2012 Review

I have been thinking about the past year that last couple of days. 2012 brought new memories, new firsts and   an injury.

Here is the list of my races-

Big Game 10k - 2/5/2012 1:05:37
Jelly Bean 10k- 4/1/2012 57:48
Jelly bean 5k- 4/3/2012 27:42
Jim Klett Memorial 5k- 6/10/2012 28:58
Hall of Fame 5 miler 7/29/2012 49:40
Warrior Dash 8/25/2012 1:03:30
Erie Pa Presque Island Half Marathon 9/16/2012 2:0916
Kent State  Bowman Classic 5k 10/20/2012 26:37

I ran my first Half Marathon.

I PR'ed my 5k time. Kent State Bowman 5K- 26:37 I grew lightening legs.

My 2012 is a range of 673 - 700 miles. I estimate the top number because what I have recorded is the bottom number. I know there was runs I didn't log or track. 

I encountered my first running injury of a fractured ankle and 2 months off of running. I am grateful to be back to running before the end of the year.
I realize that had I not have been injured the my total mileage would have been much higher since I was running long runs consistently at that time.

I inspired and encouraged a few others to run this year or to start running. This warms my heart so much .
One is a friend who ran the Warrior Dash for her first race and is now hooked.

My family ( Mom and step-dad) saw me race for the first time. Meant the world to me that my family was there to see me race. My sister saw me race last fall. 

Terri has been there for me pretty much every race ( minus a few). She is my biggest cheerleader and encourager. I am lucky to have her . 

I ran my first anniversary race and placed first in my age group

My goals for 2013.....
I want to run 1-2 Half Marathons and would love to get a sub 2:00 Half.
I would love to get a group together to run the Tough Mudder.
I want to run more with others. I enjoyed running with the girls prior to my  half marathon and will make it an effort to run more with others this year.
More goals to come.

Happy New Year everyone.

Christmas Wrap up

I participated in Courtney's at Third Time's a Charm Runner-  Second annual Secret Santa Sock Swap. My secret Santa Sock Swapper was Ruby- A Runner's Mom. Check out the great things I got in my sock .

There is gum, Power Bar, GU gel, Clif bar, Green Tea, a Mug, Quaker Popped chips, Power Bar energy chews, soap, shower gel and few other things. Thank you Ruby I love it!


Christmas was busy and good. It was weird , almost didn't feel like Christmas, seemed to come and go quickly. We still have another holiday get together this Sat with my Dad and family. Hoping to relax this long weekend and maybe take some decorations down as well.

I participated in another Secret Santa with Fat Mum Slim. I received a wonderful gift from Lynda in Queensland Australia. I soo love the new scarf and soap.

Ankle Update...
I went to sports rehab on Wed 12/26 and my ankle is stable and he had me run 1 mile...It felt so good even though I felt out of breath and out of shape already. I am good to start running outside again, just no trails. I have to build up on miles slowly. Woot!! I am already looking at a 5k  on 2/2/2013...it would be no pressure as it is a prediction 5k. We will see.
Hoping to run after work today for 1-2 miles.

Terri made me a cool tie blanket for Christmas and started a Bib Race scrap book for me as well!

Will be a quiet New Year probably. My nephew is in from Florida. My brother mentioned a get together that night. Not sure what we will do, but I am grateful for 4 days off.

Here is a cute kitty picture after unwrapping gifts.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to one and all.

Enjoy the time of family, friends and memories~

I love.....

I love Running.

Second best is dreaming about running, : ). It sure makes for a nice morning wake up to have dreamt about running.

Counting down the days.

Monday Mash up

- Terri and I took her grandson Jeff to the Rec center yesterday to shoot some hoops. It was great being more physical and had to remember not to run on my ankle or do more one on one with Jeff

- Mom's dog Maynard has cancer and it is not good. It is on his hind leg into his abdomen area. They have made the decision to put him down. He is suffering and the surgery would involve amputation and then they can't guarantee that they would get all the cancer. He is my buddy, Maynard G. Grebbs. He should have been named spitfire since he was a handful as a puppy.

-Christmas is 2 weeks away and trying not to stress about what all needs done. Shopping, baking, wrapping and planning.
It will all get done and be fine. Breathe..breathe


-Things I have learned with my ankle injury:
I love running. The time while not running and recovering has shown me that it is just not about exercise or the calories burned. There is joy there and peace. It is my meditation time.
I need to focus on other things as well. I started more into my art of Zentangle. I want to keep a balance of these.
My whining about not being able to run did not get too bad....right Terri? Hello, hello?
I am stronger than I give myself credit for. I have strength and internal will that can get me through a lot.

