tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289913442024-03-23T13:55:23.291-04:00A Family StoryWith a beginning, middle, and no end in sight...Amy Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889460762363255735noreply@blogger.comBlogger1082125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28991344.post-51011432182602804152012-12-06T09:42:00.000-05:002012-12-06T09:43:49.466-05:00Pic<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHveJzRA5un2owO_ZJRpLTO3Hk8YjDY8JrnqSD_LOlPQzGB5yjGRV0Hj5vyiichaGa0zcn3DEjgD46J_LzDs3ldaRvik7jxY3jouY3dIUAI1YU63rvPS_2w1CSbDSAgUvZWbDq/s1600/photo-729467.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHveJzRA5un2owO_ZJRpLTO3Hk8YjDY8JrnqSD_LOlPQzGB5yjGRV0Hj5vyiichaGa0zcn3DEjgD46J_LzDs3ldaRvik7jxY3jouY3dIUAI1YU63rvPS_2w1CSbDSAgUvZWbDq/s320/photo-729467.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5818843292283173746" /></a></p>Amy Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889460762363255735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28991344.post-87983139456747702011-05-23T07:39:00.003-04:002011-05-23T17:54:10.060-04:00Check one off my bucket listThis weekend was one of those really good weekends - we didn't have much planned, the weather was great, and we enjoyed good friends and good times all around.<br /><br /><br />Friday nights Ashley has dance class with a few other girls on our street, so right after dance we all headed to our local watering hole in the downtown part of our town. We were able to get tables outside so we enjoyed relaxing and eating and the kids didn't have to be on their best <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">behavior</span> since we were outside.<br /><br /><br />Saturday mornings are my long run mornings and I got to run with <a href="http://carmenbrennan.blogspot.com/">Carmen</a> and another new-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">ish</span> neighbor to our street. I was doing 10 and they hung with me for 6 miles which was great. And the new neighbor has twins (a boy and a girl) who are Audrey's age, so we set up a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">playdate</span> for later that day. After the run and eating lunch at home, Ray headed out with Audrey and I headed out with Ashley. Since Ray had been on two weekend camping trips recently with Ashley, we figured some bonding time with the girls was in order, so he took Audrey to a park and I took Ashley ice skating (I had purchased a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">groupon</span> months ago that was about to expire for ice skating). We headed back home in time for Audrey to have a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">playdate</span>, and for Ashley to have a friend from school over as well.<br /><br /><br />The other local bar/restaurant in our town was having "Rocking at the Crossing", with bands playing, bounce houses and such. After dinner we headed there and Ashley's friend's parents met us there. We hung out until after 9:00 at night. On the way home, Audrey looked like this:<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609879219487527218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQ3AC3AnlYlBMqJCMWubP7jTFpLWDA59gx5U6zz7UIYR6dpyMpngIacLrgCebxWMMiAKW3qM64f9c-XwDHI8tw5wc7MSk1l8TTvT93vdwx1zvyrKHiDTMfZYz3PKNS_UVbc6Z/s400/audrey1.jpg" /><br />But I have saved the best for last! <a href="http://dreamlivingrealty.net/">Ray's company</a> helps with marketing and selling houses in a neighboring golf community in town, and they were having a family festival on Sunday with a 5K race. Ray, myself and Ray's brother Sean were all signed up to run. Sean had been mouthing off for the past month that he was going to beat me and that he was in better shape than me. Ha!<br /><br /><br />I won 1st place in my age group (35-39), was 4<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> female overall AND I beat Ray and Sean.<br /><br /><br />Yes, it was a very small race. I would have never won in my age group otherwise. There was only about 150 registered, and I think less than that finished. It was hot (92 degrees at the 2pm start time) and crazy hilly. I saw one lady taken away on a stretcher. Not good.<br /><br /><br />But it still counts as an award. And not just any award, $20 to a local running store. Yippee!Amy Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889460762363255735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28991344.post-82884520456468899192011-05-20T07:54:00.002-04:002011-05-20T07:56:02.758-04:00Audrey's dance recital<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYjhX_EmLZY9AnXXUJp0CBcYkX6S-DmJSDDQSjCAPIuYA7XpR0iXErIdSpL0lkH09JbIqQl3tfb3yfpa6ZZD3x9i9l6NV_USGbIK47IS3Ghnry8GIBz7pBH_dmz27RqDHLSHe/s1600/Audrey+dance+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 266px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608765606167888914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYjhX_EmLZY9AnXXUJp0CBcYkX6S-DmJSDDQSjCAPIuYA7XpR0iXErIdSpL0lkH09JbIqQl3tfb3yfpa6ZZD3x9i9l6NV_USGbIK47IS3Ghnry8GIBz7pBH_dmz27RqDHLSHe/s400/Audrey+dance+copy.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div></div>Amy Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889460762363255735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28991344.post-87762373171412504632011-05-18T10:26:00.004-04:002011-05-18T15:49:32.104-04:00Conversation with Audrey<div>Last night while tucking Audrey into bed:</div><div> </div><div>"Mommy, let's talk about when I'm a teenager."</div><div> </div><div>"Okay, what are we going to be doing when you are a teenager?"</div><div> </div><div>"You might die. And if your hand is bigger than your face, you will get cancer."