Training is well underway!

I gotta say, training for two different events in the same season is tough! Saturday I met up with my TNT mates for our Space Coast Training 4 mile run. Then started out for a bike ride - but only felt up to doing 7 miles.

Sunday, 50 miles on the bike doing repeats along River Road! Woo Hoo!! I can't believe I did it and how long it took, but the point is I did it!! 

Monday, 20 miles on the bike, rested on Tuesday - mainly because I had too much work to do and then today I did my 3 mile run. 

Keeping up with the mileage per the Training Peaks schedule is just too much for me, so I'm just doing the best that I can. 

Well, gotta get my bike in for some clean up and have the gear changing clicker looked at because it's sticking, then off to the grocery store, library and then back to work. I guess somewhere along the way I need to do laundry, get the kids out shopping for school clothes and shoes this week and clean the house. I need another me!

Have a great day!

Don't forget to make a donation and sponsor me in my Seagull Century Ride. I'm raising money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society with Team In Training! Click on link below:

Team In Training Mile After Mile

Seagull Century Ride - Here I Come!

So a new chapter begins. I needed a new challenge and so I've set my sights on earning the Triple Crown with Team In Training. Since I need to complete 3 types of events, and I have already done the marathon and half marathons, I have decided to try the Seagull Century Ride. That's right - 100 miles around Salisbury, Maryland. I've started training and hopefully it won't kill me. 

Everyone has told me that the course is "flat as a pancake", but I have learned that people's perception of what constitutes flat or a hill are relative to where they train. So, I'm hoping that the elevation and hills won't be an issue. Most of the roads here in Florida are truly "flat as a pancake". Not sure how this Assateague course will measure up.

If you have insights for me, let me know. Speed bumps to some are hills to me - LOL.

Anyway, I will keep you posted. Since I am doing this as part of Team In Training, any donations to my campaign would be greatly appreciated. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is doing amazing things these days. One of my heroes is Sara. She is 4 years old and just finished her last chemo treatment last week. I can't express the joy, happiness and hope I am filled with when I see her smiling face. Her mom is one of my teammates for the Space Coast Half Marathon and one of the loveliest people I have ever met. In fact she's the one on the far right of the Team In Training Ad for Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.

Oh that's right - I didn't mention that yet, but I'm doing a double header this season. Seagull in October and Space Coast in November.  Anyway, if you'd like to make a contribution to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, please visit my website at:

Mile after Mile

Fingers crossed - I don't have flat tires, wrecks or any other catastrophes on the road. I'll let you know how things are going. 

Goal is in Reach!!

So, I'm only $355 away from reaching my fundraising goal! I'm so glad to be part of this amazing team and organization. If you'd like to know that you are donating to a cause that actually is saving lives today, then this is it! Visit my Team In Training website and make a donation today. 

Every donation, no matter how small or large makes a huge difference!!

http://pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/nikewhlf13/SavingLives

Well, gotta go to a field trip now at the Solar Energy System. should be a good one. I haven't been to this one before, so Yeah! for something new. Have a great day. And Thank you for supporting my efforts to find a cure to cancer. Together we all make a difference.

Ba-Bling!

Sarasota First Watch Half Marathon was a great event! The location was beautiful, especially running across the bridge and the weather was perfect. Not too hot and sunny, but not too cold. Wonderful to get away for the weekend, even if the traffic on the way back was a bit heavy. People are maniacs on the road!

Here's me and my running mates - Tiff and Erin. Special ladies for sure! We had a great time talking and laughing along the course. Although having not trained the way I should, I was aching by the finish line, but the "ba-bling" was well worth the pain!

Below is my Team In Training friends at the Corporate 5K run on Last Thursday. Lots of fun - maybe not the greatest course - but seeing my friends makes this an event I'll definitely want to repeat next year. Also, got a cool Tee-shirt for St. Patty's day.

