tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82457071253713697772024-03-19T04:58:04.160-05:00Julie's Running BlogJulie's Blog....High Heels and Lipstick to Asics and Sunscreen.
I was a high school track sprinter who never ever in a million years thought that I could run long distances! I became a half marathon junkie and just ran my first full marathon in October of 2010! Will I become a marathon addict? Only time will tell. Always believe!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016242849142019105noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245707125371369777.post-4135519375262382522011-07-25T20:44:00.058-05:002011-07-26T13:52:25.096-05:00The Warrior Dash Race Report!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimocyujCXyOfxJRW37owxC7urvVxo4JqwfftrFo9PATbaRr92EBesUwnlis9p3qOxZdUMQm3_Y9QWsfDqmiKxNlK3zqaRPeq4In7nltCouGRs_nvDv6Rllvr9dcEJNbZdnWOl-KDEbgtHy/s1600/DSCN1246.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633478434199643138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 313px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimocyujCXyOfxJRW37owxC7urvVxo4JqwfftrFo9PATbaRr92EBesUwnlis9p3qOxZdUMQm3_Y9QWsfDqmiKxNlK3zqaRPeq4In7nltCouGRs_nvDv6Rllvr9dcEJNbZdnWOl-KDEbgtHy/s320/DSCN1246.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> Hi everyone! Sunday I experienced my first Warrior Dash race! Oh my goodness, we had an absolute blast! I made the trip with two of the coolest people....my co-workers Stefanie and Laura. Stefanie and I work side by side every day at the medical center's women's imaging department. We both work as mammo technologists and perform breast imaging procedures. We have so much in common including fitness. I am a runner and Stefanie is a fitness competitor. One day at work I got an e-mail from the people at the Warrior Dash asking for possible competitors for the famous race. I said, "Hey Stef let's do this!" She looked at me like I was a little crazy and said, "I don't know Julie....I will think about it." I then said, "Alright, you have until tomorrow sista! But...you know you are so doing this with me!" The next day we ended up registering together and signed up to be in the 4pm wave on Sunday. Our co-worker Laura came with us to be our cheerleader and photographer:) Thank you Laura! We love you! Laura and I have known each other for years. She is my mentor and I first met her when I was a mammo student at the University of Minnesota Breast Center. Laura is the best supervisor ever....she gives me days off when I need them for very important things! Laura also reads my blog and has been following it from day one! I sort of look at her like the older sister I never had:) We all met up in our work parking lot and drove almost an hour to the Afton Alps Ski Resort in Hastings. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzwTw2pFpbW_DBkOAFhRDZnaVZ-9nehZvZIhkdMV7uR90c3m4ewNLg8Y_6QVHE2O15OZx-MIdDruQEiTaGgc7e-9GBYrTYkqckHqlo_yY0Fr8SEKQigiuovenD3mFZg8AQpk95_-37F9f/s1600/DSCN1250.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633478194121135586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 185px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzwTw2pFpbW_DBkOAFhRDZnaVZ-9nehZvZIhkdMV7uR90c3m4ewNLg8Y_6QVHE2O15OZx-MIdDruQEiTaGgc7e-9GBYrTYkqckHqlo_yY0Fr8SEKQigiuovenD3mFZg8AQpk95_-37F9f/s320/DSCN1250.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLjd5e_aIdDAwAk_Z86G4Au0MDRbaVFpTAZNJ2bVQ4tm9ltU1_rYl5QcrCvDpWKdmKbSbFnSkX8W4sXcZtitq2EPQ81qPStjh0K_NT9avdoK9-VfvJl9myT06-QIodYXL72POATHJM7yG/s1600/DSCN1251.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633478095417635378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLjd5e_aIdDAwAk_Z86G4Au0MDRbaVFpTAZNJ2bVQ4tm9ltU1_rYl5QcrCvDpWKdmKbSbFnSkX8W4sXcZtitq2EPQ81qPStjh0K_NT9avdoK9-VfvJl9myT06-QIodYXL72POATHJM7yG/s320/DSCN1251.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> I parked my van in a huge corn field and walked up to catch the bus that would drive us to the start line. </span><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_nrDXT5qWjSSDS8ZE1rUZQpXs85nQUYvTP_fTKOr_Y1btcI8M6D08BChs6P03tLr9-wCGofQxlarnDKD1MTQcerqMes3DStvrMfhxjljhUHEMzvr2nwPNc1IHkURouyhscA9GA4hC8-V/s1600/DSCN1252.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633477983909822258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_nrDXT5qWjSSDS8ZE1rUZQpXs85nQUYvTP_fTKOr_Y1btcI8M6D08BChs6P03tLr9-wCGofQxlarnDKD1MTQcerqMes3DStvrMfhxjljhUHEMzvr2nwPNc1IHkURouyhscA9GA4hC8-V/s320/DSCN1252.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> I was all smiles and super excited! </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UKPSvcabFEvhsjtmvW0GOnKlsPi65rd1KZk7R5TR5IOGa3WAPFwTro9eNZKtohDemgT_4FU46RhyghliptmlcAvRV0BrPihc15RHgmO2I4mpgMqx5kEuX1xtmtmn6sNlVQYwhhY7ZgmI/s1600/DSCN1255.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633477721336816994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UKPSvcabFEvhsjtmvW0GOnKlsPi65rd1KZk7R5TR5IOGa3WAPFwTro9eNZKtohDemgT_4FU46RhyghliptmlcAvRV0BrPihc15RHgmO2I4mpgMqx5kEuX1xtmtmn6sNlVQYwhhY7ZgmI/s320/DSCN1255.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> This is a picture of my personal photographer Laura:) </span><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVOetw-_pfREv-62djPSh2Z8KBlmyRysfKEITy3TcFBipb1ZCCjKeCADPPAw4JCQk9s5IimGuKKFSnEVtRUCvWoEDhvsO_F-8VaJlXNKX0yoSCXK8Hu6bvRCVsr6xeSQHN5X0W83NJfcU/s1600/DSCN1257.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633477589396191682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 264px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVOetw-_pfREv-62djPSh2Z8KBlmyRysfKEITy3TcFBipb1ZCCjKeCADPPAw4JCQk9s5IimGuKKFSnEVtRUCvWoEDhvsO_F-8VaJlXNKX0yoSCXK8Hu6bvRCVsr6xeSQHN5X0W83NJfcU/s320/DSCN1257.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;">Stefanie and I on the bus. LOL, this was the best out of about 8 windy pictures....no such thing as perfect! </span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8vh52UHCj1YjGHnl-vNCKQe39EuBSLQNeEX3bjYPGWaTB9rNcOuqb6Wnkxw_KorkJWykMc4aDUNW3NpipzhNhyphenhyphen4aqWCsFzZlz0AU-ma43YORqyUpaBG46d7RJfwtS8jDa_O1IyPYGP5I/s1600/DSCN1260.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633477476644096450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8vh52UHCj1YjGHnl-vNCKQe39EuBSLQNeEX3bjYPGWaTB9rNcOuqb6Wnkxw_KorkJWykMc4aDUNW3NpipzhNhyphenhyphen4aqWCsFzZlz0AU-ma43YORqyUpaBG46d7RJfwtS8jDa_O1IyPYGP5I/s320/DSCN1260.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> Many runners donated their race shoes after the race for a great charity....including Stefanie! </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrlcCzkgnyI1MJzaGGFYypwmin5byNsYLqQxwfQ-EzNJCrcsErJM9sgkQHLJHZkw1AOUmF_o9LuoxKuv20zL98oXyPr0Ba-1cNETTk5icDHfLdgyCT4fC87w275yRMds0hprCemRuZAqN/s1600/DSCN1263.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633476908451472690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrlcCzkgnyI1MJzaGGFYypwmin5byNsYLqQxwfQ-EzNJCrcsErJM9sgkQHLJHZkw1AOUmF_o9LuoxKuv20zL98oXyPr0Ba-1cNETTk5icDHfLdgyCT4fC87w275yRMds0hprCemRuZAqN/s320/DSCN1263.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> We picked up our race packets, t-shirts and warrior horns! Yea! Warrior horns!</span><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMR3HYHjSuXZKGYjutPwGPC-RiWRClln-531H-Qz3NydTAT9HeInoFTKE4J7X_xuDyNYlgRlCxkCuWBpi7B-LOq9WYcQCVykW49ESx0Iq0HvJh_pBir4z1ycnJM150GyHGEfQQNjwB6Hzu/s1600/DSCN1267.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633476460749453650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 310px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMR3HYHjSuXZKGYjutPwGPC-RiWRClln-531H-Qz3NydTAT9HeInoFTKE4J7X_xuDyNYlgRlCxkCuWBpi7B-LOq9WYcQCVykW49ESx0Iq0HvJh_pBir4z1ycnJM150GyHGEfQQNjwB6Hzu/s320/DSCN1267.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> Pinning our race bibs on.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ucmy4B2dIY7qd48qH71E3WrThqDlFyiOT2t3VvhzpF0bOLb3pcM_v225mFffeaKbKC9wl2MNCHOQ1G_Rc_5eWZIkjLbPEdHxptXXI2AWFuds7KRf3EGG9Pt3gVON58WZt-YVgIlUad6b/s1600/DSCN1269.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633476350105015586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 306px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ucmy4B2dIY7qd48qH71E3WrThqDlFyiOT2t3VvhzpF0bOLb3pcM_v225mFffeaKbKC9wl2MNCHOQ1G_Rc_5eWZIkjLbPEdHxptXXI2AWFuds7KRf3EGG9Pt3gVON58WZt-YVgIlUad6b/s320/DSCN1269.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> Putting our timing chips on our shoes. </span><br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBDusNigCMmpJ27YlJMATPxryvtUHg0rYDUpp7e53Ii3bhA9zgOYLyiKMPSguiKoGW64X7ykHYx6DrOcfEO3oE76VUPxElfV6X1DiO1xFTi_HKsfz348WJ_mpRB2DohIxVFtGlvy5YMJk/s1600/DSCN1270.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633476254827782258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 280px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBDusNigCMmpJ27YlJMATPxryvtUHg0rYDUpp7e53Ii3bhA9zgOYLyiKMPSguiKoGW64X7ykHYx6DrOcfEO3oE76VUPxElfV6X1DiO1xFTi_HKsfz348WJ_mpRB2DohIxVFtGlvy5YMJk/s320/DSCN1270.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> Two tough Chicas ready to rock and roll!</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqOtMZtBnef0hw2JaqhUcnDKdskgetr4ResuBFVhuSnzu1pVzk41XYeSTvVd43YwKtcSHTaZFO0yaDzNeESwctlTc65aauTgHwJZOJH49_RQXzcplDUNInlHF7PcWD6f5Rn6mJ37QwQdv/s1600/DSCN1272.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633476153556385410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqOtMZtBnef0hw2JaqhUcnDKdskgetr4ResuBFVhuSnzu1pVzk41XYeSTvVd43YwKtcSHTaZFO0yaDzNeESwctlTc65aauTgHwJZOJH49_RQXzcplDUNInlHF7PcWD6f5Rn6mJ37QwQdv/s320/DSCN1272.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> As I mentioned earlier, Laura reads my blog and knows I like to take random pictures of interesting people or things. Check out this guy!! </span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWzcdAXYOLSWaksv0Gn5QeSfT7ohG9QuQHMLaLKwdNDU7xmaaAqj5-L9DgYAIHZi169KX0jvlKU3zy3w1brKYbshlEkxp3X5zZsEGBU96P_srKXdmy9dw8VMgRgY8SWMRYS_z-eh2scyq/s1600/DSCN1275.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633476017485736194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWzcdAXYOLSWaksv0Gn5QeSfT7ohG9QuQHMLaLKwdNDU7xmaaAqj5-L9DgYAIHZi169KX0jvlKU3zy3w1brKYbshlEkxp3X5zZsEGBU96P_srKXdmy9dw8VMgRgY8SWMRYS_z-eh2scyq/s320/DSCN1275.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> I love it! Dudes racing in dresses! </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBct-Zu-Ei60qN7dZrGnZqjo520N-0CCZHS64fDLJ9UHeSYPbXJT-FJ1z4U08D3K8qARLQnpOsZaOjL6Twx0JY6FfyG9_82X9pyluaLhFQd6s5Og5ZAoWfM5FRMn68_qJKnM0SztyC9_X/s1600/DSCN1279.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633475779415708066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 253px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBct-Zu-Ei60qN7dZrGnZqjo520N-0CCZHS64fDLJ9UHeSYPbXJT-FJ1z4U08D3K8qARLQnpOsZaOjL6Twx0JY6FfyG9_82X9pyluaLhFQd6s5Og5ZAoWfM5FRMn68_qJKnM0SztyC9_X/s320/DSCN1279.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> Stefanie and I checking out the runners from an earlier wave making their way down to the finisher's corral. </span><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMHIW5zdyhun0wh4XeZ2E5TjEiB2_Tw_L8xIw4zWkWbdhyphenhyphen8De5NE2WWhviVSNPsS_vA3Nm-_IgoAAEO59CpAhSBmtju41cm0YkSdwTIQbXJF614uMnYMNBu4hBvx5Lux3WLrNZVr-si-6/s1600/DSCN1281.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633475649594083938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMHIW5zdyhun0wh4XeZ2E5TjEiB2_Tw_L8xIw4zWkWbdhyphenhyphen8De5NE2WWhviVSNPsS_vA3Nm-_IgoAAEO59CpAhSBmtju41cm0YkSdwTIQbXJF614uMnYMNBu4hBvx5Lux3WLrNZVr-si-6/s320/DSCN1281.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> </span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpnCjwI-sJuWElbwGnKUyms1ItLSo9Ahe3xCLhR6QaVPZHmxrOeyRg_BWj6DeU7jsHLrXZoEUG4sj3zu1PRMFY1F8p_jTmiM1lqvtpk2b0ougL2QzExNrFiD3j3npQDQ_qDfcqDiFIs2i/s1600/DSCN1282.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633475535289006578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 301px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpnCjwI-sJuWElbwGnKUyms1ItLSo9Ahe3xCLhR6QaVPZHmxrOeyRg_BWj6DeU7jsHLrXZoEUG4sj3zu1PRMFY1F8p_jTmiM1lqvtpk2b0ougL2QzExNrFiD3j3npQDQ_qDfcqDiFIs2i/s320/DSCN1282.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> Here are a few pictures of us hanging out waiting for our 4pm wave to start. </span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLtkhgFENkGSQD3f2cEaA2BSayvMrIcJApoIKFvr8DHFqMV8pghswrLMIaEDkdjGAM-IneykXLJmQ7woF32lsXg70IBbOwjlu4NngRrxNV6yRFnAsLJLBY51dJdyCmsxUXYEoXHXcu7-6/s1600/DSCN1284.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633475398876209282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLtkhgFENkGSQD3f2cEaA2BSayvMrIcJApoIKFvr8DHFqMV8pghswrLMIaEDkdjGAM-IneykXLJmQ7woF32lsXg70IBbOwjlu4NngRrxNV6yRFnAsLJLBY51dJdyCmsxUXYEoXHXcu7-6/s320/DSCN1284.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglD2jgHwcFDcCHYIMiDSiYH16rxt72U-Vok5lE4_zJOKYYCX4JELsC6JROG42lJoI0W1NO4gTH9BJ8tuQ3jlL1_JNf7XPHzXP_rNWaL-s_Sj2o1O4TiuWx97YwQ7wGSkKE3KIEFPd-vewK/s1600/DSCN1286.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633475260111842834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 312px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglD2jgHwcFDcCHYIMiDSiYH16rxt72U-Vok5lE4_zJOKYYCX4JELsC6JROG42lJoI0W1NO4gTH9BJ8tuQ3jlL1_JNf7XPHzXP_rNWaL-s_Sj2o1O4TiuWx97YwQ7wGSkKE3KIEFPd-vewK/s320/DSCN1286.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> Stefanie, Laura and me:)</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkVQRy-uipgWoYczCEThvs9lA1eae-cS6SjFX2gjUTTVo1F_mgWJB2JUrD2-GthIcFqFKJF3VaQiiR-oQ0AO_LC9YaWA93TXrficdHkhlLCeQkgINBBbwERlWsgOEW8OfB9Yrb_A6Unqn/s1600/DSCN1287.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633475124812854466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 282px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkVQRy-uipgWoYczCEThvs9lA1eae-cS6SjFX2gjUTTVo1F_mgWJB2JUrD2-GthIcFqFKJF3VaQiiR-oQ0AO_LC9YaWA93TXrficdHkhlLCeQkgINBBbwERlWsgOEW8OfB9Yrb_A6Unqn/s320/DSCN1287.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> Stefanie and I finally in line for the race. </span><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPklMeSwoHlFKOlPZisuif1l62I4d96uzbHgcovGOEslJkiyBgBgGR9pqXPOwmrspaUKnwcbPwSILRGQCKBUNek3ZW3-JjemD4E25xe-k-pUkG0xM8MfrSNyRHNZ8uRGEKzPCSXCFIt002/s1600/DSCN1289.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633475027117852690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 316px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPklMeSwoHlFKOlPZisuif1l62I4d96uzbHgcovGOEslJkiyBgBgGR9pqXPOwmrspaUKnwcbPwSILRGQCKBUNek3ZW3-JjemD4E25xe-k-pUkG0xM8MfrSNyRHNZ8uRGEKzPCSXCFIt002/s320/DSCN1289.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> We may or may not of been discussing our strategy for the race:) Ha ha! We just wanted to finish in one piece, not cuts, no blood, no puking or broken bones! Our goal was to finish under an hour and have fun! We got this one! </span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojJg1dzGymp0XIXf3a2ghW4Izf20T_-qTlYVvf-8QRzM7Jx6OyKZJj8i2LOkx7TKW-bT04767t4QhLSpYGShHAf2vw3aG3Z_wIgb9o1XtKUtnuw9-d0rB8xuB705qC8qIuh1qSvh4_4Bt/s1600/DSCN1290.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633474923748159986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojJg1dzGymp0XIXf3a2ghW4Izf20T_-qTlYVvf-8QRzM7Jx6OyKZJj8i2LOkx7TKW-bT04767t4QhLSpYGShHAf2vw3aG3Z_wIgb9o1XtKUtnuw9-d0rB8xuB705qC8qIuh1qSvh4_4Bt/s320/DSCN1290.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> Right before the start. </span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdVd9Dzy83yN3Jk4ifCndWnz_QkMVjDU2yxGjN6fV6ts3x5lo44DrRb3zkDXEq_e8dqD_Hwh5fGHLlJSVRQISMtUhRQHhn_3zFML6Joh-KSR6DAhtxWVMZ_h_6ydpac7urtanS3BfSkLH/s1600/DSCN1292.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633474805220553730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdVd9Dzy83yN3Jk4ifCndWnz_QkMVjDU2yxGjN6fV6ts3x5lo44DrRb3zkDXEq_e8dqD_Hwh5fGHLlJSVRQISMtUhRQHhn_3zFML6Joh-KSR6DAhtxWVMZ_h_6ydpac7urtanS3BfSkLH/s320/DSCN1292.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;">Stefanie and I placed ourselves in the middle of the pack. We started off at an easy steady pace. Everything was going great for a few short minutes. Our first real obstacle was this big ass hill! Holy cow it was brutal! So many people ended up walking up all of it or some of it. We walked up about half of it. There were so many obstacles to make our way through, under or over but the hardest in my opinion was the crazy monster hills! You have to remember that the course was set on a ski resort. After making it up that big daddy of a hill we continued on with a slow jog....nice and easy. Before we knew it we had a few obstacles to tackle. I think the first one was the treacherous typhoon. WOW!!!! This one shocked the hell out of us! I knew it was coming but didn't expect it to be as fierce! The wall of water and gale force winds was absolutely stunning! As in...I can't breathe! I was smacked in the face with the strong and stinging water mixed with powerful winds! I kept on thinking, when and the hell am I going to make it all of the way through this one! Once we made it through I couldn't stop laughing! We looked like drowned rats and I was still so shocked....laughing only seemed natural:) We had several more super fun obstacles to take on. There was a scrap yard course, a few walls to climb & get over, and planks to make our way across. There was one or two of the climbing walls where I was holding on for dear life. I do not like heights and was a little scared but kept on moving. Stefanie and I made our way through most of the obstacles like rock stars and had a ton of fun. The race was well organized and there were tons of volunteers greeting us with smiles! The course continued and we made our way at an easy and steady pace. We ran through a sand pit and a few very muddy running paths. There were several up and down hills with rough road, tree roots and rocks to watch out for. Finally we made our way up the last hill and saw the petrifying plunge water slide! Yay! The joy of knowing we were almost done! We continued our way down the slide and ran up to the fire pits...two of them:) Piece of cake! </span><br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUmo7DDMrnGbWWJFKDDlNkuKBc0C2CphDdswxXwuNMdEx42GEmp1f6jSwiVnyse1byUYUOuRSRTKKLDScIIQYcTzoB1yi7zqtgtwsoWlvhaefw4THEkWCYvcbzxUgfZWaNxTtbLMgG_kE/s1600/DSCN1294.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633474570278230386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUmo7DDMrnGbWWJFKDDlNkuKBc0C2CphDdswxXwuNMdEx42GEmp1f6jSwiVnyse1byUYUOuRSRTKKLDScIIQYcTzoB1yi7zqtgtwsoWlvhaefw4THEkWCYvcbzxUgfZWaNxTtbLMgG_kE/s320/DSCN1294.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> Me and Stefanie approaching the fire pits. </span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwrVXSlx5rM_Xy2X6V4dQ1tNFBjSSbkMj0s812C-xdaVemSD7P2Z6XJIKZsL_uHpTnYWevgUpdT4SscDbMkIugExNlFbcPvipEtJZoILH1n0tMlN9RyKnx54QWd2gYJQ97cNX_n23BASB/s1600/DSCN1295.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633474494690047138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwrVXSlx5rM_Xy2X6V4dQ1tNFBjSSbkMj0s812C-xdaVemSD7P2Z6XJIKZsL_uHpTnYWevgUpdT4SscDbMkIugExNlFbcPvipEtJZoILH1n0tMlN9RyKnx54QWd2gYJQ97cNX_n23BASB/s320/DSCN1295.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;">After the second fire pit we had to get on our stomachs and crawl through mud while working our way under barbed wire! Good Lord! It was so gross and smelly! I got so much mud under my shirt and in my sports bra....so gross! We got out of the mud pit and ran together over the finish line!!! </span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYqg8BsXhqGq3f21TsAg-yoMYzlO9RxZBXu5_msqAgVKmAS-LwAFmOZMXAadqFEUw3iE6DintMLdfueMUfDPpQ2lqrHLmur3TevvrJ9PhiOgq_jYmfWchRTQ_1VW7A7EFPzpbPsUlNHfg/s1600/DSCN1296.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633474396164457730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYqg8BsXhqGq3f21TsAg-yoMYzlO9RxZBXu5_msqAgVKmAS-LwAFmOZMXAadqFEUw3iE6DintMLdfueMUfDPpQ2lqrHLmur3TevvrJ9PhiOgq_jYmfWchRTQ_1VW7A7EFPzpbPsUlNHfg/s320/DSCN1296.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> There you have it....Stefanie and Julie out of the pit but covered in mud! </span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMrPpJLWq4oidJEC-7Lszg-ob8BbMItoUdlwJU0dcoBH6keE7-roIOHth-1NNjt5_UPkoQsbW6ifaSRqiD1ssK9VX8_ykLLILZtItzQ842IpTy9WsqBrin13GWG3-QHinfvPB7bnfrLan/s1600/DSCN1297.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633474314686465602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 252px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMrPpJLWq4oidJEC-7Lszg-ob8BbMItoUdlwJU0dcoBH6keE7-roIOHth-1NNjt5_UPkoQsbW6ifaSRqiD1ssK9VX8_ykLLILZtItzQ842IpTy9WsqBrin13GWG3-QHinfvPB7bnfrLan/s320/DSCN1297.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> We were both laughing and excited because we were done! We were also both thinking we have got to do this again next year! </span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpSnAlzQvqp9r_WxB-c4htGDihoK5j0jPEQDjQ3tsPsXcNANDCsGhQgeiiGBQsmh0ahANEuoGDDA_kCwSjizBNLc_vISeUkg0QQT-XYveibTeQht8Cy3edM2LNR_Lm4gb0M9Vr5-L3GEf/s1600/DSCN1298.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633474229196750930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 262px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpSnAlzQvqp9r_WxB-c4htGDihoK5j0jPEQDjQ3tsPsXcNANDCsGhQgeiiGBQsmh0ahANEuoGDDA_kCwSjizBNLc_vISeUkg0QQT-XYveibTeQht8Cy3edM2LNR_Lm4gb0M9Vr5-L3GEf/s320/DSCN1298.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> </span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrz4Cc6DmOf3EuVk2KvMFkf-sgI76o5AHb1vLt-M8xlU9jpqJsyAoGjs7BWsH78dUWeKIRiFzZCGVS9A7rksTrgbd6-z3DGvawNLN8SEW2MbQfv6ASN2DKU7yjDXzSl93dOOMBlJ8kG-T/s1600/DSCN1299.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633474090235186290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 230px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrz4Cc6DmOf3EuVk2KvMFkf-sgI76o5AHb1vLt-M8xlU9jpqJsyAoGjs7BWsH78dUWeKIRiFzZCGVS9A7rksTrgbd6-z3DGvawNLN8SEW2MbQfv6ASN2DKU7yjDXzSl93dOOMBlJ8kG-T/s320/DSCN1299.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> </span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUpgsasg04XQxOAr-Y_2C7ss5_3qaCyAsqzLFW1QO2cg6b3GdH2GjD2E8ZVjgPnaN9fu6Z4qmDpL6iXT1oYM3oUFiBLEWgWgtqXe1S2Xg6g6jTMfFsf0PYIlAM1WJO2wTtSVCNFHH6frw/s1600/DSCN1300.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633473945819316466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUpgsasg04XQxOAr-Y_2C7ss5_3qaCyAsqzLFW1QO2cg6b3GdH2GjD2E8ZVjgPnaN9fu6Z4qmDpL6iXT1oYM3oUFiBLEWgWgtqXe1S2Xg6g6jTMfFsf0PYIlAM1WJO2wTtSVCNFHH6frw/s320/DSCN1300.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> Woo hoo! We are warriors! We did it! We finished our very first Warrior Dash! There was no cuts, blood, puking or broken bones! We came in well under an hour and had fun too...mission accomplished! </span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTn6hKmHm18MeEqJgdf_AHKT_SpDzTBBy9_9LNfODdKHSiMIKfgRCf88xch0MjWlQu4OgW3NaIrUU-GhOG67yYky62xgYJ9SykVaOYfshfbmwlIovhiPPHdoFHgGHDb9KfDheZIZ3ohxm/s1600/DSCN1301.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633473812112928642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTn6hKmHm18MeEqJgdf_AHKT_SpDzTBBy9_9LNfODdKHSiMIKfgRCf88xch0MjWlQu4OgW3NaIrUU-GhOG67yYky62xgYJ9SykVaOYfshfbmwlIovhiPPHdoFHgGHDb9KfDheZIZ3ohxm/s320/DSCN1301.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwm8Ssb3blWo2rMwMKhdQndIsU8GKnvBx_4YW-42NpkvRFUWxwQKYPtemLOlOTvqkZrtbaAYJlIB_2qBHxi7m5CH5Eb3E5He2Ubl7sTq068JeubtnXhX9S8tzdmR4FvjPVj66qL57soAi/s1600/DSCN1302.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633473460942060818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 243px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwm8Ssb3blWo2rMwMKhdQndIsU8GKnvBx_4YW-42NpkvRFUWxwQKYPtemLOlOTvqkZrtbaAYJlIB_2qBHxi7m5CH5Eb3E5He2Ubl7sTq068JeubtnXhX9S8tzdmR4FvjPVj66qL57soAi/s320/DSCN1302.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> </span><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNImwSOhlPK1akGSyQagN0SZ3Atxea7ilQBnN21bRW19oT4tqJTxhovyu6-DGd8jzlGqO_axBOOcL6-MO5N9CEZHvh0wa0lB0J-AGLlbsiRGMT_FsHp0jR0yMHJRj_VIvDdZeA2QkWkkGf/s1600/DSCN1303.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633473138926852930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNImwSOhlPK1akGSyQagN0SZ3Atxea7ilQBnN21bRW19oT4tqJTxhovyu6-DGd8jzlGqO_axBOOcL6-MO5N9CEZHvh0wa0lB0J-AGLlbsiRGMT_FsHp0jR0yMHJRj_VIvDdZeA2QkWkkGf/s320/DSCN1303.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> </span><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOCCAkDafjRGnawMEDb-R7I6fOnIO2jwpnp8V8EtoiZV1ZaowBjYZqB1SkGqwR9NhcS9c5EpOiY3S85x9OB-Io2Q89p0XCH5Z57oIXOZ_rhkultNdiL7-egwiF-Mqd9fWEJMoRTfjV3j3/s1600/DSCN1307.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633472196090269218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOCCAkDafjRGnawMEDb-R7I6fOnIO2jwpnp8V8EtoiZV1ZaowBjYZqB1SkGqwR9NhcS9c5EpOiY3S85x9OB-Io2Q89p0XCH5Z57oIXOZ_rhkultNdiL7-egwiF-Mqd9fWEJMoRTfjV3j3/s320/DSCN1307.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> After the race and eating a banana we headed to the hoses to get some of the mud off of us. We must of spent at least 10 minutes getting hosed off. The water felt amazing and I am pretty sure the two guys hosing people off were enjoying their jobs:) There were tons of Chicas taking off their shirts and getting showered off wearing their sport bras. I may or may not of lifted my shirt up to get some of the yuck out of there:) </span><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqmsAMa4xOCSTVbt1Txx8S5jx5mfwmWgjwHx-z5UQJMohIK8vOwXsBpsmHWmoZlXWF0V3FeYPRDSnKHC95G1Qrop88VKIyNHEIglusFWhvfjIOpDwv5dTIXZPi1XcLFI6KbcdriyypN0h/s1600/DSCN1312.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633471708707865842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 167px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqmsAMa4xOCSTVbt1Txx8S5jx5mfwmWgjwHx-z5UQJMohIK8vOwXsBpsmHWmoZlXWF0V3FeYPRDSnKHC95G1Qrop88VKIyNHEIglusFWhvfjIOpDwv5dTIXZPi1XcLFI6KbcdriyypN0h/s320/DSCN1312.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> Here we are sort of clean.</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kkb0ZPk58CcYdFDcNDQmi0alsSJJRgM-QOzAi_QEOXqEAa9WilKbmoI8y-r5CmXhTmo-Y-LLAHL6GyYwR9A3fUY3gq2BLS3bJPkojGZZ1EAomeHBP2xx-prjgNk2g1TIw7aARR-GMHnv/s1600/DSCN1313.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633471592332124034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 173px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kkb0ZPk58CcYdFDcNDQmi0alsSJJRgM-QOzAi_QEOXqEAa9WilKbmoI8y-r5CmXhTmo-Y-LLAHL6GyYwR9A3fUY3gq2BLS3bJPkojGZZ1EAomeHBP2xx-prjgNk2g1TIw7aARR-GMHnv/s320/DSCN1313.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> </span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjKpQ2hrli08vBg3MXGyWS-fkbYZw_uu17dWG_mxOS9GrU7cU5UA0BXul2qVceV4taHmJbu_kBmzuoUOO2PjrRPkBY7EMYRWTKgplePd8TsKLQQdmQhR_Zo9sOTeYYhHP134aboplf1yk/s1600/DSCN1319.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633471422092170690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 222px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjKpQ2hrli08vBg3MXGyWS-fkbYZw_uu17dWG_mxOS9GrU7cU5UA0BXul2qVceV4taHmJbu_kBmzuoUOO2PjrRPkBY7EMYRWTKgplePd8TsKLQQdmQhR_Zo9sOTeYYhHP134aboplf1yk/s320/DSCN1319.