Making adjustments

     SOOOOO... Today was the La Jolla Half Marathon  that I registered for.  I was super excited because it's BEAUTIFUL there... and it's one of the top 10 half marathon races... I am certain it's mostly for the beauty of it.  It's also know for it's HUGE hill at Torrey Pines. I was very excited to do this half and have a weekend in California.  Saturday was Steve's birthday, and celebrating in La Jolla, California was the plan.











                  Sometimes life God has a different plan. As a lot of you know, Steve has been working in Wisconsin the past few months. I am so proud of the sacrifices he makes daily for the benefit of our family. All 4 of us make sacrifices, but he is away from his bed, his home & his family. This weekend was one of those tough weekends. Not only did we have to skip the La Jolla Half Marathon, but Saturday was also Steve's birthday. We brought the birthday to him and La Jolla race to us.  We have kinda started a tradition with specialty cakes in our family. The girls & I found a bakery in Algoma to create & deliver a cake to Steve. :) We think they did a great job. Yes?

Cake from North Water Bakery 



My birthday Bun.



     IN order to get credit for RUN FOR THE BLING OF IT  ( 12 races in 12 months--read this blog) I needed to create a race in lieu of the La Jolla Half/5K and blog about it.  So, I creaked the Horsley La Jolla 5k. :) 

my registry confirmation

     We have been doing Turbo like CRAZY & Madisyn has really been really pumped about working out & has caught the "fire" . I am so proud of both of my girls for taking an interest in working out. Yesterday, Madisyn said " Mom, I think I wanna run with you tomorrow."  WHAAAT? Usually she thinks I am insane in the membrane for anything running. OF course I almost ruined it with my excitement. No worries I contained myself before embarrassing my 13 year old. So we set out to do 3 miles. La Jolla was either a half or a 5k. Makynzie would ride her bike. I told Madi I would run at her pace. We were holding about a 13 min/mile pace  ( Impressive for a very 1st run don't you think??) She held on a whole lot longer than I expected. After a little over  a mile of non stop running, she began to walk. I ran back and forth to her.Kynzie was riding up and down with us. Madi wanted to rock out on her ipod & I was feling the run. so we decided to part ways for a bit. I ran , she walked and Kynzie biked between us. I ran the remainder of the 5k. Madi ran/walked and finished. I am so proud of her. She didn't hate it!!! That's the only thing that matters in the beginning. I HOPE she falls in love with running, but if not, I don't care. I just want them to be happy being active no matter what we do. We find ways to make everything work for our family. We may not do everything like the "normal" family does, but we do us . The Horsley way. The only way for us.

After a 5K walk/run/ bike

After Madis's first unofficial 5K... See the runners glow??

     Being positive in everything you do is sooo contagious. Doing good things for your health, family & body make people want the same. We all want to be happy and feel great. I've asked myself many times, "Why do I do this?"  The above pictures ( I have no clue why they are fuzzy on here )  are exactly why. Do what you do. Make it yours. And never apologize for being happy. This life was a gift to you & it's your job to be thankful, embrace & enjoy it.  <3 <3 <3

~ROCKIN the week family style~

     It's Sunday already !!! What a week. I hope I don't wake up and it never happened. Its been eventFULL all week. Steve came in town for a visit Monday. It's always great to spend time with him &it makes me  really appreciate what I  don't have every day... I am very very grateful for what he is willing to do for us.   Now on to the fun stuff!!!




Dinner Monday

     Steve was jet lagged, has been on Wisconsin time & works nights... so he was DONE after dinner. Poor Guy he tried to stay awake as long as he could. Way longer than I ever would have I NEED sleep! He lounged on the couch while we did Turbo Jam.

     Wednesday he wanted to see where I ran my half marathon & I wanted to get a running workout in. We pulled into Lake Mead.. Walked the trail to get to the 6 tunnels trail. Obviously we were not going to do the 13 miles, but I gave him a tour of what we did. It was emotional for me to go back. I'm SOOOOOO glad I did. We ran the first mile. I tried to show Steve how to find your comfortable pace, cuz I know what I'm doing I had the Garmin. We ran along Lake Mead we were in awe of the panoramic beauty of where we LIVE. We were counting our blessings together for sure. Steve wanted to walk and enjoy the view... so I decided I would try some Fartlek. I can't lie having a 6:30 pace where I struggled sooo badly during the half. KARMA, GU,  KARMA. We continued for a while I sprinted then jogged back to him. We would walk, chat and repeat. We finished the day with a biggggg hill that we tackled very well TOGETHER. Probably my favorite run ever. <3

a view of a tunnel.