Gotta get more serious about my running though. I'm still so flipping slow and DC is going to be much hillier than Sarasota and I had to slow down quite a bit by the end of that run. Anyway, this week I'm taking a new attitude and I'm really going to buckle down. Let's see if I can beat 2:40 in Washington, which would be a new PR for me!

Tick Tock, Tick Tock . . .

Tick Tock, Tick Tock - time's running out to help me in my race for a cure! Donations need to be received by April 10th! Please, please, please help me make a difference in the world TODAY. Together with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, we can help further research efforts and improve patient and family services. Please visit my website at:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/nikewhlf13/SavingLives

In addition, there are lots of great events coming up with Team In Training for the Fall! Disneyland, Nike San Fran, Dublin, Savannah Rock N Roll. If you want more information let me know.

Or, if you'd like to show your support for Team In Training and what we do for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, please visit my website and make a donation to continue funding research and patient services at:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/nikewhlf13/SavingLives

 Make a change in the world today!! 

I'm off to do my training now. Today's schedule calls for doing 4 mile repeats. That's a mile at tempo pace, then recovery jog for 3 minutes, then repeat. Hoping this is making me faster and stronger. I want to beat 2:40:00 for the Nike Women's event in April. I know that seems terribly slow for a majority of you, but I'm not racing against everyone else - I'm racing against myself and that's my best time yet. So, I'm hoping for 2:30:00. We'll see.

 

10 miles for Cure today!

Did my 10 miles today in my race to find a cure! What did you do today to help find a cure to cancer? Well, I know one thing you could do. You can visit my Team In Training website at:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/nikewhlf13/SavingLives

Make a donation and/or just find out more about joining Team In Training! It is an incredible organization, doing amazing, life changing things to make this world a better place.

So, back to my run. Beautiful day. It was a hard one though. I haven't run 10 miles in a while. I went ahead and did it at a run/walk pace. The weather was decent. I thought I might get some rain, but never did, so the cloud cover helped keep the run cooler. Since I started out later than I normally do, I was thankful the sun wasn't shining down hard even though it made it's appearance near the end of the course. I am very sore, but I'm getting ready to take some Advil and hopefully it won't last long. Doing another 3 miles would have been tough, but I know I could have done it. Next weekend is the Sarasota half. The only thing I'm really looking forward to on that run is the finish line where I get my very cool "bling"! I've never run there before, so that will be nice too since it will be something new to experience.

Now, I'm off for a chore I hate - grocery shopping. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. If you haven't figured it out yet, daylight savings time has taken effect, so be sure to set your clocks forward an hour. I don't like giving up that hour of sleep, but the kids love having it get dark later.

Another beautiful day in paradise!

What a wonderful day for a morning run! The air is cool and crisp and the sun is bright and the sky is clear blue. Running along the river is so beautiful and relaxing. The only wish I could afford one of the homes along the river. What a great way that would be to greet the morning - sitting on your front porch swing, sipping a cup of coffee after a relaxing - or hard - run along the river front. That is my kind of paradise.

If anyone is ever looking for a run to do in Florida, the Space Coast Marathon and Half Marathon are the way to go. The runs are along the river front and you have a gorgeous view the entire way! The event is always Thanksgiving weekend, so be sure to check it out. It's one of the most affordable marathons you'll ever enjoy too!

So, today was a 5 miler. I went alone, and of course, I forgot my running watch, my phone died so my Nike+ wasn't working right, but I know the road so well, it didn't really matter since I know where my turn around points needed to be. Felt good. I have the Sarasota half next weekend. I don't know if I'll be able to run the whole thing. Today's 5 was kind of tough, but good. I did run except for a couple of water breaks, but doing another 8, hmmm, well that's another thing. I'm going to try and do a ten miler this weekend and we'll just have to play with our speed to figure out what will work. Either that or plan on taking a walk break at every 2 miles or maybe every 1 mile point. We'll figure it out - looking forward to collecting that medal!! It's a beauty!

