest</div>
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Wednesday - 60 minutes with 5 Pickups (short bursts of faster pace) </div>
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Thursday - Strength Training </div>
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Friday - 40 minutes </div>
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Saturday - 10 miles </div>
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Sunday - Rest</div>
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Total for the Week - 24.7 miles</div>
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Total Training Mileage - 87.7 miles</div>
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Week 5 </div>
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Monday - 50 minutes </div>
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Tuesday - Strength Training</div>
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Wednesday - Rest </div>
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Thursday - <span style="font-size: 15.8400001525879px; line-height: 22.1760005950928px;">60 minutes with 5 Pickups (short bursts of faster pace)</span> </div>
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Friday - 40 minutes </div>
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Saturday - 11 miles </div>
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Sunday - Rest</div>
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Total for the Week - 26.2 miles</div>
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Total Training Mileage - 113.9 miles</div>
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{I think it's worth noting that week 5 was 26.2 miles which is the exact marathon distance. One week versus one day...}</div>
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<br />My-Happy-Nest.Blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14965979504462735740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5621522066686659502.post-64546554098121783572015-07-11T15:16:00.000-07:002015-07-11T15:16:41.901-07:00Indianapolis Monumental Marathon - Training Begins!I'm pretty sure I said that I wouldn't do this again. That didn't stop me from signing up anyway.<br />
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On November 7th, I will be running my second full marathon. 26.2 miles through and around Indy at the <a href="http://www.monumentalmarathon.com/">Indianapolis Monumental</a>.<br />
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I signed up on the same day I signed up for my first marathon. I had been considering it for a while and told myself I would make my decision by the time this popped up on Timehop.<br />
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It was also the day I hung this bad boy. A gift from my brother two years ago when I was training for my first. </div>
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I've had a couple people ask why I would do it again. Well, it's the shortest marathon training I think I will ever have. I have a half already planned for September 12th (<a href="https://www.runrevel.com/bcm/">The REVEL Big Cottonwood Canyon Race</a>) so I will already be training for that. In reality, I only have to tack on 6 or 7 weeks to that training to make it work. Plus, I just want to see if I can do better than last time. </div>
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I will be following the Jenny Hadfield <a href="http://www.jennyhadfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Marathon_Intermediate.gif">Intermediate Marathon Plan</a>. I picked this one for a few reasons. </div>
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First, it fits in with my newest obsessions - heart rate training. I've been doing a lot of research on the subject mainly based on "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Monitor-Training-Compleat-Idiot/dp/1891369849">Heart Rate Training for the Compleat Idiot</a>" by John L. Parker Jr. There's a <a href="http://www.marshallcf.com/assets/book_reviews/Heart%20Monitor%20Training%20for%20the%20Compleat%20Idiot.pdf">great article</a> that explains the concept in a few pages. Even more of a quick recap goes like this...</div>
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- Runners don't run their easy runs easy enough which can cause us not to run our hard runs hard enough due to fatigue and injury. </div>
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- "Easy" runs now have a new definition. They're very easy and very slow (at first) and honestly, more enjoyable. (And, by slow, I mean slower than an 11 minute mile for me to keep my heart rate down. In contrast, I been running the half around 8:30.)</div>
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Second, I liked that this one has only four runs and two days of cross training. I know that five days of running doesn't work for me for a variety of reasons. And, a lot of marathon plans call for five or even six days. My plan is to run all four days as many weeks as I possibly can and get in a strength workout with Devon. Then, on the 6th day, attempt yoga or some other type of stretching. </div>
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Finally, the weekly runs don't exceed an hour. Again, something else I've learned through the years that I need in a training plan. </div>
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I managed to screw things up right off the bat by miscalculating how many weeks out and when to start. So, I missed the first week of 20. I think I'll be OK. </div>
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Last week (Week 1) went like this...</div>
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Monday - 45 minutes </div>
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Tuesday - Yoga</div>
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Wednesday - 50 minutes </div>
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Thursday - Rest</div>
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Friday - 40 minutes</div>
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Saturday - 8 miles </div>
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Sunday - Rest</div>
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Total for the Week - 20.5 miles</div>
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This week (Week 2)...</div>
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Monday - 45 minutes </div>
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Tuesday - Rest</div>
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Wednesday - 50 minutes with 5 Pickups (short bursts of faster pace) </div>
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Thursday - Training - and this was a crazy one leaving me exhausted!</div>
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Friday - 40 minutes - this was my toughest run so far - see Thursday :) </div>
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Saturday - 9 miles </div>
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Sunday - Rest</div>
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Total for the Week - 22.1 miles</div>
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Total Training Mileage - 42.6</div>
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For today's run, my friend, Steph joined me. I texted her last night to see if she wanted to join me for any part of my run and she said she would try all 9. And she did it! Nothing to it! I was so glad to have her there - all the talking makes the time just fly by! We started at 6AM and were done by 7:30 which is an amazing way to start a weekend. </div>
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Two weeks down... 17 to go!</div>
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<br />My-Happy-Nest.Blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14965979504462735740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5621522066686659502.post-55239391451648414832015-06-28T19:09:00.000-07:002015-06-28T19:09:13.221-07:00Race Recap - Indy Mini 2015Another Mini has come and gone! Actually, it's been gone quite a long time. It's been almost 2 months so I remember very little. But, I must post so I can move on with life...<br />
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I remember very little of the race other than the last few miles, which is the opposite of normal. I held a very steady pace of a little better than 8:20 through the race which was exactly where I needed to be to break 1:50. I told myself I could speed up at mile 10 if I still had anything left. I didn't. My last three miles slowed to an 8:32 pace.<br />
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Even though my average pace (8:21) should have earned a PR and under 1:50, the course was longer that 13.1 miles which it always seems to be. I thought I had accounted for this in my calculations, but I had used 13.2 and it was actually 13.25 or something. Crazy how that makes a difference! But, when you're only 30-some seconds from your goal, every tenth makes a difference.<br />
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It doesn't really matter because I had no juice left in the tank anyway! It sure seemed to get hot during those last few miles too which I'm sure didn't help! And, once again, that last mile was an eternity!<br />
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It was a course record for me and only 8 seconds (8 seconds?!?!) from a PR. Surely I had that in me?! Either way, I'll have another go at it.<br />
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I will say that all of my strength training totally paid off. My legs were fresh as a daisy during the entire run and soreness was virtually non-existent after the race. That alone is worth it all!<br />
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And now for some photos...<br />
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The day before the race, I sat with Estrella in the waiting room at Riley while her son, Koby, was undergoing open heart surgery. Koby is the most recent Gift of Life child to receive heart surgery as part of the program.<br />
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Gram and Pop arrived in time to see Tessa's art in the county-wide Art Show. </div>
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And, then, our annual pasta dinner! Complete with mom's <a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/2011/08/dis-heathly-and-yummy-turkey-bison.html">Bison Meatballs</a>!</div>
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New shirt for the big day! And new Gu packs. The vanilla is yummy. The coffee (cappuccino? mocha?) flavored one at mile 10? Not so much. Gross...</div>
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The day was beautiful!</div>
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And, at the finish!</div>
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Mom and dad...</div>
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Where was our selfie stick when we needed it?!</div>
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And, couldn't miss the Indy sign. Dad makes a nice, tall "I."</div>
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We wrapped up the day with lunch at a new place in Greenfield. </div>
