Road to Paris (Just Say Yes)

Halfie in May, you say!

2010-12-30T20:41:00.000-05:00

I upped my mileage today by a full half mile. So far to go before I can even think about going a half marathon, but, I think May is a good goal. Last year this time, I was in Albany, NY preparing to run a half with my father-in-law and my friend, Mary Karen. That half marathon was wonderful for me - I served as motivational speaker for everyone around me....lol. I then ran the Williamsburg Half with Francine ...that was another great half marathon! Any excuse to go to Virginia to meet up with our friends. After that, I ran the Rochester Flower City half with my fellow local running freaks, Jenn, Russ, Judi, Melissa, Derrek, Curt, Sean, ... last, I made good on my word to a college friend, Rob, and ran the Buffalo half with him and his wife. I suppose it should be a good year, right? 4 half marathons? The year prior, I Ran two full marathons - all amounts to the same.

Sidelined since June has not been all that bad, I've actually enjoyed the rest BUT, I am ready for another half in May...or two. Here's what I think: Flower City Half on May 1st with all my locals; possibly Cleveland half on the 15th with some college crazies...then down to Utica again to run the Boilermaker in July with anyone in the area who wants to join me for one of the most amazing times one can have during a race.

Oh yeah, I had a fun time on my run. I really wish I had my camera, it was a day for running!

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!

Go Judi and Russ!

2010-12-29T17:40:00.000-05:00

Loved reading about the Disney challenge and can't wait for the FULL race report. I'm trying to imagine the shock of running in hot weather after all that cold training!! You guys are awesome! I too wish I could have run those last few with you today, although all that snow doesn't sound too appealing.

I am having a hard time getting out there but am totally craving it, so today on a rare walk with the dog (usually I'm with the baby and Sweetie is on Luna duty) I ran and walked. I looked silly with my jeans kind of falling down and I was hiking them up every few steps,and my silly wool hat and street shoes didn't make me look much like a runner, but hey, I'm a runner inside and this was better than nothing and Luna was PSYCHED!

So, like work, I'm doing what I can and as Baby gets bigger and more independent (want that/dread that!!) I will be able to do more.

Laura, how about a halfie sometime in May? That would have us start training (back at zero, novice program, I'm afraid) in January. The Bavisela in Trieste is the first weekend in May. A couple weeks before that there's another half that I use as a practice in Slovenia. Sweetie and I are planning to make running appointments on a calendar so that we can both get our training in.

Think about it.
Also, the rest of you, our virtual training club, What do you think? You up for a halfie in May?

Disney Marathon would be nice

2010-12-27T20:14:00.000-05:00

I'm certainly a cold weather runner. I love it...love it. Today was a balmy 20 degrees. The east coast was getting slammed with 20 inches of snow, we were facing gale-force winds, and I caved....couldn't do it. I just couldn't.

My friends Judi and Russ did, though. When I read that they were scheduled to run 24 miles today, I hurt for them. I considered heading to Lima to run the last few with them but, as I said, I caved. You see, Russ and Judi are scheduled to run the Disney Marathon in a little over a week. I talked Russ into running his first marathon last year and he signed a pact with Judi to run Disney with her...her first marathon. I am so proud of them for sticking to their training schedule today, of all days, because it was COLD!!!!! As I read Judi's run report today, I chuckled at her comment that her water in her water bottle froze. I know what it is like to feel an obligation to get out there and run. When Kari and I received so many generous donations for Rotary during our training, there was a certain sense of higher obligation. Russ and Judi must feel the same, as they have done an exceptional job raising funds in memory of Judi's brother, Jim, who died several years ago of cancer. I believe that they are only a few dollars short of their goal!!!

So....good luck Judi and Russ!!!

As I said before, I love running in the cold, but I have to admit that Disney wouldn't be bad after a day like today.

That used to be me

2010-12-21T22:09:00.000-05:00

Not that long ago, I was consumed with blogging, Twitter, facebook, running, and everything that tied them all together. The everything that tied them together was the running that I did, and the encouraging of others to run. Well, for the past 6 months, I have been sidelined by a nagging Achilles tendon injury. I say sidelined quite loosely, as I will admit that I enjoyed the break. I will admit that now, but I won't scream it from the mountaintops. For the most part, I have not missed the running and the sweating, and the endless piles of sweaty laundry. But, enough is enough. I've gained weight, I've become self conscious of my weight again....and so, I return (happily) to running. I am happy to be out there...I am happier running in the cold weather than the heat, so I feel that I have timed my comeback perfectly.

So, I'm back on Twitter, I'm back blogging, back on dailymile, back at it!!! Back running....that used to be me, I think I miss her! I am running my measly 2 milers -ever cautious of that Achilles, but I can feel the urge to "up" those miles...I see a halfie in my near future.

I DID IT

2010-12-19T14:34:00.000-05:00

FIRST POST-NATAL RUN

16.02 minutes
2.25 miles

Dreadmill. Now if you'll excuse me, there is a 1-month old getting her diaper changed screaming her head off. I must go...

THANKS, LAURA!

I love those jeans

2010-12-18T17:56:00.000-05:00

A few days ago, I squeezed into my favorite pair of jeans. I call them my skinny jeans. Well, not that I'm skinny now, but I was when I wore them the day after I finished my first marathon. When I say that I squeezed into them, I mean that literally. I can wear them but I must do so with a baggy top (better cover up the squeezed-up love handles.) anyway...

I spoke with Kari last week. We both pledged to start back at our running TODAY!!!!

I DID! for the first time since June, I tied up my running shoes and headed out for a good old fashioned run. I had no garmin, no iPod, ... Just me and my headlamp. I felt unusually strong and the Achilles felt non-existent. NICE!!! (2 miles and felt great!)

Thoughts? I thought about all of my running friends: Russ and Judi (running the Disney Marathon in two weeks); Mary Karen (getting back on the P90x wagon tomorrow); Al, Ms. Fool, Jenn (all nursing injuries); Michael (getting back into the VFFs after some time away); Minken (expecting the 2nd baby soon ...that will keep him running); my husband (an obsessed runner now...OMG!) and all the rest of you out there in running-land.

Now, lets all see when Kari gets out there.

Ahhhh....it feels good to be here again.

Born to Run Guy in the Times Today

2010-11-04T11:46:00.000-04:00

After reading THIS in the NYTimes today, I CAN'T WAIT to get back to Running. BTW the kid is over a week overdue. No biggy. I'm fine, kid is fine. It's all good.

Are you getting out there? If you are, I'm out there with you, in spirit at least.

This made me think of you all!

2010-08-17T11:40:00.001-04:00

There's a great article in the NYTimes today that may speak to some of our friends, the compulsive runners who keep going in spite of medical injuries, etc. It made me think of myself as I'm currently benched for a 9-month pregnancy stint that I know I would absolutely be running through if I lived in the States and not in Italy. Telling me not to run (doctors, peers, friends, husband) and following orders (I'm a rule follower when it comes down to it) felt like part of what makes ME ME was being taken away. Even now, after seven months, I feel like a big phoney if I even bring up the fact that I ever ran in my life! That's how fragile the runner's ego can be! Like if I'm not doing it now then I am just not a tough enough person to call myself a runner.

But on the inside, I know that I will always be a runner.

My latest shenanigan was agreeing to take in my friend Leslie's treadmill that she got when she moved to Trieste for a year with a newborn baby (she's one of those elite runners who wins just about every race she enters. I love her). She used it for runs during baby's naps and now just wants it to have a good home. I am secretly elated, honored, profoundly greatful that she chose mine!

My husband wants to know where I intend to put it. Did I tell you I live in a small apartment and have no idea? No biggy. It'll fit. And that is what is so exciting today!

p.s. Now I REALLY feel sucky about NOT running while pregnant!! BTW GO KARA!!! I love her. And to think we'll have kids about the same age!!! I'm about to put my my Vibrams and kick some asphalt up to the bike path. Shhh!

15 Things You Don't Want To See When Running a Marathon

2010-04-27T20:33:00.000-04:00

A little background:

In high school, I dated the same guy for, oh....gosh.....FOUR years. Which basically meant I spent a lot of time with his family. In high school (need I remind you) when you are THAT into a guy nothing else really exists, right? So, I became good friends with his entire family. I will say for the record that I did not end up marrying the same high-school sweetheart (which is an entirely different lesson for an entirely different day)..... ON WITH THE STORY. This boyfriend's family was very nice to me, his younger brother,Craig, and I had quite a bit in common and shared many interests. As a matter of fact, one of my favorite memories is when the two of us worked together at McPherson's Apple Orchard - (anyone who has worked there will lay their hand on the Bible and swear that it was the best job they ever had....TRUTH) ANYHOO - - - Craig and I reconnected on facebook (of course) and I have since come to understand the extent to which his life revolves around being fit, active, and outdoors. Before I ran my first marathon, Craig helped me understand some of the basic strategies for completing such an event. Now, I frequent his blog for what is usually a bit of athletic humor or advice. In any case, I wanted to share with you his most recent post that he borrowed from a friend who just ran Big Sur. ENJOY, because I certainly did. (and maybe I can drum up some hits to Craig's blog....it's worth the read)

15 Things You Don't Want To See When Running a Marathon.
(the link is to his blog. Click on the link within his entry...sooo funny)

and while you're at it, take a look at this video, too.

It's Fun Photo Day - enjoy!

2010-04-26T20:54:00.000-04:00

Flower City Challenge - Half Marathon

April 25, 2010

The CULT!

Jennifer, Laura, LimaRuss, Judi, Melissa

I try to get more people to use my stretching method - they all just look at me like I'm a goof ball instead.

First time Half Marathon for Melissa

Looking happy in the cemetery - SHE'S JUST PASSING THROUGH!

Giving a wave to my peeps.

Nothing but business for Derek - he deserves the kudos.

He finished this halfie in something like 1hour 12. (I could be a few minutes off)

Check out this happy face - still looking good.

Even happier to be done "THAT WAS AWESOME"

Everyone at the finish with their BLING BLING BLING

Here's why I haven't been running in a while!

2010-04-25T14:15:00.002-04:00

It's been awful not running, but it's for the greater good. For now I'm on the sidelines but trying to walk up a storm and cheer on my running buddies. Let's hope that I'll be kicking it again in November. For now, Laura, keep running for two, please!
www.sugarbloggy.blogspot.com

Rochester Flower City Challenge

2010-04-25T13:14:00.000-04:00

As you may well have guessed, life is typically busy this time of year. I wake up at 5:00 to get ready for work. Out the door by 6:20. Go straight from work to track practice. Make it home by 6:00 on a good day. Try to throw together some food for the kids. Leave some time for baths (sometimes). Put the boys to bed. Put myself to bed. REPEAT.

It's no wonder that the lead up to today's half marathon left me a bit nervous. If you notice, there isn't a 'time slot' for running in my daily schedule. This has been a bit problematic but I've begun to employ a new training technique "MIND OVER MATTER." I'm not lighting the world on fire with any of my long runs, but I get them done on the weekend. I wouldn't advise this kind of training for anyone, but it has worked for me.

My third half marathon of the year and I finally have some BLING. (thank god!) The organizers of this inaugural half-marathon did a fantastic job with this event. Jen and I parked close to the start, walked past the Dinosaur BBQ to reach the registration, picked up our timing chips, met our friends LimaRuss, Judi, Melissa, and made our way to the start line. We were all so excited for this race because Russ's wife, Melissa, was running her first half marathon.... YAY!

The course was outstanding, truly. I felt quite strong and posted some negative splits for the first 10 miles. We passed Susan B. Anthony's house, George Eastman's house, Highland Park, Mt. Hope Cemetery (soooo many hills), and then passed through the University of Rochester campus to make our way to the finish. My last two miles were tough, I left it all on the track, for sure, but it felt nice.

At about mile 10, we were in the middle of the cemetery. It had occured to me that it took a sick sense of humor to take us through a cemetery - I kept saying "JUST PASSING THROUGH, NOT PLANNING ON STAYING."

Crossing the finish line in 2:15 was my goal and I nailed it. I hope to post a 2:00 soon, but I know that I have to put more effort in my training. That will not happen until I free up some time in my schedule - so this is going to have to do for now. Aside from some of my training runs for Paris, this is a PR for me. WOOT WOOT.

The highlight of the day came when Melissa crossed the finish line in under 3 hours. She looked over to me just short of the finish line as screamed "THAT WAS AWESOME." I love it!

I know that there will be more time to train in a few weeks, so I am going to keep registering for races. It's the only thing that keeps me running.

Final thought: when this race comes around next year - don't hesitate. REGISTER and run it. It's a great race. KUDOS to FleetFeet of Rochester for creating an awesome event.

(I'll post photos soon)

Race Report - Johnny's Running of the Green 5 Mile

2010-03-14T16:14:00.001-04:00

(not the greatest picture of us, but it had to be posted)

Our friend, RJ, in the center wearing his kilt - ready to take on the day!

Katrina and I were sort-of friends in high school. She graduated a few years ahead of me, so we obviously had different circles of friends. In retrospect, she and I would have probably been the 'bestest' of friends, though, because there is literally nothing that she and I don't have in common (ok, maybe a few things, but you get the picture.) Her connection to this fun story of Kari and I is kind of cool, too. Four years before we were Rotary exchange students to Liege, Katrina was one as well (welcome to our small little world.)

Anyhoo - a few months ago, Katrina told me that she wanted to 'up' her running game. I threw down the challenge of the Johnny's 5 mile run on St. Patty's Day. (I actually thought at the time that it was a 5k, but she seemed game.) She continued her training, and I tried to keep up with mine.

Last monday, I fell off the curb in front of a friends house and thought my race was in jeopardy. Last monday, Katrina fell victim to a horrible stomach flu. OH NO, Atalanta must have turned her back on us. Well, my ankle started to feel better by Wednesday and her stomach began to feel better.......ummmmm. ....maybe Friday night???? When she told me that she was still eager to run the race, I knew that it was going to be a struggle but all of us runners have seen some amazing feats of courage out there on the road. I figured, she can do it!

Katrina and I headed into the city with the windsheild wipers on high and the heater on full blast - crimey it was shitty out! GREAT!! Our arrival at the registration booth was about 30 minutes before the thousands of Rochesterians arrived to prepare for this popular event. One of the first people we saw was my friend Derrick (winner of the Rochester Marathon that MichaelB ran with me) - followed by a whole slew of gree-clad GOOF BALLS from all over the greater Rochester area. While Katrina and I admittedly had difficulty finding anything green to wear, the remainder of the field must have simply bought every single article of St. Patty's Day paraphanalia available in the area. WE SAW IT ALL. I saw a bright green plaid running skort that I secretly CRAVED ( you know my fondness for skorts.)

On with the story. . . Kartina said that she wished to finish in under an hour. Our pace for the first 2.5 miles was well under that. She and I enjoyed some nice conversation - I tagged on the tale-end of an indian sprint team of high school track runners (of course, we played a game of cat and mouse with those boys for the entire run.) They were a good time. Katrina and I planned some of the details for our upcoming trip to Belgium to watch the Tour de France. (I can't wait to get there.) At about mile 2, Derrick passed us on his way home - WOOT WOOT! ( he ended up winning his age group.) Mile 2.5 marked Katrina's WALL - poor girl. She told me that she simply felt like there was no energy in the tank. So, we walked for a few minutes and then took to a simple walk-run tempo. It was about mile 3 where we were joined by Bill (self-proclaimed FAT POKER PLAYER.) He and his two other FAT POKER PLAYERS had challenged eachother to this 5-mile race. Bill tagged along with our run-walk for as long as he could (poor guy hadn't trained at all.) Katrina and I decided to pull away from the back-of the packers for the last 1.25 miles. She was committed to running the remainder of the way - which she did. This was the same last section of the Rochester Marathon that I struggled to finish in September. I could completely sympathize with Katrina and her empty tank (remember, this is about when I started craving italian sausage?)

Katrina and I turned the last corner to head for the finish line - the crowd was fantatstic (and, of course, there was a sausage stand at the finish line. Where the heck was that when I wanted it in September?)

We crossed the finish line 58 minutes. Katrina was happy to finish in under an hour, shocked that she could do such a good job coming off a stomach flu.

Her facebook post yesterday was this:
We finished just under my goal and I didn't have to crawl any part of it nor did any rescue vehicle need to scrape me off the road!

I was so proud of her and found myself wondering what she could have done if she were 100% (kind of like I found myself wondering how Francine would have done 2 weeks ago with an easier course.) The determination of the human spirit has never been so obvious to me as it has been this past month. First, watching my friend Fracine complete her first half-marathon, then watching Katrina push herself to the finish of a very cold and rainy 5 mile run following a week-long illness. I think that those competitive front-runners would question my resolve to run with my newbie friends. I'm telling you this much, it's so much fun and a feat to behold.

My friend, Jenn, (who I talked into running her first half-marahon in Rochester last September) just sent a message to Katrina "welcome to the lrc: Laura's running cult."

HAHAHA - call it whatever you want. I love it! What is really cool is that I am now seeing that all of the people who have begun running with me are now gaining a following of their own. Get out there and run, walk, crawl. Just get out there!

Race Report - Williamsburg Half-Marathon

2010-03-01T21:27:00.001-05:00

The Pied Piper and the Fife and Drum Corps.

After the amazing friend-frenzy that was Rochester Marathon, it became quite clear that the focus of my late-thirties running fetish HAD to be running with friends. I mean, let's face it folks, no matter WHAT the distance, the last 1/5th of any distance is the LEAST favorite. Why not run those last steps with someone who you know? RIGHT?

Well, I think that my Lima friends will laugh at this (maybe if only a little) but I kind-of fancy myself as being the "pied-piper of running virgins." It seems that the last year of my life has been spent telling our tale of training and running- of reading and writing- of eating and living ... I never intended to convince my friends to join us in our running frenzy, but I would be a liar if I said it didn't bring a smile to my face. The fact of the matter is that I really only thought that a few of you would join in - NOT SO MANY OF YOU!!! You are making it hard for me to slack off (and for that, I thank you)

ON WITH MY STORY...

In July, when I was still FRESH FRESH FRESH with tales of our maiden marathon, our family took a trip to Virginia to visit the best man at our wedding, Todd, and his fabulous wife, Francine, and their four daughters. Francine and her eldest daughter, Bailey, had begun running and were very interested in our tale. I was in the midst of my Rochester Marathon training, so I headed out one morning for a pre-heat-wave run from Williamsburg to Jamestown Settlement and back. 9 miles later, I returned to find my husband and Todd jamming on their guitars (could have cared less that I got lost out there....)- BUT, I vowed to come back to run in the fantastic historical corridor that is Williamsburg.

As so many of us runners do, I searched the internet and found the Williamsburg Half-Marathon on the calendar, placed the bait for Francine and Bailey, and LANDED the fish. Francine and Bailey decided to begin training for their first half-marathon. (the third time that I convinced someone to run a race - now I, TOO, was comitted to the race.)

The weather this winter has been BRUTAL, and my husband and I knew that would be a factor for this run. Not only did the unusualy cold winter hinder my abilty to keep up with my training, but the nasty winter storm that hit our area on Friday hindered our ability to get to Williamsburg safely. ALL SCHOOLS in our area were closed on Friday - but as proud Western New Yorkers, we decided to get an early start to our trip. OK - H O R R I B L E driving conditions for about three hours and then H O R R I B L E traffic back-ups around DC and Richmond..... it took us over 10 hours to reach Williamsburg.

WORTH IT WORTH IT WORTH IT WORTH IT.....