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> Stefanie and I are still smiling! </span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRhc6prvm5w6519SGXO9pnNgWd-UPMfX4X7sHR6Z-Bo7HGSe9ilK_DlpFrMqflKF-gFT0qoo7lho-RbjbC1As_CBM_BUm-KRj6_qR896rtPjxkIza_oQBuVzd422OVqOhI0J4J6vdWA7Z/s1600/DSCN1320.JPG"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633471306650620562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 269px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRhc6prvm5w6519SGXO9pnNgWd-UPMfX4X7sHR6Z-Bo7HGSe9ilK_DlpFrMqflKF-gFT0qoo7lho-RbjbC1As_CBM_BUm-KRj6_qR896rtPjxkIza_oQBuVzd422OVqOhI0J4J6vdWA7Z/s320/DSCN1320.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#3366ff;"> All I can say is that it was so refreshing to do a non-serious race! The Warrior Dash was so much fun! I am so very glad that I did it and we are planning on doing it again next year for sure!</span> <span style="color:#3366ff;">Happy running, biking, swimming, lifting and surfing! Cheers to you all! </span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016242849142019105noreply@blogger.com83tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245707125371369777.post-173740115420832552011-07-03T12:37:00.002-05:002011-07-03T12:57:25.428-05:00Next Race On The Books...The Warrior Dash!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFC07TmAaqvjz-j8hHqT8uWSxQJt7jOERZsYZW6n3y50UBiQKP_VSsNBsW-uyd8UX46yO2q6xJrlipqbrMoGXFILU0kGohLF8clDdta5ZnQ11xiG6ydebAJXbG0isuuDfQ2kAQD-4Vswl/s1600/warrior+dash.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 189px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 107px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625181901952251362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFC07TmAaqvjz-j8hHqT8uWSxQJt7jOERZsYZW6n3y50UBiQKP_VSsNBsW-uyd8UX46yO2q6xJrlipqbrMoGXFILU0kGohLF8clDdta5ZnQ11xiG6ydebAJXbG0isuuDfQ2kAQD-4Vswl/s320/warrior+dash.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Hi everyone! A few days ago I took the plunge! I went online and registered for the Warrior Dash in Minnesota! I was a pain in the butt and finally talked my co-worker Stefanie into running it with me. She totally caved under the pressure! I am super excited for this one!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.warriordash.com/index.php"><span style="color:#cc0000;">The Warrior Dash</span> </a>is described as America's most insane race with 11 obsticales from hell!</div><br /><div>1) Petrifying Plunge...Slosh down a slippery slope!</div><br /><div>2) Tunnels of terror...Burrow through the black tunnels!</div><br /><div>3) Great Warrior Wall...Conquer the wooden barricade!</div><br /><div>4) Cliff Hanger...Rappel down the steep ravine!</div><br /><div>5) Hay Fever...Hustle up and over giant straw bales!</div><br /><div>6) Junk Yard Jump...Stampede through the scrap yard!</div><br /><div>7) Sand Trap...Trek through the mounds of sand!</div><br /><div>8) Cargo Climb...Maneuver over the cargo nets!</div><br /><div>9) Santan's Slope...Skid down the muddy slope!</div><br /><div>10) Warrior Roast...Leap over the warrior fires!</div><br /><div>11) Muddy Mayhem...Scramble beneath barbed wire as you near the finish!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Doesn't this sound pretty freaking fun? Yes, I do realize that this will be challenging as hell but I am up for it! Totally feeling like a tough chick now! I need to figure out how I can bring a camera with and not destroy it. Suggestions? Looking forward to catching up on everyone's blogs! I know I have been MIA for a few months now but my life is still crazy! Missing my blogger peeps and can't wait to see what you have all been up to:) </div><br /><div>Happy running, biking, swimming, lifting and surfing! Cheers to you all!</div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016242849142019105noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245707125371369777.post-16714289982025955612011-06-22T21:17:00.032-05:002011-07-03T09:30:26.957-05:00Grandma's Half Race Report!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJbRH-iW13zQ9yL08MWezycFg1khPb_m73sC6LtXSeYcwKEStBPYtJ49sRkXGDVUNDDuUKovM9L8aCOvmnDOVKx_T6zbXpHz7YOfGzRjFUP_QFZZeuFGufJMi7b34oTE5roRwfBFe45Wh/s1600/DSCN1135.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 306px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621236413597634130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJbRH-iW13zQ9yL08MWezycFg1khPb_m73sC6LtXSeYcwKEStBPYtJ49sRkXGDVUNDDuUKovM9L8aCOvmnDOVKx_T6zbXpHz7YOfGzRjFUP_QFZZeuFGufJMi7b34oTE5roRwfBFe45Wh/s320/DSCN1135.JPG" /></a> Hi everyone! I am finally posting about this past weekend's Grandma's half marathon! Better late than never...right? I woke up at 3:15AM on Saturday morning because the transportation bus started at 4:45AM. Being the prompt and highly organized person that I am....figured that I would get there early. I ended up walking from my hotel to the bus station. I would estimate that it was less than a mile which normally wouldn't be that big of a deal but it was raining. I ended up getting wet before even getting on the bus. Yea, that sucked. On the bus ride I noticed that several runners were very prepared and had garbage bags for rain gear or...here is a theory...there were the runners who actually had running rain gear! I didn't get the memo on the chance of rain! Crap!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAWQQNyQbIOgTV7XtUOpKdSAp0osYuyWDHZYkWHBOCXLoxv2_qXSqt7oHJg6WiP_qkhlzOM4IViWUqb-iyI4F0Ch73_08pHb186E5So_wLMZdGZPn6an6aKzbtuRCt_QopDATg47NIkWs/s1600/DSCN1136.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621236352612405762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAWQQNyQbIOgTV7XtUOpKdSAp0osYuyWDHZYkWHBOCXLoxv2_qXSqt7oHJg6WiP_qkhlzOM4IViWUqb-iyI4F0Ch73_08pHb186E5So_wLMZdGZPn6an6aKzbtuRCt_QopDATg47NIkWs/s320/DSCN1136.JPG" /></a> The bus ride to the start line seemed to go quicker than last year. I was kind of hoping it would take longer. I knew that there wouldn't be any protection from the rain and I had 90 minutes before the start. What to do? Oh, what to do? I'll tell you what I did, I went into the first biffy that I could find:) That first picture is a good shot of the very cool necklaces that I wore for the occasion. One of them is a runner girl that I got from my very dear co-worker Laura for a Chrismas gift. Love it! The second necklace is a charm that has the word believe on it. Last year at Grandma's I met Kara Goucher at the expo and she wrote, "Always believe Julie!" on my program! It has kind of been my running mantra ever since:) I took another picture of me in the biffy just to channel the <a href="http://iwannagetphysical.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Steve Stenzel</span> </a>in me! I texted my hubby and instructed him to bring warm and dry clothes for after the race. I also texted a few close friends letting them know about my rainy weather start situation.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_u2GIXyAr-_MBjxa9z1r2ig3sFPiJT7ORWuwoGsY9F8yfkpwU2EOC32htDjoQd7l0S_iZcGpopuU4UGgqkftpVpLHv8NHY3yixrEBgSfzSue-3UCp4BxQID0clgKYyiMO64Yvjjyc_eYS/s1600/DSCN1137.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621236253787597874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_u2GIXyAr-_MBjxa9z1r2ig3sFPiJT7ORWuwoGsY9F8yfkpwU2EOC32htDjoQd7l0S_iZcGpopuU4UGgqkftpVpLHv8NHY3yixrEBgSfzSue-3UCp4BxQID0clgKYyiMO64Yvjjyc_eYS/s320/DSCN1137.JPG" /></a> After hanging out in the biffy for a few minutes I decided to trek out into the cold and rain. Brr! We all huddled together hoping to keep dry and warm. Unfortunately, that did not happen.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimg4hNIxlsrkQ3bMyd5FJdOJjeCCOSq0i9wwjvpEkAtT_w93jeXc5L-rsz1VQN9Lhi8GneseE-wwl8OtOBcwS9K97BS4ywVTzUkq5cChWfTAiSlCsBw6R7Qyy2MnQl-Y1c56SunNhQIXBm/s1600/DSCN1138.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621236152277132354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimg4hNIxlsrkQ3bMyd5FJdOJjeCCOSq0i9wwjvpEkAtT_w93jeXc5L-rsz1VQN9Lhi8GneseE-wwl8OtOBcwS9K97BS4ywVTzUkq5cChWfTAiSlCsBw6R7Qyy2MnQl-Y1c56SunNhQIXBm/s320/DSCN1138.JPG" /></a> Eventually I walked to the start line. Check out how wet everyone is and look to the left of the picture...runners with rain gear:)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknIIJtGjJHkHkMh3xItIw4w_6pbOlamrnMrfsMC_iezSznjYAES8ndOMl6YZa36gM5ZuBpjeDW2lUk2aqlHKsUzMT-Qoyi0Kp1UWIW1GyO8xokAqkZS2YTjeNwSfATG9HbIy2ZsQfaEIP/s1600/DSCN1139.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621236054761880178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknIIJtGjJHkHkMh3xItIw4w_6pbOlamrnMrfsMC_iezSznjYAES8ndOMl6YZa36gM5ZuBpjeDW2lUk2aqlHKsUzMT-Qoyi0Kp1UWIW1GyO8xokAqkZS2YTjeNwSfATG9HbIy2ZsQfaEIP/s320/DSCN1139.JPG" /></a> I placed myself behind the 2:00 pacer. I figured this was a safe for me. Last year I ran with the 1:50 pacer for the first 5 or 6 miles and was pretty much toast. I have not been running as many halfs this year and figured this would be the best place for me.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ZNV0nU-Uig2V7Prc_8SQ3mrBVcz9dju5N3SQr6oLeDb3h7-Pc5aGeVAd8ugZCM8iVcA6kihkhm8RbBwwayVFGaAnycOJwo5yI8ootdSWSinxNGrk3cnuxbqe6okKyt7N11eRMOL_qGGm/s1600/DSCN1140.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621235939979399170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ZNV0nU-Uig2V7Prc_8SQ3mrBVcz9dju5N3SQr6oLeDb3h7-Pc5aGeVAd8ugZCM8iVcA6kihkhm8RbBwwayVFGaAnycOJwo5yI8ootdSWSinxNGrk3cnuxbqe6okKyt7N11eRMOL_qGGm/s320/DSCN1140.JPG" /></a> Here is a shot of all of the runners in front of me.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KUUoCm8s_X6fWDS-UtG_PSAa_9CoNzGVTug7_X9Y5YSM85um94FmGaNk-tWPLufOQRNm-JI7EKkEAdkcopScgLWBB6X_xEo6ND2geWk4PYOs9CP1IWczqiwnb7muZUgN8hebXNeN9Lir/s1600/DSCN1141.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621235834229260466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KUUoCm8s_X6fWDS-UtG_PSAa_9CoNzGVTug7_X9Y5YSM85um94FmGaNk-tWPLufOQRNm-JI7EKkEAdkcopScgLWBB6X_xEo6ND2geWk4PYOs9CP1IWczqiwnb7muZUgN8hebXNeN9Lir/s320/DSCN1141.JPG" /></a> Here is a picture of all of the runners behind me.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTvhAnr-s2XyaAWd4yG1E6oPRUecnqLXseOp5yTDeWmXUKwtkTxYFcqJIRONbzv26GRXmo00jdlwNk_c0jhoIT6oB-3BFVbJkI_kabGSC53lG7E7buBaMgm0SJ0JVQEjElDZ_DTAMEbEG/s1600/DSCN1142.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621235699145903698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTvhAnr-s2XyaAWd4yG1E6oPRUecnqLXseOp5yTDeWmXUKwtkTxYFcqJIRONbzv26GRXmo00jdlwNk_c0jhoIT6oB-3BFVbJkI_kabGSC53lG7E7buBaMgm0SJ0JVQEjElDZ_DTAMEbEG/s320/DSCN1142.JPG" /></a> Standing in line waiting for the race to start was pretty miserable. I was so cold and almost completely wet. So not fun. I kept on hoping that the race would just start already. Finally people started to move and the line shuffled ahead! The first miles were a little packed but after mile 3 things started to thin out a bit.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLdfdumdS2kVTDTH6z5A8ioNOLjuZtJXjkP8_VmVSha0n4wlEOzKkHEyJQYpoKlbVhUpXoF5puW9L9DuNlbJIUfU3aRJ1CEpFaE69hZ1NvRb4RIfzrzxU4CMycqG6DMRx_EB05HYX_hyphenhyphenb/s1600/DSCN1147.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621235563817344130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLdfdumdS2kVTDTH6z5A8ioNOLjuZtJXjkP8_VmVSha0n4wlEOzKkHEyJQYpoKlbVhUpXoF5puW9L9DuNlbJIUfU3aRJ1CEpFaE69hZ1NvRb4RIfzrzxU4CMycqG6DMRx_EB05HYX_hyphenhyphenb/s320/DSCN1147.JPG" /></a>We had light rain during the first few miles but at least I was running so it wasn't so bad. I warmed up and felt alright. After mile 3 I left my pacer and moved ahead because I was feeling pretty good.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xmT6QIYBrwpe1qMB92Qr3qWl6OWhKX6gBTI4h-0UoXUEIkhbdHQD2TrpA79Io3xoAQqRSXbG9usBS7D7Hgj_K3tWUO1mmT8Ym8joqCcRf8cgYQ1i6akFURteRg8zKOmGtuDqxVWBYvPg/s1600/DSCN1148.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621235439496592754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xmT6QIYBrwpe1qMB92Qr3qWl6OWhKX6gBTI4h-0UoXUEIkhbdHQD2TrpA79Io3xoAQqRSXbG9usBS7D7Hgj_K3tWUO1mmT8Ym8joqCcRf8cgYQ1i6akFURteRg8zKOmGtuDqxVWBYvPg/s320/DSCN1148.JPG" /></a> I stopped to take this shot of me with Lake Superior in the background. I did get several strange looks from people but did also hear someone say they thought taking a camera with was a great idea! After mile 5 I knew I would have to make a biffy stop because my stomach was cramping and I felt like crap. I wasted at least 3 to 4 minutes with this pit stop. I quickly got back on track and just ran a steady pace not really paying attention to my Garmin.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnM1tr1yx2tuuDMpcUVa1N4MUGkT5LvT4W-r5caKFi0DfkJciSl3GEdNM19I-e5qf09phEIzJp1gMiDG0E_AehbbvtuH3MIkB2ynCVWculLlqeEWU11T4U14UiAhhgY5rfbYBqD3j4mm7/s1600/DSCN1150.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621235313045396114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnM1tr1yx2tuuDMpcUVa1N4MUGkT5LvT4W-r5caKFi0DfkJciSl3GEdNM19I-e5qf09phEIzJp1gMiDG0E_AehbbvtuH3MIkB2ynCVWculLlqeEWU11T4U14UiAhhgY5rfbYBqD3j4mm7/s320/DSCN1150.JPG" /></a>It was at mile 8 that I ran into this guy! I was running and minding my own business...day dreaming about my own little dangerous life and world! All of a sudden I heard someone say, "Julie!" It was <a href="http://drogmn.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Derek</span></a> my Minneapolis blogger friend! We stopped for a photo opportunity! In other words, I forced Derek to stop and take a picture with me:) He was so nice and we had a great time running together! I have to tell you that I have met so many of my blogger friends and truly feel blessed because everyone has been so freaking awesome....including Derek!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1Ept2MwYQsK3bB1RmyYYdevfC1XZ4npFl82vAmCxUKRvf98mSB84Bo_YVGa51xFfMvoM92w07pDTZPKX0SZfvSaLAC3xtT0HuOJrum-9DWWSUF7hYAs9-2iusxbgVN9OBdNTf9WJc0jj/s1600/DSCN1151.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621235007769113090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1Ept2MwYQsK3bB1RmyYYdevfC1XZ4npFl82vAmCxUKRvf98mSB84Bo_YVGa51xFfMvoM92w07pDTZPKX0SZfvSaLAC3xtT0HuOJrum-9DWWSUF7hYAs9-2iusxbgVN9OBdNTf9WJc0jj/s320/DSCN1151.JPG" /></a> We ran together and chatted about our lives, our training, my lack of training, Derek's amazing TRI that he did the week before and how I was going to make it through this race without puking! The run for me had it's ups and downs. I had a mile that was great and the next would feel like crap. I don't know what and the hell is going on with me. Derek was told several times to move ahead without me! I felt so bad because this man can run a 1:30 half and I was busting butt to try to finish under 2. He told me that he was taking it easy because of the TRI he did the week before but I still felt guilty.We ran side by side...sometimes we chatted and sometimes there was silence. He chatted with me and instructed me to keep a good form when things got tough. He reminded me to keep breathing and to stay relaxed. We kicked butt up Lemon Drop Hill! This is one time when I was actually looking at my Garmin...8:15 to 8:20! For me this is speedy considering we had a challenging hill! Derek kept me on track. I really don't know if I would of taken that hill so well without his help. When we hit mile 11 I knew tht I would need to make another pit stop. We ran and once we hit mile 12 I spotted an open biffy. I told Derek to move on and I would be fine. I ran into the biffy and this time maybe only wasted a minute. I ran out and headed down the road to flipping see Derek waiting for me! Really!!! We continued on and had about a mile left. We hit a bridge with a slight hill and I felt like crap! I felt like I wanted to walk to stop from puking. Derek just told me to keep it up...keep running...breathe easy. Piece of cake is what he said:) We ran down the road that leads to the turn by the big William Irving ship and I felt so nauseous! I said, "Umm, Derek I got to stop, I feel like I am going to puke." Derek stopped and walked about 20 to 30 seconds with me. We started running again and I saw the bridge that my college boy was on. My son came to Duluth to watch his mama run! I was so excited that he came and loved that he wanted to cheer me on! Eventually Derek and I ran down the home stretch. There was a really cool song playing and it was so perfect for an end of a race! Too bad I can't tell you what it was:) I can't remember....runner's memory loss! Derek, do you remember what song was playing when we came up to the finish line? <span style="color:#cc0000;">Update...song was called Ain't No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell! </span>Such an awesome song to listen to during the last stretch of a race! Derek and I finished the race and the clock said 2:02 something. I was crushed! I really wanted to make it under 2! I know that the time was gun time but I had no idea how long it took to get to the start mats. Derek and I picked up our medals, t-shirts and then ate some post race food. I was so tired and so damn hungry! This is a new development for me...usually I can never eat after a race. I had no problem eating after this one:) Derek was great and I appreciate the fact that he put up with me for miles 8 through 13.1 of this half marathon! Derek, you are the only reason I finished with the time that I did!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEbt0ktuTQrQ0i4FFWB3A911mw7UOsDkZw_aAOIZcwYhcOpQ5jJ8yi4uNZti6_4fmCqr-KwmtX5zGEnOfNhE-g5mXe0Ghl3iQbJfnrtOh107blky3VF8zTF2uS7NppNplWfVuJ2-jTJU/s1600/DSCN1152.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 296px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621234886712684194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEbt0ktuTQrQ0i4FFWB3A911mw7UOsDkZw_aAOIZcwYhcOpQ5jJ8yi4uNZti6_4fmCqr-KwmtX5zGEnOfNhE-g5mXe0Ghl3iQbJfnrtOh107blky3VF8zTF2uS7NppNplWfVuJ2-jTJU/s320/DSCN1152.JPG" /></a> After finishing my race I ran into <a href="http://fatrunnergirl.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Carly</span></a>! Carly is another Minnesota blogger who actually volunteered. Carly is also very sweet! It was fun to chat with her for a few minutes:) <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yWIyWghFRKJEEGm6mVMlswHd0EKNOEzWVc_Dsyu601jdV7VS6QjqkUGsrTy07Tqf08EiFn3ABq_Y4SE6z2KYVGL1CMM9qO-VgP3Z96RILsh1numN9KtN8t8_N9Hiqd9kj_zqCS3uzXY/s1600/DSCN1153.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 314px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621234746271985602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yWIyWghFRKJEEGm6mVMlswHd0EKNOEzWVc_Dsyu601jdV7VS6QjqkUGsrTy07Tqf08EiFn3ABq_Y4SE6z2KYVGL1CMM9qO-VgP3Z96RILsh1numN9KtN8t8_N9Hiqd9kj_zqCS3uzXY/s320/DSCN1153.JPG" /></a> Me and college boy after the race. I am still freezing my butt off but he made sure I stayed warm:) Such a good son!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQUqOjqEUDIiE-6Z5SCom8DCF8qb1fpw_r0jUN_6TljXH9CbW-YTCN3M-d9RgpbjPsT7lXnN2m-AlxW-AH1hgZvnGmroUqb24vVt_JC1T2jQJ9r5z5GXTLcfW3uC5buvDmSwtB7L3HVo/s1600/DSCN1154.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 230px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621234653277720802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQUqOjqEUDIiE-6Z5SCom8DCF8qb1fpw_r0jUN_6TljXH9CbW-YTCN3M-d9RgpbjPsT7lXnN2m-AlxW-AH1hgZvnGmroUqb24vVt_JC1T2jQJ9r5z5GXTLcfW3uC5buvDmSwtB7L3HVo/s320/DSCN1154.JPG" /></a> Another picture of me and my college boy! I love this kid so much!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4d5ag9T0Dn5yjk8bwwLDLs5juenFFK5XWiluCIqVYqJXya5_k1gvgnMlu7nemUiBe1yrYVIp7B3uXit8rw7obzZqfqHwLSeXFkjjjrUdrUPjc2PIkvYTubjbKbhaoGjTr-juvCL_TP4/s1600/DSCN1157.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 271px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621234538092648930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4d5ag9T0Dn5yjk8bwwLDLs5juenFFK5XWiluCIqVYqJXya5_k1gvgnMlu7nemUiBe1yrYVIp7B3uXit8rw7obzZqfqHwLSeXFkjjjrUdrUPjc2PIkvYTubjbKbhaoGjTr-juvCL_TP4/s320/DSCN1157.JPG" /></a> LOL! This is another random picture of me that college boy snapped. You can see how windy it was that day! Check out the waves in the background!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX64YW_j1Gj0Lh5bEDJ8UEizy-aR_n8lURAGEMC_gztQ5Gen759c-C4Q5YmBUlQkv9HEe973Tz0927YbVonWoWmEMCN8lqU9NcvnANqsXLf7PvTzU9jh_dGdmc-KXt1hX9XVFAgBW1lfM/s1600/DSCN1158.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 312px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621234421930636050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX64YW_j1Gj0Lh5bEDJ8UEizy-aR_n8lURAGEMC_gztQ5Gen759c-C4Q5YmBUlQkv9HEe973Tz0927YbVonWoWmEMCN8lqU9NcvnANqsXLf7PvTzU9jh_dGdmc-KXt1hX9XVFAgBW1lfM/s320/DSCN1158.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDK1vV0E56lfzBZPDFce5sjqbeF-PTMgZKiFxI_udui6rc4xmPHqud7LBFbS2as0S4qgPKynsh1WL3O8bW9RrBclfy1eUeZkeCrGCTOekqvfYvqiFx-ITXmRXNi3wMjQxoW9RkdNPm8I/s1600/DSCN1160.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 284px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621234310362454722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDK1vV0E56lfzBZPDFce5sjqbeF-PTMgZKiFxI_udui6rc4xmPHqud7LBFbS2as0S4qgPKynsh1WL3O8bW9RrBclfy1eUeZkeCrGCTOekqvfYvqiFx-ITXmRXNi3wMjQxoW9RkdNPm8I/s320/DSCN1160.JPG" /></a> I really like the medal a lot and the t-shirt is one of the best that I have received so far! This half marathon was challenging for sure but it was a good race. It was fun and memorable for so many reasons! Duluth did not disappoint and I am happy with how I did considering all of my circumstances:)Final time 1:59:41!Yay! Under 2 hours baby!!! I didn't know what my gun time was but it was enough to get me under 2! Thank you to Derek for being my runnersitter!</div><br /><div>Happy running, biking, swimming, lifting and surfing! Cheers to you all! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016242849142019105noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245707125371369777.post-42724440324199012842011-06-17T13:25:00.002-05:002011-06-17T13:35:31.942-05:00Duluth Here I Come! Grandma's Half Marathon Is Waiting!Currently packing my bags and getting ready to leave for Duluth. Tomorrow morning at 6:30 AM I am running in Grandma's half marathon! Looking forward to getting out of the burbs and heading up north. Good news! College boy is coming with! He decided he wanted to come and watch me run!!! I am so excited and super happy:) This weekend should be fun! Many of my St. Cloud River Runner peeps will be there as well as some of my blogger friends. Do I have any goals for tomorrow's race? Absolutely not! Well, I guess I want to cross the finish line. I am still not training as much as I should but will be happy to finish and just be out running:) I will be taking tons of pictures and have a great race report when I return. Looking forward to catching up on my blogs and seeing what everyone has been up to.<br /><br />Happy running, biking, swimming, lifting and surfing! Cheers to you all!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016242849142019105noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245707125371369777.post-61577570544427603732011-05-22T19:33:00.014-05:002011-07-05T17:29:02.528-05:00The Old Glory Run 5K Race Report!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYwp_SOeZm5egutEzwakhMIKRlhDgRVqgtYy4B2Ojt3WA2EeOPm5ezcwpHujx01t4SRy7BbhZyzD-C5D4mDjhzyL3LLY6wBnoPDGBvt1GilnWqEAuDK1pSnPWXdo0YaO5SYob0HMuwp4/s1600/DSCN1133.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609706528903806434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYwp_SOeZm5egutEzwakhMIKRlhDgRVqgtYy4B2Ojt3WA2EeOPm5ezcwpHujx01t4SRy7BbhZyzD-C5D4mDjhzyL3LLY6wBnoPDGBvt1GilnWqEAuDK1pSnPWXdo0YaO5SYob0HMuwp4/s320/DSCN1133.JPG" /></a> On Saturday morning I drove to Cold Spring, Minnesota to run in my second 5K of the season. The city of Cold Spring is where I graduated from high school so it holds a special place in my heart. I registered to run in a wonderful race called the Old Glory Run. It is a race where all of the proceedes go the help local veterans who served to protect our country. It is a great cause and I was happy to run.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2SEfXhUuYt-tXAV5wFLTIJ0ZHrgZjlaP7smdu3UPq5g7ZWaKhfVri8cfiPj7XCuN_vtEYpyoSk_dhYavbpwv-A3vX5hzpy3O31RUaBETHYRIYCMc_rSF0EosrPf_ib8eCgx5kdtKTlA/s1600/DSCN1122.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609706414478043234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2SEfXhUuYt-tXAV5wFLTIJ0ZHrgZjlaP7smdu3UPq5g7ZWaKhfVri8cfiPj7XCuN_vtEYpyoSk_dhYavbpwv-A3vX5hzpy3O31RUaBETHYRIYCMc_rSF0EosrPf_ib8eCgx5kdtKTlA/s320/DSCN1122.JPG" /></a> If you look at this picture above you can see it was raining. The weather was not the best but it did not hinder the outcome of runners and support for this great cause. I was standing under the coffee tent when I took this picture. It was all good because I was able to people watch and chit chat with other runners wanting coffee:)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFjPing-RJahX4I6L3VlpqWsJooP6CnSCxSVdv2BsMO1FK5QdXS2it9OktbXtGodLoBtChTxcK3f2OOwolqAmr3FlnnWvrPG_6gLZjO6LYLXwyO0fD_nBoRSOfOK0prFfnsiF3Luey1k/s1600/DSCN1124.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609706304327878578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFjPing-RJahX4I6L3VlpqWsJooP6CnSCxSVdv2BsMO1FK5QdXS2it9OktbXtGodLoBtChTxcK3f2OOwolqAmr3FlnnWvrPG_6gLZjO6LYLXwyO0fD_nBoRSOfOK0prFfnsiF3Luey1k/s320/DSCN1124.JPG" /></a> After a few minutes of waiting under the tent I noticed my very good friend Jean! Jean and I ran track together in high school. We actually ran on several of the same relay teams. It was so nice to see her and catch up. I love this picture!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0zuaONTMSL1UTfH9YWpz44jLIAUdKzDMpaGldRAsu_gE0xezobDdHXvtR3_KjSkGSEPigplXlClMTn4CEwGkLEgB2s-Hric2EPawK5baavnbm-R9UPabgcg4rw4VeelLK6YNWJMPbP8/s1600/DSCN1125.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609706206842680690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0zuaONTMSL1UTfH9YWpz44jLIAUdKzDMpaGldRAsu_gE0xezobDdHXvtR3_KjSkGSEPigplXlClMTn4CEwGkLEgB2s-Hric2EPawK5baavnbm-R9UPabgcg4rw4VeelLK6YNWJMPbP8/s320/DSCN1125.JPG" /></a> The race started at 11 AM and a few minutes before we all headed to the start line. This picture shows my view of the people behind me. When I was waiting in line I noticed several of my St. Cloud River Runner peeps who were also running. This run was my first 5K ever two years ago. I remember how nervous I was not knowing how it would go or how I would do. That first 5K was a tough one. It was challenging for sure....big time sucking air and heart rate explosions....not good:) It was kind of weird because I was not nervous for this run and that never happens. I felt calm and at peace with myself. In a few minutes we were off and the race started. I was just running on how I felt. I didn't feel like I started off too fast. My breathing and heart rate felt fine. There were several huge puddles to dodge along the route. After getting my feet wet going through the second huge puddle I just didn't care anymore. Oh what the hell! LOL! My feet were totally soaked:) Oh well, it was just a quick 5K and I would live. Mile one went by and my Garmin read 7:20 and all was good. The course went through the city of Cold Spring. There were a few little hills and several turns. Mile two went by and I didn't look at my garmin. I just kept running trying to keep a steady pace. In my mind I didn't think that I was running any faster than last week. Actually I was expecting around the same time or slower than last week because of the rain and puddles. Along the race route I heard a few people yell, "Go Julie!" I found this interesting...out of all of the people running who and the hell is going to recognize me? Thanks for the cheers Sue and Brian!! I continued on the last mile remembering that the home stretch is a long street leading down to the baseball field finish. I looked at the road I was running on and knew I only had a little more to go before this last stretch. I was feeling okay and picked it up a bit. I took the left hand turn that led me down to the finish. I ran the same pace that last stretch and could see the finish. Eventually I could see the clock....holy cow....23:25 and a little left to go! I picked it up and finally crossed the finish. I am pretty sure I was smiling:)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2reGQUfIC2xhyfYKDb3_pVI9ikcDM9IGc6DmHCxl170dDkjF7LKRMrTmGzrjJttuCdNS9myAOLvcRAj2LXA_DI5-E6IolYm6wkY4UGWjnFMWrM58uwo0ban2dDadKXlzvYmw34AynyZk/s1600/DSCN1126.