Birthday Run

I did a short run on my birthday, to get the grouchies out. The run was a boring neighborhood run, but at least I got out there. Hoping to get some runs in this weekend, I might have to go for another rainy run tomorrow :).



March 28, 2012, 3.18 miles, 30:01 (average per mile 9.26). Year to date 111.83 miles, average time per mile 9:55.

Puddles!

Run of my life last night!! Today I turned 35, that's as officially mid 30's as you can get. Last night in honor of turning "old" today, I decided that even though it was pouring ran, I was going to get out and do a little run.

I haven't run in the rain in years, I have this thing about getting my face wet, I hate it, it never bothered me until a year or so ago, and I suddenly feel like I am going to drown every time my face gets wet. I decided to try wearing a hat while I ran. I have a cute Disneyland hat that Shaun's parents got me 2 years ago, and I have never worn it, it's pink too. So, with headband/ear protectors (I also have a thing about my ears being cold), my cute old navy running jacket, thing, my running pants and my shoes, out the door I went. When I stepped out it was pouring! As soon as my run started, I noticed my face was staying dry, the hat was a terrific idea. At .25 miles, I hit my first puddle, it was a huge puddle, I didn't see it, since it was dark outside, but I felt it...the next thing I knew, I was looking for puddles, I wanted to splash hard in them, the way Jacob does! The next one I saw, I hit it hard, and SPLASH, it was awesome. I was planning on a 2 mile run, but at 1.5 miles I kept going out. At 2 miles, there was a flooded area, that covered the entire side walk for a few yards, it was so fun running in it. Finally just short of 2.25 miles, I decided to turn around, my ankles were getting a little sore, from the weight of my wet shoes and socks. I quickly realized why the first 2.25 miles were so easy, the wind and rain were at my back. The way back in was a little tough, due to the rain pounding down on me, and running into the wind, but it was still completely worth it. I felt like a kid again for that 42 minutes and 55 seconds

March 27, 2012, 4.41 miles, 42:55 (average per mile 9.43). Year to date 108.65 miles, average time per mile 9:57.

4 days, all in the same week, who am I?

Oh wow, I might be back! Melissa, the girl who runs, might have returned!!

Last night, Kara was supposed to run with me, but a sore throat, runny nose, headache, etc. kept her out. Her symptoms, were very close to keeping me out as well, but I have enough excuses of my own, I didn't need to also use her as an excuse, so I went out and ran.

I didn't plan to go far, I just wanted to be able to tell myself I did it. My run ended up being loops around the neighborhood. I hate running like that, it seems to take so much longer if I don't have a predetermined path. I am the same way in all aspects of my life, I want to know when I am going to do something, and what the outcome will be. Last nights outcome turned out to be 3.18 miles.

I am hoping to do it again tonight!

Happy Friday everyone!!!

March 22, 2012, 3.18 miles, 30:57 (average per mile 9.43). Year to date 104.24 miles, average time per mile 9:57.

3 days in a row....what?!

I cannot believe it....I ran....not only did I run....I ran 3 days in a row!!! WHAT?!

Sunday I forced myself to the gym, to try out my knee and do a short run. I ran 3 miles, and felt great....until I got in the car. Did I have knee pain?....What the heck, I had massive LEFT knee pain. What the heck, my right knee or IT band has been the jacked up one, not my left?
I went home and iced my knee, elevated it, massaged my hip and knee, stretched and took Motrin. Monday morning, I woke up pain free.

Monday night, I really wanted to run, but I also really wanted to be lazy. I decided to text Kara to see if she wanted to run. Her usual response is, no, I can't because of.....I was hoping for this response on Monday night, that way I would say I tried, then sit on the couch and watch TV. Well to my surprise, she responded with, OMG, you must be in my head, I have been wanting to run all night, but couldn't get myself to do it, I was just getting ready to have a cocktail, but lets run instead. Oh CRAP, was my first thought, now I really have to run, blah!! When I got to Kara's we did our normal 3 mile loop, and it felt great. We were able to chat without being interrupted by kids, and we were able to run, it was perfect! It's funny, I absolutely adore Kara, but I never get to really talk with her. She has 3 little kids and she watches my 2 kids, so every time we try to chat, whether on the phone or in person, we are always getting kid interrupted. It was great to finally talk to her again, it has been months since we have been able to really catch up.
So, that brings us to last night, what the heck, Kara and I ran again! We try to add a little more distance to our run, but it turned out to only add a quarter mile on, but it was still great to run with her! I think we are scheduled for another run tomorrow night.....what, 4 runs in 1 week, and 3 of them with Kara, could it really be true? We will see!!