Sunday morning arrived. Francine and Bailey were certainly nervous for their first race, and I enjoyed being in the midst of their excitement. What to eat, what not to eat, what to wear, where to register, how to drink on the run, when to arrive at the start, how to meet up with the supporters, logistics, etc..... LOVED IT. Francine draws strength from her faith in God and the teachings of the Bible. While this is not the source of strength that I look to, I did take a quiet moment of the morning to share with her some passages from my new "Bible" of running, Born to Run, the book that I look to for insipration and strength. I knew that she was worried about the 2hour 30 minute cut-off for the race. I knew that Francine was concerned about running too slow.....

"You were amazing," Scott said.

"Yeah," I said. "Amazingly slow." It had taken me over twelve hours, meaning that Scott and Arnulfo could have run the course all over again and still beaten me.

"That's what I'm saying," Scott insisted. "I've been there, man. I've been there a lot. It takes more guts than going fast."

ARE YOU WATCHING ATALANTA???

(Me **wearing my skort**, Francine, Bailey)

The start of this halfie was on the beautiful campus of William and Mary College. We were marched to the starting line by the Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum Corps - AWESOME!!!!

(the three of us marching to the start with the Fife and Drum Corps)

I am kind of glad that we didn't know the course before this race - we heard shallow whispers of 'hilly course' but we did not listen. What could we do about it, right? I remained focused on psyching up my running partners. We had a plan, and we were sticking to it. ... I insisted that Francine and Bailey run this half with the goal of finishing and having fun. We were going to try and stay under a 10:30 pace and feel it out as we run.

Francine and Bailey started out strong, almost too strong for me. We were down near 9 minute miles for the first several minutes (even through the NASTY hills in the first mile - our first indication of what the end would be. Did I mention that this race was an out-and-back??? I know how much Michael loves that!!!) I pulled them back a bit and let many people pass us. The run through Colonial Williamsburg was gorgeous. While we never actually ran through the historical section, the houses and sights were pleasantly distracting. Our run quickly took us to a very hilly golf course that reminded me of the Boilermaker in Utica. By the first 5 miles, I would guess that we spent the vast majority of that distance climbing hills. (did I mention that this was an out-and-back?Ughhh)

Some of the most severe hills were coming up from some of the water crossings (over boardwalks.) At one particular bridge/hill, Francine and I passed a man who seemed to be struggling. We gave him a "WOOT WOOT YOU GOT THIS" .....and we found ourself a new running partner. Nick joked that it was my SKORT that got him motivated - he grabbed onto our energy and helped us through the majority of the race that was ahead of us. (Bailey latched onto another younger runner and they were off ahead of us like the hare to the tortoise.) Nick was great. He would put his hands to his mouth, forming a make-shift megaphone, and yell "GO FRANCINE"....."GO LAURA"...."GO NICK".... Nick was running his first half-marathon, too. He made us laugh and brought a great vibe to those HILLY middle miles. (particularly when Francine and I lost our sense-of-humor.) Francine and I held back a bit to reserve some energy for those hills that we knew were ahead of us. As we approached the water stations, we were greeted by members of the William and Mary athletic teams yelling "GO FRANCINE" .... Nick had been there. AWESOME!!!

I can't lie - this race was difficult. I was hoping that it wouldn't be. I needed it to be easy, particularly following my difficult winter training and my nasty drive to Virginia. LEAST OF WHICH, I really needed this race to be easy for Francine and Bailey. I needed them to finish strong and be happy with their race.

Francine and I took to walking the steeper hills in the last 3 miles. My achilles tendon started reminding me that it hates hills and Francine's knees were starting to require some tlc. As we approached the finish line, and climbed the hills, we were feeling strong and were anxious to turn the corner to the indoor stadium finish. 2hours and 20 minutes after the starting bell, we finished. Bailey was five minutes ahead of us, Nick was two minutes behind her, and we crossed the finish line to cheers from our family and friends.

Facing a 9-hour drive home, Justin and I were in our car within a half-hour of finishing and were heading home. I didn't LOVE the idea of a long drive after a hard run, but the chance to run with Francine and Bailey for their first half was worth it.

(I did a little searching for some results/reviews of this half marathon. While the word on the street is generally mixed about the organization of the run, one thing is for sure: "An exceptionally challenging course - beginners beware. If you're looking for a PR, its not going to happen" - couldn't have said it better myself. "This is by far the my most challenging race of the season. It's hilly but a very scenic route" This is a race that challenges the veteran runners. To finish with the strength that we did is a testament to the strength of Atalanta and her fellow Running Femmes!)

Today's text from Francine when asked how she felt:

" a little achey in the knees, otherwise told Todd next time I will take AM off to recoup a little"

To which I said:

"So, that sounds like there will be ANOTHER?"

Response:

"He he... YES."

AND THAT MY FRIENDS, is how the Pied Piper does her magic

We are waiting for a race report, Laura!!

2010-02-28T10:29:00.001-05:00

How did your half go, Partner? I've been thinking of you all weekend. Can't wait to get all the details!! Spill 'em!!

WE ARE FRIENDS WITH A FAMOUS PERSON!

2010-02-03T08:16:00.001-05:00

Way to go to our coolest blogging buddy ever, MICHAEL B!! We knew you would get famous sooner or later and Laura and I love to surround ourselves with greatness! Thanks for continuing to be our inspiration!

Here's What is Cooking for This Week

2010-01-09T21:53:00.001-05:00

Week Two of the Vegetarian Lifestyle:
Hubby and I have enjoyed our first week of the vegetarian lifestyle. We both feel healthier and more aware of what we are putting into our bodies. I am amazed at the hightened energy level - without the meat.

I am curious how my other bloggers and bloggistas are faring with their New Years resolutions.
Eggplant Parmigiana

1 Medium Eggplant sliced thick
1c. Panko Breadcrubs
1/2 Cup Parmigiana Cheese Grated
1/2 Cup Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs
2 eggs - beaten

Dip the sliced of eggplant in the egg wash, then into the panko/cheeese/breadcrumb mixture
Saute them in a non-stick frying pan sprayed with a small amount of vegetable spray until they are nicely browned on both sides

Arrange them in a baking dish that has a thin layer of spaghetti sauce on the bottom. Cover the eggplant with a thin layer of additional sauce. Sprinkle the entire pan with a liberal amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle some oregano, basil, and grated parmigiana cheese.

Bake at 400 degrees for 15 - 20 minutes. ENJOY

Minestrone Soup

Olive Oil
2 cups chopped Onion
5 medium cloves of Garlic - minced
2 tsp salt
1 stalk celerey - minced
1 medium carrot - diced
1 cup eggplant - diced
1tsp oregano
fresh black pepper
1 tsp. basil

Saute all of the above ingredients in a large stock pot (15 minutes)

add
1 medium bellpepper diced
4 cups water
15 oz can tomato puree
simmer for 15 minutes

add
2 cups cooked or canned beans (chick peas, kidney beans, etc...)
simmer for 5 minutes

bring soup to a gentle boil
add
1 cup dry pasta of choice
stir and cool until pasta us tender

top with parmesan cheese. ENJOY.

Marinated Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli

3 medium sized sweet potatoes

peel the sweet potatoes, cut in quarters, then into thin slices. Cook or steam potatoes on the stovetop.

1/2 cup walnut or olive oil
1 large clove garlic, minced
3 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 Tbsp raspberry vinegar or red wine vinegar
1 tsp salt
1 Tbsp dry mustard
1 Tbsp honey
freshly ground pepper

Combine the marinade mixture and add the sweet potatoes to the marinade while they are still hot.

Steam 1 large bunch of broccoli *(cut into small spears)
Cool the broccoli off by running cool water over the spears.
place broccoli on top of marinatd sweet potatoes, cover tightly and marinate for several hours.

Mix broccoli into the sweet potates just before serving.

(optional garnish: slices of green apple and chopped toasted pecans)

Other options for the week:
Waldorf Salad
Baba Ganouj
Lentil-Walnut Burgers
Apple Strudel

Please make our friend "LimaRuss" feel welcome in blogland!!!!!

2010-01-04T05:57:00.000-05:00

As mentioned many times, Kari and I have been very blessed to meet and run with some pretty amazing people this year. LimaRuss has become a fixture on our blog, and is now a great running friend to many. When I asked him to write his story for our blog, it didn't go over as well as I had hoped. Like many of us, he doesn't like to pat himself on the back, or publicize that which makes him so great. Finally, with the help of his equally wonderful wife, Melissa, he has sent us his "story." He wanted me to post it in installments, but it is something that should be read in one sitting. I'm sure there is nothing in his story that isn't foreign to many of you - it is kind of what brings us all together. And without further ado - here is Russ.

How I became a runner.

Just before Christmas of 2007 I weighed 258-260 pounds. My combined cholesterol was 258 and my triglycerides were 110. This was the wakeup call! These numbers were the result of living large while traveling for my job. I travel with large teams of people so this means lots of group dinners. Let’s just say that I took full advantage of this. It was so much fun! I was soon called “DC” (Dinner Coordinator) by my coworkers because I took on the job of coordinating our little outings when on the road. I have always been heavy and weighed around 240 most of my married life. People always said I carried the weight well! Well, I decided not to carry it anymore.

Right after the first of the year I started walking. I walked around the block to start. Eventually I was walking through town and out on the country roads. I worked up to doing 5 mile walks. I started watching my diet. Gave up all fried foods, potatoes and limited myself to wheat bread only. I drank wine instead of beer. I stopped eating off my kid’s plates. By June I had lost almost 25 lbs.

Before After

The walking was great and it was working. However, it was taking too long to get the distance and pretty boring on the tread mill. All this time I was walking, my wife Melissa and my neighbor, Judi, were running. They would start with me and then off they would run and I would continue to walk. One day in July they walked with me as usual and then started running. I got the urge to run, so I followed behind them for my first attempt at running. They were doing a 2 miler that day. I remember this because I actually did pretty well. I ran all but maybe a ¼ of a mile. Not bad for the first attempt. I have been running since that day.

I did not know anything about running, I just went out and ran. I did the 2 mile route for a number of weeks. I slowly worked to running 3 miles and decided to run my first 5k. On Sept 28th 2008 I ran the Buchanan Brothers memorial 5k race. I ran the race in 30:02 which was better than I expected.

Not sure when I got “The bug” but it was probably when I decided to run the Lilac 10 with Judi. We needed a goal and this race was it. While training for this, we agreed to run the Rochester Half Marathon in Sept. 2009. (This was about the time I met Laura.) She visited our Lima Rotary Club to share the Road to Paris story. I did not know that evening how my journey would change. I started to follow the journey of Laura and Kari and the Road to Paris.

After the Lilac 10K, we turned our sights to the Half Marathon. I mapped out a plan and away I went, excited to do my first half marathon. Then I started to see the signs. The first sign was on the TV show, the Biggest Loser. I had been following the show all season and one night the contestants ran a marathon for their challenge. During that same episode I was reading the Road to Paris blog when I saw this challenge from Laura “Russ - you're doing the half, what do you say about running the full with me???? If I can do it, anyone can.”

I rebuilt my training plan for the full marathon and continued to train though the summer hitting the ups and downs of training. Melissa had to pick me up on my 16 miler when I hit the wall at 14. I continued to train with Judi. We planned our routes so we finished our long runs together. Laura came out and did a 7 miler with Judi and me. It was awesome because she did something that Judi and I never did (up until then). She ran alongside Judi and I, allowing us to talk the whole time we ran. Before this run with Laura, Judi and I used to take turns following each other. Now we run side by side on every run. I like to call it the Laura effect.

At the time, I had no idea how big the running network was. I have met some really great people along the way. My family, daily mile friends, Facebook friends have all played a role in keeping me motivated through this. I think I have actually motivated a number of people to either run or set a bigger goal.

Finally, race day. I got up at 5 am to shower for the initial wake up as they say it warms the muscles and had I the usual pre-run coffee. We headed to Frontier Field to get our timing chip and mingle with the other runners. Judi and her husbnad, Mark, followed in the motor home which would serve as base camp for the spectators and the runners. Mark kept us all happy with drinks, breakfast sandwiches and a private bathroom! Our running group slowly gathered around the camper as we awaited the start. We even met the eventual winner of the marathon (Derrick Jones) as he jogged by doing his warm up. Of course it was Marathon Laura who introduced us to Derrick.

Judi, LimaRuss, Michael, Laura, Derrick, Jennifer at the start of the Rochester Marathon

The race started at 7:30. I told myself all through the training that I would run my race and not let the crowd push me along. I did not have Judi with me to talk me through the run, which turned out to be an issue. I started out at a faster pace than I had planned for the first couple of miles. Thought I would settle down as I warmed up. I hit the downhill on East Ave and was still keeping with the crowd around me and once again at a faster pace than planned. We hit the canal in Fairport headed back to the city. Up to this point I felt strong but was glad to see some of my family at Schoen Place waiting to root me along. The kids came down the path and ran a short way with me. It was a nice to have them there. My mother in-law offered me a banana and a water bottle. (Looking back I should have taken the banana.) I ran the first 17 miles without walking. I wanted to do the entire run without walking since this is what I trained for. All along I was drinking my water and eating the beans as planned (at least that is what I thought). After mile 17 I decided to walk through the water stations. I felt my first hint of cramping around mile 18 but stopped and stretched through it and continued to run. I continued on and Miss and Judi and the rest of the clan were there to route me on at mile 19. Another pick me up that I really needed at that point. I continued on down the path knowing that I would see my cheering section again near U of R. At mile 20 the cramping got worse. It first I thought I could run through it. I walked and stretched from 20.5 to almost 22.5 when I felt I could run again. After mile 23 Melissa took to the trail with me to help me get to the end. They were waiting at the U of R spectator location. The cheering helped but I needed the extra support running with me. I walked a few more times before the Ford Street bridge turn but after that I had lost the cramping but was running on stiff legs and collapsing in the mid section. I managed a decent pace to the end with my arms pumping to move me along. I remember crossing the Ford Street Bridge and Melissa telling me to look to the right to see the view of the city. I looked left and she corrected me. They say the last six miles is all mental. I guess so. Miss ran with me until we saw Judi and Colleen just before the turn to the finish. I was on my own and found new energy as I turned the corner and saw the finish line. I finished as strong as I could at that point and completed the goal that I set out to do. I finished my first Marathon! Yes, 26.2 miles! Everyone was waiting for me at the finish after 5 hours and 38 minutes. The kids were laying in wait with cans of silly string to attack me. It was great.

**Here is Laura's Race Report***Here is Michael's Race Report***

We all headed our own directions to shower, ice and sleep. Later that afternoon we all met up again at our house to celebrate our victories. Mark did the cooking! With all the other dishes we had plenty of food and beer. The food was so good Laura took pictures!

I think we made our friend Michael from California feel at home. It was great to have him here as part of his 12 in 12 challenge. There was a lot of talk that day about when the next 26.2 would be run. Looks like Disney 2011 at this point (which, in case your are wondering, is a year from this weekend!)

I really like this running thing.

Here's What's Cooking This Week:

2010-01-03T11:59:00.000-05:00

Week one of running vegetarian-style:

Poor man's Caviar:
This one is easy- just mix everything together, let it sit for 24 hours, grab some tortilla chips or other favorite dredging device. I'm adding avacados upon serving. Yummo!!

1 (14 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 (15.5 ounce) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
1 (14 ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can white corn, drained
1 cup finely chopped Vidalia or other sweet onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, or amount to taste
**of course, you can substitute kidney beans or white beans, or any other kind of beans**

RAMEN NOODLE CABBAGE SALAD
This a favorite "go-to-recipe" of my mom's. She served it at Christmas Eve get-together and even my kids loved it.

1 head cabbage, shredded
8 green onions, sliced
3/4 c. sunflower seeds/chopped walnuts/almond slices/etc...
2 pkgs. Ramen noodles oriental, uncooked

Crush the Ramen noodles and brown them in a skillet with slivered almonds or walnuts (and sunflower seeds). Let them cool slightly and add them to the shredded cabbage. (I might add shredded carrots here, too) I also added a few handfulls of raisins. ***I'm all about building from the basis of a recipe**
Mix the following together and pour over the cabbage salad.

1 c. oil of choice

2 tbsp. vinegar
2 tbsp. brown sugar
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
**I also added a generous amount of soy sauce, perhaps as much as 1/4 cup***

Toss it all together and enjoy!!!

Cream of Asparagus Soup (borrowed from a cookbook I have)
2 lbs. fresh asparagus
1 1/2 tbs. butter
2 cups chopped onion
1 1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp flour
2 cups water
2 cups hot milk (lowfat/soy/etc...)
2 tsp dill
1/2 tsp tarragon
white pepper to taste

saute chopped asparagus and onions in melted butter and salt for about 10 minutes. Sprinke 2 tbsp flour while stirring constantly over low heat. (5-8 minutes) Add water, stirring constantly and bring to a boil. Bring to a simmer for about 5 minutes. Add remaining flour and cook for another 10 minutes. Puree the soup with the milk and season with dill, tarragon, and white pepper.

**I am making this right now and I think that I will add some cooked diced potatoes after it is purreed.**

Other ideas for the week:
I bought some great cilantro/black bean veggie burgers that we tried last night on whole wheat rolls, vegan mayo, onion....they were great.

I have lots of sweet potatoes and plan to use them liberally

I also bought some Tempeh that we love to slice up into small sticks, saute them up, and use as dippers for hummus

I'm going to try the new Acai smoothie packets that I bought with some frozen berries and bananas - just to see how they go.

THOUGHTS????

Trieste Hangover Half-marathon 1-02-10

2010-01-02T10:54:00.001-05:00

Doesn't have the same ring to it as the Albany one, but it was the best I could do. There was NO WAY I could have done it yesterday since Sweetie and I were out til the wee ones (5:30! Felt like a college student) and then slept til 2pm (which was awesome)-- so much for team spirit.

But I found it today. I planned on spending the entire day in bed reading but I managed to get up and get motivated. My inspirations were: Laura (I had to get my halfie in and looks like more rain tomorrow), Ms. Fool (Happy second Blogday), Running Laur, and the Dirt Diva (Laura did you notice she's mentioned in Born to Run?), who makes me feel really bad for complaining about my tiny runs when she's gearing up for her 100-mile races, which seem to happen something like every other week. Bowerm's tweets made me long for BBQ at about the 11-mile mark.

I tried to get as close to Laura's time but I pooped out at 2:17 and was too close to home to do anything else but go there. I just checked though, and I did make it to 13.1 in the rain. P.s. How do you like the awesome view from my balcony? Doesn't it make you want to move to Italy??

Comment from Laura - Do we have the BEST team blog, or what??? I mean, look at her - out there running with us in mind!!! I sense GREAT things for 2010.

Albany Hangover Half Marathon - 01-01-10

2010-01-01T22:18:00.000-05:00

This little halfie was hard to locate on the internet but my friend Mary Karen told me it existed - and it did. A few months back, I e-mailed the president of the running club in Albany, NY for the information about this half-marathon and he responded by saying it was very low-key, started on the Albany Univeristy campus at noon, and the more the merrier. (sounds like my kind of event)

Getting ready for the starting signal

Per usual, last week brought a nice sinus infection and a series of migraines that made me feel right at home. I can't remember a race that I've been 100%, so this one was no exception.

My father-in-law had decided to run with us quite a few months ago. When we arrived in the area two days before the race, he attempted to talk his way out of it (claiming he was sick with a horrible cold.) I threw the gauntlet down as fast as you can say...... well, pretty fast. NO WAY, sir, THERE WILL BE NO USING THAT CARD ON ME - you're running this race. He did!

Bill getting psyched for 13.1 miles of fun

We met Mary Karen at 11am for registration. The ambiance of this pre-race locale was great - a fantastic way to start the year. I plopped my $5 registration on the desk and managed a quick visit with my kids and husband before making the way to the start.