Have a great day. I'm off to the book fair at school - taking lunch to the workers today.

More soon . . .

Not so much - - -

Okay, so at first, I was so excited about doing my running clinic. Now, not so much. First, it's twice a week and a 40 min drive each way - to and from. Second, once I get there, I'm on my own. For the cost, I thought I would be getting more one on one advice, critiques, etc. Nope - I mean I did ask him to give me tips on form, so he said run up to a mark then turn around and come back. All he told me was I'm a shuffler, meaning I don't kick my feet up, I keep them low to the ground. That's it? Nothing on how to change my habit - which I learned from doing the run/walk method.

I mean he does provide a schedule of what you're supposed to do each week, and he's good about answering my emails, but when I signed up I was under the impression the clinic was more for adults. Nope - wrong again. I mean there's a lot of adults, but they all run like 7 to 8 min miles, so definitely not the group for me. Then, there's like 10 kids and that's who the coach spends all his time with. He hasn't run with me at all during the training. Just says this is what we're doing tonight. Then everybody sets off and does their own thing. So, I've decided I might as well, just follow the schedule near home on my own and save the gas money. Pretty disappointing actually as I really wanted to improve my running times and find some new running partners.

Although I do think I've improved some, a little encouragement would be nice as it gets hard doing it all on my own. I'd gotten so used to having my best friend run with me and lately, she's been so busy with family and other stuff, she doesn't have time to go with me. So, I'm alone in this - which I should be used to by now. Story of my life. And, I do have to run the Nike on my own as she won't be there with me and I don't know anyone else that's running in it that's my speed.

Oh well, sorry to be a downer today. And, besides, I'm supposed to meet Leisha later for a run and then head out for some lunch.

Have a great day everyone!

Please - make a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and help me in my race to find a cure to blood cancers. Visit my Team in Training. I'm still about $700 shy of my goal!

http://pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/nikewhlf13/SavingLives

Speed Work

Did my speed work out yesterday and I'm a little sore, but overall feel really good. He has us do 2 miles at 10 sec per mile slower than 5k pace, then a rest, 1 mile at 5k pace, then rest, 1/2 mile at 2 mile race pace, which was supposed to be 5 sec faster than half of the mile we ran), rest, 1/4 mile at 5 sec faster than the pace of the 1/2 mile we ran, rest, 220 all out, rest, and finished with another 220 all out.

I'm still not fast, but I am still able to do the workout running - jogging to the gazelles out there! I signed up for Sarasota Half in March. Couldn't resist. Check out the bling!

Did I share my new bling holder? Love it! Well, gotta go, field trip to go on! Enjoy the day!

Donate to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by visiting my Team In Training website at:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/nikewhlf13/SavingLives

You can be my super hero for the day!

Nice Sunday Outing!

So, got up this morning and headed to Oars & Paddles. Great day for a run. I only did 7, but it was a good 7. 

Michele had only planned to do 4 today since she is still wearing her ankle/foot support. So, Helayne and I walked the first 2 miles with her, before they turned around. I continued on and actually caught up with Barry to finish the 7 miles. We kept a pretty good pace. I am feeling great about running the entire half in DC. I was able to run the 7 pretty easily and I just signed up for the Sarasota Half on March 17th. Hoping I can run the whole thing. We'll see. I just need to keep with my training schedule and I will succeed.

Tomorrow I'm going to take a rest day and do some yoga. I haven't been in a while, so it will be good to get some stretching in.

Well, think I'm gonna chill out in front of the TV now. Have a great evening!

Hey, don't forget I'm running the Nike Women's in DC to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Donate today at my Team In Training website:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/nikewhlf13/SavingLives

Escape From Planet Earth

Took the kids to see Escape from Planet Earth. Not the best kids movie, but it was entertaining. Soooo expensive to go to the movies though. It's like $80 or more to take 4 to an afternoon movie and get drinks and popcorn. Geez! I don't know how kids dating can afford to go to the movies. Absolutely ridiculous. And that was an afternoon movie price and I had a free small soda.