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So happy this is part of our May tradition now! A great way to kick off summer!</div>
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<br />My-Happy-Nest.Blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14965979504462735740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5621522066686659502.post-27528384728374993722015-05-01T18:47:00.001-07:002015-05-01T18:47:56.674-07:00Pre-Race Thoughts - Indy Mini 2015Well, we're only one sleep away from the big race! This is the one where I beat 1:50 and all of my wildest dreams come true! Or that's what happens in the fairy tale finish anyway.<br />
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Hard to believe it's my 6th Indy Mini and my 13th Half Marathon!<br />
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I haven't written about this training cycle at all really. After my near sub-1:50 in Austin (only missing it by 22 seconds), I decided to pull out the big guns and hire a trainer. He put together a run schedule for me but also, and I think most importantly, a strength training schedule. This is one area in which I need some major work. That was blatantly obvious during my first few sessions when I could barely make it through a "real" sit up. I can see so many weaknesses in my core strength and even leg strength. I can also see how improving those areas will show a great improvement during the race.<br />
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The running has been so-so really. It feels like I "feel" each mile more this time around and have dread/put off more runs this time around. I think as our lives get busier, running seems like something that I can put off and becomes a burden. I need to work on this one. Just get it done. That being said, I had a lot of 5 run weeks and that is not common for me.<br />
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I have enjoyed the hills, speed work and timed events like 5k, 10k, mile etc. Those felt good. Once they were done anyway. Building up the cardio on those should, in theory, help too.<br />
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The last piece of the training puzzle was diet. I was convinced that losing weight would magically take time off of my race. I'm still not unconvinced. Heading into the race on Saturday, I am within a pound or three of where I was last year, which is 10-15 pounds lighter than previous years. Here's the difference though. I now have muscle. My measurements have decreased. (And I'll add for vanity's sake, my clothes fit better.) I attribute it to both diet and strength training.<br />
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My last few weeks have been less than stellar for multiple reasons. But, it only comes down to running two seconds faster each mile than my best and I'm better trained than I was then. Minuscule really. I'm shooting for 8:20 per mile with a few at 8:15 or so to give me a little buffer. No starting fast. That puts me in around 1:50 pretty comfortably even if the course is longer than 13.1 which it will inevitably be 13.2 at least.<br />
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I can do it. I know that. Whether it is tomorrow may be another question. I will certainly give it my best shot. That I know. I have some playlist work to do and some scouring of previous blogs to remember how great it all is. And, maybe even a bedtime of pre-10 PM.<br />
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Let's do this.My-Happy-Nest.Blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14965979504462735740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5621522066686659502.post-23541875626991267612015-04-03T13:13:00.000-07:002015-04-03T13:13:04.859-07:00San Diego Mermaid Half - Part Two - Race RecapThis is another trip to knock off a state in my friend Claudia's quest to run a half in all 50 states. (You can read about the rest of the trip in <a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/2015/04/san-diego-mermaid-half-part-one.html">this post</a>.) I've now been to <a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/2013/06/steamboat-half-marathon-sunday.html">Colorado</a>, <a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/2014/02/critz-tybee-run-fest-part-two-race-day.html">Georgia</a>, <a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/2015/03/race-recap-austin-3m-half-marathon-12515.html">Texas</a> and California with her. This is a super fun way to get in some traveling (especially to warm places in the winter) and some races. Claudia's friend, Becky, was also on this trip and I was so glad to get to know her better!<br />
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Spoiler... this one certainly wasn't a personal best but not a worst either. Although it was my first over two hours in three years. All of the fun (and walking and hiking) we had contributed I'm sure, but it was all worth it. ~On that note, one of us did get a PR, so I probably shouldn't use the walking as an excuse. :)~<br />
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First up... Packet Pick Up - a little less than exciting and, in retrospect, we should have probably just gotten there a little early on race day. (Lots of traffic to and from and out of our way since we weren't staying in the city.)<br />
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On the way to the race, Claudia was looking up things to do afterward. She asked if we wanted to hike as she had found a few that looked interesting. I tried to convince her to go for a win on the race so she may be too tired to hike later. :) It didn't work. We did hike later and it was great.<br />
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We got to the race only a little early and probably should have gotten out of the car a little sooner but it was chilly that morning. My biggest complaint about the whole race was the very limited number of toilets at the start line. This is a race for women. I swear there were only 20 of them. For over 1000 women and their spectators. Needless to say, we didn't make it through the line before the start.<br />
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Other than that, the parking and start line were pretty well organized. First, an obligatory pre-race selfie...<br />
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Yes, there were men in the race. Not sure why. But, they weren't prohibited. They just couldn't win any awards.<br />
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I took no photos during the race. The first part was beautiful with the sun coming up over the bay. I was also running way too fast (I was ahead of the 1:50 pacer until mile 5 or so) which began to catch up with me, oh, around the time the 1:50 pacer passed me. In general, it wasn't a great feeling race for me. I also don't remember very much. Here's what I do remember...</div>
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There was a guy who kept passing me and getting directly in front of me after he did. This was not a crowded race or one with a lot of curves so no need to do that. When he came back in front of me, he would slow down considerably. Or, one time, he stopped to tie his shoe. It was incredibly annoying. </div>
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I talked with a lady around mile 11 who was gunning for under 2 hours. She was right on pace by our watches. However, the mile 10 (or was it 11) mile marker was way off. There is no thing much more discouraging than that. So, she wasn't sure. I ran with her a while but then took another walking break. I'll bet she made it. </div>
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Speaking of those walking breaks. Man, I took a lot of them from mile 10 on. I was out of juice and hot. I really didn't have much left so I don't feel terrible about it. Plus, this is the first time I've done two races within two weeks, so maybe I didn't recover fully. Either way, it was a pretty cruddy feeling race and I was thrilled when it was over. </div>
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These are not the most flattering photos. I'm sharing them with you to show the agony. And, because I know you all love me anyway. (I didn't know these were being taken - I may have tried to smile if I'd known!)</div>
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I was so glad Matt was able to come to the finish line! I've said it before and I'll say it over and over again, race spectators are just the best! </div>
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Claudia and Becky both won prizes in their age divisions! Way to go girls! </div>
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Most excitedly, Becky got a PR, which is highly impressive on so many levels! But, particularly impressive when it's a new course, across the country and after Mexican food the previous day. :) Way to go Becky!</div>
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Aside from the lack of toilets at the beginning of the race, everything was well done. Plenty of water stations and a well marked course. Easy to get to and really nice scenery. It was pretty darned flat too. They gave out little necklaces instead of medals which is a cute idea. The only other downside was that the shirts were generic Mermaid series shirts and didn't say San Diego. Not a huge deal, but notable nonetheless. </div>
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Glad to have race #2 out of 5 for the year checked off the list! And, always love the destination races!</div>
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<br />My-Happy-Nest.Blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14965979504462735740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5621522066686659502.post-52434094827340631322015-04-03T13:12:00.002-07:002015-04-03T13:13:42.978-07:00San Diego Mermaid Half - Part One - Everything But the HalfOnly a month and half late... I'm sure you've all been waiting with baited breath. Well, here it is. The race itself was fine and I'll recap that in <a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/2015/04/san-diego-mermaid-half-part-two-race.html">another post</a>.<br />
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This is another trip to knock off a state in my friend Claudia's quest to run a half in all 50 states. I've now been to <a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/2013/06/steamboat-half-marathon-sunday.html">Colorado</a>, <a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/2014/02/critz-tybee-run-fest-part-two-race-day.html">Georgia</a>, <a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/2015/03/race-recap-austin-3m-half-marathon-12515.html">Texas</a> and California with her. This is a super fun way to get in some traveling (especially to warm places in the winter) and some races. Claudia's friend, Becky, was also on this trip and I was so glad to get to know her better! She was a lot of fun, always up for whatever and really a lot like me. We all got along great!<br />
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A crack of dawn flight got us to San Diego with some time for breakfast with my brother. (Matt and his fiance, Sarah, live near San Diego and were our awesome hosts for the weekend.) He met us near Torrey Pines since we were heading there next. He scored us some free passes to the PGA Tour Event that day. Claudia and Becky had never been to something like this before and it was a lot of fun to walk around and check it out. Plus, the views were amazing!<br />