Ankle update and Picture purge

So this past week I was given the go ahead and walk as much and go to the gym, just no running for a month. First day at gym- walking, biking and weights!! It feels so good to be back in the swing of things.
This morning I went on a walk early morning before anyone else was up. I walked one of my short run routes and did 2.75 miles. It felt so right...the cold, the breathing, the quietness. My time to mediate . Soon I will be at it again with running.
I am going to sports rehab on my own hopefully this week to make sure I get back to running the best way .

Got some Christmas shopping done this weekend, a lot for a Single woman that Terri's work adopted to help . She is getting started on her own out of the shelter.
We did regular Christmas cards and mailed yesterday. I need to work on my Christmas exchange cards too and mail those.

This morning on my walk...Ignore my morning puffy face...Don't judge!

Great picture of Terri this weekend..She is such a great encouraging partner.

Star on our tree.

Here I am with Santa , I think age 6-7yr old.

Funny for the day

I would say this sums it up nicely.

I am wanting to do Cleveland Half Marathon in May and looking at Erie/Presque Isle Half again in July or Sept

I also want this hat....seriously. I asked my crafty coworker if she can make it
I want to run with it

Holidays

I am excited to be a part of several Holiday events with bloggers.

- Kim is hosting the Holiday Card Exchange 2012. Check it out over at Just trying is for little girls.
Go Team Vixen. This is my first time doing this and I am excited and nervous. I like getting to know others beyond the blogging world.

-I am also signed up to be part of the Second Annual Secret Santa Sock Swap. Check out Courtney's site at Third Time's a Charm Runner. Deadline is 12/8 for sign ups if you are still interested. I am looking forward to this as well.

-The last one is with Fat Mum Slim. Chantelle put together a Gift exchange Secret Santa with Instagram followers as well. I follow her with the FMS Photo a day postings. I was linked with Shelly in Texas and shipped out a gift already,. Waiting for mine to arrive from my Secret Santa. This was to use social media(FB, Twitter, Instagram and blogs) to get to know your Secret person and send them gifts they would enjoy. I loved this one. Shelly received her gift and loved it with pics posted already.

All this being said....I love gifting to others. Season of giving is what it is about for me.

Sunday stew

Well not really but it is a mish mash of thoughts and what has been going on.

- We are decorated for Christmas in the house and outside. We decided against icicle lights outside due to my ankle being broken and also just wanting something different. I will get a pic of outside tonight when lights are on. The cats have taken down the tree once so far. Good thing for fishing line to secure the tree to the wall.

- My coworker Kathy  turned 65 years old this past week and we did 65 bottles of beer on the wall. She loves beer. Let me just say my work rocks! We also did more than the 65 and Kathy loved it.

- Caught the cats sleeping today...go figure but he looked so peaceful.

-I officially get my ankle brace off this coming week, but the rebel I am I have been able to move around the house this weekend without it and doing well. Also doing some active and passive ROM with no issues.  I am ready to progress and get this thing moving.

- I am looking forward to our Christmas tree going up at work, We always adopt a family and I am excited to pick from the tree and shop for someone else less fortunate. Terri is also doing this at her work plus they are collecting monies to buys for the toy room at the Summit county childrens services. This is a room where foster parents/caregivers/guardians can go get toys free of charge for the children they care for. How cool is this!

20 Things

Ok I got the idea from Beth at I run like a Girl. I think it is a very good idea.

20 things to give thanks to today

1. Hot yummy coffee
2. Kitty cuddles
3. My job. I love helping others in ways that are usually overlooked or missed.
4. The roof over my head. Some people have no home and no heat at this time of year.
5. My partner Terri. She is the most loving, caring, and honest person I know .
6. The Muppets- they make me smile EVER the time.
7. My ankle is healing and I can start walking next week.
8. Strawberry Chobani yogert!....yum
9. My Mizuno Wave Riders that are waiting for me.
10. Fleece PJ pants
11.My senses....taste, seeing, touch and hearing
12.My family- Bio and chosen
13. Secret Sister exchange at work....mine got me Larabars!
14. My truck- to haul our camping gear and kayaks
15. Christmas Carols....love them
16.My weight maintaining while I have been on the injured list
17. Zentangle...A new pasttime/craft
18. My wonderful accepting friends
19. My love of reading...just finished Gone Girl
20. The changing seasons/weather in Ohio

This was on a bike ride a couple days prior to me breaking my ankle, Soon, yes soon I will be at it again. Next week!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

I am thankful for so much this year. I have my family, friends, health, job, house and food.
I have had many joys and some struggles in my journey to where I am today, I am thankful for that road I have traveled. I look forward to my journey to come.