Anyway, it was a fun afternoon with the kids. Well, gotta go so I can cook dinner! 8 mile run schedule for tomorrow. Should be a tough one since I haven't been running in a while. Meeting old friends to run with  and breakfast afterwards. So that will be another good day!

Sicker than a dog !

Sicker than a dog last night! I can't remember the last time I felt that bad. Literally thought I was going to pass out because of how bad I was feeling. I must have ate something rancid because I was - well, you don't need the details. Let's just say I felt horrible, but I'm much better today.

By the way, where does the phrase "sicker than a dog" come from? I've used it for as long as I can remember, but really don't know where it started. Guess I'll have to Google.

Been really super busy with work today. In fact, gotta get back to it, just wanted to take a little mental break and check email, FB, etc. 

Have a great weekend everyone!

Barbarville - Awesome!

Great field trip today with Katie's class. It was a perfect day to visit Barberville. Luckily it was shady, otherwise it would have been really hot. The only down of the day was on the way home we had to pull bus over because one of the buses in the convoy broke down and so we were about a half hour late getting back to school. Oh - I'm guessing you may wonder what Barberville is. It's a pioneer village experience that teaches you about pioneer life, hardships, etc. The kids got to experience weaving, turning wool into thread, candle making and more. 

Very good field trip. Lots of interesting facts, but the presentation was a little lacking, a little dull, but overall, it was a good trip and the kids seemed to have fun.

Hooray!!!

Hooray!!! Whoop Whoop!!!

The car search is over. Thank you!! Jake decided on a Mazda3 and is currently at the tag office getting it registered. Of course, dealing with getting the insurance in his name, him off our policy, etc., etc., was a true pain in the posterior, but it's all taken care of. Hard to believe that it's actually cheaper to have him on his own policy than to have him under a family plan. Who'd have thought?

Anyway, I'm again going to attempt to make it to yoga tonight. Unfortunately, tomorrow and Friday are field trips so I will not be able to get back on a workout schedule until the weekend or next week, but whew! nor foreseeing any new problems, I will be back on schedule. Can I get a Hallelujah?

Back to work for now . . .

No Car - Schedule is Off

Okay, so we thought we had a winner of a car, but the people owe money on the car and they don't want to negotiate on the price, so I'm thinking we may have to keep looking. Such a shame, it is a really nice car, but sounds like a big hassle when it comes to getting the title and transferring everything over.

Bright spot of the day. I managed to get a 3 mile run in this morning. I know - only 3 miles - but since my schedule has been way out of whack because of the car shopping, I was thrilled to get that done. I'm really falling behind on my workouts and haven't even been near the yoga place in the past week and a half. Arrrggggh!

Need car, need to get back on schedule. And, as if car shopping isn't enough of a headache, I have two field trips this week with the kids. I have got to get back to my workout schedule!! Well, that's about it for today. More tomorrow . . .

Not a fan!

Gotta say, I am not a fan of Chuck E Cheese's, but that being said, the kids seem to have fun and enjoy the games. The prizes they can get with the tickets are very disappointing though, unless you have like a billion, which we usually only have about 300 each by the time we head to check out.

Oh well, killed a couple of hours and now I don't have to do it for at least another year!

And, looks like Jake may have found a car he likes. We'll see if it works out.

I think I need to go to the movies for a little mommy time out. Hmmm, Beautiful Creatures or Die Hard? I know - very different movie choices, and I'll probably go to the chick flick since my husband won't want too. First though, I've got to go grocery shopping, put the clothes in the washer and dyer and fix dinner.

Stay tuned, life goes on . . .

Another day - still no car!

Well, frost on the ground - means I'm not going running til later! Brrr, Florida freaky weather happening today. Good news, it is supposed to be sunny so I'm sure it will warm up soon.