Mary Karen looking so happy at the start - isn't she cute?

I had promised Mary Karen and Bill that my goal was to complete this event together. Starting my garmin at the starting bell and we were off to a great 11 minute mile pace. The route was a complex five-loop course that was enjoyably hilly. (odd, right?) No, seriously, it was hilly but not unbearable - the kind of hills that you don't really notice until they are just about done (except for that last one that was about .4 miles from the end....)

We were card-holding members of the "back of the pack club" (PROUD BACKPACKERS UNITE!!!) but that did not prevent me from striking up conversations with some other runners. (MK and Bill made fun of me for this, but I think that they just were jealous that I met a really cool lady (Nora) - turns out that she was a Rotary Exchange student to Germany the year after Kari and I were in Belgium..... enough said! She got the whole story and won herself a Road to Paris pin.) btw - we also had a wonderful conversation about Born to Run (and I know the book review must be next - and it will)

In the end, the memorable moment of this race will be the inner strength that Mary Karen found when she hit the wall at mile 11.5. She impressed me with her determination.These are the moments that people miss when they run alone - they are ot lost on me. I loved that I had the chance to run this event with her and my father-in-law.....good stuff.

My #1 fans!

Got home a few hours ago and got to work on my next half-marathon plans. (Williamsburg, VA on February 28th) Keeping with my goal to run with as many friends as possible, I was elated to find out that my very dear friend Francine and her daughter Bailey (residents of Williamsburg) will be running their first half-marathon with me.....can you say PSYCHED????

Happy New Year - and be sure to get out there and run.

2009 - the year that changed me! Bring on 2010

2009-12-31T20:46:00.002-05:00

As Kari and my story began a long time ago with a year in Belgium (which I continue to say was the most formative year of my entire life) it came back together with the intense training for our first marathon. I am so happy to say that the goal of running that marathon only sparked one of the most amazing series of events - events that unfolded very quickly this year.

Kari and I had barely started our training for the Paris Marathon a year ago today. As I recall, I was still very early in my training - so early that I was still barely able to tell people with a convincing face that I was in fact training for, and planning to complete, the Paris Marathon in April. With many hours staring into the screen of a treadmill, I spent a large majority of the first three months of 2009 imagining (with unbelievable clarity) the start at the Arc de Triumph, the run through the city, the finish with my friend Kari. I can't believe that we actually did it - (and I am even more shocked that I decided to run another marathon 6 months later.)

I am so thankful, and quite shocked, at the circle of friends that we have made as a direct result of this blog and our training. You all know who you are and the roles you have played in this fantastic year!

Soo- Goals for 2010????

1 - If this is going to be a year of running (as I have stated in earlier posts) then it is only fitting that I will be starting the year with a half marathon in one of the coldest parts of the country with my father-in-law and my friend MaryKaren. I plan on bringing in the year at a run - a slow run - but a run none-the-less.

2 - I am going to run a race in every month of the year (be it 5k, 10k, 15k, half, or full) IT WILL BE DONE!

3 - I am going to take much of the material gained from the book Born to Run (complete book review to follow) and hold it close. Hubby and I will be starting the year with a month-long trial run at vegetarianism. (much like Ms. Fool stated) This will be very much a trial. I need to be leaner and meaner if I am going to run run run like I want to. It is worth a try and the arguments are compelling. I will blog it all.
I hear you about being leaner and meaner in 2010. I'm with you on that one. -Kari

4 - I am going to run 2010km in 2010 - you do the math, it's a reasonable goal.
I did the math. It's exactly 1248.95 miles. -Kari

5 - I am going to make this year of running one that embraces the social element of the running community. - Jenn, LimaRuss, Judi, Melissa, MaryKaren, Krista, Jewelz, Kari, and anyone who wants to join in - let's run together. Finishing time is not important to me - let's run 'em together!

6 - I want to be as good of a cheerleader for all of my running pals as they have been for me. Let me know the details of all of your races - if I can't be there, I'll blog my support - (ask Minken and Michael, I send one hell of a gift package) You'll feel Atalanta's strength.

6 - This was started as a team blog and it will continue to be a team blog. I will continue to train for whatever races that my partner is going to run - heck, I may even go for a 26.2 run on the day of her marathon - JUST BECAUSE THAT'S HOW WE DO THINGS HERE.
You said it, Partner! I'm with you, too. I'm doing my hangover half-marathon a day late, though. Forgive me.

Is there anyone out there who wants to join our team???? JUST SAY YES!!!!

Here is hoping that you all have a 2010 like my 2009 - it was amazing (thanks to all of you!)
Ditto on that! Happy New Year! -Kari

Our Next Destination?

2009-12-30T08:06:00.001-05:00

Reading about all those cool races that the folks Stateside are doing makes me a little homesick. I wish I could get out to the States to run with you guys. Ho hum. I fear, however, that given my present career change and consequent economic situation (which I am confident is TEMPORARY), I may not be able to partake in any destination marathoning anytime soon.

All this should make Minken feel better, though! Perhaps by the time he escapes from Nigeria we will be able to line up a race where the whole gang can come. When will it be, Minky? Just name a city. We'll work it out.

Until then, Laura and I will just try to keep up with each other. I will do my best best best to run a halfie this weekend and send all of my good vibes to the Hangover Halfies on Friday.

I'm going to comb over your race schedule, Laura, and see what races around here I can schedule in so that we can keep running together with a somewhat common goal...

I know I've been bellyaching about living abroad today, but here's one good thing about it.

THANKSGIVING ON DECEMBER 30. I'm having a party tonight. I got a little turkey, making some stuffing, mashed taters, and there we go! Ok, paper plates are not elegantissimo, but who cares. No Thanksgiving purists here!!! If Sweetie gets back here with my celery, I'll finish things up and go out for my Turkey Trot!

Bruce Springsteen and everything else.....

2009-12-29T18:00:00.000-05:00

Michael - YOU WERE RIGHT, okay? Is this public enough for you? tee hee.

It seems that many months ago, our dear blogging friend and fellow Rochester Marathoner, Michael, came all the way from Cali to tell me about this book, Born to Run. He had already invested in the Vibram FiveFingers, and was begining the transition from 'western-modern' running shoes to the full-on VFF running style. I had tried the barefoot running thing, and I enjoyed it just fine, but my trepidation regarding the flat feel, achilles, etc.... convinced me that the gel heel cups nestled inside my Saucony's were the only answer for me. My only recipe for future running endeavors. Kari has read the book, Ms. Fool has read the book, many of my FB friends have read the book .....THEY ALL TOLD ME TO READ IT and I'm mentioning now for all of blogland to see (I WAS LATE TO THE PARTY)

Well.... I read this book and now am not entirely sure. (I'm going to formulate a full blog posting on this book, as it has soooooo much more to offer than just the questioning of footwear...to be continued....)

While I have been holed up in my library for the better part of the last three days with an annoying sinus infection (knew I would have one as I always have one the week before a race and Albany Hungover Half is on Friday ----- damn you!!!) While I have been sitting here finishing this book, several things have occured.

1) I e-mailed LimaRuss after our Sunday 10-miler. His birthday was on Monday and his plan was to run 5 miles and complete his 1000th mile for the year. After wishing him a happy birthday, congratulating him on his accomplishment, and asking how it went - I URGED HIM TO SUBMIT HIS STORY for our blog. (this is the third or fourth time I've asked him to write his story, I think I'll get it this time....thanks Mrs. LimaRuss for adding the pressure) to be continued.......

2) I have pondered my goals for 2010 - aside from a long list of half marathons and 10ks, I have some other ideas. Ms Fool, Kari and I need to get our minds together before these are revealed. to be continued.....

3) I made arrangements to meet up with my friend, and fellow marathoner, MaryKaren, on Friday to run our half-marathon together. It is going to be drastically cold, but that is fine with us. (I just learned that she has a new pair of fleece-lined running tights to try out. I am excited that my father-in-law will also be joining us for this cold event. I doubt he will be a slow as us, but Mary Karen and I have decided that we will run together - this will be all about running-in the New Year with a friend who became a marathoner in response to Kari and my training for Paris. to be continued....

4) LimaRuss has requested that I add one more event to my 2010 schedule. There is a 50-mile relay race around the beatiful and scenic Canadaigua Lake. He, Judster, Mrs. LimaRuss, and I are slated to form a team for this race.... YAY TEAM LIMARUSS!!!! to be continued....

5) I just got a request from a former high-school track teammate who has become a friend on facebook. It went something like this: need to shed some lbs. Have convinced some gals at work to run the Rochester Marathon. Advice for a non-runner who is going to run the marathon in September? Of course, I'm totally stoked that yet another friend has caved to the mysterious "Laura effect".... add another notch on the belt, one more person is joining the marathoning club. (this is something that I am sure LimaRuss will talk about in his guest post) I told my friend to sign up for the marathon as soon as she can (so as not to back out), get Hot Hal's book ASAP, call me, and stick with her friends for support. to be continued......

As you can see, I have a lot of things to get done, so off I go.... Baby We Were Born to Run.....

Well that Stinker!!

2009-12-27T16:19:00.000-05:00

Way to show me up, Laura, by doing a 10 miler with Limaruss and company!! You better repeat that distance with me next weekend! I'm not doing this thing alone, you know!

;)

Just kidding. GREAT JOB! YOU KICK ARSE! (I'm not kidding about next weekend though)
Mwah! Thanks for keeping me motivated, Partner!

Training has Begun...zzzzz!

2009-12-27T16:16:00.000-05:00

Training has officially begun... with a rest day (yup, this is my kind of plan!!) I calculated wrong, I guess. I imagined that training would start on the Sunday that marks 18 weeks until the big day. Of course, I didn't actually consult the plan before deciding this. I just used a regular calendar. Whoops!

Today was supposed to be Day One, and a nice LONG run, so ran it yesterday (just call me over-achiever!). I did this because I already had a plan to run with some friends (and their kids, who, SMOKED us adults, by the way!). I tacked on a couple of miles at the end to come up with a decent 7.7 miler. SURELY enough for a long, especially on WEEK ONE of the 18 WEEK PLAN! But that all depends on what plan you use, apparently.

My brilliant idea was to use the easiest plan possible with the most running days (as in shorter runs more often and a long on the weekend, rather than 3 longer runs) and three 20-milers, which I think are the best preparation for the full marathon distance.

This plan looks like the answer to my prayers. It is also the one I based my training on for Paris. I always go back to Hot Hal... he works for me. The first long is 10 miles, though. Crap.

Oh well. At least I get a week to get mentally prepared for it. Ugh.

I'm happy though. It's nice to have something to look forward to. And training rocks.

Training Starts December 27th

2009-12-20T19:19:00.001-05:00

Sorry I haven't been blogging, but luckily my partner has had lots to report! Thanks for holding down the fort, Laura!

I'm still not sure what 2010 has in store for me, runningwise, but, one thing is for sure. The Bavisela on May 2nd. I am very excited because Michael B will be here to run it with me and my good friend Klementina's birthday is that day and it will be her first half marathon. That should be exciting.

With this in mind, actual training starts on December 27. That gives me 18 weeks of Hot Hal Higdon training to look forward to. I will base training (loosely) on his intermediate plan which includes three 20-milers. It worked for my for Paris, so I'm going to stick with it.

I'm planning on a nice half-marathon three-peat on March 23 in Sezana, Slovenia, as well. Part of me (a big one) really wants to do Venice in October. The rest of me doesn't want to commit. Plus, that one fills up. Who knows if by the time I decide there will be any places left...I might have to leave it for the year after.

The most tempting marathon of the year remains Chicago, because my girls (Jewelz and Laura) are running it. But I'm broke. Sigh. Need to look closer to home this year.

Anyway, everyone else is starting to train again, I better too. Can't wait to get my camelbak out again and hit the trails!

Udine "Telethon" 24-hour relay

2009-12-20T19:10:00.000-05:00

The pictures above are from last Saturday's 24-hour relay race in Udine. I was on a 24 person team that took turns running around and around the historic center of the city for an hour at a time. I was on the Rotary team, and our number, 2060, is the number of our Rotary district. For every loop each of us made, the Rotarians in Udine gave 5 euros to the Rotary Polio Plus Foundation. I ran 12 loops, my friend Lorella, who is also in the photos above, ran 13 loops. Her very fast brother-in-law, who is the guy on the left of the first and third photos, did a smokin' 14 times around. My Rotary club decided to match the money as well, so for an hour's worth of running, we were able to raise some nice bucks for charity.

I'm a skort girl - and not ashamed to flaunt it!

2009-12-19T07:27:00.000-05:00

I know that it looks like I'm ready to play tennis when I hit the asphalt, but truth be told, I can't even swing a racket! I've endured hours of heckling from some work buddies when I've emerged from the lockerroom headed for the workout room decked out in my running skort. (all in good fun, I'm sure) Truth is - they are awesome to run in. I'm always looking for fun and exciting skorts (not that I ever buy them, of course. I'm a die-hard BLACK skort wearer.) BUT I envision a day when I will break from my black-skort-mold and wear a pair of these - WOW!!!! or even these - BAM!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE 'em. (thanks, RunningLaur for helping me find this awesome site.)

There may come a day when I even decide that this look is one I can support - not any time soon, but I like the thought! I don't know if I'd be taken seriously as a runner if I showed up to a race in one but then again, I deal with that in my skort.

Happy Holidays! Get out there and RUN, you know I will.

(on that note, I am planning to run with a few friends this week - trying to get a head start on that anticipated holiday-food-coma-anti-exercise-mood.)

Russ - can't wait to see you hit 1,000 miles for the year!
Amy and Jenn - let's hit the pavement this week (sooner than later)
Everyone else - let's do the virtual mile challenge on the first day of winter (monday) Sign up here.

Let's Race - come on, I'm doing it.

2009-12-18T21:50:00.000-05:00

Anyone up for a vitrual mile? Let's run this together - shall we?

Winter Misery One-Miler!

Neither Rain nor Snow nor Sleet nor Hail Shall keep me from my running (for CHOCOLATE!)

2009-12-09T20:12:00.000-05:00

It is no secret - I love chocolate. I love it more than just about anything on the planet. I love it a heck of a lot more than running - (truth.) I've grown to love running (love the friends, love the feeling of being done, love the fact that I can do it....etc...) but I just plain love chocolate. My friend, Selby, sent me an urgent message via Facebook this afternoon. By URGENT, I mean:

Hey, my son just got home from Belgium and he has a package for you.

That could only mean one thing!!!! CHOCOLATE. I responded, QUICKLY

I'm just about out the door for a run in your direction. Should I bring a backpack?

(please say yes, please say yes)

Just large pockets - come on over

Out I went in this:

I told you - nothing keeps me away from my chocolate. I ran all the way there, chatted about Belgium for about 15 minutes, put my Cote d'or Milk Chocolate with Hazelnuts in my pockets and ran home. I think I deserve a piece or two...... mmmmmm.

God, I really wanted to blog about my plans with my uncle (next on my list of plans for 2010...) more on that next - where did I put that chocolate???

Get out there and run, folks. ENJOY!

Always run your home race - or races!

2009-12-07T21:19:00.001-05:00

Adding to my previous post on plans for 2010, I shall place this weekend of fun on the schedule. I know there are a lot of Rochester folk out there reading this blog - anyone interested in kicking off the running season with the Flower City Challenge?

Run the Roc

Tri the Roc

Du the Roc

Time to Motivate - bring on 2010 - JUST SAY YES style!

2009-12-05T23:22:00.004-05:00

I hit the road today for an almost 10 mile run. I finally felt great. I distracted myself from my cramping hamstrings by thinking about ways to motivate myself to run a bit more than I am right now. I thought back to the days when I ran because Kari was running and I knew that we were about to run Paris Marathon together. I had to train because I wasn't going to let her leave me in the dust. So, as I ran through my aching ass (cause it was really aching) I began formulating a plan for 2010. (if for no other reason that to drop the unmentioned amount of lbs that I have gained since April. eh hem...)

I have been in front of the computer screen for the better part of three hours coming up with a 'wish list' for the next year. I want to share with you some of my thoughts.
1 - I want to run as many half marathons as I can. I love the distance, I respect the distance, I'm not scared of the distance, and I am motivated to stay in 'half-marathon-shape' for the year 2010.

2 - I want to run every event/race with someone - I don't ever want to run a distance over 10 miles without a friend to talk to and laugh with .... motivation goes a long way. Running can be a lonely sport (and that isn't always a bad thing) but I want it to be a fun sport for 2010. I want to make memories with some of my running community friends - we are a fun bunch of people.

To these ends, I have begun to formulate a plan (this is not an ABSOLUTE plan, this is just a starting point.) BUT, the deal is this: if anyone decides to run any of these events with me, the plan will start to take shape. SO - take a look at the list below and let me know if anyone is ready to register - I'm with you.

JANUARY:

1st - Albany, NY - Hangover Half Marathon
6th & 20th - Snow Cheap Trail Running Events - Cobbs Hill Park, Rochester, NY

FEBRUARY
(hard to find many races in February-March in Upstate New York, but here is what I am going to do)

3rd & 17th - Snow Cheap Trail Running Events - Cobbs Hill Park, Rochester, NY
13th - Valentine's Day 8-mile run - Greece, NY
28th - Williamsburg Half Marathon - Williamsburg, VA **alterior motive to see our good friends**

MARCH

3rd - Snow Cheap Trail Running Events - Cobbs Hill Park, Rochester, NY

APRIL

10th - Garden Spot Village Full/Half/Relay - Lancaster Cty, PA
24th/25th - Flower City Challenge - Duathalon/Triathalon/Half-Marathon **doing this with a slew of Rochester Running friends.

MAY

8th and 9th - North Face Endurance Challenge **another race with Ms. Fool if I can make it work
22nd & 23rd - Black Bear Tri (Relay) - Glassboro, NJ *only if I can find two other relay partners*
30th - Buffalo Half Marathon- Buffalo, NY

JUNE

13th - Lake Placid Half Marathon - Lake Placid, NY
19th - (tentative date) Niagara-on-the-Lake Half Marathon - Ontario, Canada

JULY

11th - Boilermaker 15k - Utica, NY *I won't be able to run it this year, but YOU SHOULD!!)

AUGUST

22nd - Lake Placid XTERRA Triathalon Relay - Lake Placid, NY *need relay partners*

SEPTEMBER

5th - Oakleaf Half Marathon and 5K - Geneseo, NY
12th - Rochester Half Marathon - Rochester, NY
19th Philadelphia Distance Run Half Marathon - Philly, PA *Ms. Fool and I are already decided, we're doing this one together*

OCTOBER

3rd - Wineglass Marathon and Relay - Corning, NY *this may be my marathon for 2010 because of its mention in Runner's World this month*
9th - Canandaigua 50 Mile Ultra Marathon - Relay
10th - Chicago Marathon and Relay - Chicago, IL * doubtful* I just know I can't make this happen this year
17th - Toronto Half Marathon - Toronto, Canada
24th - Niagara Falls Half Marathon - Niagara Falls, USA & Canada **International**

Alright, this is where I stop - I have lost the focus to look to November of next year. I think that the majority of these are doable as far as cost and running distance. I know I am missing some fun events like the St. Patty's Day races and the Turkey Trots, and the Pumpkins in the Parks, but those will not be missed - I'll run those, too.

Come on, folks. Let's hear what you have to say - WHO'S GOING TO JOIN ME???

Ummm, did that guy have a gun?!?