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 258px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609706086542410978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2reGQUfIC2xhyfYKDb3_pVI9ikcDM9IGc6DmHCxl170dDkjF7LKRMrTmGzrjJttuCdNS9myAOLvcRAj2LXA_DI5-E6IolYm6wkY4UGWjnFMWrM58uwo0ban2dDadKXlzvYmw34AynyZk/s320/DSCN1126.JPG" /></a> After catching my breath and grabbing a water I bumped into a few of my running group peeps. From left to right we have Lyndon, Dave, me and Curt.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkdaDXXLrC06cGc0kZrcTqqWn7p-6MalYHkXhqHR97EWivGI9Cee4iKYNLtk4YH_a0Bqt3RvYiWillEqjkRMtcpeOZzaJe114dh8vqjj-BCeUu3GZBCLRJau-HMA_5Zx6QYyUMPfDCYQ/s1600/DSCN1129.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609705979761431010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkdaDXXLrC06cGc0kZrcTqqWn7p-6MalYHkXhqHR97EWivGI9Cee4iKYNLtk4YH_a0Bqt3RvYiWillEqjkRMtcpeOZzaJe114dh8vqjj-BCeUu3GZBCLRJau-HMA_5Zx6QYyUMPfDCYQ/s320/DSCN1129.JPG" /></a> A little later I ran into one of my very best friends from high school. Clare ran her first 5K and did awesome! She walked part of it and still had a great time. I was able to chat with a few more people that I graduated with before checking for my results. I walked over to the results board and was shocked to see that my final time was 23:31 and it was enough to give me third place for my age group again!!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZsh7pFu2YPUb8PHg5Y1SLAbK7yxMvuMkY89BcWZNd9DyZ8gJbVSmS1KPyQblQFDLmqXc2_AVnu8QDuorqsR0a5yaQari_TujMjLIWP66FrBRV1Hmc942d4iIdctmmN3ojBH3PiCMZB8/s1600/DSCN1130.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609705847567244834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZsh7pFu2YPUb8PHg5Y1SLAbK7yxMvuMkY89BcWZNd9DyZ8gJbVSmS1KPyQblQFDLmqXc2_AVnu8QDuorqsR0a5yaQari_TujMjLIWP66FrBRV1Hmc942d4iIdctmmN3ojBH3PiCMZB8/s320/DSCN1130.JPG" /></a> After the awards cremony I got one more picture of Curt and his son Kyle. They both also had age group wins. It was a good day and a little rain never hurts:) It gives us character and makes us stronger. I will take a little rain over hot and humid any day!</div><br /><div>My final stats are.....final time 23:31</div><br /><div>I placed 85 out of 1017.</div><br /><div>I placed 16 out of 660 women.</div><br /><div>I placed 3 out of 114 for my age group.<br />Happy running, biking, swimming, lifting and surfing! Cheers to you all!</div></div></div></div></div></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016242849142019105noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245707125371369777.post-43928960645980651692011-05-14T20:55:00.012-05:002011-05-15T19:58:12.426-05:00Another Local 5K Race Report.This morning I ran in the Maple Grove 5K. Damn, it was a chilly morning once again. When the heck is Minnesota going to see spring? The weather we have been having is just crazy...this morning it was 43 degrees when I pulled into the school parking lot. I stayed in my van as long as possible because I was wearing shorts. Brrr!!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6fNwFWsvORKvd2WduO6EZAROLkFkXqTPWHTpvp9_04BoV1hcASm3_vTy6Fzhg_Jq1Ib0coeEPgpb33uzTJjmUAQOkoZXDYcBHJelu_A3HDRvFs2PqESxYnC3mkLVxEgju-0JjuLLxZs/s1600/DSCN1105.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606758813527405650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6fNwFWsvORKvd2WduO6EZAROLkFkXqTPWHTpvp9_04BoV1hcASm3_vTy6Fzhg_Jq1Ib0coeEPgpb33uzTJjmUAQOkoZXDYcBHJelu_A3HDRvFs2PqESxYnC3mkLVxEgju-0JjuLLxZs/s320/DSCN1105.JPG" /></a> There was also a half marathon going on this morning and it was scheduled to start fifteen minutes before the 5K. I stood in the Football stands and watched the start. There were just over 700 runners making there way around the high school track.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Xi2yGLIFeAAkFjaC7fhTe_IWGEs2kWeqfIZPPyuompK2Ig3r4ZO8ai8_ssJ5hhNiavDoPX93jgEMuVFPOJjhkh-TIXDJQ4TeGqCBV5lBmqKm5xaTIZUvBfcHwq8r_hxZ3cdOPGJLVE4/s1600/DSCN1106.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606758711868192786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Xi2yGLIFeAAkFjaC7fhTe_IWGEs2kWeqfIZPPyuompK2Ig3r4ZO8ai8_ssJ5hhNiavDoPX93jgEMuVFPOJjhkh-TIXDJQ4TeGqCBV5lBmqKm5xaTIZUvBfcHwq8r_hxZ3cdOPGJLVE4/s320/DSCN1106.JPG" /></a>Eventually the 5K runners made our way to the start line. There were 317 of us total. I lined up closer to the front than I do with the bigger races. I noticed a woman checking her running watch and I realized that I had not started mine! Crap!! I started my Garmin hoping that I would be able to pick up a satellite ASAP! I started casual conversation with that woman. We chatted for a few minutes. She told me that today was her first 5K of the season. I asked her what type of pace she was looking to run and she told me a seven minute mile. I laughed and told her I would be watching her back for most of the race:) This nice woman ended up winning the race for the females! The race official started the race and we were off. The first mile went by just fine. I was feeling okay but not fabulous. I didn't really have any time goals other than to finish under 25 minutes. Last year when I ran this my time was 23:50 and I took home second place for my age group. At the mile marker I looked down at my Garmin and it showed that my time was 7:47. Last year I did the first mile just under seven minutes. The course is one of my favorite 5K courses because it is very flat and fast. I continued to run and before I knew it I came up to the mile two marker. I never looked at my Garmin after that first time. I just wanted to run it on how I felt. It was okay. I know I wasn't busting butt and cheek but I was keeping a steady pace. The last mile was pretty tough. I am so used to running a half marathon pace that this 5K business was a little tough for this under trained runner. Note to self....must train more...must do speed drills! Run fast to be fast:) The final stretch of the race was to finish around the high school track. Last year I was feeling great and kicked it at the end. I had flash backs to my wonderful track days:) This year I was just fine keeping my steady pace and didn't feel the need to make myself puke. Not puking is always good:)</div><br /><div>Final stats...</div><br /><div>Final time...24:51.</div><br /><div>I finished 28 out of 317 total.</div><br /><div>I finished 10 out of 231 women.</div><br /><div>I finished 3 out of 39 for my age group.<br />This was not my fasted and not my slowest. I finished around where I thought I would...no surprises today.<br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZmI3FrJBxKSLjKjg3YNUNDmHOW0RDzdJg_SaPEPDfZf3UY3wdJGXnDtvEaki2wg-vgUHlOq4xiDtlwbz9EkVf93dGqs-P4vXn_YADk8QKTk5Zj3-j9gRAZ51Ds-0b7fPs6b4RYrIdF8/s1600/DSCN1110.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 310px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606758351690931186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZmI3FrJBxKSLjKjg3YNUNDmHOW0RDzdJg_SaPEPDfZf3UY3wdJGXnDtvEaki2wg-vgUHlOq4xiDtlwbz9EkVf93dGqs-P4vXn_YADk8QKTk5Zj3-j9gRAZ51Ds-0b7fPs6b4RYrIdF8/s320/DSCN1110.JPG" /></a> It was so cold out there that as soon as the award ceremony was over I left ASAP. My hubby took pictures of me at home.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMfBTsrOsFXkbMQXSUH8i4bQe8TDM7zMy2Z079V0Ti3qojoFALE-TUww-bl5kFCiM_FslLvQ-n7yRiNUJREFxm7p5Ya4R1drEVy_kRdgJKs6GErC9JBRxUoF9yzZ96J21wUmkd2wB5LQ/s1600/DSCN1113.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 283px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606758226744290514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMfBTsrOsFXkbMQXSUH8i4bQe8TDM7zMy2Z079V0Ti3qojoFALE-TUww-bl5kFCiM_FslLvQ-n7yRiNUJREFxm7p5Ya4R1drEVy_kRdgJKs6GErC9JBRxUoF9yzZ96J21wUmkd2wB5LQ/s320/DSCN1113.JPG" /></a> Next week I am running another 5K called the Old Glory Run. Hoping to do a little better...must do speed drills:)</div><br /><div>Happy running, biking, swimming, lifting and surfing! Cheers to you all!</div></div></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016242849142019105noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245707125371369777.post-6643753980677442452011-05-02T10:04:00.023-05:002011-05-13T21:25:26.442-05:00The Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon Race Report.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84TcdUcm3muiAmTvLV94zB_4qi1cK6RhDo9I_pDJw42_lS9nYUbTAMHBQyUw-d39weHQSMtXfaKICwvjNiG5kjBgCNJ42L71vwKjh3WFsRctVYKX4HV7mpJ6ATG8QqZdXZ0BILClj9MI/s1600/DSCN1064.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 251px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602136095765581026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84TcdUcm3muiAmTvLV94zB_4qi1cK6RhDo9I_pDJw42_lS9nYUbTAMHBQyUw-d39weHQSMtXfaKICwvjNiG5kjBgCNJ42L71vwKjh3WFsRctVYKX4HV7mpJ6ATG8QqZdXZ0BILClj9MI/s320/DSCN1064.JPG" /></a> Well, I finished my first race of the season! Yesterday morning I got up at 5:30 to get ready for the Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon. I was planning on wearing my purple running singlet, black Nike running shorts and a light jacket. I quick ran upstairs and grabbed my Nike running pants....just in case. That was the best decision I have ever made! I drove to the Wayzata Bay Center and parked my van. There were other runners still picking up their race packets. I noticed that everyone was dressed like they were running in the freaking winter. People had running pants, jackets, hats and gloves. I started to get nervous because I knew I would be underdressed and freazing my butt off for thirteen miles! God, I should of known better! I do live in Minnesota. I picked up my running pants and decided to put them on in one of the restrooms in the mall. I ran into my blogger friend Tim who was also running. He was dressed in layers and prepared for cold weather running. I spoke with him for a few minutes and quickly put on my running pants. I went back into my van and searched for a sweatshirt or something....no luck! I needed to have at least one more layer on the top for me to be safe. Not going to happen! I did however, find a pair of running gloves in my trunk and my jacket had a hood. It was thirty something and the wind gusts were between 20 to 30 miles an hour. It was going to be ugly.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwUt0XczpVme-8lbSC8ypVYgVEUQVYVFaXrx-RAS6A30ZeL84D6iuJblBKbYq_UCAdqqZTPk2KwN_L54b389avGiRIgLB6-I35uxJq4F3wIH3LAnwk6Vk2_2Ssfs57WqSNkkaulUkHnU/s1600/DSCN1059.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602135981673862802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwUt0XczpVme-8lbSC8ypVYgVEUQVYVFaXrx-RAS6A30ZeL84D6iuJblBKbYq_UCAdqqZTPk2KwN_L54b389avGiRIgLB6-I35uxJq4F3wIH3LAnwk6Vk2_2Ssfs57WqSNkkaulUkHnU/s320/DSCN1059.JPG" /></a>I have not run anything over six miles since November. My last half marathon was the Monster Dash. I took the winter off from running and have only recently been running two times a week. One of my runs is three to four miles and the other is just six. I was not trained for this and had no business running a half as my first run of the season. I figured I would finish somewhere between 2:15 to 2:20. Last year I ran this and finished in 1:54. I decided to put myself between the 2:05 and 2:10 pacers and wing it. </div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRUC_6mtFJ_4yscx-nvZDKyTqvutz6IGGSpUflmzYcT5HFSvznphNnyyOeR5Wp7ls65TZHxHRCNSouBRJZFuLXoEVxniP4zZJYLH0kElBW57LRff_zmvB0KnHeHO1FY-sZQLPcP16pL4/s1600/DSCN1060.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602135847271759426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRUC_6mtFJ_4yscx-nvZDKyTqvutz6IGGSpUflmzYcT5HFSvznphNnyyOeR5Wp7ls65TZHxHRCNSouBRJZFuLXoEVxniP4zZJYLH0kElBW57LRff_zmvB0KnHeHO1FY-sZQLPcP16pL4/s320/DSCN1060.JPG" /></a>I started off really slow. It was cold and windy and at times there were snowflakes dancing around. Unbelievable! Shocker.... it is May! Last year it was so beautiful and the weather was perfect for running.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstnv1-JzbvYIQMStj-4eTqiBO6fGMuvzkXIFCM9Ow-F83pW3tVGVuFCbFiPGljFpTUm-2QTElmbHPoSneJ1bbxRFap4hPMHfiqX_sYhzbIBvWaIKm_Cntcl808k7W_qIXw54hUIfvRU0/s1600/DSCN1061.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602135711343195202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstnv1-JzbvYIQMStj-4eTqiBO6fGMuvzkXIFCM9Ow-F83pW3tVGVuFCbFiPGljFpTUm-2QTElmbHPoSneJ1bbxRFap4hPMHfiqX_sYhzbIBvWaIKm_Cntcl808k7W_qIXw54hUIfvRU0/s320/DSCN1061.JPG" /></a> The first water stop was at around mile three and I felt okay. I walked through it and started up slowly again. The runners were all pretty quiet and it seemed like we were all in our own little worlds.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilz-u5P7bsEdp-1JajX5XsGYIU5J1W4eyIxwBTPiysxjWFC5S4JOdjn6vhsC6hfpuiBxVigZN5zTEpnGhGSfodbyvwBRVehhBG96Ur_PsGLNo8bOGtPTN1XS28AA8T2p02N1mzdOGK83A/s1600/DSCN1062.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602135596258607266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilz-u5P7bsEdp-1JajX5XsGYIU5J1W4eyIxwBTPiysxjWFC5S4JOdjn6vhsC6hfpuiBxVigZN5zTEpnGhGSfodbyvwBRVehhBG96Ur_PsGLNo8bOGtPTN1XS28AA8T2p02N1mzdOGK83A/s320/DSCN1062.JPG" /></a> This was the last picture that I took during the race. My camera died on me....go figure. I have not used my blogging camera for some time and I forgot to check the battery before leaving. Bummer! The course was pretty and made it's way around the lovely Lake Minnetonka. It was hard to appreciate it because of the crappy weather. Miles four, five and six went by and I was feeling fine. I picked up my pace a little and wondered when I would start feeling it. You know, sucking air and muscle spasms:) It really never happened. Since I was not racing this one I really had time to think about everything. It was my time. I listened to my feet hitting the pavement, the other runners making their way and the wind blowing. I thought about my family, my friends, and life in general. It was during this race that I remembered why I run. I run because it makes me happy. Here I am this forty-one year old "okay" runner. I am not an elite runner and I do not get age group wins at every race that I run. I run because it is part of me and I love it! Yes, there are moments that are tough and times when I wonder why I put my body through it. There is something about the feeling I get when my feet move to my own groove and my body goes with it! Harmony...that is what it is. It is the feeling I get when I finally make my way across that finish line! It is joy and feeling of accomplishment! I have not felt that joy in such a long time. I continued on and made my way mile after mile. It was at mile 12 where my body started to get tired. I was running the gravel path that was the start of the last mile. This is the path where I left my pacers last year and picked up my pace to PR. I was not feeling that spunk and energy. I was tired and really just wanted to be done. I honestly started to think about walking. Whenever I think of walking, I always think of my running dad (Denny). Denny gave me some advice after my first marathon. He told me that I need to keep moving and push through the pain, negative thoughts and challenging moments. I heard Denny's voice say, "Come on Julie, let's go!" I imagined that he was running in front of me and that I was attempting to keep up with him. I did not stop to walk during that last mile....I kept moving. Keep in mind, I was not sprinting in...I am sure I looked pretty pathetic and my running form sucked! The point is that I didn't stop. I made my way up to the finisher's shoot and crossed that finish line! As I was making my way up to the finish I saw my blogger friend Beth's husband Mike. He yelled, "Go Julie!" I didn't get a chance to talk to Mike or Beth after the race...next year guys:) Half marathon number one....done! Final time 2:01:13! I will take it!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuVLZVr1A6KUjrp-2R-PDQSVtyF7Hlwp62lh7-NmLq_kDySMbxIyNWFwdJo7UF7BJWuv3VNh94bswHQYzmiV2LPgV5R04knjb80UadDnrx9dXxFxyKOX7VBwuoSGDhPqvalyAm81rMbM/s1600/DSCN1075.JPG"></a> In two weeks I have the Maple Grove 5K. I think I am more terrified for that one than I was for the Lake Minnetonka Half. I am not ready to be busting butt in a 5K!!! </div><br /><div><br /><div>Happy running, biking, swimming, lifting and surfing! Cheers to you all!</div></div></div></div></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016242849142019105noreply@blogger.com53tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245707125371369777.post-4648665414226266322011-04-30T13:49:00.006-05:002011-05-13T20:16:07.159-05:00I Am Back! Running A Half Marathon Tomorrow!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jRzKdQ5xNKR6u8RIg-6n5eyg7GIzLzM5ZX7k5n7SIHaaMuHY2-OSfu-oRaTXqOK8mltsZNnpwJYTqPe79vRmyruWMpEtM7t7YV7LCIYrPvHUjG4fIs5zCOjwpWnmhlUXV7Y55XI7ndY/s1600/lake+minnetonka+half.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 122px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601451076003047778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jRzKdQ5xNKR6u8RIg-6n5eyg7GIzLzM5ZX7k5n7SIHaaMuHY2-OSfu-oRaTXqOK8mltsZNnpwJYTqPe79vRmyruWMpEtM7t7YV7LCIYrPvHUjG4fIs5zCOjwpWnmhlUXV7Y55XI7ndY/s320/lake+minnetonka+half.jpg" /></a> Hi Everyone! I have missed you all and it is good to be back! I am sure that all of you are wondering what and the hell happened to me. Well, sometimes life just happens. We all have times where we need to take something and set it on the back burner. I have not been running a ton but signed up for a half marathon several months ago. I am running in the Lake Minnetonka half marathon in the morning. I ran this race last year and it was the half marathon of my personal best PR. I loved this race and it will always hold a dear spot close to my heart. I actually have no business running this since I have not run anything over six miles lately! Ha ha, I must love pain or be really stupid:) My plan is to run it slow and treat it as a training run. Hey, if I am jogging I will get better pictures....right! So tomorrow I am lacing up my beloved Asics and trekking into the world of running adventure and possibly painful moments:) Keep your fingers crossed that I have nice weather and finish in one piece!!!<br /><br />Happy running, biking, swimming, lifting and surfing!! Cheers to you all!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016242849142019105noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245707125371369777.post-14120567282382150812011-03-02T07:50:00.006-06:002011-05-13T20:17:23.542-05:00Big Time Runner's Funk! God, It Sucks!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQ7JnnhfNOecQokmJdywcbrNQWNhyyULnTENvTmJR0s6X1t3JZj23TiQqd74P8ITIb0MB2VzGWzlB44O2wRi4Q4saItH2FRrvVj5oqiChTtqA6LxvY4IN0Ak_D130wiFIjihv95xrq8M/s1600/Garry-Bjorklund-Half-Marathon-Header2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 64px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579479712074687154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQ7JnnhfNOecQokmJdywcbrNQWNhyyULnTENvTmJR0s6X1t3JZj23TiQqd74P8ITIb0MB2VzGWzlB44O2wRi4Q4saItH2FRrvVj5oqiChTtqA6LxvY4IN0Ak_D130wiFIjihv95xrq8M/s320/Garry-Bjorklund-Half-Marathon-Header2.jpg" /></a> Hi everyone! Yes, I know that I have been MIA for over a month. I have been going through the biggest running funk that I have ever experienced in my life. I ran the Polar Dash on January first and then attempted to start training for the Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon. This marathon is scheduled in early May. Life at my house has been pretty nuts with my hubby working insane hours and my two younger kids busy with sports activities. I am transporting them places every single night of the week. There are nights where I get home at 9 PM. Sometimes when I think about how cranky I have been...the big "B" word comes to mind. I hate feeling that way! I know that if I really wanted to make running a priority that I would find a way to make it work. My options would be getting up at 3:30 Am or staying up super late to do mill runs. Neither one of these seems appealing to me:) Crap! No one said that life would be perfect all of the time....damn, I am due for some of that perfection any day now:)<br /><br />I have been getting e-mails over the past few months about Grandma's Half Marathon. I wasn't sure if I wanted to run it again this year. This past Friday I got the last reminder e-mail saying that it was the last day to register for the lottery. I figured it was worth a try but didn't expect to get in again this year. Monday morning when I went to work and checked my e-mails I saw that it was confirmed. I was picked to run Grandma's half!! Maybe this is a sign to get off of my butt and start training for real! The good news is that the days are getting longer and we are finally in freaking March! Yes, it is the little things in life....like March in Minnesota!<br /><br />My next race is in a few weeks. I am running the Get Lucky! 7 K just like I did last year. It is one of the races in the Team Ortho series that I really love! It was one of my top three out of the twenty something races that I ran last year:)<br /><br />I am looking forward to getting back into blogging! I will be searching for motivation to help me to get back into the swing of things:) Help!<br /><br />Happy running, biking, swimming, lifting and surfing! Cheers to you all!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016242849142019105noreply@blogger.com64tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245707125371369777.post-43969045307773734112011-01-26T08:15:00.003-06:002011-01-26T12:30:07.461-06:00Yes, I Am Still Alive!Hi everyone! It has been twenty-five days since my last post....Holy cow! This is the longest amount of time that I have let sneak by without posting. I miss you all and feel so out of the loop not knowing what is going on with your running. I have been so crazy busy with work and family stuff that it has been nearly impossible to post or to comment. I am running my kids to their sport activities every night and usually do not get home until 8:30 to 9 PM. My daughter has b-ball practice and games to attend and my little guy is doing swimming & skating lessons. I am exhausted when I get home...this is before I can even get a run in:)<br /><br />I have officially started my spring marathon training. I am currently in week two of my plan and things are going slow and painful. Damn, I wish I could say that I feel great and my running is awesome. Not so much! I am only running three times a week and two of those runs have been on the mill. Anyone who has been reading my blog for some time knows that I absolutely hate the mill!!! God, give me outside running any day....well, maybe not in the frigid below zero temps that we had last week here in Minnesota. I have to draw the line somewhere and that is way too cold for this girl!<br /><br />I have to start running more and getting back into the groove. I know that it will come but it just takes a little time to get lost fitness back. I am kicking myself in the butt every day for taking such a long running break....never again! Today I am scheduled to run six miles and I will do this outside. Keeping my fingers crossed for a run that feels amazing!:) Wish me luck:)<br /><br />Happy running, biking, swimming, lifting and surfing! Cheers to you all!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016242849142019105noreply@blogger.com63tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245707125371369777.post-7161186125976248092011-01-01T18:45:00.019-06:002011-05-13T20:23:08.079-05:00The Team Ortho Polar Dash 5K Race Report!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdKcOcjQDhqUSa7GU96EkXQGsAflXgoD83YbGAlipM03-wmq7_WCJJEQuZcBRWF6RjyQkSzl86VMcQx8JfES5__wOHX5ySsO6hMlaSyAJndOcXjA7pAf9yGZMHGIlwr7z4NdB2lrQes0/s1600/DSCN0962.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557384689244875570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdKcOcjQDhqUSa7GU96EkXQGsAflXgoD83YbGAlipM03-wmq7_WCJJEQuZcBRWF6RjyQkSzl86VMcQx8JfES5__wOHX5ySsO6hMlaSyAJndOcXjA7pAf9yGZMHGIlwr7z4NdB2lrQes0/s320/DSCN0962.JPG" /></a> God, there is nothing like getting up on a New Years day in the freaking cold and running a race! This morning I ran in the Team Ortho Polar Dash 5K. I thought that I had signed up to run the 10K. When I opened up my race packet and pulled out my bib it had a 5K printed on it:) All I am going to say is....blessing in disguise!!!! Your blogger friend Julie is so out of shape! Good Lord, remind me never to take a full month off of running...ever again:) I mean it!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivP05lmSchE000BSUf5R6mli_NmMnpljP2Vqs3Fw_LwyJPEz4I5Iz046OeFMASDw1Bv9UssEXTUA8c4cv-XD9lh8R0iFvEP0zKYF7fq0774dzGbNTw3POd4Ex0BmUL-eJTvW1Entvp-9Y/s1600/DSCN0964.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557384619555498354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivP05lmSchE000BSUf5R6mli_NmMnpljP2Vqs3Fw_LwyJPEz4I5Iz046OeFMASDw1Bv9UssEXTUA8c4cv-XD9lh8R0iFvEP0zKYF7fq0774dzGbNTw3POd4Ex0BmUL-eJTvW1Entvp-9Y/s320/DSCN0964.JPG" /></a> Mr. Julie was kind enough to drop me off and as soon as I got there I headed to the warming tents. It was packed and I had to wait a few minutes before I actually made it inside! Holy cow, it was so cold! My toes felt like they were going to fall off! Brr!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0cLHg_bT9tFa-Ag9cmDxQPzuSMU8MSLNAf4Kzbdf-AKL8laljn51Yb2QJ4Pkk-0VQWU7eZ5CzXadJ-2F6GSPE09pXfLP7wBcuxr9C9FdC2-ieqHrXeXM9pYR29QAJC63zJHCkyBFHiI/s1600/DSCN0965.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557384543407087570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0cLHg_bT9tFa-Ag9cmDxQPzuSMU8MSLNAf4Kzbdf-AKL8laljn51Yb2QJ4Pkk-0VQWU7eZ5CzXadJ-2F6GSPE09pXfLP7wBcuxr9C9FdC2-ieqHrXeXM9pYR29QAJC63zJHCkyBFHiI/s320/DSCN0965.JPG" /></a> When there was about five minutes to the start many of us started walking to the start line.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ryXR8DfjZFJ6J3aJm8Vc1LYFpzJlWEWahyz4oH5llsQDufMCDG6FaUJvUFduGf7OjGXJR8gzwFw37G8oyw4TNYNXehDL8s8H9zD9rUAlLckGsqrl6srP-F_IQG4PEBI-W563KBP938U/s1600/DSCN0966.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557384440560628018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ryXR8DfjZFJ6J3aJm8Vc1LYFpzJlWEWahyz4oH5llsQDufMCDG6FaUJvUFduGf7OjGXJR8gzwFw37G8oyw4TNYNXehDL8s8H9zD9rUAlLckGsqrl6srP-F_IQG4PEBI-W563KBP938U/s320/DSCN0966.JPG" /></a> This is where I decided to start. The pacers were actually for the 10K runners but I would be able to run with this guy for at least a mile and a half or so. I am so out of shape and have not run one single mile in over a month! I knew it was going to be ugly....it was:)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNg2mgNB8r2AyYZ_mANtHpXeMWzx31wOgKClsx68Qyev7iV91iS3o6S9rExzRKavJ-Yjs9KbVyn5ywUKPbL1wtEnDIqUNetksk5mbSlnE68QWybwQ94pkGtgHup-YCbU6powFOyMHg_Q0/s1600/DSCN0969.