A new goal

I have been hiking a lot this winter. Being on the trails is reminding me of my trail marathon training last spring. I had so much fun with my running partners. It's really easy to get crazy in the middle of the woods! On our longer runs we would get so punchy and start belting out very silly songs!

I am not ready for another trail marathon but I am setting a goal of training and running a very challengeing trail race. Check it out at www.7sisterstrailrace.com Come and join me!

What a tease

We had 50' temps for about two days last week and it felt so great. Now we are back to 30s and tomorrow we should expect more snow. This winter has kicked my ass, I really feel sorry for those that are training for Boston or other spring marathons. No way.

One bright spot in my life was our town had a chocolate festival and I entered a cake into the cake contest. I will try to get you a photo. We have this crazy bridge in our town called thread city crossing. On this bridge rests gigantic spools to represent our thread mill that attracted many people to our town back in late 1800s and on four of the spools are these gigantic frogs. There is this very silly war story about the frogs of windham. But anyway, I made the frog bridge with chocolate bars and crafts and put a runner girl doll on top with a banner that read "Run 4 Chocolate" It won first place for the theme division of the competition. We don't have to tell anyone that my cake was the only theme cake in the contest!!! A win is still a WIN!

Gotta go try to download the photo off my phone. It might take me a while!

Oh the joy of running...

Today was the first day since probably Christmas that I ran outside and it didn't hurt! It was a balmy 35' and the roads were only a little slippery. It felt so great to be running outside. I have been working out at the gym and it is soooooo boring. The tread mill is so awful but not as awful as trudgeing through below 0 temps and slush.

I hope the groundhog was run and we are due for an early spring.

Peace Reigns

Well peace reigns currently in chocolate lady runner heaven. Listen to the week I had: On Tuesday my oldest son had a huge huge tantrum. Had to deal with that. Too personal to tell all the gory details. On Friday night, my middle son was jumped by two little shitheads that stole his money while he walked home from the skateshop. Of course he didn't know them so calling the police was just for kicks. I feel like waiting under the bridge they jumped him on and kicking their little punk asses.

But that is not where the fun ends...

A few days later I was driving home from blockbuster and it was snowing and this little young driver hit my car smooshing my back drivers side door in. The cops helped me out on that one, she got a warning for not giving me the right of way.

Then two days later I was pulled over and given a warning myself because my brake light was out on one side.

I have had waaaaayyyyyy too much interaction with the police. They are so weird. Now firefighters, that's another story. Interacting with firefighters is very pleasant, mhm!

Too Busy To Breathe

HI everyone. I have been so busy I haven't been able to keep up with reading or writing. I am applying to go to a special program to get my reading specialist certification. The application process was time consuming but its in and now I have a minute to breathe.

I am struggling to parent my teenagers all by myself. No matter how much of myself I give to them, it never seems to be enough. And no one really has any answers except to buckle your seatbelt and hold on tight. What a freakin ride. It is scary actually. Enjoy your little kids cuz once they hit about 13 it is a slow decent to hell. I know it will get better but I am in the middle of it right now and it sucks.

I have been running at the gym and I can feel my body enjoying it again. I took a nice long break and my body needed it. I am signing up for the Chicago Marathon on Feb 1st. I am so psyched to run Chicago. I haven't been back there since I was 12. Running a marathon is such a great way to see a city!

England!

I have been too busy to blog because my boys and I holiday-ed in England for the Christmas school break! It was terrific!

More later!

woo hoo a snow day!

To put a nice relaxing end to my work week, Mother Nature gave us our first snow storm of the year. But better yet, is that the snow isn't coming till noon and we have the whole day off!!! I know all you suckers at work right now are hating teachers!

Today I am going to bake my butt off and make a few Christmas gifts and finish some shopping.

Maybe I will have time to catch up with reading blogs. I miss you guys.

Crazy Busy!

Just check out my week:
Mon-meeting till 4:30, basketball prac at 6, yoga at 6:15

Tues-not sure of anything, give me time!

Wed-Boys haircut at 3:30, basketball prac at 6, high school winter concert at 7

Thurs-my haircut at 4, middle winter concert at 7, basketball game at 6:45

Fri-doctor's appt (its okay cuz he is cute and kinda flirty!!) at 5, basketball prac at 6, art class at 6

Sat-basketball game at 10:45, gingerbread house making party at 3

Sun-church at 10:30, family party at 12, friend party at 3

Some time in there I have to finish my Christmas shopping! Oh yeah and I have to find time to wrap as well!

Oh and I have a load of wood coming on Mon morning that will need stacking. Thank goodness I have three strong boys to do that!

I have been running very little but also have been sick. I am fine with this needed break from running hard. This light running is relaxing and rejuvenating.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Philly Kicked My Asphalt!!

Well Philadelphia is a totally awesome city. I loved the food, museums and just the feel of the city. My boys and my brother and I left on Sat. am at 7 and made it to the expo by 11. The expo was great with lots of freebies and organization.

From there we checked into a very nice hotel and immediately set out to find a Philly cheesesteak sandwich!! There was a joint right down the block called Jake's. The sandwiches were yummy and the pizza they had there looked amazing. The best thing about dropping from the marathon to the half was that I could eat and play any which way I wanted before the race.

After Jake's we met up with my sister and her boyfriend to walk to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Oh. My. Goodness. I am just a novice artist but it was sooooooo amazing to be next to the original painting of so many famous pieces. It was just incredible to study the brush strokes of The Sunflower or The Bridge. There was an extravagant painting entitled Lady in Black, that was a sight to behold. Up close you could not figure out what you were looking at but standing back about five feet, you could see the subtle details, it was just so breathtaking. It was also huge, like 15 feet tall. I just can't imagine having that talent.

The other fun thing about the going to the museum with three teenaged boys and one pre-teen boy is that you get all the naked lady paintings and sculptures pointed out to you!

Later that night, we searched for a place to eat and we could not find a place with the appropriate food that could handle a party of 8. So we went all the way to Philly to eat at Applebees! We chowed some pasta and then I warmed up in the hot tub and went to bed by 9. I slept surprisingly well for a pre-race hotel sleep. I bounced out of bed at 5am and went downstairs to my running chicas room to enjoy pre race breakfast and jitters together.

Philly is the city of brotherly love but holy moly it was FREEZING COLD! The start was at 7 am and we arrived to our coral at 6:30 to stand around for 40 minutes in 22' temps and lots of wind. It sucked but there was music and excitment in the air.

We started in the second wave and I felt great, really great for about 6 miles. I started out with three shirts, one pair of tights, gloves and a hat. My feet never really warmed up and a certain times felt swollen. My hands didn't warm up until I picked up a pair of discarded gloves and double-gloved! I shook one of the three shirts at about mile five at the same time as I peed in some bushes in front of church. Sorry God.

By mile 8 my hips started to KILL me, but not in the crampy sorta way more in the Its-so-damn-cold-out-here sorta way. My whole pelvis felt the same way your lower back feels when you are watching a football game outside in the freezing windy cold. My hips just stiffened right up. It felt arthritic I think. I am not really concerned because I don't like running when it is cold anyway. And when I do venture out with my running buddies in the below 20s days, I usually wear a pair of shorts, tights and fleece pants. I didn't think I needed all those clothes for this race and it would have effected my time had I worn so many clothes anyway. But I wouldn't have so much pain though.

The pain only lasted till I got back to the hotel and baked in a steaming hot shower. And I only have a little soreness today. My girlfriends ran really well. Three finished the marathon, with two qualifing for Boston, one ran her first half marathon, and one ran the 8 k and she just had surgery for compartment syndrome in July - so all in all a great showing in Philly!

My time was not my worst but not what I was hoping to do. I clocked a 2:07 half marathon. I am glad I finished and plan to rest for the winter. I am not running much outside and no more than 8 miles at a time. I need a long rest from long distances and I want to build in some more cross training. Don't worry though I plan to run Chicago next fall, so will be back with the big runners soon enough!!!

Photos to follow I can't find my usb cord!

Philly or Bust

On Sat. morning, my boys and I are leaving for Philadelphia. I am ready to run the half. My goal will be to keep a 9min mile. It will be a stretch, I am running slowly right now, but with no discomfort so I am psyched. I have three friends running the full marathon and I am very excited to watch them. Also my family is coming to hang out with us in Philly, which is totally cool. My mom, stepdad, sister, her boyfriend and my little family are all heading down.

I am so happy.

Wolf Rock

There is a totally awesome spot to hike in our area named Wolf Rock. There is a beautiful vista from the top. Here we are on the face of the tiny cliff. A few possible xmas card pics. I adore my three little (well, big) mosters!

Hello

Not much new lately. Just the last of my friend's turning 40. We have one more birthday celebration tommorrow. I like being 40 so far. I feel like a grown up.

I got a new haircut, shorter. My boys said, "oh you got an old lady haircut" as soon as I walked in from the hairdressers. Sometimes I hate them.

Running is fine, definitely in a slump, but I am just glad to run.

I will try to post photos soon. I have been so lazy.

Still slow

I am home today with a sick son. I have boxes in the garage still needing unpacking and I am hosting a Halloween pre-trick or treat dinner so I have plenty to do while my little guy moans in my bed eating crackers, popsicles and drinking ginger ale.

I am still feeling sluggish with my running but I am not fretting. I know if I continue to do what I am doing; resting, only running every other day and usually only about 4 miles, eating well ( actually I have inhaled about 4 dollars worth of Halloween candy since Tuesday so I am not really eating well;-) I should be fine.

