ugh!!

Out of space on the blog and trying to decide what to do!

I have deleted as many posts as I can, somehow I just feel like I am deleting history.  Not ready for that yet.  Hmm... will keep you updated.

The good, the bad, the goofy!

Tired poor mom... about 3:00 am!

Well, upon making my New Year's Resolution I promised myself that I would post the good, the bad and the ugly!  I would be proud of my times regardless if they were good.... or just plain sucked.  I wish I could say that this race didn't 'just plain suck'. 

First, let me say that the experience was completely amazing.  I haven't gone anywhere by myself (besides work) since having my kids.  So after, arranging carpools, cleaning the house, doing ALL the laundry and pre making all the meals....I packed up and flew to FL!  All by myself!  My mom picked me up and we went to check out the Disney scenes.  The next blog was from the Expo.  It was huge... I got lots of goodies!  I was so lucky to have my mom to go with me!

On friday we slept in and went to the beach, it was gorgeous!  So relaxing.  Saturday morning we woke-up at 1:30, yes AM.  I was excited and still nervous.  So happy to have the support of my mom!  There were so many people there.  We checked out the scenery and decided how cold it really wasn't.  I had planned for much worse.  We had to start the walk over to the start line by 4:30, so I left my mom and started the trek.  For one thing I was completely amazed at how many restrooms 27,000 people required.  In fact, at one point I looked into the woods and there was a line of men & WOMEN in the woods!  Not exactly pixie dust, but hey... I met a woman from Ashville who was running to support her friend as she had done her first 5k ever!

There were 8 corals, and as I previously mentioned I got into coral A.  I was kinda excited that I wouldn't have as many people to weave around, but it seems I was the obstacle! 

At the beginning of the race they had a live feed from Afghanistan, a soilder who ran the Disney half last year had organized a half, in Afghanistan, that would start at the same time we did.  They had a woman and her daughter talking to her husband.  Both would be running.  It was so sweet!  They even had the 'Today Show' hosts appear... as they were running also!

Here is a link to the Disney blog.  It's worth watching the videos they have.  A couple got engaged at the half way mark (under the castle) of the full marathon.  A blind soilder ran the half.  I actually ran next to them for a while.  They were tied together with a rope.  So inspiring!

disneyparks.disney.go.com

Anyways, for you non-runners... this is boring.  The race started with fireworks!  All 8 corals they started.... with fireworks (so I heard).  My first 3 miles were great, and I was over it.  Not sure what happened.  I was tired, and hot and it was a lot of work mentally weaving around these people.  I slowed down, hoping to get into my grove... but nothing.  I decided that I was hot, really hot.  So, I dumped one of my favorite running vests and headband.  I might add that my bib was safety pinned to my vest so I was running and unpinning and then running and repinning!  Ha!  This was about mile 5 1/2... we shortly entered the Magic Kingdom.  Running down Main Street, around the huge Christmas tree and the castle.  It was roughly 6:15, still very dark.  There were so many people cheering us on, it was hard to walk... but I had to.  My body was rebelling.  My Achilles, my quads, my hamstrings were all hurting.  I never felt overwhelmed by my breathing though, just my body.  So, the last 6 miles were more of the same.  I would just try to make it one more mile and disappoint myself one more time.  At least there was a lot to look at... lots of high school bands, characters, firetrucks, hot air balloons... you name it!  I couldn't believe how many people would stop at the characters to get their pictures taken with them! 

So, I finished... at one point I honestly thought I wasn't going to be able to.  No drama.  Seriously.  The last 1/4 mile there was a choir, and stands and stands of people!  I was completely amazed.  It was probably the only thing that actually helped me run across the finish line.  So, my final time was something around 2 hrs 15 minutes.  A mere 30 minutes over my goal. 

Here is only one of the costumes... hilarious!

I realized that I am kinda tough on myself sometimes.  I am so thankful that I was not only willing but able to participate.  It was an amazing experience and I will certainly beat my time next year!

On this wall everyone wrote who or what they were running for.... the wall had probably 6 of these huge squares... It was very inspiring!

A huge, amazing thanks to Chad, my life, my support and my inspiration.  Even though my run completely sucked he was so encouraging!  He handled everything at home, including a sick kiddo.  I wish I could upload the pics of the signs the kids made for me both before and after the race.... so stinkin' sweet!

So, contemplating doing the Goofy Challenge next year.  5k on friday, 13.1 on Saturday and 26.2 on Sunday.  Just keeping this in my sights.  We will see ;)

The Mouse Is In The HOUSE!

 Packet pick-up and expo!  What a fun day with my mom!

On this wall you write who and/or what you are running for.  Being for the mouse.... running for my kids.  Love em to pieces!

Just some funny shirts we saw at the expo!

Runnig of the Lights.... Event #1

RUNNING OF THE LIGHTS 12:00 1/1/11

We couldn't think of a better way to bring in the new year... other than running. I was kinda bummed when I found out this race was a 5k, disqualifying it from on of my 34 events.  BUT!!!  It's a 5.5k!  :)  Totally qualifies!