2009-11-29T15:40:00.000-05:00

I am noticing that this year's Thanksgiving holiday has put a sudden, screetching halt to all running blog, twitter, dailymile, etc.... activity. It is as if the running community, as a whole, knows that they have run their asses off for the past 50 weeks of the year and are entitled to a smidge of glutony...RIGHT???? Let's see, I just polished off the last of the stuffing, turkey is gone, too. As I take inventory the fridge, I see a small bag of sweet potatoes and perhaps a small serving of peas.....ick! The oven has a ham slowly cooking - I really have gotten used to leftovers and think that what my life desperately needs next is a few days of scalloped potatoes and ham.

My husband has all but pushed me out the door the past few days, telling me that it is just about time that I start running off some of that chocolate-pecan pie. The very last thing I respond to is forceful attempts to get me back in the running routine. "Don't tell ME what to do" - right? (love you, hon :) )

So, after realizing that I am committed to running a half-marathon on the 1st of the year in Albany, New York, (gulp) I decided that it was just about time to get out there and see if my legs had more that 3.2 miles in them. (I am so glad that there are people out there who have expressed an interest in running this race with me, because if I were doing it solo, I don't know that I would find the motivation to get out there and train for the darn thing.) I loaded up the ipod and headed out into the GLORIOUS day that western New York has been blessed with today! I finally felt like a runner, again. No stress, no pain, no burning desire to walk, .... ahhhhhhhh. I love the way running makes me feel. So, I ended up running about 7.5 miles. The only event worthy of note was the somewhat uncomfortable feeling I felt as I turned the corner of a rural road and came nearly face-to-face with a man walking down the street with a rifle slung over his shoulder. WHAT?????? I'm not in Nigeria (reference to Minken, here) - what is up with that? I just kept running, right past his gun-slinging ass. Creepy, RIGHT? Well, it is deer season here, so I will just chalk it up to that. I shall live to see another running day, phew. (he did look creepy, though).

As I hit the hard last two miles (seems like the last two mile are always hard) my ipod, set on shuffle, came to this song - I wouldn't classify it as a power song, but it brought a fantastic smile to my face, as it holds such great memories for me. I ran light and happy for the last two miles, and lost myself in many memories of 20 years ago.

Today, I am in love with running and the feeling I have when I am done. I love the idea of being a runner. I love that people look at me while I am running and think "what the hell is she thinking?" I love it -----at least for today.

For This We Give Thanks

2009-11-26T02:52:00.003-05:00

We would like to take a moment to thank everyone who contributed to the ROAD TO PARIS MARATHON PROJECT benefitting the ROTARY FOUNDATION POLIOPLUS FOUNDATION. With the help of lots of people, we were able to raise over $5,000 (an accurate count is impossible, unfortuneately, as not all funds came directly through us, but went instead directly to Rotary District 7120 in our name). These funds, however, were matched in order to help district 7120 reach their goal of raising $100,000 to go towards the $100 million challenge grant by the Gates foundation. So the little sum we worked so hard to raise, when all is said and done, will become $20,000 to help eradicate polio. Awesome.

OUR FOLLWERS ON THE BLOG:

Ed, Keb, Beck, Bep, Kris, Calsma, Jenn, Minken, Bad Hippie, Jennifer S., Mag, Nenetta, Archaobrain, Baby's Mama, Kim, Gapanz, Aloha Rob, Lucky Begonia, QueenB, rUntoNaAste, Rachel, Beemoosie, KIC, A Girl Running, Justin, Fabia, Derec, Tom C., Roberto S., Em, Bowerm, Cami C., Judester, TP, Tamara, LimaRuss, Bonster, the folks at Rotary International in Evanston, and the others who read but don't comment - we know you are out there- and you are all over the world. Thank you.

TRAINING:

You helped us invent long routes, came with us on bikes or ran with us, took pictures, gave us food, kept us going with your support. Thank you.

Trieste: Marko, Marzio, Trieste Fiamma running team, Luna, Cristian, Bavisela Saturday morning gang.

LeRoy: Heather and Dan (oranges and water), Steven, Jill, Julie, Lauren, Anika, Byron-Bergen-Elba Track team.

Atalanta - you provided us the motivation day-in-and-day-out to keep putting one foot in front of the other. We slayed 'em thanks to you.

NUTRITION:

You kept the famous "wall" away from us. Thank you!

Christine "Pooky" "Queen B" Turnberg Volinsky

Jelly-Belly Sports Beans

FELLOW BLOGGERS:

Thank you for your advice and support throughout training, the marathon, and beyond. You are our virtual running club. How would we have made it without you?

Michael B.

Ms. Fool

Simon

Minken

A girl running

Bad Hippie

FUNDRAISING:

Thank you everyone!

Rotary Club Monfalcone-Grado, special thanks to Roberto, Lima Rotary Club, LeRoy Rotary Club - special thanks Loren Wetzel, Rochester Rotary Club, Caledonia Rotary Club, District 7120 and Foundation - Governor Michael Leone, Busy Beaver Buttons, Elba Central School Charity Dodgeball Tournament, Cookie-Lee Jewelry, Elks Club of Webster, Lady Elks of Webster, Rotary Exchange Students in Belgium 1990-91.

CONTRIBUTORS: (in no order - and we are sorry if we have left anyone off - truly!!!)

Glen and Mary Adams, Nancy and Bruce Baker, Lynne Belluscio, Larry and Sherye Boylan, Ken and Linda Capwell, David and Marny Cleere, Frand and Martha Davis, Brian and Kris DeWaters, Carol and David Frost, Chris and Tammy Gamble, Bill and Sandi Haggett, Bob and Katrina Hatch, Keb and Steve Mayer, Bill and Sue Remley, John and Cathy Skivington, Janet and Loren Wetzel, Vicki Shrontz, Brian and Kris DeWaters, Don and Bonnie Williams, Mike Cintorino, Heather and Dan Cote, Paul and Betty Lou Tilly, Joe and Sylvia Schepisi, Malchoff family, Preston Pierce, Harry Blaeser, Hant and Nancy Ralston, Tom and MaryLou Coene, Jim and Jane Holden, Mahandra Shah, Mr. and Mrs. William Pethick, Val and Greg Connor, Amy Connor Stivers, Dan and Susan Roczyka, Lisa and Steve Reese, The Teorema gang, esp. Apo, the Sistemisti and the Developers, Catia, Flavia, Grazia, Fabia, Daria, Vico etc .... and numerous people who donated by purchasing a shirt or by donating anonymously.

PARIS CREW:

Travel and Lodging: Don and Bonnie, Valérie

Logistics: Joshua, Nikolai, Valérie

Pacers: Christine, Giorgia, Marco (and the Beaujolais Wine Cart)

Escorts to start line: Justin and Cristian

Fans: bands along the way, cute Parisian police/firemen

Morale/advice: Minken & Jewelz

Eiffel Tower pique-nique: Meghan, Renee, and Renate

After party: Joshua, Christine

We are grateful to all of you for your love and support. We are thankful for our reunion after 18 years, for the opportunity to give back, for running, and blogging.

Thank you!

2009-11-24T09:47:00.000-05:00

It's Thanksgiving week, and since Thanksgiving is my very favorite holiday (besides my and my brother's birthday, which has not been officially proclaimed a holiday yet), I have already started thinking about what I am thankful for.

This morning I ran downtown to the Italian American Association (where I am helping plan Thanksgiving Dinner) in my VFFs. It usually takes me about 30 minutes to get there (compared to a 20-minute bus ride plus up to 10 minutes of waiting for the bus).

Sure, I was thankful for my feet, and my knees, and my vffs, and the cars that let me cross the street, and green stoplights and the running tights I found that I forgot I had, and for the time I have to run, and for the money I save by not taking the bus, etc.

But instead of making that list, I just thanked along with my breathing (two counts out, one count in when I'm going at an easy, steady pace). Thank you, suck in, Thank you, suck in, Thank you, suck in. I did that for most of the way home.

I realized that a lot of people are going through tough times right now (me included), but it felt good to just THANK for everything else.

Wafels and Dinges - (dinde!)

2009-11-22T10:32:00.001-05:00

Well, folks. I am just having a crappy week. I am under water at work, and I just hate the feeling. There were two highlights of my weekend, though, AND I JUST HAVE TO SHARE....

1) ran the 5k turkey trot in my home town yesterday. I wish I could say that I won, but I didn't. Here's the scoop: I was eyeing my competition and felt fairly confident in being the 1st female finisher until HER MAJESTY the skinny-beautiful-under 17-running tights wearing-perkey girl showed up. (Damn, kiss my turkey prize goodbye!) I really can't blame her, though. She ran well. She finished in just over 23 minutes (putting my second place 26 minutes to shame.) In the end, though, I felt great and I was happy to finish in such a great time, considering the hilly nature of the course. (you are going to have to take my word on this one)

2) spent the entire afternoon and most of this morning working on lesson plans for the Russian Revolution (can you say slow, painful death - not unlike Mr. Rasputin who was poisoned, shot, clubbed, and shot again before he actually ended up drowning) But I digress.....finally just took a moment to search the web for anything mindless and enjoyable. I stumbled upon this blog that made me think of my year in Liege (with my BFF Kari.) Reading it brought a smile to my face and a smell to my nostrils that is undeniable. Those of you in the NYC area MUST MUST MUST search this cart out and have a few for me....... mmmmmm.

Now, if only they would drive up here and park outside my house, my week would be much better.

Gotta run- and that's the truth!

What do you think about when you run?

2009-11-18T21:05:00.000-05:00

Today, I thought about how right my husband was when I got home from work. I wanted to go for a run, then I didn't want to go for a run.... I didn't want to, I really didn't. Here is what he said (with a real motivational smile and tone) -

"if you don't get out there and run, the 15 pounds that you want to lose are going to turn into 20 pounds.... and while you may be okay with that NOW, when it does become 20 pounds, you aren't going to be okay with it. I will pick up the kids, I'll even get them diner....get out there and GET IT!"

I hate it when he is right - and he knows it!!!! So that's what I thought about while I was out there stomping through my 3.25 miles. That, and ... it always helps to think about how good you will look when you DO lose those 15 pounds.

Some other things that I thought about .....

band practice (what new songs would we learn tonight?)
work (can't help it, I have a lot to think about)
my son's antibiotics (gotta remember to give him his medicine when I get back)
what am I going to decide to do on Saturday (too many choices, someone is not going to be happy)
what Turkey Trot will I end up running?
how fast am I going? (why didn't I bring my Garmin?)

What do you think about? I'd like to hear.

Channeling my inner Ultra Marathon Diva

2009-11-18T07:08:00.000-05:00

I'm not quite done with Born to Run yet, but, like I said earlier, it's helping me overcome some psychological limits. More than that, it's making me feel like a downright ultramarathoner (I'm not... unless you count 3-mile runs as ultra training). So, feeling all long-distancy, today I went back to reading my favorite ultra girl 's blog to see what she's up to (running for long periods of time and very far). One of her inspirational quotes caught my eye (she puts one in there every day)-- something about how life is a novel and every day you get the chance to write a new page. Well. I'm not an inspirational quotes kind of girl. But this one made me get my running shoes on, grab a plastic poop bag, the leash, and the hound. I didn't expect to run today since I ran twice yesterday, but I was feeling good and thought that maybe Luna would appreciate a little run. And, after all, today IS another day.

That's part of my new approach to running. Get out there if you feel like it. BTW it's paying off. I'm only 2 kilos away from Paris Marathon weight. ROCK ON!

Getting over those limits

2009-11-16T09:18:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I finally saw Marco and Giorgia after their trip to the States. You may remember that they were with us in Paris when we ran the marathon. The neat thing is that they made friends with Christine, who came over from New Jersey to cheer us on. They stayed at her house for a few days during their trip. (SHOUT OUT TO CHRISTINE. THANK YOU FOR THE PEANUT BUTTER AND THE VANILLA!!!) They also stayed with my brother and sister-in-law (SHOUT OUT TO ED AND HEATHER, THANKS FOR PUTTING THEM UP!!). I love it when my friends make friends with each other.

Marco and Giorgia brought me the book BORN TO RUN which Michael B. has been recommending for a long time now. I haven't finished it yet, but what I can say is that since I started it (last night, and I'm about half done), I have been itching to take off and run as far as I can for as long as possible.

Why? Because the book makes you think about how many things you can do if you don't have anyone telling you that you can't.

For example, when did there get to be so many RULES for running? You have to have such and such equipment, such and such pants and shirts, run too much and you'll blow out your knees, You have to have 400 dollar orthotics if you want to run past 40, "The human body just isn't made for going the marathon distance," follow the running table, run as few days as possible, avoid asphalt, blah blah blah..

WHY? WHY? WHY? I mean, if I want to run 5 miles in a pair of long johns, who's stopping me (in the past, at least, no one, especially when I had one pair of running tights and they were dirty). In the end the only person stopping me from doing anything, is me. I can think of a million excuses NOT to run at any given second. But then I remember that I like running, especially long distances, when you get just past where normal people start to think that you're not.

So I just have to do that. Run run run because it's fun and because I feel like it. I have also decided that I'm going to do my training for May's marathon the same way: I am not going to follow any tables. I am going to just run as much as I can, and increase my longs every week. I think the ultimate would be to arrive on race day and have it almost feel easy because you just decide that it doesn't have to be a grueling ass kicker. Is it possible? I don't know.

I like Kara Goucher's running advice, it went something like this: training? Run as hard as you can for as long as you can. Period.

UPDATE: YOU MUST READ THIS. YET ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF PEOPLE (NYTIMES)MAKING RIDICULOUS RULES FOR OUR SPORT. BAH! THANK YOU, MISS FOOL! THANKS, MICHAEL B. FOR THE HEADS UP!

Let's hear it for 1000 miles this year!

2009-11-15T06:45:00.000-05:00

Well, you'll notice that there has been a long silence since my last euphoric entry of LOVING running. That's because I didn't love it so much after that. Today I couldn't stand it, to tell you the truth. But, at the same time, running is part of me now, like it or lump it.

I'm just psyched that I broke 1000 miles (sounds better in Km, though: 1600!). I have never counted miles in this way before, so thanks Dailymile!

I'm reading a book by Stefano Baldini, the Italian guy who won the marathon in Greece in 2004 and trying to get my running groove back on to start training for Trieste in May. I'm thinking I'll get into training for reals around mid December. I think Laura needs to find a good May marathon, too. Anybody know of anything in the New York State area scheduled for May?

For now, I just plug away at small distances and every once in a while try to do something a little bit longer.

By the way, a shout out to my cousin Kate, who just qualified for Boston AGAIN! Way to go, Kate!! What an inspiration...

Laura, give us a sign!
xoxo my fellow runners!

I Finally Love Running Again

2009-11-03T16:11:00.000-05:00

It's about dang time, too! I decided to bite the bullet and go for a long run tonight since I knew this week was going to be a hectic one and Sweetie was out playing tennis with our friend Valentina (did I ever tell you about her? She looks exactly like me, I'm not kidding. She's Sweetie's tennis BFF and she has a killer serve. Sometimes people in the neighborhood come up to me and compliment me for it!! I just say thank you, on her behalf, of course).

I decided to run my hardest route just because I got all inspired by our super marathoning friends like Ms. Fool and Michael B and started thinking about Trieste, and then about how it would be fun to do Venice next year, and that was it--the shoes were on and I was out the door. I didn't even have time to talk myself out of it, although I did have time to talk myself into running in the easy direction, which means the first 25 minutes are uphill rather than the first 45. That worked. Once I got through the tough part I was flying flying flying downhill. And I realized that sometime over the last year I figured out how to RUN downhill without being scared of tripping or falling on my face. Maybe my newfound confidence came from the fact that I brought my cell phone with me on this route for the first time ever.

Then, climbing up the last little hill before making the turn down to my house, I realized that I didn't remember running most of that street, I was just moving, LIKE A GD GAZELLE, I TELL YOU! That is bliss. I hit RUNNING NIRVANA, man, for the first time in a long time, and BOY DID THAT FEEL GOOD.

New Running Shoes

2009-11-01T10:35:00.000-05:00

I woke up this morning with a motivator message from Kari - GET OUT THERE AND DO 10 MINUTES!!!! Doh (I think someone noticed that I haven't been running.)

Truth of the matter is this - I HAVE BEEN RUNNING!!!!! I've been running around like a chicken with her head cut off in a life that is way too busy for my taste. The crazy thing???? I'm not really that busy. I mean, it's not like I'm training for a marathon, or anything. I am teaching three new courses this year and the prep time for those three classes is encroaching on my once-valueable and coveted work-out time.

BUT, not to worry. I have been enjoying my new pair of running shoes. They aren't some fancy-pants VFF's (although I secretly crave a pair just to be like MichaelB and Kari) but I think you will agree that they have me running through my hectic life in style - check em out!!!

So, I put on my Saucony's and ran today (sans electronic timing devices) and thought only of Ms. Fool today. A HUGE SHOUT OUT TO HER AS SHE RUNS THE NYC MARATHON TODAY - WOOT WOOT!!!!! (what a great day for a run!)

Now I know how Laura was feeling that day!

2009-10-30T08:06:00.000-04:00

I've gotten hardly any running in these last two weeks. And the result is: grumpiness, depression-like symptoms (especially earlier this week... awful!), and mid-section fluffiness... This morning, while still all warm in bed, I was like "As soon as I get up I am going to run like 20 miles to make up for all of this laziness, get my blood flowing again..." etc. It didn't happen (I don't think my legs could do it at this point), of course, but I did get out there.

I may not have gone at all, but I decided to use my dog, Luna, as the perfect excuse to both run, and go less far. We went on her favorite 3-miler. I wore my Vibram 5 fingers and almost had the experience of feeling other peoples' dog poop squish between my toes about 5 times! Ewwww. The shoes themselves feel great, especially going up hills because they're so light.

I guess that until I feel like running for running's sake, I'm going to have to do it this way: make it about something else. Commuting on foot is another way to fool myself into running (a lot of my running over the last few weeks has been to go to appointments and meetings).

Man, I need to get the endorphins rolling again. Advice?

While we're on the subject

2009-10-25T10:45:00.000-04:00

Thanks for reminding us about yesterday, Laura. Your mentioning it reminded me that applications for next year's Rotary Exchange are probably due sometime in October or November, also. Remember when we were just applying? Sigh...

I just got back from doing some hill work with my new Vibram 5-fingers, which are really growing on me. I've only used them a couple of times because of a cold spell which hit a couple of weeks ago, but now the weather has warmed up again and so I got them out. I think they're great for people suffering from shin splints. It's refreshing to feel like you're using muscles (like your shins) that you don't use much with regular shoes. While I was out there, I was thinking about how my life has changed over the last few months (except for my uncertain work situation, it has all been positive).

Here are some of the small changes I've made that are making a big impact on my life.

1. Sweety and I have stopped eating out (unless we absolutely have to). Impact: we're spending a lot less money, we're eating better and healthier food at home, we're less interested in eating out (This is interesting. It's addictive. The more you eat out, the more you WANT to eat out. The less you eat out, the more you realize that the food you make at home is usually BETTER than what you eat out), and our social interactions with friends are healthier. We meet people out for walks, runs, tennis, etc. We made this decision in order to cut out unnecessary spending (we don't know what is going to happen with either of our work situations) and because I wanted to lose the weight that I had gained this summer after the marathon. We are much more creative about cooking and grocery shopping now, and have found ways of making eating at home just as special as eating out (It's Friday! Homemade PIZZA NIGHT, for example...)

2. I'm using the car as little as possible. If I don't have to be clean and fresh when I arrive, I run, otherwise I take the bus. Impact: Alot of my running miles are simply transportation. I feel so green! I don't have to make time for running-- it's built into my day.