     Thursday We partied like ROCKSTARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I could NOT wait for Madi to get home from school!! AT ALLLLLL!

  Everything was ROCK AND ROLL. We all like music so it was fun for all of us, especially Madi. It's soooo hard to please a 13 year old. You can't do 'kid" things , but a lot of teenage things are not meant for a 13 year old. I was nervous it would be lack luster in her eyes.. I think happy tears = passing grade for Mom & Dad.



Surprise #1 what she saw coming up the stairs. Thank goodness for lessons!

Surprise #2 & 3... Rockstar custom cake & dinner at Hard Rock. She pick all the songs & "Toad" treated he like a total rockstar. <3

Saturday was a day at the strip! Madi & a few friends went to Adventuredome. Steve, Makynzie & I walked across the USA a small section of the strip. I sought out stumbled upon Juicy Couture. :) I was a lot of fun & a LOT of walking.

Sunday we finally got a day we had NOTHING planned. We talked all week about going to Red Rock Canyon for some hiking.It has always been one of our favorite places to go spend the day together.  So we grabbed Cooper & headed out. On our way there we planned the rest of the day. It included riding the new bikes and talks of swimming. I suggested we do our own family triathlon. Everyone was eager willing to play along. We hiked, rode our bikes & swam. Worked for us!!! :) Swimming= hardest workout EVER.

  

3 mile hike





3 mile bike ride



and swam 3 laps. I have NO idea how far this was... but It was a BEAST!

     We knew this week would fly by, and it did. :(  We enjoyed being together as usual. I hate to see it end. Being apart makes me appreciate the time we do get together. I am so happy that we shared some new things TOGETHER. We can't always be together, but when we are we can & do make the most of it.  I am so proud of Steve for everything he does. I am so proud of us for making it through another time apart & I am especially proud of us completing our 1st triathlon together!!!

*WINNING*

       Did you miss me??  I didn't blog last week...many reasons. But probably mostly from a bruised ego. The events that unfolded on my first half were out of my control, however it doesn't make the sting any less painful. I am happy for the answers & a reason, but it was nothing less than a disappointment. Period. So, what do you do when you are stinging & disappointed??  SHOP!  I cried, pouted, was angry & the classic victim. I felt i was OWED the time to grieve. I really feel it compares to an athlete breaking a bone during the big game. Unfortunate circumstances beyond his or her control? Yes. Tragic? YEP. Heartbreaking?  Absolutely. But the show must go on! I still had to work,still have these beauties to look after & they need to see how to properly feel sorry for them selves get over things that are not fair & hurt.

     I can't lie. I feel a little burnt out on running. I LOVE it. OK, OK It's a love hate relationship. Still, I want to stay in half marathon shape. I DO NOT want to start over. So, I bought Turbo Jam DVDs . I wanted to add something fun & very cardio-like. I can't lie. I am HOOKED .. no pun intended. I ran maybe once after the half on 3/12/11. I was having fun learning the new workouts!! But I knew if I wanted to be able to maintain running , It requires oh, IDK RUNNING?  I have been working & taking care of the aforementioned beauties & let's face it... life is BUSY!!! No excuses today though. No work. No plans. Must RUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!

It. was. fantabulous!!!!!!! More. to. come.



I earned this. Me & my body. Even with a 10 blood sugar level. We won! Never underestimate what you and your body, mind & spirit can do!



It's all a numbers game?