So, on the car news. Well, we went from Merritt Island to Melbourne to Titusville. We looked at a total of 2 cars. Nothing available out there. The Mazda 6 was a possibility, but the place was closed so we didn't take it for a test drive or anything. It was decent enough looking, but will definitely have to get it checked by a mechanic to see what they think.

Jake will be in Orlando looking at a couple some private owners had for sale. I found him a Ford Focus, but it's not as cool obviously as the Mazda 3 or 6 and he's all about the look factor. It even said it had only one owner - an elderly woman - which made me chuckle. However, from the photos, it definitely looks clean an well maintained. A possibility for sure.

Pain in the Neck!!

I hate, hate, hate - oh an did I say - HATE - car shopping, especially when it's for my 21 year old son. He doesn't seem to get the concept that you "get what you get, and don't pitch a fit". Oh no, he wants a cool car - which finding what he wants for under $9,000 is - well - practically impossible. If it was for me, I'd be done already as I wouldn't be so picky. All I ask is that it run smooth, clean seats, a radio/cd player and of course good A/C. Not a lot to make me happy. But he wants a cool car, one he can be proud of. I told him he won't really be proud of the car until he has to sweat to pay for it.

Of course, I'm trying to be patient and understanding. Afterall, it wasn't his fault that some knucklehead rear ended him and totaled his perfectly cool, and very well maintained car (which by the way I had bought for him). I should have just gone out got one and been done with him, but he wanted to have a say in what we bought, so I'm trying to be open to his suggestions, but frankly he's pissing me off!

For example, we thought we had found a GTI that he was thrilled with. However, the mechanic said he wouldn't get it because it was overpriced and leaking transmission/gear fluid, which at 80,000 miles it shouldn't be an issue. He also pointed out other things that were flags to something being wrong. So we took it back to the place. So all the way to the dealer and all the way home my son doesn't say a word, sulking. I'm like - really? You want me to pay $11,000 for a car that's already leaking fluids, just because it's cool. Being a VW also has it's own set of problems. For instance, they're incredibly expensive to repair. So, you know what that means, it means I'd probably end up spending more like $20,000 on this car that's not worth 9,000. Sooooo frustrating.

Well, wish me patience because we're heading out again. Let me know what you think about this 2005 Mazda 6. Hopefully it'll turn out to be a good deal and I can say Wheww! we're done.

As predicted -

Well, as I suspected, insurance company has totaled Jake's car. Dag nab it! Oh well, time to start searching for a new-used one. At least because of it's low mileage, the insurance will be paying us a pretty good value on it and hopefully we'll be able to find something comparable. Gonna miss that old car. I'll say this - Honda vehicles hold their value - just sayin'.

So, any suggestions? My son says he wants a truck so if he gets hit again he has a chance of not totaling the car. 2 in a year's time is 2 too many for me. And the suck part about it is that neither time it was his fault. No way to avoid it. Ugggggh!! Arrggghh!

Kids appointments went fine. Katie yelled as always about getting a shot, but the second the nurse was done, she stopped. That girlie is too funny.

I need my yoga class tonight!

Well, time to get some work done before I have to get the kids. Have a great day everyone!! The saga continues . . . .



P.S. Don't forget - I'm running the Nike Women's Half Marathon to find a cure for blood cancer. Donate today at: http://pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/nikewhlf13/SavingLives

Be my super hero - Lord knows I need one!

Another Sunny Day!

I almost feel bad that we're having such fabulous weather here in Florida when so much of the north is getting pounded with snow. Well, I did say "almost". It was absolutely another gorgeous day. I went for a tempo run along Highway 520 across the bridge to Cocoa Beach. It actually was a little too warm by the time I finished, but I managed.

Luckily, my son's car is NOT the one under the red car!

