Reflections On Running

I can't believe the marathon is finally almost here. Back in December when I signed up, it almost didn't feel like it would ever get here... June was so far away. Well, it's here. Today I ran my final training run and this coming Sunday I'll be running a marathon.

Because I'm a bit of a nerd, I've kept track of all of my mileage. Since the first training run back in December, I've run a total of 496 miles. To put that into perspective, it's 502 miles from Sacramento to San Diego. That's right, I've run the distance I'll have to travel to my marathon.

I've spent the last few days teetering back and forth between being extremely excited and completely scared to death. Then I think about the journey that this has been and I'm so happy that I'm doing it. I've put blood, sweat and tears (literally on all three of those - my foot bled through my sock this morning) into this. Running has been a place for me to think, free therapy, and a place for some good laughs (my goat pacer anyone?). I've also learned a lot about my body (red sauce + running = bad) along with the fact that it's ok to crap in bushes (still haven't had to do it, but I carry TP in my pack!).

I think of all of the runs I've done - the runs in the cold, in the hot, in the rain. I think of the sore joints, the pulled muscles, the stomach cramps and the blisters. I think of the crazy hills. All of that is going to make running in San Diego like running in paradise. I'm so proud of all of the work I've put in and I'm going to do my best to get past my famous nerves and to really enjoy myself. I want to take in the sights, listen to the bands and just run. In fact, that's been my little mantra lately... just run. And keep running.

Anyways, sorry for the sort of rambling post. I'm nervous, but I'm ready. It's been a great journey. One more day of work and then I get to spend three days in my home away from home!

Brand New Patio

I know, I know... it's been far too long. Sorry folks, life has been busy! My marathon training has taken up a lot of time (more on that tomorrow) and in our spare time, Mike and I have been working in the yard a lot. Ready to see the fruits of our labor? Keep in mind that it's still a work in progress. Here's what the patio looked like before:

Patio Before

Drumroll please....

Patio After

Keep in mind it's seriously still a work in progress - like there won't be electrical cords running to the waterfall (there will be a switch at the house). Nor will there be sand all over the tiles - we've got that on there to fill in the gaps as it settles. We got new furniture for it as well - nice wrought iron that is easy to hose off when the oak trees decide to do their thing (pollen, leaves, etc).

Did I mention that I have a working waterfall in my backyard?!

Our Waterfall!!!

I love it. All of the rocks are from our property and I plan on planting all sorts of pretty things around it to grow. We're aiming for the "jungle" look - like it's wild. I can't wait!

Ok, I promise better updates... four more days until the marathon!!!

Happy Mother's Day!

Yesterday we celebrated Mother's Day with my mama by heading out to the Amador Flower Farm for a picnic and a tour of the gardens. The weather was absolutely beautiful and we had a wonderful time. I even came home with a new day lily for my garden!

Here's a picture of my mama and I... I absolutely LOVE this one!

I Love My Mama!

Enjoying a picnic of roasted chicken, pasta salad, watermelon and mini cranberry pies:

Picnic Time!

The grounds were really pretty, but we were a little early for the day lilies - they don't all really start blooming until around June or July. We've already decided to go back to see it then!

Beautiful Grounds

Had to get pictures with my two favorite guys:

Me And My Daddy

Me And My Hubby

It was an absolutely beautiful time... I'm so happy we got to hang out as a family!

My People

Today we're headed over to the Blankenheim's for a brunch to celebrate all the mamas on that side of the family. Then I think it might be time to come home and take a lazy nap! Happy Mother's Day to all the mamas out there!

Peak Week - Check!

Well faithful followers, I survived peak week. It was tough and my body is definitely tired, but it feels so good to have it done!

This morning I ran 20 miles. Yup, you read that right. It actually felt pretty good. I'm constantly amazed at how much my body can withstand. Aside from some achy knees and nasty feet, I feel pretty good! Nothing a little Advil and rest can't fix!

The run was really nice - it was still cool when I started (6am!) and didn't get too hot. The best part was when I was paced by a goat. Yup, a goat. He ran alongside (in his fenced pen) for about 1/2 a mile - both times I ran by him. I like to think he was helping me, not that he was territorial and trying to kill me. I should have stopped to get a picture, but really wanted to get the run over with.

Here's me after the run, looking all kinds of beautiful:

Flattering Self Portrait

It's all downhill from here!

Peak Week

Well folks, for those of you following along, I've run a grand total of 402 miles in preparation for my first (and last) marathon. This week is peak week... I'm running a total of 40 miles, culminating with my long run that will be 20 miles (the longest I'll run until the race). It's all downhill after this. To make it even more challenging, Mother Nature has turned up the thermostat. Most of my runs have to be after work since they're too long to squish in before, which means I'm running in 80+ degree heat. Nothing like a little hard work to make you appreciate the AC in your car! Fingers crossed that I can survive this week!

Year of Music - Update

So excited... I've added another concert to my year of music. I'll be heading to the Mountain Winery to see Barenaked Ladies and Blues Traveler! Woo hoo! Let the year of music continue!

March 29: Lady Antebellum featuring Darius Rucker and Thompson Square
June 16: Wicked
July 31: Barenaked Ladies featuring Blues Traveler
August 4: Aerosmith featuring Cheap Trick
September 9: Dave Matthews Band

Mama's Got Her New Shoes On

My brand new shoes came yesterday... it's time to start breaking them in. These will be the ones that I actually run the race in! They're the same style and brand that I've been running in, but now they have them in this fun pink & grey color!

Brand New Shoes!