</div><div> </div><div> </div>Amy Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889460762363255735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28991344.post-25201912392436968462011-05-10T07:56:00.002-04:002011-05-10T07:59:01.056-04:00I want this shirt....<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlp9pqED6gYgs17aVUJ_HDSeG_d_PwHwW7eMZBm8qiN_ZAPtWAwUbzAFNcuGZGiK6q_yWaOkTK09G1QKqoW0tbzXTFFGPtwFxAhw8GEhKRYxDB6mFN4ZwDyUfOfDsR8usGyQK/s1600/348454604v2_480x480_Front_Color-CaribbeanBlue.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605055298273785954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlp9pqED6gYgs17aVUJ_HDSeG_d_PwHwW7eMZBm8qiN_ZAPtWAwUbzAFNcuGZGiK6q_yWaOkTK09G1QKqoW0tbzXTFFGPtwFxAhw8GEhKRYxDB6mFN4ZwDyUfOfDsR8usGyQK/s400/348454604v2_480x480_Front_Color-CaribbeanBlue.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Running 5 days a week with my new training plan has been a huge adjustment. You wouldn't think going from 4 to 5 days would be, but it is. </div></div>Amy Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889460762363255735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28991344.post-39051876676720340452011-05-09T09:49:00.006-04:002011-05-10T07:56:31.743-04:00Mother's Day and Birthdays<div>Mother's Day weekend started off on Friday at Audrey's preschool where I enjoyed Muffins for Moms for the last time there. I am very happy not to be paying $1,000 a month for preschool and Audrey is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">ecstatic</span> about not wearing uniforms any more, but it was sad to be the last event like that. She has been at that school since she was 4 months old, and what it really means is she is almost a kindergartner. Very scary. </div><div> </div><div>So anyway, she had to answer some questions about me...see the picture.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLK0fVyCOghBXpQ2q9w_uNo8Y7roFvPUGN7CBXi2JXuwrn8TpiUuGbw4cG7JbB6Ru6pyb3xgecv5M61G1yplY7GUTDK41Vg7c-IeX8_wppUtG3IfN9zIo4cROXXY6VTT32EVhD/s1600/securedownload1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 299px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604713290334606386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLK0fVyCOghBXpQ2q9w_uNo8Y7roFvPUGN7CBXi2JXuwrn8TpiUuGbw4cG7JbB6Ru6pyb3xgecv5M61G1yplY7GUTDK41Vg7c-IeX8_wppUtG3IfN9zIo4cROXXY6VTT32EVhD/s400/securedownload1.jpg" /></a>And let me just clarify #7. It says my favorite thing to do for fun is to "have a party Friday nights". Which is partly true. Ashley and 3 other girls on our street have dance class Friday nights (which yes in fact that does suck and I will never sign up for a dance class on Friday night again). So while they are in dance, the rest of us get together for a happy hour of sorts. And since Audrey isn't in dance class, she hangs out with us. </div><p>In other exciting news, Ray got some new shoes. Specifically these:</p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEk5EUpcll5RUra4Tp5ZClWTZzZGPNuo_qwNt0OCsvrwMA_GItDiweUE7bozaNNSV6jxnZD8rLr1XHHoMcFeO9vESZdepoZuHlZTpLSGeNuFka339-6cXC3t3Rj-bdeuBcBtIL/s1600/securedownload.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 299px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604713278369393106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEk5EUpcll5RUra4Tp5ZClWTZzZGPNuo_qwNt0OCsvrwMA_GItDiweUE7bozaNNSV6jxnZD8rLr1XHHoMcFeO9vESZdepoZuHlZTpLSGeNuFka339-6cXC3t3Rj-bdeuBcBtIL/s400/securedownload.jpg" /></a>Yes, he is going to try <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">vibrams</span> to see if that helps his knee pain. He spent all weekend walking around the house in them. </div><div> </div><div>So I hope everyone had a great Mother's Day and Happy Birthday to my Dad today!<br /><div></div></div>Amy Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889460762363255735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28991344.post-12346047069429950202011-05-02T15:47:00.005-04:002011-05-02T16:00:47.043-04:00This is the beginning of a crazy month...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3NtigchhN8Q9Pl1oOLapNMCLE-4HtRgJfDKg8VpkDMv7t8Ekd17_U0f1pxbKNA7PoIcS3NvOSRQP1EROn5hT9rgQwnvTiq9Qh1VZFO9W-06jhyTmzI1vvgXQzyQ9EDF3UYJT/s1600/securedownload.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602208317740002834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3NtigchhN8Q9Pl1oOLapNMCLE-4HtRgJfDKg8VpkDMv7t8Ekd17_U0f1pxbKNA7PoIcS3NvOSRQP1EROn5hT9rgQwnvTiq9Qh1VZFO9W-06jhyTmzI1vvgXQzyQ9EDF3UYJT/s400/securedownload.jpg" /></a> I finally bit the bullet and got a real running coach to do a training plan (it's in plain sight at my desk at work) for me (versus finding random training plans online that weren't customized to my paces). And it is awesome (although running 7 and 8 milers during the week scares me). Go check <a href="http://racingwithbabes.blogspot.com/">Tonia</a> out and give her some words of encouragement, she crashed her bike this weekend and is out of commission for a bit.<br /><br /><br />So running is back full force and for the first time, I am going to try and keep up with strength training as well. We shall see how that goes.