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And, my new phone lock screen...</div>
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Years ago, Tom and I used to play Fantasy Golf on Yahoo. (Yes. Really.) Back then, I knew a lot more of the players. I only recognized a few this time though. We caught Phil Mickelson and then hung out for a few at one of the greens until Tiger arrived. He had his usual crowd of people but we had great spots since we'd been there for a while. As he was walking off after they were finished, Matt said to me, "Does he look like he's limping?" Well, he was and dropped out just a few holes later. (We were not supposed to take pictures, but we did anyway.)<br />
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That evening was spent at Matt's after a little grocery shopping. He cooked for us and we were able to relax. And, go to bed before 9. That time change and early wake up call did us in!<br />
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After the other two got back from a run, we went out for a hike at a place very close to Matt. It was a beautiful morning and we soaked up all the sun that we could!<br />
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Getting ready to head up the hill behind us...</div>
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At the top of the hill...</div>
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It was a great view...</div>
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And then getting ready to head down...</div>
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We took what we thought was a path down, but I'm pretty sure it was just eroded from water run off. It was a bit steep!</div>
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For the mid-morning, we went into Carlsbad for an Acai Bowl which was beyond highly recommended by Matt. (And, a totally California thing to do it seemed.) They were delish! And, a perfect morning snack. Carlsbad is beyond cute. I'm so excited to spend some time here in August for Matt & Sarah's wedding.</div>
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Claudia's face? Well, Becky had just dropped my phone and the screen broke. She felt so terrible! But, it was an easy fix and no big deal. When this Groupon came through on my phone a few days after we came home, I had to send it along. What a coincidence?!</div>
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We did some beach walking too. I seriously think we just wanted to soak up all the sun we could! We met Matt at Swami's, which is an ocean overlook and a great place to surf. Again with the views! </div>
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If you look super close, you can see the little specks in the ocean and those are the surfers. </div>
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We split up again after some fantastic Mexican right on the PCH. It's always a good idea to eat Mexican less than 24 hours before a race right? The girls had to hit the packet pick up but first, we needed to do a drive by of a house where the in-laws of one of Becky's friends lived. Well, we didn't exactly find it but we did find something else super cool. The <a href="http://www.soledadmemorial.com/">Mt. Soledad Veteran's Memorial</a> is pretty spectacular and it's location gives an awesome view of the city. </div>
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The clouds/marine layer just over my shoulder are hiding the ocean - I'm pretty sure anyway.</div>
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Onto the Packet Pickup. I kept wanting to call it the "expo," but it wasn't one. In fact, it wasn't really even a "packet" pickup. More like a bib, some safety pins and a shirt. Matt, who is in sports marketing, had considered coming along just to check it out. I'm glad he didn't - nothing exciting. </div>
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A quick dinner of spaghetti and we hit the hay to get ready for another early wake up. </div>
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Check out THIS POST for details on the actual race. </div>
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After quick showers and some lunch, we went out to find our next adventure. Another hike was on the schedule. Yes. A hike. After a half. It was not an insignificant hike either. But, it was beautiful and maybe helped get the soreness out. </div>
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See that little tiny house at the top of the mountain? In the center of the photo? That is on the peak that was across from where we hiked. We were at the same elevation, or even higher, at the top. </div>
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We were sure to read the warnings before heading out. Matt neglected to mention the mountain lions. Although, to be fair, he did disclose the rattle snakes.</div>
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Once again, though, the views were amazing! A beautiful lake was waiting for us at the very top.</div>
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And, my phone's new lock screen.</div>
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Did I mention it wasn't exactly an easy hike?</div>
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More showers and we were ready to head out to dinner in Little Italy. No, our day was not finished! I think Matt kept thinking we would crash. But, we made it out for a delicious dinner. Another area of San Diego that is just too cute! Little Italy will be a stop on my next trip there too.</div>
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Saturday night, my Garmin Vivofit said I had taken 44,877 steps and I had fleeting thoughts of a lap around the house to get over 45,000. Instead, I flopped into bed. And, the other days, we didn't exactly slack - 18,900 steps on Thursday (with a cross country flight!), 17,800 steps on Friday and 13,340 steps on Sunday. </div>
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Becky and Claudia were fantastic traveling buddies and Matt & Sarah really made us feel at home. What a trip! I definitely came home from this one refreshed yet exhausted! Another one for the books!</div>
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<br />My-Happy-Nest.Blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14965979504462735740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5621522066686659502.post-30360746342587646092015-03-05T19:08:00.002-08:002015-03-05T19:08:34.076-08:00Race Recap! Austin 3M Half Marathon - 1/25/15Race one out of five for 2015 is in the books! As is another PR!<br />
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Last year, in January, our book club travelled to <a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/2014/02/critz-tybee-run-fest-part-two-race-day.html">Savannah and Tybee Island</a> alongside our friend, Claudia, to help her knock off Georgia in her quest for 50 Half Marathons in 50 States. This year, we took on Austin! While I would love to do a full recap of the whole trip, I just don't have the time at this very moment. So, here is your...<br />
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Super Duper Quick Recap<br />
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- It was much needed trip (Winter in Indiana - enough said)<br />
- We had another great scavenger hunt (I managed to get a boot polish out of the deal)<br />
- We had a lot of fun (which may or may not have included hunting down a certain celebrity's hometown and house)<br />
- We saw the Alamo (and we will remember)<br />
- We ate some BBQ (at an awesome place - Salt Lick)<br />
- We had some much needed time away (7 moms of a combined 20 kids!)<br />
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Now, onto the Race. We signed up for the <a href="http://www.3mhalfmarathon.com/">3M Half Marathon</a> because it was in a warm state during a season the "Book Club" wanted to get away. Of all the races during that time, this one looked the best. I went into this one with not an abundance of training, but much better than the two previous for sure. Still, I wasn't super confident and was pretty sure I would just treat this one as a fun run.<br />
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The expo was at the Texas History Museum which was pretty impressive. I thought it was a great place for an expo especially for an out of towner.<br />
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Plus, it had a super cool star out front - perfect for photos on this beautiful day.</div>
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This race is known for their goodie bag. The race is the "3M" Half and the bags are filled with tons of 3M products. It did NOT disappoint! </div>
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After the expo, we just hung out around the campus area. We found a Starbucks. With sun. And sat it in. We soaked up every ray possible! </div>
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We spent some time trying to spell Texas near the clock tower. Pretty good I'd say!</div>
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Our hotel was on campus. We had a great view of the clock tower from there.</div>
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For dinner, we went to a fancy shopping mall and ate at a great Italian restaurant. The names of both escape me at the moment. It was tasty and a good way to carb up.</div>
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Saturday morning, we drug our roomies, Marj & Lisa, to the start line. They kind of drew the short straw on that one. They let us hang out in the car until closer to the start time. We jumped out and went into the hotel that was there for a pit stop and to stay warm. It was a bit chilly and dark that early in the morning!</div>
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The race is a little bit of a blur for me. Here's what I remember...</div>
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- I felt good. For the first few miles, I just told myself that I would go for it as long as I could and see what happened. I realized that I was feeling good enough to go for a PR while I was still in the early miles. </div>
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- It was not a pretty course. Honestly, the neatest thing we ran by was the Texas Longhorn Stadium. The rest was pretty boring and blah really. It seemed like a lot of office parks and highway overpasses. </div>
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- It was all downhill. Until it wasn't around mile 9 or 10. Then, it was uphill. A lot. And, it was hard. I lost my sub-1:50 time somewhere in those miles. </div>
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- I felt good. My feeling good continued through the race. Even through the big hill (hills?), I felt good and strong. Plus, I knew I was close to a PR which gave me the extra push.</div>
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- Looking back, which is easy to do, I probably had those extra 22 seconds that would have taken me under 1:50. There's always next time. </div>