       I completed my 1st mini marathon. I am not excited about the "time". I refuse to even look at it. I began the race feeling well. I thought I had won the battle with nerves. I was feeling really good. I was ok with my pace the 1st 6 or 7 miles. My plan was to kick it up a notch at the past halfway point. We were the last to start so I was happy that I was out of the crowd. I have a tendency to want to speed up my pace to an uncomfortable one when in a crowd of runners. The view was stunning... Lake Mead, mountains & sunshine. It was mid 70s and when you add the runners 25 degrees to it, it felt like 90s. I was in a groove, ready to rock. The first part of the course was paved, the second was gravel. Not too far after I hit the gravel I was hit by more than just the ground changing. It was like something whacked my body and my groove. I fought & fought it. I realized that I had to walk and started seeing spots. NOOOOOO!!!! I tried to shake it off... Opened another GU hoping for energy a miracle. I debated sitting on a big rock. I forced myself not to.. for a while. I sat on a big rock for about 1 minute. I made myself get up. I was struggling to see and stand upright. I was praying for a water station. I walked and walked. I sat on the ground at one point and put my head between my legs. I forced myself to get up and keep going. FINALLY I saw a water station. I grabbed two and told them I was gonna sit on the bench. That was the plan. Well, I ran into the bench trying to sit. I sat with head between my legs. ALmost in tears, I drank more water. I could NOT believe this was happening. I refused to believe it. I got up, everything was spinning, so I sat down. I went through this about 4 times. I sat down and decided I was done. I thought it would be unsafe to attempt 6 more miles. I decided to wait for Casey to come back. Then it hit me that I at least need to finish. How I didn't know. I got up and started walking. I thought I was making a mistake but the runner in me that had trained sooooo hard and ate well & hydrated well for a week was not giving up. NO WAY. So I walked for awhile... I felt so discouraged. I tried not to cry. I felt cheated. I was out of my control. AS the runners looped by me walking I felt embarrased. I know I was not my fault & I was pushing my limit, but I should be with THEM. I am a runner!!!!!! I walked for a while and then made myself run for as long as I could. I got to THE hill... UGH. I walked then ran walked then ran. Then walked. And walked. And walked. If someone would have offered me a strecher I would have taken it, but only if it crossed the finish line first. FINALLY I made it. I teared up a lil and ran over the finish line. Nothing exciting. No hand in the air with accomplishment like I had dreamed of over & over. My medal was placed over my neck, but it was so uneventful. We snapped a few pictures. At that point I was struggling to stand upright. We took the 20 min walk through rocks and plants and shrubs and uneveness back to the truck. I felt like puking and passing out the whole walk. I didn't even drive my truck home.



     Yep, I finished my 1st half, yes I pushed through. I did it. But as a runner that trained HARD and was commited & did everything I could I am do disappointed. There will be others, I know. But THIS was my 1st half marathon. I will never have that again. I am happy that I accomplished what I set out to do, I am happy I was able to finish. I am ready to move past it & kill it next time.



back at home... glad it's over





~"Why Fit In When You Were Born to Stand Out?" ~

     So, Did you miss me????? I didn't blog last week, as there was not training to blog about. I did last week's long run the prior week & skipped the mid week runs to recover. I started questioning this week's training early in the week. My kids got the plague the virus/upper respiratory infection/tonsillitis that refuses to go away. I left work early Tuesday & spent 3 hours in a doc in the box clinic & an additional hour in Walgreens. Thankfully they are finally showing signs of improvement, but STILL not back to normal. Since my DH is working on the road, that leaves me to work, take care of sick kiddos and oh yeah, train for a mini marathon. I tried everything I could to get them to feel better........ It's been a long week but.......    We made it.

     

    

   This week has been very interesting as far as people go. I am amazed daily by things people say and do. I wish I could say this week that I was pleasantly surprised by the words and actions of people, but so not the case. But, in reality, people are people and nobody's perfect, right? So, please don't expect me to be. I have come to a point in my life where I really don't care, OK I do, but it's like this: If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all to me. My life will go on if you don't like me, or my choices. I am happy in my own skin & how I am living my life. If you have nothing positive to bring to my life, please go away. Pretty simple. We all need positive people in our lives. Yes, haters serve a purpose, but I hope they don't expect me to thank them. That is all. I have a lot of great people in my life that love me, support me & inspire me. "Those who mind don't matter, and those who matter, don't mind" ~ Dr. Seuss

I am feeling very connected with his quotes today :)



I ran past this today.. what a great sign to see each time go go to and fro your home "INSPIRATION"



Isn't she stunning? <3

        After seeing several blogs & getting suggestions to try sweaty bands I decided to give them a try. They are a lil pricey for a head band, but so far I am amazed  & feel they are worth the money. I typically can not wear ANY head bands, they ALL pop off, slip off , slide off, and whatever other words there are that describe not staying on my head. I think these may be a new fav for me. :)  I tried Sport Beans this week too. They were ok, I think I need to try again to make a true decision. LOL I did use GU today on my 9 miler. I was not totally impressed the 1st time I had it, but this time I really noticed a difference. It could have been my friend Susan's inspirational 26.2 mile run today !!!!! We will see about the GU. This week despite all the illness & work & preparing my daughter Madisyn for her friend's bat mitzvah ----- It was a  miracle I managed to get my mid week training runs and my 9 miler completed!--- (PDR)!!! Somehow I mis calculated my training weeks, so I am a week AHEAD of the game! Woot! So, this week I will repeat this past weeks training. 9 mile long run, 2 - 5 mile runs , a 3 mile run , some weights & cardio. :) I can't wait for my Garmin Forerunner 305 to get here!!! It will make my training so much more informative . PLEASE HURRY AMAZON DELIVERY GUY!!! <3

