Half Marathon Mission Met!

What an amazing feeling. A goal I have had my entire adult life...to run a half marathon. Accomplished!

My Mom and Dad were there, Nick, Brooklin and Franzi. The strength that comes from the support of those that love you...there is nothing like it.

Nick surprised me with an ipod for the race...We loaded it up with songs that represented each significant member of my family. Each held its own personal meaning to me and that family member. Brooklin gave me the song Do you Believe in Magic. Nick gave me a song by Triumph, follow your heart, Franzi picked an inspiring song by Europe, for my sister, Donna I had one of her favourite songs by Louie Armstrong, what a wonderful world, my Moms song for me is Celine Dion, You raise me up, for my Dad, Daddys hands, and for brother in law Phil, Journey-dont stop believing...and from my sister Patti and my brother Rick, was Elvis song, Little Sister.

Each song (family member) helped inspire me through different parts of the race. Having my family there to support me at several spots throughout the race was incredible.

Running with my two friends Chrystal and Ronda was the best. I could not have done it without their support and comraderie throughout the past 5 months of training and especially today during the race.

The sun was out and shined on us the whole race, contrary to the dismal weather reports that threatened rain. The hail and thunder and lightening storm started after we were safely nestled in our homes, in our cozies and wrapped up with a pillow and blanket.

Mother Nature helped push us a bit near the beginning of the race and again part way through but near the end she turned on us and we had to fight through the forceful wind for the last 2 miles or so...it seemed like the longest 2 miles ever. I was not sure that I could do it. All three of us were really struggling at this point and kept reassuring each other even though all of us knew how hard it was getting. Our legs were not sure they could carry us to the finish line. We linked arms for maybe 20 seconds which seemed to solidify our committment to each other to carry on.

The last quarter of a mile, the song that took me to the finish line was Daddys hands. This was a song that My Dad and I had danced our Daddy, daughter dance to and it swept me off my feet and gave me an unexplained burst of energy to sprint all the way to the finish line and even pass some other runners in the process.

We finished this 13.2 mile run in 2 hours and 25 minutes. Amazing, thats all I can say. For our very first Marathon, to come in with a time like that, makes us very proud of our accomplishment. Yeah us and all the other friendly runners out there. Way to go. You should try it ...its an amazing feeling of pride and accomplishment. .

Crazy day after a crazy weekend!

This past weekend was like a whirlwind!

It was fun, but almost too jam-packed with too much planned activities. I think I would prefer to only schedule one thing per weekend and then you can really enjoy that one thing and still get caught up from your week.

I still have not unpacked from returning home from a trip the week before.

Trying to catch up on a Monday with things that should have been done on a weekend, just sets the crazy pace for the week.

Tried to go for a run after my Curves workout. We met at Oakes park and their was an event on the track...which really sidetracked us to run on the road. Crazy like I said.

Only 6 more days before the 1/2 marathon. We can do it. It just seemed so far away before. Now, all of a sudden its here.

Ahhh! No, really its okay...Hopefully a good night sleep will give some positive perspective to it all.

Lovin my new-found breakfast

You just have to try my new found breakfast favouite. Good old fashion oatmeal- one serving with this awesome frozen fruit medley with mangos, raspberries and blueberries with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and vanilla yogurt on top. It is AMAZING! And... you really cant get any healthier . Actually you can...if you added a 1/2 teaspoon or so of ground flax seed. I am going to try that tomorrow. P.S. The mango fruit medley is from m & m meats. Love it!

Did you know??? 1 teaspoon of cinnamon per day will lower cholestorol and has even been proven to help MANY get off their cholestorol meds. Recommendation is this. For 30 days, continue to take your cholestorol meds as well as 1 teaspoon of regular cinnamon and then go to the doctors and have him send you for tests to see if it helped to bring you into check. Hey, its worth a try. Cinnamon is way more delicious and way less expensive than cholestoral meds. Never go off your meds without clearance from your doctor. But,...once you try it and they give their ok.. start getting creative on all the different ways you can sprinkle a little here and there and enjoy!

I'm back!!!!

I have been out of the country for the past two weeks on business...and its been advised that I not mention my absences until my return for obvious reasons.

So....I am back and very happy to be on familiar turf once again. There really is no place like home.

Its really exhausting being away even if it is in the sunny state of Florida.

Did manage to get my runs in and a few Curves workouts but not my regular faithful exercise schedule. Did my best with any slots of free time available.

So, hello Niagara its good to be back.

Chat soon.