Tall Mom on the Run

Training about to BEGIN

2012-02-13T07:33:00.000-08:00

I am blessed with several local running partners. On most days I can probably find someone to meet me and hit the pavement. Lately the majority of my miles have been spent with Muscle Man, him pushing the Little Studs. For a couple years he has been saying he will run his first Half Marathon, injuries, timing, etc.. have gotten in the way. I think this Summer when I helped Tall Sister run her first Half HERE, he knew that it was his turn in 2012. But which race??

My first Half Marathon I ran the Capital City Half in Olympia, WA, report HERE. Muscle Man was there to support me, take photos and run along for parts. The race is small and the scenery is pretty. Muscle Man likes smaller races so he has chosen Capital City Half on May 20th as his first... Although I made some mistakes my first time out, I ran hard and still have not been able to match my finish time. I plan to run every step with Muscle Man and to help him with his training. There are HILLS but it has to be easier than pushing 120++ pounds of kiddos.. They may not give medals but the PRIDE felt once you cross the Finish Line is unmatched.
I am excited for this journey with my husband. Will be recruiting babysitters and paparazzi to come take pictures soon.. It will be fun to create the AMBITIOUS sub 2:00 hour training plan for my favorite client. This weekend we ran on Saturday and Sunday on the Foothills trail with the Little Studs under the rain cover, it was chilly. We kept the pace pretty easy and enjoyed conversation. There were some fun things.

1. We saw a HUGE Bald Eagle on a tree branch close to the trail.

2. There was a lady walking carrying The STICK.. we were not sure if she was carrying it for protection or to roll out her legs mid way through her walk :)

3. One guy asked "Do you ever trade?" referring to the jogging stroller, I replied "Only when no one is around." Which is TRUE.

4. We parked in a new location in the middle of the 7 mile trail, so we got to see the PRETTY parts of the trail without having to run 3++ miles to get there, it was a weird feeling.

5. As usual Muscle Man was sweaty and I wasn't ;)

Have you ever run a race with your significant other? How did it go?
What race are you EXCITED for in 2012??

Marathon Fear and Razzy Roo Giveaway

2012-02-10T07:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had some fun comments from Ryan and Pensive Pumpkin...I hope you don't mind ladies :)

Ryan said...
On a side note, I just signed up for my first marathon. I am slightly terrified. After reading about a few of your earlier marathons, I am now absolutely terrified and worried I took on too much!

Just following Pensive Pumpkin said:
I am dying over Ryan's second comment above, because reading this blog makes me want to curl up and DIE because I will never be this cool. Then I read your terrible Seattle RnR post again, realize that *this will happen to me. probably more than once.* and that you kept running anyway. Then I freak out that I have a "long" four miler scheduled tomorrow. LOL
Ryan- welcome to the club. Crazy club.

Not sure if you know this but if you scroll down until you see RACES on the right hand side of the Blog I have nearly all of my race reports linked, just click the photo to go to the report. I am also working on the Race Reports Tab at the top of the Blog with drop downs to the various race distances COMING SOON for Marathon. I tend to remember every step so get your cup of coffee and prepare for a book..

My first Marathon was anything but perfect. I made some rookie mistakes which lead to a less than stellar performance. Many of you have already read my Post HE RE, beware I am very honest with how it all went down (my leg). HEHE.. I know of a couple Bloggers T & G who read the post multiple times in preparation for their first Marathon, I was pretty honored :)As a former college athlete I had high expectations for myself my first time out and I sorta flopped... I crossed the Finish line and immediately said to Muscle Man "Never let me do that again!!" And at the time I meant it. It was painful, horrible, no good, all that training and for what?? To wet myself and run in pain for the last 10 miles of the race... UGH!! Marathons are tough!! Don't let anyone sugar coat it, BUT...

The following year I ran 4 Marathons, qualified for the Boston Marathon and earned Marathon Maniac status by running 3 marathons in less than 90 days. YES my first Marathon was tragic, but the mistakes I made were fixable and I wanted to know the feeling of the perfect Marathon. I have run 6 Marathon, which is a small number in compared to some, and I can honestly say that I truly enjoyed 2 of the 6- Eugene and Rock N Roll Seattle with Marlene, I enjoyed the first Half of two of my Marathons- Rock N Roll Seattle 09 and Rock N Roll Vegas with Amanda and I just muddle through- Green River Marathon and The Boston Marathon...

Every race is different. The training leading up to it, the race itself, and all the excitement surrounding the 26.2 mile journey. My BEST advice to you First Time Marathoners is this:

1. Respect the Distance, do not underestimate the last 6.2 miles!!! Train for the distance and time on your feet.

2. Do not go in with a specific time goal, run to Finish.

3. Recruit a support crew- having friends and family along the course at planned mile markers is necessary.. They will be there with signs, a camera, snacks, a cheer and a smile.

4. Drive the course or parts of it, this will give you a vivid idea of the terrain. I find driving the course calming, but if you know that this will make you more nervous skip it :)

5. Smile at the Finish and wear your medal all weekend!!
1 Day Giveaway!!!
My buddies at Razzy Roo sent me an assortment of Valentines and St. Patty's day headbands to pass on to you lovely readers. In order to get the V-Day one to you on time this Giveaway is 1 day only.

WHAT WILL YOU WIN:
Your choice of One Valentines or St. Pattys day band...oops I forgot to take a photo of the specific bands so you get to be surprised :)

HOW DO YOU ENTER?:
1 comment for each entry pretty please

Leave a Comment to ENTER, does not matter about what.

Additional Entries:

1. Visit Razzy Roo HERE and let me know which headband you would love to buy. Leave a Comment.

2. Like Razzy Roo on Facebook HERE. Leave a Comment.

3. Tell me whether you want Valentines or St. Patty's day band by leaving a quote associated, a quote about LOVE for Valentines or LUCK for St. Pattys.

4. Visit me on Facebook HERE and post a comment on my Wall. Leave a Comment here to get credit.

Contest ends tonight 2/10 at 11:59PM. Winner will be announced on 2/11.

3 Things Thursday- Run and Reviews

2012-02-09T07:56:00.000-08:00

Welcome new Tall Mom Bloggy Pack Members!! Nice to have you :)

1. Yesterday I ran with the lovely Kerrie @ Mom vs. Marathon. Have a mentioned that there was a time that Kerrie was intimidated to run with me because I was faster than her?? Well those days are long gone. I have not done much speedwork lately so this lady KICKS MY BUTT!! Our workout was doable, but challenging!! We had 4 miles at her mid-tempo pace which was 8:23, in 2010 I ran a Marathon at 8:18 per mile overall pace but yesterday it took great focus for me to keep in the pace zone. I was glad to have Kerrie there. The first 2 miles were pretty easy, we talked a lot....but by mile 3 I was gasping for air. The loop around the pond near my office is ideal for mile repeats and pace runs because it is flat, but there are Garmin gremlins so I am not entirely sure that our splits were correct. 5.2 miles at 8:30ish overall pace, not to shabby folks!!

All in all a GREAT run with my buddy. This year I was planning to train for a fast 5K, but unfortunately my knee does not want to join the party.. so my Goals have shifted a bit (more about that soon). I am GLAD I was able to keep up with Kerrie and push myself.. Photo of a dark and rainy day in the PNW..

2. Many of you were excited when Brooks Introduced the Pure Project line of Shoes. I was too!! Thankfully being the Brooks freak that I am, I was sent a pair of Pure Cadence to put through the paces. At $120 these shoes are an investment!!

Brooks Pure Project:
The PureProject collection is a tribute to runners with a sense of adventure and a craving to grab their run by the horns. Radically lightweight, flexible materials merge with smart design to naturally align your stride and empower every push-off. Unleash your feet; experience the PureProject by Brooks with four unique shoes in vibrant colors.
Vibrant colors is right, just look at these beauties!! I took these out of the box and hopped on the treadmill nearly immediately. Since then I have worn these 1-2 times per week with a max run of 8 miles.

TALL MOM THOUGHTS:

#1. They are GREAT for treadmill running because they are light weight.

#2. The shoes are breathable but may not be the best on soggy days, your toes may end up pretty damp.

#3. The tread makes you feel bouncy and connected to the road.

#4. Due to the minimalist design you will notice that your feet have to work a little harder, my arches were a bit sore when I was working them in.

#5. You want to take your time building up mileage in these shoes, especially if you are used to a shoe with a lot of support.

#6. You will get compliments because they are so CUTE!

#7. I do not consider these long run shoes, I have not worn them for more than an 8 miler and I really think that 5 miles is tops for me but what you do with them is up to you.

#8. You can learn more about the Pure Project line of Shoes for Women HERE and Men HERE.

All in all GREAT shoe!! I highly recommend that you go to a local Running store and take them for a test run before you buy, it is a different experience at first.... If you have any questions please send me an email or leave a comment

Battle Tested
Tall Mom Approved

3. I was sent a pair of Propel Run Tights from Lucy. Looking online I think I got an older version because mine don't have a splash of color or zipper at the ankle. To be honest when I wore them for the first time I didn't like them. They did not keep me warm and I was not loving the compression (My thighs were jiggling). But I like to try things 3-5 times before review so I washed and dried them and wore them again.

LOVE!! Washing and drying made the tights warmer and tighter.. These are now my go-to tights for winter and fall. And for you TALL gals these are a great length. at $68 these are an investment, but well worth it when you figure the cost per wear. And BONUS Lucy is having a 25% off sale for Valentines day on all red and pink items HERE.

What Lucy Says:
This running tight is loaded with performance features: the highly compressive lucy truetek™ fabrication wicks moisture and offers a UPF rating of 30+; a cool max gusset adds breathability; reflection; anti-chafe flat seams; a wide waistband for comfort; a zippered waistband pocket; and mesh panels allow for added ventilation..

88% polyester; 12% spandex
Machine wash cold, with like colors
Tumble dry low

Battle Tested
Tall Mom Approved

Have you had a GREAT run lately?? Leave a Comment.
Any new products you are excited about? Leave a Comment.
FYI I will be posting a Razzy Roo Headband Giveaway tomorrow with a chance to enter early today on my Facebook Page HERE.

REST is important

2012-02-07T08:01:00.001-08:00

I am working on Muscle Mans First Half Marathon training plan!!! I am super excited. When I create training plans I like to ask the Runner how many days a week they want to run. Personally I like to run 4-5 days a week, which gives me the ability to train hard and REST. Below are a few articles about REST and how it is essential to being able to train harder.

REST days do not have to be completely exercise free (although mine are) some people use rest days for non-impact activities like an easy bike ride, active stretching, yoga, or slow swim.. You can Run on your rest day, but the pace, and distance should be decreased to get the full benefit. When I ran 33 days in a row I had 1 mile days as my "REST" days and that was perfect. If you don't believe me check out the articles I found very quickly on the subject:

REST is important for:
Injury Prevention
Avoiding Burnout
Recharging Energy
Ability to train HARD
Personal assessment

Quotes about REST:

"I still need more healthy rest in order to work at my best. My health is the main capital I have and I want to administer it intelligently." -Ernest Hemingway

"Rest when you're weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work." -Ralph Marston

"Spend at least some of your training time, and other parts of your day, concentrating on what you are doing in training and visualizing your success." -Grete Waitz

"Keep varying the program. Your body will tell you what to do."

For your viewing pleasure below is proof that Little Stud #2 finds his REST in the Jogging stroller and has since he was a tiny baby.. Who doesn't love a picture of a sleeping kiddo??

I had to sneak a kiss he was too cute.. Our sweet boy was so fussy, after the nap he was GREAT!

He was part way through the Apple, he didn't make it..

Our little man at my first 10K

Both boys at the Beach using the Double Jogger as a bed.

I can hardly remember the single jogger...or our 4 year old as a baby..

What are your thoughts about REST?

Family Runventure

2012-02-06T07:58:00.000-08:00

The Weather this weekend was PERFECT!!! Warm, Sunny, ideal for a family run. We set out with Mount Rainier in full view, so beautiful. Muscle Man Agreed to 5 miles on the Foothills trail, with stops for the Little Studs of course.

STOP #1:
Visiting with our Emu friend, she really liked the boys and made her strange dinosaur noises.

STOP #2:
We traversed the rocky cliff to a private beach spot below. Tossed rocks in the water and avoided getting our sneakers wet (barely)
Yes he poses like his Mommy..
See.. I was a little hot in my long sleeves and CEP Compression Sleeves.
Not sure how Little Stud #2 avoided getting his photo snapped.. Sneaky little guy. Muscle Man worked up a sweat, we still had 1.4 miles back to the Jeep.

STOP #3:
The smallest baby calf I have ever seen was so adorable, it was so new it could barely walk. The boys did not like the smell so we didn't stay long.
STOP #4:
The boys got out to run the bike jump hills, I took a video which I may post later..

STOP #5:
DONE!! I went to the nearby bakery for a little snack for everyone and they went to the Park..

PERFECT FAMILY RUN!! 5 miles, with some stops for fun. I was not worried about pace or getting back to the family because they were there with me.

Muscle Man wants to run the Capital City Half Marathon in May as his first Half. This is cool because Capital City was my first Half also. I plan to toss away my speed demon ways, reassess my 2012 running goals and join him for the training journey.

Off to make a training plan for us :)

HAPPY MONDAY!

SELF

2012-02-03T07:49:00.000-08:00

CONFIDENCE

AWARENESS
CRITICISM

This is a topic that has been floating around my Tall head for a while.. so I thought I would pulse the masses (hehe) to see what you all think.

I have never had a shortage of Self Confidence. I believe in myself, work hard and find ways to reach my goals. Does that mean that I don't doubt myself?? Heck no, I am in a contact state of doubt. But I don't let fear drive me. I believe that if I put my mind to something I WILL find a way to achieve it and I hold my head high.

I also feel like I am Self Aware. I know when I have done or said something stupid, the impact I have made and I take action to fix it. I play to my strengths and flex the big muscles. Though I have many strengths I am acutely aware of my weaknesses and do my best to learn from mistakes.

This leads to the Self Criticism. In my own mind I am not good enough. Nothing I do will ever be good enough for ME. This has served me well in school, I earned mostly A's. In sports, I played Division 1 College Basketball. And in life, I have a successful career. BUT....it is so darn tiring.. When I perform at the TOP of my "game," in my head I still wonder if I could have done more, gone faster, dotted more i's and crossed more t's.. When I make mistakes it eats me up inside and I OBSESS about it...

Stuck in the SELF TRIFECTA

Confident enough to take action.

Aware enough to know when I have done well/poorly.

Regardless of the outcome, I am my own worst Critic..

While I cant change who I am I would like to be able to quiet the Critic inside and not be so hard of myself. But maybe I need the Self Criticism to continue to grow and not accept less than what I am capable of.

What are your thoughts about Self Criticism? How do you quiet the voices in your head?
Tell me about your SELF Trifecta

G(r)eek Night

2012-02-01T21:58:00.000-08:00

I was on a Running HIGH in December. I ran for 33 days strait... Then came January...I ran 10 days, for a monthly total of 49 miles.. This was not how I wanted to start the year. I was on business travel for 8 days to 3 different time zones and was jet lagged beyond recognition for some time...Being tired, busy and burnt out is not a good combo. When I look at January I feel a little guilty, and then I remember that I am HUMAN!!! I cant do it all. I may not reach all my goals or inspire someone every day, but I am doing the best I can to keep a Balance with my family, work, exercise, etc... Yes maybe I should have hopped on the treadmill for 3 miles tonight, but instead I cuddled with my husband.. NO REGRETS!!

End of Rant...I may need to reasses my goals for the year...time will tell. Muscle Man wants to run his first Half Marathon in May. So instead of BLAZING for PR's I am thinking that I may need to slow my stride and spend some miles with my favorite partner..