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557384345773517730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNg2mgNB8r2AyYZ_mANtHpXeMWzx31wOgKClsx68Qyev7iV91iS3o6S9rExzRKavJ-Yjs9KbVyn5ywUKPbL1wtEnDIqUNetksk5mbSlnE68QWybwQ94pkGtgHup-YCbU6powFOyMHg_Q0/s320/DSCN0969.JPG" /></a> I ran into Mike who is my blogger buddy <a href="http://runningmyownrace.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Beth's</span></a> hubby:) They are heading off to Florida to run in the Goofy races next weekend. Mike is a super fast runner who was taking it easy because of running next week. Beth, I am so sorry that I missed you! Hope to see you soon:)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3KPGN5ybjIxOsjB0vnAvxPYxwb7AyrpkL7EAy85K-XcUw-p2M9-U1BGpATN2brTVnyM1m6jQkjlRp4V1hdo17t-xICrF2Lih7fTOpoYvJb9j_0O5X_jjbcVWu_RP200kR0W64nujg-8/s1600/DSCN0970.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557384265588138642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3KPGN5ybjIxOsjB0vnAvxPYxwb7AyrpkL7EAy85K-XcUw-p2M9-U1BGpATN2brTVnyM1m6jQkjlRp4V1hdo17t-xICrF2Lih7fTOpoYvJb9j_0O5X_jjbcVWu_RP200kR0W64nujg-8/s320/DSCN0970.JPG" /></a> I stayed with my pacer for most of the first half of my race. I was okay in the beginning but the farther I ran the more terrible I felt! So many random thoughts bounced through my head. Why and the hell did you not run once during this last month? Are you stupid? Surely you knew this would really suck! God this sucks! Who's idea was it to drink three glasses of champagne last night? Umm, your's...remember...you thought that since the race was at 11AM you would have nothing to worry about. Whatever!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyj_FQ-N2BmuKMQOvKUkVzrakO-yWz8xXiAK_sOaCdt4hwUK4lIV6gRpQvBEUEkxDX_0yqNG2lkja0BbkvHOjXUN5uthACQWBl2sL6m1o-mOITP01tXTHgMxgYcaVXDVMiY3lPsGcXXE/s1600/DSCN0971.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557384179283294258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyj_FQ-N2BmuKMQOvKUkVzrakO-yWz8xXiAK_sOaCdt4hwUK4lIV6gRpQvBEUEkxDX_0yqNG2lkja0BbkvHOjXUN5uthACQWBl2sL6m1o-mOITP01tXTHgMxgYcaVXDVMiY3lPsGcXXE/s320/DSCN0971.JPG" /></a>Damn, where is the turn around? It is a good thing I didn't run in the 10K:) This sucks bad enough! Do you remember when six miles seemed like nothing? Hell, do you remember when 3.1 miles seemed like nothing? Are you stupid? Man, I should of put myself with the nine minute pacer. Just suck it up and run!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcKVPyz0N0PtN0Q_E_urTgEYGSvtRKL7wHhn_yu2XDyoLAMOIbJ1noymsfMtM2GUXWZILBGHZT12-38VN-E3RvaLX7WMOUza0pZoSrxbAc71uz6sNzqAcCzFrS_Ye_iAY4wmFPi8nQhM/s1600/DSCN0972.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557384080340480546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcKVPyz0N0PtN0Q_E_urTgEYGSvtRKL7wHhn_yu2XDyoLAMOIbJ1noymsfMtM2GUXWZILBGHZT12-38VN-E3RvaLX7WMOUza0pZoSrxbAc71uz6sNzqAcCzFrS_Ye_iAY4wmFPi8nQhM/s320/DSCN0972.JPG" /></a>Thank God! Turn around and mostly down hill:) Slow and easy pace...no sprinting involved today. Just keep moving...one foot in front of the other. Oh crap, a woman is passing me! It is okay...she is way younger, fitter, faster and looks like a freaking rock star! Next year no drinking!!! Next year there will be no freaking month long running break!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKMFtxfADpD2moTSpXfnGCrVn4IKL5Ywfuks35auUHUMevGPHbb_UIXnYHB5rxWoM35O26fomAfahTuA5D02aconBA34NgpVclAI52B0mAu4fypXTKiV1ByBaDgcl6eiHHlhLq0sNyY8/s1600/DSCN0974.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 212px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557383969800926866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKMFtxfADpD2moTSpXfnGCrVn4IKL5Ywfuks35auUHUMevGPHbb_UIXnYHB5rxWoM35O26fomAfahTuA5D02aconBA34NgpVclAI52B0mAu4fypXTKiV1ByBaDgcl6eiHHlhLq0sNyY8/s320/DSCN0974.JPG" /></a> I survived! It was an ugly race but I am glad I ran! Yes, I know I look like crap...I felt like it too! I think tomorrow I am going to run six miles...slower pace:)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0qbTvDTwxr9l6vpLZFrqANajBEXMTDlDRPww_aGzZP2f2dfZcd3PpJIuExaQME-Ujk1TESKYne3g8P5d59DPD5bg5vQz7JDOnOyiMpc6ZUyRBKBM_UepZ5E5oXM41ITqvE1JuyloKB0/s1600/DSCN0976.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557383892018244082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0qbTvDTwxr9l6vpLZFrqANajBEXMTDlDRPww_aGzZP2f2dfZcd3PpJIuExaQME-Ujk1TESKYne3g8P5d59DPD5bg5vQz7JDOnOyiMpc6ZUyRBKBM_UepZ5E5oXM41ITqvE1JuyloKB0/s320/DSCN0976.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRSw0OZEnhsfW87XVV3GdprUIkMSvB6CXtcfoxh_Bf58nUs4g6agZCCVvAsYEUoTrz7AHVozfA-jw8qe6f9f590TaPn7zqGu-c9xSY0iLAjBVMu9q-if_uCzanJ5tZw5ZoiHAlhbZtjkA/s1600/DSCN0979.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557383669412571778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRSw0OZEnhsfW87XVV3GdprUIkMSvB6CXtcfoxh_Bf58nUs4g6agZCCVvAsYEUoTrz7AHVozfA-jw8qe6f9f590TaPn7zqGu-c9xSY0iLAjBVMu9q-if_uCzanJ5tZw5ZoiHAlhbZtjkA/s320/DSCN0979.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ikeaNQUqSddt4DDj-d-BiVDmpiCAnpudpnnk8LhOLMW7VeKZQ37y7_MAppTXbolb0fyOXVOmyzDdX90OxJJOTuuH2T37VdYZyLbI9CWgTH6cyBGQLxiEd8gdFiRRaewXoJViOJkPpjs/s1600/DSCN0980.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 202px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557383575164154674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ikeaNQUqSddt4DDj-d-BiVDmpiCAnpudpnnk8LhOLMW7VeKZQ37y7_MAppTXbolb0fyOXVOmyzDdX90OxJJOTuuH2T37VdYZyLbI9CWgTH6cyBGQLxiEd8gdFiRRaewXoJViOJkPpjs/s320/DSCN0980.JPG" /></a>Walking back to my car with hot chocolate. It is the little things in life that make running a 5K in Minnesota during the month of January worth it:)<br />Here are my official race stats.... <br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">Final time 25:54, 8:20 per mile.</span><br /></div><br /><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">I placed 81 out of 972 total runners.</span><br /></div><br /><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">I placed 18 out of 614 female runners.</span><br /></div><br /><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">I placed 4 out of 92 in my age group.</span><br /></div><br /><div>Happy running, biking, swimming, lifting and surfing! Cheers to you all!</div><br /><div>Wishing you and your families a wonderful New Year:)</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016242849142019105noreply@blogger.com67tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245707125371369777.post-42133906350550320162010-12-29T19:26:00.005-06:002010-12-30T05:41:26.391-06:00Happy New Year! Yes, I am still here!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWV3FZpalAAeG6z_HmCnl8EUku7kpWSyQjRYhbho_y12Ky2GuNN0i0DLPkZhEMbG1Tum00IlRAMg7L_Z6QWNQw5yz3sd8FNV2wDIM4L3d3zqjc2N-IbXa-CqLaLahisfEDcyNDDsxshGQ/s1600/DSCN0951.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 301px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556281623743985138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWV3FZpalAAeG6z_HmCnl8EUku7kpWSyQjRYhbho_y12Ky2GuNN0i0DLPkZhEMbG1Tum00IlRAMg7L_Z6QWNQw5yz3sd8FNV2wDIM4L3d3zqjc2N-IbXa-CqLaLahisfEDcyNDDsxshGQ/s320/DSCN0951.JPG" /></a> <div>Greetings fellow bloggers! I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday. My Christmas holiday was fantastic! As much as I enjoyed Christmas, I am honestly looking forward to my life getting back to normal. The last few weeks have been nuts! I have been a huge slacker and a very bad blogger. Both running and blogging have been put on the back burner due to the busy holiday season. The good news is that is going to change starting January 1st:)</div><div></div><div>I did receive my secret Santa gift in the mail a few weeks ago! Thank you <a href="http://www.theboringrunner.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Adam</span></a>!! Adam sent me the movie, Spirit Of The Marathon. I love my gift and have watched it twice! Thank you to <a href="http://www.theboringrunner.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Jill</span></a> for setting up the blogger gift exchange....it was an awesome idea and a wonderful way to share some blogger love:)</div><div></div><div>Good news! I have a race on January 1st called the Polar Dash. It is in the Team Ortho series of races and I ran this one last year. It was cold but fun:) Beth, I hope to see you there! Hopefully we will not get another snow storm like they are predicting...like we need more snow:)</div><div></div><div>I have one more bit of news to share! I am pretty excited....I have decided to run a spring marathon! I am going to do the <a href="http://www.lakewobegontrailmarathon.org/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon</span> </a>in May! One thing that I should mention is that Wobegon is not a true trail race. It is a ten foot wide asphalt bike trail. The course is flat and fast. Last year I was a volunteer for this marathon and know that several of the runners came from out of state hoping to BQ. Training will start in January. I have taken almost a month off from running and know that I have lost fitness. I am so not looking forward to those first few weeks of training! Can we say sore muscles and massive sucking air attacks!?! God, I can't wait:) I would really love to run this next marathon in four hours or less. I need to shave nine minutes off of my Twin Cities marathon time. Hopefully with proper training and a few more longer runs I will be able to pull it off. Wobegon is a smaller marathon and there will not be pacers. I am so fortunate to have found a personal pacer:) Thank you Mark! Mark is a St. Cloud River runner who has qualified for Boston and is using Wobegon as a longer training run for another marathon. My four hour goal will seem like a walk in the park for him:)</div><div></div><div>My next post will be the Polar Dash race report! Yay! It has been so long since I have posted a race report. I promise to take tons of pictures....keep your fingers crossed that Minnesota will not be blasted with another winter snow storm! I want to run:)</div><div></div><div>Happy running, biking, swimming, lifting and surfing! Cheers to you all! May you all have a fantastic New Year!</div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016242849142019105noreply@blogger.com66tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245707125371369777.post-60149112782879649792010-12-12T19:48:00.005-06:002010-12-19T20:53:30.716-06:00I Am Back With A Tag! A Reason To Post!Greetings everyone! I am finally sitting down to post after a week of blogging vacation. Last week was nuts, I was left with limited computer time. This weekend the Minnesota metro area was pounded with 20 inches of snow! Holy cow! I was supposed to run in a 5K yesterday morning....never happened:) My hubby had to snowblow our driveway three times! Good news, I was able to get the heck out of my culdesac and go shopping today:) I did some serious damage...I have yet to tell Mr. Julie how much money I spent!<br /><br />I was recently tagged by Misszippy to answer a few questions about running. I was pretty excited because now I have something to blog about!<br /><br />1) Do you prefer winter or summer running? This is a tough one to answer. I enjoy running in the cooler temperatures but winter running in Minnesota is challenging because of the layering of running clothes. The snow and ice makes me go slower than normal...not falling on my ass is always good. Summer running is nice because I can go out with shorts, a running shirt and shoes. I do hate running in the heat and humidity....I really hate it! Yuck! However, running in the heat and humidity is good for conditioning and helps for when it is the perfect temperature. It makes me feel like I am kicking it:) Did I answer the question? Yea, I am not sure about that one.<br /><br />2) What has been your toughest race to date? Hands down, the Gopher to Badger Half Marathon. It was so freaking hot and humid that day! I felt like total crap and wondered if I would ever finish. I did finish it with a time of 2:02:45...not too bad considering the crazy weather elements. Running this race and living through it made me realize that I could run a marathon and finish with a respectable time.<br /><br />3) What are your running goals for 2011? I would like to run a sub 4 marathon. It would be great to PR in a few of the other distances too. I have raced in 21 races this year. I think that next year I will cut the number of my races down and train more. I hope to do more running with my running group....they will keep me honest and working hard:)<br /><br />4) Do you have any other passions in life? I love to travel, learning about history and other cultures. I also love to meet people:) I consider myself a friendly and outgoing person. I love and enjoy stimulating conversation with just about anyone.<br /><br />5) If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Oh, this is an easy one, I would love to live in California wine country or somewhere in Montana. I have been to wine country several times and always have a fabulous time. The weather is so nice and perfect for running. Montana is also so gorgeous and peaceful. We took a family vacation there a few years ago and had a blast...great memories! Internationally, I would love to live in Italy. I have always had a thing with Italy. When I was a little girl I would go to the library and spend hours looking at pictures of the beautiful places and sites to see. Currently, I love watching movies that are set in Italy:)<br /><br />If there is anyone who would like to be tagged and do this too...knock yourself out! You are all tagged:)<br /><br />Happy running, biking, swimming, lifting and surfing! Cheers to you all!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016242849142019105noreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245707125371369777.post-37530443619209602812010-11-29T22:02:00.026-06:002010-12-22T21:19:49.076-06:00P And Stefano's Virtual Race Reports!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwvZ9IDM8VQovPl-iNyJ6tapaLjHRA1Yn1RE4Qw32NpYXUmDSjCBtvPLHJEsDrLHC3cwvNvHo6qx5t1pzUXZc17FGx2bGUw9EPpzH2G9_7LpN4OG1nIfUR_RWR65IkI9gsXWPX6BlgSI/s1600/DSCN0890.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 277px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545190432626272194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwvZ9IDM8VQovPl-iNyJ6tapaLjHRA1Yn1RE4Qw32NpYXUmDSjCBtvPLHJEsDrLHC3cwvNvHo6qx5t1pzUXZc17FGx2bGUw9EPpzH2G9_7LpN4OG1nIfUR_RWR65IkI9gsXWPX6BlgSI/s320/DSCN0890.JPG" /></a> Hi everyone! I ran finally ran my two virtual races yesterday afternoon!! So I went out and had a little running action in Maple Grove:)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1x5Zu6eIT8_v6H8GzPXo4jUnpOqBiM-iJVrsLcBGHKdldWXtdKEDCKyka0D7kcAzzrADdMzmgqLiadUFb0UDbKg9xbIGF0OsGvCqlA1zuyoBh7xJvnYus72LqbXli40RQVuEkGukjbEk/s1600/black_knight_shield_sword.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545190278625212178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1x5Zu6eIT8_v6H8GzPXo4jUnpOqBiM-iJVrsLcBGHKdldWXtdKEDCKyka0D7kcAzzrADdMzmgqLiadUFb0UDbKg9xbIGF0OsGvCqlA1zuyoBh7xJvnYus72LqbXli40RQVuEkGukjbEk/s320/black_knight_shield_sword.jpg" /></a> I ran in <a href="http://cavnero.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Stefano's</span></a> Black Knight Army 10 K and <a href="http://anaverageathlete.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">P's</span></a> not your average adventure virtual run.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzX5g8Ck9J-NOV3y7-fsFV4TDerVnY_SQtUfr-64-x0hUjtgdkEREUzqtSEml7NFAZx08zxSbbALW9ch2a1HKpHfg07-2pev-WTyWwrkMQ3mb6Vs6bmZEnli0QQGWGuV8koSMFDB3B-eY/s1600/Average_Adventure_Virtual_Race_Logo%255B5%255D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 199px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545190172783627698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzX5g8Ck9J-NOV3y7-fsFV4TDerVnY_SQtUfr-64-x0hUjtgdkEREUzqtSEml7NFAZx08zxSbbALW9ch2a1HKpHfg07-2pev-WTyWwrkMQ3mb6Vs6bmZEnli0QQGWGuV8koSMFDB3B-eY/s320/Average_Adventure_Virtual_Race_Logo%255B5%255D.jpg" /></a><br />Let's face it, I am a bit of a slacker lately. I ran both of them back to back:)<br /><div><div><a href="http://cavnero.blogspot.com/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 186px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545190000810533346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYu-zqWYKDFFt7y8g1dmmMn3-GYoL7PeAxbevCi07KYCZwqQRHdavKKbIe6fFRyuaoDHlqXekBltlTlkL8jLLrQAYGgWyb9MIqMQXA_HG0V02ynMR6PkFBc2qcR16MGwmgsOqNZ8li3qo/s320/DSCN0893.JPG" /></a><span style="color:#ff0000;">Stefano's</span> race clothing consisted of black Nike running pants and a black running jacket. I also ran in a black hat and black gloves...it is getting colder in Minnesota:)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPd7hqMJliwHPzpDUGnhYhVnsqzN21bs10UusZ0m1RJH8rgex-r_BgyVWIhcprIQQZWiSqPV8EobbcaHs_X2A4JovTATllwlrpSsoyLH-T2bnC-Hd0SEqs4taIoG00JyrSXZ70u0ljTg/s1600/DSCN0897.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545189914648022274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPd7hqMJliwHPzpDUGnhYhVnsqzN21bs10UusZ0m1RJH8rgex-r_BgyVWIhcprIQQZWiSqPV8EobbcaHs_X2A4JovTATllwlrpSsoyLH-T2bnC-Hd0SEqs4taIoG00JyrSXZ70u0ljTg/s320/DSCN0897.JPG" /></a> I decided to go on the Rice Lake trails and head around the lake. First off I ran out of my neighborhood and across Weaver Lake Road.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHmVlxGtWBn5BW7O02pjTksKccTZd1XUe9b7TekbfED45Pr3LOs7kwAlezs8uaNkdeTA569bJcPXkLunjSpOo-kbeFpDgyleJPl7BdRwxZ5Aip36k3q7CyH1aEfWjOJX8uS6I6LJgdmo/s1600/DSCN0899.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545189829104610290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHmVlxGtWBn5BW7O02pjTksKccTZd1XUe9b7TekbfED45Pr3LOs7kwAlezs8uaNkdeTA569bJcPXkLunjSpOo-kbeFpDgyleJPl7BdRwxZ5Aip36k3q7CyH1aEfWjOJX8uS6I6LJgdmo/s320/DSCN0899.JPG" /></a> I ran down Weaver Lake Road and turned onto the running trails that were still snow covered. It was 37 degrees and the trails were slushy in some spots....icy in others.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wE2OD4toueZbEEb4WcZpVPQP_0H3ib52-eTNrma07CG1eBs3lZWDLeluvonKTMF4tzkfFJOZ1o5BarvbV7aaEWQxFCA5GXP2KzD8Cjeritmac3k4ZB_LQarPfn4pOh-YPetonEKPXLI/s1600/DSCN0900.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545189748341542226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wE2OD4toueZbEEb4WcZpVPQP_0H3ib52-eTNrma07CG1eBs3lZWDLeluvonKTMF4tzkfFJOZ1o5BarvbV7aaEWQxFCA5GXP2KzD8Cjeritmac3k4ZB_LQarPfn4pOh-YPetonEKPXLI/s320/DSCN0900.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4oNv_VFPBjM0yn6K_9GbHmVMiKb_e9rqBKXhc_f_DCKljguSrkvjp6nk_OFf2p0HunXoSpRc9PdLJWi0Jxx2QDvJYbRQVbEID3vlxJVtPgKD2AgcNtqkccENK2gShBGKplkS6A106vM/s1600/DSCN0901.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545189466182410178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4oNv_VFPBjM0yn6K_9GbHmVMiKb_e9rqBKXhc_f_DCKljguSrkvjp6nk_OFf2p0HunXoSpRc9PdLJWi0Jxx2QDvJYbRQVbEID3vlxJVtPgKD2AgcNtqkccENK2gShBGKplkS6A106vM/s320/DSCN0901.JPG" /></a> I ran almost two miles before heading up this hill. At the top of this hill I ran into a fellow Maple Grove runner who I met once before on a different run around this same lake. Joe and I met at the end of May...we both were running on these very trails and ended up chatting and running together. He spotted me and asked if I wanted to join him on a run. I agreed and we were off:)<br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoMUsJGdOzGOXtLF86kMaNxo1RBrHfHVWDvnTg-XquNZ3PyNhYbM2cJsGCC7hOd-TClAwwT5BdIv6fEWPg38ivP0v-Ib18RSql0BNOiCqu5v8ocmuYPucXE58QE7hjlGM1C6k_ibnHco/s1600/DSCN0902.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545189309478532642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoMUsJGdOzGOXtLF86kMaNxo1RBrHfHVWDvnTg-XquNZ3PyNhYbM2cJsGCC7hOd-TClAwwT5BdIv6fEWPg38ivP0v-Ib18RSql0BNOiCqu5v8ocmuYPucXE58QE7hjlGM1C6k_ibnHco/s320/DSCN0902.JPG" /></a> Joe ran the Minneapolis Marathon the same day that I did the half. He ended up getting hurt and is still in recovery mode. We ran steady and slow....easy enough to hold a conversation without sucking air:)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRCEFO2_N0pheiFDJTh-OEqWFiGBAGLoMQvfX1NuYB67Halsi757-oNH-reqGQBg8Z2DNVOj86FiFXPr2ee6WflyxHrZ6cxscZ98MZkWFCcRg4dsG63dRnjoOHCauGWgpyhggKLY3OUA/s1600/DSCN0903.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545189155947852770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRCEFO2_N0pheiFDJTh-OEqWFiGBAGLoMQvfX1NuYB67Halsi757-oNH-reqGQBg8Z2DNVOj86FiFXPr2ee6WflyxHrZ6cxscZ98MZkWFCcRg4dsG63dRnjoOHCauGWgpyhggKLY3OUA/s320/DSCN0903.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5uHZCB_QcM42Mi_CkvOeOprH_I4P6ro1qsPeafg2gMup27b9VcALUVrBmsWI_EytQv8gD7xK4hYPykoPK3w99n04GrlpzfEi9p1NM6bqo4eEiso0jLNjifhQ97MrZZWwX9MD0cBbKZ8/s1600/DSCN0905.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545189035046822322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5uHZCB_QcM42Mi_CkvOeOprH_I4P6ro1qsPeafg2gMup27b9VcALUVrBmsWI_EytQv8gD7xK4hYPykoPK3w99n04GrlpzfEi9p1NM6bqo4eEiso0jLNjifhQ97MrZZWwX9MD0cBbKZ8/s320/DSCN0905.JPG" /></a> We stopped at the half way point and I snapped a picture. Stefano, notice that Joe is wearing black too!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6JbvHNkRkmHabOYMNLQmnDTlUNuZOrsz3Uhx_aN3hEpx3B0_mOqCvD-G1kLLSwYsIuezTxznkWHwqbmQRLPlzNJBaGy0VUBHAbEYpvW4qx2EKWeTGkyI0E5YAPbJR89COTLJAE7imhQ/s1600/DSCN0906.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545188930447175858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6JbvHNkRkmHabOYMNLQmnDTlUNuZOrsz3Uhx_aN3hEpx3B0_mOqCvD-G1kLLSwYsIuezTxznkWHwqbmQRLPlzNJBaGy0VUBHAbEYpvW4qx2EKWeTGkyI0E5YAPbJR89COTLJAE7imhQ/s320/DSCN0906.JPG" /></a> I snapped this picture of the sunset over Rice Lake. Beautiful and peaceful:)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOXxJCXa5wa5etN7al9Ac0dmoCI9Y5gEmSXm8VarhUHdEBxdIHCE4-Tw1A1Wf-VjaxINE4bz4dPBOcaYo1gvlEp65J_oOt5_o71VE5B-ySFq0En1uTjJoA_dQiH8BFB2FjsF7c9a5FQI/s1600/DSCN0907.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545188838036739042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOXxJCXa5wa5etN7al9Ac0dmoCI9Y5gEmSXm8VarhUHdEBxdIHCE4-Tw1A1Wf-VjaxINE4bz4dPBOcaYo1gvlEp65J_oOt5_o71VE5B-ySFq0En1uTjJoA_dQiH8BFB2FjsF7c9a5FQI/s320/DSCN0907.JPG" /></a>We ran around the lake and enjoyed stimulating conversation....all about running. The time went by so fast that before we knew it we had to part ways. Joe turned up the path to take him home and I continued on my way around the last part of the lake.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0APkHlKu_yq1z4lzYGtYLYVxB2TlSnMpwdoYB1F9EGYuL7zxQAYUKodiaVDWSG_jZUmOd7Y4LGzE1p6VpVWfi6wKIJuNfz-C90PICfhgw3CZ-i_iPe2ZOkYIOJtSwoWhHavVLOnZ1og/s1600/DSCN0908.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545188750755406818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0APkHlKu_yq1z4lzYGtYLYVxB2TlSnMpwdoYB1F9EGYuL7zxQAYUKodiaVDWSG_jZUmOd7Y4LGzE1p6VpVWfi6wKIJuNfz-C90PICfhgw3CZ-i_iPe2ZOkYIOJtSwoWhHavVLOnZ1og/s320/DSCN0908.JPG" /></a> When I reached my 10 K distance I ran for one more mile. I decided to run a mile for P's not your average adventure. I wish that I could say that I had all of this saved energy and that I was able to bust out a seven minute mile. Not so much....I did muster enough gusto to run a 8:30 last mile:) My theme for<a href="http://anaverageathlete.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;"> P's</span> </a>adventure was a party mile on the pavement! Yes, it was snowy and slushy but a party all the same! P's birthday was weeks ago...better late than never! Happy Birthday P!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZZcbaw2Xr4aX11m5aAOBPZ9DPhPx77ev8-6-QFFQR25qyw49kU98SJr1j7BJF2tgb6o5Mpt7PJN_QdqoMc_bAMwvadZCG6_fdYteFe-A1OgnhlHKZJ6LzVF1zW7BFGGv3tjrsr4Nmj0/s1600/DSCN0911.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545188655577308610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZZcbaw2Xr4aX11m5aAOBPZ9DPhPx77ev8-6-QFFQR25qyw49kU98SJr1j7BJF2tgb6o5Mpt7PJN_QdqoMc_bAMwvadZCG6_fdYteFe-A1OgnhlHKZJ6LzVF1zW7BFGGv3tjrsr4Nmj0/s320/DSCN0911.JPG" /></a>Once I got to my door step I checked out my Garmin for 10 K stats. I ran Stefano's Black Knight Army 10 K in 57 minutes. Not my fastest 10 K but memorable for sure:) I, Lady Julie enjoyed Stefano's 10 K without ever sucking air!! Yay! I have only ran in two 10 K races and both of them were high on the sucking air scale:) Lady Julie ran easy, steady, smooth and I didn't fall on my ass...success!!!</div><div></div><div>Happy running, biking, swimming, lifting and surfing! Cheers to you all!<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016242849142019105noreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245707125371369777.post-1744751638319364372010-11-27T21:48:00.006-06:002010-11-27T22:56:37.360-06:00The Anoka Jingle Bell Run 5K Race Report!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhI1Q5NwxLpPABsJLfsforoh2YInM63KTN9bKb1yNY9QA3qE9VeM7ZY6NAqN831BjIcPIGZOpz9xD_Tg9sGlMoXySO1XPAIPDys8ZMNyGjnJg3Ve_Adnqo-uyl0U_8Ax4n3Nu5ddolwKQ/s1600/DSCN0868.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544442996337178130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhI1Q5NwxLpPABsJLfsforoh2YInM63KTN9bKb1yNY9QA3qE9VeM7ZY6NAqN831BjIcPIGZOpz9xD_Tg9sGlMoXySO1XPAIPDys8ZMNyGjnJg3Ve_Adnqo-uyl0U_8Ax4n3Nu5ddolwKQ/s320/DSCN0868.JPG" /></a> Hi everyone! I am back from a little blogging break. Thank you to everyone who left me kind comments on my last post. I appreciate it more than you know. Life has been so incredibly busy between work, kid's activities and everything else. I have not been running much because of the lack of time. I also think that I needed a little break to recharge and refresh. This morning I drove into Anoka to run in the Jingle Bell 5K. I ran this race last year and was able to pull a 2nd place age group win:) I knew that today would be challenging because of my lack of training and the colder temperatures. <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOgqn5qw72HnvfvzjQBOgTh9ET1YQIcwOMGFDgfR920C5Lno6N2R7VMfJoTdRhUO3TM8Ti0QWdehgh_KJ5Q1b3TwkUPNSTdKsz50yb6EgEq4DrhONdnBN6v2dhY5t7GIB9fXAx5onHaZA/s1600/DSCN0869.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544442886446007890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOgqn5qw72HnvfvzjQBOgTh9ET1YQIcwOMGFDgfR920C5Lno6N2R7VMfJoTdRhUO3TM8Ti0QWdehgh_KJ5Q1b3TwkUPNSTdKsz50yb6EgEq4DrhONdnBN6v2dhY5t7GIB9fXAx5onHaZA/s320/DSCN0869.JPG" /></a> This picture was taken in the field house where my bib and t-shirt pickup was. I was bib number 277!! Lucky girl, my favorite number is seven:) I attempted to take more pictures but my camera's battery died....nice ! Once I got home, I put a new battery in. I noticed that my almost five year old got a hold of my camera. There were several pictures of our computer.....he was watching Spiderman on Netflix:) There was also about 20 pictures of himself....no wonder the battery died!