<br /><br /><br />Audrey's dance recital is on May 14th; Ashley's dance and piano recital is on June 4th. Between Mother's day, birthdays, and in general craziness, we have started on a crazy month. I am looking forward to getting away to the beach Memorial Day weekend.Amy Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889460762363255735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28991344.post-33603159731649751062011-04-26T09:23:00.002-04:002011-04-26T09:27:15.967-04:00Few minutes...I only have a few minutes to post as I have to go pick up Ray at a Starbucks near our office since he took the hard top off his Jeep without putting the soft top back on AND without looking at the weather today. So he is parking it in a parking garage a couple of blocks away and getting Starbucks. <br /><br />Just an excuse really for me to get a Venti Iced Black Tea. <br /><br />Easter was good - Ashley fought off a slight stomach bug, but was okay otherwise. It was warm enough on Easter for the girls to enjoy a slip and slide at a neighbor's house. I went all of Lent without drinking one soda, and I still haven't had a soda. And I don't think I will. No more diet cokes at bedtime for me. <br /><br />The pool opens Mother's Day weekend here...I really need to order a bathing suit. I need to update everyone on my boot camp adventure these last two weeks, next time. Need to go get my Starbucks...Amy Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889460762363255735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28991344.post-88213717510325270902011-04-18T14:11:00.004-04:002011-04-18T14:22:50.944-04:00UpdatesRay's parents are moving near us, and so this past weekend we were moving Ray's brother out of our house into their house about 4 miles from our house. We knew there would be storms in the area, so we were keeping an eye on the weather. We had just returned home from taking a load of stuff when the storm hit. <br /><br />I have never heard thunder as loud as I did on Saturday. And then it got dark, like middle of the night dark. And silent, which was weird. <br /><br />But our street was lucky. No damage at all. Two streets away? Houses with trees on them, shopping carts from a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lowes</span> Food store a mile down the road in their yards, insulation from a bank a mile away in trees. All the power lines down the main street in our town were taken down by trees as well. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSVgv-xxPbt3rp_2VYRIs5bGA6raoxJ8n7v2JvP5bHoceOQOxTEhG_LHiVTKPpqkywp8lVxCOoxj3G8pZk4WXfZ_SrTOcHEzXZV5_pjex2H1m-KeUtK7NAG8EAYALxNKBi02z/s1600/tornado2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596988333364026690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSVgv-xxPbt3rp_2VYRIs5bGA6raoxJ8n7v2JvP5bHoceOQOxTEhG_LHiVTKPpqkywp8lVxCOoxj3G8pZk4WXfZ_SrTOcHEzXZV5_pjex2H1m-KeUtK7NAG8EAYALxNKBi02z/s400/tornado2.jpg" /></a> Not sure how well you can see the power lines in the above picture... <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7MGCuUXyngf1OfcqlToLNK6vJEXnUcF3vxCOq6a1tNaZKhExQO5h9S0TykVkYsZPz2icyHhnnS88ABgjnEq0NHo42tZZcz_Qede3g4Azxg1Tr3qjD9ynbyE8M9fDEhmGfCCz/s1600/tornado.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596988335439006530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7MGCuUXyngf1OfcqlToLNK6vJEXnUcF3vxCOq6a1tNaZKhExQO5h9S0TykVkYsZPz2icyHhnnS88ABgjnEq0NHo42tZZcz_Qede3g4Azxg1Tr3qjD9ynbyE8M9fDEhmGfCCz/s400/tornado.jpg" /></a> And trees on cars. The kids weren't scared of the storm, but seeing the damage it did scared them. Ashley's school was closed today due to lack of power. Probably the first time in the school's 15 years it was closed due to a tornado.<br /><br />Let's hope we don't have any more storms like this again....Amy Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889460762363255735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28991344.post-65373824607166688152011-04-09T10:31:00.003-04:002011-04-09T10:36:17.283-04:002 races in 2 weekends<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKuBj1DRMtrYID0nZRbfKIqEyG1VE7b9_0KH2tLt3HVItnLKxizAjDC6Ri3ACP7ZpDGqv8DMognyI8XrV_AyDI1sfxO_ERSBliMK3d5xouwpL07tYjTxJwlAQHZcU9IrgGL5ho/s1600/race.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593591567240329666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKuBj1DRMtrYID0nZRbfKIqEyG1VE7b9_0KH2tLt3HVItnLKxizAjDC6Ri3ACP7ZpDGqv8DMognyI8XrV_AyDI1sfxO_ERSBliMK3d5xouwpL07tYjTxJwlAQHZcU9IrgGL5ho/s400/race.jpg" /></a> <br /><div>That was me last weekend at the Cherry Blossom 10 miler. Great course, sort of great weather (I was really cold because I am a wuss in 30 degree weather) and great company during the race. I went down with <a href="http://carmenbrennan.blogspot.com/">Carmen</a> and another neighbor and I ran most of the race with each of them. I actually crossed the finish line with Carmen which was really cool. My official time was 1:40:37 which gives me an 8 minute PR from my last 10 miler almost 2 years ago. The course was pretty crowded for most of the race, but nothing unbearable. I did see a man juggling 4 balls, a blind runner, and 2 girls dressed as the statue of liberty. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>And now my ride is waiting for me...off to Kitty Hawk for the Flying Pirate half marathon!</div>Amy Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889460762363255735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28991344.post-43332811117512946372011-04-05T09:19:00.002-04:002011-04-05T09:21:23.590-04:00I realize I need to post about the Cherry Blossom 10 miler, but first a picture<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhScM85KnoGlWkzdX7pHb7CbpQWvc53PUatO5R0wQOHMi4t5fbruz0HwwvidoY23Q0aKJfQqvyHyZDaS56GoqclS1wbaYvMvG1v5eN8UospUST7ZR7T77F7Ycf6ekmBSCedugU/s1600/Audrey.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592088936274221666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhScM85KnoGlWkzdX7pHb7CbpQWvc53PUatO5R0wQOHMi4t5fbruz0HwwvidoY23Q0aKJfQqvyHyZDaS56GoqclS1wbaYvMvG1v5eN8UospUST7ZR7T77F7Ycf6ekmBSCedugU/s400/Audrey.jpg" /></a> Audrey waiting to go into dance class... <br /><div></div>Amy Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889460762363255735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28991344.post-13216996902745817402011-03-29T09:19:00.001-04:002011-03-29T09:20:36.002-04:00Slightly obsessed with the Instagram app on my iPhone...