A cruise through the marathon course with Sara Belle

When first saw this hill I thought, "Oh not good".  This is Vassault Hill and I still don't like it, but I respect it more now. 

This is a view we had for about 4 miles along Rushton Way.  Absolutely gorgeous.  Perfect place for a family to cheer you on as mine did.  Love those guys.

Sara Belle taking it all in...

Like I said gorgeous views.

5 mile drive is the most beautiful drive in this area.  Our team trained here a few times.  When we finally came to it, I felt like OK I can pull this off.

Another view we got to see while running the Tacoma City Marathon.

For me this was so beautiful and I knew we were half way done.  I was very happy when I saw the pond.

Mile 18 

Another hill to love.

Sara Belle and I had fun seeing the course.  I great day with one of my daughters.  And now MAMA was ready to run, oh and I had to buy Domino's pizza for dinner.  Sara earned it! 

Thanks to my Awesome supportive Husband and the kids!

I could not of trained as much and as hard as I did if was not for my family.  I love them all so much and grateful to be called wife and mother to them.

I love you guys

Last Run with Fleet Feet Training Group!

So we had a nice short 2 miler then ran back to have some eats and get our final "You Go Girl" talk.  I learned you have to follow your program!  So leaned over to my friend Mel and said "OK, I will run with you after!" LOL.  We had nice slow pace run with a few near misses with cars (I am used to that on these roads).  I really have enjoyed meeting new runner buddy's I feel like I have made friendships that will last a long time.  It was a good day.

Medicine Ball Home Workout - AthLEAN X

NIKE ASAFA POWELL TRAIN FOR SPEED MIX feat. MAVADO Behind th

Asafa Powell Nike Zoom ~Drill 3: B Skip~

Someone to pace you....

I ran the Wenatchee Half marathon with very high expectations

and I did not plan for anything but perfection. Things did not really go perfectly but I did learn how important it is to keep pace with someone. For me that was Livestrong DAD! I was about to die on the race course (71 temp used to running under 50) then he passes me, I thought oh, crap I am not keeping my pace. Really he kept me going the last 4 miles of the race. I wanted to stop! He does not know how much he helped me during the race UNTIL NOW!!! Thanks Livestrong DAD - many happy races to you!

Wenatchee Half Maraton

I took my best friends to Wenatchee to run the Wenatchee Marathon races.  Rachel, Kait and I ran the half marathon, Christina, Amy, Janet and Megan walked the 10k.  It was a great drive up and we had a nice dinner, we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express it was perfect.

Moring came and my alarm went off and I jumped out of bed (after snoring all night like shreik, ask Janet) and said "I am going to run a race today"!  I got ready with my GF's and off we went to the start line.  The weather was sunny and clear, perfect running weather.  I was not really feeling myself that morning but I tried really hard not to show it.

I put Ashleigh on my leg (see story below) she gives me strength and I was ready to run.  About 20 mins before I got really really nervous, I was with my newbie Kait and I did not want her to see me scared.
Gun went off and I HAD TO PEE - not good.  I stopped the very first place (waited way to long).  Got back on the trail and I felt as though I was in a full sprint the first 4 miles. 

I paced a guy that had a LIVESTRONG shirt on basically the whole way.  I don't want to leave out the dudes who carried a keg the whole 13 miles - crazy!  It is all I can do to carry GU, shot bloks, water, cell phone and Ipod.  The river was beautiful and there actually were a few cheering squads on the trail.  Everyone said it was a flat course - well I say two enormous hills and the rest rolling hills.  Maybe it was just that I was off not sure.

At our turn around point I was so grateful and started to speed up a bit.  I took a picture of Kait and Rachelle when I passed them going back.  It was pretty cool to be able to do that while running the race (I always take my phone with the camera). 

I was starting to feel pretty lousy by mile 8.  I was hot and I was not doing as well as I thought I would of.  After mile 9 I felt like I was going to be okay.  I knew I would not PR but I was going to finish under 2 hours no matter what.
I hit the 12 mile mark and a ambulance came by and that was not very encouraging.  All of the sudden I saw my GF's on their 10k walk and I passed them.  They all cheered me on so I got moving.  As soon as I saw the bridge I started to sprint.  I got to the top of the bridge and wanted to quit, some dude cheered me on like I was his sister!  I want to thank him because I kept on and finished at 1:49:10 placed 4th in my age bracket.  I could not PR but one thing I do know I am ready for Tacoma!
Bring it!

