Thankful 13 Half Marathon 2013

Thanksgiving morning I had the opportunity to pace the Thankful 13 Half Marathon.  This was one of my favorite races of the year, next to the San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon.  Unlike most Utah races this course doesn’t send you flying down a canyon, you have to earn your time on this one.  Another good thing about this race is that you don’t have to wake up in the middle of the night to catch a bus, nope you start and finish at the same point.   Holly and I paced the 1:50 group.

 

The race started right on time and we were off.  I was a bit nervous that I wasn’t going to be warm enough.  I tried out my new Nike jacket and wasn’t sure how warm it was going to be.

Here's Kenna modeling it for you.  It is quite possibly the softest thing EVA...it's smooth like butta!  It has thumb holes and is thin but it is VERY warm, perfect!  I picked it up at 26.2 Running Co. when we were there for packet pick-up.  I can't tell you how much I love this jacket, so I'm not going to try!!!

  By mile 2 I was warm, so Holly and I took turns holding each other’s junk so we could take off a layer.  This was no easy task but we somehow managed.  I had to lose my fancy turkey hat at this point as well.  It was driving me cray cray and my head was super hot…nobody likes a hot head!  Besides, I was having a panic attack because my airway was being cut off.  I tied the little suckers legs around my waist, it looked like he was pecking my bum :D  Cute bum where ya' from?

 

The course was absolutely beautiful, they had to change the course a little due to some construction and it was even better than before.  I hope the course will stay the same for next year, although according to my Garmin it was a bit short. 

 

There were signs all along the course showing what people were thankful for, I liked this a lot.  I REALLY liked one sign that said “I’m thankful for my ex-husband, thankful he’s an ex!”  HAHAHA, that caused me to have a fine chuckle.  I also saw a sign that my friend Jessica did, her dad beat colon cancer this year YAY!!!  It’s always nice to have something to read to distract yourself.  It’s also nice to be running behind a guy in a full on turkey costume, when he approached one photographer he did a funny little turkey move.  I missed it but Holly sure laughed about it, I can envision it and it was breath taking :D

 

Holly and I attempted to do a jump for one of the photographers, I can’t wait to see how this one turned out, as I flung my arms in the air to give myself a little boost I cracked Holly in the stick :D  I hit the pacing stick and nearly knocked the poor dear over, it was a travesty but might make for some good photography.  I will just add that our tutu’s looked super awesome in our shadows.

They looked awesomer (it's a word) when we were running.

The race was so well organized, everything was perfect!  Holly and I finished the race and wanted to even things out so we did 14 miles, it was FUN!!  We finished just in time for the push-up contest.

  I will NEVER win a race but I can win a push-up contest.  I WON and got a HUGE turkey!!!

Isn't it beautiful Clark?!?  I told you it was HUGE.

  I did 90 push-ups and my whole body was shaking, I’ve never had that happen before, maybe I was nervous ;)  I just need to enter more push-up contests and less running contests I guess ;)

Pacer group shot!  Becky, Weirdo #Uno, Julia, Rachelle and Weirdo #Dos.  Aren't our turkey hats dashing? 

Then I said something that made Holly angry and she came at me with an axe...WTHeck! 

Don't worry, I apologized and we're friends again.

Sadly, race season is over for a while here in Utah.  Luckily, Rachelle invited me to her 2nd Annual Christmas Fun Run, YIPEE!!!  I already know what I'm going to wear too and these little beauties are definitely going to be part of my ensemble, I love them!!!  I could quite possibly wear them every day this month!

These are going to sell out QUICK so if you want some follow this handy little link HERE and order yourself some.  If you use the promo code SNOW you will not only get 40% off but you will also get FREE shipping.  Don't say I never gave you anything (technically I'm not giving you anything but let's just pretend that I am) and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

 

Countdown to AWESOMENESS!

T minus 3 days until the big rodeo, or race, depending on where you pin your bib ;D  The day Kobe did his first 10K he decided that he was ready to do a half marathon.  Kaden decided that a half sounded like a good idea and decided to do it with Kobe. 

This pic was at the Freedom Run 10K..LOVE!

I informed them that one does not just wake up and run a half marathon and that they would have to train.  They still wanted to, I thought perhaps they were a little crazy and that after a couple of runs they would change their minds. 