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPK5J1xdMBD3fZP2mU0V5v8XNN_jOLJKpcEbbRJ1j7DmW8tvvHTAFEh5k812TV1S3wz4sFkNP8Cg0DsI3MDae8Qp10aAjLD4sOCqUm0L4usOVubtukpRplx0xfeyyYr2eLgBs/s1600/shoe.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 306px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 306px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589490922044064418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPK5J1xdMBD3fZP2mU0V5v8XNN_jOLJKpcEbbRJ1j7DmW8tvvHTAFEh5k812TV1S3wz4sFkNP8Cg0DsI3MDae8Qp10aAjLD4sOCqUm0L4usOVubtukpRplx0xfeyyYr2eLgBs/s400/shoe.jpg" /></a> Grandma bought Ashley high top Converse shoes last week....and yesterday Ray bought her pink shoe laces to go with them. <br /><div></div>Amy Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889460762363255735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28991344.post-48824351982147886262011-03-28T10:10:00.002-04:002011-03-28T10:18:45.973-04:00Running and running and runningI have 2 races the next 2 weekends, this weekend is the Cherry Blossom 10 miler in DC and next weekend is the Flying Pirate half marathon in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. For Saturday's race, I will be driving up with two running buddies in my neighborhood for the race (can't wait to see how well <a href="http://carmenbrennan.blogspot.com/">Carmen</a> does!) and the following Saturday with another running buddy and her neighbor. Running has been sort of sporadic since the marathon. Last week I only ran twice, one really crappy run where I thought I was going to die (ran right before dinner so I hadn't eaten in 6 hours and it was in the 80s temperature-wise) and another fabulous run (9 miles in 50 degree weather and it was perfect). I don't know what I will do this week. I am definitely hitting the gym tonight since it is sleeting outside (yes, we had 80s last week, 40 as a high today...where did spring go?). But I have been doing cross training and core work. Ashley is still tracked out of school and after a week at Grandma's house and two sleepovers this past weekend, she was toast last night. Seriously, I thought her head was going to spin around. She crashed hard. She is hanging out with her Dad today and with me tomorrow. The end of the week is questionable as she might be heading to Virginia with Ray to help his parents paint or she might ride up with me on Saturday morning. Who knows. Audrey did enjoy her week without her sister last week. Those two seem to constantly fight lately and it drives me nuts. Here's hoping it warms up later this week for good.Amy Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889460762363255735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28991344.post-86494038745677987092011-03-15T14:32:00.002-04:002011-03-15T14:41:02.860-04:00Like how I haven't posted in forever?I finally got off my butt and ran last week. It was a measly 11 miles total for the week, but it's a start. I am going to try and hit all my planned runs this week and with the temps in the 80s by Friday, I think that's looking pretty good.<br /><br />But has anyone else been bulldozed by the time change? I can't go to bed at night and then when the alarm goes off, I can't get up. It's a vicious cycle I am hoping to break up <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">tonight</span> by going to the gym and crashing into bed.<br /><br />Ashley is tracked out of school right now (year round schools here), and she has 4 weeks off instead of the normal 3. She did a camp at Lifetime Fitness last week (our old camp standby that she loves) and she is at a gymnastics camp this week. If only I could find a running camp for her :). Next week she is going to Camp Grandma and Grandpa Fuzzy (my Dad and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Stepmom</span>) and we haven't figured out the last week yet. I think she may just hang with Ray and I at work. She loves camps, but unfortunately they are expensive. Lifetime isn't that bad, but the gymnastics camp is expensive and it's hours are short, but she begged to go with her friends to this one.<br /><br />Audrey is counting down the days until her last day in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pre</span>-K. Soon I will be finding camps for both of them to do (how scary is that). June 17<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> is her last day and she starts kindergarten July 11<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>.<br /><br />And no, I am not going to discuss Virginia Tech being left out of the NCAA tournament. I assume you all know how I feel about that.Amy Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889460762363255735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28991344.post-88090336267113658202011-03-07T12:07:00.002-05:002011-03-07T12:10:46.723-05:00Recap of my marathon experience...<a href="http://melindahinsonneely.com/">Melinda <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hinson</span> Neely </a>has been a great resource for me while embarking on my first marathon. Not only is her <a href="http://melindahinsonneely.com/category/blog/">website full of information</a>, but she left me encouraging words on both my blog and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">facebook</span>.<br /><br />And I forgive her that she is a Boise State fan...