We Made It!

We made it!  After 18 weeks of training, we ran our race and crossed the finish line!  What a fun trip! We got into San Diego Friday afternoon, checked into our hotel (which had a patio with a grill), then went downtown to the convention center to pick up our race packets.  We were able to go to a Padres game that night- where Matt was seen shakin it on the jumbo tron, then spent Saturday on the Coronado Beach which was absolutely fabulous (minus the sunburns) before our big day.  The husbands made us dinner at the hotel (grilled chicken, pasta, and salad) the night before, and we were so relaxed from spending a day at the beach that we were all in bed by 9!

The race info said that we should be there at least 1 hour before the start, so we woke up at 4:15 that morning and the husbands drove us to the airport where there was a shuttle for runners to the start line.  We had bumper to bumper traffic at 4:30 in the morning on the interstate!  But we are married to men with skills, so they took some side roads and had us there on time.  The race itself was amazing.  I've never seen anything like it.  The website said over 30,000 people had signed up, so it was CRAZY!  We stood in line for the port-a-potties for an hour before the race and actually missed our start!  The race started at 6:15 in the morning, then they let a wave go every 2 minutes.  Our wave was supposed to be 19, but we started with wave 23.  Lucky for us you could start in any wave after, you just couldn't move up without being authorized.  

The men went back to the hotel after they dropped us off and had breakfast, and we had signed up for runner tracking (the best $5 Tasha ever spent) so they got a text every time we passed the check points.  We had chips tied to our shoe laces that tracked our time, so when we crossed the checkpoints it sent a text. This helped them plan where they wanted to be to cheer for us.  I thought with all the craziness that it would be a long shot to see them along the course, but we got to see them 3 times - once at mile 12, then mile 22 and 25 (the last spot we ran past twice).  There were bands all along the course, and cheerleading squads, and tons of spectators.  Lots of people had made great posters- "your perspiration is our inspiration" "the pain you feel now is nothing compared to the pain of quitting" and my favorite "worst parade ever".  My favorite shirts said "is my celluite gone yet?" and "still waiting for my runner's high (and this is my 4th marathon)".  

I thought I would cry when we finished, but I ended up crying at the beginning, middle, and end.  I cried at the beginning because it was so cool that we were finally here, and I almost cried towards the end because I was starting to get overwhelmed and I was just plain done running, I cried when I watched my friend Jamie cross the finish line because I knew how much she was hurting, and I cried in the middle of the race because of the runners doing "team in training".  These runners were raising money for the leukemia and lymphoma society.  The race was a fundraiser for the leukemia and lymphoma society, and it was awesome to so many people running with pictures on their shirts in memory and honor of their loved ones (they are the ones in the pictures with the purple shirts on).  One guy had a picture of a little girl on the back of his shirt and below it said "Cancer Sucks".  I couldn't work up the courage to ask him who the little girl was because I knew if he said it was his daughter I would lose it.  It helped me remember that I have so much to be thankful for.  

You can click on the links below to see some of our photos.  The finish line links have pics from the race photographers so I'm not sure how long they will be available, but they also have videos of us crossing the finish line. The slide show is made up of our personal pics from the weekend.

Tiffany finish line

Tasha finish line

Jamie finish line

Slide show of our pictures

So what's next for these 3 crazy runners?  Well, Tasha has her eyes on another marathon, I am considering one, and Jamie has sworn the full length off forever :)  We do have our eyes on a triathalon- maybe next summer, and some 1/2's so stay tuned and we'll keep you posted!  Thank you so much to our husbands - thanks for watching the kids, thanks for cheering us on, thanks for believing we could do it- we would've never made it without you.

~love, the Part Time Sugar Mommas

San Diego Here We Come!

Well, I think this is my last post before we run the big run.  We head out after work today for Mesquite, NV, and then on to the beautiful San Diego Friday morning!  We've got our sequined costumes race outfits, our swimsuits, flip flops, tickets to a Padres game, and we're ready to go!  The kids have their suitcase packed and and lots of plans to keep the grandparents busy for the weekend (they've been so excited to have "4 sleepovers" that they have been planning activities for weeks!)  Its really exciting, and a little nerve wracking too.