I came up with a training plan and we got right to it.  We (Holly and I) eased them into it with a run/walk.  I’ll be truthful and say that the first few weeks were rough…really rough.  I tried to talk Kobe out of continuing on multiple occasions but by golly that boy is stubborn (don’t know where he get it, yes I do…from his DADDY ;)  The Saturday of our first 5 miler I actually told Kobe that I was giving him one more week and if things didn't get better that we had to be done.  Patience is a virtue my friend!  I had many days of being extremely inpatient and had to keep telling myself that the mere fact that they were out there trying was awesome in and of itself.  How many 10 year olds do you know that are willing to train for and complete a half marathon??

Get ready for a picture overload my friends...

This lovely picture was taken after one of our first runs.  Kobe sprinted around the church, leaving me in his dust, and then collapsed on the grass.  Death by running! 

One day we were running along and I saw a toy horse on the side of the road.  I found it funny for some reason, then I looked back to see Kobe picking it up.  Kobe finished the run carrying the ding dang thing.  The horse became our mascot.  (Did you notice it in the picture...don't confuse the horse with Koda ;)

Most of our runs ended with Koda and McKenna waiting for us in the front yard.  I so wish Kenna could have joined in on the fun but that darn gymnastics has done a number on her knees.  #gymnastsarepeopletoo McKenna's pediatrician told me when she was about 5 that her hips are aligned as such that she would be a FAST runner.  She did run the mile the fastest last year and was asked multiple times to join cross country.  One day I am sure she will take the running world by storm...is that a saying?!?  Either way, I'm sure she will. 

SELFIE SATURDAY!!  We were photo bombed by a biker. 

When Kobe is done running he is DONE and sits down wherever he may be.  It's actually quite funny. 

Lou is showing you how AWESOME Kobe's first 7 miler was.  That boy was on FIIIIIIRE!!  He kept telling me he was on fire and he was.  His last mile was his fastest and he wanted to keep going.  I wish all runs could be like that.

I told the boys to do the Monica pose, I guess they did it ;) 

Me and Koko Monicaning (yes, that’s a word) it up.  Don't worry it's not weird that I do the Monica pose like we are BFF's even though we have never met, it's normal. 

Selfie Saturday again, why is Kobe’s mouth always open?!? 

My favorite picture ever, I will cherish the time we have spent training for this race and I CAN NOT wait until Saturday!! 

Last Saturday we took the boys up Provo Canyon to enjoy the beautiful fall leaves.  Our canyon has been closed so we hadn't fully enjoyed the fall colors.  Kenna wondered what took us so long to run 8 miles but I guess when you throw a photo shoot in there it takes a long time.  

Nice bum where ya from?

Another favorite running picture, probably because you can’t see my ugly mug ;)

Throughout our training we often ran to Mama's house, I don't think I've ever seen her as much as in these past couple months.  We all looked forward to our visits.

As in any training cycle we had good runs and horrible runs but I wouldn't change any of it for anything in the world.

We are doing the Haunted Half which is sure to be a partay!  I can't wait to see how the boys do and I can't wait to see McKenna and Jake at the finish line handing out medals.

I'm actually a bit sad, okay I'm SUPER sad,  for this to be coming to an end.  Luckily, Kobe told me the other day that he wants to continue training and do the Thankful 13 as well.  So let's keep our fingers crossed that he loves it and will continue on.

That's all!

Thankful 13 Half Marathon 2012

Happy gobble, gobble day!!!  I started the day off the best way I could possibly think of.  I paced the 1:45 group for the Thankful 13 Half Marathon.  The temperature was perfect, it was a bit windy but at least it wasn't raining or, heaven help me, snowing.  The race started at 8 which meant that I got to sleep in, woo hoo!  Nine plus hours of sleep does a body good...REALLY good!

 Let's back up a little to yesterdee shall we?!?  I did EVERYTHING in my power to make sure that I was ready to keep my assigned pace.  Usually an 8 minute pace is easy for me but after Saturday's practice run I was a little nervous.  I foam rolled, did the P90X stretch DVD, drank my Nuun, had a carbilicious meal, ate not 1 but 2 chocolate cake donuts :) and slathered my legs in Deep Blue.  Deep Blue is from doTerra and my neighbor just happened to have some.  I begged and pleaded with her to let me use some, just kidding she is the nicest gal in town and was happy to pass it along.  I also slept in my Pro Compression stockings.

