Fabulous Saturday

What a fun day! I started by exercising with The Firm, something I haven't done in a while due to marathon training. It was really tough to get motivated but somehow when I put my workout clothes on I sort of have to exercise. So I was really proud of myself for going through with the DVD and starting the work out regimin so soon after the race.

Later this morning I met Jaclyn at the mall and we headed straight for Starbucks to warm ourselves. I tried a new latte, the peppermint mocha and it was soo yummy. I also took the opportunity to buy some very important people Christmas presents. One year I waiting too long to buy the gift cards and they were sold out of the Holiday theme cards and more importantly the very cute card holders, so I jumped on the chance when I had it. After a couple of sipps of my fantastic latte we headed down the walkway to a salon for pedicures. I seriously can not remember the last time I had a pedicure. Since Cary and I are heading on a cruise here shortly I figured now is the best time to pamper my feet. As an extra special treat I requested some dazzle be added to my toes in the form of a rhinstone flower.

We just chatted, laughed and drank our coffee while the worries of our worlds were being massaged away. (sigh) I want to do it again!

Next we went for some lunch. We induldged ourselves with wine and appetizer and then I had a really good salad with salmon. As we headed out of the restaurant I said to Jaclyn, "I'm amazed that we trained every week together for a marathon, ran a marathon and then a week later are spending the day together and STILL have not run out of things to talk about." Now that's a good friend!

With our tummies full and Anne Taylor Loft being across the walk way we made a bee line for some shopping. I hit the sale racks and found some really cute clothes on sale. One shirt I purchased was marked $40 and when it rang up it was $9.88!!! Now that got me excited. Jaclyn bought the most adorable and classic holiday tank with this fabulous silver jacket. Really, it looks like something Jaqueline Kennedy would wear. It took some convincing for her to purchase it, but I was the PERFECT person for the job. Now I just hope that I can borrow it! ;) Lastly we took a spin through Macy's to check out the new fragrances. I found one I really like by Usher and picked up a couple of samles; there's even a cologne sample for Cary.

I'm home now and waiting for Cary to come in from mowing the lawn so I can give him a fashion show and see what he thinks of my fantastic finds.

Jaclyn and I have been planning this day of celebration for quite a while now and it lived up to every expectation. We also decided that we needed to do this again as a Christmas present for each other, dedicate the day to hanging out! Yes, this goes down in the books as a fabulous Saturday.

Wound Up

I have been a grump today. Plain and simply not someone fun to be around. Some of my co-workers found my tone funny, Cary on the other hand did not. Hopefully dinner with a friend in a cozy restaurant will help calm the grump inside.

Marathon #2

My dad had my camera and didn't realize that it was set for video instead of pictures.

It's done! Wow, what a great race. I'm so excited. Yesterday afternoon I thought to myself "I think I was born to run marathons." Not that I would necessarily win any of them, but to know that I can run a long distance and feel great, meet goals and most importantly have a good time leads me to believe I was born to run marathons. Makes a person wonder what other untapped abilities they might have. Who knew?! Cary did great. He didn't make his goal time but what I consider "great" is the post race attitude. He suffered from muscle cramps 2/3 into the race and once that sets in, you pretty much suffer the rest of the race. We just have to figure out how to prevent this problem for future events.

My finish time goal was between 4:15 & 4:30. My actual finish time was 4:23. The cool things is that we beat the estimated finish time (based on the 1/2 marathon time) by 5 minutes!

Today the knees are sore and it takes work to get up and down steps and sit or stand up, but once I'm up, then I feel fine. Okay, I'm a little tired but after the race I did nothing but lay around the house. Check out this website video, it's pretty accurate as to how we are moving today.

http://www.realbuzz.com/en-gb/Your_pictures_and_videos/index?pageID=3174&ht_do=view&id=130

Now that the race is over it's kinda bitter sweet. I'll miss the weekend runs with Jaclyn and the training team but there will be other events.

Race Day

Here it is! After 6 months of training today is Marathon Day. For those who might be interested this is how the day has started....

5:00 AM -- alarm went off. The Lord was good and I slept so well last night. In bed with eyes closed by 9:20. I had a moment where I woke up and paniced thinking it was 5:45, but thankfully it was only 12:30. "Oh thank goodness"...that was my thought. I think last year I woke up several times during the night and that just doesn't make for a restful sleep.

I took care of the standard morning routines (brush teeth, wash face, etc.) and made breakfast.

BREAKFAST:

1 slice of bread
Peanut Butter
Whole wheat pasta w/butter & salt
Glass of water

Now I'm checking up on friend's blogs and the pre-race jitters have started. I plan to meet my friend Jaclyn at 6:15 so I have 1/2 hr. to get dressed and pack the rest of my bags. Cary's alarm is going off on the other side of the house so I guess he'll be in here any minute now.

Say a prayer for us over the next several hours and I hope to have some pictures to post later today or more likely tomorrow!!

I'm off to run a marathon! :)

Crazy Friday

I don’t know why it is, but sometimes I wonder if Friday’s are the busiest day of my week. Maybe I’ve had too much caffeine today but it’s been non stop and I’m just about over the edge. Thankfully Jaclyn and I are running together in about 30 minutes. Lord knows I need to blow off some “non-sense” steam. Since my work day is almost over I’m realizing that I haven’t accomplished nearly enough in the time given to me, but I just have to get over it.

Sort of Embarrased

I feel bad because the following posts are late. I tried to get this done as soon as we got back home, but tonight was the first opportunity I've had all week to tie up this one loose end. I hope you all enjoy the photos! Have a fantastic weekend!!