Good news is my left hip is completely better. Rest and running in moderation, oh yeah and also stretching really do work!!

My new position at school is kicking my ass, I think that explains a lot of my sluggish running. I spend so much energy trying to get those wild little kids to be civil that I have very little energy left over. I have decided to apply to a reading teacher certification program that would start this summer. I have to do something. I know I don't have the stamina to teach preschoolers for the rest of my career.

On the other hand, I am learning a lot in my new job, I am working as a Head Start teacher this year rather than a Preschool Teacher. The only difference is that Head Start is based on your income. The family has to be living at or below 30% above the federal poverty guidelines. There are a lot of factors that effect children associated with poverty. More later on that, I have to go buy my sicko some more ginger ale!

I am getting slower!

My running group has speed workouts every Tuesday nights. There is a smart man that coaches us and computes what pace and distance we should each strive for every week. After looking at the four weeks we have been training, it appears I am getting...slower! Yikes! I have asked the smart man to explain why perhaps this would be happening but I think it might have to do with that I am EXHAUSTED!

I need a break.

I am tired.

The beginning of the school year has kicked my butt. I am running every other day, no long runs though. I plan to trudge through the half marathon in Philly and I will have fun!!!

I miss reading blogs, hopefully I will get to them soon.

New Goals

Well my hip feels better when I only run every other day and about 4 miles is the limit. It is not pain free, mind you, but at least I can keep running.

BUT I am so sad since I think training to run the Philadelphia Marathon is probably out of the question. I have 11 weeks to train and haven't done a long run in two weeks and definitely can not do one this weekend. I suppose if I keep nursing my hip, I could continue training and see how far I get in the training. I am definitely going to go and run the half for sure. I really really really want to do whole marathon though. Time will tell.

I have had HORRIBLE allergies this fall season. Holy macarel. I think I have finally have a plan to combat the allergies though. I have some natural medicine called Aller Leaf that is effective and Nettles tea along with cleaning my sinuses with a rhino horn (yuck, but it works). I have suffered ever since school started and my naturopath tells me that many teachers are coming complaining. What the heck is in those schools? Dusty books? Moldy basements?

Ouch my hip hurts :-(

Well I am back with the technologically advanced world again. I am not in the habit of checking my email or writing in my blog though. It may take a while.

My left hip has been bothering me ever since I started work. Do you think I am allergic? I think my ITB band is bothered by my increase in mileage to prepare for the Philadelphia Marathon and from sitting in very small chairs built for preschoolers, not tall teachers that run too much and don't stretch!

To rest my hip, I haven't run since last Tuesday and only went swimming and to yoga class and stretched EVERY time I thought about it. The results of this little experiment were very good. No pain by day two. But I went for a very easy jog of three miles this morning and I have a little pain today from that. Not sure how to proceed from here. Any ideas?

My New Haven Pics are up. www.islandphoto.com my bib 786(I thought I figured out how to link and then it didnt work)I was barely awake when my friends picked my up and I forgot my Red Sox cap and my sunglasses. So you are getting a different view of me! More natural state!

Greetings!

I have no internet access for a little while and I am using my school computer to tell everyone I miss them and will be back in Sept. My legs are not moving like they were last summer, but I know as in life everything has it ups and downs. My running is in a down. But that too will change when I least expect it and I will be ready!!!

photos I hope

Here are the photos from the tri http://www.brightroom.com/go.asp?36691407

Today I ran 8 very very sweaty miles. I have been staying at a house on a beautiful lake and swimming a lot. Maybe I should try to fit one more tri in for the season but I am trying to focus on qualifying for Boston in Philadelphia so I don't want to get distracted. Hmm, so many decisions....

Danskin Quick and Dirty

I had a very fun time and a better time than I thought I was going to get. My swim was 4 minutes faster than last year at 12:11. Transition one about the same time as last year. My bike was a titch slower at 16.4 mph instead of 16.5 with a time of 43:48 and T2 was a little slower than last year and my run was a little slower too with a time of 23:08. My overall time was 1:24!!! Yeah for me!

Danskin Here I Come!

Well I am not as prepared this year for the danskin tri and also not as psyched for it, but I am trekking up to Webster MA tomorrow to give it my all anyhow! I have hardly swam all year and don't expect great things in the water. My biking is going very well. My running is a little slower since the trail marathon. I did run a 6:40 mile in the Boom Box Mile on July 4th and it was easy actually.

I am hoping to finish within two minutes of last year's time of 1:28. I am not sure how my transitions will be because last year I just wore sneakers on the bike and could just take off on the run. Tomorrow I have to take off bike shoes and try to tie running shoes, yikes.

More later and hopefully some photos as well.

What a difference a day makes...

Yesterday on my six mile morning run, I was flying. I felt like I could run forever and fast. It was great, what a boost for the day.

Today I am riding my bike with a headwind and oh my goodness, I can barely move the damn thing! To top it all off, my much loved bike is my only mode of transportation since my juicy jeep is having new brakes put on.

My bike is much better on gas at least :-)

Tales of an almost 5 year old

My new sweetheart has a little daughter that will be 5 years old in a week and unfortunately my three older and ruder boys are teaching her a few bad tricks.

The other day my oldest son told one of his beloved brothers to "shut up" in front of the little girl. And she told him, " You shouldn't use words like that, you don't want to teach me stuff like that, do you?"

Review of Nipmuck Marathon 2008

Today I went for a short trail run and realized I haven't given the Nipmuck Trail Marathon its due. It is a great marathon and anyone interested in destination races should put this one on their list. You must be mentally and physically very strong though. Read on...

The marathon has essentially two parts. The first 12 miles you run southbound to a very interesting turn around. You have to run over a beaver dam to get to the turn around, it is very cool. As you can imagine the first half of the marathon was pretty wet, crossing many streams and there are a lot of rocks along the trail.

It was also hot and muggy that day. After the first half, you find yourself back at the start point and my sweetheart, Dan, was there with food and water and support. I felt like s*&t, let me tell you. I thought holy moly this is going to be an even longer day than I had expected!!! In addition my running partner, who had carried me for most of the training, was feeling the heat.

We gathered our reinforcements and I asked Dan to meet us at the next road crossing just in case we needed anything. Mostly we needed moral support and encouragement because the race is very well supported with volunteers. At about every three miles there was a table of liquids rangeing from water to coca cola. There was also a lot of interesting food to choose from, namely soggy grilled cheese, pb and j, cookies, bananas and something that appeared to be beans and cheese but looked like cat puke. I refilled my liquids at the table but stuck to what I ate during the many hours of training: a cashew butter and jelly on a soft taco shell!!! It really hit the spot for me.

The second half of the marathon is dryer and shadier and prettier to me. But it is also much much more hilly. We soldiered on and started to feel better at about mile 19, which is very silly isn't it? The worst part of the marathon was from mile 11-19, that is very long wall to have to deal with, let me tell ya. At about mile 19, we had another turn around and some of our very good friends were working the station. We collected hugs and kisses and then made the incredible climb back. The last seven miles were probably the easiest for us, weird huh?

The last mile of the route is marked in tenths. My partner, Deb, and I woohooed at every tenth. It was so flippin fun. We had a hard day but we definitely had fun.

Unfortunately I never felt the elation I usually feel after completing a marathon. I am usually high for a month after such an accomplishment. It never came or maybe it just hasn't hit me yet. All I have felt the last month while running was TIRED. This marathon and its training definitely kicked my butt. My finishing time was 6:44, just a little slower than I expected so I was fine with the time. My main goals were to finish and have fun with Deb, I completed both of those.

After the race Dan and I headed to Deb's house where I was staying at the time, showered and then went out to eat. I got this awesome chicken dish, but for the life of me I can't remember what it was!!! I also got a big yummy drink, I think it was a pina colada!!!

My recovery was pretty easy as well. I had minimal soreness but I was soooooo tired. I do remember being crabby.

Now onto preparing for my sprint tri. in July. Also I am planning my birthday month of celebrating my 40th birthday!!!! I have to get on that, the first day of celebrating starts tomorrow!

Update from the gypsy

I sold my house in less than a month and of course I did not find a house that quickly. sooooo my three kids and I have been tramping around mooching off of very good friends since May 22!!!! It has actually been fun! We stayed with one very generous couple for the first five weeks of tramping until school let out. Then we moved about 30 miles to a cottage that my mom and step dad own on a lake. But we have hardly stayed there since we have been beaching it! We stayed at the beach for three days and I am going back tomorrow night for another over night! Yippee for me!

My running and training are going well. Nothing much to note. I am taking it easy, giving myself a month to relax and not race after running the nipmuck trail marathon on June 1st. Yikes my four weeks are up on Sunday!

My triathlon is on July 27th. I am totally getting amped for it. I have been riding my bike and did some swimming in the ocean. Not so much swimming in the lake though. I can see the bottom of the ocean and know what is following me, but in the lake it is so dark and so many things are touching my legs as I swim by it freaks me out!!!

I will be moving to a new home hopefully before August 1st. It will be weird to have my own home again after tramping for three months. I can't wait to sleep in my own bed again though.

Nipmuck Marathon

Today my friend and new roommate and I ran the nipmuck marathon. It was hot and humid but we got er done. It took us a loooonnnnggggg time. We finished in 6 hours and 44minutes. More later, I am too tired to even sit up.

A little ranting

I have been annoyed by two males in the past two days. The first male was a gas station attendant and when we finished our transaction I said thank you and I was trained that when you are receiving business, you should thank the customer for the business. He replied with "yup". What the hell.