3. I stopped drinking about 3 weeks or so ago. Before, I would have a glass (bottle) of wine with dinner with Sweety and (often) drink too much when we went out with friends. I decided that it was counter-productive to all the healthy lifestyle choices I was making, and, let's face it, at my age, you get killer hangovers. I did have a couple of drinks when my friend Daniel was here from Brazil one night, but the nice thing was that it felt like an exception, not a rule. Impact: I don't miss it. I feel clear-headed, I can concentrate better, I wake up earlier, and am still really fun. I drink tea instead, or hot water and lemon, and this keeps me happy and hydrated (even if it makes me sound boring). Interestingly, my friends have not really noticed.

4. I run more often but less miles. Even when I log 7 or 8 miles, chances are it was broken up into 1.5-3 mile chunks. This really agrees with me. I feel strong and a bunch of my pre-marathon pants fit again.

5. I'm watching as little TV as possible and reading. This is positive in every way possible.

Kilo count: I'm down 5 kilos from my high in July. Trying to keep it steady and get down to my goal of losing another 9 or so kilos (or about 20 pounds). Since we started our challenge I have lost 2 kilos.

Today is World Polio Day

2009-10-24T19:05:00.001-04:00

for more information about this concert, click here

About a year ago, Kari and I had already decided to run the Paris Marathon and we had established that we wanted to do just a bit more than run the marathon. We were committed to raising awareness for Rotary International's efforts to eradicate Polio around the world. Kari and I were Rotary Exchange students to Belgium (nearly 20 years ago) and decided that it was time for us to give back to the organization that gave us so much during our year overseas. As we trained for the marathon, we looked for ways, creative ways, to raise money for this very worthwhile cause.

In the end, we figure that we raised somewhere around $20,000 toward Rotary International's PolioPlus Foundation. In truth, there is no way to place a figure on the amount of money we raised, but we can track the majority of it through my local district, who matched our amount. Beyond that, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation agreed to match Rotary International's global efforts as well. SO - for every dollar that we raised, PolioPlus recieved $4.00 - that's a great return on an investment!

So, when I discovered that today is world Polio Day, I wanted to share the effort that Kari and I are most proud of - THANK YOU for your support, monetary and otherwise.

Please watch this short video to find out more about Rotary International's efforts to eradicate Polio.

I Have Made a Lasting Impression on My Sister-in-Law

2009-10-21T20:39:00.001-04:00

So, I posted this photo on facebook earlier (prompted by some of my friends who had responded to my post : Laura is pulling off toenails.)

So, my sister in law sends me this link and said "read this and thought of you"

THANKS! (I think.....)

Have a read and enjoy - I know I did. By the way, I have pulled off three toenails in the last week and my feet feel better for it.

Peek-a-Boo!

2009-10-19T20:53:00.000-04:00

I am sorry, I have been avoiding you all like the H1N1 virus. I haven't even peeked at my bloggers and bloggistas in the past week or so- not once. If many of you weren't on facebook, I wouldn't know about your tapers, your prs, your 10k placings, your no-nos, etc... If you weren't on gmail chat or skype, I would be blissfully unaware of your haircuts, your arrivals and departures, your treadmills and pilates machines..... BUT, alas, I couldn't stay away - NOT ONE MORE MOMENT. At first I peeked at my dashboard to see what was new, then (in typical Laura fashion) I had to start commenting on everything. So, I am now shamed into admiting that I have been avoiding the blog (and knew I was doing it.)

1 - I didn't want to run at all (so I didn't.)
2 - I need a new goal (shocker of the century - been there done that.)
3 - despite my attempts to drop my jkl challenge 15 - it's just not coming off.

Good news - I'm back on the wagon. I am a runner (thank you MichaelB and the rest for the support.) I am going to prescribe to the same philosohpy that Kari is - run short, fast, fun runs that are over as fast as they start. I need to keep the imune system healthy and if that is what will do it - so be it. So, the good news is that my favorite running weather has returned - thank god the hot summer weather has departed and the beautiful fall has arrived. I'm testing the garmin each day with my short runs - this sucker has a lot of options! (note to self, that should be my next post.)

Alright - I'm off to shower and hit the hay. I have finally come to admit that I need a lot more sleep than I have been allowing myself. I am up at the crack of dawn (5am or before) so I must be in bed before 9pm if I am to get a good night rest. Cheers to all (and good work on all the running you've been doing. I'm proud of you all)

Everything is A-OK!

2009-10-19T11:28:00.000-04:00

In spite of a couple of relapses (wine yesterday, chocolate today) I am feeling great! I'm getting a lot of miles in becase I'm running to work as much as possible, and the fact that I'm doing shorter distances means that I actually look forward to running because I know that I will be done in about 30-45 minutes (rather than, say, 3 or 4 hours...). I sometimes double up so I can get 60 minutes in a day. This recipe seems to work for me. Since we started our challenge I have lost about 2-3 kilos (depends on when you ask me: morning, afternoon, before run, or after...) and am pretty committed to staying on track.

The other nice thing about the 30-45 minute run is that I have not fallen prey to the FLU (Poor Sweetie has...). Studies show that if you run more than 45 minutes, you lose that protection (although the natural anti-inflammatories kick in at that point, which can be helpful for the long runs. Check this out. I think it's old news for a lot of runners, but whatever). This makes me think of Laura's rip-roaring colds that she got before BOTH marathons. Hmmm. Maybe peppering the marathon training with short runs could help?

Anyway, waiting for an update from the other challenge participants. Although, Ms. Fool seems to have an unfair advantage because, although she has a weakness for red velvet cupcakes, she is at the tail end of her NY marathon prep and getting in some seriously long runs (and placed 3rd in her last 10K!!)!

Laura, give us an update, girl!

Still breaking in the VFFs

2009-10-13T02:40:00.000-04:00

I decided to take a walk with my VFFs today (and my dog). I spent most of the time stretching out my toes to try to get used to what the Vibram people call the "Toe Pockets". It helped. The pinky toe on my right foot is feeling more comfortable. I have them on as I write this. They don't feel invisible yet but I think we're getting close. I am going to run in my regular running shoes today, just because I don't want to overdo it. I'm going with Michael's advice to take it slow.

Running with the VFFs

2009-10-11T06:45:00.001-04:00

I just did two 1.5 mile loops in my new Vibram 5 fingers.
Pros:
You don't have to dig around for clean socks.
They feel like you're running barefoot in all the good ways.
They force you to use your whole body, including the upper legs.
The slapping sound on the pavement makes you realize how bad your form is (I'm working on it).
It's a great workout for the shins (especially for those of us with shin splints which are not stress fractures).
They are LIGHT on the hills, both going up and down,
They look much less weird to passers-by than going barefoot barefoot.
They have good grip on slippery surfaces and wet areas.
They will be GREAT for travelling since they take up about a third the space of regular running shoes.

Cons:
They're not easy to put on, but generally, if you get your first and second toes in, the others follow suit.
They are one width fits all, and I have narrow feet, so my pinky toe is spread a little too far.
Rubbing of material on said pinky toe.
Like I said in a previous post, they are not the perfect fit, but they seem to be okay anyway.
They are kind of like a ballet slipper, they come up to just where your toes turn into foot, which is a bit like putting on one of those footies at the shoe store. It feels like it should come up higher.

Also:
They have a drawstring that I initially had pulled tight, but when I loosened it, it was much better. It would be hard for them to fall off with your toes wedged into the toe holes anyway.

All in all, I like them. I did not run far, but I did expect to have something to show for it, like blisters or sore spots. I don't. I would like to plunge right into using these and putting my regular shoes away for a while, but promised myself that I would ease into them if I feel any kind of discomfort at all.

This is going to sound strange, but running down the street in them brought back memories of running on a beach somewhere. I know, but the sensation is similar. You have direct contact with what is under you (even through the rubber) and the absence of cushion forces you to use your entire body as a shock absorber, which is one of the reasons, I think, that running barefoot is so satisfying. When you finish your run, you have the feeling that your whole body was part of the running process, from your feet up to your shoulders.

So far, so good. Once my pinky toe toughens up, the VFFs are going to be awesome!

The Present I Got Myself

2009-10-11T05:16:00.000-04:00

The other day I was taking a walk with Sweetie downtown by the Piazza where there were stands and lots of people walking through them for the Barcolana Regatta slash stuff-that-has-nothing-to-do-with-sailing Expo when I ran across a display for (you're never going to guess what, Okay, I'll tell you) VIBRAM 5-Fingers. I couldn't believe it. I thought I would never see them in Europe, but there they were. So I tried them on (the 40s were too snug, the 41s, a little loose) and quickly bought them (on sale) without really thinking it through (they are yellow and denim-colored). I was feeling pretty smug about the GREAT DEAL I got when I passed ANOTHER DISPLAY of VFFs where they cost 8 euros less. Then I sort of regretted rushing into the purchase. But oh well. Now I have them on my feet and I think they look silly and feel funny. Will I get used to them?

I'm thinking of a doing a run around the block to see how they work. I'll let you know how it goes.

The Grossest thing about running downtown

2009-10-09T09:49:00.002-04:00

is not the car exhaust. It is the smoke coming from the cigarettes of pedestrians on the sidewalks I run on. It stays with you for a good ten paces after the person has passed. Car exhaust only stinks for a second. Makes you think. I used to smoke (even while I was a runner, which was my reason for running: to clean out my nasty lungs) and it generally doesn't bother me when people smoke near me. It's only when I'm running past smokers that it bugs me. Enough to blog about it...

The big 9-0-0

2009-10-08T16:51:00.002-04:00

According to the Daily Mile, today I hit 900 miles for the year.

Happy 900 to me!! I should get something for this, like, I don't know, a bozo button, or a cookie, or a quarter to call someone who cares, or something, right?

I can't wait to hit 1000. Then I'm going to party.

I love my life right now

2009-10-08T02:52:00.002-04:00

I am feeling great these days. I officially went free-lance a couple of months ago and I'm actually working (getting paid is another story...). I'm finally doing work that I am good at again (I'm officially a Translator/Interpreter but I do other things like teach, help out at the Italian American Association here in Trieste, help people when they get in a bind with Social Security in America, you name it, if it's in English, or has to do with America, I can help.), I'm seeing and meeting lots of interesting people, and have been about 1000 times more productive than I had been in a long time. I wake up at least an hour earlier than I used to when I had to get up and go to work and I sleep like a log! Working in my little office at home rocks. I love it. The other great thing is that since I determine my schedule I can fit my runs in during the day. I can run to meetings and appointments and/or home if Sweetie gives me a ride there. This is the coolest. It's exactly the kind of lifestyle I have always wanted for myself. Yeah!

If you don't have days where you just think I HAVE THE COOLEST LIFE. Rethink something, please, and take action.

Can we NOT plan fun things during this challenge?

2009-10-07T07:02:00.005-04:00

This whole challenge thing would be MUCH easier if people didn't get married during them or plan really fun things to do that involve eating during the period of time we have set aside to be GOOD!

I've been trying to put more miles on, as my dailymile log shamelessly boasts, which was good for taking off 4 kilos. I put a couple back on over the weekend, but am working on that, too. I thought cutting out booze alone would be good for some automatic weight loss, but sadly, that is not the case.

What it has done, however, is make for some amazingly lucid mornings, and that is a good thing.

This morning I did all my errands by running. I was really happy that the dentist was not grossed out when I put my microfiber towel under my head so as to not get his fancy dentist chair all sweaty... He actually said I was BRAVA just for running.

That made me feel pretty good. I will write more later. Am on my way out the door!!! See you after lunch.

Week One - JKL challenge LIVESTRONG

2009-10-04T22:37:00.000-04:00

Some of my friends and I are planning on heading to Europe in July to catch some of the Tour de France when it departs Holland and heads through Belgium on its way to France. I know it is early to start writing about it, but my friend, Beckster, and I are really starting to get excited about it. (Kari- you going to come up and join us in Liege for a few days? ) Beck has found some tools on the Livestrong website to help get her on track for our trip. She and I are cycling junkies - truly need intervention in the month of July - and can't wait to watch the tour through the flat stages in the summer. Maybe I'll take a look at Lance's tips for healthy living - both Beck and I want to be strong for our trip. I think she is secretly joining our JKL challenge.

I was so happy to hop on the scale and find myself down three lbs - YAY me! Those south beach breakfast bars and yummy lunch salads paid off. Too bad that I stepped back on a few days later to find myself right back where I started! BOOO me! Well, the long and the short of it is that I fell 5 miles short of my weekly goal (not killing myself about this, though.) I practiced serious control yesterday at the famly Oktoberfest - only had one beer (but made it a good one, of course.) I wish I could have stayed away from those RiceCrispie treats, though. All-in-all, not a bad first week.

I need to start looking for some half marathons in the area - MUST FIND A GOAL to keep me living strong!

Am I not Sweet enough??

2009-09-29T10:46:00.004-04:00

Well, so far so good. I've been eating well, no beer, no wine, no cookies, no coffee. But, I have developed a new habit. HONEY. I'm not kidding. Can't get enough of it. I try to limit myself to one LARGE spoonful in every two mugs of hot water with lemon, which is my version of tea, I guess, I basically drink it all day while I'm working. Up until about a week ago I drank the water without anything in it. But since I started being all GOOOOOD, now I just want to swim in it!

What's up with that? Weird, hah? Maybe it's a vitamin deficiency. Which reminds me. I am going to go take my multi-vitamin, my B-complex, and my Omega-3 right now and see if the craving goes away...

A. j.k.l.. Challenge

2009-09-28T21:19:00.000-04:00

I hesitate to start this trend in our blogging, I hesitate because I get tired of reading others in their 'woe-is-me' 'I'm so fat' 'feel bad for me' blogging. Truth is, IT GETS OLD, FAST!!!! But, here's the deal: almost a year has passed since my blogging partner, Kari, and I happened upon our sista in blog-land, Jewelz. To put it quite bluntly, there has been a love-affair between our two blogs for quite some time now. For those of you who believe in love-at-first-sight - you understand. Our love for eachother is unconditional. The three of us leaned on Atalanta during our Paris Marathon training - because we all needed the experience that she could shine down upon us. We were marathoning virgins, and required all the mojo we could muster from eachother and from our revered Goddess, Atalanta. So, whatever she told us to do - we did it, without question.

Atalanta has visited the three of us, inidvidually, in the past three weeks and offered each of us a swift kick in the ass. She has said the same thing - too much of a good thing is not always a good thing, ladies. You are all losing those figures that you worked so hard to achieve in April. Don't get me wrong, femmes, you still look ROCKIN HOT, but you three need to pull it together and focus.

As usual, when Atalanta yells at us, we snap to attention. We are starting the Atalanta Jewelz Kari Laura Challenge. (get it? A. j.k.l. challenge). We aren't really racing eachother to a weight goal, or exercise goal, etc.... we are simply blogging in solidarity to reach our individual goals. You see, if there is one thing we learned from training for Paris, it was that the three of us are unbeatable alone and INVINCEABLE together.

So, here are my goals: (and I plan to keep you all notified of my sucesses and failures)

drop 12 lbs. (through simple modifications to diet and exercise)
run 15 miles a week (minimum)
weight train twice a week (minimum)
support my femmes in their road to reach their goals
blog it ALL

I am going to buy myself a running necklace like this one when I reach my goals. I really want it specialized for the Paris Marathon with my femmes' initials and an apple on them..... still working on the details (but I think I will have to order THREE!)

Here's how I fared this weekend:

The most delish lentil - chicken soup!

Greek Vegetarian Apetizer Sampler

(hummus, Baba, Tabouleh)

That's a great start toward those goals!

AND - I've added the Hangover Half-Marathon in Albany, New York to my future plans (January 1, 2010). I believe that I have talked LimaRuss, Judi, Sue, MaryKaren, and my father in law to partake. There may be a few more from my work, too. It's going to be an EVENT! I can't wait. Hey Ms. Fool, how about you take the train to Albany for New Years and join in on the fun??????

The Challenge is ON!

2009-09-26T09:05:00.002-04:00

Okay, let's start our challenge today. You know what you need to do, how much you need to lose, what size you need to fit into.

Let's check in once a week to see how it's going. I'm warning you, though. I have a secret weapon: No booze. Yesterday was my last glass of wine (or beer or grappa) until further notice. I think that should take care of the most calories, right there. I hope my liver doesn't freak out from the lack of pollution. I will keep you up-to-date on that one. Tomorrow I'm making a big ole pot 0' soup which should get me through tomorrow dinner and two days of lunches. I am also keeping a food and workout diary.

What are your tricks? I need a few more.
Good luck, my friends!

Celebrate - zzzzzz

2009-09-26T08:01:00.000-04:00

My blogging birthday passed without much fanfare - actually, barely anyone asked or cared about our blogging birthday (except of course, you all. I'm speaking of my non-blogging friends, of course.) My intention was to run for the first time since Rochester, but I just couldn't sqeeze it in. Truth is: I began weight training again earlier this week and my legs are still SCREAMING at me. I need to convince them that the extra work (60 weighted lunges) will suit them well - make them look younger than they really are, but they just aren't convinced yet. So, until they start feeling better, I will be sticking to my upper body training (my arms know that they need the extra work, and are willing to put up with my torture.) Deep down, I don't really miss the running yet. My body still feels the need for rest - so I will continue to listen.

Up today? I am the announcer for our high-school football games (something that gets me in out of the wet and cold, and still allows me to watch the game) - so, we have a big game today. Followed by a gig at a local bowling alley - ROCK ON EXIT 47!!!!

AND - my friend MaryKaren and I are going to make the 2009-2010 school year "half-marathon year." I ask you all to start scanning the schedules.... help us find 10 halves that are destined to be run by us. (preferably in NE United States *** Kari - I am not coming to Trieste!)

Happy First Birthday Road to Paris!

2009-09-25T04:18:00.002-04:00

I made you a cake! Hope you like it! It's fat free, of course... I tried to find a good one on cakewrecks.com but I mostly got grossed out by their cakes, even if they are hilarious.

I still can't believe we started this blog a whole year ago! That means we were just starting our training for the Paris marathon. That reminds me-- I better get going on my training for Trieste in May. Still think I can talk Laura into it...

I am pretty happy with my running, though. I did a cruel 11-miler yesterday that I hoped would be 12 from my house to Slovenia and back. I would like to try to keep my mileage above 30 for the week, but it's not easy when I have looming deadlines. I'm at 19 so far for this week. Hopefully I can sneak something in today. The weekend will be busy.

I think I need to make myself a pot of coffee, all of my sentences are starting with "I". Not good. This post was supposed to be all about the blog and it's birthday.

Bloggy blog? What would you like for your birthday? A new gadget? Ok. I will have to find something fun, just as soon as I finish my coffee and start my work for the day and need another minute to procrastinate... When Laura gets up we can sing Happy Birthday.

I forgot to say this before, so I'll say it now

2009-09-22T21:41:00.000-04:00

I am not completely certain about this, but certain enough to put it in print for all to read. I belive that exactly a year ago on September 13, 2008, Kari and I decided to run the Paris Marathon. How great it was that exactly a year later, September 13, 2009, I ran my second marathon. I never thought that I'd run even one marathon in my life - and I ran two in 6 months. Isn't that cool????

Now, off to shed my extra pounds, too. If there is one thing I have learned during the past year it's that Kari and I pretty much do everything together - that apparently means gain kilos, too. Lots of work to do.

Greetings from just out of the fat zone

2009-09-22T08:15:00.003-04:00

Well I'm finally getting my miles back up. Which helped me discover something really, truly amazing.

It is true what they say: there IS a correllation between calories you put in and calories you burn. Yep, that's right! Now that I'm running more, and eating a bit more sensibly, I am actually LOSING weight!! Remember how I thought that I could continue to eat like a marathoner even though I took a break from training JUST BECAUSE I WAS HUNGRY? And then remember how annoyed I was that I blimped out to monstrous proportions? Remember how people had the nerve to NOTICE?