<br /><br />She wrote a post about my experience <a href="http://melindahinsonneely.com/blog/fitness/amy-williamson-mind-over-tummy-in-the-austin-marathon/">here</a> as she is working on a book and collecting stories about first time marathoners.Amy Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889460762363255735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28991344.post-64019208832359901342011-03-03T16:12:00.002-05:002011-03-03T16:16:58.261-05:00Wow, is it really Thursday alreadyThis week has literally flown by. I can't believe it's March already.<br /><br />Ashley is getting ready to track out of school for 4 weeks. I have her signed up for camp for the first two weeks, nothing yet for the second two. Still trying to figure out if she can go stay with the Grandparents for a few days. It's hard because even though she is out of school, we still have all of our activities. She does Girl Scouts every other Monday, tumbling Tuesdays (to get better at tumbling for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">cheerleading</span> in the fall), piano practice on Wednesdays and dance on Fridays. She can't miss dance since they are gearing up for their recital on June 4<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>. Same with piano. I guess tumbling she can miss as well as Girl Scouts (I am the troop leader, I think I could fill her in on what she misses!). And yes, having dance on Friday nights sucks, but it was the only time we could get for the class she wanted.<br /><br />Oh, and I still haven't run yet. I need to since I have a 10 mile race and half marathon in April!Amy Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889460762363255735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28991344.post-35073603293886165332011-03-03T14:13:00.008-05:002011-03-03T16:12:34.565-05:00Shabby Apple - Giveaway<div>We are finally getting warmer and warmer (Raleigh had 80 degree weather days earlier this week...). With warm weather come thoughts of wearing dresses instead of jeans and jackets. And I am totally excited about that.<br /><br />So enter in <a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/">Shabby Apple </a>- beautiful dresses that are vintage inspired, stylish and affordable for <a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/t-apparel.aspx">women</a> and <a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/c-16-shabby-baby-dresses.aspx">little girls</a>. And not only cute dresses to wear, their<a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/c-48-fitness.aspx"> fitness line </a>is perfect for yoga or running. </div><div></div><br /><div>Check out this <a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-420-azure-coast.aspx">perfect dress</a>, the Azure Coast Dress: </div><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6pSeKzut-c5NHCBwSDSwEjH2d_tqVshyDOS4YuOu4p_Hh9SwDCnw9QBNs1bIl4BsYGlRBjJuZwCkqCKLz-hHwe3X0P5PP0agXWPsZ4nUulj4Jo9YdCwzkZbGjfKUnQ2Hsoo7/s1600/dress"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579962820560987362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6pSeKzut-c5NHCBwSDSwEjH2d_tqVshyDOS4YuOu4p_Hh9SwDCnw9QBNs1bIl4BsYGlRBjJuZwCkqCKLz-hHwe3X0P5PP0agXWPsZ4nUulj4Jo9YdCwzkZbGjfKUnQ2Hsoo7/s400/dress" /></a> It's the perfect faux-wrap styling that fits all body types. And cute<a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/c-16-shabby-baby-dresses.aspx"> little girls' dresses</a>? Check out <a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-183-aviary.aspx">this one</a>:</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtc2J9Te_np0tT32H1ryEJWZUG6g1yCDoUEoFPuxZrthEI7l6ZinAJ4VNTYXfi1U1WFqS7DWP5oVa1Pb8nlGJnWUSW-O22cmtE9121MJfAV8N5nqmP6TSXx12Dlei6OL1GuV_/s1600/dress2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579963398718376738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtc2J9Te_np0tT32H1ryEJWZUG6g1yCDoUEoFPuxZrthEI7l6ZinAJ4VNTYXfi1U1WFqS7DWP5oVa1Pb8nlGJnWUSW-O22cmtE9121MJfAV8N5nqmP6TSXx12Dlei6OL1GuV_/s400/dress2.jpg" /></a>If you want to win the <a href="http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-420-azure-coast.aspx">Azure Coast dress</a>, just leave a comment on this post! I will pick a winner on Friday, March 11. Winners must be US residents. And be sure to hop onto Facebook and like Shabby Apple there, click <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shabby-Apple/56291792791">here</a>. </p><p>Good luck!<br /></p>Amy Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889460762363255735noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28991344.post-2198366532442288222011-03-01T12:14:00.002-05:002011-03-01T12:25:31.908-05:00Turbo Tax - Giveaway!As most everyone knows, I am accountant by trade. I now work for Ray's company, <a href="http://dreamlivingrealty.net/">Dream Living Realty</a> as their accountant and office manager. <em>Best decision ever by the way</em>. As an accountant, most people assume I can do taxes. Um, yea, no. Yes, I took the required tax classes in college, but that's it.<br /><br />At work, we use a great <a href="http://www.intuit.com/">Intuit</a> product, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Quickbooks</span>, to manage all the accounting for <a href="http://dreamlivingrealty.net/">Dream Living Realty</a>. Another great <a href="http://www.intuit.com/">Intuit</a> product this time of year? <a href="http://turbotax.intuit.com/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">TurboTax</span></a>.<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">TurboTax</span> 2010 is the #1-rated, best-selling tax software from <a href="http://www.intuit.com/">Intuit</a>. Below are some highlights of what's new this year:<br /><br /><strong>Greater Ease and Accuracy:</strong> Automatically transfer essential tax information from last year's return and from hundreds of thousands of employers and financial institutions. Instantly transfer data and simply confirm it's correct.