The next bozo was the guy that works at the desk at the gym. I told him to have a nice day when I was leaving and his reply was "sure thing". Hey how about a little "you too"

Now that I have re-read my complaints I feel rather silly for feeling annoyed but I won't bother deleting the post because it is pretty funny.

www.ctmls.mlxchange.com is the website to check out my soon to be sold house. Type in 122 Wadsworth Lane, Willimantic, Ct 06226 once you get there. I hope it works I am so bad at this stuff.

Ready for anything

I am moving on Saturday and closing on Wednesday, May 21st. I am so psyched and scared. I am staying with a totally terrific friend while school is still in session, then my three boys and I are bunking with family till I find a permanent home.

What a crazy ride!

My trail marathon training is the hardest thing I have ever done physically. We finished our last 21 miler on Sat. and I felt great. This week we have a 14 mile trail race scheduled and then the next week we'll probably do 12 or 13. Then June 1st is the big day! I can not wait. I will not break any records but I am so thrilled to be doing this race.

After the race I have to get back in the pool and on the bike. My first tri of the season is scheduled for July 23rd. I would like to do another sometime this summer. I would like to complete an Olympic distance tri. I still haven't given up on my fascination with the Ironman!! One step, stroke and pedal at a time!!!

21 miles in the bank, baby

My girlfriends and I ran 21 miles on trails on Sunday to prepare for our upcoming trail marathon. It took us 5 hours and 18 minutes. It was hard but very rewarding. I can hardly move today though!!!

My new beau met us at mile 13 with more fluids for our fuel belt and food. That food tasted so good. Then that little sweetheart met us at mile 18 with more fluids, food and IBUBROFEN!! I was so touched that he would give up his morning to follow us around.

I put my house on the market on Tuesday and took an offer on Friday!!! WOOHOO!!! The closing is scheduled for May 23rd! Yikes! I am psyched and nervous, mostly thrilled!!!

Mr Metell

My youngest son's first grade teacher died in motorcycle accident a week ago. He was in his first year of teaching three year's ago when Travis was in his class. He was an amazing teacher and a very loving man. He attended Travis' extracurricular activities and was a positive role model for many children without any positive males in their lives. I can't believe he is gone.

He was 28 years old at the time of his death. People often say its too early when a young person dies and I have always been a little puzzled by that statement because I kinda believe when it is your time, it is your time. But with this case I feel like the world was robbed. He was going to impact so many young children's lives with his work.

Travis has taken this loss very hard. We attended the wake and the funeral and he was grieving hard. He told me his school will never be the same now. I guess for him it never will.

Swimming Again!

I finally got in the pool again today after a hiatus of about 6 months. It felt so good let me tell you. I was soooooooo slow though, wow. I used this leg float that you hold between your legs so you just use your arms and I think I went faster!! I must be doing something wrong, huh? I think I am going to join the club for 3 months so I can continue the swimming before the open water is warm enough.

It felt so good on my legs to be in the water after my long trail run yesterday. We went the top half of the marathon route again. The last time we ran the 14 mile loop it took me four hours, this time it only took me 3:28!! I am making progress, it is slow but still I am making it. I asked my training women if they would like to get on the trails for a mid-week run as well and we are going on Wed. am. I think adding a little more trail time is crucial if I am going to finish this marathon before the 8 hour time limit!!!

I will post some after pics of my house, it looks so great. I can't believe I waited so long to take care of it!

You have to watch this movie!!!

My big boys and I just finished an excellent movie entitled 'Into The Wild'. It is incredible and anyone searching for the meaning of happiness and/or life has to see it. It is rated R so the little kids have to wait for the enlightenment, but they probably know the meaning of life anyway.

Really...go rent it right now, you won't be sorry.

Northern Nipmuck Race Report

All I can say is oh. my. goodness. running in the woods in soooooooooooooo much harder than the road. Sixteen miles in the muck that was either straight up or down is as hard as a road marathon. To top it all off, you have to carry your own water too. I am exhausted, no beyond exhausted.

The sixteen miles in the woods took me 4hours and 25 minutes. Just last December I ran the Memphis Marathon (which is by no means flat) in 3hours 55 minutes. My legs yesterday felt like they must look like the Hulk's legs. Climbing those muddy inclines took a lot of effort, but let me tell you making my way down the muddy declines during the last few miles felt nearly impossible. I am amazed at the difference in effort I needed.

I am recovering well today. Last night I actually was able to contradance. I don't think I could have ever danced after any marathon so maybe it isn't actually as hard as a marathon. Today I am going to walk a little and run errands very slowly :-)

Hope everyone is well, I miss reading your blogs but my life is running in the woods and fixing up my house to sell it. It is so weird to be doing all this work on my house only to let someone else enjoy to benefits.

Northern Nipmuck Jitters

I have trained the last three weeks for my qualifying race, Northern Nipmuck Trail Race. It is in Union, CT about 30 minutes from my house. It is a 16 miler, I am a little nervous about the distance since I did two 12 milers and one 14 miler, I know I can do it, but yikes.

One difference for me in this training is that I am committed to my training partners in a more intense way than usual. I decided that the only way I want to run 26 miles in the woods would be if I had some people I love to do it with me. Two of the three women I run with regularly said they would be into the group thing too. It is really fun doing this together. One of the woman was nervous about this weekend's race since she had company and could not run with us this weekend. It felt so good to tell her not to worry we are in the together and we'll get through it. Usually I am like yikes, yeah she is going to hurt after this race. Actually we all are going to be hurting but we will have had fun anyway!!! We get very punchy by the last few miles, we usually start laughing so hard I almost pee my pants, good thing we are in the woods!!!!

Easter Road Race

Today I ran in the Easter Road Race with my little son and his two friends. It was a blast. My son is 8 and has been a litte sick lately and he struggled but finished strong. His two friends were healthy and beat us by a few minutes. It was such a fun day. We had an easter egg hunt followed by a kids race. Then the main event 5K started. Three miles is a long way for a kid and they were amazing. I was so impressed.

What a Blast!

Last week's long trail run was a rainy, sleety friggin blast. We had so much fun and got pretty punchy by the end. I learned I need to eat more before running and bring food for when I am finished in the car. I learned that I fall a lot more when I am tired. I swear my legs felt like rubber those last three miles or so.

It is amazing how little modesty one has after running for three hours in soaking wet clothes. I just got back to the car (my friend's totally hot red mini cooper) and proceeded to strip. I didn't even check to see if anyone was around, I just had to get the f-ing out of those clothes.

We then proceeded to pick up some coffee to warm up and I got a egg sandwich that went down so easy, it was great.

The best surprise of all though was that when I got home, my youngest son and my new beau were making our family a delicious breakfast of chocolate covered strawberries, pancakes and sausages and scrambled eggs!!!! It was awesome, totally.

This week the women and I are running on Good Friday, same route, same time. Hopfully no rain or sleet this time. I will try to bring my camera to post a photo of our dirty selves next week.

Totally Psyched!

I am so excited, I am getting up at 5:30am and going to meet my running chicas at the route start of the trail marathon we are planning to run in June and we are running the first half of the route tomorrow. It is supposed to be raining too. YES!!

I get turned on by the weirdest things...

Gotta love sick days

I am home with three sick boys, well actually one sick boy and two sorta sick boys that just wanted to stay home from school. I have big plans of cleaning my room and making some progress on my report cards. We'll see how much I get done. I am completely overwhelmed with getting my house ready to sell and keeping it clean. I'll try to catch up on reading some blogs today too. I miss reading what adventures you all are having. I am "training" for the Nipmuck Trail Marathon, but I have no idea what the heck I am supposed to be doing to train for it. Maybe I'll research some training schedules today too. Or maybe I'll just listen to crazy people sing on YouTube all day...

Comparative Analysis of Half Marathons in OH and CT

Yes I really am that geeky...no actually I am only a little geeky.

Let's start with Ohio, Last Chance for Boston...Marathon. We walked out of our hotel and found the start and finish line. That was pretty cool, so easy. It was cold and rainy though. The race was a mile loop in an industrial park. Yes the marathoners had to run a mile loop 26 times. It was pretty nuts. Thirteen miles was enough for me. It was cool to have 1/4 mile markers and music and water every mile though. It was also easy for my kiddos to cheer us on. They came out at mile 6 or so and then again out at 10, then we ate some good post race food of yummy pizza, banana and candy and went swimming while we waited for my stepdad to finish the marathon.

We went to cheer him on at mile 20 and he was looking tired but determined and knew it would be very close for him to BQ. By the time we got back out there to check on him, it was mile 24 and pretty clear that BQing was out of the question but he finished with his head held high just under 4 hours.

My half marathon time was 1:53 and I was extremely sore and tired. Sorta funny to be so sore on such a flat course. My training was pretty lame and I would say that accounted for the slower time and muscle soreness.

Fast forward six days and a whirlwind roadtrip home and that would bring us to the Colchester Half Marathon in CT. It was cold and snowy and we had just received about 5 inches of ice and snow the night before. Great race conditions not for a PR, but definitely a fun time with a tremendous feeling of accomplishment to follow.

The Colchester Half is VERY VERY VERY hilly, did I say it was hilly??? It is also very scenic through rolling farm country with two dirt roads that were not only VERY HILLY but also VERY SLIPPERY!! I ran the first 6 miles or so at a relaxed pace, but then I was passed on a gigantic hill at mile 8 by a woman in spandex with a wedgie that just looked so painful. I pulled ahead of her at a water stop at mile 9 and put the legs in gear to haul ass the rest of the distance. I just couldn't look at the wedgie for the last five miles.