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Our cheering section was right at mile 13 which is just where I needed them. </div>
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I've said it before and I'll say it again. Having spectators at an event just makes me feel so happy! They're so much appreciated! Thanks girls!</div>
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I swear that the 12.5 mile point through the finish line is the longest of the race. I wish I could say I always finish strong but I just don't. </div>
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I finished in 1:50:22. A PR by 29 seconds and only 22 seconds under my sub-1:50 goal for the year. I vacillated a bit between being super stoked at the PR and super bummed that I was so very close. That's what keeps me going though...</div>
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So happy to be there for Claudia to knock "TX" off the list!</div>
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And, so glad to be able to get away with these six, super fun, mamas. </div>
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I thought I would add a little something to each of my Race Recap's. I'd like to try to rank each race. If I stick to my goals through 2020, I will have run 55 Half's by the time I'm done, so I'll have a few comparisons to make. </div>
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RACE REPORT CARD - B-/C+<br />
Expo/Goodie Bag - A<br />
Shirt - C<br />
Logistics (Port-A-Jons, Water, Parking, etc.) - A<br />
Ease of Course (A is easiest) - B<br />
Sights of Course - D<br />
Medal - D<br />
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RUNNING REPORT CARD<br />
Race Effort - Very Strong<br />
Race Comfort - Uncomfortable - In a Good Way<br />
Race Time - Very Good - PR<br />
Recovery - Good (We walked a ton in the airport which helped I'm sure!)My-Happy-Nest.Blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14965979504462735740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5621522066686659502.post-5271548638059295562015-03-01T14:44:00.001-08:002015-03-01T14:44:34.943-08:00So Long Winter - And Skiing Pictures!Thanks to Timehop, I woke up this morning to this post - <a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/2014/03/ok-winter-i-give.html">OK Winter I Give</a> - written on March 1st as well. The same feelings hold true today. We took full advantage of the snow this weekend by skiing at Perfect North, playing in the snow, and I even got in a snowy run.<br />
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I'm done now though. It was pretty but I'm ready for spring. I have to say this winter flew by faster than any I remember thanks to a packed schedule. In fact, February 2015 is the first month I did not write a blog post since April 2011! So hard to believe, but that's how busy it's been around here! Anytime I would usually post - early morning, after kids are in bed, etc. - has been packed with other things. I've done two races, traveled to Texas, California, Wyoming and we're heading to Ohio next weekend.<br />
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One of these days, I'll do a race recap for both races especially since one included a PR! For now, some photos from skiing...<br />
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We went with our friends, The Brinkruffs, and this is Mia - who also goes to school with Jack. They were both great sports for 4 year olds!<br />
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Best buddy (and teacher) - Daddy</div>
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Magic Carpet Ride!</div>
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Fun Video of Jack - "I'm Skiing!" was his favorite thing to yell.</div>
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Again, look at all the people! </div>
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Lift Selfie - Sorry to block your face Josie!</div>
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This is the bunny slope. Total, utter chaos and craziness. But thankful for the magic carpet and no tow rope!</div>
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Another view - crawling with people!</div>
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Jack even made it on (and off) the lift successfully! </div>
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I did have to carry him. A lot. Many times. Otherwise, he would lay down, cry and say he wanted to go home. Really loud. Right smack in the middle of all the people. It's a good thing he's my third child. These things don't seem to phase me anymore. Although, they do still exhaust me.</div>
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We ended the day on the tubing hill. That was new for mom and dad too and was pretty fun. This was much more Jack's style.</div>
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Louise, our exchange student from Denmark, had fun during the day too. With a fear of heights, it was all a little scary for her, but she was a great sport and went along with all of us! I think she enjoyed this spot at the bottom of the tubing hill more than the top though!</div>
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And, this last one is from today. The kids must be having snowball wars. I caught this stock pile on our deck. Someone has a good angle of attack!</div>
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And, now, spring can come anytime. We're ready and we deserve it!</div>
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<br />My-Happy-Nest.Blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14965979504462735740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5621522066686659502.post-62361712072980618672015-01-16T03:32:00.001-08:002015-01-16T03:32:58.200-08:002015 Goals16 days into the New Year! How many resolutions have been broken by now? For me... none. I've stopped setting them a long time ago. I am dead serious in that I never made it past January 2nd. They just don't work for me. For some reason, they just seem so easy to break, and once broken, so pointless to go back to trying. It's already been broken so what's the point?<br />
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Goals, on the other hand, are my preferred method of motivation. And, I have been setting those for the last few years. Last year, they fit into four categories. Work, running, weight and books. I shared my <a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/2014/01/running-update-next-race-goals.html">running goals</a> with the world. I may or may not have shared my book goal - I can't remember. Work goals we shared with our team and weight goals I kept quiet.<br />
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Did I meet them all? Nope. I was very close on many accounts and did a lot better than if I had just said in 2014 I would "run more," "word harder," "read more," and "eat better."<br />
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<b>Running</b><br />
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2014 - I got in all 4 of my half or better runs. The last two weren't pretty although still better than I would have thought I could do just two years ago. I did NOT get under 1:50. Pretty darned close though at 1:50:51!<br />
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2015 - 5 Half or better races for me this year! I have the first three on my calendar already - <a href="http://www.3mhalfmarathon.com/">3M Half</a> (Austin), <a href="http://www.mermaidseries.com/#!__san-diego">San Diego Mermaid Half</a> and the <a href="http://www.500festival.com/node/88">Indy Mini</a>. I'd like to do the other two in the fall. Tom mentioned last night that he would go longer than 13.1 for a belt buckle. I may have to do some searching and make that happen as a fall get away for us. The <a href="http://www.bihhalf.com/">Bird-In-Hand</a> Half in Amish Country is also on my list - running with the Amish and a real horseshoe as a medal sounds like a really unique experience! I'll still be working toward under 1:50 but I'm pretty sure it won't come in my first two races of the year. I'm just not feeling it but I'm gunning for the Mini and another PR. That just seems to be a good race for it although I think many (many!) would disagree.<br />
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<b>Work</b><br />
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2014 - We hit 2014 with some high expectations for our home building business. We ended 2014 overwhelmed with how far we had come in just one year! Along with having all of the homes at Timber Run under contract in December (we're back to a few available, but figured that would happen too!), we had about 50% more custom home deposits than we had set as a goal. Additionally, we purchased lots in a new subdivision and that wasn't really even on our radar for the year.<br />
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2015 - If 2014 brought high expectations, 2015's goals are mountainous! By the end the year, we are expecting great things!<br />
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<b>Books</b><br />
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2014 - Read 24 books. Didn't get there. There's always another year. :)<br />
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2015 - Goal: Read 24 books. That was easy. <br />
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<b>Weight</b><br />
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2014 - Lose weight - don't worry - I was specific in this department - just not with the Interweb. I lost about half the pounds I had set as a goal. The goal is pre-kid weight. Why is that just so hard to achieve?! (Maybe because I'm almost 10 years older? How did that time go so fast?!)<br />
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2015 - Lose the other half. I've started out the year by significantly reducing my sugar intake and cutting out Diet Coke (again). It seems like everything I've been reading lately led me to these two things. I'm amazed at how much sugar is in EVERYTHING! I'm still doing fruits and grains but just nothing (OK - very little) with "sugar" as an ingredient (or corn syrup, HFCS, cane syrup, etc.). After a few days, I really haven't missed it. And, when I really get a craving, I have a cup of sugar-free hot chocolate. (I realize this probably has aspartame, but so much less than a 44 oz. Diet Coke!)<br />
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So, there you have it. That's what I'll be working toward this year. I think they all meet the S.M.A.R.T. qualities and I've added another A for "Accountability" in there by putting it out to the world. 2015 looks to be a great year!My-Happy-Nest.Blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14965979504462735740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5621522066686659502.post-27812905296858563582015-01-05T20:27:00.004-08:002015-01-05T20:27:46.917-08:00Break is Over! Christmas Recap 2014!You know it's been a good break when you could use one more day, but still feel refreshed and ready to go back! It must have been the perfect amount of time off. This was the first time that I can remember (maybe even from when Jack was born) when I was out of the office for two weeks straight. I still handled emails and was in the office for one late afternoon/evening, but for the most part, I was home. It was a great feeling. I seriously could have used another week probably but it still felt pretty good to be heading into the office this morning!<br />