This is my buddy Meredith.  We worked together at our first nursing jobs... 10 years ago.  She just had baby #2, doesn't she look great!

I was a little concerned about Chad's knee, he has only run once since the half and could only go a mile because his knee hurt so bad.  He always amazes me and did fantastic!   His best 5k ever! His time was 27:43, he was 107/404 men and 23/59 in his age group!  Awesome!

 I wish I could have taken pictures during this race.  It started with a live feed of the NYC ball drop and we were off.  The first half mile was pretty rough, very dark and lots of pushing and shoving.  After that it spaced out and the lights started.  These are no typical front yard lights.  These are professional, amazing lights!  At the end of the first mile the started fireworks!  Absolutely beautiful!  So much fun!  I had seemed to forget this course... the last mile has really steep hills, really steep.  the first race I did here was the tri I gashed my knee open.  The only race I have ever walked in.  The second was 'Angel's Race'  I raced for Ava and knew the hill wasn't going to get the best of me.  This time around was a little better.  I have learned that I run faster in the cold.

 I ended up 18/481 women and 4th in my age group (only by a bitter 5 seconds!) out of 68 women and my final time was 25:00 minutes.  Was a record for me too!

Notice the snow on the ground.  The thermostats only read 35 but it was chilly, still lots of snow left of the course.

I leave Thursday morning for FL, event #2!  I am traveling alone this time :)  The Disney Half Marathon is Saturday.  The weather looks perfect, and I

 will have a cheering section.  So happy my mom will be there to cheer me on!

Kiddos went back to school today, everyone was happy to return to routine.  Carson will be swimming in a swim meet next weekend.  He is very ready, and we are excited to see how much he has improved.

34 races this year....

So we figured the big kids were old enough to understand what a New Year's Resolution is.  We talked about it over dinner for a few nights and this is what they came up with.

Caelyn wants to 'do better in school'.  When asked to elaborate she said she didn't know.  She also said she wanted to run in a race and get a medal :)

Carson has said that he would like to get a 'b' time swimming, and run a 5k.

Pretty realistic goals for their first time!

For Caelyns race we have decided that since I plan to run in the Disney Princess Half Marathon in February that she and I will do the 1-mile race.  She wants to work up to the 1-mile.  So cute.

I have no doubt Carson can and will get a 'b' time swimming, and running is almost second nature for him.

Chad has no resolutions, says he is too busy!

My resolution, in honor of turning 34 this year, is to do 34 races.  The only stipulations is that they have to be more than a 5k.  To put this into perspective, I did 9 triathlons, 2-3k's and 2 half marathons in 2010.  Not even half of the 34 for this year! 

First event begins tonight at midnight... only a slight loophole.  It's a 5.5k :)  Running of the Lights.  Sounds like fun, fireworks and the whole path is lined in Christmas lights.  Sounds like there are about 800 people signed up and the weather should be perfect... around 40.  (At our last half marathon it was a bitter 26 degrees).

So, stay tuned... let's see if the 3 of us can keep our resolutions!

Oh, and our resolution for Carrigan is no more pacifier.  We bought her a big girl bed yesterday and she went to sleep in it tonight with no pacy!  What a huge accomplishment for all (probably me more than her because I am not ready to give up my baby)

Oh, and I had to add these pics from earlier this month.  I just can't get over how stinkin' cute my kiddos are :) 

White Christmas!

Christmas morning!

Caelyn's knitting kit from grandma!  We have already made 2 hats!

 Carson's spy gear fanny pack!  Too funny!

 'The best slippers ever!'  She hasn't taken em off!

 Whoa!  A leotard.. and the box was fantastic!

 Yay! Swim bag!  He is official now ;)

 Super huge bag of goodies from Teresa and Dave!

 Finally getting the hang of this... ready for the next present!

 WOW!!

 Mickey + Computer = happiness!

 Sillliness!!

 Stockings!

Loving the leo's!  Perfect fit :)

She actually knew that her name was on it!

The second picture was just so silly I had to add it :)

...and to all a good night!

I am kinda over this blog right now.  I swear I have been sitting here for over 2 hours trying to get my old template back!  So, no this isn't the background I wanted but it's all that will work.  Take it or leave it!

Just thought I would share a couple of pics from our Christmas Eve...  Since Chad worked all day we decided to crash his party!  Luckily there were other families to share the afternoon with.  We have become so close to these families, it's getting easier and easier for me to understand this thing called 'brotherhood'.  They are all fantastic guys, I hate Chad will be moving on to another station in January... but we know with this move brings new challenges and new families!  He has worked so hard, we are so excited for him!

We have plans to do absolutely nothing tomorrow.  This year Chad and I have come to realize that our family is OUR family.  We need to treasure these times and these memories that we make together.  We are looking forward to a white Christmas and spending it together :)  No worries, family events were held last weekend and there are more to come.  We might all stay in pajamas all day... just because we can!

 

I love my little life, my awesome husband, amazing kids, fantastic family, and the outstanding friends who make me the best mom, wife, and friend that I can be.  Thank you for all who SUPPORT us and love us.  Without you we are nothing. 

xoxo

-C (x5)