At last! Studio completed!!

I have been working out of a less than 400 square foot studio for just over ten years.  I would move the massage table, then roll in the reformer or bring out the free weights, etc.  Part of the deal with moving was that I would get a new studio.  So this summer, we moved from out of town, to the edge of town and to a house that had a giant shop in the back.  My husband has been working just about every spare minute since mid October to have this completed by the end of January.  We couldn't have done it without our dear friend, Mike, and my father in law, Larry and several other favors called in.  Walking around the studio, taking these photos this afternoon was surreal.  I still feel as though I have to go to that tiny studio... but I DON'T!!! :)  I have felt so lucky to be able to do something I love and make a decent living at it, especially in our small community.  Now to have the work space of my dreams is amazing.  Not gonna lie, I cried.  Even as I type, a lump is right there.  I don't want to be the girl crying during the superbowl, so here are some pics!

This new space is almost four times the size of my old studio.  I have the dedicated massage room, full bathroom with a shower, plus a separate entrance from house side of yard with a private hallway and utility room with washer/dryer/dog washing station.  

I am so excited for the climbing wall--it was fun to knock the dust of my climbing shoes and goof off.  My husband constructed the doors himself.  He used re-claimed corrugated metal from an old lumber mill that he also used on lower part of wall and at the exterior entry.  The flooring is cork and it is warm and feels great to walk/jump around on it. We kept one of the garage doors and in the warmer weather it can be opened.  

Now that this is completed, I am excited to get back to hitting the gym hard, especially since we are heading to Hawaii... After tonight's superbowl (go broncos!) I will hit the treadmill and do some #NTC! :)  Can't wait!

Pinwheel quilt, NTC challenge and gifts galore!

I have had this pinwheel quilt for a year, it was just sewn to the point of half triangle squares.  Now the top is complete and I am waiting for the middle part to arrive--i don't know why i can't recall what that stuff is called... just make a note folks, this maybe the onset of dementia or I may be having a stroke... eek!  i panic when i can't find the word or throw in the incorrect word. Having worked with seniors, i am well aware of the signs, and unfortunately I exhibit them, frequently.

Here all the rows were done, however not sewn together.

This is the completed top.  I only have one pinwheel that isn't as neat and tidy as I would have liked, but all the rest look good.  corners are square, etc. I think that is thanks to the amazing Rowenta iron my aunt sent me--it is like a spaceship but makes pressing a breeze! thanks, Ann!

I also made some fun napkins for my mother in law.  (I don't think she reads the blog regularly).  Her birthday is the weekend of thanksgiving and she is hosting thanksgiving, so I thought it would be a fun gift.

I am also working on a few other gift items and will share upon completion.  I am almost done with xmas shopping and now have to stay on task for the made items. :) 

I am loving the #NTCNOVEMBER30 challenge.  it feels great to be strength training again and it is a nice change up from all the running.  I am loving the break and know that when I begin training for my next half or full I will be stronger and motivated.  I have been also spinning for 45 minutes per day.  it has been a fun way to do cardio--i mix it up and use music to amp me up.

A side note:  my studio is coming along!  the did the plumbing, water, sewer, gas and the headers for windows, took out a garage door and installed double french doors, and this weekend the massage room and bathroom will be framed and sheetrocked!!  Then it all gets mudded, painted and flooring!!! :)  Now that it is really moving along I am very excited.  It was hard to feel excited when I was applying for permits, etc.

who else is doing the NTC challenge?  A special thanks to Karen for starting it!! :)

are you up for a challenge?

Karen Poole of the blog: reason to play , has created a training challenge.  The challenge is 30 minutes/day of #NTC (Nike Training Club). This is a FREE training app complete with video/pics/etc.  It is amazing and has TONS of workouts and then bonus workouts you unlock the more minutes you log.  Tweet it out if you are up for the challenge! #NTCNOVEMBER30 and instagram it too!  

I logged 60 minutes today since I didn't do any NTC yesterday.  It was great to get back into it.  Each workout has variety and it can be as difficult as you are willing to make it.  

This is a great way to get ahead of the weight-gain game during the holidays.  Check out K's blog because she is offering up a prize!!!

Hump DAAAAAAY! said the camel

This week training has been great!  Friday after work, hubbee and I ran a pretty hot and sweaty 3.2 miler, then I did my fourteen on saturday.  It was hot and i split it into two but i managed to run two fast 7 milers (sub 8's!). Then sunday Hubbee and I went down to our local park and ran The Bark In The Park.  it is a 5k benefit for our local animal shelter.  Wrigley also attended!  She and I came in second and I won a $25 gift certificate to the Bozeman Running company. (SCORE!!!)  