Holly and Jorge picked me up at 6:45 and we headed to the race.  We sat in the cozy car and watched a man fighting with his head dress, it was awesome!  There were a few people who were dressed up which was fun to see.  We got all lined up and we were off.  I wanted to try to bank a little time seems how I had ran the course and knew that the last couple miles were going to be a little tough. 

At about mile 3 some guy caught up to me and said "You're going a little fast for 1:45 aren't you?"  People can be pretty rude to pacers.  I wasn't that far ahead maybe one minute, relax dude!!  I decided to slow down a little, your welcome crabby patty, which made me nervous, I like to bank a little time so I can walk through aid stations.  Refueling while running can be somewhat difficult and I like to make sure that I give my followers a chance to grab a drink and such.

I had a number of different people who were trying to stick with me but this course was a little harder than I think people were expecting.  Did I mention that it was WINDY?  Wind can really put a damper on things.  At one point when there was a really strong headwind I tried to draft off a couple of fellers.  Apparently the wind was slowing them down too though so I had to try to pass them...they wouldn't have it.  They saw my sign and got in front of me again.  I wanted to chat it up with them but I could tell that they weren't the chatty Kathy types.  They were obviously friends and they both had earphones.  There was no talking going on between them and I didn't want to bug them.  We ran alongside each other for a while and then a little downhill came so I zipped past them.  That was my one chance to try to bank a little time for the hill that I knew was coming.

Not only did the hill come but a really ugly headwind...RUDE!!!  My Fuelbelt had been driving me crazy the entire time and I had dropped my gloves twice already so at around mile 11 or 12 I threw them both to the side of the road.  I needed all the help I could get, I was going to be cutting it close and I knew it.

Thankfully the last mile was slightly downhill so I was able to make up a little time that I had lost chatting with a guy at around mile 9.  I don't know my exact time but I think I got pretty dang close to 1:45, maybe a few seconds off.  Unfortunately none of my followers made it in with me, that blasted wind was brutal.

This race was amazing.  I ran with my Fuelbelt because I was nervous about there being enough volunteers along the course.  I have heard stories about races running out of water or not having enough aid stations along the course (I have not experienced this myself though).  I figured with it being Thanksgiving and all that I had better carry my own fuel just in case.  There were plenty of volunteers and they were amazing!!!  I am so grateful for all the volunteers!!!

The finish line had pumpkin pie, hot chocolate and cake.  Too bad for me I didn't feel like eating anything.  I grabbed a couple cups of water and called it good.  This race was so well organized, it went off without a hitch.  I'm so glad that there is finally a half marathon on Thanksgiving Day.  Sorry but a 5K just won't cut it on a day of feasting ;)  The course was beautiful and did I mention that the volunteers ROCKED?!?  Yes, they were awesome!  On this day of thanks giving I am very thankful that I was able to run this race.  LOVED IT!

Now it's time to head over to Mama Jex's house for a delicious feast.  I hope you are all having a wonderful day.  Happy Thanksgiving!!!

And for your enjoyment, check out my post from last Thanksgiving, just in case you are bored and need a chuckle :) Your welcome!

Pro Compression=2 Big Toes Up!!

Yesterday I was so pleased to open my mailbox to see that I had received a very special surprise!  I ripped it open straight away and pulled out the most beautiful compression socks I have ever seen!

Buddy sums up exactly how I feel about these wonderful stockings :)

It's not too early for Christmas movies/music is it?!?  I was feeling a little crazy and turned on Pandora Christmas Radio, usually I wait until Thanksgiving but I just couldn't help myself.  Kenna said, "Could you please turn this off?  It's annoying!"  To which I said, "You know what?  You're annoying!"  Don't worry I was completely joking.  Funnily enough my kids get my sense of humor waaaaay better than Jake does...and we've been together how long???

Anyways, back to these wonderful Pro Compression socks!

They sent me the marathon pink argyle and also the marathon white compression socks.  The pink argyle are possibly the cutest socks EVER known to man!  Not only are they ridiculously cute but they feel AMAZING!  I wore them all afternoon and slept in them until I got too hot and had to rip them off asap.  It could have been my fleece jammies causing all the trouble but I figured I should leave those on.

I woke up at 5:30 am to get ready for a running adventure with Holly and Jorge.  We decided that we should run the Thankful13 Half Marathon course to see what we would be up against this Thanksgiving Day morn!  More on that later!

