Long Beach Marathon

My brother and sister in law ran their marathon yesterday. They did fantastic! Congratulations to both of you!

Duh!

Have you ever had a duh moment...a moment that you seem to have a problem, you look at it from every angle and still don't know how to fix it...then someone says do this and you say Duh. I had that moment last week
I looked up my results for the race last week. Originally I had thought I beat my last time by 5 minutes. I was ok with that (not thrilled). Once they posted the times I was really not happy because I only beat my time by like 2 minutes. So sad. I had worked myself into a fit by that night. Running hurts. It hurts my calves and thighs really bad. It isn't my breathing, it is my legs. I thought it was because I am still carrying around an extra 45lbs and not doing my core exercises like I need.(some of that is still true) So I started talking to Shannon about it. I told him that I was going to start walking, because obviously I am not a runner.
Have I told you that Shannon loves that I run! (He is up to 3/4mile on the track) He has been so supportive! He told me that ok it was only 2 minutes, but next run could be more. He also asked me if I should increase my stride. He said that I don't really run...I jog. He started telling me about this older lady that he watched running on the track. She was giving it her all, but because of limited movement her legs only moved so far. He (very nicely) told me that he watched me run the other day and that maybe I did the same thing.....DUH.
Although not happy at the time( maybe cause I am a little stubborn) I though about what he said. Friday came and I convinced myself to try one more time. While running I intcreased my stride. My legs didn't hurt....I couldn't breath...but no pain in my legs. I had to take a few more breaks because of the breathing part...but my legs got that nervous itch to run again before my lungs said go. I had a blast! I also cut my 2 mile run down by 2 minutes.(Taking too many breaks)
So here is what I learned. When I started running, I couldn't breath so I slowed it down. I started jogging...and never sped up. The reason for my legs hurting makes absolute since. When you jog all your pressure is being put on your toes and your core is being held so that your legs are doing all the work. When you run you use so much of your whole body to keep up the momentum and you use your whole foot not just the front part.
So here is what I am going to do. I am going to get my lungs to catch up with my legs and keep running. I get to see my big brother and sister in law run a marathon in a few weeks. Hopefully I will be able to keep up with them.....for at least 3 miles anyhow.

Bank to Bay

I ran my second 5k today. It was a beautiful day and a great run! The race started downtown and along Shuster parkway and back. I thought it was pretty flat until I started running...not so flat, not complaining I had a lot of fun! Spencer ran the kids run, he says next year he is in for the 5k. I think I am more excited that my family is beginning to join me on the fun. I should have signed up Audrey for the kids run she would have done awesome! Oh well....next time.

Me and my new shirt! I think I should have ran in it. I think I would have been cooler that way!

Congratulations to Tina, Chris, Gabby and Milla who all ran today as well! It was fun to have so many friends there and running as well!

Spinning Park

We are having a fun day. Audrey chose the spinning park to go to today. You cant tell from these pictures but Ava and Audrey had a blast!

One little incident at the park. Ava is showing her owie below. Mommy and daddy have a lot of kissing to do when you pick her up. I am sure she will show you right away. Two year old legs dont run down hills like they want them to. No worries mom and dad she is doing great, she just left a little skin at the park.

4th Grader

My son is a 4th grader today. He was scheduled to be in a 3rd/4th grade split. I found out yesterday that they did away with the split so his teacher this year is Mrs. Burton. We are so excited! I dont know a lot about her, but I have heard that she is great. We will see what this year brings. Our school will have a new principal this year as well, she was here today but not for long.
Spencer is growing up. He was excited for today but trying to be so grown up. I was only allowed to take a few pictures at school, and didn't get to walk him to his classroom. Next year I get to start all over with Audrey!

My Niece

My niece is running a 5k tomorrow! I am so excited for her. She is amazingly strong and I know she will do a fantastic job. I wont be able to be there to see her, but I will be thinking of her! Maybe when I come and see the family in October (my brother and sister in law will be running a marathon) we can do a little running together. ..........(if I can keep up with her!)
HAVE FUN TOMORROW!

Friday at play

We have had a great day today, we have relaxed at home. To get some excercise and fresh air we went to the school to play. We had fun walking there and home as well!