I have been trying to convince myself that there is nothing to be nervous about (mainly because I know I'll be up all night, and then I'll have to pee a million times before the race and I think there will be long lines for the port-a-potties).  I've been telling myself this is just going to be a long run with two of my best friends, and not really a race-there's nothing to get worked up over.  But now the reality is starting to set in- I'm not really that nervous, but I am getting more and more excited by the minute.  I keep thinking about what still needs to be done, what we'll need to do when we get there, how far we really have to run, what if I forget my shoes, what if I get separated from the girls and can't find them, what if I can't finish, what if we can't find our husbands at the finish, what if...

Then last night at a work meeting I talked to my friend (and coworker) Charlie.  Charlie was an avid (and really fast) runner who is now in a wheelchair due to a spinal chord issue that I don't fully understand.  He wished me luck on the run, and told me to think of him as we are running along the beach.  He said, with a look of seriousness, but no resentment, "Just think of me and be happy you can run".  I can't even type this without my eyes welling up.  But he is right.  That is the best advice I have received so far.  There is nothing to be nervous about- I am so blessed to get to go on this adventure.  I get to go on a road trip with my husband and good friends to a beautiful place, run on these 2 legs that have put in a lot of miles, and make a lot of great memories in the process.

So with that in mind- I'm ready to set out.  Watch out San Diego, the Part Time Sugar Mommas are headed your way!

Part Time Sugar Mommas

I believe this could be my mom's greatest craft project ever!  Good thing she has practiced all of her quilting  skills- she has answered the challenge and left her mark on marathon racing forever (well, on my marathoning anyway!)    Here are the official race shirts, which will undoubtably leave the competition in a state of bewilderment (or blindness), but hey- that's what they get for trying to take on the PTSM - Part Time Sugar Mommas!  

Front of the shirts (with polka dot lettering for Tasha)

A movie we watched (Spirit of the Marathon) had a girl who recommended that racers put their names on their shirts so the crowd could cheer for them by name.  We figure we will need all the help we can get

Bling-O-Riffic! 

Why yes, those are giant sequined letters!

 We thought about spelling out Part Time Sugar Mommas on the back of the shirts, but then decided that if we only used the acronym, it could be a conversation starter during the race, and we could make up new names depending on how we feel (Post Traumatic Stress Marathoners comes to mind)

Thank you Mom - We LOVE you!

It's getting close!

So...yesterday we got our final instructions for race day!!!!!! It is exciting and terrifying all at the same time! I can't tell you enough how I have enjoyed this experience ( I don't believe Kenny feels the same way...) I am amazed what my body can do and how much it doesn't hurt like I thought it would! I recommend training for a marathon for anyone...especially if you have 2 girlfriends as crazy as you! I have mentally packed for the trip, so I need to get on it!

The Running Tally - Part 3

Well, we survived our "big week" and our 20 mile run!  I thought it was appropriate to list some additional expenses.  Hopefully I am done with all these "training needs" :)

We left off at $457.95, and the new additions are...

~ MORE NEW SHOES!!  I just couldn't resist more ASICS, my standby running shoe, my one true love :)  on sale at Sports Authority for $70

~ While at Sports Authority, I also bought more socks (I know, I know, this is becoming an obsession) 4 pack for $17

~ Running hat (to protect my sunburned head) $22.50

~ More GU and GU Chomps (gummy bear things) $7.40

~ Big tub of Cytomax sports drink mix $20

Which brings the newest total to $594.85.

We only have 3 more weeks left before the marathon, and its hard to say what other things I just might NEED,  but I think I have to reign in the spending so I can save up for some margaritas on the beach!

Big week

This week is our biggest training week before the BIG RACE...we are scheduled to run 40 miles this week!!!  Tonight we are kicking it off with a 10 miler, then we have two 5 milers, and this weekend a 20- yikes!  I think we're ready (we better be, our race is only 3 weeks away) but it's still a little intimidating to think of running that far all at once.   We'll have our pockets full of GU, our feet covered in band-aids, water bottles around our waists, and our skin slathered in sunscreen!  The 20 mile run is the longest run we'll do before the marathon, and after this week the milage starts to decrease in preparation for the race.   I think it will be a relief to us (and our patient husbands) to have the milage (and time requirement) start to decrease.  