Speaking of Running Partners, I had the Pleasure of meeting my awesome buddies for some tasty Greek Food on Monday.. Greek night turned into Geek night as we played with lip gloss, ate calamari, drank some adult beverages, and took a ton of photos. I laughed so hard that my cheeks hurt..
If you have been reading for any amount of time you know these ladies.. Zoe, Kerrie, Jill and Chelsea... LOVE THESE GIRLS!! Friends I can be a total dork with and they love me anyway.. We even called our pal Amanda during dinner but it was 11PM her time so she didn't answer... WHATEVER!! We left a nice message :)

I smile because I love my life and the people who are in it.. My 30's have been the best years for me and I only see things getting better..

Call me a Geek, but I will continue to pose whenever I see a camera....even if it is mid stride.. NO CANDIDS!!

I know this post is a ramble.. That is what happens when I stay up too late..

Moral of the Story: There is more to life than Running, but Running is an amazing part of my life. The relatioships I have formed through Running are unmatched and I am blessed. It is not about the number of miles or the pace, it is finding the pavement when you can and commiting to being there in that moment...

11 Things x 3

2012-01-31T07:44:00.000-08:00

I always LOVE getting Tagged!! Thanks to T @ Racing with Babes , Kurt @ Becoming an Ironman and Junk Food Runner for the tags, I have been traveling for work and have been totally out of the Bloggy seen so I am sure most of you have already played along..

Here are the rules:

1. Post these rules.

2. You must post 11 random things about yourself.

3. Answer the questions set for you in their post.

4. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.

5. Go to their blog and tell them you've tagged them.

6. No stuff in the tagging section about you are tagged if you are reading this. You legitimately have to tag 11 people. (not sure what this rule means??)

11 Random Tall Mom Things:

1. I am an Event Planner for my Big Girl job, I can think 5 steps ahead.. a trait I get from my Mom.

2. I get my hair cut/colored MAYBE once a year. I was Blonde for a while after college but it was too hard for me to maintain, since I am not a fan of sitting in the Stylist chair.

3. We have 1 pet, a Boxed Turtle named Tally, she was once lost in the backyard for 2 weeks. We are not great pet owners ;p

4. I LOVE Milk Chocolate and eat at least a small piece most days.

5. Muscle Man and I met on Match.com, my parents also met on a Blind Date.

6. I drive a Jeep Liberty and it is BY FAR my favorite vehicle I have ever owned. We bought it brand new last August and it has made me happy ever sense.

7. I collect Starbucks cityscape mugs from the Cities I visit, I bought one in Boston last year and the handle broke on the return trip :( Maybe I will go back someday to get another.

8. My dream is to live with a view of a body of water, lake, stream, ocean, pond, large mud puddle, my current view is of the top of Lowes..although we have a killer view of Mount Rainier... maybe in retirement I will get my water view.

9. I played 3 sports in High School, Volleyball, Basketball and Track & Field (shot-put, discus and relays) I have always loved sports!! I hope the Little Studs will be excited about sports someday. I plan to be a huge FAN for them!!

10. I have no tatoos and did not get my ears pierced until age 30.

11. I have been enchanted by the Larimar Stone since my Mom gave me a ring made of Larimar she and Dad purchased for me before he died. Someday I will have an AMAZING collection of Larimar Jewelry.

T's questions:

1. Birthdays. Love them or hate them. Why? Love them!! But I feel a crazy amoaunt of guilt when it comes to our kids birthdays...I have not planned anything big for them the past 2 years and I feel BAD!

2. Get your purse/gym bag: What are the first five things you pull out? Purse-Gum, pen, passport, work badge, and wallet. Gym Bag- Nike Bra, bondiband, sof sole socks, Nike top and Lucy tights.

3. What is the one meal you can make better than anyone else? Funny!! Highly doubt I can make anything better than anyone....I don't cook.. I would say that I am pretty good at Top Ramen and Rice Crispy Treats.

4. You get one wish. No restrictions. What is it? I wish that I could have a successful business with Muscle Man, making enough to not stress about money, and be able to travel, enjoy life and give to my family and friends..

5. Cake or Pie? White Cake, I am not a Pie person.

6. What's your secret talent? I can do various accents, my best is Russian... If I am around someone with an accent I tend to pick it up.

7. Early bird or night owl? Early Bird, I have never been good at staying up late.

8. Biggest pet peeve? Tardiness and dishonesty. I don't like it when people are late, or when things out my control make me late. Be truthful with me... PERIOD...

9. What's your favorite weird food combination? (i.e. ice cream and pickles) It is not too weird but I like to put chocolate chips in my oatmeal and have them melt.. YUMMERS!

10. Which would you choose? No social media for a year or no working out for a month? Why? No working out for a month, I would take it as a break and fill my time other ways. I use Social Media to connect with friends and family so going without it for a year would be tough.

11. What are you sending me for my birthday? Hmmmm.. What do you want T? I have some Nuun, but I am guessing you are set there.. I better get the card in the mail :)

Kurt's Questions:

What did you want to be when you were growing up? What do you want to be now that you have grown up? I wanted to be an Actress, but around age 12 I realized I was too tall. So I planned to be a Basketball coach, but that didn't pan out. I am currently an Event Planner but I would love to have a Small business working with my husband.
If you came into a large fortune all of a sudden and were set for life, what is the first thing you would do? Take my family and extended family on an all expense paid trip to Hawaii, with spa, zipline, tasty foods, etc.. We all deserve a BREAK!
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Pecan Cluster
Of all the places you've been - vacation, work, or any other reason - which was your favorite and why? Portofino, Italy, time seems to move slower there, the people are amazing, food is to die for and the views of the Mediterranean are unmatched.
What is your favorite time of day to exercise? Lunch, helps break up the day.
Everyone has an innate fear. What are you naturally afraid of? I am afraid of dying young, always have been.
Which holiday is your favorite?, and why? Christmas, I love giving gifts, food, the excitement of the little studs and the glowing lights.
It's Friday night and you have the whole weekend ahead of you, what do you do? Sit on the couch with Muscle Man with an adult beverage and catch up on our DVR or a comedy.
What was the very last meal you ate? Lunch, egg salad sandwich on wheat.
What is your big race this year?, and what is your goal for that race? Not sure yet.. I would like to PR in a Half this year but my knee has been bugging me so I have to take it easy.
What is the toughest aspect of training for you? How do you overcome it? Making sure I get enough rest for my knee and fitting it in when work gets busy. Sometimes I am able to pull it off, but not always.

Junk Food Runners Questions:

1. What is your favorite cheat food/meal? Pizza or Thai Food.

2. Where is the best place in America that you have traveled to/lived in? Hmmm this is tough I really enjoyed my trips to New York and Washington DC but I doubt I would want to live there. I love the GREEN that Washington and Oregon have to offer.
3. If you could change one thing you have done in the past what would it be and why? I would have made my Dad to get his heart checked out. I am not sure if it would have extended his life or not, but I wish I had the chance to try.

4. What is your favorite thing you remember from your first race? My co-worker Zen Runner easily handling the 5K while I was DYING and wanted to stop.. I got passed by a 12 year old girl wearing flip flops.. It was humbling!!

5. Would you prefer to run on a treadmill or in the pouring rain? Pouring Rain, I am a WA runner I can take it!!
6. What is your guilty pleasure television show? Mine is Teen Mom. Please don't judge me. Funny, I like Teen Mom also.. But my guilty pleasure has always been One Tree Hill..

7. If you could have one super power what would it be? I would like to TELEPORT and be able to bring people with me. Could go anywhere without wasting time or money.. and my work commute would be a breeze. I promise not to use it to cheat in races ;)

8. Do you remember your dreams when you wake up? If so, what is the strangest dream you can remember? I remember dreams often.. My dream before Boston was pretty strange involving my friend Jill, forgetting my shoes and traveling on a "party bus" to the start line.

9. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life what would you choose? Salad, because there are soooo many different options of flavors, add-ons, etc.. Seafood salad, Cobb Salad, Taco Salad... etc... I already eat a salad every day so it would not change life too much.
10. What piece of advice would you give a new runner? Celebrate your successes, respect the distance and keep a good record along the way. I love looking back at my races through photos and my posts on the Blog.

11. Biggest Loser - love it or hate it? Love it, although I wish they would cut it to 1 hour.

MY QUESTIONS:

What is your favorite season for running and why?
If you could meet any famous person, who would it be and why?
What is your mantra, favorite quote, and/or words you live by?
If you could have ANY ONE ITEM for free, what would it be?
How did your parents come up with your name?
Do you collect anything? If so, what?
How did you meet your significant other?
If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
What is your favorite fruit and vegetable?
What is your favorite color?
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of me (Tall Mom)?

And those I INVITE to play along

1. Fancy Nancy @ Living the Dream

2. Jess @ Blonde Ponytail

3. Carrie @ This Mamma Makes Stuff

4. Zoe @ Run Zoe Run

5. Catey @ Random Thoughts from the Zoo

6. XMLIC @ Taking it on

7. Meg @ Watch Me Go Run

8. Melody @ Will Run for Margaritas

9. Shelly @ One Foot in Front of the Other

10. Chelsea @ Will Run for Food.. (Come back Chels!!)

11. Kelly @ According to Kelly

Follow your Intuition...

2012-01-30T16:22:00.000-08:00

I can't keep up...

2012-01-27T07:45:00.000-08:00

There are times in life when it is HARD to maintain the pace... Right now my Big Girl job is all encompassing, leaving little time for much else. When I get home all I want to do is be with my family, nowhere near the computer and I have no desire run..

I was able to fit in a run this week with Kerrie @ Mom vs. Marathon, she had a tempo run and I thought that 8:13 pace would be fine.. I have been feeling off, very low energy. While traveling last week I hopped from time zone to time zone putting in full days in car, planes, etc... It was exhausting and I did not run...

Me before the run, full of promise. We ran quickly up a big hill then were hit in the face with wind, I realized that I could not breath and I was ZAPPED.. At 2.8 miles I had to walk, check my ego and tell Kerrie to go on without me.

I CAN'T KEEP UP

Kerrie was sweet and altered her workout to run slower with me. I had a horrible side ache and felt light headed. I struggled to maintain a pace in the 9's and was HAPPY when Kerrie and I parted so I could walk.

Maybe I am coming down with something?

Maybe it is exhaustion?

Maybe I am totally out of shape after 1 week?

Whatever it is...

I CAN'T KEEP UP

So I am going to give myself a BREAK. I am not going to stress about running, training for a fast 5K, blogging, or anything else that does not fit in... I want to reconnect with my family and get the rest I need to find my ENERGY.. Hopefully the break will be short, I really want to get the Tall Mom 1,000+++ Club Going...

For now Run a few miles for me and I will be in touch SOON...

Credit HERE

Welcome to my new Home

2012-01-25T07:56:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my New Home!!!

Special thanks to Angie at Strosgirldesigns.com for helping me make my Blog all me. There are a few things I am still working on, but overall I LOVE the new look..

FEATURES:

-Header with Scrolling Photos from my favorite trails, a Daisy for my mom and new Tall Mom Logo.

-Background picture is one I took from my trail..

-Menu with links to past Blog (under construction)

Thanks for following Tall Mom!! I truly appreciate you stopping by!!

Back HOME

2012-01-24T12:03:00.000-08:00

My Travels are done, for now, and I am HOME!!! The trip took a lot out of me, leaving little energy for running or working out. I got home at 10:15PM Sunday and took Monday off to be with the family..

It was a SUNNY DAY!!! So we set out for a little RUN.. there was a major Ice Storm last week leaving Trees down all over the city. The sidewalk to LS#1's school is blocked in several places, so running to pick him up was out.. We went to the local trail hopeful that we could get in a good run...
I LOVE LOVE Muscle Man's shirt!! HEHE
I am sure it was a nice change for MM to push one kiddo.. he looked so CUTE in his shades.. We made it nearly a mile and the trail was fully blocked by 2 trees which made an X. BUMMER!! All in all was a good 2 mile run, to get back to it.

I am SWAMPED with little time for Blogging, Running, ETC...
The new Tall Mom Blog will be revealed this week!!! I hope you like it..
What's new with you??

Run Happy With Brooks

2012-01-23T15:19:00.000-08:00

It is no secret that I am a HUGE Brooks Running fan!! Most of my Running T-Shirts are Brooks EZ-T's HERE. I was looking through Some old photos and I wanted to take you through my Brooks Run Happy Journey...

10K at Alki, I was a bit too hot.. I also converted Muscle Man to a Brooks Fan
Brooks Diva Jacket Picking up my Boston race packet.
And Again with my Run Happy Hat on a soggy run with buddies
I even sport the old school Brooks for Her Jacket at the Zoo
Last year the the Rock N Roll Expo I bought a Mens shirt and I LOVE IT!!
Wore my "Run" EZ-T 2010 when I qualified for Boston at Eugene Marathon
And the same shirt on several runs with my friends
This RUN shirt has seen a lot of action!! Here at the Mercer Island Half Marathon
And on a COLD day
I love my bright Run Happy Shirts for work lunch runs..
This Orange shirt was my go-to shirt in 2009 for most of my races.. 5K
And another 5K
And a Family 5 miler..
Wowzers!! So why am I telling you this? Brooks is based in Washington, LOVE LOVE and Brooks Makes high quality Running Apparel, Accessories and Shoes.. So go get your Shop on HERE and like them on Facebook HERE. This post does not touch on my Brooks Shoes obsession, more about that soon..

**I have been sent free gear from Brooks to review on my blog I am not compensated for my opinion and all thoughts are my own.

Where is the World is Tall Mom?

2012-01-18T17:38:00.000-08:00

Answer is PANAMA....

I am not jazzed about Panama City. I respect the culture and all they are doing to improve, but the traffic, construction noise and brown water from the canal dredging are a bit off-putting.. Once we got out of the city to the wide blue ocean and green jungle I was mesmerized by the beauty.

My only workout to speak of was climbing the 100++ steps of this tower to see the view above the jungle..
I found Heaven on Earth!!! So beautiful the pictures do not capture the epic beauty..
I should have asked the man who "owned" the island how much for these shells?
I love the old and new in the same photo...

I am on to a new destination tomorrow early AM, I HOPE to get in a few miles there and most likely will not have time to blog again until I get home...

I am in HOT HOT Land while Muscle Man, the Little Studs and all RUNNING in the Pacific Northwest are covered in a blanket of snow :)

Wow do I miss this little face... and my house full of boys...

Have you ever run in a country other than your own? Leave a comment and tell us all about the experience.

See you Soon!!

2012-01-13T13:15:00.000-08:00

I had visions of posts for the 1,000+++ Club, Goals, etc... BUT...

I HAVE A BIG GIRL JOB

and

that Big Girl Job requires my

FULL ATTENTION and TRAVEL

Can't tell you the details but I will be not be Blogging for a while..

You can find me on Facebook HERE and DailyMile HERE assuming I get any running in...

Aspire to Inspire,

Tall Mom

Thinking about FOOD

2012-01-12T07:54:00.000-08:00

On my 2012 Goals Post HERE I talked about creating a CHALLENGE for myself every month. Why each month and not the whole year?? Because I would like to try things out and see how my body responds.

I cant speak for all Moms but my body has changed drastically since having kids. In my younger, kid-free, days I could eat whatever, whenever with no consequence and I never had use for Tums.. These days I don't know what is going to cause me to bloat or keel over to the fetal position in PAIN.. This year I want to take an active approach to testing new ways of eating to see how I feel.
My Key areas of focus:

1. Energy Level. If food is fuel, which fuel will give me the most SPARK??

2. Cost and availability. It is a known fact that is costs more to eat well (unless you forrage in the forest or something) but as a one-income family I cannot afford to break the bank in the grocery department. I also don't want poor Muscle man to drive all over the place to specialty stores for me.

3. Taste. Life is short. I love to eat. I refuse to eat something that tastes like tree-bark to get in the required fiber for the day.

Below are my ideas so far:

FEBRUARY= No Chocolate and no sweets at work. This will be a CHALLENGE with Feb being Valentines month, the work food table is sure to be full of tasty sweet treats. I may change it to be no sweets at all, but I will decide that on Feb 1st :)

MARCH= GO Gluten Free. My Mom is already following this lifestyle so I can go to her for advice and tips. I may have to take a CHEAT day on March 17th when I set a new 5K PR and celebrate with a post-race adult beverage!