My new "friend" (what do you a person you are dating when you are almost 40 and not quite divorced yet?) met up with me in his car at mile 11 and I had him do the look back and tell me how far Wedgie was behind me. He told me 100 yards, but I heard feet and said oh crap I have to keep running fast. The last two miles of this marathon are uphill and a battle of mental toughness. I got to the top at 2:04 and was so happy to be done. Never to see Wedgie again...

Not very much stiffness and felt very good. I did have some cramping in my stomach muscles when I changed my clothes though. Nothing a few deep breaths couldn't take care of.

Now I am not sure what is next on the race schedule. Have to look around. Gotta go make dinner now, ciao!

Greetings from Dublin, Ohio

My boys, stepdad and I left yesterday at 5pm to trek out to Dublin, Ohio for the Last Chance for Boston Marathon. Although teachers get tons of vacations, we don't get "vacation time", so I couldn't leave any earlier. We made it to Pennsylvania at 8pm and stopped at Wendy's for some slam food.

I fell asleep whenever I wasn't driving. I took the wheel at 1:30-3:00, then again to finish the trek from 4-5. The most notable experience so far on this road trip was the awesome truck stop we checked out to pee at about 3am. We walked in and could only find a men's room, of course. Then there were 9 "private" showers, pretty intriguing, my littlest son and I tried to check them out but they were locked. Also there was a tv room with about 25 comfy chairs, each equipped with an ashtray. There was a laundry room too. And a gameroom for the truckers that want to play pool.

There was also a plethora of items for sale; you could buy some "deer poo", really chocolates. Or any type of map light. A little bookmark with "God's Garden" printed on it. I am sure there were more interesting things to buy, but my eyes were rather bleary at that time.

My stepdad noticed that he was entitled to a "free" car cloth with a ten dollar purchase, since we are driving down in a gigantic van, the gas was definitely more than ten dollars. At 3am, one of the salesladies actually gave him a hard time about giving him his stupid free cloth, the second lady finally said "just give him the dang cloth" realizing that when my stepdad wants something, he is going to get it.

We arrived at the Crowne Plaza at 5am. My youngest son slept most of the night in the back of the gigantic van and wasn't tired. He read the hotel book and a factual book about Columbus till 7am, the rest of us crashed hard. I woke up at 8:30 to take care of my cutie pie and brought him to the computer center to play. Here is now type this entry while many many skinny people in swishy pants walk by and try to intimidate me. Lucky for me, my eyes have not been able to focus fully yet!!!

Road Trip To Ohio

My boys, stepdad and I are hopping in his gas guzzling gigantic white van and driving ten hours to Ohio next Friday to run. My stepdad is obsessed with qualifying for Boston and this race just happens to be entitled, The Last Chance for Boston...Marathon.

It is a one mile loop course. Four feet of elevation. That is shorter than my 8 year old.

I am registered for the half marathon and feel pretty psyched. I have fell in love with running again. Last year I was totally into the triathloning, but with the pool closing "temporarily" (since September!!), I have had to change my focus. I checked the results for my age group for that last three years and I should place, possibly come in first even. I can really push myself because I have the whole next week off due to February vacation. Gotta love the teachers' schedule, baby!!!

Check out the race at www.premierraces.com/LastChance/lastchance.html

Happy Groundhog Day

Well it was cloudy at sunrise this am in Ct., so I declare that on my little parcel of dirt, the groundhog did NOT see his shadow and that would mean an EARLY SPRING!!!!! I hope that damn rodent is right, I could use a little more sunshine in my life. I just get so tired so early during the winter. If I get home at 6pm and don't have any meetings or practices to go to that evening, then I change into my pajamas AT 6 PM!!!! It is so pathetic. I wouldn't dream of putting pajamas on if it was light out. Now as I type this I realize the groundhog can make time move any faster, he can only predict temperature, right? Oh my goodness, I need more sleep I think. I can't believe I am writing about this...

Shout Out for Tommy Martin, my oldest baby

My freshman in high school ran the anchor leg of the 4X800 relay team today and his team came in second in the Eastern Connecticut Conference Medium Division for indoor track. I was so proud of him. It was my first meet I had the chance to attend and boy it was fun. I didn't even know he was the anchor of the team until I saw them line up. The mother is always the last to know...

Hello Running World

I have been very busy lately and a little wimpy as well. I have only been running at the gym on the treadmill for the most part and well that is reeeeeaaaaallllllyyyyy boring and I would never want to write about it, that's for sure. I did run 7 miles with some friends today, it was 20' and I was cold. I am so out of "cold" running shape. My lungs are happier though.

I will let you know what is happening in other parts of my life since my running life is just "rolling" along.

My boys are very well. Tommy is running indoor track and I think is staying out of trouble. Nick is wrestling and playing basketball and has straight A's and is in confirmation class at church and plays in the jazz band at school. I think he saw his chance to bump Tommy off the "overachiever" pedestal and has progressed full tilt. Travis, my baby, is slowly but surely adjusting to his parents' divorce, but continues to need a little extra TLC. He is a monster on the basketball court.

My divorce is going well. We have agreed on everything, now we just have to get our lawyers to stop fighting and milking us for more money. Eric has found a new love interest and that has helped take his interest off me, YIPPEE!!!

I am planning on putting my house on the market in April. I am very busy trying to get all the accumulated crap in its proper place, either the garbage or a box. I am psyched to get out this house, start over. The payments are way over my head, it will be so much easier to get into something less expensive and with less awful memories.

I have started dating and it is going VERY WELL. The months I stayed by myself have really helped me to know what I want and that I can stand on my own two feet. It is amazing to be dating without being desparate.

My job is also terrific. My group of kids is challenging but extremely fun.

Thanks to hard work, prayers and the love of good friends I feel like I am on the other side of the awful rollercoaster.

2008 Race Plans

Well I know this is really only interesting to me, but I want to post my race schedule anyway. You can see it on the right. I am trying to run two marathons, but the first marathon is only for social interaction and fun. My friends are planning on running the Nipmuck Trail Marathon in June. I only want to run this marathon very easy, no speed pressure. I want the speed pressure for when I run Philadelphia and hope to qualify for Boston. I am psyched!

2007 Reflections - My First Triathlon

My completed my first triathlon in 2007 in Webster, MA in July. It was a Danskin sponsored event for women only. I traveled up there with four of the coolest women I know, three pictured here with me. I am the only brunette and they didn't tell me about the black running bra with black shorts uniform either. This is a before photo, we are all VERY nervous, but we look pretty cool, I must say.

This year I want to complete an Olympic distance triathlon, but I better get my ass into some water soon. I have not been swimming since October and I am not a very good competitive swimmer. I can swim to save my life, but I want to beat some asses out there, so I better start!!!

The tri was a huge event for me this summer. Triathlons are soooooooooo much fun. I was definitely bit by the triathlon bug. My only regret is that I live in a region where the season is so short.

Reflections on 2007

One very memorable running injury I endured in 2007 was a fall while "hiking" not trail running. I was reaching for my little son to help him cross a stream and he found another way over, I then tried to pivot over to the other side and both my feet collapsed on the very wet rocks. The blood that pooled around my ankle over the next month was disgusting.

This boo-boo happened a day before my husband was asked to leave the house in order to protect my children from his abusive parenting. It sort of was like my body or a higher power was forcing me to stay off the roads and take care of my kids. My physical body recovered a lot faster than my heart and mind, let me tell you.

More reflections that are on a more positive note are coming. I promise...

Christmas Vacation

I am on vacation this week and will try to sit down and think about my blog, maybe contact Runner Susan for a new masthead. Just finished watching some totally cool movie about mind erasing. Internal Sunshine of a Senseless Mind, I think. Crazy good movie.

Ran five miles today, felt great. Be back soon. Gotta put my sweetie pie to bed.

Crazy Busy!

I have been crazy busy since Memphis. Hardly running at all. My body needs to rest, I think. I have gone on some nice walks and beautiful pre-dawn runs that were amazing, magical almost. There is something surreal running all alone in the dark cold morning with the stars shining so bright. I saw a shooting star too one morning that was cool.

Here are some photos from the Marathon. Not very exciting, well the one with Elvis is pretty cool.
http://www.asiorders.com/go.asp?27661905
http://www.asiorders.com/stf.asp?EVENTID=19934&PWD=&ID=44826430

Someday I will have a chance to download photos of Graceland and post those too. Now I have to go Christmas shopping.

Where to begin?

From the beginning, I suppose. We arrived in Memphis at 12 midnight, surprised to find out we gained a hour on our trip. We didn't know there would be a time change. We hysterically ran from a room full of sleeping people and finally settled into our room at about 1am. We woke up late for us on Friday morning and got out on the town at about 10am.



The woman at the desk, Jennifer, told us about the trolley public transportation system and we caught the trolley about a half mile from our hotel. We took the two mile trolley ride to town and found it to be very empty. We had an authentic Southern breakfast of bisquits and gravy and grits, home fries cooked in bacon fat, and the most tasty omelette I've had in long time. Then we headed to the expo, still not finding many people walking in Memphis. We were a little worried at that point. We walked a couple miles to the Missippi River and ceremonially spat in the river! My running friends and I always spit over every bridge we cross, so we HAD to spit in the Missippi River!!



Then we headed to the expo and got our stuff. It was a pretty cool expo. I picked a PACETAT for the four hour pace. I purchased a Memphis Running Club winter hat and some xmas presents for my family.