Wrigley was tired!!

Last night Hubbee, Cuz and I ran over the newly constructed bridge to a new trail.  it was 5.2 miles total and a GREAT run.  There is a quarter mile hill that we ran to and all raced up it, then ran back home. This run was the FARTHEST (furthest?) my Cuz has EVER run!!!  I am so happy to have another convert and since he is living with us for the time being, i have been fortunate enough to have a running buddy!! :)  And the big galloof is FAST!!

It was a gorgeous sight at the top of the hill.  THat is our sleeping giant.  Can you see the indian lying down?  profile of face?  That is also the smoke billowing up from the paradise valley.  There are four fires in our county alone, most counties in the state have some sort of burn occurring, very sad and scary.   

Friday night is the Night Owl Run, and also my aunt and uncle arrive from Florida (said cuz's rents! :)) we are all very close and I am soooo looking forward to their visit.  I am saddened by the smoke and fires, however, since you can't even see our beautiful mountains.

Saturday I am running 15 miles... i need to wake up early and get it done so i will have the full day to spend with the fam, or do it early sunday. 

Hope everyone's training is going well! Off to do some NTC!

Spring? Not here...

last week's training was rough.  Each run felt like I was full of lead.  I tried hydrating, drank Nuun, fueling properly, stretching, warming up... everything I knew to do was not working.  Yesterday was a 6 miler (i thought it was 9 all week but apparently looked at the wrong week).  I only did 5.25.  I had to do all my itemizations for taxes and spent the a.m. on the computer and working on them.  After about 4 hours I hopped in the shower and then went to meet our tax guy.  Then I went for my run.  no fuel.  I bonked out HARD!!  So I came home and ate and then later did 4 miles on the elliptical to make up for the .75 mile i shorted myself.

Today I woke up and there were several inches of snow on the ground and it was 19 degrees outside and with the windchill a lovely -3. Today was a 5 miler on the books and after yesterday I was nervous.  And then my mind goes to the crazy place:  why am I stressing over 5 miles?  if I can't run 5 (or 6) how am I going to run a marathon?!  since we are in the middle of a typical spring in Montana, I opted for the treadmill.  I put the incline at 2 and ran between 7 and 7.6 mph and FINALLY it felt FANTASTIC!!!!  It has been about 3-4 weeks since a run has felt good.  Sad as that is that is where i have been.  It certainly feels great to be back!!  

Last week I was trying to update my phone and had to delete everything and in the process lost all of my minutes on NTC.  I was at 6660... so now I am working on a comeback in that department too.  I must say I am loving the new Serena Williams workout and Lakey Peterson's beach leg workout.  Both are new with the update and are fantastic.

I think I was mentally stressed out the past few weeks with all that has been going on and I was anxious about the start of marathon training.  I am nervous about the possible sale of our house, etc.  I needed this run today.  What do you do to get your head back in the game? to stay focused? 

VW bus pillow and miles inbetween

This weekend I made a pillow case for my sister in law and her soon to be hubbee.  He collects and restores VW's (has several buses of his own) and porsches for a living and they featured a VW bus in their engagement pictures so when I saw this on Tula Pink's website I was so excited to begin.  

I began friday night and didn't stop until 1 am!!  i haven't stayed up that late in forever... but I had to be at a decent spot to stop since there are small pieces i didn't want to lose. 

This is the back, and I don't know why it is sideways and won't rotate?  oh well.  it fits an 18x18 inch pillow insert.  I was so pleased with this!  The initials in the emblem I cleverly (if i may say so myself) replaced with Jaclyn and Matt's initials.  That was my first time trying letters--I did one practice and then went for it.  Also the back two pieces are quilted--my first attempt at free motion and it was so FUN!! It is made with interfacing so it feels super sturdy.  This was also my first time appliqueing something so large and with various pieces.  Up until now I had appliqued a heart onto a toddlers tee.  

The only problem with my staying up until 1 on Friday was that I still woke at 6 on Saturday... but I was up and finishing my project.  I also ran 12 miles last night on the treadmill.  I initially thought I would run outside but it became dark VERY fast and I am a wimp.  It was one of my hardest runs to date, but it is done.  if I wasn't on the treadmill I would have taken two hours.

How has everyone's weekend been going?  I am anxious to do my NTC today and work on some more sewing projects!!  

Happy Sunday!  