While I wish I could walk or run a Turkey Trot this year but can't due to healing still, I am thankful that I have a few more weeks till I can walk and start to run.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

Tuesday This and That

-I am going to be spending Thanksgiving with my Dad, stepmom, grandma and other family. I am looking forward to being with them. Terri and I know this will probably be grandma's last Thanksgiving. I know she is excited we are coming there, the smile on her face said it all . Maybe Dad and I can get the Instagram working  on his phone...

-My ankle is doing better!!! I am off crutches and full weight bearing and up and down steps. It is still bruised. I (in my maybe unrealistic mind) hope to be up and running again before the end of the year!!
Nothing wrong with goals, even though the goals need to be flexible. 2 more weeks of this brace then I can start walking more and then work to walk/run.

-Just wanted to share this guy who was in a birthday gift for me!!! I love wind up toys. They keep me entertained  while at work.

-I received some Injinji socks to try and review. I am hoping to wear them on a run some day soon!

Getting there

I met with the orthopedist last week and the fracture is healing in my ankle. I have to wear the brace at least 3 more weeks and then call 12/5 and talk with him as to where I go from there. We discussed therapy. He feels that I will be fine with no residual effects but will start with walking then walking/jogging and then slowly up to one mile runs on treadmill(controlled enviroment). Sounds like I am learning to run all over again. I can do this....I WANT to do this.



Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. ~Mother Teresa

The T's......

Thursday This and That!!

-Still nursing my fractured ankle. I am healing though. Saw the MD yesterday and have to wear the ankle splint another 3 weeks then I can start walking then walk/run and then running small distances. Reminds me of when I was learning to run with the couch to 5K. It is ok I would rather take it slow than to do more damage. I am hoping to be running again in some form by 12/31.


-I had a wonderful 40th Birthday celebration last Saturday. It was with my whole family minus some nephews and a few friends.  Terri organized it and did a fabulous job. She had my family telling funny and embarrassing stories about me growing up. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday celebration. Plus the cake was delicious and fun ...80's themed!

-I am trying to maintain my weight with being inactive and not running. I have a huge fear of gaining back the weight.

-Finished the second book of the Divergent Series....it is a YA cross over book in the likes of Hunger games. The third is no due out for awhile yet.....bumming.

-Looking forward to the holidays coming up!!!! Love Christmas

-My grandmother got some bad news of a huge colon tumor that is cancerous and a large hiatial hernia that 90% in her stomach. She has chosen no treatment since she has lived a good life at 94 yrs old. It is hard having to explain the process of this to her and my family( I am the nurse in the family). I just hope the suffering for her is minimal.

Grandma and I

GU review

I feel bad for this is a long overdue review on the GU products that I was sent and able to review.
I have tried numerous products but not really any of the GU products and was thoroughly excited to try new flavors and products .

Here is the website to check out more products GU Energy

I was sent some GU Energy Gels, GU brew, a GU Roctane drink and GU Recovery mix.

A little about GU Energy Gels
An optimal blend of carbohydrates, the proprietary GU amino blend, and a full serving of Vitamin C & E. Oh yeah, did we mention taste? GU Energy Gel has the time-tested consistency and delicious taste that athletes have come to expect from the original energy gel.

-I tried the flavors Vanilla, Tri Berry and Chocolate Mint. I will have to say my favorite is Vanilla. More palatable to me- personal preference. The down fall that I saw was as the weather gets colder they stiffen up and hard to get out of the packet on runs. I do like how they fold up to nothing to put back in your pack or pocket.

GU Brew Tabs
GU Electrolyte Brew Tablets are simple, light tasting and natural. They are invariably better than water alone and bring your system into balance more quickly by helping you retain more of the liquid you ingest.
Stevia, a plant-derived sweetener, is the primary sweetening agent in Electrolyte Brew Tablets instead of acesulfame potassium, a commonly used artificial sweetener. Brew Electrolyte Tablets are the natural option to achieving proper hydration

I tried the Lemon Lime and Tri Berry flavors. I used them instead of water on my runs. I and my stomach was happy with them. I prefer the Tri berry flavor. Lemon Lime is ok just not my favorite flavor. I found nothing wrong with the bre tables.

GU Brew Roctane
A carbohydrate intensive energy drink that contains the critical carbohydrates and electrolyte replenishment ultra endurance athletes need to compete at high levels. It comes in a super light tasting, easy to mix formula for fueling hour after hour after hour

I tried the grape flavor and love it! I want to get a container of it to have more. Enough said!