After that we headed to GRACELAND. It was awesome. You wear these headsets with controllers and you listen to a man talking about Elvis' house and life. You can punch in certain numbers to hear more about certain aspects. I loved it. It was so cool to learn about such a famous musician and his family.



Last, we went to Beale St. for dinner. Now this was Memphis. The Memphis you hear about in all the music. One awesome Blues bar after another. We opted to eat at Hard Rock Cafe because we wanted to keep it simple. We were back in our hotel by 8, lights out by 9pm.



By the way, Thursday and Friday were cold. I was freaking out since I wasn't sure what to wear running.



BUT I woke on Sat, race day to beautiful weather. At five in the morning, it was already like 40' and the sun was popping through, but it was still pretty cold. We went to check our bags at The Autozone Baseball Complex and hung out as long as possible. We made our way to the start line at 7:45. The weather was warming up beautifully.

The marathon started in two minute waves and my friends and I lined up in the 3:50 finishers corral. The start was smooth and we were off. I was following the 3:50 pace leader for about three miles and then realized I was right behind the 3:45 pacers. My girlfriend and I stayed in between these two pacers for the next ten miles. It was really fun because the 3:45 pace guy was shirtless and he wrote his name, Jimmy, on his chest. We got lots of cheers. I felt great the first 14 miles.

At miles 15 and 16, there is a slight incline and I started to get tired. I was no longer able to stay as close to the 3:45 pace guy, but I had them in my sights for about two more miles. By mile 19, my muscles were just starting to cramp. They were fine if I took it down a notch. I slowed to about 9:15/mile pace.

It was by mile 22, that I knew my possibility of qualifying for Boston was slipping through my fingers. I was sad for about one mile, then I kicked myself in the ass. I told myself that I needed to appreciate what my body was doing right in that moment and continue to run as hard as I could. I was able to continue to run hard.

Two events enabled me to keep focused and moving. At mile 21, a man was going down and my first instinct was to go try and catch him. I quickly realized that I was really only able to keep myself standing at the moment and ran up ahead a few feet as fast as I could to get help. I don't know how he fared, but he sure did make me realize that I should appreciate that my body was strong enough to continue.

Another event was at mile 24, a young woman passed me at the water stop. I must have looked tired because she said, "I have been pacing off of you for about 5 miles, don't you quit now!". Well I'll be damned if I slowed down then, I only had two freakin' miles to go. I kicked it in and passed her and got my hungry ass to the finish line. I was so happy to break four hours.

We finished in Autozone Park at home plate. The stadium was packed of screaming fans. After getting my tin foil and medal. I spotted Elvis and posed for a professional photo. I can't wait till they are up. Then I crawled up the stairs to the concourse and devoured whatever food I could get my grubby hands on. I ate two slices of pizza, soup, a banana, yogurt and an orange. I drank two bottles of water. Then I went to try to get my bag, my friends were out on the course and I wasn't able to figure out how to get out there. I figured they would find me and they did.

Once I got my bag, I called my family and tried to change into dry warm clothes. The only problem was that my feet were so far away and I was afraid that if I sat on the ground to change, I would not be able to get up without assistance. At that point I was like what they hell do I do this to my body for???

The only answer I have ever come up with is because I can. I am blessed with a strong runner's body and I am going to use it!!

Memphis Marathon Rocks

I am home, showered, sitting at my computer after getting up at 3am to catch a taxi at 4am to get to the airport to catch a 5am flight. We travelled for the next four hours and as soon as I get to CT my kids call my cell to tell me we need food. Stopped at Stop and Shop to pick the neccessities according to my 12-year-old son (frozen waffles, milk, bread and cereal). I have taken a shower, thrown in a load of laundry and now I am writing some of my memories of the Memphis Marathon trip. It is now 3:39pm and I am deliriously tired, but happy to be home.



My stats from the race look like this:

27th in my age group

608 overall

119th of all women

10K 22 52:29 8:28

1/2marathon 23 1:53 8:40

20 miles 2:55 8:47

Final 3:55:26 9:00



I was happy with that time, I completed two of my goals: (1) finish, (2) under 4 hours. The third goal, qualify for Boston was just out of reach. I tried to kick it in the last few miles, but I just did not have enough to do it. BUT I know the ability is there, I just have to refine my training. I was totally psyched about being 608th out of 1952 runners. Wow!

More on the experience and photos to come. I am too tired to sit upright any longer. Ciao.

5:15 Race morning

I am currently sipping tea and eating a banana, mentally preparing for the task I am about to undertake. I just tattooed my arm with the a 4 hour pace band. I have confidence I can break 4 hours, but not so much confidence I can hit my Boston Qualifying time of 3:45. We'll see....either way, Wes, happy birthday!!!

Beautiful race conditions, start of the race will be 45' and by the time we finish the forecast is for 60'. Gorgeous.

See you soon!

ps I am officially in love with Elvis and I think I'll give up teaching and become a clerk in one of the 300 souvenir shops on Elvis Presley Blvd.

I'm in Memphis!!

Last night, four of the five other women and I travelled from Hartford, CT to Memphis. We had a layover in Charlotte. It took us five hours to get here. None of knew about the time change so we gained an hour, needed it I am exhausted.

We get to our hotel at midnight, but one am in my body. The clerk must have been busy in the back because she sure did not want to help us!! First she tells they have no cots and no extra blankets. Luckily one of our travellers is a firefighter and always prepared and brought a sleeping bag.

Then we proceed to rm 227. My friend unlocks the door and says "oh they forgot to make the beds, oh wait a minute, there are people sleeping in them!!!". We opened the door bleary eyed and look in and find PEOPLE sleeping in the room!!!! We quickly apologized and ran back to the lobby in hysterics.

Now we are getting ready to head to Graceland. I am going to find my inner Elvis, I definitely have the hips!

New Look

My son said my old blog design was boring, so we checked out blogger's choices. How do people make their own design? I know Runner Susan makes personal headmasts, maybe I could talk to her.

Nothing new in the world of chocolate loving runner girl except I am already packing for Memphis. WOOHOO!

A week to go...

Only one week from today, I'll be hitting the streets of Memphis to run the marathon. I am totally psyched and getting anxious now.

Like completely overdramatiziing and obsessing over every slight pain or discomfort I might have.

Or not wanting to go near anyone with a cold or runny nose.

Or thinking and freaking out about flying (i hate flying).

Or worrying about my "time", this is the first time I ever cared about time, I used to just care about finishing, but now I know I can run faster than before.

Or worrying about how all the childcare plans are going to work out and not being able to do anything about it from miles away.

Or completely stressing about the weather and what to wear while running.

Or wondering how I can get to Graceland from my hotel!!

Oh the many trials and tribulations a crazy runner woman has to endure!!!!

Spiritual Awakenings

I have had spiritual experiences while running, especially when I am pushing my limits. While running my long run this week on a 25' cold, windy but sunny and crisp Sunday, I was pretty cold. BUT every time the sun would shine on my body for a few minutes, I would experience such a warmth, I just knew there is a God out there somewhere watching over me, making me warm when I need it most.

Sweet faith.

Twenty miler down, I friggin' kicked ass. I can't wait for this marathon, baby. I am soooooooo prepared. Now time to taper, I love tapering. I have a 15 miler scheduled for this weekend. I love when 15 seems so easy.

Does anyone know where my chocolate brother has been lately? I have visited Jon who was in Michigan but now lives in New York, Chocolate Runner's Blog and he hasn't written in a while. What's up? Tell him I miss him if you have his email.

The Breakfast of Champions!?

It has been such a busy week I have not had time to write about a splendid running event that took place last Sunday afternoon. As you all know, I have been trying to make some type of sense of my home and projects have taken precedence over eating and sleeping, notice I did not say over running, never would that happen!!

I woke up Sunday and immedately started working on my projects, but keeping my hydration in mind since I planned on running in a local 5K at 1pm. So I worked my butt off and then realized we lost some pieces to fit our bed back together. Had to run out to the hardware store before it closed at 1:00. The store is right next to a local greasy spoon and it was like 10:30, plenty of time to grab some brunch and have it digested before race time. Right...what I didn't plan for was the hour wait for our food. The boys and I all ordered bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches on texas toast with home fries. I only ate half of my sandwich while my oldest son ate his and my other half. He was planning to run the 5k as well. Bad move.

We ran in the Veteran's Memorial Greenway 5K in Willimantic, Ct. It USED to start behind a gym and that's where I rolled in on two wheels at 12:30. No race there. I hypersped to the other gym in town and realized where the race start was moved to. Tommy and I ran to the registration table, grabbed our numbers and t-shirts (it really pays to preregister!) and then ran them back to the car. We had ten minutes to warm up and then head to the start line.

I felt pretty good during the warm up, no full stomach problems. I got to the first mile in 7:05 and then was passing some people and realized I was doing pretty well. There is a turn around at this race, so I started to look at where I was in terms of women. There was only ONE woman in front of me! And I could see her and pass her I did, baby! I passed her right after the turn around and I mean I really passed her. I was afraid I might not be able to keep the speed up but I figured what the hell, I might as well try, right?

I passed mile two at 14:16, wow pretty consistent.

Then I started to suck wind a little, but I really wanted to win. I passed one my training buddies. Then I saw my teenage totally freaking fast long distance runner son, he usually finishes race in 21:05 or so. I was like, oh my goodness, he is hurting. Later he described me coming up behind him as "oh my god the person behind me is going to die" since I was breathing so hard. When he saw the person was me, his next thought was "oh my god, I knew I was sucking out, but I didn't think I was going that slow" ( I usually finish in 24 min.)