Make sure you all schedule in your workouts and healthy meals for the week!

Second week into New year... where are we at?

So we are in the second week of the new year.  how is everyone doing with goals/resolutions?  has anyone added races to their calendar?  I hope everyone has registered for the NWM10k that is to be run on March 9th or 10th.  That gives everyone two months to prepare, even if starting off the couch.  It is $40 and you receive a tee.  $10 of your registration fee goes to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society--a worthy cause.  You can find the registration http://www.nike.com/nwm/10k/ 

I am also running the Snow Joke half marathon in Feb.  I am still trying to determine my marathon(s).  For logistics, I may do the Missoula in July.  It is fun, efficient, beautiful.  I would really like to do Chicago again, but it is so expensive to fly, take off work, etc. and I traveled a lot for races last year.  I am leaning towards Missoula and hoping we get in for NWM2013!!! :)  If not, maybe I will then do the vegas marathon?  The reviews on that, however, are not great...  I am contemplating the Portland Marathon again as well.  I loved that race.  I feel, however, that I should try new events.  I also want to PR so sea level helps too... ??? thoughts? suggestions?

We are also traveling for my sister-in-laws wedding at the end of april--so several of the races that were on my radar have to stay there for this year.  For example, I want to do the Whidby Island one, it looks gorgeous.  

We may head to Tempe for the Skirt Sports skirt chaser in feb.  we can stay at sister-in-laws and alegiant air is cheap!! :) We ran this race in Denver the first year they had it and we had a blast!  it was great.  They have a fun "block party" post race and great swag bags.
Here we are pre-race:(i have black visor)

That year the registration had several options and i went big and chose the skirt, top and visor.  Plus the bag had socks, stickers, bars, drink tickets, energy drinks etc.  

I am also looking at a Spartan race in May.  has anyone done this event?  I am not worried about the running part, it's only 4 miles, but some of the obstacles look tough!! But iIt looks fun.

We have been doing some xcountry skiing which is excellent cross training for me.  It was a lovely day at Bohart ranch Sunday:

I used the self-timer on my camera and had to ski back to the group--I didn't think that through so well--I could have had them scoot up!!! :)

This week is 3.5 miler(yesterday) NTC, speed work (today), more NTC, yoga, and a longish run saturday. There is a new stretch sesh on NTC with Kara Goucher--it looks awesome!! Check it out!

I hope everyone is sticking to their goals/training plans and feeling successful!

Tips for a successful 2013

I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year's celebration, whether large or small.  I know this time of year lots of folks want to make some major life changes, often involving fitness/diet.  I hope if you are one of those peeps, you will commit to the change and won't peter out after a few shorts weeks.  Whatever I can do to help support--let me know!! :)

I thought I would give a few tips on how to stick to some of these changes/resolutions/goals/etc.

1.  FOOD LOG  There are so many amazing apps you can use on your phone or simply use the good old fashioned notebook.  whichever you choose--USE IT!! I prefer the app: Myfitnesspal.  it allows you to use on phone or computer and it is a wealth of info and very easy to use and has a great database for foods/drinks and activities.  If you have been working out and not seeing/feeling changes then you most definitely need to work on what you are putting in your body.  Losing weight is 75% nutrition.  You can exercise all you want but if you are eating mindlessly then you will not succeed.

2.  If you haven't done so yet--do it NOW--download Nike Training Club app. AMAZING!!  again, super user friendly.  All levels can benefit from this amazing FREE app.  it requires minimal equipment and yet you will gain amazing results.  

3.  Schedule your workouts like you would any other serious appointment.  You can not be a good spouse/mother/daughter/friend/etc if you are not taking care of yourself.  you deserve this time to improve the quality of your life.  And we all know how exercise makes us feel better--so wouldn't your family/partner/co-workers want you to take the time so that the time they are around you, you are in a better mood?
For example: today I have a 3 mile run and 30 min NTC planned.  I can't wait!!   Tomorrow I have a 4 mile run and NTC 45 min Leah Kim yoga.  Friday is intervals and saturday is 7 miles.  Sometimes these will have to change, but for the most part one is more likely to get it done if they have planned their time accordingly.

4.  If you have a workout scheduled and you are not feeling it--try to go for at least ten minutes.  If after ten minutes you still want to throw in the towel, fine.  But more than likely once you eke out those ten minutes, you will want to finish what you started.  

5.  Schedule a rest day.  Your body needs this in order to get stronger.  it needs the time to heal/mend/repair/improve.  If you are not giving yourself a rest day or two (not more than that!!) you are increasing the odds of injury or illness.  If you are afraid you will take one day off and it will turn into a week than plan on a leisurely walk.  