I posted on Facebook HERE to get some ideas about good Monthly Challenges. Below are some great ideas MONTHLY challenges from commenters.

Lesley- Snack= fruit, vegetable or yogurt.

Kendyl- Vegetarian

Sybil- Raw foods or vegan

Amanda and Jessica- No processed foods!! Only foods made with fresh ingredients.

Catey and Nancy- Sugar Elimination

Marlene- No restaurants/fast food.

Becca- No meat Mondays

Thanks Ladies!!!

I have to be smart about this, the weeks leading up to the Monthly CHALLENGE will be spent researching what foods I can and should eat. I also don't want to plan a CHALLENGE for a month when I will be traveling or in heavy training..

I plan to look at my calendar and plan out the year. CHALLENGES will include my Tall Family as well. Muscle Man and the Little Studs will be along for the ride here and there this year.

Do you know of any GREAT cook books or healthy eating books that would help me out this year? Please leave a comment.
Do you have any ideas for a Monthly challenge I should try? Leave a comment.
What healthy eating strategies have you tried? What did you like and what did you not like??

Nature Run

2012-01-11T07:56:00.000-08:00

My last run with Kerrie at Mom vs. Marathon she gave me a Christmas gift.. It was a Snowy Owl tree ornament. Why a Snowy Owl?? Because I am a running bird watcher, I get JAZZED anytime I see an Eagle, Hawk, Herron, Duck, etc.. while on the run, and I spot them pretty good. So the ornament was a treasure from my good friend.. THANKS KERRIE!!

FAST FORWARD...

Kerrie and I met on Sunday morning, clear and crisp on the Foothills trail in Orting. We didn't have a pace in mind, our plan was to run 7 miles followed by coffee with Chelsea. This is a perk about not having a race to train for, we are pretty relaxed.

Soon I will start training for a FAST 5K in March in the mean time I plan to get in my weekly mileage and enjoy the run. We both felt a little off, but kept plugging along.. conversation was great an included quotes for movies like "Anchorman" and "Napolean Dynamite". There were loads of Bikers on the trail..

Early on in the run at the portion near the River we saw a Bald Eagle take off out of the water with talons hanging down, the wing span was probably over 5 feet across.. MAJESTIC!!! This set the tone for the relaxed and fun run.. There is a field with what I was calling Osprey, some Running Birdwatcher I am, I get the names wrong... I was later informed the TALL BIRD is actually is an Emu which is part of the Dinosaur family (Thanks Kerrie). She was so close to the fence we had to stop for a couple photos.. Me with my TALL friend...
She (the bird is a she we decided) was making a funny growling sound, which we took as a pur like a Kitten. I was totally comfortable, Kerrie was a bit more timid, mind you she has a fear of Canadian Geese and this creature is much larger..
2 bird sightings this was a GOOD DAY!! Our legs were turning over fast, I felt great, and realized I hadn't looked at my Garmin much at all.. The trail started to stink and I said "It's Smells Fishy!" Kerrie agreed as I looked to the water...

Don't see what we are looking at??It was a LARGE Salmon swimming upstream. CRAZY!! Now I know what the droves of Fishermen are casting for 80% of the year... what a fish!! Next we spotted my friend Jess on her last training run before her Half Marathon...quick hello and off we went.. The last mile we were SPEEDY I think we both wanted to be done, we clocked in at 8:23 pace as we saw Chelsea pull into the parking lot. GREAT 7 miles at under 9 minute pace, with loads of Nature to keep us entertained..

Love it!

I was interested to see what Nature or other things people have seen while on the run, so I posted the quotes on Facebook HERE with some crazy answers.
So I pose the same question here... Leave comments with some interesting things you have spotted on the RUN.
Details on the 1,000 Club coming this week... Thank you for your patience :)

Tall Family and Marathon Joke

2012-01-08T11:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the Tall Family went for our first run of the year.. It was Chilly but fun. We let the Little Studs out to jog for a bit and Muscle Man did the heavy pushing as always. FUN 3 miles with my guys!!!
Last night LS #2 ate a Dora Pop popsicle, he left the stick on the floor (which he usually doesn't do) I picked it up and read the JOKE on the stick.. Glad I did!!

How perfect is that joke??

Happy Sunday!!

Happy Runday!!

Goals for 2012

2012-01-06T08:12:00.000-08:00

It is that time of year when (most) people think about the year to come and what they would like to achieve. Last year we suffered the unexpected loss of my Father in October and come January I was not ready to commit to GOALS. This year I NEED to get back to Goal setting and achieving, it is the core of who I am, the person that my Dad knew me as...

I love the format RacingWithBabes took last year checking in monthly on her Goals, thanks T for the inspiration!! I plan to check in monthly to give progress on my Goals.

RUNNING:

1- Set new PR's in at least 2 distances and run more than 1,200 miles for the year.

2- Run new races. Ideas- 1 mile, 10 mile, trail race, ultra, obstacle course/mudder, etc.

3- Earn Half Fanatic Status

OVERALL FITNESS:

1- Try 5 or more new (to me) forms of Cross-Training. A modified version of the AWESOME challenge set out by Kim HERE. Ideas- Jillian Michael's videos, Triathlon (SHHHHH), Yoga, Zumba etc.

2- Work on overall Muscle tone. I plan to take body measurements EEEK to get a baseline to start with and take new measurements throughout the year. If I am not going to lose weight I may as well lose inches :)

3- 1-2 days EVERY week I will lift with Muscle Man and/or do Pilates or another cross-training exercise for 30-45 minutes.

FAMILY:

1- Help Muscle Man reach his goals, which includes getting him across his first Half Marathon Finish Line.

2- Focus on the Little Studs education and fitness. Teach Little Stud #1 to read, register him for his first official race. Spend alone and focussed time with Little Stud #2.

3- Find ways to inspire and work with my extended family on their fitness. I would LOVE to see my Tall Brother, Mom and in-laws work toward a 5K walk or fun run at some point this year.

FOOD:

1- Keep a food journal to record what I am putting in my mouth and how it impacts my energy, mood and overall health. Use this journal to create a healthy and balanced diet and to cut out the foods which cause issues.

2- Monthly diet challenges, starting in February, each month I will set a challenge for myself to cut out or add something to/from my diet.

3- Learn more about the best foods to feed my family and move the kids away from the standard kid foods.

There you have it. Lots to focus on, but all attainable with focus and dedication.

Quotes about Goals:

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.
~Author Unknown

How am I going to live today in order to create the tomorrow I'm committed to?
~Anthony Robbins

The distance is nothing; it is only the first step that is difficult.
~Marie de Vichy

We're still not where we're going, but we're not where we were.
~Natash Jasefowitz

What are your Goals for the year?
Did you write a Blog post about it?? Link it in your comment, I would love to see what you have planned

3 Things Thursday

2012-01-05T07:51:00.000-08:00

I have many many things in motion for the Tall Mom Blog..

-Post About 2012 Goals
-Complete Blog Makeover
-1,000+++ Club details

Which leaves me a bit short on content today.. so I will take a page out of my little redhead friend and list 3 things..

1. My Mom got GREAT news yesterday!! You see my parents worked TOGETHER for years in the Shot-put and Discus events during Track Season at Sumner High School (my alma-mater). Dad always had a smile and kept close tabs on the details of the events... Someone at Sumner, not sure who, had the idea to create a plaque in honor of my Dad to be placed near the pits at the High School. This made my Mom cry and brought tears to my eyes... His Legacy was his ability to make people feel GOOD, and it is nice to see it being recognized. I plan to visit once the plaque is in place...and maybe toss a few in the pits... I did place 2nd in State my senior year in Shot=put and 8th in Discus :) 2. Running with Mom Vs. Marathon is always a blast. It was POURING buckets yesterday and I KNOW that Kerrie wanted me to cancel...I couldn't!! Call me crazy but I was looking forward to a RAINY run.. So we set out, I put on a hat and slogged to meet my buddy. We were nearly matching with Capris and long sleeve tops. Kerrie said I looked thin, THANKS!!! Always fun to chat, I may be going on a work trip and did not tell her until mile 3ish because there were other things to chat about.. Upcoming nuptials of our good buddy Chelsea, Christmas, etc... Our fingers were pruney and toes were soggy.. but all in all a GREAT 5.25 mile run.
Photo of about the same outfit I wore yesterday..BUT I had a hat FAIL.. I wore a hat which is GREAT for Summer running but now water resistant. When I got back to the Locker Room my hair was soaked and I realized that I had taken my locker towel home to wash and forgot to bring it back.. Drowned rat, drying off with paper towels and an industrial hair dryer.. CLASSIC!!

3. The Tall House is a bit boring... try basic low quality finishings... When we bought the home May 2010 we had great plans to upgrade over the years. So far we have done some minor updates, Thanks to Muscle Man and his mad skillz.. Yesterday we FINALLY bought the wood floors for the main floor!!! How does this relate to running?? The Flooring store happens to be along one of my lunch running paths, I stopped in, they had a SALE and the rest is a...

How is your 2012 going so far?
Anything FUN planned in the weeks/months to come?

Day 33 and beyond

2012-01-04T12:16:00.000-08:00

Monday I met my friend Jess for a 10 mile run, it was AWESOME!! Day 33, and if you have read this Blog for any amount of time you know my LOVE for that number. I toyed with trying to get to 50 days, heck 100... Then Tuesday came...

BAM!!!

HEADACHE!!!

I took Aleve- Nothing

I drank Coffee- Nothing

DARN!!! I relaxed on the couch and did not fit in my mile.

33 days is a GREAT streak for me.. Maybe I will try again some day.. Maybe :) How cool does it look on Dailymile to see all that Blue???

I am celebrating my accomplishment and thinking hard about what is next for me this year... Time will tell. Of course once I decide I will keep you posted.. For now I feel blessed that I was able to find a way back to my routine and my love for running. I know I CAN and should fit it in.

Details about my SOGGY run with Mom vs. Marathon tomorrow...or if you cant wait.. Go HERE

2011 Running with Tall Mom

2012-01-03T07:57:00.000-08:00

2011 Running with Tall Mom

I won't bore you with the details, because I am a bullets and pictures type of person myself... so here goes...

Total Miles Ran= 1,166

1- Relay=
Hood to Coast Relay HERE

1- Marathon=
Boston HERE- The race which proved to me that dreams do come true, but may not play out exactly as you had planned.

3- Half Marathons=
Rock N Roll Seattle HERE- With my good buddies Amanda and Jess
See Jane Seattle HERE- With Tall Sister and Chelsea on their first Half
You Go Girl HERE- With Kim for 80% of the race :)

2- 10K=
Alki HERE- Muscle Man and Tall Sister's first 10K's
Day of Hope HERE- Race in Maui, Hawaii

1- 8K=
Run Wild HERE- My first 8K distance, I will KILL it next year!

3- 5K's=
Black Diamond HERE- First Place Female in a hilly race!
Iron Girl HERE
Santa Runs HERE

And this is how it looked...

What a GREAT year!!!

What is up for 2012???

Coming SOON!!!

Blank Slate...

2012-01-01T12:22:00.001-08:00

2011 is in the books....I had an amazing Year and plan to recap it all soon...

A Year which included crossing the Finish Line of the Boston Marathon, helping my Big Sister run her first Half Marathon, and joining team nuun at Hood to Coast.. WOW!!! I feel blessed to have had such a great year..

BUT....

Now there is a Blank Slate for 2012

I plan to train for a 5K PR in March..

Training starts, well now I guess!!

I have to make my training plan ASAP

Possible Goals:

-Half Marathon PR

-Become a Half Fanatic

-Run my first Ultra

-Help Muscle Man run his first Half Marathon

-SOOOO many options.... hmmmmm....

Goals post to come... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Who wants to be in the Tall Mom 1,000+++ Club this year??? Details this week :)

How will you fill your blank slate in 2012?

December Challenge Stats

2011-12-31T13:57:00.000-08:00

Today is the last day of December, which means it is the last day of my CHALLENGE!! My Goal was to run a minimum of 1 mile per day, every day in December, and I am happy to report that I accomplished my GOAL!!!

With the help of DailyMile below are my stats, give or take a few laps around the track...

Total Miles= 100

**Special thanks to Mom vs. Marathon for the chilly 8 miler this morning and for the awesome coaching present!!!

Per run Distance breakdown:
1 milers= 5
2 milers=5
3-3.1 milers= 8
4 milers= 4
5-6 milers= 5
8 miler=1

Miles on the Treadmill= 19.1

Miles with Friends= 55.77

Best Run= Tour De Lights

Race= Santa Runs

Total time spent Running= 14.93 hours

Average pace= 8:57

Thanks to everyone who joined in!! This was not easy, but was a bit easier than I thought it would be. I kept the pressure low and ran for the love of running...

Thoughts:

This challenge was just what I needed to get back into the routine of Running. I had let the excuses NOT TO take over my life. This month I realized that I can fit in a mile or workout every day, all it takes is the energy to GO. To get up, get dressed and GO.. I LOVE my rest days and I am most likely going to end this STREAK very soon for that reason.

Today I celebrate a Small Goal that I did just for me, to re-light the SPARK that had gone out.... I still dont know what my Running Goals are for 2012, but this STREAK helped bring back the excitement of working toward and reaching my goals..

Did you meet the DECEMBER CHALLENGE? Share your stats and thoughts.

What are you excited about for 2012??

Merry Christmas

2011-12-26T08:29:00.000-08:00

Day #25 of the streak continued with a 1 miler around my neighborhood while wearing a light strand that blinked and sang... 3 notable things about this run.

1- It is NOT good to run after a FULL Turkey dinner and a couple adult beverages.

2- A person on their front lawn said "Merry Christmas" quickly followed by "Are you trying to run off your turkey?"

3- I had to hold the lights the entire run....how people run with costumes and things is beyond me..

Thanks to everyone who participated in my Giveaways lately....sorry I have been MIA, I am on break from my Big Girl job and do not want to be on the computer.

WINNER of the book Long May You Run is Run with Jess

WINNER of the 3 tubes of NUUN is Shelly HERE

**Email me your address ladies...so you can get your PRIZE!!

I will not be on the Blog much this week so please...

Like me on Facebook HERE

Friend me on DailyMile HERE

What kind of Christmas are you?

2011-12-22T07:46:00.001-08:00

Last night was the Tour De Lights in Bonney Lake put on by Fleet Feet Bonney Lake and Brooks. This is a fun and FREE event to support the local food bank. Tall Grandma watched the Little Studs so Muscle Man and I could be jogger free. Was great to see my friends Janna, Jessica and Cindy... and to run with Tall Sister, Zoe & Goober!!

It was COLD but the lights were sparkling and my Knuckle Lights HERE kept our path bright. It was a "Fun Run" so there was no worry about time or pace.. we just enjoyed the view, laughed and got a little exercise. Of course we represented Team Sparkle in our Sparkle Skirts... The lights did not disappoint and Tall Sister met her goal of running the whole time.. SCORE!!

We did not take too many photos but miss Zoe snapped this one for us.
FYI there is a Knuckle light in my belly pocket, hence the Santa looking belly. Fun Annual event. Next year I plan to run the loops a couple times, 2.6ish miles gets over way to fast then we stand in the COLD waiting for the Raffle, may as well be enjoying the view...

So the CHALLENGE continues 21 days strong!!! I have not been putting up major mileage, but I am proud to have run every day this month.. I truly encourage anyone who is struggling to get back to a routine to go for a CHALLENGE.. 1 mile per day, it is amazing what it can do..

I thought it would be fun for some interaction so I put together a little survey.. Should take you no more than 3 minutes to answer...

WHAT KIND OF CHRISTMAS ARE YOU?