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We had a busy break. Travel, visitors, neighbors, presents, lots of playing and organizing! The girls' favorite gift were their Razor scooters. They've been riding them non-stop in the basement! Jack's Christmas was one of Lego's and Transformers. He is turning into a kid a little too fast for my taste!<br />
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Here are some photos to capture the times. (I've decided I don't do short posts. This ones a doozy. Can't bear to leave anything out!)<br />
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Nana, Papa and Grammy stopped by on their way to Colorado for a little Christmas fun. First the Smell Book!<br />
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Then presents!</div>
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Some TV was watched but a little less than most years. There is heat vent under the TV hence Trigger's spot.<br />
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Lousie, our exchange student from Denmark, made her traditional Christmas dish - <a href="http://mydanishkitchen.com/2010/12/06/12-days-of-christmas-risengr%C3%B8d/">Risengrod</a> - yum!<br />
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We taught the kids "Chase the Ace" to pass the time after church on Christmas Eve. Tessa worked hard on her poker face.<br />
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When in the world did they get so old?!</div>
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Our Christmas cookies for Santa were a major fail. </div>
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However, Tom managed one cool cookie in Santa's likeness. Josie was adamant that Santa needed a RedBull for his big night. </div>
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I love our family room at Christmas. So peaceful!</div>
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We set up the surveillance camera and caught the Big Guy in action.</div>
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The kids weren't allowed out of their rooms until 8 and then only to gather in Jack's room. This is how I found them at 8:05.</div>
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As the Joyner family tradition, we read the Christmas Story from the Bible. Josie did the honors this year!</div>
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I think Louise fits in just fine!</div>
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Dork Diaries were some favorite gifts.</div>
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Well, not for Jack. He loved the Transformers.</div>
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The girls were so good with Jack. They acted so happy about each of his gifts.</div>
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In my family, we did stockings first. Tom did them last. We've been doing them last. </div>
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Those of us over the age of 16 managed to sneak in a nap too!</div>
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The day after Christmas, we went to Ohio for DeLawder/Harkness Christmas. Jack was pretty enamored with Aunt Sarah.</div>
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Well, and Uncle Matt. Let the Lego extravaganza begin!</div>
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I had a nice little 9 mile run through my hometown. Things haven't changed a whole lot to be honest.</div>
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The Harkness Pizza Cookoff tradition continued. And, this year, Louise played along!</div>
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While home, Tom got another deer. Louise stuck around to watch him butcher it. Life experiences right? Well, it's one I tend to skip. Every time.</div>
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And then, more cards. And popcorn. But no shirt for Jack.</div>
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When we got home, before even unpacking, I cleaned out the pantry, the fridge and organized the laundry room. We couldn't put one more thing in those places! It always gets worse before it gets better! Wow.</div>
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New Year's Eve rolled around and we hung close to home as we were all more than a bit worn out. We played cards, Life (1st time for me and most of the family), and had a dance party. </div>
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Then, we jumped off the couches into the New Year Danish style while watching the ball drop! New Year's Day was spent at the neighbors with food and friends and football. Such a great way to ring in the New Year!</div>
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A few more relaxing days for the kids and organizing for me - the basement and Christmas decorations this time. And, then, here we are on Monday and back to school day. It was a long day but so good to be back in our routine. And, it would continue except that it is currently snowing to beat the band and it's looking likely for at least a 2 hour delay tomorrow and maybe even cancellation. We'll get back to it one of these days! </div>
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<br />My-Happy-Nest.Blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14965979504462735740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5621522066686659502.post-81876108784526323672015-01-04T17:56:00.001-08:002015-01-04T17:56:43.355-08:00Book List 2014Another year gone by! This year brought more books than I've read in quite some time, but still didn't manage to hit my goal of 24 books in a year. To be honest, I fell into a reading funk and just can't quite get out. I stopped reading just before my trip to Uganda and didn't read anything while there or since. If I had finished every book I've started though, I'd have been well over 24. (I should share that list too - maybe someday.) There's always next year!<br />
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Just in case you're interested, here's my <a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/2014/01/book-list-2013.html">2013 list</a> and my <a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/2012/12/book-list-2012.html">2012 list</a>.<br />
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No time to properly review each book, but I added comments here and there.<br />
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1. <u>Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?</u> - Mindy Kaling - Highly recommend for a quick, and funny read. I think I read this one in a day on Winter Break. It's always interesting to me to learn about how people became famous.<br />
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2. <u>Happy Happy Happy</u> - Phil Robertson - Honestly, I don't remember a whole lot about this one other than it was good and a fast read. I would recommend it as it kept my attention and I do remember it was interesting.<br />
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3. <u>Savannah Blues</u> - Mary Kay Andrews - This was one of the few Book Club books that I managed to read this year. We read this in preparation for our <a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/search/label/Critz%20Tybee%20Run%20Fest">Savannah trip</a>. It was a great book and it's the first in a series.<br />
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4. <u>Savannah Breeze</u> - Mary Kay Andrews - 2nd in this series. As I find with most series, it was good but the first was better. However, I do like her writing and they are quick reads. I need to add her to my list for 2015!<br />
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5. <u>The Arraignment</u> - Steve Martini - I don't remember a thing about this one. I usually like Steve Martini though and I'm sure this one was fine.<br />
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6. <u>Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club</u> - Wanda Brunstetter - Another Book Club book! This one didn't get rave reviews from the other girls, but I didn't think it was all bad. Although, it was pretty cheesy and predictable. Not one of the better Amish books I've read.<br />
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7. <u>Five Star Families</u> - Carol Kuykendall - This is a book recommended highly by my friend, Marj. It's been on my list for quite some time. And, I'm so glad I read it! It has a good road map for families and I highly recommend it for parents.<br />
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8. <u>Long Lost</u> - Harlen Coben - Much like The Arraignment, I don't remember anything. I find Harlen Coben another good author for exciting (and usually dependably good) reads.<br />
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9. <u>Astronaut's Wives Club</u> - Lily Koppen - Book Club! (OK - I guess I did better than I originally thought!) I liked this one although I didn't find it extremely well written. It follows the wives of the early astronauts. I didn't really know how much "space hysteria" was going on at that time and the celebrity status! I did start to get a little lost after the first few teams were followed.<br />
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10. <u>David & Goliath</u> - Malcolm Gladwell - I love Malcolm Gladwell and I was happy to have this one to read this year. Highly recommend!<br />
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11. <u>The Happiness Project</u> - Gretchen Rubin - Oh, another good one! This one should be on your reading list! It really makes you take a second look at a lot of your habits and thought processes. For instance, I realized that although I'm not really "happy" when I'm running, the fact that I run makes me happy in the long term. Same goes for organizing closets, or cleaning the house, etc.<br />
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12. <u>Doc</u> - Mary Doria Russell - Tom had to convince me to read this. I loved it! I'm a big historical fiction fan and this one was great. It follows the early(ish) life of Doc Holliday - mainly before the OK Corral.<br />
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13. <u>Hissy Fit</u> - Mary Kay Andrews - This one was just OK for me. Nothing remarkable. I think this book was the start of my "off" streak.<br />
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14. <u>Twisted Sister</u> - Jen Lancaster - This one was a little bizarro. It was OK until suddenly in the middle of the book, there was magic and spells and other odd, sci-fi/weird things going on. Can't recommend this one.<br />
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15. <u>Midnight Crossroads</u> - Charlaine Harris - Oh boy. I really have no idea what made me pick this one off the library shelf. I realized half-way through that it was marked as Sci-Fi/Fantasy. Not my thing at all.<br />