6.  No CHEAT DAYS!!!!  I am not one for depriving myself of foods.  I just am not a fan of CHEAT DAY.  Consuming whatever you want for an entire day is ridiculous--it can sabotage your whole week.  In the words of Tony Horton, have a cheat snack.  And while we are on the subject, DON'T REWARD YOURSELF WITH FOOD.  This is dicey territory and makes one become obsessed with the whole deprivation mind set.  Reward yourself with a pedicure (us runners have some ugly feet!!) or with new workout gear.  New workout clothing will help to motivate you.

Most importantly, if you fall off your wagon, don't berate yourself.  Simply start again.  Look at what made you fall off--try not to set yourself up for failure.

Playing with new camera

I have a new dSLR canon that I received for christmas and it has been so fun to use.  I can't wait to use it in Yellowstone Nation Park and also maybe now I can post a move of the day etc.  I am also happy to have a way to take decent self timer photos of sewing projects/moves etc because Hubbee would try but wasn't the best at that!!

So here we are goofing with camera around xmas:

Wrigley--who tries to lick the lens:

Matt and Jaclyn:

Some of my bday flowers:

And then I had to drive Iris out to her grandpa's and there were about 20 bald eagles and four Golden eagles around roadkill (gross--I know--but so close!) i wish i had my telephoto lens, but it was still neat!

We took down our tree this am because it was ridiculously dead.  It had actually been a fire hazard for about two weeks:

Hubbee wants that to be our christmas card next year... ummmmmmm... let me mull that over!!!!  It took about 14 seconds to burn itself to nothing.  scary to think that could have happened indoors!

I am trying to set some goals for the new year.  I don't really believe in resolutions.  I want run a mary in 3:50.  I want to get to 10,000 NTC minutes. I need to have several smaller ones to get me to these lofty ones.  HELP!!! :) I also think I may post three moves/week or workouts/week on the blog.  Any suggestions?

I do need to continue to sew.  I have lots of orders for baby items and need to get to work on some items for Sister in Law...

What are your goals/resolutions?  

Fitness through the Holidays

This time of year is often hard for people to stay on task when it comes to their fitness.  There are so many social obligations so time is even MORE restricted and workouts may fall to the wayside.  Also, at these social engagements calories are consumed via foodstuffs and beverages.  I am vowing to stay on task.  i need my workouts so I can manage the stress this time of year brings.  For me, I need to make that commitment to myself or I may snap!!  Again, this year, Runner's World is having their running streak challenge: run at least one mile/day from Thanksgiving through Christmas or New year's (now i forget!).  I may try this... although I do believe in rest days, a mile won't put my body over the edge.

I was also thinking of creating my own challenge of completing 30 days of yoga from the weekend of thanksgiving through christmas.  Right now I am attempting to run 100 miles during the month of November and 600 min of NTC.  I am about halfway through miles and minutes--I need to step it up; the week before last I was pretty lax on running -- did some spin sessions and yoga.  Yesterday I headed out with the intention of 5 miles and ran 8.5! :)  it was a gorgeous day.  After having been snowed in last weekend, it was 55 and sunny.  It was windy but that kept my temp down since I had on a running jacket.  It was delightful and I figured since I needed to make up some miles--KEEP GOING! :)

I know my time has been consumed with a crazy busy work schedule and also trying to find time to sew some presents.  I have been up late/waking early to find time to sew.  I enjoy it very much, so it is not hard to convince myself to wake up an hour early to do so. But, I also know I need to exercise so I mentally feel better.  It seems the busier/stressed I get the more I crave my exercise. I feel very fortunate that I have the ability to exercise, the means, safe places, beautiful views, great four legged partners, etc.  When I put the spin on how great it is that I CAN do this, it makes me want to that much more!  

Who else is partaking in a challenge during the holidays?  what are your goals?

im baaaack!

I couldn't do a blog post last week due to the fact that our house is an electrical suck and the same night my laptop charger fritzed out so did the computer in our new oven and also something involving the water softener system.  Even though I am married to an electrician i am sticking with the word "fritzed" as being an actual electrical term.  

I am trying to run2-4 miles/day and do 150 min of NTC/week.  I need to find another race (other than the veteran's day 5 miler and the huffing for stuffing 10k) so I can put some goals other than "don't gain weight" on the books.  I actually have dropped a few pounds post races and my body fat percentage is at 18 so I am okay with that for now... I need something other than body sort of stuff to on which to focus.  Any suggestions?!?!  Anyone ever run the RNR Phoenix?