March 18, 2012, 3.11 miles, 27:48 (average per mile 8:57). March 19, 2012, 3.02 miles, 29:18 (average per mile 9:42). March 20, 3.28 miles, 33:12 (average per mile 10:07). Year to date 101.06 miles, average time per mile 9:57.

I Need to Run

This week I have not logged any miles. My knee has been hurting off and on for the last few weeks, but Monday it really started hurting. I was walking downstairs to go on break, and suddenly, my knee hurt so bad! It was worse than the previous pain. My hip also began hurting. Looks like it is an IT Band issue. The doctor said to be sure to R.I.C.E it, so that is what I have been doing. A lot of articles I have read, say that 1 or 2 weeks is all the rest you need, they said that they found if you rest any longer than that, it doesn't make the IT Band heal anymore than it already has. This weekend I plan head to the gym, and see how my dumb little IT Band is doing.

Speaking of this weekend, I am SO excited for it to begin! Since it is raining, all of our plans have been cancelled. We were supposed to have Opening Ceremonies for Little League, and an engagement shoot up at NorthStar. Now we get to have Jay and Jacob and just do nothing. I am seeing fort building, cleaning, and reading in our future, and I am so excited about it. Our weekends are always so busy, and the kids weekends are always busier, so this will be some great down time for them. They can play with neighbor friends, or go on play dates, whatever they want, we have no set agenda. Jacob will probably hit the batting cages at least once, so that he will be ready for his game on Monday if it isn't rained out.

And, speaking of kids....I have enjoyed this week with them a lot!! Both kids got new books last weekend with Grandpa, and this week at the book fair. Last night they asked me to read with them. Jacob and I started a Jack and Annie, Magic Tree House book, and Jaylee and I started her American Girl Doll, McKenna book. Jaylee's book sounds almost like it is a book about her. It's about a gymnast named McKenna, who struggles with school work, but loves gymnastics. We just finished chapter 1, and I am actually really excited to read chapter 2 :). This week has been full of kid involvement for me, since it has been raining, there has just been more time to hang with my little ones.

This week I also stumbled across a blog, that I have already, 4 posts in fallen in love with. Hershisandours. This woman's story about her daughter, her 5 step kids, her ex husband, her current husband and his 2 ex-wives. Parts of this blog are so relateble. I wish I could write the way she does about her feelings and being a step mom. I don't want the backlash that I would received if I really wrote what I wanted to write, so that is why this blog, is mainly about running, with tidbits about my kids stuff. I could start an anonymous blog, but I am too showy, I would end up telling people about it, so I won't do that either. Just know that there is so much more going on with my life than running, Jaylee and Jacob. There are many hard times and many good times. There are lots and lots of struggles, way more struggles than I ever imagined, but in the end, I have my comfy little house, with my comfy kids and my comfy husband, and at the end of the day, that's what matters.















I am thinking nearly life sized Jacob picture on my computer is a little creepy :)

Short running update, lots of weekend pics!!!

Not too much to talk about in the way of running, except that I am a big fat slacker!!!

Shaun and I did a very short run on Tuesday. We ran around the neighborhood a little bit, just to say we ran. We only went 2.26 miles. Thursday, I hit the gym for a short treadmill run, 3.11 miles. Knee is still feeling pretty good, I am hoping my little baby runs are helping it.

This weekend was like the all the rest, fun and busy!!! I went home from work early on Thursday, the school called and Mr. Jacob Mack had pinkeye. He and I enjoyed our day of cleaning and relaxing. Friday morning I woke up with yucky eyes. Jacob was able to go back to school, since he had drops for 24 hours, but I stayed home, so I could get some drops, and get some stuff done. I enjoyed my day, way too much. Coffee with Mel, dropping the kids off at school and just enjoying being a Mom. I was able to go to Jacob's baseball practice and pick Jaylee up from gymnastics. When we got home all of the neighbors were outside chatting and drinking beers. I joined in, and Jaylee played with all the kids. It was a great night.