     Make it a great week...... ENCOURAGE & INSPIRE someone... You will never meet anyone that doesn't need & crave it & it makes you feel so much better!!! " You're off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!!!!"

         

New Things, New Bling & New Rings....

     This week's training was different than any other week. I had to make some adjustments for next weeks "tune up". I frankly can not wait for it to be over. I am hoping for a quick recovery, and successful procedures. I was told at the "pre op" appointment, that we "hope" it works, but never a guarantee. I am a believer in positive thinking.... ( read last week's blog) so it WILL work & I WILL be better than ever in a few days. I would like a FF button right now. That's all.

     As the training is progressing, and my long runs are now 8 miles & increasing, there has been a need to supplement during the run. This is all new to me, and since I don't even hydrate during runs, --- don't question the bottles on my belt -I NEED the belt- ( again, see last weeks blog) this is all foreign territory to me.  On my 1st long run of the week, Thursday, I learned that fuel is needed during long runs. At about mile 5.5 of 8 I began to feel weak physically. I could still run, but my legs felt tired. Mentally I was still there, but lacking physically. I came home & started researching ( I'm an overachiever what can I say?). But I think know there is a science to this. This is why there are so many options for athletes. We are all different. I don't like to hydrate during runs because it gives me cramps & makes me feel sick to my tummy = not a fun run. But some of my runner friends HAVE to hydrate during longer runs. I decided to get some GU gel. Well, I'll rephrase---- I  wanted some GU, but finding it was a whole other story. But, thankfully the owner at Absolute Nutrition promised to keep it in stock for me. :) So go get your GU there!!! I typically have a protein bar and G2 after my longer runs... ( 4.5 miles and longer), but they are 200 plus calories, so I decided since I am adding mid run fuel I would look into options for post run protein. I found muscle milk 100 calories. YAY!!! BONUS!!! Tastes like chocolate milk & if I can save 225 calories to eat cookies use wisely later in the day, even better!!! The 3rd need I had this week was CHAPSTICK!!! OMG. I run with my mouth open, is that weird?? Anyway, my lips feel so chapped even during the run, so I have been loading up on the  precious stick. Much better. I am so thankful I am not running in the cold weather, dealing with snow & ice, so these few adjustments are really not that big of a deal, just trial and error & finding what I prefer & like & don't like... Plus it gives me more things to shop for to improve my running experience. Which reminds me ... I finally got some new ear buds, so no more sore ears & 5 extra minutes trying to shove & twist them into my ear for a seal so they don't pop out.  I went with the JVC marshmallows & <3 them. SO comfy & fit right in & don't move around. I can hear my heartbeat at times, maybe they should market them with a built in heart rate monitor. It didn't seem to help the music that came on Pandora this week though. But take a look, aren't the cute?!

   Now Onto the BLING!!!!! Race #2 in Run for the Bling of it... Today I did a Virtual Superbowl Race. I did 7 miles, for the Steeler's 7th Superbowl RING BLING!!!!!! Since I did a 8 miles on Thursday, it was a difficult 7 miles. It was fun seeing people out walking dogs, biking & running. I was very tired, but my time was pretty good for a long run. Well under 11 min mile.. total of 1 hour 14 mins. My goal is always a 10 minute mile average, but I am learning that on long runs, expect to be slower, and I just wanted to be under 11 min mile today, I was right about 10.30 .. so for a fatigued run, I am happy!!!!! I am at a point where I KNOW I can finish the half marathon, just a matter of doing it.  I did my part Steelers, it's all you now Baby!!!!!

MAKE IT A GREAT WEEK!!! IT'S ALL YOURS TO MAKE!!!!!

                                               

Forward Movement

     Another week of training under my belt (yes I LOVE my Nathan belt, in case you weren't sure). I want need it for every run, just in case I decide to go skydiving while I'm out. Mine is pink cuz I run like a girl .