Well... I got to feeling a little envious of the Limarusses and the Lauras and the Michaels who were running the Rochesters and decided to step up my training a bit. Now that daily mile allows you to look at your weekly milage, I can share with you what mine has been since Paris:

Marathon week: 35 miles (Rock n Roll! Slap me on the back! Plus, I am SKINNY!!)

The following weeks: 0 miles, 2 miles, 18 miles, 4 miles, 4 miles, 0 miles (Appetite as big as ever!), 2 miles, 19 miles (I'm running again, can eat as much as I want!), 8 miles, 14 miles, 6 miles, 22 miles, 13 miles.

June 29. I weigh myself. CRISIS. I am six kilos heavier than race day. That's about 13 pounds more. I decide to eat a little better. And keep running. The following weeks:

10 miles, 14 miles, 5 miles (doh!).

This is when I start running to my appointments because with guests I don't have time to go for real runs: 17 miles, 17 miles, 20 miles, 21 miles. Not bad. But...

My pants don't fit. I think about going to a dietician (do I have a glandular problem?!). In spite of increasing my milage, I am now 8 kilos heavier than race day, that's about 17.5 pounds more. I start doing jumping jacks in desperation. The mirror confirms it. I am fat. I see a picture of myself. I can't believe my butt is that big. I have been running more, but the scale sticks its tongue out at me nevertheless. It's not fair. I decide to run smaller distances but more often.

The next three weeks: 24 miles, 24 miles, 24 miles. I am proud of myself for being consistent. I feel happy again. I am starting to lose some of that post-marathon party chub.

The next week: 7 miles: I was on vacation, and really partying too hard to run. But the guilt did get to me, enough to make me push it the next week.

Finally... Last week: 34 miles. Three 10-mile days. And now I feel great! Today I realized that I have lost 4 kilos (8.8 pounds), which feels much better on the way down than it did on the way up. I can put away the fat pants. I am out of the danger zone (this is the crossover point where I go from being lean to chunky) even though I would like to get down to race weight and stay there.

I'm kind of a slow learner, I know. I have gone up and down with my weight hundreds of times and every time I get down, I have this ridiculous idea that THIS time I will just STAY there. But I don't. So I'll probably be out with Michael B, running til I'm 100 (that's what he says on his blog anyway, Michael, I am there with you!).

In the meantime I have figured out a few things that have helped me:
1. Taking a multi-vitamin (I think it keeps me from craving chocolate. Honestly. Haven't touched the stuff in a couple of months)
2. Not buying bread. (I eat that hard bread instead. I don't know why. Reminds me less of cake).
3. Making a pot of veggie soup on Sunday and getting a couple of liquid lunches out of it (want the recipe?).
4. Running multiple times in one day, even if it's a mile at a time (a mile is better than zero, and once I get that done, I can usually talk myself into another one).
5. Running to work and appointments at least one way (These are free miles because you have to go these places anyway and this way I don't have to worry about traffic or waiting for the bus. People have been pretty cool about it, too).
6. Your body reflects your behavior from two or more weeks ago. If you do bad things now, you're going to be crying on the scale in two weeks. Trust me on this one.
7. Fitness and weightloss must be maintained. You have to always keep that in mind.

That's it for now. I have to run to a meeting now. Need to get there early to towel off.

I Think I'm Going to Join This Group

2009-09-20T01:26:00.000-04:00

I think I might be ready for something new: click here

Bring on Marathon #3, and #4

2009-09-20T00:58:00.000-04:00

Well, I posted my post-marathon report and thought it was pretty good, but it turns out no one is reading it, or commenting (which leads me to check and re-check that it actually posted okay - which it did.) It was 26.2 frigging miles, folks! I ran it with some of the coolest people in the Greater Rochester Area (and California!)

OK, rant over - response to THREE mentions of me running in Europe with Michael, Kari and Ms. Fool. NOT GONNA DO IT!!! Peer pressure and guilt will not change the fact that my school schedule will not allow me to run Trieste Marathon on May 2nd followed by Prague a week later. I will dispell any rumors of such - NOT GOING TO DO IT, simply can't make it happen.

Marathon #2 - Rochester, New York (and the surrounding 26 miles)

2009-09-19T08:13:00.006-04:00

There are a few things that I learned when running my very first marathon.

it is best to run with a partner (for many reasons, and I'll elaborate later)
stay hydrated and take water at every water station (walking as you do)
cheer on the crowd as much as they cheer you on (keeps your mind in a happy place)
the last 6 miles are harder than anyone could possibly tell you
it is important to have a huge party planned at the end in order to keep your mind occupied during the last 6 miles

RUNNING WITH SOMEONE:

Paris was a HUGE marathon, simply huge. There were over 30,000 people running and it was absolutely impossible to run by yourself. At times that was a disadvantage because it was sometimes hard to keep a pace that worked, but it was largely and advantage. Similarly, running with Kari was perfection - we had a perfectly matched pace and were essentially the Ying to eachother's Yang. When she was strong, I used her energy, and vice versa.

Rochester was miniscule, comparatively. There were only 600 people running the marathon and as the field stretched out along the 26 miles, it was absolutely impossible to run with someone the entire time. At times this was a disadvantage because it was impossible to gather energy from the runners around you, but is was also nice at times to be alone with the 15 miles of Erie Canal - I enjoyed this long stretch along the Erie Canal until about mile 20, when I was just about ready to jump right in and swim the rest of the way. Having said that, I missed my friend, Kari and feel that Atalanta left me for a few miles when I needed her most. Not to worry, though, I found company in a younger (and much skinnier, ~~bitch~~) woman who needed my support just as much as I needed hers. From mile 19 on, we set small goals for ourselves and urged eachother on ... not the same way as Kari did, but I don't know that anyone would have the sense of humor at mile 22 to tell me that it was ok that I had lost mine and didn't need it. (still one of my favorite stories from Paris!)

STAY HYDRATED

During my training for marathon #1, I had grown accustomed to having water with me for every step of the way. I carried my water belt with me and liked the ease-of-mind that it provided me. That effin thing broke at about mile 3 or 4 and I ended up tying it to my body and ditching the bottles at mile 11 or 12. It worked out just fine, though, because Paris was well-equipped to hydrate the massive amounts of runners with bottled water at every water stop. While the bottles were down-right dangerous as they were cast aside from the THOUSANDS of runners who had arrived at the water stations before us, it was a great excuse to walk through each and every water station. Similarly, the system that Kari and I developed between these water stations worked brilliantly - we shared one bottle between the two of us - it was perfect!!!

During my training for marathon #2, I had grown accustomed to not having water with me. I usually made a pass back home for a refill or arranged for someone to meet me out on the route. I really liked not having to haul the extra weight around. Rochester was well-equipped to hydrate its marathoners, used paper cups and gallons of water, but it worked just fine. I ended up carrying a water bottle with me from the start of the marathon (a fluke, really. The starting bell sounded and I had an unfinished bottle in my hand.) As it worked out, I would pour a cup of water into the bottle, drink a cup of water, and pour one over my head at every water station. It worked great - I remained hydrated, I walked through the stations, and I was sufficiently SOAKED at the finish line.

CHEER ON THE CROWD

Paris streets were lined from beginning to end (with the exception of a very few spots) with bands, crowds, entertainment, dancers, hot french firemen, random food stations, and a generally energetic atmosphere. Kari and I quickly settled into the practice of clapping for the entertainment (and even singing with them) as much as they were for us. Admitedly, toward the end, there was little energy to give them, but truth be told, the crowd was thin at that point anyway. Similarly, we benefitted from our small band of groupies as they found us along the route. How they managed to track us down three or four times is beyond me, but is was invaluable!

Rochester streets were not lined from beginning to end (with the exception of a very few spots) with entertainment and crowds BUT I will say this: the people who WERE there were die-hards. Their energy was fantastic. I especially appreciated the father and two young boys who seemed to pop up at each and every mile. Their ability to follow us from start to finish made me wonder if they were as tired as I was at the end of my 26.2 mile journey. I loved looking for them, and they soon started chanting JELL-O JELL-O as they would see me coming (AND, NO, it wasn't because of the jiggling of my mid-section that made them chant, I was wearing my Jell-o visor.) I depended on them being around every corner, and they didn't let me down. I high-fived them at least 10 times out there!!

THE LAST 6 MILES

Really, do I have to relive these in writing???? All I need to say is this: the 2nd marathon was no easier than the 1st. The only difference was that I knew the pain was approaching this time. I walked much more in Rochester than we did in Paris - mind was simply stronger than my body this time around. I do, however, think that these last 6 miles and the pain associated with them are not unlike childbirth. As quickly as it is over, you seem to forget about it. Consequently, your mantra of "why the hell am I doing this, why the hell am I doing this, why the hell am I doing this...." is quickly replaced with "when the hell am I going to do this again.......?" REALLY??? Am I thinking about marathon #3?????

HUGE POST-MARATHON-PARTY = MIND IS DISTRACTED

Truth????? At no time during marathon #1 or marathon #2 did I think about the wonderful parties that were planned afterwards. Truth???? We had two amazing parties planned at the end of each marathon. Truth????? there was a common sensation that I experienced toward the end of each marathon (mile 25 and on....) Sausage! At the end of the Paris Marathon, our band of followers met us and cheered us. What they didn't realize was that the 'street meat' that they were eating looked so freaking delish that I wished they had brought one for me. By the time we managed our way through the crowd to reach them, their morsels of food were deep in their bellies (leaving ours still very empty.)

My hunger in Rochester at mile 25 was OUTRAGEOUS. I wanted an Italian Sausage so badly that I told the crowd on the side of the street that I needed one. Mile 26.1 was even worse. .1 mile from the finish line, my belly was stronger than my mind and my body and it took every ounce of energy I could muster to keep my feet headed in the finish line direction (and not heading off to Nick Tahous's for a garbage plate.) At the end, I raced to the hospitality tent, grabbed two bagels, an orange, a piece of pizza and a bottle of water. When I found my husband, I sent him for a hotdog (ok, TWO.) I was starved.

As much as I ate at the conclusion of this race, I was still able to put away a handsome plate of goodness when I arrived at LimaRuss's house for our spectacular post-race party.

IN CONCLUSION:

Every race is different. There is nothing that can compare with the sensation of crossing the finish line at the end of a 26.2 mile demonstration of determination. I had many people running this marathon with me, none of them WITH me but all of them OUT there at the same time. Great story: I wasn't the first of my many friends to cross the finish line ( although I was happy with my 4hour 50 minute finish.) Here's my inventory of friends who participated in this race:

LimaRuss - first time marathoner, met him during my training for Paris, Rotarian, inspiration for many! (Finished in great form, despite cramps and pain from mile 22 on....)
Judi - first time half-marathoner, met her through LimaRuss, runs every race in honor of her late brother, inspiration for many! (Finished ahead of her projected goal - fantastic job!)
Michael - 29th marathon, member of GoonSquad, British transplanted to California, fellow blogger, inspiration for many!! (Finished a quiet marathon with no problems what-so-ever)
Cliff - first time marathoner, last minute decision to run, barely trained, usually bikes hundreds of miles for Cancer awareness, high-school graduate with me, inspiration for many! (Finished in a very respectable time despite body-shut-down from 20miles on.)
Paul - ironman (need I say more?) inspiration for many! (Finished in 4hrs 10 minutes - wished I had stuck with him for a while, but couldn't find him at the start.)
Jennifer - first time half-marathoner, high-school graduate with me, inspiration for many! (Finished in great form, with a great time, with eyes on a marathon..... met me at the finish line with this great story-

The half-marathon and full marathon shared a start and finish line. The half-marathoners ran the first 3 miles with us and cut across a very hilly course to the last 6 or 7 miles toward the finish line. Jennifer said that she, running the half-marathon, was feeling very good and strong. She was running along the Genessee River at about mile 10 or 11, when she heard the motorcycles coming from behind. As they approached, she suddenly realized that she was being lapped by the marathon leader. She had run a full 11 miles and the marathon leaders had come a full 24 in about the same amount of time! I know it's amazing, but it gets better, she was inspired to run stronger and harder as she noticed that the marathon leader was....

7. Derrick - 9th time marathoner, high-school graduate with Cliff, Jennifer and I, elite runner, insipration to all (WON the marathon in 2hrs and 36 minutes despite stopping 3 times to stretch his cramping hamstrings!!!!)

Just a great time had by all. Of course, there is so much more I could write - but this should do for a while. (Pictures to follow!)

The MarathonMarathon (part 2)

2009-09-18T19:45:00.000-04:00

The day before a marathon can be a bit tricky. You don't really want to sit around all day, but you don't want to go exherting a whole lot of energy, either. With Michael in town, there were things that I wanted to show him, but didn't want to spend too much time or energy walking around or climbing stairs. Our first stop was to the Jell-o museum in my hometown. As it turns out, it is a fairly big deal - for several reasons - (1) Jell-o was founded in my hometown, (2) the museum brings thousands of people to our small town every year, and (3) the curator/creator of this museum is my mother. It is one of her many claims to fame. So, we toured the museum, bought the t-shirt, said our oos and ahhhs and headed off to my mom's house to share my love of horses with Michael. I quickly harnessed Beaman up and gave a quick ride to anyone who was interested. Lastly, we headed to Letchworth State Park to basically drive through a nice section of the state and view a few waterfalls and beautiful scenery.

On the way home, I had a lengthy conversation with my travel partner about how I just don't get the whole "numbers" stuff about marathoning. I don't understand, nor do I have much of an interest in making connections between my O2 rate, beats per minutes, elevation, pace......etc. As fate would have it, upon returning home, my husband presented me with a brand new Garmin 305 - thus - I have a feeling I am going to quickly eat my words and become adicted to numbers (just predicting, based on my personality.) In any case, a really cool way to end a really cool day.

Last minute logistics were worked out for race day and we were off to a restful evening.

Up next????? The running of the Marathon

The MarathonMarathon (part 1)

2009-09-17T01:56:00.000-04:00

I have spent the better part of the past year training for a marathon. At first, it was training for Paris in April, then quickly became training for Rochester in September. I like having a goal - it keeps my life on track. The funny thing about this marathon was that I probably wouldn't have done it if it hadn't been for the many people who actullay took the bait when I said "hey, why don't you do Rochester?" Michael from California, Russ from Lima (New York), Cliff (a friend from high school), Judi (friend of Russ' and now friend of mine) and Jennifer (another friend from high school.) And these are just the people who I feel like I had a direct connection to their decision to register for the marathon. This doesn't include, well, Paul and Derrick (who I will get to later in the story - stick around for that one, 'cause it's good.) So - needless to say, the marathon weekend in Rochester was shaping up to be a MarathonMarathon to never forget!

Thursday night arrived without much fanfare, I had just come from an open-house for my youngest son's pre-kindergarten. 9:30 was approaching and I was heading to Buffalo International Airport to fetch, and meet for the first time, Michael. The plan had long been established that Michael (our blogging friend from California) was going to come to Rochester to complete his 10th marathon in as many months on his journey to complete 12 marathons in 12 months. (ok, if you think that is crazy imagine that it was actually his 29th marathon in roughly 7 years!!!) On with the story. I had planned to loan him our car, which meant I needed to borrow the truck from my mother, which meant she needed to get it to the park-n-ride before I left for Buffalo, which meant I needed to meet her at the park-n-ride and take her back to her house before I headed to Buffalo to pick up Michael....... the ordeal!!! But worth the effort.

So, Michael arrived and we had a great conversation on the 45 minute drive back to LeRoy, where he would drop me off and head to Rochester, where his hotel was. He pulled away and I just thought how small the world had become through all this marathoning hullabaloo! I had already met Ms. Fool and Minken in Paris, and now I was meeting my 3rd marathoning blogger - on my home turf. Just the coolest thing.

I had to work on Friday, which left Michael to drive the marathon route and explore what little there is to explore in Rochester. Together, we went to Marathon Expo (quite possibly the largest let-down of the entire weekend!) Michael confirmed what I had suspected, this Marathon Expo was the smallest he had ever seen. None-the-less, I grabbed my bib, registration packet, drop bag (which I didn't need) and purchased some Cliff Blocks to get me through Sunday's race. We probably didn't even need to put money in the meter, because I think we were in and out in all of 10 minutes. (sob, I sooooo wanted to check out the new gear - but alas, there was none.)

With an hour and a half to kill before our rendevous with the other runners, I decided to take Michael on a tour of Rochester and the environs. I will confess that I have never done this before, and am almost ashamed to admit, but I took Michael to Wegman's Mega Store. I dare say that MegaWegs was the highlight of his day - (it is a pretty impressive grocery store.) As we were walking into Wegman's, I actually turned to him and said "I can't believe I'm actually highlighting a grocery store as a MUST-SEE in Rochester." (It is a cool store, though. You all should come to Rochester to visit it.)

(photo by Russ - actually by our waitress)

Early on in our preparation for this visit, Michael expressed a firm interest in eating at the Dinosaur Barbeque, so, who were we to deny the out-of-towner his only request. 6:30 had arrived and the half and full marathoners and corresponding support teams were arriving at the sacred biker bar. The beer was flowing and the conversation was outstanding. The food was, well...... the food was amazing. I have eaten at the DinoBBQ several times and have been OKAY with my food choices, but this time I hit a homerun with the Ribs and New England Clam Chower HELLLLLOOOOO!!!!!! Delish! Michael wanted to make sure he had every opportunity to taste a decent selection of the menu, so he ordered what I would call "the largest sampler platter in the establishment." Between the several beers and the food in front of him, I'd say the Dinosaur BBQ was a hit. (let's see - Jennifer, LimaRuss, Meslissa, Judi, Mark, Justin, Michael and Me. All together we put away a lot of BBQ.)

OK - so, I'm going to post this now, but understand that I've only covered days one and two of the five day marathon-marathon. SO - up next? LeRoy, New York (home of Jell-o)

THEY MADE IT!!!

2009-09-13T17:34:00.002-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO RUSS, MICHAEL AND LAURA ON FINISHING THE ROCHESTER MARATHON!! WOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

We knew you would. Now take those ice baths (Michael, I know you're not a fan. So, for you, take a couple of Aleve...) and give us the full scoop.

I'm so proud of you! Wish I had been there. I thought of you the whole day.

Are You Looking at the Time???

2009-09-11T00:03:00.000-04:00

It is late, and I'm blogging!!! That can only mean one thing - something important is about to be said:

Michael is here. I just picked him up from the airport, he has probably just checked into his hotel, and I'm so excited about this that I had to share it with everyone. The next few days are destined to be blogging heaven - more to follow, I'm sure.

Having said that, I'm off to bed..... marathon expo tomorrow and a long-awaited visit to Dinosaur BBQ for some pre-marathon carb loading.

I CAN'T WAIT!!!

2009-09-09T17:40:00.000-04:00

My cell phone just rang, the caller ID simply said "CALIFORNIA" and that could only mean one thing.....Michael is calling me. Hard to believe that we just chatted (voice to voice) for the first time since our decision to run the Rochester Marathon. He is arriving tomorrow night and I will be at the airport with bells on - CAN YOU BELIEVE IT????? The only thing that would make this even better would be....well, Kari, I'm not going there.

So, our plans are basic: Dinosaur BBQ, rest, RUN, rest, drink, celebrate!!!!

I just can't believe that this crazy circle of marathoning friends is about to close in on Rochester - it's going to be a great weekend.

I know it's a little early but...

2009-09-08T10:49:00.002-04:00

I'm going to be out of town until Sunday. I'm going to visit my cousin Kate and her husband Kevin and his family in England... I don't know if I will have internet access, so let me just wish the Rochester Marathon people a great time this weekend. I will be thinking of you non-stop!!