Here's some pics of Tasha and I peer pressuring Debbi (my Aunt) and Janie (running buddy/experienced marathoner) to run with us in Palisade this last weekend.    Where is our 3rd partner in crime you ask?  She happens to be the only one smart enough to realize how foolish it is to pay to run (I think she has started listening to Matt!).  Maybe some of her wisdom will rub off on us.  Until we start winning the big bucks like Debbi in these races that is...

Aunt Debbi with her big winnings - she took 3rd in the 10k!

The GU review

Sooo, I decided to try out some  GU on some of our long runs (if you'll remember, I decided to try this  delicacy before the race to see if it would result in explosive abdominal issues).  So at REI the other day I picked up a few flavors for the sampling.  Lemon sublime, pineapple roctane, and chocolate outrage made it into my cart, and then into my pocket for a long run.  Well...let me just tell you that anything that is pale yellow and the consistency of thick mucus is NOT something a respiratory therapist can stomach!  I opened the packet (lemon sublime) and squirted , no smooshed some out of the packed and into my mouth and GAG!!!  All I could think of was swallowing a giant loogey!  Maybe my job has ruined me and you will think it is fine, but lemon sublime and pineapple roctane will not be a part of my life any longer.  Chocolate -excuse me I believe it is CHOCOLATE OUTRAGE - on the other hand reminded me of licking the brownie batter out of the bowl - so that has passed the taste test.

You will all be happy to hear also that my guts survived the taste test unscathed, so I foresee the beginnings of a beautiful relationship between myself and my new (super powered) brownie batter.

Confessions of a overpronating adducter...

Hi, my name is Jamie and I am an overpronating adducter. I have been addicted to adducting and overpronating as long as I can remember. It has cause sore knees and painful running. But I can stop whenever I want....

Thank you to Brown's Shoe fit who analyzed my feet and and my "gait" and discovered the possible reasons for my sore knees. Apparently I am a train wreck in the efficient running department, but hopefully the new shoes I got will help! I had the wrong shoe type and was a full size too small. Who knew?

Brown's will do the analysis for free and if you buy the right shoe, they will throw the left one in for free (not my line, I promise)! And they threw in a free pair of smart wool socks that match the shoes! Tasha, did you hear that? My socks match my shoes! It is a dream come true for you!

The maiden voyage is tomorrow night...keep your fingers crossed!

Riding Brother

So Rod (my brother) was in town for the weekend and I talked him into riding with me on my 16 mile ride and being my water sherpa! His Bum is sore and he thinks I go to the bathroom a lot, but we had a nice few hours together! Thanks Rod! Tasha

The running tally, part 2

OK- here is an update on the running tally, or how much I have spent on this marathon so far...

We left off at $340, and the new additions are (drumroll please)...

~NEW SHOES!!!  $53 (with tax and the $50 gift card I got from the Sweetheart Run) - this will always be the favorite expenditure, especially since my knees have not hurt since I've run in them (we'll see after this 15 miler on Saturday if I'm still happy).  I've been an ASICS fan for the last few years, but I won a Brooks gift card so that's what this latest pair is.  I may be a convert...

~$4 maps of the trails around town with mileage

~$12.95 pair of Smartwool running socks

~$14 pair of running socks (both pairs of socks have been an attempt at blister prevention (these $14 ones did not work) but I had a $9 dividend at REI and a %20 off coupon, so they ended up costing about $3

~$7 in GU and Cytomax (sugar packet stuff to eat while running and drink mix).  This is what the aide stations at the race will have, and I thought I should try it beforehand to make sure it doesn't give me explosive diarrhea or anything scary

~$7 hot pink running shirt for race day

~$1 hot pink flower for my hair for race day (what has happened to me???)

~ $30 multiple boxes of blister cushion band-aids (Target's Up and Up brand is the best) and one bottle of New- Skin and a roll of moleskin

Which brings the total to $457.95

 DON'T TELL MATT!  (Just kidding- I told him today he's my sponsor.  I'm pretty sure he rolled his eyes, and I'm pretty sure that he's going to refer to this list someday when he wants to buy a new mtn bike)

The rolling pin...not just for baking anymore...

