Catching Up...

Okay, so it has been a little while since I was on here last. Where to begin...

Since my last Blog I have run 2 more races. The 2008-2009 racing season has officially begun. I ran the "Save the Loop 5K" where I ended up 3rd female overall with a time of 22:14, and I ran the "I Run for Pizza 5K" where I was 1st in my age group and had a time of 22:01...

I really have not run like I wanted to this summer. I feel like I totally slacked off...could also be that I have run 16 races since January 1st and am feeling a bit drained. I have 10 more races on my schedule before the end of the year, 2 of which are 1/2 Marathons. I know I am a bit crazy...but I guess that's what being addicted to racing gets you! LOL!

The pic is of my son and I after the "I Run for Pizza 5K."

HAPPY RUNNING!

I AM A TRIATHLETE!!!

My first triathlon was an amazing experience! I was on Team Danskin, and the support and friendships were wonderful... to see members of my team encouraging each other before the tri was great. I was terrified of the open water swim (across a fairly large lake), because my first three "practice" open water swims were terrible. Yet, I made it in a decent time, stayed calm, and the rest of the race was pure joy. Ladies, if you can sign up for a Danskin Triathlon, do it as quickly as possible. It was the most positive, encouraging experience I have had in a long time.

My next big challenge will be the IronGirl Olympic Distance Triathlon in May, 2009! Double the distance, and something to focus on during our miserable Chicago winter.

The medal says, "The woman who starts the race is not the same woman who finishes the race."

I agree.

Be Blessed!

Firecracker 5K- 2nd Female Overall!

Today I ran the Firecracker 5K on the sands of Daytona Beach. Running in the sand is quite different from running on the nice, paved roads. My legs were already a little sore from yesterdays 5K race, so I made sure to warm up a little extra today. The race started at 7:30, so the sun had not had a chance to really heat up by then, so the weather was great for running with the breeze coming off the ocean. Like yesterday, this was an out and back race so at the turn around I was able to see who was coming up on me. I already knew the girl that was out in the lead was too far to catch, so my goal was to stay in 2nd place and not let anyone pass me...well, that worked. I ended up 2nd female finisher, with a time of 22:08- about a minute faster that my time last year at the same race. I was happy with my finish, now I can rest until August sometime when I run my next race...unless my racing addiction gets to me before then! LOL!

Happy Running Ladies!

4th of July 5K- First Female!

Well...going into todays race I thought I would just take it easy and run a nice pace...I have been having some knee problems and have not run much all week. Today I woke up feeling great, no pain after my short run yesterday- good sign! The race started and I got out pretty good- I was lead female, but I could hear a couple others right on my heels- I thought they would try to pass me a few times, but that just made me run faster. I have never been lead female before and I was not ready to give it up. At the turn-around I got a better look at the field...now there were 3 or 4 females within distance to pass me if they wanted to. A few times one would get up with me and I would just keep on truckin, trying to make her think I was not going to give in. Well, it stayed this way until we had about 1/2 mile left, I made my move pulling away from her, and she never did catch me! YAY! So...I was finally first female finisher, and 11th overall male/female combined. The course was about .3 miles longer than a 5K, so I figure my actual 5K time to be 20:58..PR for me this season!

The pic is of me and my son...I just love the Patriotic Tie Dye I made him!

I have another 5K tomorrow morning- another post to follow!

Happy Running.

Featured Athlete for Team Aquaphor Racing Team for June!

Hey Everyone-

Just wanted to share...I am one of the Featured Athletes for the month of June for Team Aquaphor Racing Team! Check out my Bio page:

http://www.teamaquaphor.com/Page1652.aspx

Happy Running to All!!

Race into Summer 5K

Had another 5K this morning. Felt alot better than the last race I ran, now that I am finally healthy and getting some miles in. The race started at 7:30 am...I know that is way too early...but you would be thankful considering once that sun comes up in Florida it gets HOT fast! I was running very late, got there with about 5 minutes to spare! I ended up 5th female finisher, and first in my age group with a time of 21:49- I think I was 34th finisher overall male/female combined.

Noah ran his kiddie run and was 3rd- Yay! He once again was very proud to get his ribbon at the end.

Happy Running Ladies!

Back in the Game!

Ran a 5k - Girls on the Run, with three of my daughters on Saturday. Their first official race ever! They were HOT by the end, but we had a great time. My little chica, Hope, jumped into my arms on the last quarter mile from the cheering section, so I ran with her on my back... but she crossed the finish line herself - and they gave her a medal! - so now she thinks she's a marathoner. Next year! It was awesome sharing the experience with my kids. I was so proud of them and they were thrilled they did it.

Just got back from biking Ireland with my 11 year old son and 9 year old daughter. I thought it would be good training for my triathlon. HA! Almost died the first day. (For the record, 40 hilly miles is not equal to 40 flat Chicago miles by any means.) It was cool that my children were there, because I just kept encouraging them and not letting them see how utterly challenging what we were doing really was. It was like biking in Colorado in the mountains. However, we did it, it was an incredible experience, and I am also so proud that we rose to the challenge and didn't quit. Ended up going around 110 miles over 5 days, sometimes in high winds and with our luggage on the back rack. It dawned on me that the people who take cycling trips are probably cyclists, not stay at home moms with seven kids... but it was a wonderful, rewarding experience.

32 days until my first triathlon. The run and bike are easy, need to be seriously praying and training for the swim. I'm on a training team that is great, although I've missed most of it up until this point. If anyone is reading this, keep dreaming and challenging yourself- the rewards are amazing!