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16. <u>The Racketeer</u> - John Grisham - After those two, I needed a book that I knew would be good. John Grisham always fits that bill!<br />
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17. <u>The Litigators</u> - John Grisham - See #16.<br />
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18. <u>Barefoot</u> - Elin Hildebrand - This one was pretty good and I read it in the summer so it fit the season.<br />
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19. <u>Heaven is for Real</u> - Todd Burpo - I read this one because it's been on my nightstand forever and everyone and their brother has read it. It was a quick read, but I don't remember being crazy about it. Interesting, but not one of my favorites.<br />
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20. <u>The Wife, The Maid & The Mistress</u> - Ariel Lawhorn - I liked this one but I like historical fiction. Plus, I like mysteries so this was a good fit.<br />
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21. <u>The 19th Wife</u> - David Ebershoff - Again, with the historical fiction! This book was really two different books in one and it goes back and forth between both. The first part was about the 19th wife of Brigham Young and her experience with early Mormonism. The second part was current day and it was about a murder in a polygamist community. I liked this one. It was long and probably could have been cut a little short, but overall it was good.<br />
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22. <u>The Matchmaker</u> - Elin Hildebrand - I liked this one more than <u>Barefoot</u> by the same author. I'm still not sure I'm a huge fan of her writing though. Maybe I just picked two that were slightly on the depressing side.<br />
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And, that's it. Again, better than I've ever done, but after the end of September, I hit a book wall. There's nothing like a book that keeps you up until 3AM! I need a few good recommendations to kick off 2015! I'd love to hear yours!<br />
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<br />My-Happy-Nest.Blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14965979504462735740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5621522066686659502.post-22958101953563642312014-11-20T05:23:00.001-08:002014-11-20T05:23:25.298-08:00Josie and Tessa's Meet! Videos! Last weekend, we spent Saturday morning in Martinsville watching the girls' second gymnastic's meet. Tom and I missed their very first meet of the season so this was our first time watching them this season and first time watching Tessa period. Despite the 5:30AM wake up call, we were excited to see them in action!<br />
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Tessa is a Level 1 this year. So, she was up first!<br />
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Her second vault...<br />
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Beam (This one is really hard to see - she's in the pink in the back right corner of the gym)...</div>
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And, finally, floor...</div>
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I didn't get photos of Jack, but he was SO well behaved! He was happy to have the Kinnaman boys to pal around with during Tessa's meet. Then, he found a friend part way through and I was glad that he was entertained. Josie and dad were good spectators too.</div>
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It was really fun to watch her compete after four years of practices. Awards were given to each age division and Tessa won her division! We were so proud of her! </div>
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She was pretty proud of herself too. </div>
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Up next were the Level 2 girls. This is Josie's second season. (She started as a level 2 and Tessa started as a level 1.) I shared videos of her first meet in <a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/2014/01/josie-gymnastics-debut.html">this post</a>. </div>
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One of her vaults...</div>
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And, bars...</div>
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Then, over to the beam. Dad got a great spot to video!</div>
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And, finally, over to the floor.</div>
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She did such a great job! So improved over last year! (Here's her <a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/2014/01/josie-gymnastics-debut.html">first meet post</a>.) Second place finish for this girl! And, in the 9-year-old division!</div>
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They've come a long way since their very first time showing off their skills! I forgot all about <a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/2011/11/jpac-fall-spectacular.html">this post</a> from 2011! Last night, Josie managed her first back handspring in practice too - something I never managed to do. :) </div>
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Being a parent, you have proud moments and not-so-proud moments. This is definitely a proud moment. It's even more meaningful because of how proud they were of themselves. I think it's all finally clicking with them that working hard really does pay off and feel good. Another important lesson learned in youth sports! </div>
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Great job girls! </div>
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<br />My-Happy-Nest.Blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14965979504462735740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5621522066686659502.post-15769940508278837892014-11-08T18:51:00.000-08:002014-11-10T09:31:26.691-08:00Monumental Half Marathon - Race Recap!One week ago, I ran my fourth half marathon of the year. As I shared in my <a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/2014/01/running-update-next-race-goals.html">2014 Goals</a> post, I had two running goals for this year. First, to run a half in under 1:50. That one didn't happen and I'm 100% OK with that. Second, to run 13.1 four times in races. The <a href="http://www.monumentalmarathon.com/">Indianapolis Monumental</a> allowed me to do just that!<br />
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Here's why I'm 100% OK with not hitting the sub-1:50 goal.<br />
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1. There's always another race. (Not so with a goal of 4 in 2014.)<br />
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2. My training was sub-par - actually it was virtually non-existent after September - due to my trip to <a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/search/label/VTT%202014">Uganda</a>. <br />
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3. I proved to myself that I have more to give in future races.<br />
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I will start by saying this was a fantastic race. Well organized, great expo, appropriate aid stations, interesting course, crowd support and of course, a FLAT course. And, although it didn't happen for me, many PR's were set. The most unique are covered in <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/races/92-year-old-and-above-knee-amputee-set-world-records">this article</a>. Highly recommend this as a fall race that should be on your list!<br />
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And, now, for the recap.<br />
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Friday was Halloween. And it was expo day. Jack and I made the trek into Indy to get bibs for a handful of people. Being the awesome wife that I am, I actually forgot to register Tom for this race. However, we knew someone who got injured and couldn't run so we were able to do a switch. I have to give major props to the race organizers here as they allowed me to switch the bib to Tom's name and age group for a small $20 fee. (Much better than the last minute entry fee!) I'm not sure too many races offer that and we were greatly appreciative! Now, I just need to buy him a shirt.<br />
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Even though I had a very short time at the expo, I stocked up. I picked up four race packets, four posters, a T-Shirt, 2 pair of disposable gloves, more GU packs, 2 hats and 2 sets of handwarmers. At this point, we knew it was going to be cold. Looking back, I'm so glad I was prepared! <br />
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On my way out, I saw a booth for <a href="http://www.jeffgalloway.com/">Jeff Galloway</a>. (For those non-runners, he is an Olympian and very well known in the running world for his injury-free training programs and column in Runner's World.) I noticed he was speaking later in the day, but didn't expect to see him at the actual booth. I felt a little starstruck and bought a few books for him to sign. And, of course, took a photo.<br />
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Seriously, that was enough motivation to get me to the starting line. </div>
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I had been really dreading this race to be quite honest. A part of me was so disappointed that this was supposed to be THE race. The one where I cracked 1:50. And, I knew that wasn't happening. Aside from the Uganda trip and the lack of long runs, I managed to pull something in my back the week prior and had logged only a few runs since the <a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/2014/10/indianapolis-half-marathon-race-recap.html">Indianapolis (Half) Marathon</a>. I was not feeling confident.</div>
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Really, before this moment, I was ready to throw in the towel and register for the Santa Hustle in December for my 4th race of the year. I needed an attitude adjustment and this was the ticket. </div>
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We decided on a pre-Trick-or-Treat pasta dinner for Tom and I. Nothing fancy (AKA no photos), but it was very nice to have it over earlier in the evening. I also downed a few glasses of water. Hydration was not top of my mind like it usually is - I think because of the cool temps. </div>
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Costumes and makeup and coats and we were ready! Seriously, it was one of the most miserable Trick-or-Treats that I remember! The kids were good sports though and managed a decent candy haul. (Tessa was the smart one - I suggested she go as a snowboarder.)</div>
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After a second dinner of chips and guac and some other snacks at the neighbor's, Tom and I turned in fairly early. I think we were in bed by 10. And, we both slept so well! In fact, we're lucky we woke up. Tom didn't set an alarm and I changed my Tuesday AM alarm so no alarm for us! </div>
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Tom checked the weather while still in bed and said, "Sara, it's 32 degrees out there." I said, "Nothing has changed. That's what it said last night." That's all we said about that. I told him later that if either one of us would have pressed the issue, we wouldn't have gotten out of bed! </div>