<br /><br /><strong>Customized Guidance and Recommendations:</strong> Unique GPS feature provides additional guidance and recommendations, based on each customer's individual tax situation. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">TurboTax</span> recommends the deductions and credits that will help customers get their maximum refund.<br /><br /><strong>Better, Faster Answers:</strong> Customers have easy ways to get answers to their questions, when and how they need them, including instant answers from other <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">TurboTax</span> users and tax experts online via the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">TurboTax</span> Live Community.<br /><br />And I have three (3) <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">TurboTax</span> online codes to file your taxes for free this year. The codes are redeemable at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">TurboTax</span>.com and good for one free federal + state preparation and e-file with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">TurboTax</span> Premier Online 2010. The codes are only valid through the 2010 tax season.<br /><br />So if you want one, leave a comment. I will post the winners on Monday, March 7<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>. Good luck!Amy Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889460762363255735noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28991344.post-90772165861580388762011-02-25T09:41:00.003-05:002011-02-25T14:48:15.391-05:00Getting better...<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXlXGij0fVl9VsMNMbhvx6c5Yq0yx7hEOv1UFtNPswyvsafLoEs6Qk-JaEmc5y6RwFIt_bqGYMmMovtNJMFGbiZ4xhRiJA87byn0DQVF1rAjPE5e5wd60JXrqotEmdZIc4st_/s1600/race.jpg"></a>I ended up at the doctor's on Tuesday. I was sick of hacking up a lung and blowing my nose every 5 seconds. Diagnosis? Ear infection and sinus infection. Good times. </div><br /><div></div><div>But I finally feel better and my legs finally feel fine. I actually might even try to exercise in the morning. Note I didn't say run (I am giving myself a week off of running). <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577715964567655986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qSppa99jvt1RJgxol7tVVuj5WtX3oZYP0SMGohQ6tDsqx_of2Kalv8u1cQesLJGaJbCnrwWK2XuvjBBia2np2hXdNB4sVtNDARNiW0MBPF5Bvu09ZrJiA4wGJzVWiwU5l9AA/s400/photo.JPG" />On a much brighter note, today is mix-match day at school for Ashley. She has been planning her outfit for a week!</div>Amy Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889460762363255735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28991344.post-57745845325846310382011-02-23T08:57:00.003-05:002011-02-23T09:57:02.587-05:00Austin Marathon 2011 - The Good, The Bad, The UglyI really don't know where to start. But I want to preface this whole post with this: my performance at the marathon was no one's doing but my own. What I am trying to say is that I am not about making excuses. I didn't run the race I had trained for, and that sucked. I could sit here a write a post about how the weather was very different than what I trained for, I ate different foods, I traveled, I had a head cold, but in the end, all of those things were still my fault. I chose a race in Texas. I chose to eat food the night before I hadn't eaten before. But at least now I know my mistakes, and I won't make them next time! And yes, there will be another marathon (just don't tell my husband...).<br /><br />So, onto the race.<br /><br />I traveled to Austin last Friday and arrived to warm weather. Highs in the upper 70s/low 80s, lows in the upper 60s. High humidity. Weather that I love, just not the weather I had trained for the last few months. I didn't even pack my gloves to run in. I was in heaven. Saturday we hit the expo where I picked up some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Yurbuds</span> and a really cool shirt that says "Run, Live, Sleep, Repeat". My friend got her legs all taped up with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">k-</span>tape and people were staring where ever we went. It was pretty funny. We finally made it home about dinner time and my friend's mom had made some homemade spaghetti sauce. I should have said no and just eaten plain pasta, but it was yummy and I had two servings. My friend smartly passed and just ate plain pasta. I crashed pretty early that night since I had been up early.<br /><br />Race day my alarm went off at 4:00am. I took my time getting ready, but already had a nervous stomach and by the time we left at 5:00am, I had visited the bathroom 4 times. Not a good sign, but I figured I was just really nervous. I was in a tank top and running skirt, and was fine outside since it was already 65 degrees and 75% humidity. We made it to the start in plenty of time, and lined up between the 4:30 and the 4:45 pace groups.<br /><br />And we were off onto the HILLIEST COURSE I HAVE EVER RUN. Seriously. I would not recommend this race to even my worst enemy. I run hills all the time in Holly Springs, but these hills were relentless. The first 6 miles were uphill out of downtown Austin. Then a little bit of a downhill, and then all I remember are uphills. I freaked out my husband and friends who were tracking me because I missed the 5K timing mat. It didn't go all the way across the road, and I never stepped on it. We did hit it at about 33 minutes. My 10 mile split was 1:48, and soon after that things started going downhill.