Boston Baby!!!!

Sorry friends, I know I have been MIA for a bit but major changes coming my way. I guess I should let you all in on the secret. We are officially moving from the great Midwest to the desert. Yup that's right, hello cactus and sunshine. I am not going to lie, I am a Bit nervous but pretty pumped to see what this vast deserts' future holds for us. Hopefully not sunburns and scorpions😝

Ok so I told Ya the big secret, now onto the Boston Marathon recap. I seriously still cannot believe I ran one of the most incredible marathons out there. So many years, hours, months, runs, sweat, tears, a stress fracture and I finally made it to Boston. My husband gave me some great advice, he said don't worry about your time, just go out there and enjoy the experience. For once, I finally listened to him and I am thankful I did.

First off, the expo was insane! They had everything you could ever imagine for a runner or athlete too want. From Boston T-shirts (which I did get a few) to new types of running food, and how could we forget the Samuels Adams Boston marathon beer:) As I told my husband, I could have spent the whole day in that expo just roaming around in awe of all the cool stuff. It was a runners paradise filled with magical things.

 
 

 



Of course we ran with Meb at the expo:)



They had a cool wall all the runners could sign

 

Next off, we migrated to Lil Italy to have an authentic pasta dinner before the race. I ate delicious pasta and some amazing pastries from Modern bakery! If you are ever in Boston go there, get the lobster claw pastry! You won't regret it, I promise. It's a flakey pastry with a whip cream, ricotta filling:) Are we in heaven? I think so. We also got a few other treats to try and we were not disappointed. We also got a few souvenirs as well:)

As always, the night before any marathon I like to be in bed no later than 9pm. Knowing myself, I take awhile to fall asleep and with so much on my mind I wanted to get to bed. I was very unsure what to wear and not very prepared clothing wise for this race so I made the best of what I had. Before I left for Boston, the weather was suppose to be sunny and in the 50's, perfect running weather right? Well that's not what we got! We were slotted to have rain, 20-30mph head winds and a high in the 40's. Not really the best running weather if you ask me, but as my husband kept saying, don't worry, it's nothing you can control and just focus on your race and have fun! 

Thank goodness my parents got in a day later than us and brought me a baseball hat, my compression socks, and gloves. Thanks again mom and dad, I owe you big time for that one:) That hat saved my race along with a poncho a friend gave me to wear. So before this drastic weather change, I was super excited for my awesome bright outfit and once the weather decided to have PMS that didn't matter. I still think my outfit rocked even under the awesome poncho:)

So race day morning was like any typical race, I glided up, drank my coffee, and headed out the door. It was nice to have some friends running it so we all could hang out at athlete village before the race together.  I had a protein bar and before we knew it, it was time for us to go to our assigned corrals. As I walked up to the start line, I just kept praying for sky to keep its tears from coming down on us. We were all freezing and I really didn't wAnt to shed my layers, yes my awesome $3 track pants from goodwill were looking pretty stylish and comfortable at the moment, but I knew I didn't want to stop mid race to shed clothing so it was time to say goodbye. As we walked towards the start line, there were people lined on the streets cheering us on. I never imagined anyone at the start being there but they were. This city of Boston was one to see. The race started and off we went. I at first wasn't sure what to expect so I was trying to just to take everything in. I can say I have never had more fun running a marathon than this one. From the start to the finish, I don't think I stopped smiling. The crowds were incredible, and even in the cold, windy, wet weather they were still there cheering us on. What can I say, it gives me chills just thinking about those incredible people. As each mile went bye, the more I wanted for the race to last longer. I didn't want this race to end and was trying to cherish each step I took. I loved interacting with the crowds and high fiving those on the side. I dunno what it is but this race is something indescribable. The crowds, the atmosphere, the course, everything about it was incredible. As I reached each checkpoint, I thought of all the hard work it took to get there. All the love, support, encouragement, and time those gave up to help me achieve my dream. I cannot thank those enough, and I will be forever grateful to them. I hope I made everyone proud that day:) it's the least I could do.

As each mile went bye, the colder, wetter, and stronger the winds became, I didn't care, I was embracing each step and enjoying it. I will say being short is sometimes a good thing, I was able to draft behind the tall folks and block out some of the wind for a brief period of time. Hehe being short kinda rocks at times:) 

So as we crested heartbreak hill, I knew it was all downhill from there. The closer you got to the finish line, the louder the crowds became. Mile 24 to the finish made you feel like you were an Olympic athlete. As you come around to mile 25, I decided to finish it strong. I used the last bit of energy I had to sprint to the finish and happy I did. That finish is all a blur, but I do remember just seeing it and how my emotions took over.  I really can't describe enough how amazing this marathon is and how it represents so many different things for so many people. But for me it was an experience I will never forget and will cherish it for the rest of my life. The people of Boston are incredible, genuine, loving people and I thank them for allowing me to run in there city. Never once did you not have someone cheering you on or a volunteer helping a runner out. Boston, I love Ya and cannot thank you enough:) Boston strong baby! 