Saturday morning we got up, and Jaylee and I headed off to her gymnastics meet at Sac State, and Jacob and Shaun headed off to Baseball pictures. The meet was fun, I enjoy the meet that is put on there every year. Jaylee's team came in 2nd, which would be great, but there were only 2 teams competing. I am hoping that at least once this year they don't come in last.....Jaylee enjoys her gymnastics so, even though they are always last place, I let her keep going. After the meet, we went to pizza with 2 other gym families. The 5 kids had a blast, and I was able to drive the 3 eight year olds back to Rocklin from Sac. The girls were so giggly and fun in the car, it was so nice to hear them! At pizza the girls convinced one Mom to let them all have a sleepover. They all stayed at sierra's and had a great time.

Jacob ended up having a sleepover that night. When I got home from pizza Jacob had his buddy over, and his parents called and asked if we would mind keeping him overnight. The kids were acting really good, so of course we kept him. Both were asleep before 9, and Shaun and I were able to enjoy a peaceful evening.

Sunday was full of photoshoots in Chico, while the kids hung with Grandpa gym, at the park and bookstore.

Back to work this morning, it's a little rough, but hey only 4.5 days until the weekend again!!

Happy Monday everyone!!

March 6, 2012, 2.26 miles, 21.45 (average per mile 9.42). Year to date 88.54 miles, average time per mile 10:02.

March 8, 2012, 3.11 miles, 27:10 (average per mile 9.03). Year to date 91.65 miles, average time per mile 10:00.

4

Saturday morning I was checking Facebook, and saw that Kristin was going to go to the gym, then head over to her son's baseball practice....I in stalker style, asked her what time she was going to the gym, I felt a workout was in me, and knew I wouldn't go by myself on a Saturday afternoon. She replied awhile later saying that she didn't make it, so she might run from the little league field, to home after practice. In stalker style again, I asked her what time practice was, my son had practice, that even though he was away at his Dads, we had to attend since Shaun is the team manager. Her practice was over at 2:30, our didn't start until 3. I then thought, "well maybe I will get a 3 mile run in, while practice was going on." The start for the Rocklin Run that I am doing in April is right at the baseball field.

I changed into running clothes and off to practice we went. We ended up getting there a little early, so I headed over to give Kristin a high five and tell her good luck on her run home. When she saw me, she asked if I was going to go with her, and she offered me a ride back. Without hesitation, I said "heck yes!"

The run was fantastic, and it made me feel a little better about missing the 1/2 in Chico. When driving from Kristin's to the ball field it seems really far, but running it, seemed so close and so simple. We made fantastic time, and got to chat it up for 40 minutes.

Thanks Kristin for allowing me to stalk you and run with you :)

March 3, 2012, 4.04 miles, 41.11 (average per mile 10.11). Year to date 86.28 miles, average time per mile 10:03.

I ran

Ok, so I know that I am not supposed to run, but I did it anyway!

February was a very slow mileage month for me, I always tend to fizzle out a bit after a 1/2, but then a month or so later I pick back up. This time though my stupid knee will hamper the pick up, a little.....

I ran Monday night, I did a very slow 2 miles, and my knee felt fine. Wednesday afternoon, the pain came back.....it then went away again by Wednesday evening it was gone again, and it all repeated again on Thursday. Last night I went to the gym and ran the treadmill for 4 miles, so far no pain.....silly knee.

I officially bowed out of the Bidwell Classic 1/2 for tomorrow, I may be able to run 4 on this knee, but guessing 13.1 might kill my knee, I was picturing a knee explosion. Luckily Tina is able to pick up my now extremely priced race packet and t-shirt :).

February 27, 2012, 2.22 miles, 21.13 (average per mile 9:32). Year to date 78.23 miles, average time per mile 10:05.

March 1, 2012, 4.01 miles, 36:10 (average per mile 9:05). Year to date 82.24 miles, average time per mile 10:02.