I somehow got the words out to have him look behind us and tell me how close the next woman was to us and he told at least 50 feet. I immediately slowed down since I knew I had it in the bag and I thought my lungs might burst if I kept up that pace. I finished the race in 22:40 and was sooooooo pumped. I was proud for like days. The feeling of crossing the line would just pop into my consciousness at random times and it was just great, stupendous, excellent, grande. My kids started teasing me about my foolish grin just crossing over my face.

BUT that was last week, this week brings me to my 20miler, my last long run before Memphis. I am psyched and sick with nerves at the same time, but that is why we do this, right? Right now I am off to play in a setback tourney with Tommy, his ego and stomach have recovered nicely.

Run hard, play harder!

Happy Long Run

I ran from putting my kids on the bus this afternoon and zipped into my running clothes to run for three hours or whatever miles I can run in that amount of time. My middle son surprised me at school looking for a ride to a skateboard shop, so I got out a little past schedule but still got on the road by 4pm.

I did a longish part of the run first, I took a big loop to get to my house and feed my dog and check on her. The poor girl has been totally neglected this Fall. Too many soccer games and races. I ran ten miles to my house, got my water belt, gu and music. Then I made my way down back into town for another nine miles. I felt great the whole time, except by the last hill I was pooped.

I ate my gu at about mile twelve and oh my goodness, what a jolt it gave me. I have cut WAAAAAYYYYY back on my sugar intake, so when that sugar hit me I was ready and rearing to go, baby!!!

I was pretty psyched about how good I felt since this was my second long run in only five days. My last long run was only last Sunday, but I had to do it tonight since this weekend is filled with yet another soccer tourney, church and a race on Sunday. There are soooo many fun things I want to do this weekend, but I think I have to stay home and complete a project for my boys so they can move their bedrooms. On SAt. night, a bunch on women friends are getting together for a "clothing swap". I don't really need any clothes, but have a bunch to get rid off. So maybe I'll just drop them off. On Sunday afternoon after the race, there is this "hibernation festival" held at this earthy crunchy private school. They sell the BEST soup in the world, I look forward to it every year. So I will have to just go get some even if I am not done with my job at home.

Have a great weekend everybody, run hard!

The Longest Long Run

Today I had plans to meet a friend and run for three hours or 18 miles at the West Hartford Reservior. My friend was bringing his camelpak so I planned on having him carry the water for both of us. BUT he was detailed to dive due to an auto accident body recovery and wasn't able to run. I didn't know this till AFTER the run.

Not only did I have no water, I didn't really know where I was going. My friend has a garmin that would have led us around the trails. So the inevitable happened, I got lost on the trails with no water or watch or cell phone. I never really got lost because in CT there are not big enough forrests to ever really get lost. When I could not get back to the parking lot, I spotted some open areas in the tree line and ran in that direction. The open area was actually homes. Luckily I am skinny and fit through a hole in the backyard fence and started running on the street.

I found my way to a main road and STILL did not know where I was!!!! I ran to a stop light about a mile away and did not know the road that was intersecting but then noticed it was a road I saw on one of the ends of the trails. So I waited till a woman driver stopped at the light and waved and asked to point me in the direction of Farmington Ave., she told me it was the opposite direction I was running about four miles! So I hightailed the other way down the street and continued on. When I finally got to Farmington Ave., I had to ask a nice couple which direction the Reservior was and they looked at me like I was crazy and told me which way to go and said it was like ten minutes away. I finally got back to my car at exactly 10am. I had been running for 3 hours and 15 minutes. I was thirsty, let me tell ya!

I am tired but happy I got home in one piece. It was quite an adventure!!

Here we are enjoying a "look for signs of Autumn" walk with my class. The colors this year are amazing, very vibrant. I am not ready for winter running though. I have adjusted to running in the dark, I dug out my headlamp, but I haven't dug out my running pants yet. I am holding out as long as possible!!

Global Warming

I declare that global warming is not so bad. I enjoyed the past three days of running in the early morning hours with shorts on. Looks like tomorrow will be a beauty too, but I am pooped. I might try to drag my ass out of bed just because the moon is beautiful and bright and it is supposed to be like 50' at dawn. Usually by now, we are fighting with frost in the am.

Loving this nice weather. I will post some pics soon of the gorgeous foliage too.

Run hard, play harder!

I love running

My marathon training is going really well. I hope I don't jinx it by saying it aloud. I completed 17 miles on Thursday and it was also the first day of my period. So all you people of the male persuasion, imagine running 17 miles with a diaper on and feeling like your testicles are twice their normal size and crampy. Not easy, but it is done and it feels good I don't have to run another long run until next Friday!!

Good Grief

I walked for the Relay for Life, which is a fundraiser for cancer research this weekend. I always think about one of my best friends that died of brain cancer eight years ago while I walk. I usually have a good time thinking of him, it sort of feels warm like a comfy old blanket wrapped around me. And this weekend was the same. I remembered things about him I thought I had forgotten and they made me chuckle.

Then sometimes grief hits you so hard it takes your breath away. Later that same day, I was at church and the choir sang a hymn that was one of the hymns I sang at my friend's funeral and I felt like I had been punched in the stomach and tears just popped out of my eyes.

Life is a strange and mysterious journey.

Hartford Marathon Recap

I had to scrambled to get all three kids to friend's houses so they could get to their games or practices. They were all up by 6am on a Sat., not too thrilled with me. I get everyone where they need to be and I am off by 6:40, a little later than I should have left.

I arrive in Hartford at about 7:15 and notice that people are leaving the Civic Center with their bags. I am perplexed because I have run one of the races since 2001 and you could always pick up your number at the race start on race day. So I park anywhere I could and jog to the Civic Center and thank goodness I jogged because the line to pick up your race number was about 300 people long at 7:30am when the race is scheduled to start at 8:00am about a half a mile away!!! So basically I freaked but kept it all inside, got my number at about 7:45 and jetted over to the start. I threw on my chip and quickly pinned my number on, at 7:50 I ran to the UPS trucks to check my bag. Of course I had to pee, but no time allowed. I got to the very very back of the crowd and we started about 5-10 past 8am.

It sucked starting in the back, I had to dart and weave past a lot of walkers for the first two miles. I don't consider myself a running snob, I feel like if your fat ass is out there, then I'll be damned if someone should judge you for walking or jogging instead of "running". BUT as truth would have it, I am slightly a running snob. Trying to get past those damn walkers was a bitch.

Finally by about mile three, I was with other people going my pace, about 8:30/mile. I felt great!! The whole entire 13 miles was easy and fun. I think my long runs have been challenging because I haven't brought enough water/fluids with me. I drank on the course at least every mile, I think they had more water stops than miles even and I stopped at every stop.

Right after I finished I turned around and met my girlfriends at about mile 12, they were right behind me. We ran in together and I continued on to get 16 miles in so I could feel good about using this as my long run for the week. We then met up and enjoyed the most excellent race food. Whole foods market supplied the food and they served this cranberry cous cous that was amazing. I don't know what cous cous is and someone called one of the men I was hanging out with "gay" for eating it, but gay or not I love the stuff.

My friends and I headed back to the finish line to cheer on one of our friends that was finishing up the marathon. Unfortunately, my marathoner friend experienced the feared stomach cramps that can sometimes happen during a marathon and had a horrible pain for the last 16 miles. But she is incredible and finished the stupid marathon anyway! After we consoled her at the finish line, some of us ate some more food (me), while some of us drank some beer (everyone else!).

It was a beautiful day to run, 50s with a slight breeze. I have to complain about the marathon coordinators though this year. They did not have enough shirts. They said they will send me one and they better, that $50 race fee aint' for nothin'!! They also ran out of marathon medals with the clock not even being 5 hours and let me tell you those after 5 hours finishers deserve those damn medals! Also, I know we are trying to be environmentally conscious, but they did not provide water bottles at the end of the race, just drinking fountains. And working at a school, I know what can get on those fountains and it aint pretty.

My finishing time was 1:54, an 8:44/mile pace. I was 738th out of 2471 finishers! I was thrilled that I did not get tired the entire race. I guess those long runs are paying off!!

Gearing Up for the Hartford Marathon

The Hartford Marathon is held this Sat. at 8am. I am runnning the half marathon and plan to run a friend in as well. This is her first half marathon. We are also meeting some other friends. One of the friends is running the 5K while another is running the full marathon. The Hartford Marathon has a very fun post race party as well. And lo and behold, I think I might be kidless at this race. I don't know what I'll do with my self!!

A Yankee fan friend of mine (yes I have a few that I let into my life, but they have to pass a test first!!) invited me to a concert Friday night, I think it is a ploy to get me to miss the first game of the Red Sox vs Indians series, but I am not sure. I have to think about it, because I want to get to bed early Friday night so I can kick ass in the half. It is so much better to have to make these kinds of choices!! Life is full of good choices!

GO RED SOX!!!!!!

This weekend was filled with soccer games for both the little and the middle. Fun was had by all. We finished the weekend with pizza with two other families and had a blast.

We also reveled in the Red Sox SWEEPING the series. Bring it on Cleveland. Too bad for the Yankees (yeah, right? I hate them).

Speedwork tonight, the boss wants us to run faster for a longer distance per interval yet my heart feels like it is going to explode when I ran the shorter distance, so we'll see.