GOOD LUCK!!!

I need a Plan

2009-09-07T10:25:00.000-04:00

I chatted with another blogging friend this morning. Minken was our 'go-to-guy' for our Paris training. He was our expert and our advice giver (whether we wanted it or not.) For the record, he has never led us wrong, so it only seemed fitting that he return to role of advice giver for my pending Rochester Marathon. I will be running with a friend of mine and shooting for 4hours and 15 minutes. Minken gave me a formula for helping me reach the goal. I, of course, am nervous about this marathon because I don't feel like I have been putting in the short runs like I did in February and March. "Not to worry," he said "your training from April will carry you through. You will run faster and stronger." *or something like that*

So, I am going to follow his advice and try to run SLOW for the first 4-5 miles (probably 10.30 pace) then hit my target pace for miles 6-18 and then try to speed up a bit for the last stretch.....ugh!!! As I type it, I'm sure it's easier said than done. BUT, in retrospect, as crappy as Kari and I felt for the last stretch, we still posted negative splits - I'm counting on that next Sunday.

I hope that Ms. Fool and Kari don't mind, I'm taking Atalanta for the entire week. I'm picking her up at the airport later today - if you need her, you can skype her at my house, but she's sticking with me for the next week.

I feel the love - we feel the love - you should feel it, too! We just aren't the same without our blog..... BRING ON ROCHESTER!!!

Yeah! I can blog again!

2009-09-07T08:54:00.004-04:00

It's good to be back...

Yesterday during my run, ATALANTA came to me and here is what she said:

A: Hey! Wow! You sure porked out since the Paris marathon!

Me: (huff huff) Yeah, I know, I'm working on that. Trying to get my miles back up again. I took a little break this summer...

A: I'll say! Pick up the pace, girl!

Then she raced me for a little bit down Via Costa Lunga... letting me run ahead of her when the sidewalk got too narrow for us to run side by side. It was fun running with Atalanta again. She doesn't usually come on the short runs.

Then she spoke again:

A: Kari, it's time for you to blog again. Wish Laura well for her second marathon. Thank your people for their support and continue the Road to Paris (just say yes!) blog. This is your destiny. Do it in the name of the great and almighty Atlanta.

Then... POOF, as fast as she had come, she was gone. I finished my run and couldn't wait to blog about it! But then I couldn't get into the blog! I was locked out!

Today Laura let me back in (I changed google accounts and that messed things up).

During our blogging hiatus, Laura and I thought a lot about our blogging future and what, specifically, to do with this blog. We thought about shutting it down on its birthday. We already ran the Marathon, after all, the Road to Paris, well: BEEN THERE, DONE THAT.

Then we thought about starting a new Blog called JUST SAY YES, harking back to our exchange student days, and the concept that got us training and blogging together and meeting up in Paris after 18 years... After my meeting with Atalanta, though, I got to thinking that I'm pretty attached to this blog. I mean, WE HAVE A HISTORY TOGETHER. Plus, I miss Laura, the blog kept us in constant communication much better than even email, skype or facebook (although we use them all). And, here at least our friends know where to find us!

That being said, anyone who is tired of us can always un-follow us, but we hope you'll keep with us. We love your feedback, friendship and support.

Ok. Here is where we are now.

Laura is getting ready to run the Rochester marathon, and I am running for fun and planning on running the Trieste marathon in May (any takers? Michael B is in. Anyone else??). I have been running more often but less far and enjoying it, especially since the weather has cooled off. I have also started another blog about my life in Trieste. It's pretty naked still.

I intend to send Laura, Michael Limaruss and all the others my best running vibes for this weekend, and help them through their post marathon depression starting Monday. This, as you know, means that we will have to find another marathon to start training for.

To summarize:

We have made some great friends over the course of this blog. We reunited with a bunch of people we hadn't been in touch with in 18 years. We learned about eating, runner's high, runner's depression, and running barefoot from experts, friends, and each other. It's time to write again. You keep reading and we'll keep running.

We have decided that we are destined to BLOG!!

2009-09-06T13:37:00.004-04:00

In short - Kari and I have been busier than one-legged-women in ass-kicking competitions (*good visual, right???) SOOOOOOO ---- we are back. I am hitting my taper for my 2nd marathon, which is next Sunday. I forgot how much I love the taper. (although, at times, my training this time has been much like taper....hmmmm.) So, our blogging friend, Michael, is scheduled to arrive in Rochester on Thursday to run the Rochester Marathon with me - can't wait to meet the man behind the mile 17 Mars bar!!!! I have also dragged several others along with me (LimaRuss, his Lima gang (Judi and the like), Jennifer Connor Martin and Cliff Harford (high school friends), Paul (ironman friend), wish upon wish that Ms. Fool and Kari could join in on the fun, but alas - that reunion will be saved for another adventure.

So - as soon as I can figure out why Kari is blocked from administrative rights, she will be back......WE'RE BACK, darn it all!!!!!!!

I like training during the winter better!

2009-07-21T20:19:00.003-04:00

It's too hot, I'm too busy, and I need too much GLIDE to make my runs happy. (that's all I have for today...hahahaha)

Here's A Great Story, needed to share....

2009-07-13T15:57:00.003-04:00

I opened my facebook page yesterday and found this posted from a good friend of mine, KEB. I got a chuckle, and I think you may, too, if you have followed our blog for a while.

"File this under- Random conversations with Strangers:

Took the kids to Strong Museum of Play yesterday and Jack was playing with another little kid in a contained area. Mom to my right says "this is a great place , eh?" I respond in positive. On her pullover there is a name I recognize- Atalanta. I say "oh you are a runner!" She said- "yes I am...how did you know?" I tell her the name she has on her jacket is the Goddess of Running. This is something she did not know. I tell her I have a friend who is quite the runner and a plethora of information. She tells me it was just a great top for mid weather running (it is a brand apparently). It has now become her favorite top with this new information. She thought her constant rubbing of her foot was my give away. "My toe is turning black I am about to lose my nail...Oh I'm sorry Is that gross??" I laugh and reply "Nope, it is a conversation I am quite familiar with!"

I had to share that with you all....ALL HAIL THE MIGHTY ATALANTA, she works in mysterious ways.

Does Hubby Blog????

2009-07-12T22:23:00.002-04:00

The answer is NO! But you are right, Becky, I should at least let you all know that not only did he agree to run the 5k portion of the Boilermaker, but he did so without stopping. At home, he does a run/walk combination to get himself through the entire 3.2 miles. I told him that the momentum of the crowd and the energy from the music and ambiance would carry him from start to finish. IT DID. He completed his 5k in 30minutes -YAY HUBBY!!! I am proud. He said he'd do it again, so another runner is born. Atalanta smiles down on men, too! (and, he drove all the way home while I slept - such a good man) ~ c'est encroyable.

Boilermaker Report

2009-07-12T16:02:00.010-04:00

I just added these photos (out of order, but it's all good) Here are the 15k-ers at the finish
... and the 5k-ers at the finish

all of us leaving the hotel at 6am to catch the shuttle to the start.

Simply a great time - everyone should run the Boilermaker

Me, Judi, and "LimaRuss" at the start (looking ready)
Check out my t-shirt (I chose to have my number printed directly to my shirt. Great souvenir of the race. Wish they did that at every race.)

Fast forward to the finish line - this is a permanent fixture next to the brewery!

This guy, Bill Pelton, DIDN't opt to have his number printed on his shirt but he gave me permission to take his picture and post it on the blog. HOW ABOUT THAT????

(Minken??? Thoughts??)

Now this is what I call a party!!

Just about every person who was over the age of 21 (and I'm sure some who were not) were drinking it up at 9:30 AM. Carb replacement, carb replacement.

CHEERS to all of you!

I think that pictures speak louder than words, and I tried to capture this 15k race with photos. I couldn't capture everything, but I think that you will get the idea. Having run this race, I now know why it is viewed as one of the more popular races in the country. (Elites were impressive, although I didn't so much as cast an eye on them. We snails enjoyed the music, Popsicles, crowds, belly dancers, golf course, zoo, firemen, bagpipers, and.......BEER at the end.) Had a great time running with 12,000 people and partying at the end. I'll do it again next year - anyone want to join me?

By the way, I felt great and ran a 9:33 pace (hills and all!~ nice)

I Miss My BFF!

2009-07-07T19:24:00.003-04:00

My mojo is off, my spirit is cracked, my mind is not at ease, my life is not whole, my my my ..... The only thing I can think is that I am missing my friend, Kari. I mean, really, this is HER blog too!!! I feel like Captain without my Tannile, Sonny without Cher, Hall without Oats, Siegfried without Roy, Forrest without Jennie, Tina without Ike (actully, she's better without him), DJ Jazzy Jeff without the Fresh Prince, Yoko without John, Regis without KathiLee, The Jacksons without Michael (okay, that wasn't funny), I mean REALLY, Bo withouth Luke.... the list goes on and on. She is on a yacht somewhere in the Adriatic, or something (not getting a whole lot of running done, but maybe swimming behind a dingy????) Here is what I propose -when she returns, I think she should have a blog post full of comments proclaiming how much we miss her and need her back in our lives.....sounds pathetic, doesn't it? Well, let's do it anyway!!!! What do you think.....here, I'll start.....

Finally....

2009-07-06T05:35:00.002-04:00

I convinced my husband to register to run the Boilermaker 5k this coming Sunday as I run the Boilermaker 15k. He isn't a 'runner' like many of us who decide to train for marathons and what-not, but he is a runner because he has watched me log the miles and I think that he has decided that what is good for the goose is good for the gander (or vice versa.) So, every day or so, he laces up his new running shoes and heads out for his 3 mile run. I am always proud of him, because I know that his knees aren't happy with his decision to become a member of our 'let's run' club. But he continues. Yesterday, while the boys were with their grandparents, Justin and I ran together for the first time. It wasn't anything monumental, but it was the first time we shared the pavement together. It was fun, and I kept wondering what people must have been thinking as he and I jogged past their homes together, when we are usually squeezing in these jogs separately. I was happy because I know that there not enough people in our country who take care of their health by finding time every day for physical activity - there are even fewer couples who find the time and enjoyment of running together (however long or short the run may be.) So, it may not become something that we have the opportunity to do often, but it was finally nice to run with him.....

Gotta go plot out my daily run today (time to take this marathon training a bit more serious)

Get out there and do something today!

I'm Here, and still running

2009-07-03T19:52:00.002-04:00

Kari and I knew that this blogging thing would take a slight back seat once the marathon was over. I am sad that she and I no longer have a common goal, thus, the banter isn't as exciting (at least for those of you who found our road to Paris exciting.)

I finished my last day of work last Friday and promptly hopped into the car headed for Jamestown/Williamsburg, Virginia. Several years back, a very close friend and his family packed up and moved south. This friend of ours was the best man in our wedding and the guitar player in our band for about 15 years. He continues to be my husband's best friend, despite the distance. It was absolutely wonderful to spend time with him and his family. The last time Justin and I were in Virginia visiting our friends, I had not yet rediscovered my passion for running. This time, I was happy to find that our friend's new house was located directly on quite a system of running trails. I knew that last Sunday was going to be very very hot and humid, so I knew I needed to get an early start. Having checked the map the night before, I had a rough idea of where to point my running shoes at 7am. After about 10 minutes of running, I was already off course, but continued anyway. I am sure that I was trespassing, but before I knew it, I ended up on the Colonial Parkway and Jamestown Settlement. (insert US history lesson: Jamestonw was the first successful English Colony in the New World. It is the birthplace of our European-based heritage. Quite an impressive place to visit.) As I was running in the humidity, I was constantly wondering how the early English settlers could have possibly survived the same heat and humidity. Surely, they had to do an awful amount of physical labor to maintain their settlement. While I ran nearly 9 miles, and sweat my ever-loving-ass off, I couldn't get the Jamestown settlers out of my mind. I ran out the Colonial Parkway, until I was certain that I would be able to take a left, left, right and home. It was a good thing that I asked directions from a very nice lady who was running by. If I had continued, I would have plotted the next Jamestown Marathon - no possible way to end up home by taking a left, left and right.....ooopps. So, this lady ran with me until I was sure that I knew my way back. I found the trails behind the house and made my way back to our friend's house. I am so glad that I don't live in that humidity - there would be no marathon training for this marathoner, that is for sure.

Our family said our goodbyes and headed next to Washington, DC. The best part of this trip was watching my two young children experience their first hotel room. They loved our hotel. Again, the humidity was just cripling - I couldn't bring myself to get a run in while we were in DC - I justified it by saying that we got a lot of walking in (Air and Space Museum and the National Zoo.)

Today, I managed a nice 11 mile run but still feel like I've been lagging in my training. I should have been able to do a full 15 miles by this time in my training regimin, but I couldn't imagine going one step farther.

I finally bought a new pair of running shoes. I actually did the whole FLEET FEET fitting, etc. No shocker here that I have been running in shoes that are way too small for me. My usual 9.5 saucony running shoes are officially traded-in for an upgraded size 11 model. My feet will thank me, I am sure. I am only fearful of blisters caused by the larger shoes - I'll let you all know tomorrow. I have to get out and do 9 miles tomorrow (time to play catch-up.)

On a different note, I will be running the 15k Boilermaker in Utica, NY this coming weekend. It is supposed to be the greatest race to a beer tent in the greater New England area. I can't wait to run this with my LimaRuss friend and his contingency of Lima friends (who I had the chance to train with last week.) I have even talked my husband into running the 5k - YAY JUSTIN!!!!!

On that note - I'm outta here. I miss you all and miss our blog. There are good things in store for the two of us (Kari and I) you just have to trust us as we finalize our new plan.......

Three Peas in a Pod, Playing FOOTSIE (blogging style)

2009-06-16T05:12:00.003-04:00

For those of you who have been following, asking, and laughing - this is for you. I am actually snagging the entire blog entry from our blogging pal, Michael B. He is the 12 in 12 guy that we keep talking about. Well, it seems that HE planted this idea, KARI started it, I followed suit and, well, here's the WHOLE naked story.....taken right from Michael's blog:

Few weeks back I let it slip that I was looking into the whole barefoot running thing, thanks to the new book Born to Run. I was intrigued by the author's explanation of how running shoes were developed and the possibility that they could be responsible for the lion's share of modern running injuries. The alternative was, naturally, no shoes at all. I was in no hurry to run unshod, as I have a bunch of marathons still to run this year, one of which is RnR Seattle on the 27th of this month, and I didn't want to do anything stupider than I normally would, for fear of injuring myself.

If memory serves, it was the very next day (after I revealed my interest) that my online running bud, Karoline, from Road to Paris blog fame and fortune, hit the road shoeless. She returned unscathed and, apparently, jubilant for the experience. That's when the subtle (?) pressures began to be applied. Kari was a convert, and it was clear her Paris Marathon partner in crime, Laura, was under the gun to give it a try. They go way back, you see.

Laura and I twittered and facebooked a bit back and forth about Kari's, shall we say, intensity?! Yeah, that works. At this point I was feeling a little self-applied pressure to take the plunge, as it was my suggestion that created this monster (used in the nicest way!) in the first place, but, I was still planning on saving myself til after Seattle. Then, out of the blue, surprising me and our friend in Trieste (Kari), Laura dove in last week. She, too, was hooked. I had no choice but to follow suit.

My intent, when I headed into San Francisco at 6:30 this morning was to put in 18-20 miles as by last long run before Seattle. I was thinking about kicking things off (including my shoes) at the Marina, where I could run barefoot around the Green, either on the grass or the pavement path, for MAYBE a mile...just to say I'd tried it.

Got out of the car in my "birthday shoes" (as Kari calls them) and walked across the blacktop parking area to the green. The only thing I could say right then was "damn, that hurts". The parking area is a bit rough. I was sure at this point that this was not going to go well, but stuck to my guns and started running on the grass. It felt good. Nice and damp...and cool...and soft. I was, however, immediately concerned about the sprinkler heads that are almost hidden in the turf, and did not want to hit one of those, so I stepped out on the amazingly smooth and even blacktop path. It did not take long at all for me to be blown away.

I was amazed, primarily, just how much this did NOT hurt. Seems there are pretty much more nerve endings in the foot than almost anywhere else in the body, which might lead one to surmise that, therefore, running barefoot would hurt a lot. But, turns out, all those sensitive nerve endings allow the bare foot to respond and adapt in nano seconds to the stimulus, pleasant or otherwise.

I also quickly felt as though all the energy I was spending was being efficiently used. I was setting a really good pace (for me), with surprisingly little effort. The experience was so enjoyable, that I ended up going around the green seven times, just under 4 miles, before deciding it was time for shoes...and the rest of my run.

Hitting the road again in the new Kayano's did feel good...at first. The cushy heal was comfortable and welcome...at first. But I soon had the feeling that I was leaving a lot of energy in the cushioning, and perhaps, having to work way harder to get the shoes to go where I wanted them to.

Turns out the balls of both feet got a little tender during the barefoot section, which led to the development of one big blister, late into the shoed portion of the run. That was painful enough that I bailed on my 18-20 mile plan and settled for 15...five minutes faster than my previous 15 mile pace.

All in all, I am blown away by what a positive experience this was. I'm not an expert or a coach so I can not say it's for everyone. But if you're game, give it a go. If you do, even if you don't like it, please let me, Laura, or Kari know. We'd love to hear your tales.

Right now, gotta go lance a blister.
Gotta run!

I couldn't have said it better - the part about springy heels in the shoes and what-not. I felt the same thing, but quickly thought that I, too, was wasting energy in that spring that I wasn't wasting in my birthday shoes. On a similar note, I had a blood blister on the bottom of one of my toes from running on the track, but it was re-absorbed the next day.... There was a guy getting his walk in while I was running - he looked at me sideways, but that isn't all that abnormal. I almost told him to take HIS shoes off, too, but thought that would be pushing it!. All-in-all, a great experience that I am happy to have shared with you in cyberspace. I see that Kari ran 3 this morning in her birthday shoes - (Barefoot Chardonnay anyone???!!!)

- Laura

Pictures Speak Louder Than Words!

2009-06-13T12:33:00.010-04:00

Taking them off (note my Eiffel Tower socks)

Leaving them behind

Dirty toes when I was done with my barefooted 2 miles.

Off to some trails......

My sneakered feet took to these trails feeling somewhat muffled.

An unexpected bridge

and to celebrate today's feat??? **pun intended**- found this at the liquor store

(didn't know it existed)

Very fitting, don't you think? Sante!!!

It's a Small World Afterall....lalalala

2009-06-12T21:35:00.003-04:00

I have been absent, and I find myself saying SORRY again for this absence....again, I am sorry. I am happy to see that Kari has kept herself busy with her barefoot vs. running shoes experiment. It has given us all much to read about and certainly much to ponder, as we question if we should follow suit (I am sure we WILL eventually, because we always do what Kari says. She is a renegade!)

Anyway, today was a fabulous day on many levels.

1 - my first coaching experience is still not over - STILL NOT OVER!! Track and Field is supposed to be a short season, unless you have a SUPERSTAR for a sprinter. One of our boys has sprinted his way through sectionals, state qualifiers, and state prelims ..... and is now seated comfortably in the STATE FINALS tomorrow in North Cicero, New York. A feat which is difficult to achieve in one event, certainly! HOWEVER, he has managed to crawl up this perilous ladder in TWO events (100 and 200.) Proud proud coach, I am. I can't take much of the credit, particularly because I haven't really coached the sprinters. However, I have coached the distance runners so that our other coaches can dedicate more time to the sprinters - we all have our roles to play. So - I am excited to see if he can win tomorrow.