I am also missing my #SistersInNike and our twitter chatter--although we are trying hard and so far so good.  We are still encouraging one another with goals and NTC minutes!  I feel so lucky to have met these women--they are motivated, positive, and fun!! :)

I am open to suggestions for goals etc.  Also, next week is the #TwitterRoadRace 10k!! :)

Chicago Marathon

I left bozeman on a wednesday and just beat the snow. phew.  Wednesday afternoon i met Marie Purvis and Renisha James for coffee and a chat.  I was so nervous to meet Marie.  I have met a lot of famous people from rockstars to actors etc and I think I was more nervous to meet Marie.  She was so sweet and positive and normal!! :)  And Renisha is just a sweet heart too.  She is a warm and fuzzy person from right off the bat.  

Thursday Pops and I went sailing and it was actually too windy.  Seems like an oxymoron but its true--all the boats were coming in under motor power or with just the jib sail.  Lake Michigan is gorgeous aqua in color and still pretty warm for October. 

Friday was the day Britton and Sonya arrived and the day to pick up our packets.  This was B's first marathon and my 5th.  We had fun at the expo and I was glad we went Friday to beat the crowds. 

We then met up with friends for dinner. I began my carb loading with some delicious lobster mac and cheese.

when I was in Chicago in June-this was the exact same face Mason made in pics.

Saturday was a rest day--try to stay off the legs etc.  We had some amazing sushi for dinner and relaxed most of the day.  We had to leave the house at 5 am to be sure we made it to the start on time.  So we woke at 330 so we could eat adn have coffee etc.  Then it was OFF TO THE RACE!

For the number of people that ran the Chicago it is handled so efficiently.  There are so many supporters, spectators, aid stations, portapotties, etc.  We began our race conservatively.  staying at our goal pace.  This was hard because the crowd and spectators really pumps you up and motivates you to  GO! But I wanted to make sure I had enough steam to finish strong and stay my path.  At the half we were feeling good so we picked it up a bit.  At mile 16 I grabbed a water and looked up to thank the volunteer and it was Renisha!  It was so random and really boosted my spirits.  Between mile 20-21 Britton had to take a few walk breaks but he would catch back up, then between 22-23 he fell behind.  I picked it up.  I knew even if I walked the last 2-3 miles I would still pr but I was feeling great so i steadily increased my speed and my last mile was my fastest and it was an uphill finish!!  It felt great though--I rallied up that hill and smiled through the finish. I had a huge grin the last three miles knowing that my goal was going to be met.  

Once you crossed the line, however, you walked and walked and walked then walking became shuffling and finally i had to sit on the pavement.  it was forever to reach the post race party zone.  I drank a gatorade and then finally ambled to the meeting spot.  Soon enough Britton appeared!  He ran an incredible first marathon!! Stayed strong for a long time and is already planning to run another one!! :)

I was so ecstatic to see my twitter handle on the #ownchicago billboard.  That was such a great bonus to an already awesome race.  I finished 3:55.  i was so happy to have sub four and I finished strong and know that I could push it a bit more from the start.  I believe the NTC really helped.  The plan Marie gave us definitely worked.

Chicago Marathon is a great one--I know why people go nuts over it.  I hope to do it again.

MORE NIKE GEAR!!!

I was so happy when yesterday the hubbee phoned and said, "I think you have two packages from Nike."  I was hoping something would show up since the other girls all received clothing along with their new sneakers and I received socks.  NikeWomen didn't disappoint--The capris are AWESOME.  I love the gray color and they fit great--they are like the coral ones I received in the last package.  The tights are the Legend tights and will be great for winter/cold days.  The top is a great dri-fit running top with THUMB HOLES!!  I don't know why but thumb holes always make me excited.  I don't know if it makes me feel like it is a more technical shirt or sportier or what--but it works for me!!!!  The trainers are the NIke Free 2--and I wore them last night for NTC and they are great.  I love the colors too!  

The weather has certainly flipped like a switch here.  The past two mornings were below freezing!!!  So this gear arrived just in time.  Thanks again Nike and NikeWomen.

Tolerating the Taper

This week was a plummet to the miles.  I had a lot of yoga to do , NTC and minimal running.  A 6 mile tempo run and and 18 miler long run.  I loved the yoga and NTC but it was mentally a bit odd to not run very much.  Sunday I was registered for the Bozeman Half Marathon and took at least two minutes off my time from the half last month. I did it in 1:48:??.  And it was a blast.  I just wanted to work on pacing and it went really great.  This event is very well organized and efficient.  Last year was the first year and I took at least 6 minutes off my time from last year.