From doubting to doing - 5 half marathons in a years time

Last year at this time I finished my first half marathon for my 40th Birthday. I had been depressed, kind of a midlife crisis and just really doubting myself and my abilities. I have been a good Mom and a good wife, what was my problem?


Now a year later I have turned 41 just ran my 5th half marathon and in training for my first full marathon – Tacoma City Marathon. I joined Fleet Feet marathon training group, totally changed my life. I have met some of the best people I know now. They are all Moms and they love to run. They understand the importance of being home for your family but they are determined to fit the running in.

I never thought that I could even run a half marathon let alone a full marathon.

Hey MOMS we can have babies, run our kids to soccer, baseball, dance, volleyball, church activities, help our husbands, do housework, take care of the dogs, weed our flower beds, cook dinners, laundry, go to PTA meetings and help in the classroom there is no reason we can run a marathon!

So one year later, I love my life, I have a deeper love for my husband, I am more grateful for the opportunity to be a mother of 4 great children, I get up everyday and say, “It’s going to be a great day”, instead of hitting snooze and going back to bed. I have more goals for myself and my family embraces my running and they love how are so much more energetic.

Life is good at 41 – that is for sure!

Wenatchee Half Marathon - Beautiful Course, great story

My friend Kait asked me back in September for me to be mentor for her senior project.  Kait chose to run a half marathon.  Let me tell you how awesome it was for me to be her mentor.  Kait worked hard and she tired her very best to follow the workouts a I gave her.
We met monthly and talked often on the phone and FB.  We ran a few times together.  Kait is a very motivated young woman and I am honored to be called her friends.  Kait ran her 1st 5k last year and she and she trainned for that one as well.
What will Kait do next?  I know that girl can and will do anything she puts her mind too! 
WAY to go Kait, you made me PROUD yesterday!

Kait finished Wenatchee Half Marathon in 2:49

Track workouts are AWESOME

3.5 mi Intervals 20x100 meter repeats


Cold and Sunny today perfect running weather! I am not to keen on the running pants I bought from target. My calves are getting a little big for them. My fastest time was 22 sec. but it was a little longer than 100 meters. I really liked this track workout today. I can't wait to do it again and get stronger.

I am noticing my knees are starting to bother me a little.  I have to google that one and see what to do.

I really was nervous to do this speed work, but I am so glad I did. I feel awesome and ready to get out there and compete this weekend in Wenatchee! It will be my 5th half marathon. I am taking my GF's and also celebrating my 41st birthday.

My goal for the half is to PR so I need to pull of a 1:46 or less. Oh yeah the running gods loved me today because all my kids were not fighting when I got home and I still have time to make them breakfast and take a shower! ON FIREAAAAAAAAAAAAH


Run on
JT

Only two more weeks until the Tacoma City Marathon!

The WINForum Nutrition Blog

The WINForum Nutrition Blog

Why You Should Taper Before A Marathon From Runner's World.com

Why You Should Taper Before A Marathon From Runner's World.com

No time to stretch?

I help in my daughter's classroom each week.  Usually that morning is very rushed, getting a run in before 6:30 am, breakfast, lunches, dogs feed, papers signed for class or checks to write for this, that and the other, seriously busy at our house.  Today I did not have time to stretch after my run.  When I got to the classroom my hamstring just yelled "OMYGOSH I AM GONNA DIE".  I picked up my reading group and took them to the area  I read with them and then grabbed a basketball to sit on.  The kids did not even notice that I was sitting on it.  I think I have now found the cure for hamstring pulls, sit on a basketball and move around a little!  Teachers were staring other classroom helps were staring I did not care it felt good and it helped stretch me out.  So if you think you dont have time to stretch, get creative.