</div><div></div><div>The race started at 10 AM and it was about 15 degrees. I knew that I would warm up once I actually started running. There were a little over 300 runners and I positioned myself in the middle of the pack. Once we were off it took a few minutes to get positioned where I wanted to be. The course is a pretty one that runs along a river. We ran on dirt-snow packed and paved trails. There was snow on the ground and a few areas with icy patches. I felt alright running with a first mile time of 7:16. I was a little surprised because I felt like I was moving much slower than that. There were several rolling hills that I remembered well from last year:) Mile two was a little slower than the first because I was feeling kind of crappy. This is what I get for not running much over the past three weeks! Yuck, I felt a little like puking..and slowed down more. The good news is that only four people past me...all men:) The last half mile was the hardest and I felt like I was moving at snails pace. I saw the clock and it said 24:50 something. I stopped my Garmin and it read 24:40. I went online to check my stats and there were none for me! WTH! I am not sure what happened but it looks like I never ran! Bummer! The race was not chip timed and the volunteers had us tear off the bottom part of our bibs. I looked at the stats and noticed that according to the clock and my Garmin I took 2nd place for my age group:) It is a good thing that they did not give out medals or I would of been disappointed. Oh well, there are bigger tragedies in life. <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaonRsyZWIAQhHlJOjPFUpFp_dtIIQXyJIwOocH51E2I4ao11xRrFg6g412DGTHmpEeBYWZzBuKkJYvj-Xih3x-YAEPSFx4QZUpGg-EJqH2YIzaNPkiWbkygM64mmcecaDb3enSuZGh8/s1600/DSCN0870.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544442783502928946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaonRsyZWIAQhHlJOjPFUpFp_dtIIQXyJIwOocH51E2I4ao11xRrFg6g412DGTHmpEeBYWZzBuKkJYvj-Xih3x-YAEPSFx4QZUpGg-EJqH2YIzaNPkiWbkygM64mmcecaDb3enSuZGh8/s320/DSCN0870.JPG" /></a> Tomorrow I am running two virtual races. I am running P's birthday virtual run and Sefano's Black Knight Army 10K! Hopefully I will have those race reports posted soon:)</div><div></div><div>Happy running, biking, swimming, lifting and surfing! Cheers to you all!</div><div></div><div>Tomorrow I will catch up on reading blogs and commenting:) </div></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016242849142019105noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245707125371369777.post-45804027705875592272010-11-18T06:44:00.003-06:002010-11-18T06:57:10.150-06:00Quick Post......Hi everyone! I know that I have not posted in a few days. I have not been able to keep up with my favorite blogs or have been commenting. I am sorry. Sadly, we had a sudden death in the family. Family life has been crazy and I have been getting home late every night this week. I will be posting tomorrow.<br /><br />Happy running, biking, swimming, lifting and surfing! Cheers to you all!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016242849142019105noreply@blogger.com57tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245707125371369777.post-38031354885902288462010-11-13T10:11:00.012-06:002010-11-13T20:56:38.639-06:00We Finally Got The White Stuff!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCy-PcUlZMX3EXYHQHR57OCkKWkTA6-UKaSz-hHnD6OdM93hH-g98bWrsrUKS5YSPgJYLgDcIBdMD5AoaiypwELy06JbtHUyY1UFk0wyMp9SuKV7maU47T_ZQyfW8l2KoEFrUjSISlS0/s1600/DSCN0780.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539068300166262514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCy-PcUlZMX3EXYHQHR57OCkKWkTA6-UKaSz-hHnD6OdM93hH-g98bWrsrUKS5YSPgJYLgDcIBdMD5AoaiypwELy06JbtHUyY1UFk0wyMp9SuKV7maU47T_ZQyfW8l2KoEFrUjSISlS0/s320/DSCN0780.JPG" /></a> I woke up this morning and looked out my window....this was my view. We are supposed to get a total of 4 to 8 inches! It is still snowing. Kay and I shoveled the driveway because Mr. Julie is out of town. Sadly, I do not have a clue how to start the snowblower! Damn! <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tRSCfJm7WK0FMQSjJvi4cBxQLeHr6DttlCd-7SSqrHASQK4JcdKTSzAPEDcavjvFxEDT8Hc9U_0NLO4fAJ8YM0_BQNMtdHBClyKvLKwo6iPVvjV6KmY1vb-148QxOL5ewV0MWRbIoVY/s1600/DSCN0781.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539068214927695394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tRSCfJm7WK0FMQSjJvi4cBxQLeHr6DttlCd-7SSqrHASQK4JcdKTSzAPEDcavjvFxEDT8Hc9U_0NLO4fAJ8YM0_BQNMtdHBClyKvLKwo6iPVvjV6KmY1vb-148QxOL5ewV0MWRbIoVY/s320/DSCN0781.JPG" /></a> Here are a few more pictures. It looks like I will have to take out all of my winter running gear again.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirawNj4JUPa_rl1bpqqFvVgphiRzNF2Mn_n_guamXOaynil2nlFBJFliECpNCogzeawASeV8VhChhQa_F5vtVPjeV3nX25PfbJSBOMWflRdUfzY_S214fIat81LY3eXp4HGZMUBFp8Fno/s1600/DSCN0782.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539068142849808146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirawNj4JUPa_rl1bpqqFvVgphiRzNF2Mn_n_guamXOaynil2nlFBJFliECpNCogzeawASeV8VhChhQa_F5vtVPjeV3nX25PfbJSBOMWflRdUfzY_S214fIat81LY3eXp4HGZMUBFp8Fno/s320/DSCN0782.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJweRsmeSnuBvh5yj0yY8NDxap2K6KvXFjvGdRyLYE1-SNhPTD6jT6HIgI302zzw5iTCYxdd-CD48bU9lxBIYmZVzAGJZzJD-q3w6lIr6vF21YkM1evspJrh_cMvY9o7ogSVIf8gv-vQk/s1600/DSCN0784.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539068074013967922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJweRsmeSnuBvh5yj0yY8NDxap2K6KvXFjvGdRyLYE1-SNhPTD6jT6HIgI302zzw5iTCYxdd-CD48bU9lxBIYmZVzAGJZzJD-q3w6lIr6vF21YkM1evspJrh_cMvY9o7ogSVIf8gv-vQk/s320/DSCN0784.JPG" /></a> <div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjOMJkqmVyjGXfzJA_yT1lprfxykBgYyyoL3Vef9gNCorZziRXbMiJEs7caSpJQN1FWAuspPhMlaxjZoierX-KF7w_PunESEdb7ggnQQ2Wilx2hV4ce-yMmQRYhOyzfGNreCZqfPSYAo/s1600/DSCN0785.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539067992159699442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjOMJkqmVyjGXfzJA_yT1lprfxykBgYyyoL3Vef9gNCorZziRXbMiJEs7caSpJQN1FWAuspPhMlaxjZoierX-KF7w_PunESEdb7ggnQQ2Wilx2hV4ce-yMmQRYhOyzfGNreCZqfPSYAo/s320/DSCN0785.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnEpeNjkJRjts4g9nvA0gpBawJEYifT4-c5trMaSw6IRez2dCes5_AJYP-m0sG6t6pYDoz8ak3exB6TUthcB1FaLXTxwlK7FMDcArZBQp6YYkQYNZV02Y2cqdQNmJ0nfVMpmncxnyRs4/s1600/DSCN0786.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539067916414974866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnEpeNjkJRjts4g9nvA0gpBawJEYifT4-c5trMaSw6IRez2dCes5_AJYP-m0sG6t6pYDoz8ak3exB6TUthcB1FaLXTxwlK7FMDcArZBQp6YYkQYNZV02Y2cqdQNmJ0nfVMpmncxnyRs4/s320/DSCN0786.JPG" /></a> Today Kay and I were planning on going to the mall to do some shopping:) Hopefully the roads will be clear...otherwise we are stuck in the house. I promise that I will get caught up on blogging sometime today:)</div><div></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGgM-TqnhWcKJq8tUjTgWLDDxCm3Vu29CtLmIsnJyh5XiNEBL9zv6_eqMKyJiMW0SWuLj8WEtZn8APoyPl7a87tlM9R4FSFCW2QV3JZkXkMIMi7eP7AQO_k7l0h_CJgocUmRWChCiFvs/s1600/DSCN0787.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539067834180163810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGgM-TqnhWcKJq8tUjTgWLDDxCm3Vu29CtLmIsnJyh5XiNEBL9zv6_eqMKyJiMW0SWuLj8WEtZn8APoyPl7a87tlM9R4FSFCW2QV3JZkXkMIMi7eP7AQO_k7l0h_CJgocUmRWChCiFvs/s320/DSCN0787.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HaRUS7B0sknQIefZXdexM94jzWt4kP1nrXLlmewCHU4RVGUp3IGuNHm0ez4Q33Ms0EBg_BL1wzL_m4g8NVfZWq0oKZDcmjoH031Eoc5k0IkZXe-cZoT78cyZNS6b2OqcG4up3fUMiHk/s1600/DSCN0788.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539067762549518594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HaRUS7B0sknQIefZXdexM94jzWt4kP1nrXLlmewCHU4RVGUp3IGuNHm0ez4Q33Ms0EBg_BL1wzL_m4g8NVfZWq0oKZDcmjoH031Eoc5k0IkZXe-cZoT78cyZNS6b2OqcG4up3fUMiHk/s320/DSCN0788.JPG" /></a> Happy running, biking, swimming, lifting and surfing! Cheers to you all!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016242849142019105noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245707125371369777.post-69182800986211837382010-11-10T18:02:00.035-06:002010-11-12T15:35:44.838-06:00Running Group Lost In Big Lake!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ucbj4s_7kr6sSd8yd8iuj_ursNrOzvDBt3htEw4_snrpUJcBlBQzbqdAWwNyd2pH0-8mmaF6vPznl07OcjhttrK5Ke8IPRqHquHWhaqdafLTlHtvoyQ7PbDknh2M6_4jPtmUZAXjlBM/s1600/11-6-2010.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538078086776968674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 190px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ucbj4s_7kr6sSd8yd8iuj_ursNrOzvDBt3htEw4_snrpUJcBlBQzbqdAWwNyd2pH0-8mmaF6vPznl07OcjhttrK5Ke8IPRqHquHWhaqdafLTlHtvoyQ7PbDknh2M6_4jPtmUZAXjlBM/s320/11-6-2010.gif" border="0" /></a> Okay, so I didn't get around to posting last night:( Sorry, better late than never. So here goes....the story about a bunch of running group girls getting lost in Big Lake! Yes Jamoosh, Big Lake is an actual lake but it is also a town. We were not lost in the big body of water....we were lost in the town. By the way, your comment cracked me up:)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuQUNKfUzmkgpAzzuoWaD9mJ3hlR2VTZDZsJjdL3U1fYIyfsEY8_gh6jTSJ1hBbJAwN_do2QZpkYpICDTl3QagFh-72L03xUEs_0vaMj9RQJx2vtxNP5TNRZUE6VUg8eaRT-2vbUGabo/s1600/DSCN0728.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538077987436019954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 175px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuQUNKfUzmkgpAzzuoWaD9mJ3hlR2VTZDZsJjdL3U1fYIyfsEY8_gh6jTSJ1hBbJAwN_do2QZpkYpICDTl3QagFh-72L03xUEs_0vaMj9RQJx2vtxNP5TNRZUE6VUg8eaRT-2vbUGabo/s320/DSCN0728.JPG" border="0" /></a> Saturday morning I drove about 30 minutes to the town of Big Lake, Minnesota. Valerie is one of my St. Cloud River Runner peeps (Isn't she adorable?) and she was kind enough to host this past Saturday's breakfast run. I made it to her house at about 7:35 AM and planned on getting in on the 8 O'clock run. When I walked into her house she was talking to Paul and Gary who were not running but showed up to chat and get in on the group picture. They were going to go to the state cross country meet to watch my running dad's (Denny's)grandsons run in the state meet. Apparently distance running runs in the family. Denny's grandsons are talented athletes who have had an impressive running season. Val is pictured above...she is taking time off from running due to a femur stress fracture. She ran an amazing Twin Cities marathon in 3:17....super fast PR!! Go Val!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5w21M8TnIl7kfELxpazqN4YBQcGTyqh1ZFsqrQL93CLPqmMKAL1q0slPrsnveY3oSU3H84R9YLnLPHJjNNDACYTbeHi2i4LCMZ-aFtryUznipjCeR9L181o_Ub_pmkEP8nLrz1MDKFY/s1600/DSCN0729.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538077922450280978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5w21M8TnIl7kfELxpazqN4YBQcGTyqh1ZFsqrQL93CLPqmMKAL1q0slPrsnveY3oSU3H84R9YLnLPHJjNNDACYTbeHi2i4LCMZ-aFtryUznipjCeR9L181o_Ub_pmkEP8nLrz1MDKFY/s320/DSCN0729.JPG" border="0" /></a>This is Pat our official photographer:)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRXiJ66SdwJ1e5CC4S3ntk1Vg6zwOuAi7UOfNRerQHTPFsUcdY4MIvlgdt8CE2hraLVVZaObvdvV3CR2geZWGSCM2uTPFMyAQB2Jxe3Y-zvd_et9dGjYWa1bLUPTiDS-IraM67EihCHU/s1600/DSCN0730.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538077861883820914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 269px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRXiJ66SdwJ1e5CC4S3ntk1Vg6zwOuAi7UOfNRerQHTPFsUcdY4MIvlgdt8CE2hraLVVZaObvdvV3CR2geZWGSCM2uTPFMyAQB2Jxe3Y-zvd_et9dGjYWa1bLUPTiDS-IraM67EihCHU/s320/DSCN0730.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is Al...another group runner.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMNXICHlob0WuTzVstzDmddIWflg5ihT2oql1wTNDd9ABWA0MVEnw2O_3yLQDkz05lpl522AwQNI4yaDHmSVTanfhhRvoy3_Q0FprfThmAMEP9-I4XrRzG7c8blJxqCbSpvvpyxG1kXc/s1600/DSCN0731.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538077802908141042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMNXICHlob0WuTzVstzDmddIWflg5ihT2oql1wTNDd9ABWA0MVEnw2O_3yLQDkz05lpl522AwQNI4yaDHmSVTanfhhRvoy3_Q0FprfThmAMEP9-I4XrRzG7c8blJxqCbSpvvpyxG1kXc/s320/DSCN0731.JPG" border="0" /></a> A few of the gang before our run.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDjcl86HGCeCSCu43ryb1wl8KyldriTLcE4ZzJTpZP1xb3eKZLocdq8-heF_PFRRCt3BGcKdA33dBlPpeD6HfmFbdOqLuXiBsYk0s7Jd14nOByLEwG82reJHVa7iRdg_YfjDHbDP-QkY/s1600/DSCN0732.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538077722949416274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDjcl86HGCeCSCu43ryb1wl8KyldriTLcE4ZzJTpZP1xb3eKZLocdq8-heF_PFRRCt3BGcKdA33dBlPpeD6HfmFbdOqLuXiBsYk0s7Jd14nOByLEwG82reJHVa7iRdg_YfjDHbDP-QkY/s320/DSCN0732.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1RvKXmztUAAnqoKtY7XmXFpxliAOIqs422BrRxH0K0CUSErh8ERKwAMC0h7V1e_50QvPCl4YqMddJonVKg-rAnN71LgJvMYHrY-kNGzeaQI2gIqd7ixyZIH8rIHEk92O1gIOQOE3AqE/s1600/DSCN0733.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538077557494026034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1RvKXmztUAAnqoKtY7XmXFpxliAOIqs422BrRxH0K0CUSErh8ERKwAMC0h7V1e_50QvPCl4YqMddJonVKg-rAnN71LgJvMYHrY-kNGzeaQI2gIqd7ixyZIH8rIHEk92O1gIOQOE3AqE/s320/DSCN0733.JPG" border="0" /></a> Linda and Denise:)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZ37Yjk-LLbX4CVYIXq5ObnXgebCUspytorJipVBVk_S66U3sADLErMjkj1f1lzfZP4L-0xIBLPrhKgGFBDcbeAcn77X_guGjI9DRKwzwsVJ6-YNPjUSmJcDZWUEDJeu9Lfs2dbuBxmQ/s1600/DSCN0737.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538077498448098210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZ37Yjk-LLbX4CVYIXq5ObnXgebCUspytorJipVBVk_S66U3sADLErMjkj1f1lzfZP4L-0xIBLPrhKgGFBDcbeAcn77X_guGjI9DRKwzwsVJ6-YNPjUSmJcDZWUEDJeu9Lfs2dbuBxmQ/s320/DSCN0737.JPG" border="0" /></a>Me and Deb:)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_EFOeVOcTj9v-vFYuzE4AdMNifI8h94aQ9PgiRx26mjF45oaiuptpOeovBzIuYYnN9VWZXduWECAVgtpcckWJ5y7LVZ7GAaWtC4RnygREPd7a-PLD5dodcyMrMYm7Y9Lz2-ZgoY-V3JI/s1600/DSCN0738.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538077423787532370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_EFOeVOcTj9v-vFYuzE4AdMNifI8h94aQ9PgiRx26mjF45oaiuptpOeovBzIuYYnN9VWZXduWECAVgtpcckWJ5y7LVZ7GAaWtC4RnygREPd7a-PLD5dodcyMrMYm7Y9Lz2-ZgoY-V3JI/s320/DSCN0738.JPG" border="0" /></a> After taking our group picture we headed off into Val's hood. Val lives basically across from Big Lake in a gorgeous area of the town Big Lake. There were so many charming houses and pretty scenery. We ran for about two miles before breaking into running groups. A few of the runners took a different route due to the miles that were needed for training. Many members of my running group are doing the Outer Banks marathon this weekend and are in taper mode. I was thinking about running an easy four miles. The group was going on a six mile run and I figured two extra miles wasn't going to kill me. When we hit the lake we broke away from a few of the other runners and hit the trail system. Val gave us a little map so all was good:) The trail system was really nice. We ran through areas with houses, ponds, woods and even old farmland.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTh6wStu4RgWZME8Io9b3cfyqN_tFKu6YMvcpZ2BN-Q6_hwcL0S1e5KAhuFI7fIZeN3YmStvSGTSWIa_FXy3luTHpghxu7koLYsemByjbUybIKZ-1e_1tK2ZAuo4rEIvaZyb2R1awe-M/s1600/DSCN0742.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538077350908916082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 269px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTh6wStu4RgWZME8Io9b3cfyqN_tFKu6YMvcpZ2BN-Q6_hwcL0S1e5KAhuFI7fIZeN3YmStvSGTSWIa_FXy3luTHpghxu7koLYsemByjbUybIKZ-1e_1tK2ZAuo4rEIvaZyb2R1awe-M/s320/DSCN0742.JPG" border="0" /></a>This is Cindy, both Cindy and her husband Donnie share the job of presidency for the running club. Cindy is an amazing runner who has super speedy times! I dream of times like hers:) The trail system was full of little trails. There were plenty of opportunities to get on the wrong trail. Somewhere along the line we got messed up! We ran, ran and ran but didn't end up where we were supposed to:) Where and the heck are we? We took out the map and didn't have a clue! The map had several bodies of water....one of them was Big Lake and we were not anywhere close to that. We ran past an old farm and figured something was not right. After running past the old farm we ran up to a highway that was not on the map. Oh crap! Hmm? What way do we go? I am so directionally challenged and have been lost before on a trail run:) Different story for a different day. Let's just say that my daughter Kay was just a little pissed at me for getting us lost and turning our little three miler into a seven miler! So back to this being lost thing.....we decided to run down that highway and then take a right . Surely that road would take us back to Val's.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwtEFjggD9CsdmOAByLRCBRTqJRfYmP5R9UF-cDNnCypWB7lx0uEXQtHPXz1-YohlKOfP3X0GTL-TjX-scIN7TpGf1mS08tLt-CNy7YbjZ4sqtD8nONJBWtiKSQcNitv6vZpdIJdFlvw/s1600/DSCN0743.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538077280731404994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwtEFjggD9CsdmOAByLRCBRTqJRfYmP5R9UF-cDNnCypWB7lx0uEXQtHPXz1-YohlKOfP3X0GTL-TjX-scIN7TpGf1mS08tLt-CNy7YbjZ4sqtD8nONJBWtiKSQcNitv6vZpdIJdFlvw/s320/DSCN0743.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is where we ended up. Hmm, is this on the map? Do you see this road listed on the map...anywhere? Umm....no. Crap! I took this picture of Cathy, Linda, Aneta and Deb:)<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpAdjCWTdW-SKQMpdCMGEAm1iWcmeFey3gy2zyrj5TzQzmbNCnNiHiR4XcVvtdaAJCBV4M4Far1kbgtx4Q-M7XZsMlCCecDBNRl7f7G-1EsyMd3HKK_aMys3ZZe51tZqDn37_LFTNGjY/s1600/DSCN0744.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538077201571176450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpAdjCWTdW-SKQMpdCMGEAm1iWcmeFey3gy2zyrj5TzQzmbNCnNiHiR4XcVvtdaAJCBV4M4Far1kbgtx4Q-M7XZsMlCCecDBNRl7f7G-1EsyMd3HKK_aMys3ZZe51tZqDn37_LFTNGjY/s320/DSCN0744.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here is another picture of the girls comparing both maps. Deb, Cindy, Cathy, Aneta and Linda:) <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOTYnzmTVVbaM6B9hzybLSgbhW3whWWIO2OXltNdZr6sCjVN2BSVTPVC8cDPsBEN721VkAbKjENgfLQGbWjWUDNNQNmyDZYqUYs4GSSwCcu77YJh9V0Vd9R3Ll0DQjiBI0uDZxMAVAgA/s1600/DSCN0745.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538077111271514290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOTYnzmTVVbaM6B9hzybLSgbhW3whWWIO2OXltNdZr6sCjVN2BSVTPVC8cDPsBEN721VkAbKjENgfLQGbWjWUDNNQNmyDZYqUYs4GSSwCcu77YJh9V0Vd9R3Ll0DQjiBI0uDZxMAVAgA/s320/DSCN0745.JPG" border="0" /></a> We stayed on the road that took us into the new development that was shown on that billboard. Look what we found...how cute is this? Cindy and Linda got into the car and took a moment for a photo opportunity:)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0rec7sLxRjUzPxqb4rb7XSHJ2TZ1Dud9435afqQU9yDnDsn9BcsJcIif4cje0uOmI26veRVepsUHigyh6ZoN1vvTsli_hUxJ00-imwEHwONBPafF2CHO7Gxswrqb3QL40jDS9u2GAOU/s1600/DSCN0746.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538077016049964546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0rec7sLxRjUzPxqb4rb7XSHJ2TZ1Dud9435afqQU9yDnDsn9BcsJcIif4cje0uOmI26veRVepsUHigyh6ZoN1vvTsli_hUxJ00-imwEHwONBPafF2CHO7Gxswrqb3QL40jDS9u2GAOU/s320/DSCN0746.JPG" border="0" /></a> Looking good ladies! We contiunued on and ran for a ways and knew that we would have to turn soon. We did see the water tower and got pretty excited! Just follow the water tower. After running a little longer we lost the water tower!?! What the heck! Where did it go? Aneta wanted to turn left and Cindy wanted to turn right. We turned right and ran a little more before deciding to turn into another little neighborhood. I heard someone say, "I didn't know we were going to run a marathon today!" God, I hope not:) Eventually we ran into a nice man walking his dogs and asked for help. He looked at the map and scratched his head. He turned the map several times looking for something that looked familiar to him. Finally he said, "All you have to do is go straight ahead and hook back onto the trail system and that will take you back to Big Lake." Yay!! We were all pretty excited! We got back on the trail system and were back on track! Cathy noticed some interesting art (X-rated) that was painted on the trails and remembered it from before:) We finally made it to Big Lake (actual lake) and ran on the sidewalk next to the lake for a few miles. It was so pretty but very windy.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8L_NDiLQEdmYVkt2TvaZKD3FMq5nnqIF0Kq-m8RBvZ_WcN5bWbQXfJ-AJh-yqOmr57qR5X1M4EAM28iz2sCB5zKy5iFNZtoDI5Aea0GFmc3B7ONHkMB-htJ3wupeIdb6JoCqoZ2gPPFE/s1600/DSCN0747.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538076933043499826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8L_NDiLQEdmYVkt2TvaZKD3FMq5nnqIF0Kq-m8RBvZ_WcN5bWbQXfJ-AJh-yqOmr57qR5X1M4EAM28iz2sCB5zKy5iFNZtoDI5Aea0GFmc3B7ONHkMB-htJ3wupeIdb6JoCqoZ2gPPFE/s320/DSCN0747.JPG" border="0" /></a> Once we saw this I knew that Val's house was just around the lake and to the left! Oh happy day....we made it! After making it back to Val's we enjoyed a nice breakfast:) I showed Val the pictures of our run. She looked at them and said, "Where and the heck were you? " Umm...lost somewhere in Big Lake but so glad to be back! My Garmin showed that we ran just under nine miles. We ran an extra three miles for the morning...not so bad...it could of been worse.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-fAhZVBSxOYZl3PrjFpOvgY5jbg7mHpqFqeIAWomlJGkUntLxLkgDW1xY1Q1p9rUoRBQFk-gt0YpyNjU1_65MDRrlhylSnfGix61FGTsTX4EmTR_q3neP_Al_Rg9oHTMp8kocpyLuYw/s1600/DSCN0749.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538076848282084226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-fAhZVBSxOYZl3PrjFpOvgY5jbg7mHpqFqeIAWomlJGkUntLxLkgDW1xY1Q1p9rUoRBQFk-gt0YpyNjU1_65MDRrlhylSnfGix61FGTsTX4EmTR_q3neP_Al_Rg9oHTMp8kocpyLuYw/s320/DSCN0749.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZU02FXHF-jDhhuDAjouA5vJBL5B77orqVtzoENmIJxwoQiZHJDSrurgkdcqVXbpXCKOPEYOgdCnyOcLSZo_BL7vsiTsXpjWDhVQVUi9XUzJLjmPU6RWhwOLeQc65JpOJjL7MoUoBb4s/s1600/DSCN0750.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538076753399237714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZU02FXHF-jDhhuDAjouA5vJBL5B77orqVtzoENmIJxwoQiZHJDSrurgkdcqVXbpXCKOPEYOgdCnyOcLSZo_BL7vsiTsXpjWDhVQVUi9XUzJLjmPU6RWhwOLeQc65JpOJjL7MoUoBb4s/s320/DSCN0750.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbNoVwEoRr-P4QNg9MDjCs19iGlglfsoETHlYsfK69bAVY39JflPMbQUzdj7ZpunapwAwi8Umrl6EqyKACX9vwWKaTftBXob3Viu2_vr60Mdw__A61L0_gcN7fjEcsXFo7EXQ3dPeWmM/s1600/DSCN0752.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538076673390534770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbNoVwEoRr-P4QNg9MDjCs19iGlglfsoETHlYsfK69bAVY39JflPMbQUzdj7ZpunapwAwi8Umrl6EqyKACX9vwWKaTftBXob3Viu2_vr60Mdw__A61L0_gcN7fjEcsXFo7EXQ3dPeWmM/s320/DSCN0752.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN93eaamIx_PBt1QV801Vd8q_C1rDVes12l0LwIdVNlpRWXfHTGH5ESyG1OG58ZaJTAxxI7YPWW7bgNlXrNInRYYm5NwvMUTb82bDQeeWVwAxdAOuJBuwj2l5skmhB087JgPi7DatGUNE/s1600/DSCN0753.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538076581720983554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN93eaamIx_PBt1QV801Vd8q_C1rDVes12l0LwIdVNlpRWXfHTGH5ESyG1OG58ZaJTAxxI7YPWW7bgNlXrNInRYYm5NwvMUTb82bDQeeWVwAxdAOuJBuwj2l5skmhB087JgPi7DatGUNE/s320/DSCN0753.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPptV9FTXg57feu1zndhYAeq5Zxh6p3SP8v5Ja3fKRtskHqlSZYeX6KOez6RhoU4H8KTpoWh3ymCqr4AEKQ4X_7PA4GytXRKx9943EMED3gIpppwm0yL63JvCzyEdfVF1nRB8ai63CPU/s1600/DSCN0754.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538076503551583122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 294px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPptV9FTXg57feu1zndhYAeq5Zxh6p3SP8v5Ja3fKRtskHqlSZYeX6KOez6RhoU4H8KTpoWh3ymCqr4AEKQ4X_7PA4GytXRKx9943EMED3gIpppwm0yL63JvCzyEdfVF1nRB8ai63CPU/s320/DSCN0754.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is a picture of Amy, she ran with the other group....the group that didn't get lost:)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoc7ixQWv6hYYXKjrZFGPmpGWXd4k-NeB6JokItizAjj8vrvJmtwdpgql6vSdxTi58igwsrthO8MAXkKnQefGslsunsvO_I9c4fs3hlyrxWs-y5KtL0HkUHqpD6dlGd-SAER3geFFiUWU/s1600/DSCN0755.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538076428397936226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 317px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoc7ixQWv6hYYXKjrZFGPmpGWXd4k-NeB6JokItizAjj8vrvJmtwdpgql6vSdxTi58igwsrthO8MAXkKnQefGslsunsvO_I9c4fs3hlyrxWs-y5KtL0HkUHqpD6dlGd-SAER3geFFiUWU/s320/DSCN0755.JPG" border="0" /></a> Aneta:)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLWDnrf4Dg-YdJehd36PGqnuv4_scMY1TyUyQsSJvb0_1Xqmij2MTJlOqJ8vaWQicIYm5qwgXmG6v12ZbCVPE-skXGyjEvFzccl5-Hhuw_Lgqr4BbRpHEQ-kN2hYDQvEKhW2BA7cAFZ0/s1600/DSCN0756.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538076334001853282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLWDnrf4Dg-YdJehd36PGqnuv4_scMY1TyUyQsSJvb0_1Xqmij2MTJlOqJ8vaWQicIYm5qwgXmG6v12ZbCVPE-skXGyjEvFzccl5-Hhuw_Lgqr4BbRpHEQ-kN2hYDQvEKhW2BA7cAFZ0/s320/DSCN0756.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUng91ZvffqwGnyr4p9xhe_2_ZJA_NWIYIuHhcDa_GyjqDvhP9AB8Wv9Ze63emcd7wPMbtTXt5nMF3GLuUGLb-MUMj0F8ShF79L-1ACbx_MuE2-H8bXFWUY-ojn0w0JCgJTYcSSbPnUOk/s1600/DSCN0757.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538076244505469090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUng91ZvffqwGnyr4p9xhe_2_ZJA_NWIYIuHhcDa_GyjqDvhP9AB8Wv9Ze63emcd7wPMbtTXt5nMF3GLuUGLb-MUMj0F8ShF79L-1ACbx_MuE2-H8bXFWUY-ojn0w0JCgJTYcSSbPnUOk/s320/DSCN0757.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Deb and me:) I had a wonderful time with my running group...getting lost was a little adventure! I am so glad that I joined this running group because they are all awesome people, great athletes and wonderful friends. There is always good times, stimulating conversation and plenty of laughs on every breakfast run:) Good luck to everyone running this weekend!! Run fast and have fun! I can't wait to hear all about it:)</div><div></div><div>Happy running, biking, swimming, lifting and surfing! Cheers to you all!</div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://runnergirlsblogspot.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Stacey</span></a> is hosting a SIGVARIS Recovery Socks giveaway!</div><div><a href="http://historianontherun.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Historiadora on the Run</span> </a>is hosting a $60 CSN giftcard giveaway!</div><div><a href="http://teamarcia-runningmouth.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Marcia</span></a> is hosting a SIGVARIS Recovery Socks giveaway! </div><div><a href="http://www.hotlegsrunner.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Julie</span></a> the Hotlegs Runner is hosting a Bondi Band giveaway!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016242849142019105noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245707125371369777.post-69252223329535340162010-11-09T06:33:00.019-06:002010-11-11T13:13:54.773-06:00Thank You Stefano and Giorgio!!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcwUh3Ipqy8xZ3-IW4kuIjAjTVMFEPX1kFOSnj4JwzUX24t2KqOw-2sSrhtOHA_LSCfviJBNggB82l01fnbkoS73SI6QHNuNHc8PdceAG-_a8AKJH397YRTs85Y0YmmgEMt9kre9d1us/s1600/DSCN0760.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537527871332025426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcwUh3Ipqy8xZ3-IW4kuIjAjTVMFEPX1kFOSnj4JwzUX24t2KqOw-2sSrhtOHA_LSCfviJBNggB82l01fnbkoS73SI6QHNuNHc8PdceAG-_a8AKJH397YRTs85Y0YmmgEMt9kre9d1us/s320/DSCN0760.JPG" /></a> Hi everyone! Wow, it has been over a week since my last blog post! I have been crazy busy with life in general. My kids activities keep me going and Kay's homework keeps her on the computer late. Unfortunately, blogging has been put on the back burner again. I try to get a few minutes of blogging in the morning and then again when I get home from work:) Last week I made a trip to the post office to pick up a package from Italy!!! Yay!! I received these amazing running shirts from my dear friends <a href="http://blacknight2.