2 - while waiting for my trip to North Cicero, I had a great time tweeting with fellow bloggers Michael B and Karoline. You see, it seems that Kari has decided to become the expert on running barefoot (at Michael's suggestion.) Michael and I have yet to attempt said exercise and are feeling a bit inadequate with regards to this new specialty. I have concerns for my flat feet - seeing as I require gel inserts in my sneakers in order to run with any sort of comfort. Add to that, I am allergic to bees (afraid to step on a bee!!). Kari carried my epipen through the streets of Paris and I have yet to find another friend who will do so in LeRoy.

3 - Kari also tweeted that she has made contact with a fellow LeRoyan who is living in Trieste (small world) and will be getting together on Sunday - OF COURSE, Kari, you must wear the Jell-o tee shirt. How else will Brendan recognize you????

4 - Back to North Cicero - I called a friend who was an exchange student with Kari and I in Belgium. I knew that Aaron lived near Syracuse, because I had spoken to him a few months ago. When I told him that I'd be in North Cicero, how about lunch. He said that the Track Meet was literally in his back yard!! Well, we went out to lunch ( hadn't seen each other in 16 years) and he wasn't kidding when he said it was in his back yard. As I pulled up his driveway, I heard the first call for pole vault weigh-ins!! SMALL WORLD? HELL YEAH!!! So, it was great to see Aaron again - I'll spare you all the details of our conversations, but it was soooooo great to see him.

All of this made possible through the efforts of this blog and our decision to carry forth during and after our quest to complete the Paris marathon!!

What I've learned from running in my birthday shoes

2009-06-12T04:10:00.002-04:00

There is a whole barefoot running world out there that I was ignorant of until last week. Here are the two most important things that I've learned from reading into it and trying it myself:

1. No, running in flat shoes does not count. You're either barefoot or you're not. If you're wearing socks, you're not barefoot either. And if you're not barefoot, you can't learn how to run correctly. If you decide to wear some kind of small layer of something to protect your feet from sharp things, you may get injured because you don't have the full sensibility of the nerves in the soles of your feet to tell you what to do, and, if this is the case, you are not allowed to complain. (The barefoot approach is not for the meek or wussy-footed, in other words). That being said, it really doesn't hurt, although some surfaces are more comfortable than others (the idea is the same as the bed of nails-- it's all about weight distribution). Barefoot runners that I have read about do not prefer grass, sand, and other soft surfaces. For them, hard or soft, it's all good.

2. Eureka! Relax your ankles when you run. I tried it this morning (with shoes) and it changes everything. It forces you to bend your knees more and gets your hips into the action, which essentially distributes the work throughout the body, making running, gulp, easier!

Don't worry, friends, I ran barefoot so that you wouldn't have to. If I think of any other things that can be translated into shoe running to help you become a better runner, I will let you know...

I'm liking the barefoot thing

2009-06-11T10:08:00.003-04:00

I know it sounds weird, but it's fun! I split my run in half this morning and wore my shoes on my hands again. No blisters this time. Hey, if Luna can run barefoot, so can I (please don't suggest I run with a fur coat on, though...). For the record, I see the barefoot thing as a once a week occurrence. I don't think I'll be running marathons this way, but it is an interesting experience.

I also ran 11 miles

2009-06-09T09:30:00.001-04:00

in solidarity for Laura and Russ. It kicked my butt, though. I was sacked out all Saturday afternoon! But trail running is awesome. I can't wait to hear what we're running next weekend!!

I Did Something Crazy Today

2009-06-05T13:30:00.004-04:00

If you've been keeping up on our blog, you know one thing: WE LOVE MICHAEL B. He is our inspiration. As you know, he is running Rochester with Laura this year and next year he is coming to Trieste to run with me in May-- he understands that marathoning should be done with buddies, and we are Best Running Buds 4ever! His constant on-line support and running wisdom have brought us to the point that when Michael B. said "Eat a Mars bar at mile 17!" By Gosh darn, Laura and I did it. When he said "get on Twitter," we started Tweeting! Then he said get on Dailymile-- we were on it in a nano-second.

When you hang out in cyber space with Michael B, you start getting strange ideas, though, because he makes you feel like you can do anything. He's more than halfway through his 12 marathons in 12 months challenge (two of which were one week apart), which made me want to do something crazy, too, like run 100 miles in 10 days (which I want to do in a couple of weeks. I think. I will keep you updated on that one).

Today he tweeted about how he was reading about running barefoot. So I started googling (I had images of Zola Budd and Mary Decker falling over each other in the 84 olympics, OUCH!) and reading about how good it's supposed to be for your feet, your ankles, for curing shin splints (bingo!). They also say there is something about it that makes you enjoy running in a whole new way because you experience it through your feet and not muffled through shoes and socks (um. Ok).

Now, to be clear, Michael B. did not say he was going to DO any barefoot running... but just the fact that it was on his mind made ME want to.

So that's what I did. I ran 3 miles on the bike path wearing my shoes and socks on my hands. I'm not kidding, it was awesome. And it's true: there is something really wonderful about it, I don't know how to explain it, but it's like that freedom you feel when you drive without shoes. It didn't even hurt when I stepped on pebbles, I just lightened up my step. When I could feel my ankle muscles, I felt like I had done them a big favor.

Putting my shoes back on again for the last 5 minutes of the run (in the street where non-runners would see me) was kind of disappointing and I was sorry to do it. Once I had them on again, though, I started flying! Running first without shoes made me a way faster runner when I put them back on again. I felt a lot more efficient, too, like you can't run wrong when you're not wearing shoes because if you do, it hurts.

The funny thing was how many runners I passed wearing my shoes on my hands. Thanks Michael B, for inspiring me to try new and crazy things!

For the record, the soles of the feet are fine. One small blister, but I feel like I earned that sucker.

So You're Not Running the Rochester Marathon?

2009-06-05T10:04:00.002-04:00

That doesn't mean you can't TRAIN like you are! Anyone who is up for it, let's do a nice 11-miler tomorrow (or Sunday) in solidarity for our fellow runners: Limaruss, Laura, and Michael B. (although I think he is exempt after last week's marathon...). Let's eat our virtual Mars bar at the 7-mile mark.

Have a great weekend!

More Venice

2009-06-04T08:12:00.000-04:00

We ran into our friend Cecilia while we were there. That was chancey!

Luna at Caffè Florian (I snuck this picture. This room was roped off actually) at Piazza San Marco.

Not too many people at Piazza San Marco.

Sweetie made me do it.

The train back to Trieste.

Luna Goes to Venice

2009-06-04T08:00:00.001-04:00

Here's where we were on Monday.

She almost looks Venetian, doesn't she?

Luna looking down at the gondolas...

You can't see her, but Luna is under the table taking a rest and hoping that food will fall through the cracks of the table.

Trail Number One Part I

2009-06-04T07:55:00.003-04:00

We had a four-day weekend so Sweetie and I decided to spend as much of it outdoors as we could. Here's what we did on Sunday. Our hike started in Prosecco. It was about an 8k walk to Santa Croce and back on Trail number 1, which goes along the Adriatic coast.

Here's the sign that told us we were on track. We only got lost once.

We saw two horses.

It was a really nice and pleasant walk. Sometimes rocky, sometimes woodsy.

Trail Number One Part II

2009-06-04T07:52:00.001-04:00

This is the way back to Prosecco from Santa Croce on the Number 1 trail. Nice view of the Gulf of Trieste.

I'm looking down at Sweetie and Luna from the look-out point.

Can't get enough of these horses!

Here's the lookout point I was telling you about. Isn't Trieste pretty?

You'd Better THINK....

2009-05-31T19:54:00.007-04:00

The best part about running, in my opinion, is the time I get to think about things I wouldn't normally have the chance to think about. So, here's a peek into my brain as I ran my 6 miles today.

1) "Damn, this wind makes me feel like I'm either running 12 miles an hour, or 1 mile an hour...Atalanta, what the heck did I do to you for you to ignore me at my time of need"

2) "Mary Karen needed more people surrounding her at mile 17. With only 1,000 people running that marathon last week, by the time she got to that WALL, there weren't enough people running around her to help her moving. Thank god we had 37,000 people in Paris. We were never alone out there. Even though I think the crowd was sparce in the last 3 miles, the runners (or walkers, at that point) were still thick as theives - btw, Kari and I were RUNNING, thank you very much."

3) "Where the heck is Al? I've gotten used to running with my neighbor and I am kinda bored without someone to push me." Al was a really good friend of my brother's in high school, and I never in a million years thought that he and I would become neighbors and running partners. "I wonder if I can convince him to run a few races with me? He pulls me through the first 3 miles and I drag his ass through the last three - good stuff."

4) "It was really cool to see my high school track coach at yesterday's sectional track meet. I should get him to run the Boilermaker with me. "

5) "I should get all the runners I know to run the Boilermaker with me - it is supposed to be one hell of a party. Everyone who has run it basically says it's a 15k race to a beer tent-what's not to like?"

6) "I hope it's not as hot on September 13th as it was last year for the Rochester marathon...I don't like the heat"

7) "What the hell smells? There must be a dead animal in the hedge-row over there...run faster!"

8) "I wonder when the last time was that I saw my in-laws? It was before Paris! Gosh, we are all too busy. " Bonster, if you are still reading our blog,

9) "Does anyone realize how friggin cool it is that our blogging friend, Michael, has not only finished his 7th marathon in 7 months (on his way to 12 in 12) but - he's going to run Rochester with ME in September, and Trieste with Kari in 2010!! When you think about it, that is really, really cool. Too bad we didn't push for him to join us in Paris, that would have been amazing."

10) "What the heck is so great about the movie Twilight?" I watched it two nights ago, mostly because I'm reading in in french and needed a bit of the cliffnotes version to get me inspired. I'm not getting the hype...whatever.

11) "I need to get Russ to write his guest contributor piece, we need some fresh marathoning blood on this site"

12) "I wonder if Kari's going to be up for a SKYPE in the morning. I am going through PKD (post Kari Depression."

There it is, folks. I'm sure there's more that I thought about, oh yeah...

13) "I'm going to have to pass these teenage boys, I wonder what they are saying about the 35ish year-old passing them ...pick up the pace, boys, marathoner coming through"

14) "Thank god it's a step-back week for my training, because I don't feel like I've really STARTED training, and I'm already at week 3 - geesh - time to get on the schedule, here. I have to go 3/6/3/11 this week - I can do it!'

ALRIGHT - off to put the kids to bed and get into that book I spoke about earlier.

I'm BACK!

2009-05-29T10:24:00.002-04:00

Hello hello hello again, my friends. I'm sorry about the silence. This week I was in Budapest on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for my new free-lance gig. Did I tell you my work contract expires this month and it didn't get renewed and so I'm opening up my own little business doing communications and marketing and translations and PR, etc.? That's what we call "Turning lemons into lemonade." Atalanta has been smiling on me since I made that decision. For one thing, she put me in touch with a really cool woman named Klementina (woman business owner in Italy, not something you see every day, LOVE IT!) who needed some help with a couple of international clients. So we went to Budapest together (may there be many many more trips like this in my professional future!!). But the BEST PART (and thank you again, Atalanta) is that she is a runner! So we got along great (she also likes food and wine) and we ran in Budapest and as we learned in Paris, running is the BEST WAY TO DISCOVER A CITY.

I already love my new life.

I've got a four day weekend coming up. (Oh stop, you had Memorial day, what, last week?!) I can't wait. I'm going to sleep and then I'm going to run and catch up with my blogging buddies.

Shout out to Michael B who is running the Marathon in San Diego this weekend. Good luck, friend!

Also, CONGRATULATIONS, MARATHONER, to Mary Karen, who kicked the Buffalo Marathon's butt last week! Excellent job.

Have a great weekend!

A Weekend of Champions!

2009-05-25T21:17:00.006-04:00

I don't consider myself to by sporty, athletic, or a follower of any particular team, or season, or sport, or athlete. I rarely care about PRs or statistics, rosters or ubber athletes (except Lance, of course.) I can't talk the talk to the level of some of my other 'sportier' friends, but I can enjoy a good game of baseball, football, soccer, or basketball with the best of them. All that aside, I had a heck of a sporty weekend. Now, granted, it was a four-day weekend so I had a bit of time to fill up, but this was NUTS.

SATURDAY was spent at a track meet - coaching our boys and girls to some fantastic performances. Our boys 4x100 relay is unbeatable - truly amazing to watch. There is talk of them going all the way to states, which is remarkable! Three of the four relay team members ran their 100m and came in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd - fantastic, really. We have an athlete who is undefeated in the 100, 200, 4x100 relay and long jump. Sectionals should be something to witness!

SUNDAY MORNING - I dragged the whole family out of bed on Sunday morning so we could drive the 50 minutes to Buffalo to cheer on the 1,000 people running the Buffalo Marathon. Luckily for my kids, the route ran directly past the zoo - bonus!! They went and watched the Baboons mate as I posted myself at mile 18 and clapped, cheered, sang, yelled, hooted and hollered for those folks who passed by. My main purpose was to cheer on my friend, Mary Karen, who began training for her first marathon after we spent an hour or so at Christmas time talking about Kari and My desires to run in Paris. I didn't know it at the time, but she was inspired by our decision and decided to set her sights on Buffalo Marathon. Her mother and I sychronized our watches, planned our stations, armed ourselves with Jelly-beans and Blue G2 (special request by MK.) I recieved word that Mary Karen had passed mile 16 and was on the way. As she approached, I knew immediately that mile 17 had her way with my dear friend, Mary Karen. There were, I dare say, tears of pain and clear signs of some serious wall-hitting. I kicked into hyper-you-got-this overdrive. If I could have picked her up and carried her, I would have- trust me, I would have. The ankles were sore, the hands were swollen, the spring in the step was gone gone gone. NOW, had I remembered, had I thought, had I gone through my own personal checklist, I would have pulled out the MARS BAR!!! But, I failed her, I failed her, I failed her. Instead, I said - "YOU GOT THIS. I'll be at mile 21 and I'll talk you through this." And away she hobbled. I knew she would finish, I just wasn't sure if it would be at a run, walk or crawl. So, as I approached mile 21, I decided that I would walk back toward mile 20 and split the distance with her. I would run with her if I needed to. Over the hill, I could see her and I was soooooo elated to see Mary Karen's spring had returned to her step and she had kicked that damn mile 17's BAD ATTITUDE in the ass. I felt much better as I sent MK on her way toward her mother and husband who were waiting for her at mile 23....much better. She'd make it, she'd make it (and she did in just over 5hours and 30 minutes!) Welcome to the marathoner club.

NEXT - SUNDAY NIGHT: Belgian Championship Soccer Match between rivals Liege Standard and Anderlecht. I couldn't find a website that would allow me to watch the match, so I was reduced to reading the minute-by-minute details on a website (it felt a bit like deciphering morse code during a war, but it worked for all of us!) Les Rouches ont célébré leur 10e titre de champion de Belgique dimanche soir à Liège, le deuxième d'affilée acquis face au rival anderlechtois. In other words, they won the championship and now have bragging rights in all of Belgium (however small it may seem, it is a big deal.) When I was visiting Liege last month, I had the opportunity to go to one of their matches (which is also a big deal, because I understand that it is very very very difficult to get tickets to their matches. I don't know how we ended up with these coveted tickets, I didn't ask, I can just assure you that it was something that I will not soon forget.) So, anyway, Liege is currently celebrating their second title is two years - way to go Liege Standard! I wish I were there celebrating with them... don't belive me? Check out the videos of what le Carre and Place St. Lambert is like - I'd be there in a heartbeat!

AGAIN, SUNDAY NIGHT -I graduated from the College of Wooster, a small liberal arts college in the middle of rural Ohio. The four years that I spent there were collectively four of the best years of my life. While I was there, I worked as an athletic trainer for all of the teams. Consequently, it is really super to see that the baseball team from this very small college (still being coached by the same Coach P as when I was there) is ONE GAME AWAY from winning the NCAA small college national championship. Again, this is a very big deal! Tuesday is a very big day for them - GO SCOTS!

FINALLY - I ran today! Felt great - do I need to say more about that? I feel like a champion.

Does this Happen in America?

2009-05-20T06:43:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the absense, but as I told you, I was busy being lazy and eating too much... until Sunday, when I decided to go for a small run with the dog. A 1.5 mile run to be exact. Which is better than nothing (and I had been doing mostly that since the marathon). I bumped up this mileage, however every day since then because of what happened on Sunday.

Me: Hey, ____, so nice to see you!! Hug kiss kiss.

Friend's wife: Karoline! Wow! Have you ever gained weight!! What happened?! Before the marathon you were so thin! YOU NEED TO BE CAREFUL!..

Me: (Nervous giggle)...Um, gained weight... Well probably... I mean I took a little break after the marathon to recooperate... (nervous giggle)... I did run this morning... (which was true-- all 13 minutes of that run were real!)...(self-consciusly tugging shirt to cover up excess poundage). Now I'm running again, so those kilos should come right off...

FW: I sure hope so!

Um... Ok. I'm going to tell you the truth: 1) I hadn't noticed I had gained weight (denial?) 2) This person went from being kind of a cool lady my mom's age to an old goat over the course of the above conversation. 3) I tugged at my shirt and self-consciously checked my profile in the mirror about 800 times that day, which is a bad thing. I started to see double and triple chins, too. Now, the thing that gets me is that this exchange did not come when I was actually being lazy and eating too much. No! It came the week to the day that I stopped drinking any alcohol and the same day I started to run.

What's up with that?

Then I weighed myself: 3 kilos more than before the marathon. That's 6.6 pounds. You know what I say to that?! BIG DEAL! What's all the fuss.

Monday I ran 5 miles, Tuesday 6, today 1.5 again. I feel great! Weight? Same. But who cares? The important thing is to get out there and run...

A SHOUT OUT To BRITISH COLUMBIA - YEAH!!!

2009-05-18T20:07:00.003-04:00

I woke up this morning in quite the hum-drum mood. Things at work have been, well, hum-drum. When I say hum-drum, I don't necessarily mean it in the "oh my god I'm going to fall asleep" way that one associates with the phrase - rather - the "this isn't exactly why I went into teaching" hum-drum. (now, for anyone who is from my workplace, please don't take this the wrong way, because you all know that the end of the year can be a bit difficult to maneuver for even the most experienced of teachers....making everyone question what part of May and June can a teacher be prepared for?)

SO - hum-drum. UNTIL THIS came across my e-mail..... A quick note from Kari saying CHECK THIS OUT. (this is where you check this out) Then she simply sent another link.

SO, now that you've checked out these awesome links - DID YOU CHECK WHERE THEY ARE???? That's right, British Columbia!!! Our friends to the way way way North and way way way WEST are reading about us. (pat on your back Kari, I feel the pat on my back, too.)

After I read these two identical articles (and assumed that they came from Rotary International) I decided that my favorite part is the absolute last line: "Their blog site was top of the list of what RI is clicking on this month."

Of all the things that the folks at Rotary International do with their time and efforts, they were reading our blog as we were running in Paris!!! It kind of hit me as I read it that the Rotary International organization has brought Kari and I full circle - and has brought so many of us together through service for others. Our fundraising efforts may only be a drop in the bucket (as far as money goes) but the message that we have helped send will prove to be more valuable than all the money that we raised.

So, as I continued with my ONCE hum-drum day, I kept reminding myself that we are a part of something much bigger than ourselves as we maneuver through our complex days. There are things out there to be done, and if it is through running another marathon with friends that I have met through this blog - then so be it!!!

AND - if there is anyone reading this from British Columbia - THANKS FOR THINKING OUR STORY IS GOOD ENOUGH TO POST ON YOUR WEBSITE!!! (feel like coming to Rochester???)