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The girls spent the night at the neighbors and we dropped Jack there too. At this point, we were running slightly behind schedule. If you know me, I don't like to be late. And, on-time is late. So, I was a bit stressed. The traffic jam going into the parking garage didn't help. Turns out we were all good and were able to meet our friends at the Marriott. No picture of the group, but here we are in our matching hats. </div>
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We were able to hold tight inside until the last minute. I think we stayed there until about 5 minutes before the race started. We split up at some point and I found myself in the corral alone. This is a big race, especially since the full and half start together.</div>
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It was cold in the corrals, but lucky for me, it was a short wait. I made it to the start fairly fast and off we went! Even though I knew this wouldn't be a PR race for me, the race adrenaline had me flying high! The early miles just flew by and at a decent pace. I decided early on that my goal was under 2 hours, but for the first few miles, I was clocking an 8:40 pace so I went with it. I managed to hold that at least through the 10K mark. </div>
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Here we are running toward one of the monuments on the course. Just a little crooked! </div>
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Around mile 2, I realized I was overdressed. Honestly, I probably had on two layers too many. I told myself that I could take off a layer one mile after my feet unfroze. (That would mean my core was warm.) That was the worst part of the early race. My feet were like bricks they were so cold! My hands were good because I had gloves with hand warmers inside. I also tucked my phone in there for the whole race. </div>
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I felt good. Really good. I started thinking I could get under 1:55 which would be impressive, considering my training. I came upon <a href="http://roadtotriumph.wordpress.com/2014/11/02/a-monumental-run/">Hailey Danisewicz</a>, an above-the-knee amputee running the full marathon. She went on to break the Women's Marathon Record for above-knee amputees. Of course, I didn't know that she was going to do that when I saw her, but was glad to catch the announcement and to have run beside her on the course! </div>
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I found myself fairly emotional many times during the race. I had refocused my attention on the fact that, as long as I finished (which wasn't in doubt really), I would be fulfilling a year long goal. One that I had set a few years prior. One that would propel me into 2015 when I would be running 5. And, into 2020, when I would be running 10 at the age of 40. That kept me going. When the half broke from the full, I wanted to high five all of the runners continuing on for the full. What an accomplishment. </div>
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Then, mile 8 and 9 came along. Somewhere in there was the slightest, and I mean slightest, of inclines. I slowed down. By mile 10, I was struggling. I remember telling myself that if I could pass 10 people, I could walk. That worked great until I passed 8 and then was far away from the next pack. Mile 10 was my slowest. I think this is always one of the hardest honestly. Three miles seems like forever and a day. </div>
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I did a lot of body checks during those last three miles. What hurts? Nothing. How are your lungs? Fine. I was just out of gas. I'm sure it was due to the lack of long runs and hydration. The endurance just wasn't there. One foot in front of the other got me to the finish. </div>
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Finally, we reached Monument Circle again. I remember from watching Tom last year that the faces on the runners turning that corner were priceless. The disappointment was so apparent on most runners turning that corner. I was one of those faces this time. You turn that corner and expect to see the finish line. Instead, you see a long road still ahead. Slightly discouraging. Another little, tiny walk break for me. </div>
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Eventually, I saw the marathon marker of 26 miles which meant only .2 miles left. I kicked it in as much as I could. Tom was right there at the finish. I was glad because I almost collapsed. I have to say that I felt worse at that finish line than any other race. My stomach was turning and my legs felt pretty wobbly. I attribute that to lack of hydration and, of course, proper training. As I said on Instagram, I was literally leaning on him for support. One tired girl! </div>
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We hobbled back to our car. Both of us were overdressed for the run and completely drenched in sweat. Which made us even colder after we were done. I took off my hat in the car and my hair was soaked! I didn't end up taking any layers off during the race because I was afraid my wet clothes would make me way too cold. I was right.</div>
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My time was only 6 seconds slower than the Indianapolis Half two weeks prior! How crazy is that?! I am more than pleased with my time of 1:57:15. To know that I can go out and run 13.1 at that pace with very little training is very encouraging. It means that I have a real chance of sub-1:50 with the right training, hydration and nutrition. That makes me feel really, really good. And, really, really excited. </div>
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I came across this on the Runner's World Instagram feed a few days after this race. I've said this many times but to be honest, I really don't enjoy running. I do, however, enjoy the feelings that come from running. Setting and meeting long term goals, especially while struggling along the way, is such an exhilarating experience. It makes me happy. </div>
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That all being said... 1:49:59... I'm coming for you. In 2015, you will be mine. </div>
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My-Happy-Nest.Blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14965979504462735740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5621522066686659502.post-82283322396410609322014-10-28T19:24:00.000-07:002014-10-28T19:24:04.560-07:00Indianapolis (Half) Marathon Race RecapHalf #3 is in the books for the year! 3/4 of the way through my goal! As I said in a Facebook update it turns out I CAN run a 1/2 on 4 weeks rest. But, only if I don't want to be able to walk the next day.<br />
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Here were my thoughts heading into the race. Positive thinking!<br />
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1. At least my legs would be rested.<br />
2. This is "just" a training race.<br />
3. I had my pick of running clothes for race day as everything was clean (because I hadn't run for so long). Turns out, that wasn't true and I was hand washing my favorite shorts Friday night!<br />
4. My music would sound good because I hadn't heard it for so long.<br />
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Mom came in on Friday morning and we took the kids to Conner Prairie to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather! I took one picture. Of a cow.<br />
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Then, we went over to the expo to pick up our packets. This is a small expo but the girls managed to find some headbands they couldn't resist. Thank goodness for Gram! :) </div>
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Tom was kind enough to cook us a yummy dinner of pasta and chicken and then we were off to bed. But, not before laying out our gear. "Time to make history" seemed a bit ambitious for me!</div>
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We got up earlier than usual. The girls had their first gymnastics meet of the season and we were all going to miss it. I am so thankful for my neighbor and friend, Steph, who took the girls and Jack for the morning. And, my other friends, Jason (I'll give him the shout out here since I missed him on Facebook) & Tiffany, for recording their performances and sending it to me. Can't wait to watch them compete next month! </div>
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We took off around 7AM and rolled into the parking lot around 7:30. Brrrr. It was cold! I ended up running in my shorts (as always), a running t-shirt, a long sleeve shirt and my running jacket. I tied the jacket around my waist around mile 3. We paced the parking lot before the start and snapped a picture. </div>
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Then we were off! Mile 1 seemed to fly by. Our watches went off for 1mile at about 8:19 but we didn't hit the 1 mile marker until about 8:40 when our watches said 1.05 miles. My goal was to run the first 8 miles at an easy pace of around 9:15 and the last 5 at my goal half pace of 8:15. So, 8:40 was a bit fast. I told mom that I would fall back if mile 2 came in under 9. It did. 8:43.</div>
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We split up here. I watched her blaze ahead. She's in the pink with the green jacket.</div>
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I stayed steady around 8:50 to 9 minute miles. </div>
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3 - 9:09 (Decent sized hill here)</div>
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4 - 8:50</div>
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5 - 8:47</div>
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6 - 8:47</div>
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7 - 8:54</div>
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8 - 8:59</div>
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I've said it the last two years (<a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/2012/10/race-day-wrap-up-indianapolis-october.html">2012 Recap</a> and <a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/2013/10/race-recap-indianapolis-marathon.html">2013 Recap</a>), but this is such a pretty race. This photo doesn't do it justice. It seems to hit the sweet spot of the season of fall leaves. One of these days, we'll have a bright, blue sky too!</div>
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At this point, I was feeling good. Honestly, I could have stayed right there and probably made it through at around an 1:55. But, I had a plan and I was going to do my best to stick to it. </div>
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So, I changed up the playlist and took off. This is an uncrowded race and it was a little uncomfortable to just "take off." (It's a small-ish race with less than 1500 half runners.) But, remember? I had a plan. So, mile 9 was 7:58 and my goal pace is 8:15. A tad too fast. I think I caught up to mom around mile 10 and a water station. I kept at it and did 8:24 for mile 10. Not shabby but obviously, I was slowing down. </div>