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Giorgio</span></a> and <a href="http://cavnero.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Stefano</span></a><span style="color:#ff0000;">!</span> Thank you so much! I appreciate your kindness. I love them! They have little reflective designs on them, which will be helpful when it gets darker:)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpOCDITCw_3k5-uUZ01vU5zag5T8leW0E5dVTBiAjYMR6eFpmXZPIiquK81OIn3tReGwqmD5TQC6c2nNLZ0xONBb2WoKEvLVisMw8shna9RcftMT79oyB76JaGc4jSpmwNdL80p24stw/s1600/DSCN0761.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537527789274186322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpOCDITCw_3k5-uUZ01vU5zag5T8leW0E5dVTBiAjYMR6eFpmXZPIiquK81OIn3tReGwqmD5TQC6c2nNLZ0xONBb2WoKEvLVisMw8shna9RcftMT79oyB76JaGc4jSpmwNdL80p24stw/s320/DSCN0761.JPG" /></a> Stefano heads up the Black Knight Army running group in Italy. I have been named Lady Julie:) I love it! Giorgio also runs in the Black Knight Army. Both Stefano and Giorgio run in many different races all over Italy. They are so lucky to live in such a beautiful country:) I love reading about all of their running adventures! Many of the races they enter give wine away as part of the swag! Nice:) I started to read Giorgio's blog shortly after I started blogging a little less than a year ago. Shortly after becoming one of Giorgio's followers I found Stefano's blog through Giorgio:) I love finding new friends who live in different countries. I also read blogs from England, France, Holland, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. I love all of these blogs because we all share the same passion for running or have other special connections! At any rate, I feel blessed to have met these wonderful people through blogging! You all know who you are....love you all:)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIHETOt87NqsxeSRqdJxqkcGr5xXbPoK-gVIQI-1rkz04Orrr-95DkfYf7oZcHszUukelP6rXHVGWyUJyVFCb3otAexJFkXEOhxDS_Zroi_MgJxbuFUqfSmpryPSlhzZ_s5c_bR6xTQw/s1600/DSCN0764.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537527663665005202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIHETOt87NqsxeSRqdJxqkcGr5xXbPoK-gVIQI-1rkz04Orrr-95DkfYf7oZcHszUukelP6rXHVGWyUJyVFCb3otAexJFkXEOhxDS_Zroi_MgJxbuFUqfSmpryPSlhzZ_s5c_bR6xTQw/s320/DSCN0764.JPG" /></a> Here I am wearing the lovely yellow shirt from Giorgio. Thank you Giorgio:)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtm3K6-b7wM9iAUkZCFwNyYfFYAw6ce95TG_4bAVqHxqdU3chcxCi8kH0ezw2P2t8lZIGX8nmgJYb-8rDpLCA2jzkLkDvEaaWSSM7H6B_TyBFTevB6rMqPovLbHcImDphveinM4cXF_c/s1600/DSCN0778.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 229px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537527570949887378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtm3K6-b7wM9iAUkZCFwNyYfFYAw6ce95TG_4bAVqHxqdU3chcxCi8kH0ezw2P2t8lZIGX8nmgJYb-8rDpLCA2jzkLkDvEaaWSSM7H6B_TyBFTevB6rMqPovLbHcImDphveinM4cXF_c/s320/DSCN0778.JPG" /></a> This is me wearing the very nice navy blue shirt from Stefano. Thank you Stefano:)</div><div></div><div><br />I went running this weekend with the St. Cloud River Runners and will post later tonight on that. Lets just say we had a little adventure! We ended up getting lost some where in Big Lake! More on that later........</div><div></div><div>Happy running, biking, swimming, lifting and surfing! Cheers to you all!</div><div></div><div><a href="http://teamarcia-runningmouth.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Marcia</span></a> is hosting a SIGVARIS Recovery Socks giveaway!</div><div><a href="http://historianontherun.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Historiadora on the Run</span> </a>is hosting a $60 CSN giftcard giveaway! </div></div></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016242849142019105noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245707125371369777.post-4719219750250370332010-10-30T18:15:00.051-05:002010-11-01T21:14:28.512-05:00The Team Ortho Monster Dash Half Marathon Race Report!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWprZH3xQIucthHGFbXrsk8AHFBUdSgvkGfx_jFD-fxJ3kjFZ4gaMysjeLhu6M1Kbd4ro8IrXmnCCi-i8sTmdUAJMIqHRywrWdpqDJciXfQiQW9-6lsk0uUSzsArTuhjf3aTODc6CYVQ/s1600/DSCN0679.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533985788275907586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWprZH3xQIucthHGFbXrsk8AHFBUdSgvkGfx_jFD-fxJ3kjFZ4gaMysjeLhu6M1Kbd4ro8IrXmnCCi-i8sTmdUAJMIqHRywrWdpqDJciXfQiQW9-6lsk0uUSzsArTuhjf3aTODc6CYVQ/s320/DSCN0679.JPG" /></a> This morning I ran in the Team Ortho Monster Dash half marathon. I woke up at 5AM to get ready and then drove into Minneapolis to the Lake Nokomis start.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHw0hFgoK_RIaK1X0SHSHn_auLnJdw88IZ_6NDOquLgGSNOURgbRQHfEm3UNC63uLURXa_u74QxUv-swgkpMbjyuUN8XeYbkdREBaymWcz0zHIhj0IhmuXB0uPpXleXPS-RR8ts8vfAR4/s1600/DSCN0683.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 203px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533985691331913650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHw0hFgoK_RIaK1X0SHSHn_auLnJdw88IZ_6NDOquLgGSNOURgbRQHfEm3UNC63uLURXa_u74QxUv-swgkpMbjyuUN8XeYbkdREBaymWcz0zHIhj0IhmuXB0uPpXleXPS-RR8ts8vfAR4/s320/DSCN0683.JPG" /></a> I scored a parking spot right across from where the bag drop area was located.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbV-Z_SUaaHy_NnTSnEBeobTNBKw5H5zEMaMfIGwxR6opg-hriuFtECKIfMFDq5apoOXdarwnfqaBStBHuYAuRW2rGQUxGXLQ4eY5Ww_iuGCm4M3TxnVZL8gB3AeAJnevmibPDAaYuO0/s1600/DSCN0687.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 181px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533985455102001394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbV-Z_SUaaHy_NnTSnEBeobTNBKw5H5zEMaMfIGwxR6opg-hriuFtECKIfMFDq5apoOXdarwnfqaBStBHuYAuRW2rGQUxGXLQ4eY5Ww_iuGCm4M3TxnVZL8gB3AeAJnevmibPDAaYuO0/s320/DSCN0687.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-rNnNaYhak8cF6GOnhCpIAEog8HH9s_7eKgRrHfI2JoIMVpawnRiK4TfQ4dsoIASG1e3NQRENL-OxVEsT5bP3GMTyNX00aoMq8jAjW1xRCl5MV8gaplkAO4jzBEuLoZp2czAIwxs_0Bk/s1600/DSCN0689.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 218px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533985366219275890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-rNnNaYhak8cF6GOnhCpIAEog8HH9s_7eKgRrHfI2JoIMVpawnRiK4TfQ4dsoIASG1e3NQRENL-OxVEsT5bP3GMTyNX00aoMq8jAjW1xRCl5MV8gaplkAO4jzBEuLoZp2czAIwxs_0Bk/s320/DSCN0689.JPG" /></a> I walked up to the start line about 20 minutes before the actual start to see if I could see another Minnesota blogger who would be starting with the speedy front runners. No luck, Gregg, hopefully I will see you at another future race:) I wasn't sure how today's race was going to go considering last weekend's training run was a big fail. I knew it would not be a PR day but hoped for the best.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIP5hAckRPy3Fnw6YbqJyWEi4r8ZDnJBUBL29gN6OaLxGo2S0dS4JZ_LG1rU1JMkGyUQpDagL_4iE5TtSJbkzhf4Rwp4A00CgzoRHMPIG1wmpTE4i3lpxEo-JcQCXFYJ_-lzIIsyxyxo8/s1600/DSCN0691.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533985271631297474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIP5hAckRPy3Fnw6YbqJyWEi4r8ZDnJBUBL29gN6OaLxGo2S0dS4JZ_LG1rU1JMkGyUQpDagL_4iE5TtSJbkzhf4Rwp4A00CgzoRHMPIG1wmpTE4i3lpxEo-JcQCXFYJ_-lzIIsyxyxo8/s320/DSCN0691.JPG" /></a> I lined myself up with the 1:55 pacer Tim. I figured that I would try to stay with him as long as possible and then fall back and run with the 2 hour pacer if I needed. Eventually after a few minutes the race started. Within the first few minutes I had the same girl step on the back of my shoes three times. I know that I have accidentally done this to another runner too. I did not do it three times. I was a little annoyed and ended up speeding a little ahead of the pacer to avoid getting hit again. I think she wanted to be right next to Tim:)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_f1cvJkrttxctLZ1mOu1bG8MAs0qdstL3lxs843G2YiCGaKcrt0kLNluJED1zF4zHsduu5q8uezDrXV1-M5vNw5GvnyfFwMhRLkXpWzGhNMb7Ye6OcrUijPn045HVXkFYN46-6dwcXRg/s1600/DSCN0692.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533985185203387586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_f1cvJkrttxctLZ1mOu1bG8MAs0qdstL3lxs843G2YiCGaKcrt0kLNluJED1zF4zHsduu5q8uezDrXV1-M5vNw5GvnyfFwMhRLkXpWzGhNMb7Ye6OcrUijPn045HVXkFYN46-6dwcXRg/s320/DSCN0692.JPG" /></a> I felt okay the first four or five miles. I didn't feel fantastic and I would never say that I was in my groove. I was moving and not in pain:)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFsx6390cIQgO1zUHLeOMGwxmQljGEe48hYx3V7TbKQ2ixNM72sXNdEX7NTKKBQn7XCNOgEO9Hv0x5-TeVvzOT54spYU_YveDOpjuDO7mnWhdp0gLKgxO7Qf6cnKZL-ZO6ZjlSX8L-CU/s1600/DSCN0693.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533985084533924226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFsx6390cIQgO1zUHLeOMGwxmQljGEe48hYx3V7TbKQ2ixNM72sXNdEX7NTKKBQn7XCNOgEO9Hv0x5-TeVvzOT54spYU_YveDOpjuDO7mnWhdp0gLKgxO7Qf6cnKZL-ZO6ZjlSX8L-CU/s320/DSCN0693.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCL7YuIeL8IkD09WdYQ0oL8lu4Aso52RvnOdmCbGPRNTigvw0FktLmZYeSscfMpeZrnbullE56DrpSeWRaKvfxmD1Jjz6jOl3EODqLOl85yFsw2aORdO9jlSvbmq8UETJZ3x9bfxcByHc/s1600/DSCN0694.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533984956678712914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCL7YuIeL8IkD09WdYQ0oL8lu4Aso52RvnOdmCbGPRNTigvw0FktLmZYeSscfMpeZrnbullE56DrpSeWRaKvfxmD1Jjz6jOl3EODqLOl85yFsw2aORdO9jlSvbmq8UETJZ3x9bfxcByHc/s320/DSCN0694.JPG" /></a> After I hit mile six I was feeling that yucky feeling again. It wasn't as bad as last weekend but I could tell that I would need to slow down. I walked through a water stop and lost my pacer and pace group. I stayed a little behind them for about a mile.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0E77G0kLEKnxBZkeqYdaUxl8rNf4XA31Y0PdheDYHiNgyUji7_nSwnx-Gx7pSNGppF53CmalyZPHA9QJr2SIgpdC9bEagq-CDgipK04OpcJOm6jJLG_B4UEhmw8PV4Ei9LJEyfZDfpNY/s1600/DSCN0696.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533984840627471202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0E77G0kLEKnxBZkeqYdaUxl8rNf4XA31Y0PdheDYHiNgyUji7_nSwnx-Gx7pSNGppF53CmalyZPHA9QJr2SIgpdC9bEagq-CDgipK04OpcJOm6jJLG_B4UEhmw8PV4Ei9LJEyfZDfpNY/s320/DSCN0696.JPG" /></a> The course was very scenic and I tried to stay focused on the gorgeous views and my fellow runners. Many runners dressed in costumes:) I was very impressed with many people's creativity! I found myself laughing several times! My favorite costume hands down was a pregnant guy wearing a pink dress and blond wig! He adjusted his tummy and wig many times. Great humor! I don't know how anyone was able to run in a wig for the entire 13 miles. Wearing a wig would of drove me bonkers!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6cLVCzB6KxybcGGPzOxVUPHFgZvCkH8F0wUOjpf-ilQ8waIjolsajlPvfPH9qtXsv3xVTLqlaB8lr9HxvMfhKPW5_cvW_QT79AJQ2B6E6YzrHUhqZRccHSjv0Qni18a3eM0rnoOUqqg/s1600/DSCN0698.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533984723933653218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6cLVCzB6KxybcGGPzOxVUPHFgZvCkH8F0wUOjpf-ilQ8waIjolsajlPvfPH9qtXsv3xVTLqlaB8lr9HxvMfhKPW5_cvW_QT79AJQ2B6E6YzrHUhqZRccHSjv0Qni18a3eM0rnoOUqqg/s320/DSCN0698.JPG" /></a> Mile seven was a rough one for me. There was a pretty long and challenging hill that kicked my butt. I was sucking some big time air! Shortly after getting over this hill a very nice woman was running past me and asked me if I was Julie. I said, "Yes, I am Julie." She told me that she reads my blog. I asked her how she found it and she told me that she found it through <a href="http://ramblinrenee.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Rambling</span> <span style="color:#ff0000;">Renee's blog</span></a>:) Renee is a fellow St. Cloud River Runner who lives in Rochester. She is an amazing runner and has been a PR machine! Renee has been nursing a toe injury but is getting back in the groove! I am always so flattered when people recognize me from reading my blog. It also amazes me how many non-bloggers read it. Shortly after this nice woman Katy ran by me and wished me good luck, I started to struggle and feel the mental pain.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1QgYB_TRaq_Pm7JNbDm16K-9ZxF__e_S2Cqnvo02wEVYhD4SQaioUTKmRAvSnlh1vhjU85byM4rNOmzxArXrb1edMUwd5XTGEFqSgRh5xt2o0hQ70Skz2eUXj_nEmwIVN6mM28nDXb8/s1600/DSCN0700.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533984624881069442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1QgYB_TRaq_Pm7JNbDm16K-9ZxF__e_S2Cqnvo02wEVYhD4SQaioUTKmRAvSnlh1vhjU85byM4rNOmzxArXrb1edMUwd5XTGEFqSgRh5xt2o0hQ70Skz2eUXj_nEmwIVN6mM28nDXb8/s320/DSCN0700.JPG" /></a> I took a very short 30 second walk break. I was feeling low on energy agian and honestly started to wonder if I would be able to finish. WTH! Really? I was feeling so down in the dumps that I was thinking about not finishing! I started to think about what my running dad Denny told me. He told me that when we struggle it is mostly mental and that we have to know that other people/runners are tired too. We have to tough it out and continue on:) I talked to Denny last weekend and we spoke about my marathon and those last 6 horrid miles. He told me that next time I run a marathon I will shorten my time by not walking as much and dealing with the mental challenges that come my way. He also mentioned to me that I better train more and get my long runs in:) He he! Isn't that just like a dad? Well, after thinking about this coversation I started running again.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOT76pYhkfAJ6s_6qCL8-zEPkzRdICq88zyknjIoVKUWhr2H0plolbOT-iq6YvlLwal8iy7Vwk61H9RbxFlpqr7qACh5TCwrlLCKK5EvKEw-08liw5sd3cRv28ovDnwTjmA2lQrwK2u5Y/s1600/DSCN0701.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533984521389368610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOT76pYhkfAJ6s_6qCL8-zEPkzRdICq88zyknjIoVKUWhr2H0plolbOT-iq6YvlLwal8iy7Vwk61H9RbxFlpqr7qACh5TCwrlLCKK5EvKEw-08liw5sd3cRv28ovDnwTjmA2lQrwK2u5Y/s320/DSCN0701.JPG" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6S-jNjdLaYLcNbDuwfsXfbLC_AkgVgfm1UHobrMs7j0_XzuSeFuL3rmdIPdJ9ynrWLI52fwc0UIcdR72GSr__jvLthz7N4El9QwDTfuVQ-DipVwMUz2hN5o7YSS_KGiyqVQJhS6tjkI/s1600/DSCN0702.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 202px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533984423732639362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6S-jNjdLaYLcNbDuwfsXfbLC_AkgVgfm1UHobrMs7j0_XzuSeFuL3rmdIPdJ9ynrWLI52fwc0UIcdR72GSr__jvLthz7N4El9QwDTfuVQ-DipVwMUz2hN5o7YSS_KGiyqVQJhS6tjkI/s320/DSCN0702.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibtfIVEc3kQAJOrnnqOT1SXVTydIgQYfWFdhHCwKx44nICrjB9KmIXxsN8OjjYuFUhTObe5JXELfN96QMu7lpp1bicaZwBgsiK-Ghk6Fb0tjSo4OD2BrkUpB-KVZ3y_KotJQ9kx5m7CQ/s1600/DSCN0703.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533984327759746482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibtfIVEc3kQAJOrnnqOT1SXVTydIgQYfWFdhHCwKx44nICrjB9KmIXxsN8OjjYuFUhTObe5JXELfN96QMu7lpp1bicaZwBgsiK-Ghk6Fb0tjSo4OD2BrkUpB-KVZ3y_KotJQ9kx5m7CQ/s320/DSCN0703.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxYDMPo7TG849LxD1i_qrh6rHF9eaTuTNan1kfYR2SUgpEWSz_O_EPCEnhtakPqVEMbVKpKOsSoqZ5F-1FdAc6xR_2MilucfHr9BD8pAxUagoiv_XQvL3Wf3wo7IO-ctW9cidkDQAa2w/s1600/DSCN0704.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533984207595524354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxYDMPo7TG849LxD1i_qrh6rHF9eaTuTNan1kfYR2SUgpEWSz_O_EPCEnhtakPqVEMbVKpKOsSoqZ5F-1FdAc6xR_2MilucfHr9BD8pAxUagoiv_XQvL3Wf3wo7IO-ctW9cidkDQAa2w/s320/DSCN0704.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXj1-7qKdD5duyBC776UPQ0mP7jUsIKDU4BA1MORkimYiJwNPiUf6ctBAvc60imdjp2-jIVvKXRtFlokzc4smftny_Y2EOZNzL6pa5FIBnaruLP8soynOHlhAp7KXIDxLTdsu2PYrzNQ/s1600/DSCN0705.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533984083606421410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXj1-7qKdD5duyBC776UPQ0mP7jUsIKDU4BA1MORkimYiJwNPiUf6ctBAvc60imdjp2-jIVvKXRtFlokzc4smftny_Y2EOZNzL6pa5FIBnaruLP8soynOHlhAp7KXIDxLTdsu2PYrzNQ/s320/DSCN0705.JPG" /></a>These guys were awesome! I told them I liked their costumes and they told me never again!! It was hard to run in those bad boys:)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VSnJBjRvajpNW4Whr1-yz-LF7-1rttYJhNyBL69fNYaxXucKAtnpiXCkwQoyyxQPn8XAzIO0cmLnjV49X3pRkkU8PjOo7aEgp2dQ7ayANcU-4RP0ouGjszK_4Dtev1tCG6eS-ZGp6xA/s1600/DSCN0706.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533983980321043234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VSnJBjRvajpNW4Whr1-yz-LF7-1rttYJhNyBL69fNYaxXucKAtnpiXCkwQoyyxQPn8XAzIO0cmLnjV49X3pRkkU8PjOo7aEgp2dQ7ayANcU-4RP0ouGjszK_4Dtev1tCG6eS-ZGp6xA/s320/DSCN0706.JPG" /></a> The last few miles were hard and I kept running. The 2 hour pacer never passed me...woo hoo! I finished but not in 1:55. Finishing is winning...right Jill! After I crossed the finish line I got my metal and got in line to get water. When I was waiting in line <a href="http://runningmyownrace.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Beth</span></a> came up to me and said hi! I was so excited to see her! We met at my very first half marathon. We both ran in the St. Paul Securian Half:)<br /><div><a href="http://runningmyownrace.com/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533983864834797298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6Ks58mHpBwbmqOOat0Q2VNMOne5604IbvnG5VW5EGq66J3z1Hj9uFNYI8gWEspEDaBbbInHw0xOd1CDh2njzmlVCgq6PXuMyZ2nF1hvRH_ASnnpsZy-j2d4rjKpoLkD8K6ZApPV7GVs/s320/DSCN0708.JPG" /><span style="color:#ff0000;"> Beth</span> </a>was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and had a double mastectomy at the end of September. This is something that she has posted in her blog. She is doing great and looks fantastic:) Both Beth and her husband Mike are the nicest people and I feel so fortunate to have met them. I am in awe of Beth's courage and strength! She was given the okay from her doctor to run and ran in the Monster 5K today! Go Beth!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61VdM8CdDyQhl3jsyDo4hp3akVHxPX4YrkQolecVmudPOrcTbLsHzOP7mkDl5hyphenhyphenYaKMDgtm1gC2fd4EP3jiXJl6rd3gB0aNWe-AodvdvUeZSi4iY5lmpZN1QvKGVN6JxCIExquq4lG6c/s1600/DSCN0709.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533983679238275394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61VdM8CdDyQhl3jsyDo4hp3akVHxPX4YrkQolecVmudPOrcTbLsHzOP7mkDl5hyphenhyphenYaKMDgtm1gC2fd4EP3jiXJl6rd3gB0aNWe-AodvdvUeZSi4iY5lmpZN1QvKGVN6JxCIExquq4lG6c/s320/DSCN0709.JPG" /></a> After talking to Beth I went to the bag pick-up. I then walked around for a bit and took a few pictures. I was bummed that I didn't see Minnesota bloggers <a href="http://heathersjunkmiles.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Heather</span></a> and <a href="http://runningwithjulie.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Julie</span></a>:(<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3f-M9eRpvpQHCSaBo2DtubUs9bMdEjPJSTkA_Drco0VCk0sPYHAw6BDaCluKgnB6ep-phqyd_egqssGtu4-Ay0uhoCv9SgY38rmoNE7vvU9WRNjspnIsgSeWR3oJgKJMkd3oDsJ8tuc/s1600/DSCN0711.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533983452153665986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3f-M9eRpvpQHCSaBo2DtubUs9bMdEjPJSTkA_Drco0VCk0sPYHAw6BDaCluKgnB6ep-phqyd_egqssGtu4-Ay0uhoCv9SgY38rmoNE7vvU9WRNjspnIsgSeWR3oJgKJMkd3oDsJ8tuc/s320/DSCN0711.JPG" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzc6MPF4QKFNMsysSY5lnlu2E2HhDnCR3qLOHAIiIu4-qd91EhvVNluWk03XjJgGsJo3bFEGfVgEY46UQE1-V6vnGvBqLjS0RxMt3BduiBjzGYsb4op9kjcD0xDqf1hUqHFzp93BXxhVE/s1600/DSCN0713.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 192px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533983312111494130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzc6MPF4QKFNMsysSY5lnlu2E2HhDnCR3qLOHAIiIu4-qd91EhvVNluWk03XjJgGsJo3bFEGfVgEY46UQE1-V6vnGvBqLjS0RxMt3BduiBjzGYsb4op9kjcD0xDqf1hUqHFzp93BXxhVE/s320/DSCN0713.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyYv2Ad7b9bAsBC4A7Vl0f9zp5XrfIAKOLYmmzNsCimcRRM5GHsYsdEBL_bpez5Z2fgJ-iAxzgLrS5y_w4kNWg16lTs4LtVhGTebIjjLZ26aAZVDUfIc2bx7NGoftbKZ892SLt66sgeU/s1600/DSCN0714.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533983222029212082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyYv2Ad7b9bAsBC4A7Vl0f9zp5XrfIAKOLYmmzNsCimcRRM5GHsYsdEBL_bpez5Z2fgJ-iAxzgLrS5y_w4kNWg16lTs4LtVhGTebIjjLZ26aAZVDUfIc2bx7NGoftbKZ892SLt66sgeU/s320/DSCN0714.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OhioUu-IcIW3fyo2LDdoSrMCNg4Cc2fA-f2WvH-iTRZXqf2S6ZLdZMOylN3zJDU5YqQ1xZDYKd8WbeGhNjzUc_bXrGW6kqmZlxM08w38kDuTKDku5Dv99-1qT0HAyVpB-D40qCMcUXk/s1600/DSCN0717.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533983000967782066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OhioUu-IcIW3fyo2LDdoSrMCNg4Cc2fA-f2WvH-iTRZXqf2S6ZLdZMOylN3zJDU5YqQ1xZDYKd8WbeGhNjzUc_bXrGW6kqmZlxM08w38kDuTKDku5Dv99-1qT0HAyVpB-D40qCMcUXk/s320/DSCN0717.JPG" /></a>Oh, and one thing that I would like to mention is that I am using this race as my virtual <span style="color:#ffcccc;"><span style="color:#ff99ff;">Pink</span> </span><span style="color:#ff99ff;">Dress Run</span> hosted by my blogger friend<a href="http://www.dutchgirlgetshealthy.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;"> Fran</span></a>. October is breast cancer awareness month.....what a better way to show support than by sporting <span style="color:#ff99ff;">pink</span>! The only rule was to wear <span style="color:#ff99ff;">pink</span> and choose your distance. So I wore a <span style="color:#ff99ff;">pink</span> shirt and a weird version of <span style="color:#ff99ff;">pink</span> sweat shirt:) Fran is from Holland and lives close to Amsterdam. She and I have the same obsession with high heel shoes and perfume:) Stop by her blog and say hi!<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_q3PIeKG1prIv-CEg03LaMCbkzV52pl1btlmkdv1HSraAQCJv4fJTRcVxfSMrxMzNfLBR0cwm7R8LK6HDU_z647pwhzbcjQqbrosbIEN5XEUB22p-EbiKAfb-FpnoOE1oE4v8oKJYk7A/s1600/DSCN0719.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 253px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533982670558974770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_q3PIeKG1prIv-CEg03LaMCbkzV52pl1btlmkdv1HSraAQCJv4fJTRcVxfSMrxMzNfLBR0cwm7R8LK6HDU_z647pwhzbcjQqbrosbIEN5XEUB22p-EbiKAfb-FpnoOE1oE4v8oKJYk7A/s320/DSCN0719.JPG" /></a> Here are just a few random pictures of runners in their costumes.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSeF4rl8oKtokIoypkmt_R1aXstBDN1AMeODgIcJqsRN851Ert0Bhdvh1LisDdoS-I3E61tbmv6rHqi0ilhpIdOoer5WnQsylLmhkex104gMHG_vVro_9dlh6nbLq3BSTc29U26NoCow/s1600/DSCN0720.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 292px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533982569709008530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSeF4rl8oKtokIoypkmt_R1aXstBDN1AMeODgIcJqsRN851Ert0Bhdvh1LisDdoS-I3E61tbmv6rHqi0ilhpIdOoer5WnQsylLmhkex104gMHG_vVro_9dlh6nbLq3BSTc29U26NoCow/s320/DSCN0720.JPG" /></a> I love this!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlg5DrvckEV6bJ1S993MUM_wFMHb2vErUlTgnzKEIfSs3Oup_Yg-SwEB2uYzeRvmBJtt0klXJ0DiX5xHFVnOYjovXBuSp1NWkOD3hFajL9tPykV3UXZw2M2nD7k4w5YSmDecfqsJDa0E/s1600/DSCN0721.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533982473484497346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlg5DrvckEV6bJ1S993MUM_wFMHb2vErUlTgnzKEIfSs3Oup_Yg-SwEB2uYzeRvmBJtt0klXJ0DiX5xHFVnOYjovXBuSp1NWkOD3hFajL9tPykV3UXZw2M2nD7k4w5YSmDecfqsJDa0E/s320/DSCN0721.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9loqdYBQWj-seis5_o4IHmbvv36q6QWKoj5CHX6NaaBy364bsdATbJetaqxC4fXXsySX2U2qbKQgh-Oj6fuiwTIEcOsEDlOaPMqTwika5_Yki9b6uuUDRJJkWXrqu2GvIGxhb1lMesh0/s1600/DSCN0722.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 192px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533982354179457154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9loqdYBQWj-seis5_o4IHmbvv36q6QWKoj5CHX6NaaBy364bsdATbJetaqxC4fXXsySX2U2qbKQgh-Oj6fuiwTIEcOsEDlOaPMqTwika5_Yki9b6uuUDRJJkWXrqu2GvIGxhb1lMesh0/s320/DSCN0722.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSave0CVRTPBaJCiYOK6kyx9EON819fuMWEFvLGbz5bkpXuZW94JPRZhVNReakfSj06rCSd4hIbM6D-T8DeOsZZ3PGnrFHp-zykebsWVAn57-sjHnNgdUhIjuv2EXVEPTuCQNHcJ3WxFw/s1600/DSCN0723.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533982271630324210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSave0CVRTPBaJCiYOK6kyx9EON819fuMWEFvLGbz5bkpXuZW94JPRZhVNReakfSj06rCSd4hIbM6D-T8DeOsZZ3PGnrFHp-zykebsWVAn57-sjHnNgdUhIjuv2EXVEPTuCQNHcJ3WxFw/s320/DSCN0723.JPG" /></a> Okay, check out this line! I got in line for the shuttle bus at 11 AM. There must be some mistake! Seriously, there is no way that this is really the line.....it wasn't moving! If you enlarge this picture you can see that the line turns left and continues up the block and then some!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIg6p3VDxRgLTRprAbwNGzTlCH9SpydmXqzcL-bKZITQcdemuqgJq_gakX9Rp59gMQaH1Je51Nq9thoSzMqdL1h2tj6VwZwP8YDf-cako8YViH5B2BLzusLL-CoFr-j5lN_bNiKO5-d0/s1600/DSCN0724.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533982162481382146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIg6p3VDxRgLTRprAbwNGzTlCH9SpydmXqzcL-bKZITQcdemuqgJq_gakX9Rp59gMQaH1Je51Nq9thoSzMqdL1h2tj6VwZwP8YDf-cako8YViH5B2BLzusLL-CoFr-j5lN_bNiKO5-d0/s320/DSCN0724.JPG" /></a>Still waiting and taking more pictures. I waited in line for almost two hours! We found out that there were only two buses!!!!! We were all so cranky and cold after waiting for that ridiculous amount of time! Finally...a bus!! Oh crap it is not my bus! Wait a little more....<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyd1TsPBRqWPTiIi5SmldsNZe6k5phuCAOtFk_nC-MpRuj1FJN68mS1P9ilvgXZTSN4HVa2AYjl26MxzaEzjgdeYBFnbQQrhTaWtfUQJpKbw3IxwurjgkYlg5W1wXkD_HbuGGFlvCfqNI/s1600/DSCN0725.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533982080500093794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyd1TsPBRqWPTiIi5SmldsNZe6k5phuCAOtFk_nC-MpRuj1FJN68mS1P9ilvgXZTSN4HVa2AYjl26MxzaEzjgdeYBFnbQQrhTaWtfUQJpKbw3IxwurjgkYlg5W1wXkD_HbuGGFlvCfqNI/s320/DSCN0725.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK5qYbj5B_U9YcBqGfyYo1doHOlCefucOo4JUHpcTdr8VrHkXdARS4MpOVGQRTRpljmJB4dliGnOBTnmHP8-J-AE7mrKZ-6zQzMmO5suMaW0O3kwl6ReBzW9yB8YMwxD07aitryC1N_lY/s1600/DSCN0726.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533981975246639570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK5qYbj5B_U9YcBqGfyYo1doHOlCefucOo4JUHpcTdr8VrHkXdARS4MpOVGQRTRpljmJB4dliGnOBTnmHP8-J-AE7mrKZ-6zQzMmO5suMaW0O3kwl6ReBzW9yB8YMwxD07aitryC1N_lY/s320/DSCN0726.JPG" /></a> These are the people behind me. Can you believe this? Many smart people had cell phones and were able to call taxi cabs. I was not one of those smart people:)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh323syORFswVjvOWJGgbc_CeXFVmGAI6DhkaYlv_l4-Hd63xn1c1zDYoOYHOhj79VoyEm-ch0tarveoU81wIv02AruSTCgc7-uhjS9y7Xv6EKjuHhUg_6-uJkoGoMvQ6YylUK9EBQ4hvw/s1600/DSCN0727.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533981875092565378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh323syORFswVjvOWJGgbc_CeXFVmGAI6DhkaYlv_l4-Hd63xn1c1zDYoOYHOhj79VoyEm-ch0tarveoU81wIv02AruSTCgc7-uhjS9y7Xv6EKjuHhUg_6-uJkoGoMvQ6YylUK9EBQ4hvw/s320/DSCN0727.JPG" /></a> Woo hoo, this is my bus:) I finally made it home by 2:30. I stopped at Chipotle in Maple Grove for a post race meal! There is nothing like a little Chipotle after a longer run:)</div><div></div><div>I checked my final stats....</div><div></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">Final time..... 1:58:49.</span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">I placed 1481 out of 3563 total runners.