What a week this has been. Still waiting for insurance adjuster to evaluate the damage to my son's car. Hopefully, it won't be totaled, it won't be totaled, it won't be totaled. I keep telling myself how lucky he was not to get hurt. Anyway, if they end up totaling the car, it'll be a real job to find a car as good as the one he was driving. We had gotten such a great deal on it to begin with and it only has 65,000 miles on it. For a 2002 car, that's damn good I'd say! Anyway, I'm just keeping a positive attitude and fighting off the bitterness from knowing that the accident wasn't even his fault! <Deep breath> Stay calm.

Because of the running around and such, I haven't been able to go to yoga this week. I'm going to try and get it in tomorrow, but the kids have doctor appointments and that'll eat up the part of my day when I could go, so we'll play it by ear.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

River Road Run

Mermaid Dock. My favorite!

Cocoa Village Park

Florida is the best place to be in February! It is absolutely gorgeous outside today! Gentle breeze, sunshine, coolness in the air. Lovin' it!

Yesterday I did my 8 miler along River Road in Cocoa/Rockledge. It was a great run. I took it nice and easy and was able to run the entire way - well to most of you, it was more of a slow jog. Weather was absolutely perfect. It's weekends like this when Florida is at it's best!! If you're up north, now's the time to come on down and visit.

Cocoa Beach

Met up with my BFF today and went for a nice slow easy run today. It was a beautiful morning at the beach. The water was so calm and there was a coolness in the air that made it very pleasant to be outside. I'm afraid the weather won't be staying like this for long though. It looks like it's going to start warming up soon which means we'll be back to very hot days - yuck! Well, all I can do is enjoy it while I can!

Have a great weekend!

Yoga, Running, what else?

Sunday I did the Melbourne Music Marathon. It was pretty cool at the start, but it turned out to be a beautiful day when the sun came up. Just cool enough that it wasn't hot while we were running, but not too cold that you had to keep on a jacket, arm sleeves, gloves, etc. Leisha and I decided to try and do the relay which turned out to be a lot of fun. Just a nice 6.55 miles each, which I was able to do at a run the entire way. I know that doesn't sound like a big deal, but I can't remember having ever run that far before. Usually, as you know, I do a run/walk, but I've set a goal of doing the Nike Women's Half Marathon in DC in April without walking - except through the water stops. I can't drink and run without spilling it all over me. Anyway, so I have a little time to train to get to that run and hopefully I'll be able to attain that goal!

I've also been sticking with the Bickram Yoga. As you recall, that's a 90 minute session in a room that's kept at 105 degrees. Surprisingly, I have not lost any weight yet adding this to my exercise routine, but I'm hopeful that if I keep with it, I will be able to take off that last 5-10 pounds and be in great shape by the end of April. If nothing else, I hope it will get my muscles toned and my balance will improve which in turn will help my running.

So, gotta get going. Yoga, then work, then gymnastics, then running, then bed!

Wednesday - Day of Work

Lots to do today for work, school and after school activities. Not sure how I'll get my work out in, but I'm guessing it will have to wait until tonight. Getting a run in after 9 pm after a full day of activities is tough, but determination will get me through.

Super Bowl Game open until Friday, Feb. 1st, midnight. Be sure to visit the game board and pick a square. Complete contest rules available at website. I'd like to say that Team In Training is no longer needed, but today is not that day. Join me in my mission to find a cure to blood cancer.

http://www.superbowlpoolsite.com/grid.php5?url=TNTFlexforDC

Brevard's Best is relentless in finding a cure! Thank you for all that have supported my efforts to raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. For more info on how you can help save a life, visit my LLS website at:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/nikewhlf13/SavingLives

Adding New Activity to Routine

So, true to my new year's resolution, I added a new activity to my routine. Today I started Bikram Yoga. How is this different than the average yoga class you take at your gym? Well for one thing, it's about 105 degrees in the room and it's 90 minutes long. I've gotta tell ya though, it was tough. I had to pause a few times because of the heat, but I'm feeling good now. Also, I've never seen so many people dripping sweat with limited movement. However, it is my hope that adding yoga will help keep my muscles loose and improve my running. I'm going to start by trying to do it a couple of times a week and then maybe up to 3 times a week if I can find the time.