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Have I mentioned the hills on this course? No? Well, there are hills. And, there is a BIG one during mile 11 and I think there was more than one. My pace slowed considerably. Mile 11 was a 9:41. Mile 12 was a little better at 9:13 and my last mile was 9:18. Back to my "easy" pace I was supposed to have at the beginning. I can't even tell you how much worse this felt than the first few miles. </div>
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I was just out of gas. It's times like this that I think about what actually feels bad. My feet hurt for sure. But, other than that, my legs didn't hurt, my lungs were fine, but I didn't have much left. I was surprised my time was as good as it was during those miles. At some point, I realized that I could get a course PR. I broke 2 hours at this race in 2012. I had in my head it was 1:57:50 something. </div>
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I finished at 1:57:09. My 2012 time was 1:57:40. Pretty close. </div>
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At the end of the race, I was bushed. I'm pretty sure I felt worse than after the full. My legs were wobbly and I had to go to the bathroom so bad! This is the only race where I almost stopped at the Port-a-johns on the course. I blame the extra Powerade I had that morning! I wondered over to the bathroom while mom got our gear. I came out to this!</div>
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Age Group Award Winner! Mom ended up with a 1:55:08. That is awesome. </div>
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This is a really tough course. With the exception of the crazy hill at the end of the Steamboat race, and honestly, the hills of the Dawes 5K, this is by far the toughest running I have done in a race.</div>
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All in all? A successful day for all! A course PR for both of us. Just a flat-out PR for mom. And, I realized I could power through a race on too much rest. {Spoiler Alert: I'm going to try that again this coming weekend.}</div>
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I rounded out the night like I had the two previous years - at the Rotary Steak and Bake. I did spend three hours on the couch though first. My Garmin Vivofit step counter did hit a new record - 35,519 steps for the day. </div>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />I'm so glad mom and I got to do this together! Even though we didn't actually run very much together, it was quite the experience to share! How many girls can say they did something like this with their mom? I hope mine can too someday. Thanks mom!</div>
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Indianapolis Half - 10/19/2014 (My 9th Half!)</div>
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<i>Time: 1:57:09</i></div>
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<i>Pace: 8:57</i></div>
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<i>Overall Place: 322/1432 </i></div>
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<i>Division Place: 25/141 </i></div>
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<br />My-Happy-Nest.Blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14965979504462735740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5621522066686659502.post-76811473851086857082014-10-26T19:09:00.000-07:002014-10-26T19:09:01.159-07:00A Fall AfternoonI'm once again dreadfully behind on the blog. I'm also dreadfully behind on laundry. The world will go on. I owe a race racap from last weekend and I need to finish my trip to Dubai. But, for now, you'll have to deal with pictures of the kids.<br />
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I was bound and determined to get some photos of the kids around the beautiful fall leaves before they turned brown and the skies turned gray. Well, I got a few. Nothing spectacular, but I got out there. And, their hair wasn't brushed, their outfits were far from perfect, but I was determined.<br />
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That's all I got out of the girls. They ran off to play. Somehow I kept Jack's attention.</div>
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Dad made Jack a "phone" out of a spare paver from the new patio.</div>
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This is a totally new face.</div>
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Then, Jack showed us how to do a skin the cat. In slow motion and in fast motion.</div>
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<br />My-Happy-Nest.Blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14965979504462735740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5621522066686659502.post-43960137073030217302014-10-14T20:54:00.001-07:002014-11-08T19:12:57.345-08:00Indianapolis (Half) Marathon This WeekendI didn't add the exclamation point to the end of the post title. I have to say I'm probably the least excited about this race than any I've had to this point. I've undertrained (mainly due to the trip to Uganda which I wouldn't trade for anything) and honestly, I'm just not feeling my running mojo.<br />
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I missed three long runs (yikes!) but my longest was 11 miles which isn't too bad. It's just that it was three weeks ago. I've had two solid runs since coming home, but they're not long ones.<br />
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First run back on US soil...<br />
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Fall weather is the best running weather - just watch out for hidden sticks and walnuts.</div>
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Yes. Those are bugs on my neck and under my eyes. I also had some up under my hat. I wish it was because I was running so fast that I was taking them out left and right. Not so much. Just a run at twilight.</div>
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I know the excitement and butterflies will come. They always do. And, this is "just" a training run for my goal race on November 1st. My plan is to run 8 miles "easy" and 5.1 at "goal half marathon pace." I'm pretty sure I can do that. One step at a time right?<br />
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Plus, it can't be as hard as <a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/2013/10/race-recap-indianapolis-marathon.html">last year</a> when I did the full. Perspective!<br />
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And, I realized that I have the most races ever out in front of me - 5! This weekend, November 1st, January in Texas, February in California and May back at the Indy Mini will round out 5 in just over 6 months.<br />
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Now that makes me a little more excited.My-Happy-Nest.Blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14965979504462735740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5621522066686659502.post-21681257244432434802014-10-12T10:38:00.000-07:002014-10-12T10:38:25.838-07:00Day Eleven - A New Continent - Rotary International VTT 2014 - Kampala, Uganda<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'OFL Sorts Mill Goudy TT'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.1760005950928px;">{This is a series in posts about our trip to Uganda for the Riley/Rotary Vocational Training Team. To start at the beginning, go to </span><a href="http://my-happy-nest.blogspot.com/2014/07/next-adventure-ready-or-not.html" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6699; font-family: 'OFL Sorts Mill Goudy TT'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.1760005950928px; text-decoration: none;">this post</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'OFL Sorts Mill Goudy TT'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.1760005950928px;">. Check out the team blog at </span><a href="http://rileyinternationalheartmissions.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6699; font-family: 'OFL Sorts Mill Goudy TT'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.1760005950928px; text-decoration: none;">rileyinternationalheartmissions.wordpress.com</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'OFL Sorts Mill Goudy TT'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.1760005950928px;">. If you visit the team blog, please leave a comment! The team loves to hear your encouraging words!}</span><br />
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Our last morning waking up at the Golf Course Hotel! I noticed this morning that the breakfast at the hotel didn't have much left that was appetizing. The food was really great the whole week but after having every day, I was ready for a change I guess.<br />
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We went over to the hospital to say our final goodbyes! (A note here: Ugandans don't like to say goodbye so they just say, "Until next time!") I brought my "good" camera but I'm afraid the pictures turned out a little blurry. Hopefully, I got a few good ones.<br />
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Everyone was doing great! A few kids were going to be moved down to the step-down unit today and a there was a rumor that Barbra and Patience will get to go home soon!<br />
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Frederick</div>
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Stephanie and Princess' mom</div>
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Dr. Turrentine checking out Patience</div>
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The girls with Becca, an ICU nurse</div>
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The girls with Trina who spent nights in the ICU</div>
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Barbra and her mom</div>
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Patience and her mom</div>
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The ICU team didn't leave until later in the evening and so they went to Buganda Road market. This time by boda boda. The three of us heading to Dubai went up to the room to pack. We left for the airport a few hours early. I took some pictures out of the taxi window.<br />
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But first, a look outside our hotel room window.<br />
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All along the roads are these little nursery/garden areas. </div>
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More construction</div>
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Goats</div>
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As I've mentioned previously, the traffic here can be really bad so we left early. Luck was on our side though and we made it to the airport without traffic problems. Luggage checkin was a different story! Eventually, we made it through and to the gate with really very little time to spare.<br />
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The flight to Dubai was uneventful and I slept lot of the way. Once at the Dubai airport, I realized how different these two cultures actually are! It was obvious even in the airport! More about that tomorrow!<br />
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<br />My-Happy-Nest.Blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14965979504462735740noreply@blogger.com0