As you crossed the finish line, you were given a blanket and of course your hard earned medal. My lips were blue and my body couldn't stop shaking but I didn't care, my smile wasn't coming off my face. I was easily able to find my family at the family meeting area and after a few hugs, kisses, and congrats we headed to the hotel. A hot shower was the most Glorious thing at the time and after thawing out it finally hit me. I was finally one of the Boston Marathon finishers! Feels pretty cool to say that and I found out, I actually qualified for it again next year:) Just an added bonus to an incredible day and experience. 

Yes, my husband was in all America clothing, it was patriots day and who can forget the Crab hat we got too:)

                                  
 

Thank you, thank you, thank you Boston for never letting me down on an incredible race:) You exceeded every expectation I ever had and made this a day I will never forget! Thank you to my husband, for always pushing me to do my best and signing me up for my first marathon. Not sure I would have ever had the courage to think I could finish one, yet alone the Boston marathon. Thank you to my family, friends, and coworkers. You never stopped believing in this crazy dream I had and never got tired of rooting me on along the way. To those wanting to get to Boston or feel they could never achieve the impossible, never give up, never let anyone tell you no, just believe in yourself. You got this, I promise:) 

 

Ok folks, I think I blabbed enough and hope I didn't put Ya to sleep. Until next time, I will see Ya later and as always happy running:)

Big changes coming my way

Ok ok so I have been Mia for few weeks once again, I am very sorry and I promise once life becomes less stressful I will pay way more attention to all of you. But for now bear with me, my body and mind has been on overdrive for last 6 weeks and finally seeing a bit of a break coming up. Or atleast I hope so.

But onto more important things......the BOSTON MARATHON is about 37 days away. Yup that's right, only a little over a month. I haven't had a lot of time to train so I started to get a bit worried up until today the longest run I got in was 13.1miles. Ekkkkkk that's no Bueno. But today was the day I was going to get a long run in and let me tell Ya it was fabulous. Running was fun again. I felt like I was gliding and didn't want to stop, I didn't stop until I hit 19 miles. I didn't care about my pace just wanted to see how my body would feel and wanted to see if I could still physically do it. The last longest run I had done was when I fractured my femur so you can see why I am a bit apprehensive with things. But let's put it this way, running felt fun again, I felt free, and my mind just let go like it use too. Oh I missed this feeling and wouldn't change anything about my run today:) I finally feel like I am back to myself.

I can't wait for Boston, we received our corrals and waves this week and well I am way to slow for my old pace. I really don't care about pace for Boston, I am just thankful my body is letting me run again and that I qualified before getting injured.  For fun I am in corral 2, wave 6. well see how that goes:) the course is a tough one so I plan to listen to my body and not get caught up in the excitement. I mean I think it's only fair to let someone else win, so I will back off on my pace. Hehehe I wish.

Well folks, I will keep you updated on some major changes coming my way very soon. But wanted to let Ya know I am still alive. Happy running folks and have a great weekend.

Just a few things

Ok so time needs to start slowing down. Just seems like yesterday I was getting ready to return to running and now I have just finished another half marathon.  I do know that I have a lot of work to do before Boston and that road is not going to be an easy one.

First and foremost, we ran the Surf City marathon and half last weekend in Huntington beach, California. If you get the chance to run it, go for it. It has a nice and friendly expo and they provide shuttles to the start line. Plus the medal is super cute and is a good destination to escape winter weather.

 

I don't usually run half marathons but with returning from the stress fracture figured this was a good way to get some higher mileage in. Plus My husband was pacing our friend for his first marathon, so Figured why not.

Expo fun

Loved this sign at the expo

Expo extras

So few things I learned during this half:
1. Holy cow are half marathons the place to be and super crowded. You never realize how many people run these verse the full marathons.
2. It was Super hard to break away from the crowd and get into my groove during this race
3. Time to get into gear if I ever want to be ready to tackle 26.2 miles again
4. My legs felt the best they ever have and physical therapy is paying off
5. Stomach issues can happen to anyone during any race.
6. Chocolate milk after a race is pretty delicious:)
7. I did see a few of the PRO compression sock ambassadors and felt pretty cool when they noticed my pro socks!