And last but surely not least is the GU Recovery Mix


The premium quality ingredients in GU Recovery Brew help you quickly replenish energy stores and rebuild muscles after an intense workout. GU’s Recovery Brew reinvents the category and evolves this critical training tool into a nutritional experience we’re confident you’ll actually enjoy.
What's in it?
Protein - GU Recovery Brew is full of whey protein isolate for speedy recovery of muscule fibers
Amino Acids - Arginine and Glutamine promote recovery by diminishing the negative effects of intense training and supporting a strong immune system.
Carbohydrates - Both simple and complex carbs (and lots of ‘em!) in optimal balance will re-fuel your competitive fire and get you back to training and racing on schedule.
Antioxidants - Over 100% daily allowances of vitamins C and E in every serving. Your free radicals will hate us!
How's it different?Quality ingredients is the cornerstone of any qaulity product and GU Recovery Brew relies on whey protein isolate -- not cheaper whey protein concentrate -- to create a higher quality and more effective product. Did we mention taste? Say goodbye to grainy, chalky, salty and smelly. GU’s Recovery Brew reinvents the category with a highly effective product that actually taste good.

Ok you know you want my Muppet glass but not the dirty stove...don't be jealous! :)

I tied the Chocolate Smoothie . Mixed it with milk in a Tupperware mixer. It tasted good and was a nice alternative with more nutrients then just plain chocolate Milk. Plus I put it in a nice Muppet glass.

Overall I would continue using GU products and look forward to trying more!

Disclaimer- I was sent these products free to review on my blog -courtesy of GU Energy products. I did not pay for the items, receive payment for the review or agree to give a positive review.

Well this just bites

Several updates since I have been behind on blogging. I will try to put in order of timing.

-We went on the cruise 10/7 to 10/14. Terri, Lori, Moni and I had a good time. We left out of Baltimore and went to Grand Turk, Freeport and Half Moon Cay Bahamas. We laughed a lot, read and ate way too much. The seas were quite rocky which I really did not care for.

-Got ambushed with bad news last week. My step dad's cancer is back on his lip, my 94 yr old grandma is having difficulty with her bowels and there is a major concern of something that they are doing testing 10/31 and my dad is having hernia surgery on the same day.

-Ran the Bowman Cup 5k in Kent Ohio on 10/20/2012 at Kent State University. It was a very chilly morning . One of the first races I went to on my own. Ran a PR in 26:37. I grew lighting legs overnight.

-Spent last Sunday with a 7.6 mile morning run and then a 4 mile bike ride with a stop at Szalay's farm for lunch and some produce. Great fall day spent with Terri.

-Tues morning out for a run. I have started to love my dark mornings and wearing headlamps. Not sure how the events unfolded exactly but slowed to look behind me for traffic to cross the road and either slipped on wet leaves or hit a crevice in the road. I rolled my ankle and went down. It hurt like a @#$%^&. I got up started to walk it off, telling my self not to be a wimp, I just sprained it. It started feeling better and I went back to my run for a total of 3.2ish miles. Made it home and showered. Worked from home so went to work. An hour or so later got up to go bathroom and could hardly walk on it. It also looked like a half of baseball. Later after work at urgent care.....fractured on the bottom tip of fibula. Saw my Orthopedist yesterday and small avulsion fracture and lots of ligament damange. Bad news healing of 5-6 weeks. Placed in air cast . Will see  MD again in 2-3 weeks . If not healing then a boot cast. Woke this am with more pain than the last 2 days. This is going to be a long 5-6 weeks. Good news is I can catch up on blogging , reading, and I am not currently training for a race.

Presque Isle Erie Pa Half Marathon

I did it!!!! I did it!!!

Terri , Moni and I headed to Erie Pa in the rain Friday afternoon for my Half Marathon Weekend.
We arrived at the Glass House Inn, a quaint little family run motel. It is a bit dated but we knew that. It was clean and that is what mattered. We headed to dinner at a local restaurant called the Colony. It was very good and I had a delicious Chicken Marsala. We headed back to the motel and played cards and boggle and laughed and relaxed.
Saturday morning after breakfast we headed to the Presque Isle state park for race packet pick up. It is soo beautiful out there and I got a good look at the race route. I was starting to get excited.

We saw places to rent bikes and hike and also boat tours. We decided to try the boat tours on Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay. Beautiful sun, scenery and relaxing. Ended the evening with a yummy pasta dinner at Serafini's.

Woke up bright and early on Sunday morning. There is only one way on the island and one way off. So traffic was expected to be high. So we needed to be at the race area by 6am. I was ok with that as it  gave me time to work out nerves and stretch really well.

It was time get line for the start. Nerves setting in more but excited. From advice that a fellow running friend told me.....don't rush jack rabbit. I didn't. They had water stops at every mile, plenty of bathrooms and
beautiful scenes. I did well and was still smiling for my pic at mile 5.7ish.
I finished strong and took it home in 2:09:16!!!!!!! Woot~~~
I did my first half!

Pros to this race-
They give a lot to charities and support groups.
Lots of water stops
Very Scenic
Very friendly

Cons
None that I can think of!

I hope to do this race again next year!!!