</span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">I placed 636 out of 2122 female runners.</span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">I placed 86 out of 282 for my age group. </span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">Happy running, biking, swimming and lifting! Cheers to you all! </span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016242849142019105noreply@blogger.com79tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245707125371369777.post-7389461844656908552010-10-26T06:55:00.006-05:002010-10-27T11:53:48.612-05:00Still Recovering!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5lajyfYhPk4x-t79Jx2aXgenzHeO8bM2QqgiqSW7XuXi_jDztX76lTJ0CcuO9Da092jqbwwkqHAfOcI2pbqtZ9ubSF42ou9Xj6Fh7reANEtNBh1t5zgG5Y6Q5_A4EItpXSaWx5VBzY4/s1600/10-23-2010.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 168px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532322267398993234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5lajyfYhPk4x-t79Jx2aXgenzHeO8bM2QqgiqSW7XuXi_jDztX76lTJ0CcuO9Da092jqbwwkqHAfOcI2pbqtZ9ubSF42ou9Xj6Fh7reANEtNBh1t5zgG5Y6Q5_A4EItpXSaWx5VBzY4/s320/10-23-2010.gif" /></a>Hi everyone! I am playing a little catch up from the weekend. Saturday I drove into St. Cloud to run with my running group. I was really looking forward to it because it had been such a long time since I had ran with them. My plan was to run eight miles. I thought that I could break it up by running four before our 8 o'clock picture and then going out again and running another four. I pulled into the parking lot at 6:45 AM and spotted Deb and Paul. Deb asked me if I would be ready to go soon. I put on my visor, locked my car and was ready to roll! Deb and Paul are training for a marathon and it was their 20 mile day. This seemed perfect to me because I wanted to go at a slower pace. We started running and I knew it wasn't going to be a great run for me. I felt like total crap! I know that it takes time to recover from a marathon but I honestly thought I would be back to normal by now. Part of my problem was that I needed to use the bathroom and there was none. We ran by a grocery store and I was so tempted to make a pit-stop....I didn't want to make them stop so I continued on. Big mistake! The farther we went the worse I felt. My legs are feeling strong and I had no issues with them but I started to get that icky feeling again. It reminds me of when I ran Grandma's and the Team Ortho half. My stomach was messing with me and I hurt. Deb was chatting as usual:) I was not talking as much as I normally would because I was attempting to just big girl up and run through the yuck! The loop that we ran was seven miles....the longest seven miles I have run in a long time. I really needed to use a bathroom and so many times felt the urge to stop and walk. Well, that never happened because I toughed it out. We had less than a mile left when we stopped at a Perkin's to use the bathroom! Oh happy day! The joy of a bathroom:) We ran back to the Meeting Grounds for the group picture. I knew that my next run was not going to be long. Most people were planning on doing another seven to four. I started running again and felt no better. My plan was to turn around at the mile mark and make my way back. Yep, after mile one I turned around and slowly headed back to the parking lot. I was so done! I ran a total of nine miles on Saturday.<br /><br />I went home and felt terrible the entire day. Seriously, I had been doing so good! I have had no real GI issues since July. I don't know, I feel like my body is telling me to slow down again! WTH! I have a half marathon on Saturday and I don't know how that is going to turn out! It could get ugly! I wil just have to play it my ear and see how I feel!<br /><br />How long does it take to recover from a marathon? I am just a little frustrated and want my great running days back!<br /><br />Happy running, biking, swimming and lifting! Cheers to you all!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016242849142019105noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245707125371369777.post-19014715655325224742010-10-20T20:56:00.014-05:002010-10-21T18:42:35.619-05:00What I Have To Look Forward To....Fall And Winter Racing Schedule!I am back. We did get a new computer....woo hoo! We ended up getting another PC with the understanding that I would get a MAC...possibly for Christmas:) This whole having one computer thing is getting old. It is hard when there are three people in the family who would all like dibs on the internet for different reasons.<br /><br />* As far as the running goes I have been taking it easy. This week I have had a four mile and six mile run. My legs feel great but my energy level is not back to 100%.<br /><br />* Today was my day off and I went in a had my hair done. I am a happy girl:)<br /><br />* Kay's cross country season is offically over. She had a great year and improved so much. She now currently has two fall b-ball leagues going on. Her high school try-outs are in November.<br /><br />* This Saturday I am heading into St. Cloud to run with my running group! It has been at least two months since I have run with them. I am looking forward to a Saturday breakfast run with my St. Cloud River Runner peeps:)<br /><br />* I have been putting my fall and winter racing schedule together. So far it looks like this.....<br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">The Monster Dash Half...10-30-10</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">The Anoka Jingle Bell Run 5K 11-28-10</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">The Snow Flake Shuffle 5K 12-11-10</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">The Polar Dash 10K 01-01-11</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">The St. Paul Securian Half 01-23-11</span><br /><br />I am hoping to catch up on blogs and see what everyone has been up to:) I have read a few amazing race reports! Congrats to all of you who ran like the wind:) Congrats to Slomo, Glenn, Johann, Judi, Adam, Aimee, Marcia, Anna Maria, The Boy Scout, Rad Runner, Lam, Anita, Nickie, Kate, P, Angie, Julie, Kellie, Henniemavis, Running Fox and Brett! I know that I am forgetting some runners. If I remember more I will come back and add to my list:)<br /><br />Happy running, biking, swimming and lifting! Cheers to you all!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016242849142019105noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245707125371369777.post-57413142446564493872010-10-17T12:56:00.003-05:002010-10-17T13:02:22.355-05:00Rest In Peace Personal Computer!Hi Everyone! Just a quick post to let you all know that our computer has seen better days! We have been having issues with it for months. I am sitting at our library right now writing this post:) We are shopping for a new computer and it might be a few days until we make a final decision. I would love to go and get one right now but my hubby is one of those guys who needs to research everything:) Hopefully I will be able to post and comment in a few days. Until then, happy running, biking, swimming and lifting! Cheers to you all!Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016242849142019105noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245707125371369777.post-5872852666406585602010-10-09T19:15:00.022-05:002010-10-11T13:24:28.665-05:00The Autumn Woods Classic 5K Trail Run Race Report!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-ash6Bj2q-HfN9mUdC1TEGNX60XmHV8tDFumnWtcvASDdmeQSHAVBu6mjoJ2tQMNzJsO511UZHq6Vweai7ST7anHty9nKr-p7ugdEvrjJrYjeyPEQWeVK5sxVlaV_-JxG3rWl6r97sE/s1600/DSCN0654.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526207644939567778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-ash6Bj2q-HfN9mUdC1TEGNX60XmHV8tDFumnWtcvASDdmeQSHAVBu6mjoJ2tQMNzJsO511UZHq6Vweai7ST7anHty9nKr-p7ugdEvrjJrYjeyPEQWeVK5sxVlaV_-JxG3rWl6r97sE/s320/DSCN0654.JPG" border="0" /></a> Today was my first run since my marathon. The only thing that I have done this week is yard work and one two mile walk. This morning Kay and I headed out to the Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove for the annual 5K, 10K and kids 1K races.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIwJdO9p0KgXfOet2jWQs8pShw7W4TsMhHwRff3qkuILnEfaDKIp0PcZ59doESwoJlHX68vtd9xX1HwfJsvu20qVrTngsJ2-1_iAHHCjfN46ZlItudsI35hyphenhyphen8p4JOxXYftQiyxwwOXFM/s1600/DSCN0648.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526207490100836722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIwJdO9p0KgXfOet2jWQs8pShw7W4TsMhHwRff3qkuILnEfaDKIp0PcZ59doESwoJlHX68vtd9xX1HwfJsvu20qVrTngsJ2-1_iAHHCjfN46ZlItudsI35hyphenhyphen8p4JOxXYftQiyxwwOXFM/s320/DSCN0648.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQCRRu31-pN_0zWFsIZ9G8fCxaZQgfiX_lHnGFXIMG0q6fFLKKWPDiUBJo9ZqhOd0FBbIa_bDEVEEXwtYW67N4yz3PgO-G60fNZpA7DOKQR5UeJX1pBbg3_M6toquCXtAFMw_ATngN60/s1600/DSCN0646.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526207337154511378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQCRRu31-pN_0zWFsIZ9G8fCxaZQgfiX_lHnGFXIMG0q6fFLKKWPDiUBJo9ZqhOd0FBbIa_bDEVEEXwtYW67N4yz3PgO-G60fNZpA7DOKQR5UeJX1pBbg3_M6toquCXtAFMw_ATngN60/s320/DSCN0646.JPG" border="0" /></a> Kay's cross country team volunteered for today's races and she ended up working at the t-shirt distribution table:)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3Ys2nknjIGVs-a18FLFcu59BTBbkwg5O2ev6e0gxUTv2ZKKbqF4qUOZ8E0mx2A1gUqzA2FrgYc1_hFtIW4mhRDtUDC3tPLAm2OfLyDXY7mFMoJMXa8Z1HUunDu2QKIB7CUBTYDHAJPA/s1600/DSCN0651.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526207202222350034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3Ys2nknjIGVs-a18FLFcu59BTBbkwg5O2ev6e0gxUTv2ZKKbqF4qUOZ8E0mx2A1gUqzA2FrgYc1_hFtIW4mhRDtUDC3tPLAm2OfLyDXY7mFMoJMXa8Z1HUunDu2QKIB7CUBTYDHAJPA/s320/DSCN0651.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSCbkTx22JRm0kPF5ndibfKz7EDfLI7yfkIG6XVK0M0IcxIS-9-9isiDVRsiOxT8kBbcZH8kC0H9PvA4tH3W73jGNBm6l0rf2nzBfNpLDYpOR8-guoPNS-rXzNlhblEQgOSTDojtJSO0/s1600/DSCN0652.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526207064489652402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSCbkTx22JRm0kPF5ndibfKz7EDfLI7yfkIG6XVK0M0IcxIS-9-9isiDVRsiOxT8kBbcZH8kC0H9PvA4tH3W73jGNBm6l0rf2nzBfNpLDYpOR8-guoPNS-rXzNlhblEQgOSTDojtJSO0/s320/DSCN0652.JPG" border="0" /></a>The Autumn Woods Classic 5K attracted 759 runners/walkers. Here is a picture of the people behind me just a few minutes before the start.</div><div></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFL3Tavq1Ztab8g6X15OfwK0RLrGbTVVSZr9LbZqX1NPF477UP8lMYiN9rTQp-3jpmjtk6OqiA72qJ8YnPELCLXrRBr0CpZaEhuIo_4rCrN6Hs7VQa3vIBGax8NqSad9bo11AvgZOJQIY/s1600/DSCN0653.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526206900976806306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFL3Tavq1Ztab8g6X15OfwK0RLrGbTVVSZr9LbZqX1NPF477UP8lMYiN9rTQp-3jpmjtk6OqiA72qJ8YnPELCLXrRBr0CpZaEhuIo_4rCrN6Hs7VQa3vIBGax8NqSad9bo11AvgZOJQIY/s320/DSCN0653.JPG" border="0" /></a>Here is the view of the runners in front of me. The 5K race starts out on a paved trail and then later turns onto a dirt and grass road. There is also a pretty big section of rolling grass hills before changing back to the paved trail. It is a tough course with many rolling hills. My time last year was 24:04. I knew there would be no PRing today and I just wanted to finish under 25 minutes. When we heard the horn....we were off! Oh my goodness, I started out way to fast! I got caught up in the excitement of the start and buzzed along with the front runners. Mistake! Mile one 7:10! My legs felt okay but my energy level was not up to snuff.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Vk7ezx9RJwVFT2GoW0fVGYliINkLbp8HRgSsRdXZFA4q3OrCMv9puKO7vUNv-sN4X57DchZ4VpFzr1bLWFupGMSYM6uMXi-TdS11yWeBAnO8iU62HjTgL9Kh_5Ph75kedgkIZBeRGqk/s1600/DSCN0655.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526206770276192242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Vk7ezx9RJwVFT2GoW0fVGYliINkLbp8HRgSsRdXZFA4q3OrCMv9puKO7vUNv-sN4X57DchZ4VpFzr1bLWFupGMSYM6uMXi-TdS11yWeBAnO8iU62HjTgL9Kh_5Ph75kedgkIZBeRGqk/s320/DSCN0655.JPG" border="0" /></a> This portion of the race was a little before mile one. See Mike, my pictures can turn out blurry too:)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDk0kEKofE93cPm6x-sjjmIWsTKC7Vg9jX4t2ty_nxg4wRp607t95m171r66KTdoP_fsjN7WSSggYj168DULvT9yPsTOVI4KX_2VLfQ1USvz-OX5Yu4P8U77_MCmGZzFtzs8wbWo2L-go/s1600/DSCN0657.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526206648160235490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDk0kEKofE93cPm6x-sjjmIWsTKC7Vg9jX4t2ty_nxg4wRp607t95m171r66KTdoP_fsjN7WSSggYj168DULvT9yPsTOVI4KX_2VLfQ1USvz-OX5Yu4P8U77_MCmGZzFtzs8wbWo2L-go/s320/DSCN0657.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is the portion of the run that was on the dirt and grass road. I was not feeling so great here. I was starting to get thirsty and really wanted to start walking! What the heck....walking before mile two and the water stop!?! Do you see that little boy in front of me? Yep, he was a great runner and super cute! This little super stud runner and I were neck and neck for about 400 meters. After the end of this road we turned to the left onto the grass portion of the course. This is where the water stop was and I needed water ASAP! I was feeling a little light headed and was so thirsty. I got in line for the water and had my eye on the cup. This little speed rocket charged in front of me and I ended up slowing down so I wouldn't run into him. I ended up biting the big one in the wet grass! I slid a few feet and thought....you have freaking got to be kidding! Thank God there was hardly anyone other than the two guys behind me and the water stop people that witnessed this:) I quickly got up grabbed another cup of water and went on my merry way! This was a tough run and I did not feel the greatest. The marathon must have taken so much out of me because this easy little 5K seemed so challenging to me. The last mile I was out of gas and running on empty. Just keep moving...keep your feet moving and you will eventually get to the finish line. The last portion of the race is up hill and not fun. Last year I charged up that hill...this year...not so much:) I will say that not one single woman passed me during the whole race. There were 6 guys that passed me including little super stud:) All of the speedy girls charged out before me in the beginning of the race.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OggGgN8ZPWHVc9hm7ULK1jHAakn98-1wV1_TX_iGoiIkDXxD5lAq8tnMQIz0X5E2yiGq_AxuA-BknMVO3IynzqfQT-WMiDB-stN2bQgsMMPCRxWQXqkYlC5qt1ud29oNiHpxbIp2ELo/s1600/DSCN0666.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526206528547300434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 287px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OggGgN8ZPWHVc9hm7ULK1jHAakn98-1wV1_TX_iGoiIkDXxD5lAq8tnMQIz0X5E2yiGq_AxuA-BknMVO3IynzqfQT-WMiDB-stN2bQgsMMPCRxWQXqkYlC5qt1ud29oNiHpxbIp2ELo/s320/DSCN0666.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIlPVJZ4UHsniAHVD-nyWFktxybuKa57aYx7F_7XMqsEL2yUqlgJi6Lx0wVZUdvlRjV46VszyKE_p89Ixm1L1cwFTV_ZSIQiJBLtEhOk46sHdNNvO5UOQYhv9acB_xs04ltx2FId-VAU/s1600/DSCN0668.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526206415056700226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIlPVJZ4UHsniAHVD-nyWFktxybuKa57aYx7F_7XMqsEL2yUqlgJi6Lx0wVZUdvlRjV46VszyKE_p89Ixm1L1cwFTV_ZSIQiJBLtEhOk46sHdNNvO5UOQYhv9acB_xs04ltx2FId-VAU/s320/DSCN0668.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is what the entire park looked like. The trees were gorgeous and I enjoyed looking at all of the beautiful fall scenery.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGpPzevLFENb6PT6rMtEUxQ0BBG8YnR_F8ydGyrWsCuoUT4zl6MKiGJWBb2igJwII0dbPY7RNCk7pgVSoMS2l_uDe8t4SSc9g-f7DPPfYTVjQIrwtXNgcuBPbFsCr04MHNsDSjBKNNGw/s1600/DSCN0670.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526206197362756018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGpPzevLFENb6PT6rMtEUxQ0BBG8YnR_F8ydGyrWsCuoUT4zl6MKiGJWBb2igJwII0dbPY7RNCk7pgVSoMS2l_uDe8t4SSc9g-f7DPPfYTVjQIrwtXNgcuBPbFsCr04MHNsDSjBKNNGw/s320/DSCN0670.JPG" border="0" /></a> After my race was over I found out that I actually took <span style="color:#ff0000;">2nd</span> place for my age group! My time is about 40 seconds slower than last year. Here are my stats....</div><div></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">Final time 24:45.</span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">I placed 72 out of 759.<br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZErPSZc_eV7rgFafBX4D8zmw_Gh5X7dacqswW9XtukFn0BFvawum0KlzFgaWrbD6y5UhC2mk6hopA47veIH33ZD5-mDNkDmLD8So9yejMNf5j1mY4XbMuorGW0Y_ZTywusFjWpHqvgmk/s1600/DSCN0660.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526206090982212258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZErPSZc_eV7rgFafBX4D8zmw_Gh5X7dacqswW9XtukFn0BFvawum0KlzFgaWrbD6y5UhC2mk6hopA47veIH33ZD5-mDNkDmLD8So9yejMNf5j1mY4XbMuorGW0Y_ZTywusFjWpHqvgmk/s320/DSCN0660.JPG" border="0" /></a> My little man ran in the kids 1K race and was so excited to get his race bib! They seperated the age groups for the kids and he ran with the four year olds. They were expecting 400 kids to be running so I am very happy that they broke it down into age groups. I would say that there were maybe 40 to 50 four year olds running:)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGikFW8Ha351Lqr5ubCEWDu269rMBdEEWvvKo7PrM7DRv1e4NkTmrVKWDoFyTYOaI_TnVnAwdtLcrWeGGvjNMCCjGMnNmbietuhsH1ovhRALI4G1FFEgIkn2T-E-v8wqmPypo-u30gW4w/s1600/DSCN0661.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526205912102846258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGikFW8Ha351Lqr5ubCEWDu269rMBdEEWvvKo7PrM7DRv1e4NkTmrVKWDoFyTYOaI_TnVnAwdtLcrWeGGvjNMCCjGMnNmbietuhsH1ovhRALI4G1FFEgIkn2T-E-v8wqmPypo-u30gW4w/s320/DSCN0661.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here he is right after the start:) He was in 3rd place for so much of the race! We think he might have taken fourth. It is hard to say because he ended up passing a few in the five year old age group and there were parents running with their kids. He had a blast and it was so much fun for us to watch him charging along!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99Wr3Hg3qPHuFQClGv5WYpf2NXy5Ed33GIuLAsoXNog977WazyyC21tlEq8atRMrcIXdHpK0BZ4u5QDxkv-aXxjKvkJav6GVyUPGzeV9awEjjKDt7d_jJ6jn1HGdR0jrEB5EX3C9sGFc/s1600/DSCN0663.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526205757832721890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 206px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99Wr3Hg3qPHuFQClGv5WYpf2NXy5Ed33GIuLAsoXNog977WazyyC21tlEq8atRMrcIXdHpK0BZ4u5QDxkv-aXxjKvkJav6GVyUPGzeV9awEjjKDt7d_jJ6jn1HGdR0jrEB5EX3C9sGFc/s320/DSCN0663.JPG" border="0" /></a> Look at my little runner in his swim trunks:) He wanted to have shorts with the mesh inside like my running shorts do. He grabbed his swimming trunks and said they were now his running shorts:) After the race all of the kids got finish ribbons and a pumpkin! Score! What else does a kid need? Nothing:)<br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPqQeEBzbUfFpFuIWGnQvQEm_UcgUFkNnalCJKa4PHCJmzqMtNEQoebhVNgjYJ9dsjbggDx3NBkbJhepjIiHcvbyG-PlGfmnkakIuvZifbsAPz3NY_TFnnocTashTnEe_w3LnBopNPEA/s1600/DSCN0554.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526204875804415474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPqQeEBzbUfFpFuIWGnQvQEm_UcgUFkNnalCJKa4PHCJmzqMtNEQoebhVNgjYJ9dsjbggDx3NBkbJhepjIiHcvbyG-PlGfmnkakIuvZifbsAPz3NY_TFnnocTashTnEe_w3LnBopNPEA/s320/DSCN0554.JPG" border="0" /></a> Last Saturday we met my college boy for a football game at the University of Minnesota! My college boy and I are both Gophers:) It had been some time since we had seen him. We texted him and met him in the concession area. My hubby purchased food for him and it was like Christmas morning:) The joy of free food for the college student! Oh, the little things in life!</div><div></div><div>Happy running, biking, swimming and lifting! Cheers to you all!</div><div></div><div>I want to let everyone know how sorry I am for my lack of commenting this week. I have been feeling a little bit of the post marathon blues. Hopefully I will be back to my cheerful self soon:)</div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016242849142019105noreply@blogger.com61tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245707125371369777.post-54064045243017993102010-10-04T08:29:00.071-05:002010-10-12T19:10:28.509-05:00The Twin Cities Marathon Race Report!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlrcN2uKwK1_-7mXMgjDkhjRAzonG-xJk5a4Av9_ugAV_LAjcslJPPg78sN4wqgp_rc1hBM3TCZh6ZLjITwkAXT6yaRiuHYtJB938DRk-QAsP34MUnWUoQppfMtOqvBXEeD4wjuPEUr4/s1600/DSCN0634.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524194171223398274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlrcN2uKwK1_-7mXMgjDkhjRAzonG-xJk5a4Av9_ugAV_LAjcslJPPg78sN4wqgp_rc1hBM3TCZh6ZLjITwkAXT6yaRiuHYtJB938DRk-QAsP34MUnWUoQppfMtOqvBXEeD4wjuPEUr4/s320/DSCN0634.JPG" border="0" /></a> Hi Everyone! I slept like total crap last night and had to take some ibuprofen because my upper legs were screaming in protest! My calves felt great....other than being a little sore I think I am doing pretty well. I promised you a race report so here it is:)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSeRuIxfMKcSDYZLThePG6tL2rVSAh7U8vyM9nH4-dl6K3ndnNY5C9vdvoHgXywtLDGjDJW29P7v-lgteUMeaNxqWnPkWMP-W9jW4dsDxfZD3dUm-dGK19lilCOJqk1T8tqIMDswAZQjs/s1600/DSCN0557.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524194060269896530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSeRuIxfMKcSDYZLThePG6tL2rVSAh7U8vyM9nH4-dl6K3ndnNY5C9vdvoHgXywtLDGjDJW29P7v-lgteUMeaNxqWnPkWMP-W9jW4dsDxfZD3dUm-dGK19lilCOJqk1T8tqIMDswAZQjs/s320/DSCN0557.JPG" border="0" /></a> I woke up at 4 Am Sunday morning to get ready for the marathon. I had all sorts of thoughts swimming through my mind. Many of them were on the lines of...OMG, I am running my first marathon today! I was both excited and nervous! As many of you know, I stopped marathon training in week five of my plan because of the GI issues I was having. I took several weeks off from hard training and toned back my 6 runs a week to 3 runs a week. I ran the Gopher to Badger half marathon in that crazy heat. I figured if I can do this....surely I can run a fall full marathon. I had already signed up for the Get Ready To Rock 20 mile race and planned to use that as a test. I had three weeks of long runs consisting of a 16, 17 and 18 mile run before my 2o mile race. I look at the original Hal's training plan that I was doing and see that I have missed so many miles of training:( I think if I had not been running so many half marathons my results yesterday would of been different. By becoming a half marathon junkie I gave myself a fantastic base for a marathon newbie.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1SfUoWSkHPSe4PZ9p7kS8LFeENxSy61-rugaEZFSFiAJytkhz5H9A5rVdR2d4js4VHKUHlXlkKcMYSTRoabGtxV0IiTMs2T-UQE6Xb8ezH-AWwRkt_zyF21t5cpFq6IF7Xtuo8NKinI/s1600/DSCN0559.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524193389523199218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1SfUoWSkHPSe4PZ9p7kS8LFeENxSy61-rugaEZFSFiAJytkhz5H9A5rVdR2d4js4VHKUHlXlkKcMYSTRoabGtxV0IiTMs2T-UQE6Xb8ezH-AWwRkt_zyF21t5cpFq6IF7Xtuo8NKinI/s320/DSCN0559.JPG" border="0" /></a>I drove into Minneapolis and found a parking spot about three blocks from the Metrodome. I walked to the dome and walked around for a few minutes. I used the rest room and parked myself on the floor right across from it. I took out my marathon guide and looked at the map of the course and pace times. I found a few of my fellow SCRR peeps:) Paul, Rick, Cindy and Denise were just hanging out before their 10 mile race.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9gt5Wx4xajhh2d1ZvxrzqP2-gl88KFcWJ6dLkNoOPBeQWBOmW0jvrNJNQ3dlAMdx_-sm9a1ZwfrBipYN4ykp8PTOLu-rnzVtYt5NxzTDbnRSC2J4UmpD5TxB3MwkInj5TRJ41MvWc9U/s1600/DSCN0560.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524193294008992994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9gt5Wx4xajhh2d1ZvxrzqP2-gl88KFcWJ6dLkNoOPBeQWBOmW0jvrNJNQ3dlAMdx_-sm9a1ZwfrBipYN4ykp8PTOLu-rnzVtYt5NxzTDbnRSC2J4UmpD5TxB3MwkInj5TRJ41MvWc9U/s320/DSCN0560.JPG" border="0" /></a> Cathy came along as a cheerleader:)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlzkjbPZANJgBFI0P6sSuqzwat2EX8RrkmcMtcmyv3623cWGLSh6m2hhu7Bgm8cJuoguDhPEY_kvrgqKDMfBSDtBuhDYk17VIfQ9YfaQTkWhg8Mr2UJ9ABaJbgiHLFwIRxcHe_iYY-7k/s1600/DSCN0561.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524193195814787266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlzkjbPZANJgBFI0P6sSuqzwat2EX8RrkmcMtcmyv3623cWGLSh6m2hhu7Bgm8cJuoguDhPEY_kvrgqKDMfBSDtBuhDYk17VIfQ9YfaQTkWhg8Mr2UJ9ABaJbgiHLFwIRxcHe_iYY-7k/s320/DSCN0561.JPG" border="0" /></a> I ran into <a href="http://jerbear8.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Jeri</span></a> a South Dakota blogger who was running the TC 10 mile run:) I sat and talked to her for several minutes....she is such a sweetheart! Seeing Jeri made me feel very old as she is young and beautiful! Jeri, I hope that the race went well for you! I will be seeing you again at the Earth Day half marathon in 2011:)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfIPPkuLr6rcnqh5ogBoGY76RH5tBvQeBeKg2w3S7GlN29DeRRmHS_39ZtATMCgZa3I4YxjgNSIXPDwpcFGiSwP90B4kCYMvFXfG2DAS0GkdCCorX6ZVQs-dwsjKNkAuUgpWt1rN0ems/s1600/DSCN0565.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524193110777945954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 261px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfIPPkuLr6rcnqh5ogBoGY76RH5tBvQeBeKg2w3S7GlN29DeRRmHS_39ZtATMCgZa3I4YxjgNSIXPDwpcFGiSwP90B4kCYMvFXfG2DAS0GkdCCorX6ZVQs-dwsjKNkAuUgpWt1rN0ems/s320/DSCN0565.JPG" border="0" /></a> I also ran into another SCRR (Curt) who was going to try his hardest to BQ in the TC marathon! Check out the corral #1 sticker in the corner of his bib! <span style="color:#ff0000;">Fantastic news... he did it! Congrats to you Curt:)<br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQ6tKAMufctGoEKlnid4UJrhTmJKLe6ttbh-f0tiJUcnCv33eFbMhlvRDqDjJmWvxIAFlZ_D9L9KNqIvpTMIt_p4ZN7GnkIaPATRF0RG8G8ttBpwHJrd1FG4OgicBVtprw2e2vPgX5hQ/s1600/DSCN0566.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524193013585847234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 316px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQ6tKAMufctGoEKlnid4UJrhTmJKLe6ttbh-f0tiJUcnCv33eFbMhlvRDqDjJmWvxIAFlZ_D9L9KNqIvpTMIt_p4ZN7GnkIaPATRF0RG8G8ttBpwHJrd1FG4OgicBVtprw2e2vPgX5hQ/s320/DSCN0566.JPG" border="0" /></a>I met <a href="http://heathersjunkmiles.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Heather</span></a> who is another blogger from Minnesota! We sat in the dome and talked until we heard the announcement that we needed to make our way to the start line. We had to laugh when we saw that we were both wearing old ugly race shirts. The plan was to just toss them once we were warm enough. My shirt is actually turned inside out...super ugly! Heather also made me feel old because yes, she is younger than me...she has gorgeous eyes, not a single wrinkle and she had a cooler race outfit:) <a href="http://drogmn.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Derek</span></a>, just so you know, we walked around looking for you. We were bummed that we couldn't find you before the race:(<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3F3b7TeDfCcMcnGhZ_ptmVEmWontSOoyq7foDbbzpWabdjiD5Iqas4Uf4xJ2pnDkyrwJsOa7gCQLdxyWX6F0cdJI9i-osD2gkLXG6TULad6hODXFpFwBSPMryZXI7ehYEsbFgv93BxHI/s1600/DSCN0570.