Runners Need Protein - duh

I know I sound dumb, but I have to tell you how remarkably different I feel since I have started drinking a protein shake after running. I have been drinking one after running to refuel my muscles, but I also have started drinking more of them on the days that are crazy busy and I may not eat properly. Everything about me feels better, my outward appearance, my muscles, lungs TODO (that means everything in spanish).

todo, todo, todo I mean everything!!

The benefits did not take long to experience either. I felt them after about a week of drinking shakes right after a workout. So get to your GNC store and ask for a good protein powder. I got mine from my naturalopathic doctor, it contains no gluten. But I think GNC would be as good a place as any to find some.

(I think I spelled naturalopathic wrong but you get the drift. Also, when I say everything is better I even mean libido - i have been crazy horny lately- which is a little frustrating since the only person I have had sex with is myself for quite sometime!!!- that probably fits into the "TOO MUCH INFORMATION" category, huh?)

I am getting better, yippee!!

About six weeks ago, I almost threw in the towel, but I am very resilient and have three boys counting on me so I knew I had to figure this whole abusive relationship thing out.

First I thought about my own physical well being. I developed a four point plan. The first being to eat more protein and more food in general as well as be vigilant about taking my vitamin supplements. I have done that and feel much better. My hair was starting to fall out in large quantities and my skin was rashy, both as a result of stress and not eating. My hair is better, my skin is getting there.

Second was to get two half hour massages a month. My massage therapist loves me and told me I was going to her for two full hours/month and she was only charging me at the half rate. Love her.

Third was to get back into yoga. Started that last week and pretty much cried threw the whole thing, but it was what I needed.

Fourth was to stay as far away from Eric I could. This was a biggie. I was able to keep my interactions down to a minimum and now am able to see his crazy behavior for what it is: crazy. I am able to be much more objective and realize I have very little to do with his behavior. Yesterday he was mad at me and no lie he called my cell phone and house phone over 40 times!!! I was able to not answer and also asked my dear friend to call him for me and try to help him figure out what he was doing was harrassment and well fucking nuts. It sorta worked, but he called my cell phone about 10 times today, so it only sorta worked.

As far as running goes, I got 15 miles in today, but my hip was screaming after about 7 miles. Good thing for numbers 2 and 3 of my plan. Yoga and massage should do the trick.

After my hairdresser heard about my new de-stressing program, she also suggested sex is always a good de-stress activity too! Only thing is I would have to let someone new see me naked and that is not happening!

I actually like speedwork!?!

Seven of my Willimantic Athletic Club members (ie WAC-Os) have begun a six week speedwork plan. We meet every Tuesday night at a local track at 6pm to run four 1000meter repeats. Our goal is to complete the 1000meters in under 4:30 at 90% of our heart rate. We rest for three minutes in between each interval. I know I sound nuts, but I like it. I think the fact that my friends are there is the reason. But I feel really strong too.

I am psyched because this speedwork session wraps up right before the Memphis Marathon. I hope it helps me to run a faster marathon. I am trying to break the four hour mark this year with the hopes of qualifying for Boston in my 40th year. My qualifying time at 40 years old is 3:50, I really think I could achieve that as long as I remain injury free. I have a challenge from Wes that I would love to accomplish, but lack the confidence and proper training right now, but who knows maybe I'll have a good day and give him a proper birthday present!!!

I love Friday night long runs

Just finished a 14 mile long run today after school. I procrastinated and stood around making fun of all our students and coworkers until 4pm and then headed out the door. Holy crap it was hot, 85' but there was a nice breeze. That nice breeze seemed to suck all the moisture from my mouth though!!

I finished a 8 mile loop in 73 minutes, then I refueled with some vanilla gu and grabbed some water for the next six miles. I felt really good the whole run, the uphills got tough after about mile 7, but hopefully there are not hills in Memphis!! I hear Tennessee is pretty flat in December!! Can you tell I am a little punchy right now, it is almost 10:00pm and my house is disgusting and I should be picking it up, but instead here I sit, procrastinating for yet the second time today!!

Take care!

1st Annual Hartford Women's Triathlon

Hello all, today was a brisk 40' when I ventured out to my car to warm it up so my then sleeping children wouldn't have to sit on cold leather seats only being half awake!! I was so nervous about this tri! We made the trip in no time and did not get lost. I set up my transition area quickly and found my friends. We were all excited and nervous.

My friend, Farrah, and I were in the first wave, jumping in to 70' water at 8am! The water felt great actually. I on the other hand, felt a little panicky. My last two lake swims sucked and this one was starting out pretty shitty. BUT I used my strong will and perservered! I just told myself to slow down and I would probably get there quicker. Which for the water, I think it might be true! I slowed down and just plugged along and ate a LOT of humble pie. I was passed by about 15 people that were in the second wave!! It totally sucked, but my goal was to get my ass out of the water and I did in about 16 minutes. That was my time for a half mile in the last tri, so I guess my strategy worked.

I saw my kids when I got out of the water and they were so excited to cheer for me, it gave me the surge I needed. My legs were rubbery and I was a little dizzy. Getting that damn wetsuit off took some effort too!! I got to my transition area and was disoriented. I somehow managed to get my socks and bike shoes on and headed out to the course.

The bike route was cut down to 10 miles due to road construction and it was mad flat. I don't know what I averaged yet. The results are not posted and I forgot to reset my little thingy. But I was keeping probably a 17 mph. This tri was much more competitive that the Danskin Tri I did in July. I was keeping between 17-18 mph and I got passed by about 5 women!! I passed more, but still... wow. I like the competitiveness, it pushes me to go harder. I was finished with the swim-t1-bike at 55 minutes.

My transition to the run was also pretty silly. My ASS was FROZEN, after riding in wet shorts at 17ish mph, my cheeks were pretty jello-y. When I got off my bike, it just felt like my bottom half was not attached to my top and I could not get it to move the way I wanted. Somehow I reracked my bike, but no thanks to the chick that threw her gigantic bag in my bike slot. I quickly threw her bag, racked my bike and threw on my sneaks.

The run was all trails. I was running along in sort of fog, not a "zone" like I would have prefered! I have been suffering from allergies and my eyes watered the whole 3.1miles. I passed my friend Farrah early in the run and she looked great. As I was running along, I realized that I had just run on these trails last week with my friend, Chris. That made me happy and I just plugged along. I finished very strong, it was a downhill finish at 1:24. I was happy with that time.

I can't really compare my two tris since the first one was a shorter run and the second one was a shorter bike. I think the swim laps were the same, they felt the same anyway. My transition times were longer since I wore my bike shoes this tri. I feel sad that the tri season is over for me. The weather is too cold. Today was pushing it really. I am already trying to figure out my tri goals for next year. One major skill I plan to work on this winter is my swim stroke and getting my comfortable and effecient.

Now on to training for a marathon in Memphis, Tenn on December 1, 2007. Five chickas and I are bringing our "girl power" down south to conquer the distance!!! I can't wait!!! I am totally loving being single and making my own decisions. I can't believe I waited this long to grow up and take control of my life!!

1st Annual Hartford Women

Great Kids and Cold Tri Temperatures!

Tommy ran an awesome time at the Windham Invitational. He raced against about 300 freshman from all over CT and finished 29th overall. His time for 2.1 miles was 13:05. He looked great!

My little son, Travis, wants everyone in cyberworld to know that his U-10 soccer team is 3-0.

I am sitting here sipping hot cocoa because I was standing around all day working the rainy, cold check in table. Tomorrow I participate in the Hartford Women's Sprint Tri at 8am. The bike club just moved our teams ride to 9am since the low is supposed to be 40s tomorrow morning. I am freaking out about the temps for tomorrow's race. I am not really worried about the swim since I have a wetsuit (a really sexy one at that!) BUT I am totally scared about the bike ride in wet clothes. I guess I'll bring a warm shirt to throw on at the transition. I hope by the run I'll be warmed up again.

Full report tomorrow!

Proud Mama Shout Out!

Since I am truly a single mother of my two older children, I don't have anyone to share in their accomplishments. Sooooo I have decided to rave about my children over the blogger world! My oldest son ran in his first cross country meet of his high school career today and he finished his 5K run in 20:31 and he said he could have ran even faster but didn't want to beat his teammates. He came fourth overall out of about 30 runners. He was so proud and so was I!!!

This weekend he participates in a HUGE invitational at our local high school. Over 2500 runners will be heading to our area to run their little butts off! I'll let you know how he does!

New Haven Road Race Report

The New Haven Road Race experience started on Sunday meeting Chris at the expo. We looked around at the expo a few minutes and I bought a "swim, bike and run" car magnet and now I am kicking myself for not buying a gym bag that was only $7. Oh well hopefully the bag lady will be at the next race I do.

Then Chris and I met up with Dianna, the running chick with the orange hat and Jon, the chocolate runner. We waited for David and his family and headed out for pizza. We ravished a variety of pies and had wonderful conversations. It is so cool meeting bloggers face to face. I feel like I know people from reading and sharing their blogs and it is definitely different when you are actually looking and speaking with someone. After pizza, we all went on our way to try to sleep before the big day.

I got lost on the way to my friend's house, but I find that New Haven is a friendly city and a nice big man gave me directions that were perfect actually. When I arrived at my friends' house, I had the house to myself which was weird. I settled in and luckily figured out how to operate her TV and plunked myself in front 'Titanic'. I have only seen Titanic about 99 times, but the whole sinking ship and love story get me every time. I love that old lady, I hope I grow to be just like her.