The sunglasses, although not in a color I would choose normally, are great for running.  They don't move, they weigh next to nothing and the lens is great in a variety of light. LOVE 'EM! They are Nike miler sunglasses.

Sunny came over to cheer me on and take photos--THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT SUNNY!!--and then we went on a sewing supply shopping spree.  I have several projects in the works and am working on several christmas presents. more will be revealed on that later.

This week the taper continues.  A five miler yesterday, 6 at race pace today, and a 15 miler on saturday.  Lots of NTC and yoga. It has been ridiculously smokey here.  we lucked out sunday am and had decent air quality but by noon you couldn't see the mountains again.  Yesterday when I was loading up my car for work it was ashing outside like snow.  It is very sad and depressing.

I always have struggled with the taper.  It is a mental struggle.  When training you want to push yourself and hit all the targeted workouts and then you begin this downward slide to allow one's body to heal--one side of my brain gets this--the other not so much.  I panic a bit, thinking, "gee, maybe this taper is too long? will i lose fitness in this time frame?"  I just have to keep reassuring myself about the healing process within the muscles so I can push myself hard on race day.

We are in the homestretch of this race training for fall 2012--and I have so enjoyed the ride.  I am now becoming quite excited about the Chicago Marathon and super excited for the whole experience in San Francisco.  The Nike Womens Marathon looks like a stellar event. I am looking forward to the expo, our gorgeous hotel, seeing the city while racing, and of course meeting my #SistersInNike.  I am already wondering what the heck to pack... workout stuff obviously, but then what else will we be doing? hmmm...

busy busy busy/training/night owl run etc.

Last week was so much better training wise than the week before.  I did not set myself up for failure and woke at 4 am to prep breakfast, have a coffee then meet Britton at 6 for our 17 miler.  We did not run fast (as we are not supposed to do so) but we had quite a successful long run!  "aaaahhhaaaaa" angels singing.  Had an awesome raft trip with Hubbee and some now new friends which made for great recovery and a great rest day sunday.  I was so relieved when i woke on sunday that I had completed the long run because it was SOOOOOO smokey.  It would have been miserable to run in that.
Monday I ran seven, yesterday NTC which was super fun--but my shoulders are  tired from runs/rowing/ntc and today I have a 6 mile tempo.  I am looking forward to it except that it will be on treadmill.  it is still so smokey here and we can't even see mountains or neighbors houses.  it is eerie, like we live in cloudy Kansas.  blecht.

This Friday night is our FOURTH annual NIGHT OWL RUN.  THis is a GOOOOOOOOOOD time!  For one's entry they receive a great tee, a pint glass, candy, glow in the dark bling, a bbq post race and beer to put in the pint glass.  Also chances for some AWESOME prizes.  We don't just do 1/2/3.  we do those, but then we do random: like 16, 22, etc., traveled the furthest, best owl costume, and first to register.  Families can come and eat for free with their running member.  And to top it off we give two scholarships and donate to a different charity every year.  It is a scenic four mile course done at 7 at night :)

Saturday is my 20 miler... I am looking forward to it.  I felt so much better post 17 and didn't need a nap like i did after the 15 miler so i know what to do for success!! 

I am also very excited because I ordered some stuff off the Nike clearance site and it should be delivered today!!  I ordered a tee with a foam finger!!! and some new sneaks to try.  THose of you that know me, know I have an obse--er collection of foam fingers (and now foam claw from CUBS!) so i had to have this tee.

I have not had this much fun training for a marathon.  I have to give my thanks to marie purvis (@NikeGetFit) and the @Nikewomen for a) this amazing opportunity and b) for connecting me with women that are doing what I am doing.  My #SistersInNike (@TiaraBeth, @superwomankw, @nerissa_ann, @RenewedFitness and in spirit @marlyw) Normally I am plugging away at this alone. I don't have friends that want to run these distances, etc. So being able to motivate one another, seek advice, etc it has brought my training to a new level.  And I feel as though i have training partners for life!! This is a lifestyle to all of us and that is why I think we will remain united.  For that, I am so grateful.  

On this note i have to give a shout out to @itsallaboutme00 . she is getting on this NTC and NikeFuel bus!!!  she had an epoch first day with her band yesterday and I know it is the beginning of more remarkable feats to come!!