The last two long runs I have had a lot of knee pain. I did just turn 32, but I felt like I should have a few more good years left in them right? My friend Kim told me about her experience with IT band problems that manifest themselves as knee pain, especially when running downhill. Yes, that is me! "It's all downhill from here" was not as relieving as it used to be. (Thank you Tiffany)!
The problem with IT bands is that they can adhere to other tissue in your legs and become less elastic. This throws off your whole knee alignment, which in turn makes your knee hurt. (Web MD said it much better, but you get the idea). The treatment is rest, ice stretching and rolling out the band. The ice and stretching was great! The rolling pin on the other hand....
Sean asked me what hurt worse, rolling out my IT band or being in labor. I had to think about it. I eventually chose labor, but it was a close race. I had giant knots along the side of my leg and rolling them out was so painful. WebMD also recommended rolling 2-3 times per day for 5-7 minutes. Really?

After two days of rolling, ice and stretching I jumped on the treadmill and do you know what? I think it helped! I ran the entire time without knee pain!

The mileage really picks up from here. Three miles, seven miles, four miles, fifteen miles this week. Yikes!

It's all down hill from here, right Tiff?

No Socks!

This guy that I ordered my running shoes from told me he never runs with socks...so today I ran the end of our run without socks in yet another attempt to get this blister under control.   Freedom!!  I don't know if my foot will be any better because of it - but it was like breaking some kind of unwritten rule!  While we were running we thought of some new uses for my socks - which may have to find a new job :)

1. mittens (Tasha's favorite use)
2. ear warmers
3. if your running partner is talking too much, you can literally tell them to stuff a sock in it!
4. breast augmentation (I'm gonna need more than one pair)
5. butt augmentation ??
6. sweat mop
7. surrender flag - you never know when a run may kick your butt
8. new purse- could hold all of the treasures my kids find me when we're out hiking
9. reusable doggie clean up - OK OK that's enough!

I did try some of these new uses out today, but it really should've been done BEFORE I ran 9 miles.

So next time you see someone out running and they have socks hanging off their ears - you'll know they totally stole our idea.  But before you run them off the road, trying to defend our creativity, remember we need them.  That could be our one and only fan!

P.S. I did have one of Target's up and up brand blister care cushions over my blister -and I like it the best so far of all the remedies.  I like it better than the moleskin and better than the Dr Scholl's.

P.P.S Don't go near my shoes, it's for your own good.

Good thing I got my girls

I just looked at our April running calendar - and yikes!  10 miles are on the schedule for tomorrow, 15 next Sat, 16 the next, and 18 by the end of the month.  Our mid week runs are in the 7 to 9 mile lengths.  Lately I don't want to go run - my knees are starting to ache on the runs, and my foot is blistered despite my multiple remedies.  I feel like an old lady with my aching joints!  I ordered new running shoes (with my $50 Sweetheart run winnings) in hopes of blister prevention/treatment, but now am hoping that new shoes will equal happy joints. Oh fountain of youth where are you??   Thank you sweet running girls for calling me and making me get off the couch - I need you!

Nemesis Defeated!

I ran 12 miles the other day out on the Kokopelli trails in Loma.  Matt had the day off, and the kids were in school for the morning, so we had a date (fear not- he was riding his bike- not running)!  This date did not involve sparkles, but I totally rocked the sweatpants.  Last time I tried to run this particular route was about 10 years ago, when I could just get up and go for a long run.  It was summer, and my dad, brother and I took off for a run/bike ride.  By the end of the run I was a little too dehydrated, a little too hot, (OK maybe it was heat exhaustion) and let's just say it was not pretty.  I ended up barfing all over myself, wiping my face with my shirt, throwing my shirt in the back of the truck and traumatizing my brother as I rode sans shirt, smelling like barf/sweat, smooshed up next to him on the bench seat.
But I fear Mary's loop no more!  I completed my 12 miles without the barf (40 degrees cooler does wonders for a run in the desert), and my date still took me home- even without the sparkles!

Sweatpants to Sparkle Transformation

Ok, this post is really for my sister, who does not believe that I ever get dressed up.  Last week (in honor of Jamie and Kenny's birthdays) these runnin' momma's ditched the running tights and donned the sparkles (a requirement of Jamie's for our date).  I had to borrow sparkles from Libby (she was not impressed that I took her flower hair pin) - but I made it!  Just wanted to show that under pressure, I too,can actually wear more than just sweatpants :)

Gateway 1/2 Marathon

 Tasha crossing the finish line

 Jamie coming up to the finish

Tiffany crossing the line

You rock girls!