1. Who is your Favorite Fictional holiday character?

A- Santa
B- Rudolf
C- Frosty

2. How is your house decorated?

A- Brightest on the Block
B- A few lights to sparkle the night
C- Too busy to decorate

3. What is on the table?

A- Ham
B- Turkey
C- Fill in the Blank

4. On the top of your tree is..

A- Angel
B- Star
C- Fill in the Blank

5. Under the tree is..

A- Piles and piles of gifts for miles.
B- A few special and thoughtful gifts.
C- Fill in the Blank

6. For Christmas I like to..

A- Be surprised
B- Pick out my gifts, so I know what I am getting
C- Fill in the Blank

7. This year I asked for...

A- Running Stuff
B- Gift Cards
C- Fill in the Blank

8. I am dreaming of a _____ Christmas

A- White
B- Sunny
C- Fill in the Blank

9. I celebrate on..

A- Christmas Eve
B- Christmas
C- Fill in the Blank

10. This year I will travel by ___ for the holidays.

A- Plane
B-Car
C- Train
D- No travel for me...

If you humor me with this little quiz you will be entered to win 3 tubes of NUUN... so JOIN in..

Santa Runs Tacoma 5K 2011 Race Recap

2011-12-19T07:53:00.000-08:00

This was my second year Running Santa Runs Tacoma 5K and I LOVE LOVE LOVE this race!! Only takes 20 minutes to get to the race, I get to dress up, the people around me are all in fun costumes, time with my friends, and post race grub.. PERFECT!!

Kim HERE and I were to the parking lot EARLY, sorry KIM!! But we scored great parking, got our packets easily and headed back to the car to chat and stay warm. Our buddies slowly showed up with Alma HERE first, she sat in the car too until we opted to head out to the COLD.. I had a toss-away and layers so I was pretty warm..

Then all the ladies came (in alpha order): Kadie, Karla, Kerrie, Tiffany, and Zoe

The girls went to Kim's car to stash their bags so I hung with Tiff.. Just then a Race photog came... Had to take advantage of the professional photos... So glad I did!! Onetherunevents does a great job with their photos..
Had to get my shirt in there... The girls came back so we posed for a few pictures in our Team Sparkle skirts. Honey Buckets in the background. The photographer came back and asked us if we would like to film a message for the troops.. OF COURSE!! Kerrie had the idea to sing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and Alma added that we should say "Thank You" at the end.. PERFECT!! I am excited to see the video..
We wandered around looking for the costume contest... which, as I thought, was at the start line area..
Zoe had her camera out, generally I don't love Candids but this one is pretty cute.. Thanks Zoe!
We did a little conga line in front of the judge but they were not impressed, we plan to have better costumes next year!! The good thing was we were positioned in front for the race.. Zoe was freezing so I shared my XXL toss away, Kadie's daughter zipped us up..
Siamese Sparkle Twins.. HEHE.. As we stood and waited to start Amy N HERE introduced herself.. She looked FAST so I asked her if she was going to win, she said No.. (Note she got a 20:03 and 3rd for 25-29, FAST) It was so loud I didn't realize that the National Anthem was being played.. and before we knew it we were off..

Next up the RACE..

The race starts uphill, I felt AWESOME, yawning at the start line which is a good sign for me. Kim was on my left and we CRUISED the first mile at 7:17. My plan was to go about 7:23 for a sub 23:00 Finish, which would get my a course PR and Kim her PR. I knew we did the first mile a bit fast but the end of the course has a hill and we needed those seconds. I could not believe how fast the race was zooming by..

As we approached the half-way point there was a Snowman at the turn, so cute! I love this part of the race because we got to see our buddies on the way back. I could feel Kim slipping back, but I kept pace hoping she would get her second wind. Waves at my girls who all looked strong.

Mile 2 was 7:37 which included me running backward and sideways, not sure if it was the best thing to do for Kim but I hoped that she would focus on me and not the PAIN. She was giving it everything she had. I kept the pace as she slid further and further behind, I felt bad, I didn't know what to do..

Alma passed me and I had a choice.. Speed up and Finish Sub 23 or TRY one more time to help Kim. I STOPPED...yes I stopped in a 5K when I felt great... I had visions of crossing the Finish with my buddy. When I saw her it was clear that she did not feel well :( We could still make it if we could get back to the pace... I had no tricks, no clue what to do... so I went on.. I had so much left in the tank..

Up the Hill FAST past a few men and ZOOMED down..

STATS:
23:48
7:41 pace
17th Woman

Last year I finished in 23:06 without racing and I placed.. so it was possible I could be in the running.. Kim was clearly disappointed when she crossed the line :( Everyone came zooming across and we went to cheer for others. We went inside and got some Clam Chowder, YUMMERS and Chocolate milk, SO GOOD!! Then to the results computers...

DUN DUN DUN

Kim had placed 1st in her Age Group!!

And I took 3rd!! Along with Alma and her Aunt!!

Looking at the stats had I really raced I may have been able to move up 1 slot, but the winner of the 30-34 got a 19:56 which is 6:26 pace.. The overall female winner got an 18:26 for 5:57 pace... FAST FAST ladies!! We played around the dock..
Did a little can can and put on our warm clothes.. last year they announced the winners, this year we just grabbed the ribbons :(
Most of the group had to leave but since I had a sick family at home I opted to stay for some post race food.. With Alma and her Aunt Cindy and our 3rd place ribbons in 3 different Age Groups :)
The food was pretty good, and we didn't have to move our cars...
The sun came out so we took one last photo.. Such a FUN DAY!!

This race made me realize that I want to RACE again I want to train and push myself.. but not in a Marathon.. March 17th the St. Paddy's day race is on this same course... 3 months to get some SPEED and see what I can do.. Wish me luck!!

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Shoes/Jacket- Brooks Green Silence
Socks- Target
Tights- Sugoi
Skirt- Team Sparkle
Long Sleeve shirt- Run Pretty Far
Hat- Etsy friend from high school Christina

Santa Runs Tacoma 5K Outfit

2011-12-16T07:53:00.000-08:00

I like to dress up for fun running events...BUT when I am racing I also need to keep in mid comfort and nothing too crazy that will throw me off stride. Tomorrow I plan to play paces for the AMAZING Kim HERE...last time I attempted to pace her I kept the pace but left her behind :( Sorry Kim.. This time the plan is to push through the PAIN together and get her a coveted 5K PR. Lordy I hope my legs show up on Day #17...

My buddies are posting their outfits...

Kerrie HERE
Kim HERE
Anyone else???
I know Alma, Karla, Stacie, Jill and more are running....

So I thought I would join in the fun. I ordered a hat from a high school friend who knits, and plan to wear my Run Pretty Far shirt as a base layer... I had an old dryfit white shirt I wanted to re purpose.. I went to WalMart in search of puffy paint and ribbons, nothing good.. BUMMER!! Got home and realized my glue gun went MIA.. UGH!! I am not very artistic at all...but I have paint and paint brushes...so I got to work..

Front of my shirt...had to include Tall Mom in there.. The paint skills are rather Kindergarten but hey I will be running FAST..
Team Sparkle Skirt, Green Silence Shoes and socks from Target thanks to Zoe.. I had an idea...so I went with it..
This shirt may make people want to pass me more, we'll see. I just want to make people laugh.. Handwriting aside I think that I did OK considering I didn't spend a dime on my shirt..

Wish us luck!!
Are you racing this weekend?

A little Perspective

2011-12-15T07:51:00.000-08:00

PERSPECTIVE is defined as:

The state of one's ideas, the facts known to one, etc., in having a meaningful interrelationship.

When I was younger I had thoughts, ideas, ways of seeing the world.

Today I am a very different person.

Each day I find that my perspective changes just a bit....

I read a face book post where someone said they were "Having the worst day of their life!" WOW!! Thinking back to the worst day of my life, when my Dad died and the days that followed, I cant imagine what happened to this poor person.. but really it is all about perspective..

If you have never had something truly bad happen to you, you come from a different perspective. The "Worst Day" could be getting in a car accident, having a bad haircut or getting fired... Then there are the EXTREMES people have gone through, like natural disasters, being diagnosed with cancer or worse... Who knows?? Your vision and how you think are shaped by the experiences YOU have had in YOUR life.... YOU, along with your thoughts are constantly changing..... new filters, filters being knocked down, with each step your mind is working overtime..

How does this relate to running???

When I first started running I was out of shape. My first 5K was a HUGE venture. Running the full 5K without stopping was a major source of pride...

While training for Marathons I felt like it was not worth lacing up my shoes unless I was going to run a minimum of 3 miles.

Funny how the same distance can be a MOUNTAIN for one person and a pebble for another... and in the examples above both of those people are/were ME.

Yesterday I was SLEEPY in the morning so I didn't run, busy mid day and had an event for my Big Girl job after work... I wanted my CHALLENGE to continue, to run every day in December.. I knew that I would be able to fit it in. The instant I came in the door I kissed Muscle Man, went up the stairs, got changed and started the treadmill.

1 MILE

Just run 1 MILE

This 1 MILE represented me keeping my end of the bargain.

Of reaching for a new goal.

14 days in a row....continued with 1 MILE

8 minutes and 10 seconds later I was done...

There was a time, not so long ago, when I would have run 1 MILE and been disappointed in myself. Yesterday I found a new PERSPECTIVE. It is not about the number of miles I run, the fact that I ran is enough!!! I celebrated that 1 mile :)

Quotes about Perspective:

If you do not raise your eyes
you will think that you are the highest point.
~Antonio Porchia

People who look through keyholes
are apt to get the idea that
most things are keyhole shaped.
~Author Unknown

To really enjoy the better things in life,
one must first have experienced
the things they are better than.
~Oscar Holmolka

The grass may be greener on the other side of the fence,
but you still have to mow it.
~Author Unknown

Is the glass half empty,
half full,
or twice as large as it needs to be?
~Author Unknown

If the only tool you have is a hammer,
you tend to see every problem as a nail.
~Abraham Maslow

A man should never be ashamed to own
he has been in the wrong, which is but saying...
that he is wiser today than he was yesterday.
~Alexander Pope

My play was a complete success.
The audience was a failure.
~Ashleigh Brilliant

Expectant of greater things,
We try climbing -
Higher
And Higher;
An effort that costs us much,
Leaving us short of breath
To find only
The ground below is much prettier.
~Phillip Pulfrey

Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect.
It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.

and the one that drives my point home...

We don't see things as they are,
we see them as we are.
Anaïs Nin

How has your perspective changed in life and/or running?
I am going to extend the Book Giveaway HERE, so go enter!!!

Brooks PureCadence and 1 Mile for Little Stud

2011-12-13T07:50:00.000-08:00

Since the Brooks PureProject shoes came out I have been DROOLING!! I went to the local Fleet Feet and took the PureCadence for a test run and fell in love.. It was not time for new shoes so I WAITED... I have been visiting them online HERE. When I got home there was a box waiting for me... HMMMMM?? I don't remember ordering anything?? The perks of being a Blogger, at times I get unexpected surprises from my favorite brands. The reveal went like this...
OOOHHH!
AAAHHH!
OOOOOOO!
The packing is so fun totally made me feel like I was on an adventure!!
And look at these pretty new toys!!! I could not wait to put them on.. TWO THUMBS WAY UP!!
It is no secret I am a devoted Brooks Shoes FREAK.. I generally wear size 10 1/2 in Brooks so I was a bit sad when this limited release pair came in a size 10.. But maybe they knew something I didn't about the sizing?? So I got ready..
I feel bad that the maiden voyage was on the treadmill...but hey it will keep them clean..
They go well with my Razzy Roo Bad A$$ Socks HERE.
I took them for a 2 mile test run... I will have a FULL REVIEW soon, after the first wear I was super pleased.. but generally I like to put in at least 20+ miles before I cast my verdict. Want to learn more about the PureCadence??

Brooks Says (HERE):

Lean construction fuses with a responsive fit in the PureCadence. For Guidance to Support runners, this shoe delivers more support through smart, streamlined features such as a wider Nav Band that’s locked in to the medial strike pod. A reinforced heel counter secures the foot and the internal PDRB helps prevent overpronation. The PureCadence gives runners who need more stability the chance to experience the feel of a natural foot strike with a lightweight, breathable shoe.

Just like our core line, we hold PureProject to the industry’s highest weartest and durability standards. Because of their lightweight construction and fewer materials, runners should generally expect shoes from the PureProject line to last approximately 250-300 miles.

1 Mile for LS #1

As I was approaching the end of my Run Little Stud #1 kept asking when I was going to be done.. I answered, he asked AGAIN, I answered AGAIN, he asked AGAIN.. I SNAPPED!!! "Stop asking me, you are going to make me fall off the treadmill!!!" Not one of my finer moments in parenting.. So after my run I apologized and told him that the treadmill was all his..
Strong and ready to jog/walk barefoot...
He set out without a real goal and was plugging along, hit .25 at about 15 minute mile pace.. He usually makes it about 1/4 mile before getting bored and stopping.. This time he kept on. I explained that he could make it a mile if he kept going..
He took the CHALLENGE but then got a side stitch so he slowed the pace. He thought that he would get to a mile at 15 minutes so he used the Treadmill display to do Math.
15-3= 12
15-4=11
15-5= 10
15-6=9
15-7= That's a hard one... Oh 8
and on and on.....
He is pretty darn good at Math for a Kindergartner!!
When he got to 15 minutes he was at .86 and I told him that he could still make a mile if he ran for a little bit longer. He was DETERMINED and kept with his Math-running. I told him it was less than a lap around the track.. CLOMP CLOMP CLOMP...
DONE!!! 1 Mile on the Treadmill for Little Stud #1. I know he could have gone faster, but with all the Math he had to slow it a little :)

I look forward to the day when he WILL run a race with me.. For now I am CHERISHING that he is still little... and I will avoid SNAPPING at him next time he wants to run.. Bad Tall Mom!!!

**I was sent the PureCadence Shoes free of charge however I was not compensated for my review, the views expressed are my own.

License to Run

2011-12-12T07:47:00.000-08:00

I am in traffic WAY MORE THAN I SHOULD BE.... A highlight to the monotony is when I see unique license plates, and bumper stickers. And I am JAZZED when I see the car of another runner...you know the 13.1, 26.2 or various Runner themed decals, magnets, etc... Well my (tacky) homage to Running is below.. There are stickers on the sides of the car as well :)

Yes I am a Runner and you can tell from my Vehicle. If you like me on Facebook HERE then you have already seen these photos.. But there is a story.

I have wanted Gonzaga license plates since the day they came out, years ago.. I loved my time at Gonzaga... I kept hinting to Muscle Man but the cost seemed a little excessive. Bless him he took the hint and ordered me special Gonzaga plates... for my birthday back in JUNE!! Way to go DMV.. They finally came!!
I am in LOVE with these beauties. If you see my vehicle on the road or at a race please say Hello :) Leave kinds notes, no egging please... No hiding now, not that I could with all the Nuun and Runnerd Decals....

I am happy to report that the STREAK continues.. Days 10 and 11 were 3 milers completed in my neighborhood, nothing too exciting to report.. Today I am feeling a little sore and under the weather, so I may just do the minimum 1 miler tonight.. We'll see..

The nice part about the streak is that 1 mile does not feel like pressure to me. I know that I can jog that mile and feel a sense of accomplishment. WIN WIN!! December is busy, and I am PROUD to fit in Running every day to keep me on track and get back into a routine which I was letting slip away...

Do you have anything on your vehicle that shows your Runner(d) Pride?
Don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY HERE for an Autographed Copy of "Long May You Run"

I almost didnt run.. almost

2011-12-09T21:36:00.001-08:00

Then Muscle Man said he was going upstairs to workout his arms.... So I peeled my overly SLEEPY self off the couch and got on the Treadmill. There is something about knowing I only have to do 1 mile to keep my streak going that makes me feel GREAT..

I started the first .75 barefoot...my toes started to burn so I put on shoes, sped up and finished my run.. Day #9 and going STRONG..

I could have used many excuses not to run and I ALMOST skipped it.

But I ran... 2 miles....

And I am glad I did...

Have an amazing weekend my friends.

Race weekend next weekend!! YIPPEE!!

Where do you find IT?

2011-12-08T07:49:00.000-08:00

Day #7- 5.1 miles with Kerrie, Zoe & Goober..

Since I started Running nearly 4 years ago I have never run 7 days in a row. I love my rest days. I am in new territory here and it is EXCITING..