<br /><br />It was hot. By mile 3, I was pouring water on my head. I had been taking extra vitamin C and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">zicam</span> to head off my head cold, and that was a stupid idea because it didn't work and I think it just made my stomach worse. I stuck with my friend and her running friends until about mile 12 (the half marathoners split from us at mile 11), but I ended up puking on the side of the course at that point. It was a lovely mix of orange <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gu</span> and yellow <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Gatorade</span>, but I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">instantly</span> felt better. I was still running 100% of the time through all this. And then <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">BAM</span>, my stomach just completely cramped up. Who knows what it was - the heat, the food I ate, the medicine I was taking, the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Gatorade</span>, dehydration - but whatever it was, it SUCKED. My stomach hurt so bad at points I had to completely stop and was doubled over. I threw up again somewhere about mile 15<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">ish</span> in a portable restroom (which was lovely, let me tell you). Again, I felt better instantly but that feeling went away quickly.<br /><br />At that point, I had nothing left in the tank, and taking another <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gu</span> or drinking any Gatorade was not an option for my stomach. I tried some pretzels someone was handing out, and I could get it in my mouth, but I just couldn't swallow them. I was drinking water but I was still so freaking thirsty. I remember somewhere about mile 19 I saw a girl throwing up and a policeman took her off the course and I thought there was no way in Hell they were taking me off the course. I was going to finish no matter what. All I really wanted was a diet Coke. I even almost asked some spectators, but honestly the energy that would have taken to ask was too much. So I kept trudging along. I walked when my stomach protested too much and the hills were too steep, and ran when I could. Even walking though, I was passing people running. I remember around mile 23/24 walking up a hill and looking around me and <em>everyone</em> was walking. I remember the 5:00 pace group passing me, and I didn't even care. I knew I would finish, but I knew any hopes of a "good" time were over.<br /><br />Finally I was at the end. At 800 meters to go, you have to climb a hill and I saw my friend's husband. He was a huge help throughout the day on the course. He talked to me and told me when I rounded the corner to start running, but instead I started running then. I remember seeing the finish line and I was so freaking happy.<br /><br />5:25:24<br /><br />A couple days post marathon, and my quads are still sore from all the hills. My head cold is worse, but my stomach is finally better. I will be honest, I am hugely disappointed and sad about my time. I really thought I would have done better. I know that if my stomach had felt better I would have done better, I just don't know by how much. I am still proud of my accomplishment and am going to wear my finisher's shirt every chance I get, but still. Hence why there has to be marathon #2. My friend didn't do as she expected either, and we both want our redemption race. Any ideas?<br /><br />Huge, huge thanks to <a href="http://nofsahmof3.blogspot.com/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">momof</span>3</a> for her kind words and helpful wisdom, and for <a href="http://www.tallmomontherun.com/">Tall Mom </a>for the shout out. And thanks to my husband for putting up with me and all my running the past 6 months, and taking care of the home front while I flew to Austin. And a huge thanks to my friends who supported me from afar in Holly Springs with cards and love and good thoughts - Wendy for the arm warmers and cards, Nancy for the brownies, and Shelley for my week of gifts, poster on my front door when I got home, and the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">champagne</span>. I couldn't have done this without any of you.Amy Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889460762363255735noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28991344.post-3737559012210675562011-02-17T10:02:00.002-05:002011-02-17T10:16:31.854-05:00Leaving on a jet planeTomorrow I fly from Raleigh to Austin, Texas for the marathon. I am leaving behind a husband coming down with a head cold, and a brother-in-law who lives with us with the flu (the rest of us smart people in the house had our flu shots, so I am hopeful we won't get it). That and Audrey said her legs hurt today and I am hoping it was just the P90X Ab Ripper stuff she was doing with me last night and not a repeat of <a href="http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/children/parents/special/bone/181.html">transient <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">synovitis</span> </a>she had EXACTLY A YEAR ago where we spent the night in the ER. Nothing like having a ton of stuff to worry about before flying away to go run a marathon.<br /><br />And I still don't feel ready.<br /><br />I have run 511 miles in this training cycle, run in cold, heat, snow, rain. I have run through illnesses and cramps and side stitches. I have run with friends, alone, on the treadmill. I ran one half marathon, 3 16-milers, 1 14-miler, 1 18-miler, and 2 20-milers and a ton of stuff in between. I have done tempo runs, mile repeats and easy slow paced long runs. I should be ready, my brain tells me I should be, but I just don't feel it.