OUCH!

We ran our half marathon today and survived!!  (My aunt took some pics- we'll try to get them uploaded soon!)  Here is a picture of my foot (avert your eyes now if you are queasy) and the nasty blisters I have been fighting with.  I even bought new socks- which obviously did not work.  Any blister prevention ideas would be appreciated- I still have lots of miles to run on these puppies!

Training...but being a mom too....

So here is my 3 mile run yesterday...Raining can't run outside, so I drive home have an hour before I have to be at a meeting and I also have to make dinner. Get home start the oven, run upsairs change to my running clothes, run downstairs put the chicken in the oven, run to the basement, run a mile, run upstairs turn over the chicken, run downstairs run another mile, then run upstairs take out the chicken and start cooking some green bean, run downstairs run the 3rd mile, then run upstairs and get the other stuff out for dinner, run upsairs and take a quick shower, come back downstairs then fix plates, Kenny and the kids walk in eat then I go to my meeting...Whew:) I ran my 3 miles in less than 30 minutes even stopping to make dinner!
Tasha

"Easy Week"

This week our schedule is 3 miles, 5 miles, 3 miles, 7 miles. I looked at my calendar and thought, "phew, it's an easy week. Only 7 miles this weekend." Since when did 7 miles equal an easy run? I used to think about runing 7 miles with dread. But now it seems like a relief when the next weekend we run a half marathon.

So cheers to the easy week! Let's celebrate (with some wine and sparkles)!

My cute new running buddy

I found a cute new running buddy (sorry girls, he's all mine)!  He is too fast for me, but luckily he obeys the traffic signs in the neighborhood and "stops" to wait for me.  I asked him if he wanted to be my coach, and he said "I'm not your coach!  You have to be an adult to be a coach!"  Maybe if I hang out with him I'll pick up some speed.  If not, I figure its never too early to train him to be my water sherpa :)

Week 5 Complete!

Week 5 complete! I survived our 10 mile run (even though Tasha made me run hills) and Jamie's spin class (the trick is not to turn the knob, no matter what she says).
Well on my way to completing goal # 3- "Not die"
~Tiffany

Alive...

I never thought I would be a runner. I am able to run, I have sneakers and a cute pair of running shorts, but there is something in me that comes alive when I run. I don't know if it has always been there or if it is like a switch that got turned on. Whatever it is, it's there and it's growing. With every mile and every race and every training day checked off, it grows. It keeps me running when I want to stop; it gets me off the couch when I don't feel like getting up; and it agrees with "coach" Aaron when he tells me I can go faster. It is the feeling of being alive, of feeling strong and knowing that if I can run a marathon, I can pretty much do whatever I set my mind to.

What could you do if you believed that about yourself?

The Benefit of an Organized Friend

Look at this!!  Can you believe I have my own calendar counting down the weeks and planning out our distances until the marathon?  Is it color coordinated?? Why of course it is - Tasha made it!  We each have one (and it does continue on until June) and it has helped keep me on track.  That is the benefit of having an organized friend.  Thanks T-Fizz!

Am I obsessed?

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Can a marathon be a treasure?  I don't know, but it is definitely where my heart it.  Am I letting my identity come from what I can accomplish?  Is it possible that I could be obsessed with running?  Um, yes, and I don't think it is a good idea. Could I still be thankful and praise God if I was not able to run?  This is what I have been pondering this week (while running of course!).

I am not saying that running is a bad thing- I'm saying it isn't good to be obsessed with anything, including running.  I am not going to train any less, I have to train in order to be able to finish the race, but I think mentally I don't need to be so crazy about missing a day, or what new shoes/socks/etc I could use, or the million what ifs I can imagine.  Maybe I need to remember to be thankful that my heart is beating, that I can get outside and find my sanity, that I have 2 legs to run on, that my family loves me even when I am crazy...