You see I had lost "IT" in my Running Life.

What is IT?

Hard to explain..

IT is the passion

IT is the want to lace up my shoes and go.

IT is believing in my power to venture into new territory.

IT is thinking about running with a smile.

IT is the spark.

IT is Running just because I want to run.

When did I lose IT?

I lost it in May 2010 at the Eugene Marathon. I was totally focused and worked hard for 16 weeks to get the Eugene, I crossed the Finish line and had Qualified for Boston... then I lost IT. I kept signing up for races hoping to find IT again. I planned most of my long runs with friends because their energy gave me the drive I needed. I had glimmers, but IT was missing..

I didn't want to run Boston because I didn't feel like someone who deserved to run Boston since my spark had gone out. Then my Dad died....IT was crushed beyond repair for a long time. The day that registration opened for Boston I was with my family making funeral arrangements and missed the cutoff. As you know it turned out and although Boston did not go as planned I would not change a thing.

This year I have been waffling through my running, attaching myself to people and helping them reach their Goals, finding IT through others. I have had a blast, don't get me wrong, but I knew I needed to reconnect with my running.

WHERE DID I FIND IT?
Day #7 of my streak....
Running with these amazing ladies.
I want to make plans and flex my running muscle.
I want to be silly and run in the rain, dark, cold, for hours to earn the post run cup of coffee and steak fries. This CHALLENGE I have laid out for myself in December has been my path back to IT and I am jazzed!!!!

Where do you find IT?
Have you lost IT? If so, what action can you take to find IT again?

Treadmill Tips and a GIVEAWAY

2011-12-07T07:53:00.000-08:00

It is no secret that I am NOT a Treadmill fan. I prefer to run outside whenever possible. BUT Muscle Man and I purchased a Treadmill (aka dreamill) last year and it has been a nice tool to have. It has taken me a bit of time to find ways to make my Treadmill runs more comfortable, or at minimum tolerable. I will never be EMZ and run 100 miles on the Hamsterwheel, but I have a few tips to get through a run at home, I don't run at the gym but I am sure most of these tips could carey over.

TIPS for TREADMILL RUNNING at HOME:

1- Get everything ready before you turn on the treadmill.

Position the treadmill for the most comfort, this only works if you have an area where it can be moved. We have a large loft so I have Muscle Man move the TM closer to the TV.
If you have a show to watch turn on the TV and turn up the volume, have the remote in close range so you can fast forward the commercials if you have DVR.
Open a window nearby or grab a fan, keeping cool while running inside is not easy.

2- USE your Towel!! I use my Inperspire HERE towel for a few things. First, to cover the screen, I will stare at the minutes ticking away if the screen is not covered. Second, to blot away the sweat, I am dripping by the end of the run. And lastly, for the motivation, "Stronger, Faster, Better."
3- Have your hydration ready. I will go through an entire bottle of water on a short treadmill run. OUr treadmill has a cup holder, my Nuun HERE bottle fits perfectly. FYI you can still get Free shipping at Nuun from now until 12/9.

4- Wear the right shoes. I am a heavy girl, the treadmill emphasizes every footfall. If I wear my road shoes I am clomp, clomp, clomping the whole time. My go-to shoes for the Treadmill are my Brooks Green Silence HERE. They are light weight, breathable and most importantly as the name says SILENT.
5- Wear the right gear. At home I will keep it simple with a pair of midlength spandex shorts and a compression tank top. No extra layers to make me heat up. Target has some great gear for a low cost.

6- Hit STOP when you need to. If you read my DailyMile post from the other night I was parenting from the Treadmill. The Little Studs were in the bath nearby so I hopped off to get LS#2 dressed and to wash LS#1's hair. It is OK to hit STOP and take care of things, just remember to get back on. (Are we friends on DailyMile?? If not come friend me HERE)

7- Play with the speed and incline. There are some fancy programs on treadmills, I need to read the manual to learn all about what the machine can do. What I do know is that I can play with the speed and incline throughout my workout. Slower with more incline. Warm-up then do intervals. Shorts bursts of speed. A steady training run at goal pace. The options are up to you. I like to do most of my speedwork on the roads, but the Treadmill is a GREAT tool when you want to test your limits.

8- Imagine you are somewhere else. Running on the treadmill is really mental for me. I know how easy it would be to stop, give up, quit....but I also know how good it feels to push through. Watching a TV show or movie helps me to go somewhere else.

9- Have a Goal before the run and stick to it. Whether it is to run for "X" amount of minutes or at "X" pace, fight through and meet that goal.

10- Just do it!!! Dust off your treadmill and RUN.. This time of year it gets dark early, it is cold and wet, in most places.. Get your run done!!

Like these tips?? I know where you can find a book with tips like these and much much more. Including quotes and advise from professional runners.

Long May You Run goes beyond the basics of running, training, and racing. It is a collection of essays, stories, statistics, humor, resolutions, achievable goals, and advice on nearly 200 separate topics to help you fill the gaps in your running life. In addition, you will be inspired and challenged by the recommendations and running tips contributed exclusively to the book by these Olympians and running authors.

****Thanks to the awesome author Chris Cooper you have a chance to WIN!!

WHAT WILL YOU WIN?

1- Autographed copy of "Long May You Run"

HOW DO YOU ENTER?

1- Like Chris on his Facebook page HERE, optional- leave a comment for Chris while you are there, ask him a running question, etc.. up to you. Leave a comment here to get an entry.

2- Read his Blog HERE, come back and leave me a comment about something you read.

3- Answer the question- What would you like to read about in a Running Book? Leave a Comment.

4- Like Tall Mom on Facebook HERE. Leave me a Comment to let me know..

Simple as that!!!

EDITED- Winner will be announced on 12/21

On the Run during the Holidays

2011-12-05T07:45:00.000-08:00

So far on my December CHALLENGE I am 4 for 4!!!

Day #2- 3 miles solo run on my lunch break, I want to get in shape to pace Kim so I took this run as speed training. 3 miles in just under 24 minutes was TOUGH!! Felt good to get my heart rate up!

Saturday and it was time to go to the Tree farm for our annual family adventure. We live just 15 minutes from multiple Tree farms, we go to the one with the train that carries us out to look then picks us and the tree up.
Don't let this picture fool you, Muscle Man does the dirty work :)
On the train, LS#1 wanted to sit near the conductor.
LS#2 making the cutest little face, barely looks like him..
LS#1 is just like me, he LOVES to pose for pictures, in this photo he is pretending to be the CRAZY tree.. Love him..

After the adventure at the tree farm I had to hurry to get ready to attend the funeral of a family friend...not a fun mid-day activity... the daylight hours ticked away and I thought I was destined for a treadmill run.

Day #3- 2.1 miles we opted to get bundled up and tour the lights in our neighborhood. It is nice to know that once I hit 1 mile I have met my challenge for the day.. This is how we looked..
Love my Sugoi vest, easy to spot in the dark. Funny how I posed in front of 2 different colored walls.
Muscle Man sporting Gonzaga and Fleet Feet, he did the HEAVY pushing up some killer hills.
Yes LS#1 has on a Spider Man bank robber style mask.. it is just too darn cute, keeps his little face warm..
Itchy nose little guy ready to go!! He loved looking at the lights. They were starting to get a little chilly so I dropped them off at the door then ran to get the mail.. Family time and errands, score!!

Sundays can be pretty busy, I was planning to meet Kerrie and Zoe but I also wanted to SLEEP!! So I bailed out and relaxed in the morning with the family. This included decorating the tree and our house. It takes a long time but is so fun once it is done!! Mid day I went to visit a good friend who just had a baby, so fun to snuggle with her little guy.. he is too cute!!
Once home it was dark and the kids needed baths.

Day #4- 3 miles, put the kids in the bath, pulled out the treadmill, and watched House in DVR. I had to get off for a minute to wash hair, fell off the treadmill pointing out LS#1's socks and finished with 2 boys begging to run on the treadmill. Yes I was parenting from the Treadmill and I got in my run!!

****Looking forward to Day #5 for a 3-5 mile lunch run today...it is chilly here..

How are you doing with the Challenge?? FYI did I tell you that walking miles count too??
What family traditions are you looking forward to this time of year?

HABIT

2011-12-02T07:37:00.000-08:00

DAY#1- CHALLENGE
December 1st
5.5 Miles
With Kerrie at lunch time on a cold day. My energy level was high and muscles felt great.

I met Kerrie @ Mom vs. Marathon for a chilly run near our offices. The birds were out in full force, Ducks spooked us, a large Hawk impressed us and the Blue Heron made us smile. I felt AMAZING!! Muscles were working, no pain and my head cold is nearly gone. Miles pass so quickly with Kerrie and we have no shortage of conversation, it is nice having a running buddy who works just 1.3 miles down the road :) Run #1 was a SUCCESS 30 more to go..

Running minimum of 1 mile per day this month made me think about HABITS.

hab·it/ˈhabit/

Noun:

A settled or regular tendency or practice, esp. one that is hard to give up.

What is the saying? It takes 21 days to make a habit, good or bad :) I know there is more research on this, from personal experience I think it takes a couple months for something to be habit for me. Habit, routine, whatever you want to call it, your health should be something that you think about every day.

Developing healthy habits is important to your overall life and happiness. Whether it is taking the stairs to your meeting on the 3rd floor, skipping the whip cream on your mocha, or walking to the mail box instead of driving, you can make small changes in your life creating healthy habits.

For a good amount of time running and healthy eating became Habits for me, it was what I did without even thinking. Unfortunately it is much harder to maintain healthy habits and soon BAD Habits crept in. I started staying up later, sneaking fatty snacks between meals and finding excuses to skip my daily run because "I don't have a race to train for." An injury here, a sickness there, work trip, life events, etc...all combined to create a new person, someone that I don't want to be!!The trouble with BAD Habits are they just feel so darn good... It is so nice to be LAZY, watch TV and eat mindlessly. It is so nice to shop at lunch and grab Starbucks on the way back to the office. It is so nice to sleep in on the weekends... These actions on occasion are necessary and good, but soon for me these actions became normal or habit....and I have felt GUILTY writing a Running Blog with very little running and BAD habits lingering and becoming my way of life..
One step at a time. The first step for me is admitting that my current Habits are not healthy for ME. The next step was deciding what actions I need to take to create better Habits.

**Things I want to be my HABITS:

-Focus on my Family first

-Exercise 3-5 days a week

-Reduce unhealthy snacking

-Read for pleasure and to increase knowledge

I will take action to make those Habits a reality, easier said than done. Will I ever be able to get rid of all my BAD Habits?? No way!! But I can chose to be mindful of those negative aspects of myself and work toward ways to spin toward more positive paths. My very favorite quote about Habits comes from Aristotle..

Below are a few more quotes about HABITS:

Bad habits are easier to abandon today than tomorrow.
~Yiddish Proverb

The unfortunate thing about this world
is that good habits are so much easier
to give up than bad ones.
~Somerset Maugham

The hard must become habit.
The habit must become easy.
The easy must become beautiful.
~Doug Henning

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

Good luck to all my buddies Running Rock N Roll Vegas

Jess
Tiffany
Tricia
Aron
Anyone else??

Tall Mom Run December CHALLENGE

2011-12-01T07:24:00.000-08:00

The WINNER of the Gone for a Run MedalART Giveaway is:

Heather @ Pokey Slow Runner

**She wants the "Pride is Forever" display. Heather please email me to claim your Prize.

Thanks to Gone for a Run for Hosting!! Keep Gone For a Run on your mind for Christmas Shopping!!!

It is DECEMBER!!!

WOW oh WOW!!

I plan to run today with the Awesome Kerrie @ Mom vs. Marathon today.. I have really diverted off of my usual workout schedule and I want to get back to it.. Staying motivated the last month of the year when the temps start to drop and we have busy schedules is HARD... I was excited to find some motivation through Run With Jess HERE and her 12 Days of a FIT Christmas. The premise? Workout, post a comment that you worked out and you will be entered to win PRIZES for 12 days!! I love the idea and will be participating for sure. GREAT idea Jess!!

December has 31 days

Is it possible for me to run a minimum of 1 mile every day??

Hmmmmm...

It is no streak like Shelly HERE who is on day 571 of her EPIC Running Streak..

Could I (we) do it??

I have already hit my 1,000+++ miles for the year. I have been aching for a CHALLENGE.. I would get credit for the first 12 days on Jess's challeng e.. And I want to motivate the Tall Mom 1,000++ participates to PUSH this month..

HMMMMMM!!!

Let's go for it..

Rules are SIMPLE..

Run a minimum of 1 Mile every day in December

That is 31 miles+++

***Who is in??

Join on DailyMile HERE

Leave a comment to let me know you are IN!!
PS- Those who complete the CHALLENGE will have a chance to WIN.. Details soon..

Weight Loss Roller Coaster

2011-11-30T07:47:00.000-08:00

Welcome new Bloggy Pack members!! I apologize for the extreme lack of Running content, with weird injuries, a work trip and being sick I have not laced up my Brooks that often. I plan to get back on track I have a 5K in less than a month and a new GOAL with my friend Kim HERE. Lately I have been thinking a lot about weight.. Not when it comes to others as much as my own roller coaster with the scale.

At 6'0 tall I can carry 215 pounds easily and I did for most of my adult life, I tipped the scales above 265 at the peak of my pregnancy with LS#1. I know what I need to do to shed the EXTRA weight and I was laser focused after Little Stud #2 was born. I was over feeling tired, of seeing the extra flap of skin flop over my jeans...muffin top is not sexy!!
I wrote down everything I ate, I worked out all the time and I had a GOAL, I wanted to get to 184 pounds.... Thankfully I was training for my first Half and Full Marathon and the pounds started to drop quickly... I hit a slow patch around 195, seemed like my body loved that weight and was determined to stay there. I was about to give up then took a look at my diet and cut out a few needless calories and a few months later I had reached my Personal Goal Weight...
Me in 2009 at 184... Why is 184 my PGW (Personal Goal Weight)? Because according to the (rather stupid) BMI scales I am at the very top of the "normal" range at 184 pounds. I don't believe in BMI scales since I am a muscular, but I would like to be in a healthy range and for me 184 is the number... also happens that is the weight I feel strong, confident and FIT!! SIDEBAR= If I weighed 136 I would be far from "normal" try anorexic...

I loved reaching my PGW and was proud that I was able to stay there for over a year. I felt like a machine, muscle pumping and lower body fat than I had ever had in my life. I could fit into some size 10 clothes, a smaller size than I wore in High School!! And I loved the positive attention from family, friends and co-workers. It took a lot of focus and dedication to stay there. I didn't eat fast food and would only "cheat" on rare occasions. Eventually for various reasons I lost my way....

So where am I now??

195-199 depending on the day... FIRMLY OVERWEIGHT according to BMI scales.

I know what I need to do.

I know that I could get there again.

I know that my knees would feel better.

I know that my clothes would fit great.

BUT....

Am I ready to get back on the diet train?

Right now I am living my life. Eating Chocolate, drinking an adult beverage and not stressing about calories.

Do I like how I feel with the extra 10-15??

NO!!!

But do I love enjoying my food without counting calories?

YES!!

Weight Loss
Weight Gain
Up
Down
Up
Down
Up
Down

I wish I was that person who can eat whatever, whenever and not worry... but I am not that person. I STRUGGLE with weight. I am not 215 pounds, thankfully I am able to stay in Onederland, but I am heavier than my PGW.

Why am I telling you this?

Because I am sure that there are many people like me who are 10-15 pounds heavier than they want to be. We don't get to be on TV or have articles written about us. We are the Norm. Some days I think I am OK with it. Other days I am pissed that I let the weight creep back on. The emotions are

Up
Down
Up
Down
Up
Down

December starts tomorrow. A new month which ends with a new year. Could be my year to return to my PGW or to finally accept that my body likes to be 195. Time will tell. The ups and downs go on and I know I am not on this Roller Coaster alone...

Don't forget to enter my Gone for a Run MedalART Giveaway HERE
Are you at your Personal Goal Weight? How did you get there and how do you stay there?
What are your thoughts about the Roller Coaster of weight loss?
Do you have plans to shed the pounds in 2012?