<br /><br />My bib number is 5042. Don't make fun of me if I take a really long time to finish the marathon.Amy Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889460762363255735noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28991344.post-10914569540057733522011-02-15T09:05:00.003-05:002011-02-15T09:06:20.130-05:00weatherAfter running all my significant long runs this training cycle in weather of about 30 to 35 degrees, the forecast for Austin this weekend is a low of 57, high of 75.<br /><br />Holy crap.<br /><br />Need to find my tank tops!!Amy Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889460762363255735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28991344.post-55600031380941639612011-02-14T09:07:00.002-05:002011-02-14T09:15:54.755-05:00Commence FREAKING OUTLess than a week until 26.2 miles, and considering I was miserable during my last long run of the training cycle that was ONLY 8 miles, I am pretty nervous. If I can't do 8 miles comfortable, how in the HELL am I going to do 26.2? I had no energy during my run, which I am going to blame on PMS. Yes, you read that right. I have that going on this week too. Good times. <div siber__q92dpb7seovvtbh5__vptr="200a800" sourceindex="4"><br /></div><div siber__q92dpb7seovvtbh5__vptr="200ab70" sourceindex="6">And today I am home with Audrey. There is some random fever/headache/cough thing going around, and its Audrey's turn to have it. She is sad to miss her Valentine's Day party at school, and I am sad for her as well. Let's hope that I don't get this thing either. Because that would be icing on the cake. </div><div siber__q92dpb7seovvtbh5__vptr="200ab70" sourceindex="6"><br /></div><div siber__q92dpb7seovvtbh5__vptr="200ab70" sourceindex="6">One of my best friends is sending me motivational quotes every day this week leading up to the marathon. Today's quote:</div><div siber__q92dpb7seovvtbh5__vptr="200ab70" sourceindex="6"><br /></div><div siber__q92dpb7seovvtbh5__vptr="200ab70" sourceindex="6"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; ">"We are different, in essence, from other men (women). If you want to win something, run 100 meters. If you want to experience something, run a marathon."<br />-Emil Zatopek</span></div><div siber__q92dpb7seovvtbh5__vptr="200ab70" sourceindex="6"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><br /></span></div><div siber__q92dpb7seovvtbh5__vptr="200ab70" sourceindex="6">I love it. I loved yesterday's quote too:</div><div siber__q92dpb7seovvtbh5__vptr="200ab70" sourceindex="6"><br /></div><div siber__q92dpb7seovvtbh5__vptr="200ab70" sourceindex="6"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; ">"Big occasions and races which have been eagerly anticipated almost to the point of dread, are where great deeds can be accomplished."<br />-<span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1297692858_0" style="color: rgb(54, 99, 136); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-bottom-color: rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">Jack Lovelock</span></span></div>Amy Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889460762363255735noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28991344.post-27331178086783791082011-02-07T12:37:00.003-05:002011-02-07T12:43:38.680-05:00Less than two weeksMy first marathon is less than 2 weeks away. And yes, I did say first because I don't think this will be my only one. I am hopeful that in the future there will be another.<br /><br />I had a friend ask me last night if I was ready, and I replied no. Because I don't feel ready. I have missed a few runs. I am not fast. I haven't run over 20 miles. I don't know what to expect. Luckily, my friend in Texas who normally is faster than me has slowed down some due to injuries, so I don't think I will be running the marathon all by myself. Which honestly I have trained 90% by myself, so I think I would be okay.<br /><br />I think I just need to stop thinking for the next 2 weeks.<br /><br />This week my long run is only 8 miles. I haven't had that in <em>months</em>...Amy Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889460762363255735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28991344.post-68454420864457234402011-02-04T09:13:00.002-05:002011-02-04T09:28:36.809-05:00another head cold...I have another head cold this week. Maybe its part of the "taper madness" of running. I skipped my speed workout on Monday, only ran 2 miles. I did 3 last night, will do 12 tomorrow. And then hopefully 4 on Sunday. My hip is still bothering me after I run, but not enough to cause issues.<br /><br />I haven't run much this week due to my head cold and the fact I spent Wednesday driving to Virginia, sitting in a court room for most of the day, and then driving 4 hours back to NC. Let's just say the court system works. I was a character witness for a family member's custody battle, and he won full custody of both of his kids. It was a long and emotional day, not one that I want to repeat ever in my life.<br /><br />Today was wear your favorite team shirt in Audrey's school, so of course I sent her in a Virginia Tech shirt. And since we live in Raleigh, there weren't many football shirts being worn for Green Bay or Pittsburgh, just tons of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">UNC</span> or NC State stuff. I told Audrey not to play with any kids wearing NC State or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">UNC</span> or Duke. I was joking (sort of). Audrey is really sad though because her favorite teacher is leaving next week. Which sucks since she only has a few months left at this school (she graduates on June 17 and starts kindergarten the beginning of July). When her teacher told the class she was leaving, Audrey cried, that's how much Audrey likes her.Amy Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16889460762363255735noreply@blogger.com1