I had a pretty good sleep and headed over to New Haven at about 7am. I met up with Chris, my running coach and buddy, at about 7:45. We met up with the other bloggers, put in one last potty stop and headed to the start line. Dianna decided we would be good running partners for this race. At first I was nervous, I know Dianna can run a LOT faster than I can, but lucky for me she has been riding her bike more this summer and her legs were heavy.

The beginning of the race flew by, it felt like the first five miles were over in a flash. We were having fun, gabbing and teasing each other. The three of us ran together for about the first nine miles, but then they started to pull away. I knew I wasn't going slower and my 10k split proved me right. My 10K split was 53 minutes and my finish was 1:46, so they sped up and finished about two minutes ahead of me. I was very happy with my time and feel really strong about my running right now.

My favorite part of the day though was the visit afterward. All the blogger buddies drank beer and refueled together on the green. What a great group of people. I often curse the evils of the internet, but after sitting and sharing with such a neat bunch of friends, I have to say it can't be all that bad. Without the internet I would have never met any of these people. One of them is quickly becoming one of my best friends and the rest are people that have given me support and kindness in ways I am sure they don't even know matters.

I can't wait for next year!

New Haven - the best race ever!

Just a short report for now, more to follow. I had a great time and a great "time"! I ran a personal best of 1:46 for a 20K and was very happy with that finish. More details to follow, have to go put the kids to bed!

On to New Haven

This week entailed getting back to school and the routine and seeing all my old work buddies really helped me feel better about life. My work friends are a very strong support for me, I didn't realize how much I missed them this summer.

Tomorrow I'm going to New Haven to meet Jon and Dianna at the New Haven Road Race Expo and then load up on the carbs (and hopefully chocolate) at dinner. Then I'll run with Chris as long as I can keep up with him. I am pretty tired, my body has been aching lately. I hope to finish around 1hour 50min. I think I can make that goal, we'll see.

Run hard, play harder!

Blessed Be

Thank you, thank you, thank you

I am blessed with cool blogger friends that make me laugh and feel supported.

I am blessed with friends that offer me a place to stay with my three wild boys...oops I have to make sure my dog can come too! They tell me good things about myself and eventually I will believe them!

I am blessed because I have sweet friends that text me encouraging kind words.

I am blessed to have a family that offers me financial support, kind words, dinners, and will go to stupid meetings with me.

I am blessed to have the most fun and rewarding job in the world and they pay just enough to pay my bills and get a massage once in a while!!

I am blessed to have a strong body that I am able to push to the limit and it always keeps working.

I am blessed to have the sweetest dog in the world, she follows me everywhere I go in my house and is licking my leg right now (I am still sweaty from my bikeride, but hey its the most action I've had in a long time!) She barks at everybody that comes to my house and makes me feel safe.

I am blessed that I have faith that somehow I will survive and come from this abusive situation a stronger woman.

Wicked Sad

Today I brought my oldest son to his first day of HIGH SCHOOL! How did this happen? When did he grow up? I felt soooooo alone bringing him today. I miss his dad beyond belief. He would have been so excited and happy for him. He had a devotion to his children that I rarely see in fathers and I miss that so bad.

It has been eight years since he died and time really does help, but grief pops it head up at transitions like these. I am probably even more emotional since I am also dealing with such shit from the current husband.

I think I'll treat myself to a brownie sundae tonight. I swam a very tough swim this morning with very windy currents and it will be good to drown myself in chocolate.

Thank You

Your well wishes, hugs and prayers worked because today I feel better and stronger. I have been able to ask for help and have been able to establish some better boundaries with the poop. I just have to stay on top of my game so I can keep on the offense rather than get defensive which is what he loves when I do.

My running and biking have been soooooooo slow this weekend. I think the emotional stress is taking its toll on my physical body. Today I got a massage and a pedicure, they were awesome.

Send me postive thoughts and prayers, I need them.

My personal life is in such utter and complete chaos that sometimes I feel like I am being slowly tortured until I finally give up and die. I truly don't know if I am strong enough to fight anymore, everyone tells me I am but I think they don't really know what is going on.

The only thing that is keeping me sane is my training. When I complete a physical goal, I feel empowered and gain a smidgen of confidence to get me through for awhile.

I know I can only take it one day at a time and that is what I am going to do. I just hope that one day I'll realize that I am not struggling to get through the days, but actually enjoying part of them.

Wow, running is hard

Today I ran a route I normally bike and wow the hills are much harder to run up. I finished 12.5 miles in 2+ hours, I pretty much sucked. But I got it done and its in the log.

Steeple Chase Bike Tour 2007

Yesterday I participated in a local fundraiser called the Steeple Chase. They offer a 20, 50, and 100 mile route for a wide range of biking abilities. My tri chickas were doing the 100 miler, but since my longest ride in my whole life was only 30 miles, I decided to try the 50 miler. I rode the first 40 with my tri chickas and then rode the last ten myself. If it weren't for a very sore butt, I could have gone further. My neck was a little sore too. I was psyched since I know both of those things are more equipment issues rather than physical ability issues.

It was a blast. A social event really. Every twenty miles a local church offers a rest stop with a potty and LOTS of yummy treats, I mean food to refuel our tired bodies!! One church had some awesome brownies. I am doing this next year just for the brownies!

Another wonderful thing that happened from this ride was I realized I know how to ride my bike now. Well sorta. I got this bike at Christmas and call me stupid, but I could not "get" the shifting thing down. Now I get it, totally. Well I still sometimes shift into a harder gear when I want to shift into an easier, but at least I know what to do to fix it. AND I rode the whole 50 with my clip on shoes and DID NOT FALL!! A major accomplishment!

Summer Sickness Sucks

Since Thursday night, I have been down for the count. I came home Thursday evening and almost immediately had a fever and chills. All I could do was lie down and pray to get better. Well that didn't happen until this morning. I haven't been able to do anything for two days and I feel like I might go crazy. I always thank me lucky stars that I have a strong and able body and today I extremely thankful. I plan to take another day of no exercise to really make sure I am recovered.

Hope everybody else had a great weekend. Summer vacation is over in two weeks! Yikes, back to reality!

It worked a few hours later

The internet is a strange thing sometimes, huh?

Post won't publish

I wasn't able to post a minute ago, I am testing it again now.

God Bless Commuters

Yesterday I picked up my children from LaGuardia Airport in NYC. The trip should take about 2:45 hours, not yesterday. NYC saw a tornado and it backed up all the transit systems so more people tried to drive to work. The trip took me over 4 hours. The boys flight was delayed and the airport was packed. The trip home was only a little better. I did stop for an ice cream sundae, that made the trip better for sure.

Today I am nursing a sore back, how do truck drivers sit in their trucks all day? There is NO way I could ever be a truck driver, that is for sure. Hopefully a little run will help loosen everything up later.

Run hard.

John Kelley Road Race Report

Yesterday was a beautiful sunny 88' in New London, CT and it was a great day for a race, well if you like racing in the heat. My sister, her friend and my youngest son and I left the house at 7am to make the half hour drive to New London Ocean Beach Park. With our free race entry, we also got into the park free - caching, save $15 parking fee, baby.

I got there and set the kids up on the beach and then proceeded to obsess over what to wear running. It was a scorcher so I opted for the sports bra and shorts as did many women, but depending on my mood I am shy about showing so much skin. Especially since I was running the race with Chris, at http://www.rsqboss.blogspot.com and I didn't want to A. make him throw up at the sight of my white belly or B. distract him with A-cups LOL!! I decided that keeping cool was more important than vanity and I am glad that I did because at one point when we were running through a heavily traveled part of the town, my body felt like it was about 116' degrees. I am not kidding, at least 116'.

Chris and I started the race thinking that this was a training run, we both have longer race distance goals for the Fall. We wanted to get in 15 miles for the day so we said lets keep between a 9:30 - 9:45 pace for the race portion so we could add some more on the end of the race. After mile one, Chris told me we were a minute off on our pace and I assumed we were going too slowly!! He said we were at a 8:15 pace, so we brought it down a notch to about 8:40s. We both felt great, I don't remember anyone passing up and we were passing people left and right.

At about mile four, Chris tells me to walk through the waterstop. I figured just while I was drinking water, right. Nope, he told me to trust him and do what he said. So every three miles after that, we stopped and walked for a tenth of a mile. I was amazed at how that strategy worked for me. Walking for that short time gave my body the rest it needed to refuel and get ready for the next burst. I basically never pooped out, I had to dig in the last two miles to complete my goal, which was beating this young 30s woman that beats me ALL the time. She passed me at mile nine and said what good pace runners we were. I kept her in my sights until mile 11 and then I was able to push ahead. I never looked back and was scared to death she was right behind me and lo and behold she WAS!! I saw her time and she finished .2 of a second after me!! BUT I still beat her, baby.

Chris uses a garmin and now that I have run with him a few times, I am hooked. I have to get one. I think it would help my training so much. My time was 1:39 for 11.6 miles, we held a 8:35 pace pretty easily. I won third in my age group, which is even more impressive due to the overall women winner was in my age group too. Both these women make turning 40 next year a little easier! Our next run is the New Haven Road Race, I will have to get my own garmin by then, because I think my new partner will leave me in the dust. He had more reserves after mile 9 than I did. I think I have to refuel with some gu at about mile 7 or 8, because I always fade at mile 9.

A great day for a great race for some great racers!!

The tri photos are in and every time I look at them I get psyched! Go check them out - http://www.brightroom.com/go.asp?21925749 !