Post 899

2011-11-28T16:14:00.001-08:00

This is my 899th post. WOW when did that happen??

I have not done much Running lately. I ran a few miles on Thanksgiving and met Kerrie and Karla the day after for a nice run....I was hoping I could sweat the cold, congestion and sore throat out of my system....but alas I think I did too much too soon :(

I am home SICK today, this gunk has drained me for nearly 2 weeks. I went to the Dr. today and it is nothing serious, but I have major sinus congestion so I am hoping the Antibiotics will help me back to health and running...

Good part about being home on Cyber Monday??

SHOPPING!!!

-I registered for my next Race Santa Runs Tacoma

-I bought a Red Team-Sparkle Skirt to wear in the race and got a 2nd Gunmetal colored Skirt Half off. Like them on Facebook HERE so you can see the Deal too.

-I researched a replacement Garmin and new Cell phone

-I found a few fun Knight costumes for the Little Studs

-I bought a CUTE and Funny T-shirt

-And the day is not over YET...

Did you participate in Small Business Saturday or Cyber Monday? I linked in several of my FAVORITE Small Businesses on Facebook on Saturday. Check out my Facebook Wall HERE for Links. Coming up this week will be my Annual Christmas list!!

Don't Forget to Enter my Giveaway HERE.

How was your Holiday Weekend?

What was the best DEAL you scored this weekend??

Gone For a Run MedalART Wall Display Giveaway

2011-11-26T09:30:00.000-08:00

It is no Secret that I am a Gone For a Run HERE FAN!!! This is the meca of Running Gifts for anyone who loves Running and more... I was blessed to meet Ryan at the Boston Marathon expo last year, he is part of the family that makes up Gone For a Run. If you have never visited their website now is the perfect time...give your family and friends a link to those must-have items for Christmas..
Recently I was sent the MedalART Wall Display to review. Muscle Man hung it easily and my race medals now have a prominent place in our loft. I could not capture a great picture on my medals, below is the photo from their website. The display is sturdy and funtional, the optional bottom screw makes it so you can easily add a medal whever you want. I love the words "Gone For a Run" it is the perfect fit for how I earned my medals. The Folks at Gone for a Run wanted to put some cheer into your thanksgiving Weekend With a Giveaway!!

WHAT WILL YOU WIN?

1- MedalArt Display of your choice ($47.99 or less)

HOW DO YOU ENTER?
One Comment per Entry pretty please.

REQUIRED- Like Gone For a Run on Facebook HERE. You will be glad you did because Gone For a Run will be annoucing special DEALS to Facebook Followers. Leave a Comment.

1- Go to Gone For a Run MedalART page HERE and Leave a Comment with which display you will chose if/when you WIN!! For fun tell me how many medals you have to hang :)

2- While you are at Gone for a Run HERE shop around. Leave a Comment with the item or items you would love to receive for Christmas.

3- Share this Giveaway via Blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc... Leave a Comment each time you share.

PS. Everyone who posted a Comment on this post HERE receives an automatic Entry into this Giveaway.

****Giveaway ends and the Winner will be announced on December 1st

21 Random Fact About Tall Mom

2011-11-23T11:35:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by T at Racing with Babes to share 21 random facts about myself and then to tag 10 people to do the same. I love posting in lists so I was excited to be tagged... I am sure my longtime readers will know some of these facts, I will TRY to come up with a few new ones..
21 Random Facts about Tall Mom

My whole family is TALL Grandpa was 6'6, Dad was 6'5, Mom is 6'0 and to add GIANT my "little" brother is 6'9.
I have ALWAYS loved being Tall, I can reach things off high shelves, find people in a crowd, and carry extra ice cream weight..hehehe
Photography is a passion of mine, I spent hours in the dark room in college. I miss print photography but I love that through digital photography one can capture EVERYTHING. I once thought I would levy my talent into a career.
My body has CHANGED since having 2 kids- I now have allergies, motion sickness and stomach troubles.
The Summer after my Freshman year in college I ran a 5K for FUN, I chased the athletic director and got a crazy time of 19:30 or something like that and won a $25 gift certificate to a tanning salon... I SOOOO wish that I could run that fast now.
I WILL run the New York City Marathon someday, I have been once and loved it! I was there for work and stumbled upon a red carpet event at Trump Tower, I got to see Cuba Gooding Junior, some B list celebs and The Donald in real life.
I have always wanted to travel to Australia and Ireland, I know I will make it there someday.
2010 was the first time that I stamped my passport, previously Canada was the only foreign country I had visited. This year I went to France, Italy and Croatia, totally sparked an interest in Foreign travel for me.
I LOVE Canadians!! I would live in Canada if I could. My favorite Canadian has a new Blog address HERE.
Muscle Man and I met on Match.com and it was love at first site. He is my perfect match is so many ways. I LOVE being married!! We celebrated our 10 year Dateivesary on November 7th.
Our family birthdays were 5 days apart as far as the day of the month, 9th, 14th, 19th, I was hoping that LS#2 would be born on the 24th to keep the streak, he was born at 12:51AM on the 25th.. (Actually I was hoping he would be born on the 23rd 1-23)
I was LAUGHING for most of my labor with LS #2, after the Doctor broke my water I was a waterfall and all I could do was laugh.
I had epidurals for the births of both of our boys and I only breastfed until about 8 weeks when I returned to work...I believe that both are HOT TOPICS in the Mommy world. I have the utmost respect for woman who have natural childbirth and are able to maintain a breastfeeding schedule. It didn't work for me.
I have a Bachelors in Speech Communication and Masters in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University, I played basketball which covered all but 1 year of my tuition and expenses. I credit my parents for helping me to get the scholarship.
I don't know what I want to be when I grow up. I have dreams of writing books and being an inspirational speaker, but that would be hard to do with a young family. Having a home business with my husband would be the BEST! For now I feel blessed to be employed and able to support my family so that Muscle Man can be a stay-at-home Dad.
My first real job was as an Event Planner for the Girl Scouts, I planned the calendar of events for girls ages 11-17. That age girl really needs mentoring, I hope to volunteer with young women again someday.
I have anxiety, thankfully I am able to use that anxiety to work toward my goals and it does not cripple me. My close friends probably notice it more than most people as I am pretty good at faking it. I am my own worst critic. I have always had a way of over-analyzing the smallest detail.
I feel prettier when my nails are painted
I like to dress girly and cute when I Run/Race and don't care about whether people think I am a "real runner" or not. I will pose for the photogs and sport a skirt because it is FUN and it is ME.
Shopping makes me happy, I don't always buy things but I like being in the stores and looking. I used to have a major talent for scoring great deals on the Clearance racks but I don't shop enough now to keep up.
I wish that I had more time to dedicate to this Blog and especially my readers. My Blog brings me great joy every day and I can't remember my life without it.

I now have to TAG people... Hmmm lets go with the first 10 people who commented on my post yesterday and who have Blogs listed:

1. TX Runner Mom
2. Jamie- From Couch to Ironwoman
3. Marlene- Mission to (a)nother Marathon
4. Lesley- Racing It Off
5. Run with Jess
T @Racing with Babes-Oops she tagged me- Doesn't count :)
Alisen- No Blog??
6. Holly- I'd Rather Run Outside
7. Rena- Miles to go Before I Sleep
8. Mary- A Little of This and a Little of That
9. Kim- (Just) Trying is for Little Girls
10. Amy- Ready. Set. Run!

Thanks to everyone who left a Comment yesterday, we all have so much to be Thankful for. Look for a Giveaway or two to be THANKFUL for this Holiday Weekend!

A TALL dose of Thanks

2011-11-22T12:26:00.001-08:00

I have been feeling a little defeated lately, I was on business travel working 16-18 hour days making it difficult to fit in running, followed by cramping and swollen legs and today I caught the Little Stud's cold.. WTH!!

Just when I start to get down I realize that in the grand scheme of things Life is great.. So I am a little off my schedule, and feeling uneasy, I control my reactions to things. This time of year is WONDERFUL because people take the time to reflect on the people and things which they are most Thankful for...

Photo Credit HERE

This Year I am Thankful for....

My Husband and his continual support and love. My marriage brings me more happiness that I ever thought was possible.
Little Stud #1 and his excitement and joy for all things.
Little Stud #2 for keeping us on our toes and testing the limits with a dimpled smile.
Having Tall Grandma and Tall Sister close by so we can share family meals. Making it through our first year without Dad was not easy, but we did it together. Family support means the world to me.
Taking the time to Remember those I have lost and feeling their spirit still with me.
Running and this Blog for all the opportunities I have been given.
Nuun for making my Hood to Coast idea a reality.
All the WONDERFUL friends I have made through Blogging, many of whom I got to meet in real life at HTC, RNR Seattle, Boston and other FUN events this year!!
Close friends who let me vent and love me anyway- you know who YOU are...
My Big Girl job, the stability of income so Muscle Man can stay home and the travel opportunities I have had this year.
The Boston Marathon for teaching me that dreams do come true, but do not always play out as we had imagined.
My Local (and sorta local) Running pals Jess, Kerrie, Chelsea, Jill, Zoe, Tiffany, Kim, Stacie, Harmony, Track Coach and Adorable Wife, Tink, Janna, Tammy, etc..I am probably forgetting someone :(
Coffee-Hehehe makes my daily 1 hour each way commute almost tolerable
Advances in Medicine- this year I have had friends with premature babies, various forms of cancer, and with children who have been diagnosed with diseases...I am continually thankful that we live in a place where we can be diagnosed and treated.
Compression socks for keeping my calves alive during long training weeks.
And all of YOU for your continual support and amazing comments. I know that I don't make it around to "meet" many of you but know that I read each comment and am truly touched by the kindness of strangers.

That is what I am THANKFUL for... What about you??

PS.. Hint.. by Commenting on this post you will earn a free entry in the upcoming Giveaway :)

Tell me about it Lou and the 110% Fallacy

2011-11-21T07:59:00.000-08:00

I was looking for a quote for my Facebook Status Today.. I was looking for something that dispelled the notion that anyone can give 110%...and somehow landed on a Goldmine of quotes from Lou Holtz on thinkexist.com

Don't Know who Lou Holtz is?? Go HERE.

He says it way better than I ever could..

"If what you did yesterday seems big,
you haven't done anything today."

"The man who complains about the way the ball bounces is likely the one who dropped it."

"It's not the loads that breaks you down-
it's the way you carry it."

"If you're bored with life- you don't get up every morning with the burning desire to do thing- you don't have enough goals."

"Don't be a spectator, don't let life pass you by."

"No one has ever drowned in sweat."

"Life is ten percent what happens to you and
ninety percent how you respond to it."

"Ability is what you're capable of doing.
Motivation determines what you do.
Attitude determines how well you do it."

***And I found what I was looking for HERE:

"Many people tell us to give 110%. Technically, that is impossible. How can you give 110%, when 100% is all there is? So, let's give 100%. That's impossible too, isn't it? You can't give everything you've got, without dying. So, if you really really try, how much are you giving, 90%? 95%? 85%? Well, it is hard to tell. In fact, it is often impossible to compare one person's trying with another's. What we mean is, "Try really really hard." We might as well call that 100%, give it 100%. But hey, maybe you can actually try even harder. Try harder than you thought possible. So, let's give 110%!"

I love the notion of giving it my ALL, leaving it all on the pavement. I get the IDEA of "Giving it 100%" but it bothers me when people think that they can give 110%.. It cant be done. I love the last sentence in the paragraph above...

"Try Harder than you thought possible."

The big word in that sentence is "YOU." Trying, giving it your all, it is about YOU. I will never run as fast as Kara Goucher, have the abs of Dara Torres, or kill my running shoes with ultra miles like Dean Karnazes...they have a capacity that is beyond my own. I could give everything I had and still never get there. Do I compare myself to them? Sometimes.. Do I wish that I could win races and have a 115lb body full of muscles? Maybe... But I cant give 110% to Running, Fitness, etc.. It is not possible.

Moral of my Rambling??

To achieve more than YOU thought was possible for YOURSELF all you have to do it try harder than YOU thought was possible. Sounds simple right?? If you think it is simple you haven't tested your own limits.... The last time I REALLY pushed myself was May 2010 at the Eugene Marathon (Report HERE) since then I have lost my PUSH...I hope to find it again soon...in the mean time I would love to hear from all of you...

Leave a comment about a time when you gave more than you thought was possible. What happened?

Long Time

2011-11-18T07:53:00.000-08:00

Since the start of Tall Mom I have hardly taken a day off from the Bloggy world, a break here or there, I try to avoid the computer on the weekends, etc.. but a full week?? WOW!!

Welcome new Bloggy Pack members!! So happy to have you here.

What is new in Tall Mom Land??

1. I got to see Steven Tyler and hold his Murse (Man Purse) when he forgot it at his lunch table.
2. My leg leg is not functional. I was on my feet a lot on marble floors, wearing sandals and not drinking enough water. This resulted in major cramping. My left hamstring, calf and knee are very sore. I am taking a forced REST until the pain subsides.

3. I know I promised GIVEAWAYS...well they are still there and coming soon. Still trying to find water.

4. I am so happy to be HOME and back with my boys!!! Being a working Mom is HARD especially when my Big Girl job takes me away for 12 days.. I am so glad it is Friday and next week is a short week!!

5. We have started CHRISTMAS shopping!! Hard to believe that we are just 5 weeks away. Do you know what you are going to ask for?? If not I will have some great ideas next week!!

I leave you with a quote to INSPIRE you for the weekend..

Things may come to those who wait,
but only the things left by those who hustle.
Abraham Lincoln

Have you ever had a Celeb encounter? Tell me about it!!
What do you do when you cant run to stay fit?
Any fun ideas for Christmas?

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

Day of Hope 10K

2011-11-09T16:49:00.000-08:00

I got to run in Maui!!!

And WOW was it HILLY!!!

I wish I had more time to write a full report but I dont.....I am WORKING... Please enjoy the less than great pictures below.
Four Seasons Resort
Love it!
All ready to Run.
The potty line and local kiddo volunteers playing a funny circle game.
I loved this ladies socks.. This was just before the AWESOME streatch.
Hello Blury Tall Mom
I found some friends from Spokane and chatted before the race.
Mile 5.2
Finish Line mister
Sweaty Tall Mom
The finish
Post Race GRUB
Cooling down
AHHHHHHHHHH!!
Best Post race EVER!
More soon..

Aloha!!

I'm Still Alive!!

2011-11-04T17:36:00.000-07:00

I arrive in Maui safely and will be running the Day of Hope 10K tomorrow. I have been SLAMMED with my big girl job and I dont think I will have time to post much. I had hopes of getting in some giveaway posts, but I cant do everything... SORRY!!

Love you all and I hope to take some pictures of my Race..

In the mean time below is how my AMAZING Talloween went. Since Muscle Man (aka Popeye) opted to stay home, I opted for the Ghost Buster costume instead!! Thankfully Tall Sister joined in the fun, we had a BLAST!

What are you up to???

Tall Mom

Happy Talloween

2011-10-31T16:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween

Or in our house Talloween

Just kidding, I just thought if that when I went to type a title for this post. We have had some fun Halloween Nights the past few years. Last year was tough and a big blur, but we made it though.. Enjoy the Timeline of Talloween in my house..

2010-
We did not dress up, it was hard a couple weeks after my Dad passed.
2009-
I wore my Giraffe costume from my race.
2008-
Our first family Halloween, so we used Super Baby for our costume.

2007-
LS# 2 was in my Belly.. We reused the Turtle costume a few years later.2006-
Our First Halloween as parents.. And guess what?? I didn't put film in the camera!! Mommy FAIL!!

Tonight the Little Studs, Green Lantern and Captain America, will be lead around by their parents Popeye and Olive.. I am looking forward to having a nice family night, with the return of SMILES on Halloween!!

What are you up to tonight??