I was looking forward to trying out my fancy stockings on a run.  Unfortunately it's cold here in Utah so I couldn't show them off, don't worry though I showered/changed and made McKenna take my picture.

I have worn other compression socks and sleeves but these are by far my FAV.O.RITE!  In my other compression socks my toes are squished together which drives me crazy.  Pro Compression socks are tight, as they should be, but they have room in the toe so that I don't feel claustrophobic.  The material is super soft and feels so good. 

In my other compression socks I like the feel around my legs but the sock part is nothing to call home about.  These, however, are WONDERFUL!

The sock part reminds me a little of the Asics Low Cut Hera, which are one of my favorite running socks.   They feel like an all day hug...for your foot!  Pro Compression also sells a low cut sock which I'm sure is equally as wonderful for those hot days when you don't want a full on compression sock.

I would have to give these socks 2 big toes up :)  They are awesome, if I could live in them I would!!!  Pro Compression is a California company and all their socks are MADE IN THE U.S.A.  (I don't know about you but that makes me sleep better at night ;)  If you've been looking for a great compression sock look no further, they have sales quite often which make them extremely affordable too!

Holly was having sock envy this morning on our grand adventure.  I printed up the turn by turn course directions last night and was a little nervous to see that there were 19 turns.  I somehow managed to pawn off the directions to Jorge...ha ha ha ha!!  He navigated us quite nicely but the directions got a bit confusing, it didn't help that none of us were familiar with the area either.  We managed to go and get ourselves lost but somehow made it back on track and finished in 13 miles.  I was certain that we were going to end up running many more miles than we had set out to do but lucky for us we figured out we were lost pretty dang quick.

The course was beautiful and the weather was absolutely PERFECT!  When we left home and the whole drive to Lehi it was raining.  Luckily for us, Holly was praying her little heart out for the rain to stop and it did!  Holly has powerful prayers ;)  This course is much more challenging than most Utah races.  It is a fairly flat course with a few little hills here and there.  Most Utah races send you flying down a canyon, not this one!  We need to work a little harder on Thanksgiving anyway right?!?

Do you wear compression and if so what brand?

Are you running a race this Thanksgiving Day?

Febreze Addicted Robot!!!

So we have, what, 16 days until Thanksgiving?  I don't know about you but I have always loved doing a long run on Thanksgiving Day morning.  If I know ahead of time that I'm going to be eating myself into a coma I try to burn some extra calories that day.  Anyways, I am pacing the Thankful 13 Half Marathon, I can't wait!  I will be pacing the 1:45 group and would love lots of followers, so why not sign up and come run with me :)

  

After last year's Thanksgiving Day Massacre I decided that there will be NO treadmill running for me on this day of giving thanks.  I have always wondered why there are a million 5K's on Thanksgiving but no longer distance races.  Sorry but if I'm going to eat myself sick I want to run many, many miles...bring on the stuffing!! 

Plus I am participating in Pile on the Miles so what better way to get some miles in?!?

Now onto other news...I am addicted to Febreze!  Weird, I know.  I am LOVING their fall scents.  I have the limited edition pumpkin harvest and apple spice & delight and DELIGHT it is :)  I drive my family crazy as I skip around the house spraying my Febreze...okay maybe I don't skip but I guess you'll never know!!

Apparently, I'm also a robot!  The other day I was trying to comment on a blog and it was encrypted, or whatever that's called.  Anyways, I typed at least 15 different words and every time it was wrong.  I finally decided to listen to the letters.  Holy crap, that was just down right scary!  It sounded like my computer was possessed!  Don't EVER listen to the "word!"

Lastly, I have finally signed up on the Twitter!  Truth be told I don't get it.  Why tweet?  I haven't done much of anything on it.  When Facebook first came out they joked about people posting things like: "I'm going to Costco!" or whatever mundane thing they were doing right that very minute.  To me Twitter is MUCH worse than Facebook.  "I just ate spinach!"  Well, whoopity doo da...am I supposed to care?!?  Sorry if you are a fan of Twitter and I really want to like it I just don't think I get it.  I don't get the #eatspinach or #whatever.  If someone can please give me a lesson on #Twitter #I #would #greatly #appreciate #it.  It must be better than what I have made it out to be, please help!  Find me on Twitter: Stephanie Anderson @runlilmamarun