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524192760623316898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3F3b7TeDfCcMcnGhZ_ptmVEmWontSOoyq7foDbbzpWabdjiD5Iqas4Uf4xJ2pnDkyrwJsOa7gCQLdxyWX6F0cdJI9i-osD2gkLXG6TULad6hODXFpFwBSPMryZXI7ehYEsbFgv93BxHI/s320/DSCN0570.JPG" border="0" /></a>Heather and I made our way to the start line. I told her that I wanted to start somewhere between the 4:15 and 4:30 pacers. We walked up and positioned ourselves right next the the 4:15 pacers. This is a picture of the people behind us 10 minutes before the start.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dIBQrPlhVv9stQyvrKG0qa9pO-0ddspmVmwRrWdxyL09VwWXnryl9dP0xlHYnFJBvI0RbY3GksNHARZorykAJBeN8YPqWRHHK2rdMIVtSw-P-BNciUJ6GGmX06v_Swmn55OJo44_7-k/s1600/DSCN0571.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524192620235950706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dIBQrPlhVv9stQyvrKG0qa9pO-0ddspmVmwRrWdxyL09VwWXnryl9dP0xlHYnFJBvI0RbY3GksNHARZorykAJBeN8YPqWRHHK2rdMIVtSw-P-BNciUJ6GGmX06v_Swmn55OJo44_7-k/s320/DSCN0571.JPG" border="0" /></a> Way over by the fence is the 4:15 pacer:)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMq0AbgvqiHKmEsbt1BSmhKPNNt4JTvPiYfM4wdrtbsPSQq2zxEC7tW_QDMDGUZwwm5Rr0bTlmpyAOETvh2zRik7nlwnPRWKszn1867DUz6kWesKAJxXH7KRGAZ86S4E33sKwucWp62Tk/s1600/DSCN0572.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524192515223113234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMq0AbgvqiHKmEsbt1BSmhKPNNt4JTvPiYfM4wdrtbsPSQq2zxEC7tW_QDMDGUZwwm5Rr0bTlmpyAOETvh2zRik7nlwnPRWKszn1867DUz6kWesKAJxXH7KRGAZ86S4E33sKwucWp62Tk/s320/DSCN0572.JPG" border="0" /></a> The Metrodome.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZrHczJ-ChaOL_DzNeuw6awvOaHEzvsL7WrXQLozOpzWSvRHYBdUeACO8VF7iyd7Is6J0x7ZOoEnCiOJqyDFQZ3-g1PuKn5Zw29kwwYRXoLF6hwpGYvgma7vcJ6tqWXgLvwcs5huMpDE/s1600/DSCN0574.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524191614089471778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZrHczJ-ChaOL_DzNeuw6awvOaHEzvsL7WrXQLozOpzWSvRHYBdUeACO8VF7iyd7Is6J0x7ZOoEnCiOJqyDFQZ3-g1PuKn5Zw29kwwYRXoLF6hwpGYvgma7vcJ6tqWXgLvwcs5huMpDE/s320/DSCN0574.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here is a picture of the people in front of us. I was pretty nervous those few minutes before the start. I kept on looking at Heather and she always had a smile on her face:) Thank you for keeping me calm Heather! I am so glad we were able to start out together. We slowly made out way to the start and I had my Garmin all ready to go. I run over the mats and hit start......I look down at my Garmin and the only thing that is displayed is the time! WTH! OMG! Why? Why can't I be like every other runner and not have issues with the Garmin. I had no distance or pace screen displayed. I would wait until I saw the first clock and then just start it again. I stayed with the pacer for the first mile. I just couldn't see myself running this pace and was feeling like I was holding back too much. I moved ahead of the pacer and ran nice and easy.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FWrqo0R2zaVbTMMgwIk6qTttQtQUQKJVc7F9yAx1va5fNL1fAJQ6imJPbW2PtWO6obQSSmCE7eGHoOZdR_ruq73GVV43t_ii6eTvI16TlY8Y049DX7W4SgeoIJtGigz3ITgwV4udv8I/s1600/DSCN0577.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524191496921000482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FWrqo0R2zaVbTMMgwIk6qTttQtQUQKJVc7F9yAx1va5fNL1fAJQ6imJPbW2PtWO6obQSSmCE7eGHoOZdR_ruq73GVV43t_ii6eTvI16TlY8Y049DX7W4SgeoIJtGigz3ITgwV4udv8I/s320/DSCN0577.JPG" border="0" /></a> The crowds were awesome as I ran down the streets of Minneapolis! There was tons of cow-bell and all of the runners were happy and filled with positive energy:)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoEqrXjRh_SmiB5ErhPlZGZIQAdf5PoBRhBjYymtMzkC36nXMre3R_ymbrKPZx69fWCz_NszOkMtef4SpLZJfF3DDpfyYMDzzbuo-GqetIQr5KVLuEO9BrxxsDgtkdNpdTSSnMyvSuHQ/s1600/DSCN0578.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524191375477913730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoEqrXjRh_SmiB5ErhPlZGZIQAdf5PoBRhBjYymtMzkC36nXMre3R_ymbrKPZx69fWCz_NszOkMtef4SpLZJfF3DDpfyYMDzzbuo-GqetIQr5KVLuEO9BrxxsDgtkdNpdTSSnMyvSuHQ/s320/DSCN0578.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48FbdKiM6pCFcmarhmyW50ZGfPD6q6d79z57C1IPmdONYykEzDlCnkxXze3w_wTgA9xz-og9HOrsphzMm33H1_Tyg2coQoe32pWRkzXXFzTmdirny4mm_rWNYy3G_PuBCy7ZfV4QUXl8/s1600/DSCN0580.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524191108876213650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48FbdKiM6pCFcmarhmyW50ZGfPD6q6d79z57C1IPmdONYykEzDlCnkxXze3w_wTgA9xz-og9HOrsphzMm33H1_Tyg2coQoe32pWRkzXXFzTmdirny4mm_rWNYy3G_PuBCy7ZfV4QUXl8/s320/DSCN0580.JPG" border="0" /></a>The one thing that drove me total bonkers was my spibelt was not cooperating! I had 5 gels and a powerbar flopping around and hitting me in the stomach! My bladder was telling me that I needed to stop! Crap! I am not even at mile 3 and I need to make a Biffy stop! I passed one set because they were in use but was able to snag another one a little later. In and out....most likely less than a minute:)<br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahHxxg6DKzyKGGpyeL8zt0X9sr9b1im6TYfs0rlziLAcrQbx61DMLq5ErX9QvxgU-XYqnc00CJEjsxdw8-cNBjVKRRQI9cZDkWDMyq_SUrfSERZHtepzO-uM4UBpVA9Y4COb-6HQGGxM/s1600/DSCN0583.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524190663920412306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahHxxg6DKzyKGGpyeL8zt0X9sr9b1im6TYfs0rlziLAcrQbx61DMLq5ErX9QvxgU-XYqnc00CJEjsxdw8-cNBjVKRRQI9cZDkWDMyq_SUrfSERZHtepzO-uM4UBpVA9Y4COb-6HQGGxM/s320/DSCN0583.JPG" border="0" /></a> Once we were off of the streets Minneapolis we made our way around the lakes. OMG! I was in heaven, it is so beautiful! It was here where I got rid of my ugly shirt and tossed it aside. Running through this area was amazing! Not only was it pretty with the lakes and trees but it was full of fans cheering. I was in awe of the support that complete strangers were giving me:)<br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfJiIJ5Yfx_i7-SHNUPkxZxclCvrop3ag1VJRP5V4E5_qEy6P_pFK31DCuF_wT4BsUO-CWhvba5jBSimobinysuaF5ERjHgRCB7U9yGnM0hGopuEvJ4v10ZT4McfbHs7Jm9MtJNaIoXE/s1600/DSCN0586.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524190422819375794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfJiIJ5Yfx_i7-SHNUPkxZxclCvrop3ag1VJRP5V4E5_qEy6P_pFK31DCuF_wT4BsUO-CWhvba5jBSimobinysuaF5ERjHgRCB7U9yGnM0hGopuEvJ4v10ZT4McfbHs7Jm9MtJNaIoXE/s320/DSCN0586.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmxZ7RAIEWIcHoFi1vUdwAyX3VLX6FWNv6zkBVtKzfBgVodlGIwSL43ghgWDo_tT_qNwNtwycj5XK9FxK0tFcCG6LB0lL4vPJtuQu1TbUd4vYNFC0KGTZKqSi6Hk_l8Ovw3qOeaC3xNQ/s1600/DSCN0589.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524190116479202770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmxZ7RAIEWIcHoFi1vUdwAyX3VLX6FWNv6zkBVtKzfBgVodlGIwSL43ghgWDo_tT_qNwNtwycj5XK9FxK0tFcCG6LB0lL4vPJtuQu1TbUd4vYNFC0KGTZKqSi6Hk_l8Ovw3qOeaC3xNQ/s320/DSCN0589.JPG" border="0" /></a> When I hit mile marker 9 I remembered that I was going to start my Garmin over again so I could know what pace I was going at. I turned off my Garmin and started it back up....it took a few minutes for the thing to start working, grrrr! Miles 1 through 13 were a piece of cake. I ran easy and felt great.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghayfBSNx47OvRNgmkgS_rtYq1VDdlrOWw2myXi_SeFoeJCqag9DUy4gJyY1CjyuTkwp_ATAMaqVkeF2loh6Rak0Uxo1x2GbSFI42ISoENYNypc2DqknsuTOIbK1TFAER9VYI_y_RJovs/s1600/DSCN0590.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524190006751102914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghayfBSNx47OvRNgmkgS_rtYq1VDdlrOWw2myXi_SeFoeJCqag9DUy4gJyY1CjyuTkwp_ATAMaqVkeF2loh6Rak0Uxo1x2GbSFI42ISoENYNypc2DqknsuTOIbK1TFAER9VYI_y_RJovs/s320/DSCN0590.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixohOdTU6pA-nqqDiwQ5f6YtQ8W4wIyt-MnlEK4WOmqsqdLWoyH7N3F6KbfuorwxP0A6YfbIGpVZjLET7iESMsHPaBptuUzxkOaOKNEICywL8qEorBF_TO4Wu_d7aL5DGrkNyFb21kCl0/s1600/DSCN0591.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524189872553981810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixohOdTU6pA-nqqDiwQ5f6YtQ8W4wIyt-MnlEK4WOmqsqdLWoyH7N3F6KbfuorwxP0A6YfbIGpVZjLET7iESMsHPaBptuUzxkOaOKNEICywL8qEorBF_TO4Wu_d7aL5DGrkNyFb21kCl0/s320/DSCN0591.JPG" border="0" /></a> The day was perfect for running, the sun was shining and the temperature was fantastic! I love running in 50 to 60 degree weather:)<br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8nXNLP-sfxiGzxG7t-waP_HHjGEngbp6JaS27f9zzjMAQsiG4aJ_c20coFrpa0idK0NZzJly0K6nXSgL7U8eHq0mXqh8a61zfzNQ5s1McsaV__-ftpneIfggjKrv-cPCadqwP3k2sxU/s1600/DSCN0594.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524189584563465266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8nXNLP-sfxiGzxG7t-waP_HHjGEngbp6JaS27f9zzjMAQsiG4aJ_c20coFrpa0idK0NZzJly0K6nXSgL7U8eHq0mXqh8a61zfzNQ5s1McsaV__-ftpneIfggjKrv-cPCadqwP3k2sxU/s320/DSCN0594.JPG" border="0" /></a> I actually caught up with the 4:00 pacers and ran with them for miles 14 and 15. I was starting to get a little tired and I had several gels in my tummy that were starting to bother me. I knew that I would have to make a Biffy stop soon.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjFGoJ9trnE48SP-Dapkg88btbBwAWd3Wh68AffdwZoOCF8g480YYLvjPTnKXbS_mnIljHtTs7rOWXeqEe8M09JstN3ebV2KeQjh6zXVhbOMJ2ukBj4PjafKpUe4XAVm-oFZwixba6Y4/s1600/DSCN0595.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524189452518942834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjFGoJ9trnE48SP-Dapkg88btbBwAWd3Wh68AffdwZoOCF8g480YYLvjPTnKXbS_mnIljHtTs7rOWXeqEe8M09JstN3ebV2KeQjh6zXVhbOMJ2ukBj4PjafKpUe4XAVm-oFZwixba6Y4/s320/DSCN0595.JPG" border="0" /></a>Score...Biffy sighting up ahead! Okay, so here goes...my Biffy number two story....are you ready? I stand in line with a few people in front of me and a few people behind me. I wait, wait and wait. Finally my turn! I run into the Biffy and lock the door. I am just about done when someone attempts to open my Biffy! He pulled on the door one more time and the door came flying open! OMG! Let's just say he did not get a butt shot...he got a full frontal! He slammed the door back shut and I started laughing! Only me...this crap only happens to me:) I heard him say..don't worry I didn't see anything! Yea, right! I finish up, put my sunglasses back on, open the door and hope to God I don't see him later:)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ELwevJW04A1gY7n00Jczt1FGuY4GRVI2TR0a8dK2x4sT2OqIPGfqkABMu0-iPPi6Vn6LkLbVyrchVci_lIYU8ajFgHgwKawci61tSIdyjaFNwfyZDWR5ooIkWpFiiR0-U-8vJlTO8ec/s1600/DSCN0596.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524189266030779122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ELwevJW04A1gY7n00Jczt1FGuY4GRVI2TR0a8dK2x4sT2OqIPGfqkABMu0-iPPi6Vn6LkLbVyrchVci_lIYU8ajFgHgwKawci61tSIdyjaFNwfyZDWR5ooIkWpFiiR0-U-8vJlTO8ec/s320/DSCN0596.JPG" border="0" /></a>Miles 18, 19 and 20 seemed to take forever. I was feeling okay but not great. I was telling myself that I already ran a 20 mile run and that I could do this. Keep the feet moving!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvafLWHo3cP1c3R_L5gf5fNDq1CvvtUtaf4j_l3wRv6xuKyw-7wghPLVMjSFTWDIiXWQrWimmiIctidKD8YpBTQJwH9RZNaBLHMVAXwSbhHHKZKQgYA9hE61RCeHo7J2gZADbLYM0il4/s1600/DSCN0597.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524189127242264722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvafLWHo3cP1c3R_L5gf5fNDq1CvvtUtaf4j_l3wRv6xuKyw-7wghPLVMjSFTWDIiXWQrWimmiIctidKD8YpBTQJwH9RZNaBLHMVAXwSbhHHKZKQgYA9hE61RCeHo7J2gZADbLYM0il4/s320/DSCN0597.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7e8UTkdvqa2yYocIDq-t6eV_c_K6wNGYOJt456xVDTP-6fK_v3fwJpVI9-3kmjOluvUy0EqzvhmxZSzOCwpH_hFv86w8gMmbswV8GfxDQ9G1OzfGfQ3_xdtU4chnJnh0JKr4kqnXCJqA/s1600/DSCN0598.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524189004639361442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7e8UTkdvqa2yYocIDq-t6eV_c_K6wNGYOJt456xVDTP-6fK_v3fwJpVI9-3kmjOluvUy0EqzvhmxZSzOCwpH_hFv86w8gMmbswV8GfxDQ9G1OzfGfQ3_xdtU4chnJnh0JKr4kqnXCJqA/s320/DSCN0598.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzIo9XbW9BDsRvbfwZGcLs2i1c-L9C7Je5BMKhnH3Erml9RDxSvLooQQVaInshCjkNBpCJ0mZ86SoxXMQxR7VuzdTNf3h_gTW7_WdCuIDEO39UuyqxTZuBUeY2dRfFtiMEAHH6VAlstk/s1600/DSCN0601.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524188880006337314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzIo9XbW9BDsRvbfwZGcLs2i1c-L9C7Je5BMKhnH3Erml9RDxSvLooQQVaInshCjkNBpCJ0mZ86SoxXMQxR7VuzdTNf3h_gTW7_WdCuIDEO39UuyqxTZuBUeY2dRfFtiMEAHH6VAlstk/s320/DSCN0601.JPG" border="0" /></a> Mile 20...just six miles left! Some where between mile 21 and 22 my right hammy started to scream. I was in serious pain and needed to pull over and stretch. It hurt so bad and I started to cry. Why now? I walked for a few minutes and decided to try running again. It still hurt and I must of looked pretty pathetic running with a limp.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmDmv5rkmNIdqhpMeQkYNvnQT_uEw6Ps8J6TXZTRrTkZIYgpaqFG9tFq4SatBr_mn2SJ0Z3vHS30x7ArDsvRExR4sEAWg_W0fJe_DYcPDKwl6M-rF0_iD1HBMWNiVQigshF2ge-3BpCE/s1600/DSCN0608.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524185071427614402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmDmv5rkmNIdqhpMeQkYNvnQT_uEw6Ps8J6TXZTRrTkZIYgpaqFG9tFq4SatBr_mn2SJ0Z3vHS30x7ArDsvRExR4sEAWg_W0fJe_DYcPDKwl6M-rF0_iD1HBMWNiVQigshF2ge-3BpCE/s320/DSCN0608.JPG" border="0" /></a>The Summit Avenue stretch was amazing! The crowds were awesome and the positive energy was wonderful. Summit Avenue was also hard as hell and a mental challenge for me. The last few miles on Summit are uphill! Oh joy! I was hurting and not doing so great. I really wanted to keep running the whole way but I just couldn't. I promised myself that I would listen to my body. I needed to slow down. I walked so much of Summit Avenue:(<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4VW7-pY29Dn5vgxqPbdRzX4C7wpJx2T1ichTmdE0gaKMS3ib1u_TvKW5RPHHvQA0846hbdGtB8RC5CwP1d4xhFDsZtJkefdiMNFox8bYkqKfVTKxgCwUZgApAH9QFgjml3wkRL0PwvE/s1600/DSCN0609.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524184932400200098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4VW7-pY29Dn5vgxqPbdRzX4C7wpJx2T1ichTmdE0gaKMS3ib1u_TvKW5RPHHvQA0846hbdGtB8RC5CwP1d4xhFDsZtJkefdiMNFox8bYkqKfVTKxgCwUZgApAH9QFgjml3wkRL0PwvE/s320/DSCN0609.JPG" border="0" /></a> I am not happy here...yep, I am walking. I have heard from so many people about the big bad wall. As I walked I thought about my time and what it would be. I had no real goals in mind. Seriously, I just wanted to finish the race. Maybe it was the competitive athlete in me but deep down I guess I did care about my time. I wanted to finish in under 4:30 but knew in my heart that I could do it under 4:15. Okay Julie, time to suck it up! Just a four more miles and it is over! I started running again.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QdGMpEbQMVAx0HcGVxmpHmK8CWx0WpXL2Q_hQvW9CF6CCAGLW8Z5YnX0PqHYUXuegYOonni0mSvORshsPhv8iepep9R7GloDkGFSAluDAnPvMG8SP60vrx2eWJeJE3KyiNwRFkmf1Ww/s1600/DSCN0610.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524184800019136210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QdGMpEbQMVAx0HcGVxmpHmK8CWx0WpXL2Q_hQvW9CF6CCAGLW8Z5YnX0PqHYUXuegYOonni0mSvORshsPhv8iepep9R7GloDkGFSAluDAnPvMG8SP60vrx2eWJeJE3KyiNwRFkmf1Ww/s320/DSCN0610.JPG" border="0" /></a>I am so glad that there was music playing from time to time because it helped me stay moving and motivated! I took water at all of the water stops and went through all of my gels. I ended up walking a few more times. I looked at my Garmin and said, "Okay you can walk for 30 seconds and then you have to start up again." When my Garmin reached 30 seconds, I said, "Okay 40 seconds:)" There was a man who saw me walking. He looked at me and looked at his watch. He said, "Now would be a good time to start running!" "Make it count!" Yep, you guessed it, I started running again:) I was hoping that I wouldn't have to use the Biffy again. Not so lucky:) One more quick stop and I was on the road again.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQ-L5PYHuJ0JDoKH4gGr6gGPjd_77oPZJzWb5uieYc_LW4ZrY-dgkAtkQ5gsNYgFwnWMRt8pvxpFqHACBQtM6DRUKDycV5_kyqfz9EPvfeovE2gh91RPGAVCi5BwTvU6r_OfdJGv1Pak/s1600/DSCN0612.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524184592051930818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQ-L5PYHuJ0JDoKH4gGr6gGPjd_77oPZJzWb5uieYc_LW4ZrY-dgkAtkQ5gsNYgFwnWMRt8pvxpFqHACBQtM6DRUKDycV5_kyqfz9EPvfeovE2gh91RPGAVCi5BwTvU6r_OfdJGv1Pak/s320/DSCN0612.JPG" border="0" /></a> I saw this and thought....I have got to be getting closer. Just keep moving Julie! I felt like I was moving at snails pace...super slow! When I was at the top of the hill and saw the Capital I was so happy! I knew that I was going to finish soon!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNwXitLS1G77gw-ubHxYOsPFXIpoEPAeKDVgT6EXk2h14Nr73fXLZ_3cKWyh9s5jR_rGb-D8tU0iuDAbQXqSbyvcqGpWaV_1d0d15oEN3y7K8hYekxTLCtRX_Bc7zUQG2LEkpKwD-6W0/s1600/DSCN0613.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524184459817242562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNwXitLS1G77gw-ubHxYOsPFXIpoEPAeKDVgT6EXk2h14Nr73fXLZ_3cKWyh9s5jR_rGb-D8tU0iuDAbQXqSbyvcqGpWaV_1d0d15oEN3y7K8hYekxTLCtRX_Bc7zUQG2LEkpKwD-6W0/s320/DSCN0613.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1gEYBBnFTMuQIVKCtFjAfZUcpLOwxjyF-mNxyuRlLJ1H8gcVE1KsiuAOeG6PuHoWdLJY2o3idYWETdpSCiStTREclfRvV_EFF_lAp7TSkjfYeGcyB9eKamCHWJUAG6WY0SJwuTZelBI/s1600/DSCN0614.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524184338420727362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1gEYBBnFTMuQIVKCtFjAfZUcpLOwxjyF-mNxyuRlLJ1H8gcVE1KsiuAOeG6PuHoWdLJY2o3idYWETdpSCiStTREclfRvV_EFF_lAp7TSkjfYeGcyB9eKamCHWJUAG6WY0SJwuTZelBI/s320/DSCN0614.JPG" border="0" /></a> You can see the Capital in the back and the big flag is the finish line! I was smiling when running that last stretch of the race! I still didn't have a clue what my time would end up being. It didn't matter...I was going to finish this race!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgniqudlCbEVOqZ9nCUCJegED6DOXJhOvTF_6bKzdqD99CPAbEPfrXlNlCRXa2l881pCJZyhtfri34Nsa-aRJn-QBxs1qJfH_kuj5aE4H4I9OxUbYvXpW1-1zjGcfY4PwaZAkjMp-ZK0oA/s1600/DSCN0615.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524184127762290434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgniqudlCbEVOqZ9nCUCJegED6DOXJhOvTF_6bKzdqD99CPAbEPfrXlNlCRXa2l881pCJZyhtfri34Nsa-aRJn-QBxs1qJfH_kuj5aE4H4I9OxUbYvXpW1-1zjGcfY4PwaZAkjMp-ZK0oA/s320/DSCN0615.JPG" border="0" /></a>This last stretch was the most emotional part of the race for me! OMG! When I cross this line I am going to be able to call myself a marathoner! Never in a million years at this time last year would I have believed that I would ever run in a marathon!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnuiAdkdVMgy6bX-HSiiIVL3R-WJj7hHEcubsdor_EluZcr2IVsB8nCllDWkaxaz4X_ska37RpB3JNjuWbQsuZzVyD58Z4hCsLz3WXLjsbqGO87eOo_FCzwP_3d1k_XJ6jye9ireSObI/s1600/DSCN0617.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524183997327984482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnuiAdkdVMgy6bX-HSiiIVL3R-WJj7hHEcubsdor_EluZcr2IVsB8nCllDWkaxaz4X_ska37RpB3JNjuWbQsuZzVyD58Z4hCsLz3WXLjsbqGO87eOo_FCzwP_3d1k_XJ6jye9ireSObI/s320/DSCN0617.JPG" border="0" /></a> People were screaming and I started to pick up my pace a little. I passed a few people but basically just ran in easy.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpp2rSg35av46WG4Qpy-KGnKokhnrol1itgrwZTANRqg4KXh_3MeOGShvaUuh8RAl-3-QsE9UfuEcPZecg4TGL_SM7fl7PyA5qwhmYS-H_YRsmw8P6JFY-5bJDXYvRLX053r5bX1FF2k/s1600/DSCN0618.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524183874874389874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpp2rSg35av46WG4Qpy-KGnKokhnrol1itgrwZTANRqg4KXh_3MeOGShvaUuh8RAl-3-QsE9UfuEcPZecg4TGL_SM7fl7PyA5qwhmYS-H_YRsmw8P6JFY-5bJDXYvRLX053r5bX1FF2k/s320/DSCN0618.JPG" border="0" /></a>When I saw the clock it said 4:12 something but I have no idea what it said when I crossed the finish line! I ran those last few feet and through my arms up in the air! I did it! I finished! I finished my first marathon! I took a few steps and got my medal. The lady put it around my neck and I walked over to a fence, put my head down and started to cry. Big tears rolled down my cheeks. I was so thrilled:) Running a marathon is hard work! Not only was I physically tired, I felt emotionally drained too! I am so proud of my accomplishment and happy for finishing my first marathon. I was also very sad that no one from my family was there to share it with me. It was a bitter-sweet moment for me.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXO_EuYizb3y9eA7FuT1IElkjykvQXJ5CtSlwAOJ3sxqFH0X3_a2D7MaTfb6ZKMhCiIfX1lAAbjxRDNJ5Z_0mT5B6Gy7vhNpeP87D6G4IJEZDPsQllP6dc04ZUe_qkENU1ksVPNt7-Gs/s1600/DSCN0619.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524183763934977618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXO_EuYizb3y9eA7FuT1IElkjykvQXJ5CtSlwAOJ3sxqFH0X3_a2D7MaTfb6ZKMhCiIfX1lAAbjxRDNJ5Z_0mT5B6Gy7vhNpeP87D6G4IJEZDPsQllP6dc04ZUe_qkENU1ksVPNt7-Gs/s320/DSCN0619.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKoseZIxp0koZCpA2w1-TnmL_S2MorymTTuJbQ4cRsgYMVwwkYGmyU47J6nEK_uQi_8FNBG-DVB8994HkVkm5KczOsM0NqMH1yfA5RrW2tE_RtrJ5-PUdrGAgMlMrboO9qDdIZfGaWXg/s1600/DSCN0620.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524183642593173442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 285px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKoseZIxp0koZCpA2w1-TnmL_S2MorymTTuJbQ4cRsgYMVwwkYGmyU47J6nEK_uQi_8FNBG-DVB8994HkVkm5KczOsM0NqMH1yfA5RrW2tE_RtrJ5-PUdrGAgMlMrboO9qDdIZfGaWXg/s320/DSCN0620.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-H8rK9GZEPIJQ6_0JQWKE8m9Qw-5dKyH1ZEyXnP9QAv4BQGxPotcjp2q1j8S1x5sU5u2zLJoP389wRVclh-Q1PMlPFvETFbFo2H0h2dIyLu9fufloUXSrE3silLfjz5p0pePEbsoxDM/s1600/DSCN0621.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524183546480073938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 188px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-H8rK9GZEPIJQ6_0JQWKE8m9Qw-5dKyH1ZEyXnP9QAv4BQGxPotcjp2q1j8S1x5sU5u2zLJoP389wRVclh-Q1PMlPFvETFbFo2H0h2dIyLu9fufloUXSrE3silLfjz5p0pePEbsoxDM/s320/DSCN0621.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLnq0qTA4RVuky5RYUAJQldLzAArpybR-WUwcMZo9ai53Ml8VkMNpicwyGqxhmijAaANBTXPkjkAglPL8kqqHqGL_oik1EBkuxJPkwE6upUSzFpP4RS97YxYBQhGtSPAtN62SAhxa7_c/s1600/DSCN0622.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524183422830038610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 310px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLnq0qTA4RVuky5RYUAJQldLzAArpybR-WUwcMZo9ai53Ml8VkMNpicwyGqxhmijAaANBTXPkjkAglPL8kqqHqGL_oik1EBkuxJPkwE6upUSzFpP4RS97YxYBQhGtSPAtN62SAhxa7_c/s320/DSCN0622.JPG" border="0" /></a> Shortly after I finished I ran into Katy. Katy is someone that I remember from the Get Ready To Rock 20 mile race. I asked her if she ran it and she said yes. She told me that she read my blog...I forgot to ask how she found it. Katy did great today and I would of never guessed that she just had a baby a few months ago:)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7jK89VPLmxXUFi7FQzD5BR57KL1QxachA8hGqrLl7aiZcpljtBbScNo_UpfiwFN7KlH5oVNEppG05pO59rb0pRtJ5l6631bPYeTHXWHXVHPV9JMvJdsQtlU0oxdl4nOHs-OOs9T9fBU/s1600/DSCN0623.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524183291320901058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7jK89VPLmxXUFi7FQzD5BR57KL1QxachA8hGqrLl7aiZcpljtBbScNo_UpfiwFN7KlH5oVNEppG05pO59rb0pRtJ5l6631bPYeTHXWHXVHPV9JMvJdsQtlU0oxdl4nOHs-OOs9T9fBU/s320/DSCN0623.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />After the race I drank a cup of the blue stuff, two cups of chicken broth and a bottle of water. I also ate a banana. I walked over to where the bag check was and sat in the grass. I was hurting pretty bad. I got up and stretched my legs out but it was not helping. I thought about finding the massage tent to see if I could have someone work on my sore legs.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPkMSrp8RR30oTzDyECIXoRn1ufvVWWpqgNP4zP02-5bNyzFt6g-qXa5RkYlfP14tsWNFlD1RgHDhxZrDiVVZ0wW6tvOldrVwcF4FW0T95UJOLa20vPO4brfCpatYypHDEA6isCbV-uw/s1600/DSCN0624.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524183171305160370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPkMSrp8RR30oTzDyECIXoRn1ufvVWWpqgNP4zP02-5bNyzFt6g-qXa5RkYlfP14tsWNFlD1RgHDhxZrDiVVZ0wW6tvOldrVwcF4FW0T95UJOLa20vPO4brfCpatYypHDEA6isCbV-uw/s320/DSCN0624.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I did run into Kalli who is a SCRR...she finished with an awesome time of 3:17:) Go Kalli!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeRdbN7uT9XYWjMtuk5gUBgeMM-mlP3j4BNGilGm-GRbHhbOX99zz2A6ddnz7rJdd00cJJI8iuuMSjWVfMwe1VeF_VpiJJDyvRV3UYDYUKZ_Ea0VlnGTeaYUMJjULUzkopaV82J5NAyU/s1600/DSCN0625.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524183053169965442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeRdbN7uT9XYWjMtuk5gUBgeMM-mlP3j4BNGilGm-GRbHhbOX99zz2A6ddnz7rJdd00cJJI8iuuMSjWVfMwe1VeF_VpiJJDyvRV3UYDYUKZ_Ea0VlnGTeaYUMJjULUzkopaV82J5NAyU/s320/DSCN0625.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydlaFa3Kpv-T8-cz_JSpwfkptt_Zf-Sw7gzH1u5ajY-5KLuBqHGn9tIEkzKvW8F9fpEYMqkN7b7XH9KnRcaauhTJesg3aS8MZIfvfmTg65Z1HRUYE0JAVU1iPu6p60Q0Oyn_boRVVw_A/s1600/DSCN0626.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524182938471421570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydlaFa3Kpv-T8-cz_JSpwfkptt_Zf-Sw7gzH1u5ajY-5KLuBqHGn9tIEkzKvW8F9fpEYMqkN7b7XH9KnRcaauhTJesg3aS8MZIfvfmTg65Z1HRUYE0JAVU1iPu6p60Q0Oyn_boRVVw_A/s320/DSCN0626.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaDkERIaQR8qXMWehGrVS1CgCME805xUhImtZ_OTSehqfYAq9vPx-Tr6TGa_skVrexy5omqouOhtg-4Qf-_iXXqJVIwXnzDIYR3Kaq69OcpAQd8gKT88UtwoFOX2dMi2RzIbE0mrP27Q/s1600/DSCN0627.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524182829119215922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaDkERIaQR8qXMWehGrVS1CgCME805xUhImtZ_OTSehqfYAq9vPx-Tr6TGa_skVrexy5omqouOhtg-4Qf-_iXXqJVIwXnzDIYR3Kaq69OcpAQd8gKT88UtwoFOX2dMi2RzIbE0mrP27Q/s320/DSCN0627.JPG" border="0" /></a> I walked around for a few minutes taking pictures. I then walked up to the Capital to catch a bus back to the Metrodome:) I was tired and really wanted to take a shower and go to bed.</div><div></div><div>Here are my final stats......</div><div></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">Final time 4:09:45.</span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">I placed 3,843 out of 8,211 actual finishers.</span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">I placed 1,145 out of 3,394 women.</span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">I placed 143 out of 422 for my age group</span><span style="color:#ff0000;">. </span></div><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></div><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><div></div><div>Will I ever run another marathon you ask? Hell yes! One thing that I will say is I can only see myself doing one of these bad boys a year:) Thanks again for all of your support and encouragement! <a href="http://runwithjill.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Jill</span></a> thanks for being a super fan! I am so glad that you were able to track my time because the computer wouldn't give me my information until this morning. It was almost like I didn't run the race. So many people attempted to get my stats and were not successful as well. You rock Jill!</div><div>Happy running, biking, swimming and lifting! Cheers to you all!</div><div></div><div>Next on my things to do...take care of my lawn and catch up on blogs:)</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01016242849142019105noreply@blogger.com92