Locker Room Hoarder

2011-10-28T08:24:00.000-07:00

In a haze yesterday morning I failed to grab my Running bag. I realized when I went to leave my Jeep and did not have multiple bags to carry. UGH!! I knew that the weather would be nice and I NEEDED to burn off some calories, yes folks I have ZERO WILLPOWER around snack-sized Halloween Candy.

I went to the locker room and realized that I am a Locker Room Hoarder, I had everything I needed for a run. Mind you it was a miss-matched Punky Brewster Mess.. I sent the email below to my Running Buddies:

I left my Running bag at home, I was SLEEPY this morning and spaced on it. So I looked in my locker at work.. I have the gear to Run… One problem for matchy-matchy me..

Shorts:

Brooks Epiphany in lilac purple with day glow orange piping

Top:

See-through white tee with a dark red sports bra under (Classy)
Or
Royal blue long sleeve zip up with gray and black accents

Socks:

White with red striped stitching

Wow am I going to look HOT!!

Hugs friends!!

From your Pal Tall Punky Brewster, Garminless, Ipodless, Runner..

The email above lead to some fun ideas to come... more on that later. I was prepared to toss away my matching obsession and get in my 3 miles, hoping that the paparazzi would not catch me on the run (a Tall gal can dream right?). THANKFULLY when I pulled out my gear to run there was a pair of Navy shorts in my locker just under my lilac pair (HOARDER). Punky Run avoided. SCORE!!!

It was nice to run by feel and not stare at my Garmin. The weather was perfect, sunny and a crisp 55'. I was entertained by the countless Ducks in the nearby river. The plank wood bridge will soon be covered by leaves of the over-hanging trees. The smokers were in their usual spot, standing and STARING, I always wonder what they think when I run by. As I got close to my turn around there was a group of 5 men taking up the whole path.. REALLY?? I snuck by and made my turn.

I imagined this group was part of the Renton Mafia (no such thing) dressed in their suites with foreign accents, I gently said "On your right" as I quickly zoomed past. My knee is still bothering me, I have had trouble off and on since I began running in 2009. I had 2 knee surgeries in early 2000, an ACL repair and scar tissue and meniscus repair. When I gain weight I feel it and when I slack on my PR exercises. The plan for now is to rest, ice, shed some pounds and get back to strength exercises. If those steps do not cure the pain I will find a Doctor.

On my way back I spotted a Tall Crane in the swamp area, pretty sure we made eye contact, like kindred spirits :)

It was only 3 miles.
It was in the most uncomfortable shorts ever.
I had no Garmin and no Ipod.
My knee is still funky.

It was PERFECT!!!

Get out there this weekend and connect with your Run, you will be glad you did.

Coming up on Tall Mom? I will be on Work Travel in early November so I am planning a WEEK OF GIVEAWAYS November 7-11 with the Winners announced on November 21st. Be sure to hit Follow here or "Like" my Facebook Page HERE so you don't miss out on the chance to WIN!!
You still have time to Enter to win $40 to PlanetGear.com and have PlanetGear donate $1 on your behalf if you like their Facebook Page. Click HERE for more details.
What is the craziest outfit you have ever worn on the Run?

PlanetGear Giveaway

2011-10-27T07:56:00.000-07:00

How Cool is that???

In order to spread the word and get as much $$$$$$ for the Breast Cancer Fund as possible, I have teamed up with PlanetGear.com to host a little Giveaway..

First Off in case you don't know about PlanetGear.com below is a little about them...

The world's best gear, apparel, and travel destinations at prices up to 70% off on most leading outdoor brands. Sale events start daily at 9:00am PST and last up to 7 days. All sales are on a first come, first serve basis. So please come visit us early, and have fun shopping!

At PlanetGear.com we're passionate about people, the outdoors and the world we live in, and we're excited to share this passion with you.

Invite your friends to become members of PlanetGear.com, and we'll send you an instant $10.00 credit when they make their first purchase* Membership is free!

Cheers,

The PlanetGear Team

We believe in the outdoors. Fresh air. Fresh tracks. Warm sand. Starry skies. Drifting snow. Lazy rivers. The places we go to find inspiration.

We believe in gear. Warm fleece jackets, stretchy yoga wear, energy bars, bells for our beach cruisers. The things that bring comfort to our lives outdoors.

We believe in exploring. Inspiring destinations, travel blogs, dreamy landscapes. Experiences that create sweet, unforgettable memories.

We believe in giving back. Clean air, clear water, healthy living. To preserve our world, we donate to grassroots environmental groups through 1% for the Planet.

We believe in sharing. We work with the best brands in the outdoor and active lifestyle communities to bring our members exclusive deals on gear, apparel, and travel destinations.

WHAT WILL YOU WIN?

$40 to spend on PlanetGear.com

HOW DO YOU ENTER? One Comment per entry

REQUIRED- "Like" PlanetGear on Facebook HERE, for every new Like before October 31st they will donate $1 to Breast Cancer Awareness Fund!! Leave a Comment.

BONUS

1- Share about the PlanetGear Facebook page HERE and their efforts to "help spread the love." Leave a comment telling me how you shared.

2- Recruit a new "Like" to the PlanetGear facebook page. Leave a Comment each time to let me know who you recruited, the more people you recruit the more entries you get!!!

3- Become a Member on PlanetGear.com HERE. Leave a Comment letting me know what you loved about the website.

4-Visit my Tall Mom Facebook Page HERE and Leave a Comment on the Image I posted for an additional Entry.

***Contest Ends 10/31 and Winner will be announced 11/1

Solo

2011-10-25T07:46:00.000-07:00

Last night I thought about going to run with the Fleet Feet Run Club to meet some new friends, but they meet at 6:30 on a DARK trail, I didn't know if anyone would be there who ran my pace and I did not want my time with my family eaten up waiting. Instead on set out at about 5:45PM to run around my neighborhood.

OBSERVATIONS:

-There is an influx of Halloween decorations, I took mental note of the houses I plan to AVOID with the Little Studs next Monday.

-Running when my dinner is not settled is GROSS..

-Smells of dryer exhaust, Dinner and wet leaves.

-I could see my breath but I did not feel cold

-The sun went down and it was dim, I could see my shadow in the Street signs when a car passed.

-There was a game on the field at the nearby High School, the scoreboard and lights gave me a feeling of nostalgia.

-My Knee felt horrible, every step was labored and painfull. I know I need to get it checked out, but I fear what the Dr. will say.

-I felt heavy...remembering a time when running felt "easy" I wish I could get to that level of fitness again.

-I SPRINTED up and down the hills, longing to feel SPEED. I played with SPEED during my run not able to hold it long.

-An Ambulance passed, and later a Firetruck, headed toward the High School, I prayed that all was OK.

-I also prayed for Harmony and her family, for Amanda and Chelsea...I feel helpless when my friends are struggling.

-It started to get dark, I looped around my neighborhood to get in 4 miles, then went home.

I NEEDED this solo run. To connect with my surroundings, my body, my thoughts.. Running is not easy right now. I feel heavy and I am in pain. My schedule is busy leaving little time for a consistent running schedule. I don't have any solid Running goals or plans. What I realized last night is that regardless of how HARD it is right now, one thing is certain.

I LOVE TO RUN!!!

And at the end of the day that is truly what matters..

A Runner Runs..

I don't need to worry about Pace.
I don't need to worry about my Weekly Mileage.
I don't have to stress about not having a Training Plan.
I don't need to have a race or BIG Event on the spectrum.
I don't need the pressure I just need to RUN, when I can and to love it...

Running Solo helped me come to this conclusion...

Runner Girl vs. Mother Nature

2011-10-24T07:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I posed a question on Facebook HERE:

Being a Runner Girl is not fun when Mother Nature comes to visit. Anyone want to chime in on this taboo subject and give advice for Running through that time of the month?

There were some great responses, thanks ladies!! What brought up this question?? TMI post ahead BEWARE.. I had a Mirena IUD put in after Little Stud #2 was born. I LOVED it because I did not have my monthly visitor, not in the normal sense anyhow. However during the 3++ years I have had the IUD I have experienced debilitating Stomach pains. I have had every test done with no results, so I finally pulled my IUD and the pains went away.

This weekend was my first visit from PMS since the IUD removal and WOW!!!

Call it what you want.....

Mother Nature

That Time of the Month

Monthly Visitor

Aunt Flow

Any way you shake it, it SUCKS for Running!!

Reading the Comments on Facebook HERE some women have had accidents while Running, now that is a bad day...

I did a quick Google Search for "Tips for Running while on your period" various articles came up. This one HERE was pretty helpful....below is some info from the article..

Because of the sharp drop in hormone levels prior to menstruation, many women experience some of the following symptoms:

Anxiety
Depression
Increased insulin responsiveness
Food cravings
Fatigue
Headaches

Obviously, these symptoms can make exercising during your period unpleasant to say the least. But exercising can actually make your period more manageable, decreasing many of these symptoms. It is safe and beneficial to exercise during your period, unless your doctor advises against it.

There are many benefits to exercising during your period. Working out can help:

Decrease the pain of cramps by releasing endorphins (the body's natural painkillers), increasing blood flow, and by loosening muscles in your lower abdomen, back, and thighs.
Rid your body of excess water so you aren’t bloated.
Improve and stabilize your mood, making you less anxious, angry, or depressed.

Of course, there are even more benefits to a regular exercise program. By exercising consistently, you may be able to achieve a lighter and shorter menstrual flow, a lower incidence of mood swings, and a stronger pelvic floor, which can better support your reproductive organs.

The following suggestions will help you develop a synergy between menstruation and exercise, so you can optimize your workouts, and your periods.

If you are just beginning an exercise program, and you suffer from cramps and other period-related issues, then start out slowly. Make sure you're listening to your body and not overdoing it.
Increase exercise around your period, which will improve oxygen circulation throughout the body.
Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
Avoid lots of salt (but use spices, especially spicy ones, liberally).
Avoid refined sugars and fried foods.
Avoid caffeine—it can make cramps worse.
Get plenty of sleep.
Use heat to relieve cramps so you can get to the gym and stick to your workouts.

My Advice???
Slow down, this is not the time for speed work, turn off the Garmin and listen to your body.
Look at a calendar and try not to plan and "A" races during that time if you can avoid it.
Over prepare, always have supplies in your running bag and while on the run.
Wear dark colored bottoms and layers of protection, accidents are not fun.

Runner Girl vs. Mother Nature

We don't have to let Mother Nature Win!! Give in to the square of chocolate if you need to, take a few pain relievers, reduce your long run or save it for another day, get out there and do what you can!! You wont regret it.

Signing off from PMS Land- Tall Mom

Ps.. Sorry to my Male readers, pretty sure there are only a few.. Coach Ken if you are reading this, Hi :)

Marathons in the Media

2011-10-21T07:41:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed the influx of Marathons in the Media the past few weeks? These stories have been discussed on facebook and the Blog world.. Although I hate to beat a dead and overplayed topic I have opinions on these subjects... so here goes.

Man Rides bus to Finish Line

Story HERE
I have witnessed runners cutting courses short twice in my life and I can honestly say that NOTHING URKS ME MORE!!! Why in the world would you cheat?? What is the point?? This idiot was stupid enough to finish in the top 3 and actually strolled up to claim the Medal. REALLY? When I ran Boston my body gave out at mile 4. I wanted to quit, I wanted to take public transportation, I wanted to find a short cut...but THERE ARE NO SHORT CUTS in MARATHONS!!!! PERIOD!!! I run the same little loop in my neighborhood, I know that I should end at my doorstep at 3 miles...some days my Garmin is off and it does not hit 3 at my house...I know that it is 3 miles, but until my Garmin chimes I am not done running. I will run up the block and back, look pretty silly to get in the miles. I DON'T TAKE SHORT CUTS!!

This guys is a moron and should be banned from all future Marathons.

Woman 39 Weeks Pregnant Runs Marathon then Gives Birth

Story HERE Youtube Interview HERE

I have seen this story posted in countless places. This 27 year old woman was nearly 39 weeks pregnant and ran/walked the Chicago Marathon. Soon after the race she gave birth. Most people are calling the woman "Inspiring." I am amazed at women who run their entire pregnancies, I wrote a post about it HERE. When I first heard this story I cringed, and I said out loud "Why would she do that?" Although I think that Running up until you "pop" is inspiring I do not think Running a Marathon 39 weeks pregnant is inspiring. I think it is dangerous and selfish.

I don't know this woman, so I should keep my opinions to myself. Kudos to her for keeping her fitness level so high throughout pregnancy and for getting Doctors approval and for taking it SLOW. BUT.... If this story sparks some competitive women to match what she did and we may have an influx of 9 month pregnant women toeing the line of every Marathon. Her story ended well, but it could have been tragic. When I was pregnant my first priority was my child. 1st and 2nd trimester may be OK for a Marathon... BUT... I think the 3rd trimester should be reserved for moderation and relaxation...there is nothing about 26.2 miles that is moderate or relaxing. End of Rant..

Biggest Loser Marathon

A few seasons of the Biggest Loser have ended with a Marathon for the Final contestants. This year every participant will run the Biggest Loser Marathon at the end of the season. WOW!!! REALLY?? I realize that the contestants workout 7-8 hours daily, but are they training for a Marathon during that time? Did the trainers or Biggest Loser folks create a Marathon training plan for them? Also this is an EXTREME weight loss competition, personally I gain weight during Marathon training because I am FAMISHED!!

It is good TV to watch the Biggest Loser Marathon, I admit to watching it, I was disappointed when they didn't do it last season. BUT... I think that having every contestant regardless of weight, medical issues, etc. run the Marathon is not right!! A Marathon is a personal choice and should be entered into with careful planning and a WANT. Fitting in training/running when they are in the gym so much for the competition may be tough. I fear that the excess weight and POUNDING of miles may cause more harm than good. I am anxious to see how this all plays out..

WOW Guess I have some opinions Huh?? Sorry about that.
What are your thoughts?
Plans for the weekend?

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

Winner and a few things Thursday

2011-10-20T12:25:00.000-07:00

The WINNER of the Team Sparkle Giveaway is:
Talso66 @ Keeping My Pace

**Please email me the color and size you would like at tallmomontherun (@) hotmail

And a few things...

1. I will be in Hawaii in November for my Big Girl Job.. and Guess what?? There is a 10K race while I am there!! I am super excited to run in Hawaii. Is anyone running the "Day of Hope" on Maui November 5th? Race info HERE. The money goes to the American Cancer Society.

2. It is getting DARK earlier here :( This means that our Family runs will come to an end soon. This is SAD to me!! I have loved running with Muscle Man and the Little Studs. I love Fall, not really a fan of Winter, I don't like the shorter days it is a bummer for a runner. Good news is that Muscle Man has been running on his own. I am HOPING this means that there is a Half Marathon in his near future.

3. I was playing on a FUN website the other night cartoonize.net. All you do is upload a photo and the website creates a cartoon-type image you can download. I tried several photos, below are my faves from running.. I think they look a little like paintings.

4. My Run Wild race pictures came back, so I created a little montage to show the progression toward the Finish Line.. Wow do I have CRAZY FORM!! Funny thing is I know this and I really don't care. In College my coaches and trainers tried to fix how I ran, they told me to keep my knee straighter, lift my legs higher, drop my shoulders, etc.. The more they changed my form the SLOWER I got running up and down the court. They finally gave up..and I resumed my wonky form.

5. I have been the WORST host for the Tall Mom 1,000+++ Club this year :( But I am happy to report that people seem to be hitting their goals without any inspiration from me. I love getting emails from folks who are PROUD to reach the milestone, thanks to Anne @ This Mom's Running Life for emailing and for her post "Goals are Good". I passed the 1,000 mark on October 11th!! Always exciting. With just 70 days left in the year will you hit your goal??

Hard to believe there are only 70 days left in the year!!! Will you try for 1,000+++ in 2012??

6. I am debating testing the Ultra waters in 2012... 50K to be exact, It is the Rainier To Ruston Ultra and is just down the road. The course has changed from last year, I am a little intimidated by trails, but I would like to take on a new adventure.. I have no desire to go into the 50 milers like Shelly or the 100's like Emz, Hannah and Jesse, you are are AMAZING!!