Ok so the race was not my best, my legs felt the best they ever have, but my poor belly was doing summersaults around mile 10. Not sure what was going on but it was not very fun to run through and thankful I didn't have another 16 miles to go at that point. Although the course wasn't the greatest, the weather was something you couldn't beat. Started in 50's ended in 70, can't get much better than that:) My time wasn't the greatest but I was not racing, I had to promise my physical therapist it was just for miles not speed training. My husband and friend on the other hand finished his first full in 4:05! Way to go guys, he rocked this marathon and was 10 minutes faster than he expected. He did say that by mile 20 he wanted to be done. Oh those crazy walls you hit during marathons, mine is usually mile 18. Wonder if that will ever get easier??

Yes, My husband wears his Captain America outfit for his Full Marathons,

While in Huntington Beach, we did some sightseeing. I have never been to LA so I wanted to see as much as possible.
Highlights of this trip
1. Banzai bowls are incredible. A delicious acai berry fruit mixture you can eat or get as a smoothie. I plan on making these at home

2. The Hollywood sign is not easy to find. Key thing head to the park and ask the Rangers for help.

3. Downtown Hollywood is a lot smaller than I thought, I did get to see Jimmy Kimmels studio though and a bunch of people dressed as marvel comic heroes who want to take a picture with you. Just remember you have to pay for this, it's not free:)

4. LA traffic is real and be very afraid. It really took us over 1.5 hours to go 35 miles on a Saturday morning.
5. There weather is incredible. 70's in February while everyone else is freezing or playing in snow, can't complain about that.
6. No you don't see famous people everywhere you go there, yes you do see Rolls Royce, Bentley, etc cars. I tried looking to see if these were famous people inside and then realized I probably looked pretty creepy and should stop.

Well folks, that's about all, sorry been so long since a post, just been extremely busy with life. Have a great week and happy running as always!

2015?!?!? Whatttttttt

2015, the year Marty McFly traveled into the future in Back to the Future 2, crazy to think this is the year we are in. So with that being said, what are your resolutions for 2015?

So much has been going on these past few weeks, I am back at work full time and running as well. Work has been crazy busy and thankful I had the full time off to recover from my fracture, pretty sure my leg might have fallen off if I went back earlier. As hard as it may seem, I am trying to listen to my body and take rest days if needed. Recently I have discovered ginger. Yes, ginger! It's known to help with inflammation and has a ton of other uses for it. I am seeing if it will help my sore muscles in my injured leg. As gross as it is, I have been eating raw ginger. Yes it's gross, but I want to make sure I get pure ginger in this old body.  I try to cut up a few pieces and eat it real fast. If you don't like that, you can always try the candy ginger, it's actually pretty good.

I started physical therapy this week, my orthopedic doctor thinks it will help make running easier on this body. Since I was on crutches for about 2.5 months, I lost some muscle mass in my left leg and want to help gain it back. Yes I have been to the gym and lifting etc, but its nice to learn other exercises that will build my quads, hamstrings, and gluts, all the important muscles used in running. I really love my PT girl and thankful for everything she is teaching me. She told me she is positive I am treatable. Excuse me, did you say treatable? Yup, I like the sound of that one, then she question me on how I worked and drug my leg around for a month before knowing about my femur fracture. Told her that unless it was falling off, I figured it was muscle and would go away, plus being an ER nurse you never think it is a problem unless your dying. She then said how us, "endurance athletes," have a crazy amount of pain tolerance. Can't believe she called me an endurance athlete, not gonna lie but my heart began to smile hearing those words. I still will Never consider myself to be one, I am just a runner, but that title sure sounds fancy and I could easily warm up to that one. 

Next, my first race since my injury is in three weeks. I have decided to cut back and just run the half marathon while my husband does the full. The goals for this race are just to complete it. I am not going to worry about time, Just going to enjoy the time and the fact I am running. Whew, that's a tough one to swallow, but I need to listen to this old body and be smarter. I don't want to screw anything up that could ruin Boston. Btw, I got a cool Boston newsletter in my email box, like a kid on Christmas receiving those emails. Pretty freaking cool:)

Lastly, gonna share with you some of my favorite things at this moment.
1. My vitamin box, yes I am a 90 yr old and this box saves me a ton of time in the morning having my vitamins already dispensed. Go ahead laugh, but I know your all jealous.

2. The Republic of tea, Acai green tea flavor. So delicious, I think it's the same kind they have at panera bread. We bought this at a whole natural store and it is delicious!

3. Sweet kale vegetable salad mix. It's from Costco and has 7 super foods in it. Kale, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, pumpkin seeds, chicory, delicious delicious, delicious.  I can eat an entire bag in just a few days it's that good, please. Do yourself a flavor and try it. 

4. This funny christmas post, I know the holidays are over but this is my life in a Christmas card!!

That's it peeps, stay warm in these crazy below zero temps and as always happy running!