This week has been full of accomplishment, sadness, fear of the unknown and complete turn of events. I think it makes for extreme vertigo symptoms  an eventful week. The week began as usual.... nothing too exciting. I like my job and all, but you get it. In the Local 18 family, there was a double dose of tragedy. 2 members of the Local had their lives taken from here on this earth very tragically & unexpectedly. It's difficult to understand or process these kind of things sometimes. I have thought of them and their friends and families often this week.

                                                          RIP Rick Ingram and Randy Carter Jr.

     Due to scheduling, I had to move my long run to Tuesday. It was a new PDR of 7 miles. My mind was spinning, my thoughts spiraled out of control. I was still patiently impatiently waiting for my test results, just heard the news of the Local 18 members, and suffered from self doubt of the distance of the run. I knew I was capable of finishing the 7 miles, but allowed my negative thoughts to overwhelm me. I was 100% anxious before the run, almost to the point of feeling ill. I had to put my thoughts in check and take it a mile at a time. The weather was 60s and sunny. I found myself enjoying the run once I relaxed and let it all go. My pace was decent, considering how I was 5 mins before I left the house. As usual, when I was done I felt fantastic & had ZERO regrets. But, everything else was waiting for me when I got back. No phone call with results, people with sadness & pain, and now the possibility of Steve leaving for a job far away. Things always work themselves out, but when I give my mind even 10 mins of control, it has NO problem stepping up & taking over. There were important decisions that needed to be made, and I needed to be on top of my game. One day at a time right? My week continued. I went out to do a mid week 4.5 miler. This is particularly amazing to me this week. Here's why: When I started training, my LONG run was 3 or 4 miles. Now the 4.5 miler is a mid week training run. Another reason Hal's training rocks. It's gradual, and not so impossible  scary. I had some speed records set this week. One of my 4.5 milers was and average pace of 9:33, today's pace was UNDER 9 min mile. I am sure thinking it is a malfunction of the droid, but even looking at the time on the clocks, I think I may have to stop doubting. * GASP*....  Not until I take back control of my thoughts & relax & enjoy the beauty around me, the weather, the exercise & benefits do I take control of the runs. Lessons learned. Forward Movement. It was a very very great week for me personally as well as for my running progress. I think. See,  the DOUBT! SIGH. I need help.. See below. Great timing. <3 it!

     

May 1st 2009 -day before we were baptised TOGETHER!

       We went to church today.  We are so blessed to have the pastor we do, Jud Wilhite. SO very real & relevant. I am listened & laughed and hoped for the OH YEAH moment I typically get when attending. And about halfway through the sermon, there it was! Manage what God has given you, everything he has given you, the good AND the bad. Give it your best & be your best. No matter what it is. You can ALWAYS find a way to compare, but if you focus on what was given to you, you will find happiness. Make the absolute most of your circumstances. Don't be afraid of it, embrace it. Honor God in what you do & what you are given & he will bless you with more. Most successful people FAILED several times, they just choose to try AGAIN & AGAIN.  So what if some of my runs are awful less than stellar, they all can't be perfect. Life is FULL of junk & trials.... but I CHOOSE to keep trying. I am embracing each blessing I can from my family being separated temporarily. I am embracing the upcoming surgery I need to have, I will be a better healthier me. I am having a time of extreme gratefulness that my husband came home to my the nights those men lost their lives unexpectedly. I am happy to have occasional disagreements with my girls, because I am blessed to get to be their momma and get a new chance every day to be a better one. This reminded me of something my brother told me a year or so ago & I think & say it all of the time..... "You bring about what you think about". I LML and everything about it. It's not perfect, far from it, but if it was, there would be no need for tomorrow. Rock out whatever it is you do this week. Whether it's your  praying, parenting, singing, leadership, your job search, your workout, your relationships. Give it what you have & expect great things, and accept failure as a challenge to get back on your own personal horse. MAKE IT a fantabulous week!

Week 8 of Hal Higdon's Half Marathon Training ( with a few variations this week, but all miles accounted for.. the 9 on Sunday are next week's)

 Monday: 4.5 miles and strength

 Tuesday: 8.0 miles
 Wed: rest

 Thursday: 3.0 miles

 Friday: Strength & stretch

 Sat: 4.5 miles

 Sunday:9.0 miles            I am doing next weeks long run this week for 2 reasons.. #1 it's a virtual race 

                                                                 #2 avoid long run week of "tune up"