Tall MOM is gonna KILL ME RUN 23.4 mi / 03:30 08:57 pace

Point Defiance Park loop is the BOMB and so is TALL MOM. Lots of fun hills. I was 15 minutes late because I took a wrong turn. My running buddy patiently waited for me and I am so grateful.


We made the best of my situation and laughed at the trauma we were putting our bodies through and basically tried to stir up trouble on the trail.

We met Jose and had to give him a high 5 the second time we passed him, and a gift card to sport authority for some new pants - dude! We were not sure but we think he might have been wearing baggy pants and some sassy compression socks over them. WOW!

We have decided bikers are not nice or happy. I asked them all for their bikes and no one gave one to me. I guess I did not look like I felt. I ended really strong for a 41 year old today and I feel awesome. I came home ate, took a magnesium bath, showered and then went and weeded for 2 hours! 

So Tacoma Marathon - BRING IT!

Running Tips : How to Stretch Before & After a Run

Late morning run – 4.66 mi / 00:38 08:10 pace

I dont like late runs but I had to run today. Last mile was cool down but averaged 7:38 pace for 3 miles and last mile cool down and ran backwards and forwards. I felt pretty good at the end of the run.  Some days it hard to get a run in, if it does not happen by 5:30 am - no bueno!  Four kids are pulling me in four different directions!  I will just be greatful and I can even run.....

South Prarie Trail with Boston – 8 mi / 01:08 08:31 pace

I went running today with my friend who is training for the Boston Marathon.  Our running club calls her Boston.  Our run went great, she really helps me keep my pace.  We averaged 8:41 pace with 8:10 for a couple of miles and our slowest mile was 8:51. So overall I would say good run for me, since I just ran 21.2 on Saturday. Getting ready a 5th half marathon in a week!

Meeker Trail – 21.2 mi / 03:08 08:52 pace

Awesome run with my running buddies Tall-Mom and Tammy. I ate shot bloks  and wore toe socks, they are called Injinji's.  So no cramping, hallucinations or toes bleeding! My running buddy's rock and I love them! I was not going to even going to run today. My hamstring is  screaming still but I did it! Amazing, I ran 21.2 miles for the first time in my life today.  Feels pretty good.

Running with a training group is the best way to start running marathons. I am very happy with my progress and I could not do this without our awesome Coaches: Paul, Ben and Mr. Phil @ Fleet Feet.

To Eat or not to Eat …. Before a Run?


Experts say: “When you begin a run, you should feel neither starved nor stuffed. You don't want to eat immediately before running because it may lead to cramping. Running on an empty stomach may cause you to run out of energy. You best bet is to eat a light snack or meal about 1 1/2 to 2 hours before you start running.” runner people

I say: If you usually run out of steam during your long runs, eat 2 hours before your run.  Use GU every 40 mins of running and drink water.  I know what happens if you don't "YOU WILL BONK and feel like your gonna die" and ur coach will have to call paramedics to carry you away.
I eat cream of wheat and a banana just before every long or short run. When I get home from a run, especially a long run (or 10 miles) I eat a big breakfast.  It's FREE eating because you just burned a ton of calories.  So throw in a brownie or a coke if you want.  It's okay because you just burned 3,000 calories!  You deserve it!

I made the best scrambled egg breakfast the other day.

Janna’s Long Run Scrambled Eggs

Recipe: Eggs, bacon (a ton), Colby jack cheese, fresh tomatoes (Roma always), chopped spinach, garlic salt, and green onion. Serve with wheat toast or bagel. I sometimes put the eggs in a wheat tortilla with toasted potatoes (in olive oil).

Do OVER

Today's run was cold, rainy and short.  I felt so tired the whole run. My toenails are falling off and I have blisters. Our time was slow on purpose both my running buddy and I were spent.


Tomorrow is a new day, definitely a rest, stretch and yoga day. I am off to Fleet Feet to get my new running shoes, toe socks, and body glide, shock blocks and whatever else I need for my 21 miler on Saturday.  Maybe I can save the rest of my toenails.

One of the great things about running is you get "DO Over’s" :)

Run On,
JT


Runner Quote: "We are different, in essence, from other men. If you want to win something, run 100 meters. If you want to experience something, run a marathon."  Emil Zatopek