7. SPECIAL Thanks to everyone who commented on my Feed Me Post HERE. Since I could not select the best recipe, I used Random.org to pick the winner of a tube of Nuun. Winner is Running Moose. Please email to claim your Nuun.

8. If you are not already a fan of Tall Mom on Facebook HERE please head there and hit "Like" I plan to host a few fun giveaways that will be on Facebook in the weeks to come and I don't want my faithful readers to miss out :)

9. I wanted to race this weekend..BUT I also want to SLEEP!! Decisions, Decisions... What would you do?

10. Marlene HERE is a ROCK Star and killed her Marathon, head over and tell her congrats. My Little Nuun HTC buddy Dorothy HERE also sped to an amazing PR in her Marathon.

That's all I got.. How are you??

Tall Mom Test Lab Tuesday

2011-10-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the newest Members of the Tall Mom Bloggy Pack!!! Over 1,200 strong, I feel honored to have you all along for the Run.

I have not done a Test Lab Tuesday in forever.. I am super behind sharing the WONDERFUL products that I have been testing. With Christmas just around the corner this post may give you some ideas for things to add to your Christmas List.

The folks at Tommie Copper HERE were nice enough to send me a few things to TEST. I put the Women's Compression Shirt and knee Sleeve through the paces last night.
Women's Compression Shirt HERE- $44.50
First impression I love the feel of the fabric and the cut of the shirt. This would be ideal for Fall Racing, paired with arm sleeves. I love the color and fit. The only problem I had was the shirt kept riding up because of my running skirt. My solution? Next time I may use small safety pins to hold the shirt down, or try it without my Running Skirt. You will see this super slimming and comfy shirt OFTEN, I am in LOVE!

Knee Compression Sleeve HERE- $24.50
My knee has been really bothering me lately so I was excited to test this sleeve. Unfortunately the fit was not right for me. I have large quads and calves, the bands were tight in those places but the knee sleeve itself was loose. I liked that I could run and didn't notice the knee sleeve and that it kept my knee warm, I just wish it was a bit more compression on my trouble area.

Sof Sole Coolmax Performance Socks HERE
These are my FAVORITE socks right now, I scored on a few pairs at an expo for $5!! They are cushy but also let my feet breathe (yes feet need to breathe). I have had no troubles with bunching or blisters...my only issues?? I NEED more pairs!!

One Good Earbud HERE- $19.95
I love to run with music, but I am also want to be aware of my surroundings and SAFETY. I was sent the in-ear bud to test and it is GREAT! No more do I have to tuck the extra earbud in my bra strap. The super long cord makes for a comfortable fit, I put the cord under my shirt and tucked into my spandex. As a Tall gal the cords are usually an issue, this cord is perfect for me.. ONE EARBUD!! Genius!!

Auria Earbuds HERE- $33.99
Auria is all about customization and sound quality. I was not able to truly experience the sound quality of the earbuds because I only wore 1. What I did notice was the great fit in my ear and a crisp sound beyond the regular Ipod earbuds. The price is a bit higher than I would normally pay, so I am curious to know how long these earbuds last.

Chris Cooper- "Long May You Run" HERE
New and experienced Runners alike will love this book. It is hard to define the book, I would call it an inspirational reference book. Chris covers a multitude of topics with detail and flare. There are quotes from Famous runners and quit tips helpful for ALL facets of your running life. I recommend this book for Moms because it is a quick read, you don't have to read it all at once, you can pick it up to get the info you need from Relays to Marathons to destination runs.

Matt Long- "The Long Run" HERE
This book is about a New York City Firefighters amazing comeback from a tragic accident which ripped his body apart. I love books that are written in journal style, no frilly language, an easy read from the person who experienced it. Matt Long is honest about the hardships, up and extreme downs of recovery and adjusting to the limits of his new body. If you ever think you cant run a Marathon, you MUST read this book. INSPIRING!!!

BATTLE TESTED
TALL MOM APPROVED

COMING SOON TO THE TEST LAB:

Mina Samuels- "Run Like a Girl" HERE
Gone for a Run Medal Hanger HERE

SLS Butterfly Compression Socks HERE

Champions New Eco Athletic Apparel HERE

Ila Sport Security HERE

Don't Forget to enter my Team Sparkle Skirt Giveaway HERE
AND my buddy Melody also has a Team Sparkle Giveaway HERE
What products have you tested that you LOVE?

******I was sent these items free of charge for testing and review purposes. My opinions are my own and I was not compensated for my review.

1 Year

2011-10-17T07:51:00.000-07:00

It has been 1 Year since my Dad passed away suddenly due to an undiagnosed Heart Condition, I like to say his Heart was too big for his body. I have felt him with me often, most often when I am running. I struggled during the Boston Marathon and he was there in spirit to help me reach the finish (Report HERE.) I often find myself going to a dark place of sadness but the one thing I CAN do is pass on his Legacy through my SMILE... As you can see from the picture above my Smile came from Dad.

I know that many of my posts this year have included notes on my Dad, Grief is a real thing, this Blog is my journal and I don't hide how I feel, the ups and the downs. My family has held strong, my Mom especially, she inspires me daily.

My advice is to LIVE each day to the fullest and be sure to tell the people you LOVE how you feel. LIFE is shorter than you think.. This Year has passed so quickly. My plan for 2012 is ever evolving what I do know is that I am going to focus on passing on his LEGACY, giving my heart permission to think ONLY of the great memories and to SMILE.

I love you Dad and today my Dimples shine for you!!!

Feed me Friday

2011-10-14T07:58:00.000-07:00

If you have read Tall Mom for more than a minute you know that I am not a Foodie. I LOVE to EAT don't get me wrong, but I lack the essentials of menus planning, ideas and ummm I cant cook :) (strike that, I have no interest in learning to cook).

This post has 1 purpose to...

FEED ME

Please leave comments with suggestions for HEALTHY options that keep you energized and ready to RUN, Recipes, links, ideas, and your favorites for..

Breakfast
Snacks
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Nighttime HUNGER
Pre-Run
Post-Run
Other??

To give you some incentive.... The BEST idea/comment to FEED ME will get a tube of Nuun your choice from my stash and an additional entry into my Team Sparkle Giveaway HERE.

Team Sparkle Giveaway

2011-10-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite signs from a spectator while racing is:

You don't Sweat you SPARKLE

I do sweat, I love the idea that as a female runner I can be feminine while giving it my all on the run. Enter Team Sparkle HERE.I was introduced to Team Sparkle through Nuun, two of the founders of Team Sparkle Carrie HERE and Kelly HERE were in my Vanmates for Hood to Coast. I LOVE these ladies!! And I was proud to test the Team Sparkle Skirt for the first time at See Jane Run.

What a great way to add some color and cover up the BORING capris. My sister and I go loads of compliments on the run which is always fun. The best part about the Team Sparkle Skirts are you can wear them over anything, so light weight you will hardly know you are wearing a skirt.

Team AfterNuun Delight wore the skirts for Hood to Coast and they were GREAT! Ideal for relays making teammates easy to spot on the course and for handoffs.
I also wore my Blue skirt on 9-11 for the Iron Girl 5K, showing my pride in Red White and Blue.
Team Sparkle Skirts are
TALL MOM APPROVED!!

Since the ladies at Team Sparkle love you, they are giving you a chance to WIN!!

What will you WIN?

1 Team Sparkle skirt
color and size of your choice

How do you Enter?
One comment per entry please.

REQUIRED- Like Team Sparkle on Facebook HERE. Leave a Comment to let me know you "like" Team Sparkle.

Extra entries...

1- Answer the question- How do you Sparkle? Leave a Comment.

2- Go to the Team Sparkle Store HERE, shop around and tell me what color you will chose when you win. Leave a Comment.

3- Share the Giveaway on your Blog, Twitter, Facebook, etc.. Leave a Comment each time you share.

****Giveaway ends and WINNER will be announced on 10-20.

semi-Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-12T12:12:00.001-07:00

Photo credit??

Friendiversaries

2011-10-11T07:33:00.000-07:00

On 10-10-09 I had my First Blogger/Runner/Buddy date.. and it was with none other than the Amazing Amanda at 5 Miles past Empty HERE. Our First "Date" HERE turned into a friendship I cherish EVERY day!! I get pretty sappy when I talk about Amanda, in fact last year just before Amanda moved away, ironically on our 1 Year Friendiversary, I wrote this SAPPY post HERE. Hard to believe it has only been 2 years. Last week Amanda's Dad lost his fight with Cancer, I dedicated my 8K to him and I have been checking in with Amanda each day. I feel helpless living so far away, but I do what I can. If only we could RUN together, CRY together...but alas this miles between are just too far.. Happy Friendiversary!! I WILL see you soon...
Looking at the calendar I realized that I have another Friendiversary this time of year. Jess at Blonde Ponytail HERE and I met at a Bloggy meet-up hosted by Stacie HERE on 10-9-10, I was in Portland to cheer Amanda on for her Marathon. Having both been college athletes we had an instant connection, hard to believe that this time last year Jess didn't have a Blog. I WISH that she and Coach lived on the west side of the state because we would be STELLAR training buddies.
I like to celebrate Friendiversaries, first off because it is a funny word and second, it is fun to see how far we have come TOGETHER.. There is a special bond formed when you run with someone. What happens on the run stays on the run!!! Thank you Jess and Amanda for being my buddies, my spare bedroom is open whenever you want to crash at Casa-de-Tall Mom.

I have been BLESSED to meet amazing people through Blogland. I am always talking about my "friends" and that is what I consider my Bloggy Buddies, regardless of if we get to see eachother daily or not.

Checking in with my FRIENDS in Blog Land:
in no particular order, click name to go to the blog

HARMONY- Please say a prayer for Harmony, her husband discovered cancer in his leg and they are going through a very tough time right now.

HANNAH- Completed the Heartland 100 this past weekend. WOW oh WOW!!

MARLENE- It is her BIRTHDAY this week!! And she has a little 26.2 jaunt planned this weekend. Stop in and wish her GOOD LUCK!

KERRIE- My author friend has a PLAN to get her book written, maybe she will let me write the forward ;p

ZOE- and Goober and Trav are still in China, she will be back on 11-15, can't wait to hear all about the trip.

MORGAN- Suffered an injury and has turned to bone stimulation. I am praying that she finds her way to health soon.

CHELSEA- Has taken a break from Blogging but she is able to start running again and has some goals for next year.

Kim- Will be running Girlfriends Half Marathon this weekend with her stellar new playlist.

T- Died her hair a WOW color and is <1 month from NYC and Richmond Marathons!!

Track Coach & Adorable Wife- Were my buddies this weekend, Tressa took some fun photos which I posted on Tall Mom Facebook HERE.

This is by no means EVERYONE...but hey the post has to end sometime.
Do you celebrate Friendiversaries?
If you do not have running buddies I URGE you to take a step toward meeting people, you will be glad you did!!

Friendship isn't a big thing - it's a million little things.
~Author Unknown

In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.
~Albert Schweitzer

A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down.
~Arnold Glasow

Friends are those rare people who ask how you are and then wait for the answer.
~Author Unknown

Run Wild 8K Race Report

2011-10-10T12:30:00.000-07:00

I ran the Run Wild 5K in 2009 (REPORT HERE) I placed 2nd for women in the 5K and 1st in my Age group, I really liked the race. Since I had never run an 8K I was excited to test the distance. I am not in Speed shape, as I have repeated over and over and over this year.. sorry faithful readers for the broken record. The race runs through the Northwest Trek Wildlife park and is very well organized. Muscle Man and the Little Studs were planning to come but LS#1 came down with a fever so I was SOLO..

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE SOLO??
Walk around, and take self portraits.. hehehe. It was chilly when I left the car. I had plenty of time to kill so I decided to run a warm-up Mile..

Also took pictures of my feet. I wore my Brooks Adrenalines, Green Recovery Socks and Cheetah Running Skirt.. My skirt got some attention from others..I chatted with a tall gal on my way out of the restroom and told her where she could buy her own skirt..
I made my way to the WARM REAL restroom and snapped another self portrait.. Yep I am a DORK when I am alone. Back to my car to shed the coat and go on my warm-up lap..

Just then I ran into Tressa and Jesse @ Track Coach and his Adorable Wife so nice to see my friends, Jesse was going to run the 5K. I set out on my warm-up run.. Funny thing about warm-ups, you see the COMPETITORS.. Mind you this race is not uber-competitive I knew I would place in my Age group. There was a small gal doing proper warm-ups, I knew she would WIN (I was right). During my warm-up I realized that I did not need my Pearl Izumi outer layer, so I did a quick change of the race number and set out to line up.

The walkers took off then Jesse and I took our places at the front, both in GREEN.. Tressa took our photo, will post soon. My goal was to have 7:14 pace for a sub 36 8K, AMBITIOUS but I was hopeful.

Mile 1= 7:13- My plan was to hold back and not get caught up in the SPEEDY start of the race. The course does a little loop which makes it pretty congested. I realized I was holding back a little too much and weaved to find my stride.

Mile 2= 7:49- The 8K folks go to the right for an out and back, for some reason the INSTANT my feet hit the gravel my body S-L-O-W-E-D. I panicked, I had no idea why my legs were not working. In my mind I gave up all hope of getting anywhere close to my goal. The view on this stretch was so pretty, sun shining and a lovely lake view. I worried less about my pace and enjoyed the BEAUTY.

Mile 3= 7:37- I was getting passed by a few men but holding my 3rd overall female spot. I tried to get my legs to turn over faster but I didn't have it :( The volunteers were GREAT, cheering and enthusiastic, I loved the cheerleaders at the water stops. I could see just how far behind me the next ladies were on the out and back, I used the men in front of me to set my pace.

Mile 4= 7:37- I could see that my lead on the next 2 ladies was dwindling... I thought about my friend Amanda and dug deep, I was racing for her, her Dad lost his battle with cancer last week. I told myself to ENJOY it!! The PERFECT day for a race, regardless if my body wanted to move or not. I would tough out the last mile.. Just before I entered the Park the Volunteer said "You are almost to the Finish," HMMM having run the race before I knew that I had at least Half a mile left, she probably should not be telling people that... oh well.

Mile 5= 7:02- As I rounded the corner by the Cougar enclosure I got passed by "Tsunami Sam" the name was written on her shirt, I wanted to hold pace and I did speed up but she strided away. Next a pretty little gal in a Fleet Feet shirt passed me, I sped up to stick with her and HOPED I could catch back up. The last mile has switch-backs and a steep uphill to the Finish. My Garmin was not showing me my pace so I just RAN.. As I got to the top of the hill I saw a woman to my left trying to pass, I KICKED it I was NOT getting passed again. I SPRINTED....probably looked like a T-Rex armed crazy woman as usual :)

NOTE= I cant believe I ran the last mile in 7:02 and got passed by 2 people, WTH!?!?!?!

Crossed the FINISH, proud of my first 8K performance, not as fast as I wanted but a solid Effort.

37:15 (PR since it was my first)

7:29 pace

Tressa and Jesse were at the finish, he rocked his race!! I would have placed higher in the 5K, oh well :( I chatted with them for a bit then they went off to wander the park with their little guy. I talked to Tsunami Sam and the Fleet Feet girl, both used me as their motivation....hmmm future race strategy.. I got some snacks and coffee and looked at the results..

5th overall female and SCORE I placed 1st in my Age group!! Next year I will train, I LOVE this race!! On my way home I stopped off to take a picture of Mount Rainier, posted on Dailymile HERE, I had to get my RUNNERD sticker in the next pick.

This week I will pass 1,000 miles for the year!! YIPPEE! How are you doing??
Also keep an eye out for my next Giveaway, it is sure to Sparkle :)

WIINNER of the Oiselle Tee

2011-10-10T07:57:00.000-07:00

That to everyone who entered and to Oiselle HERE for sponsoring the Giveaway. Be sure to tell others about the item(s) you put on your Christmas list.

The WINNER is

Penny @ Pink Hat Runner

Penny email me tallmomontherun (@) hotmail.com to claim your Start Line Tee!!