That said, I think this is going to be a great adventure.  I love that we signed up to do something that will involve a lot of hard work and determination to accomplish.  I love that we get to do it together.  I love that our husbands are supporting us even though they think we're crazy.   I love that I'll be so excited and/or relieved at the finish line that I will cry (and that folks, gives me a great reason to stuff my bra!).  

I love that my God is full of adventure too, and that if I let Him, he'll patiently run all these miles with me. So with my heart on Him, I'm going for a run.

~Tiffany

The Better Half Marathon and 5 Mile | Gateway, Colorado 81522 | Saturday, March 19, 2011 @ 9:30 AM

The Better Half Marathon and 5 Mile | Gateway, Colorado 81522 | Saturday, March 19, 2011 @ 9:30 AM

Uh oh, another race on the schedule!

Ughhh...

So I have succumbed to the stupid cold virus that my small people brought home from McDonald's play land (thank you Sean and Kenny)! Or it might have been preschool or kidsplex. Who knows? I am frustrated that I have to put training on hold this week. I was on a roll and hadn't missed a day yet. Do I push through and keep with the schedule or take time off?
Today, all I can think of is going home and putting on my team Jacob sleeping mask and sleeping all day. Although being at home isn't that restful when three small people are crawling all over you. Maybe I'll send them to McDonalds...

The Sweetheart Run

Here is a pic of us at the Sweetheart Run in Fruita.  We all ran the 10k (6 miles was our long run for the week), and we all won prizes in the raffle!  The sweethearts (Kenny and Tasha) even took 3rd!

Check out our resutls!

http://www.fruita.org/documents/rec/2011SweetheartResults.pdf

Yes, I realize that I did not enter my age or gender - Apparently I was having an identity crisis :)

~Tiffany

Week 3

We have completed week 3 of training and no injuries to speak of! Good Work:) Week 4 is when we start to bump it up! Get lots of rest, fluid, and lets get to it!

Inspiration

Tasha here! I know we can do this, I too hope we don't die! I need to loose at least 10 more pounds to keep up with Jamie and Tiff...but they are good friend so I am sure they will wait for me at the finish line! I am excited and constantly reading about marathoning! So far the word of wisdom are...train, rest, train, train, train, train!
Love, Love,

Tasha

The Running Tally

This is for you Matt...

- Race registration $130
- New running tights (so I can run outside all winter and not join a gym) on sale at REI $35
- Running shoes (technically I had these already and would've bought them marathon or not) $85
- Lots of running music via iTunes ???
- New long sleeve running shirt on sale at REI $30
- Race entry for Fruita's Sweetheart Run $20 (I totally would've spent this anyway)
- Race entry for Gateway's Better 1/2 Marathon (haven't signed up yet, but planning on it since we have a  13 mile long run on our schedule that week) $40
- Planning on buying more running shoes before race day to replace current shoes ??  But wait!  I won a $50 gift card for Brooks running shoes at the Sweetheart Race- Yippeee!!!

Total so far...$340 without counting the music and new shoes I plan to buy
Oh yeah - Apparently after showing this to Matt (the fiscally responsible one) he mentioned that I could include the travel expenses...man, he is so detail orientated :)

~Tiffany

Wanna Run with us?

We (by we I mean Tasha the Organized) chose a training schedule by marathoner Hal Higdon.  Here it is if you are so inclined to train with us...come on, you know you want to!


www.halhigdon.com/marathon/Mar00novice.htm


Goals:
1) finish the race and have a picture of us after finishing to hang on my wall
2) average ~10 min miles - to finish around 4 hours
3) not die

~Tiffany

Are we CRAZY??!!

Yes. The answer is yes, we are crazy.  My very good friends and I have lost our minds and signed up for a marathon.  "Which marathon?" you might ask - the San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon of course!  It has been on my bucket list for a while to run a marathon, and so when my two crazy friends asked if I wanted to run one with them, there was no backing out.  The San Diego race has been tempting me because well, its in San Diego, and because its a rock and roll marathon which means there is a different band at every mile.  So far our plan is to leave the kids with the grandparents, and take off for a long weekend with our husbands and run a marathon together (the husbands think we're crazy too, they're just in it for the vacation).  When is the race? June 5th.  Are we training?  Well of course we are.  This blog is an attempt record our adventure in case we completely lose our minds and can't remember what we were thinking when we signed up.
~Tiffany