Confessions of an amateur runner ...

It has been a while since I have posted about my training, so here is the latest ...

Training WAS going wonderful until the cold I got turned into bronchitis!! After 2 weeks of struggling with a cold and cough that was not getting better, I decided to head to the doctors and get checked out. She confirmed my fear and told me that I had bronchitis. I explained that I was in training for my first ever 1/2 marathon and I really needed to get back to training. She told me to take it easy and listen to my body. Check my heart rate and keep it between 140 and 160. Ok. No problem! Or so I thought. That afternoon, I ran 5 miles and felt ok. Not my best time, but I finished. I was bad and forgot my heart rate monitor, so I slowed down a bit when I needed to. That night my body punished me for my lack of wisdom. I slept a total of 2 to 3 hours and tried to cough up a lung the rest of the night. Great!! So I took it easy for a few days and it didn't seem to help. My friends told me to take time off and rest. I finally listened. I took a whole week off and did nothing, which was torture!! (I don't like to be off schedule) My first day back was a nightmare. I pulled 3-ish miles and walked a few times to prevent myself from falling over. My lung capacity was shot. I took a few more days and made a second attempt yesterday. It was better, but not easy. I ran 3 miles and struggled more than once for air. When I finished, I wanted to hit or throw something. I was so mad!!! I have not trained for 11 weeks to fail 2 weeks before my race!!! My new plan is to run 4 to 5 miles on Wed. and then take a break and run 10 miles on Sat. Ten miles will be a first for me. Pray that I can do it!! The weather is suppose to be beautiful, so that should help. I am slowly coming to the realization that in order to finish this 1/2 marathon, I may have to walk a little bit to make it. I really don't want to do that, but it is better than not finishing!! Update, coming soon :)

Moments with Emma ...

There is never a dull moment when you spend any amount of time with my 4 year old Emma. She has quite the personality, which comes from me, so I am told. She is always talking, asking questions, or just entertaining us with her humor. Here are a few conversations that we have had in the last few days ....

(In the car on the way to school to pick up the kids)
Mom, where do aliens live?
Aliens don't live any where. They are pretend, sweetie.
No, I mean do they live on our planet?
No, they are not real.
No, mom, you don't understand. I mean, do they live in outer space?
No Aliens. Really. No Aliens Anywhere!!
Ugh, I really wanted to meet one.

(This conversation took place in our living room)
Mom, when am I going to get a boyfriend?
Never!! Ok, not for a very, very long time!
Mom, I want Andrew to be my boyfriend. (Andrew is her cousin's boyfriend) Oh, wait. I think he is married to Lindsey.

No, they are not married. They are just dating.
(she smiles)
When I get to be a mom, can I marry Andrew?
Sweetie, you probably have not even met the man that you are going to marry. I didn't meet your daddy until college.

(slight pause to think) Mom, who is your boyfriend?
My boyfriend is Daddy!
No mom, he is your husband, not your boyfriend!!

(In the car on the way to school to workout)
Mom, are you going running?
Yes.
Can I run with you. I need to make sure that I don't get fat!
(laughing) I don't think you have anything to worry about, sweetie!


Emma, I love that you make me laugh. Thank you for your sweet smile and personaility. You brighten my day and I love being your mommy! Love ya!

The Kids at a Ball Game ...

The kids always find ways to entertain themselves during B-ball season. The fieldhouse is our second home this time of year. The kids love the freedom they have to run around and play. I love the energy that they release. My kids are still pretty young, so their attention span for a b-ball game is about 5 minutes. So they learn to be creative and play. The exception to this rule is Kallie. She watches the whole game from the bench, helping dad coach. She is learning whatever Dad will teach her. It is going to be fun to watch her play! She has her dad's competitive nature. (I am sure some of my competitive nature as well. :) At this year's Senior night, the kids had a great time. We had balloons ...