Well, that's my big news today.

Oh, and don't forget to purchase a square in my Super Bowl Party game. See previous entry for more information and link to play.

Remember, every penny I raise goes to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Together we can kick cancer out of the game!! Visit my website at:
http://pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/nikewhlf13/SavingLives
to make a donation or to find out more information about how you can help.

Super Bowl Party

So I'm still fundraising for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and with the Super Bowl coming up next weekend, I thought it would be the perfect time to have a football game. Visit my website at:

http://www.superbowlpoolsite.com/grid.php5?url=TNTFlexforDC

Here's how to play:

All monies collected and not used for prizes will be donated to the LLS. Numbers will be randomly generated on the Friday before the game. There will be a winner after each quarter. For example, if you purchased a square corresponding to the numbers 3 for the leading team and 7 for the team that is trailing and the score is 23-17, you are the winner for that quarter. Deadline to buy squares is February 1st at midnight. Still not sure how to play, drop me a line at jolea.hearn@yahoo.com for more info.

Here's how to pay:

I accept Cash Check or Credit Card.  Cash always accepted. By Check: Mail checks made payable to LLS to Jo Lea Hearn at 946 Limerick Drive Merritt Island FL 32953. By Credit Card: Donate on my website at http://pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/nikewhlf13/SavingLives. Put square selection in comments. Payments not received within 24 hours of box selection are forfeited and will be donated to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Prizes: 

End of 1st Quarter $50 End of Half $75 End of 3rd Quarter $100 End of Game $150 End of Game Bonus Winners. The box to the left, to the right, above and below the End of Game winning box will each receive $25. If an empty box is a winner the prize money will be donated to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

I'm Back!

I know, I've neglected by blog, but I was so busy with the Walt Disney World Marathon, working for the LLS and kids and family stuff. Whew!

But, I'm back and will try to be more diligent in my updates. My January is off to a great start.

My goals for the year:

1. Get Wills updated for me and my husband.

2. Add strength training or some other type of exercise to my routine to supplement my running.

3. Improve my pace time so I can R-O-C-K the Nike Women's Half Marathon in DC in April.

4. Clear the clutter from the house.

So, how am I going to do this? 

1. I just got a program to update the Wills, so now I just need to sit down and take the time to fill in the info.

2. I called the YMCA and my local gym to get rates for joining the gym. I know I can add strength training and other exercise to my routine without joining a gym, but I'd like to do a triathlon next year and so I need to start swimming and I don't have a lap pool at my house. :)

Son's room after declutter and painting

3. I've joined a running clinic. Hopefully this will help me improve my overall race pace and time. I usually run/walk in all my events, but I'm going to try and run the entire 1/2 marathon in DC. I'm off to a pretty good start. Yesterday I ran a 5K for the MOPS group and when I say ran - I mean it. Kept my pace at about 11:30 and ran the whole thing. I even placed 3rd in my age group and no, it's not because there were only 3 people in my age group - there were actually 8! So, I received a cool ribbon and the satisfaction of knowing I can run 3 miles. Next week a little loftier goal, I will be running a relay half marathon with my best friend. So, I'm going to try and maintain the same pace for almost 7 miles. Slow and steady - right!

Daughter's Room - Declutter and bright

4. Clearing the clutter from the house is going to be the toughest challenge. It just seems so overwhelming when I try to do it. It's like it multiplies overnight. I'll clean one area and then the next day there's more! Ugh!! Baby steps, baby steps, baby steps . . .

Well, that's it for today. I'm going to have my cup of coffee, grab a bite for breakfast and then pick a pile of clutter to tackle and defeat! Victory will be mine.