Annoyed

It is becoming increasingly difficult this holiday season to get in my workouts. One or more of the following have contrived to throw me way off course.

Family Gatherings
Traveling (to/from said family gatherings)
No Transportation (DH's car is in the shop and he took mine)
Blizzard-like conditions
No Child-care
Lack of Enthusiasm/Desire

Boy do I wish I had a treadmill.

I'll basically have to begin a new in '08.

Look What My Sweetheart Gave Me

Very Cool!
Now I can shout out to everyone that I am a marathoner. :)




I'll look so official! I feel I need to do a tri now...

I was also given a bottle of perfume (3121) which came with Prince's Planet Earth CD.


My Christmas has been wonderful... and it has only just begun. The kiddos loved their gifts from us and one another. I was surprised that Sweetie enjoyed the Bella Sara cards most of all. I hadn't realized she liked them so much. Funny how they can always surprise us. :)

DH was quite impressed with his "Choose Your Own Christmas Adventure" .... I had devised a game of sorts similar to the surprisingly popular Choose Your Own Adventure stories from our youth. It started with a challenge and if he chose to accept it, he had to kiss me. If his kiss proved worthy, he was granted the next clue or segment to his gift. All were related to fitness as I know that is one of his goals for the upcoming year. As he progressed through the game, he was given choices;

• If you choose golf, give me a shoulder massage.
• If you choose cycling, then give me a passionate kiss.
  
• If you choose alpine skiing, give me a hug and grab my bootie.

I believe he got a big kick out of the quest and in the end his adventure will bring him a new bike. He hasn't yet decided on road or mountain, but I'm pushing for road. We'll keep ya'll informed.


P.S. A treadmill is still tops on my wish list but DH and I talked it over and we'd rather wait until Sept/Oct of '08 when the current models go on clearance. We missed the big sales this year. Besides, the new computer was a need while the treadmill is a want. Priorities, right? :)

Postcards From China

Does anyone know how I might be able to get a postcard or two sent to my daughter from China? She is fascinated with the culture and we are currently studying everything we can about the country.

We would like paper postcards with a stamp and everything... not an electronic postcard.

Our Holiday Traditions ~ Thursday Thirteen

Things have changed since I was a little girl and celebrated Christmas with my family. I married and now celebrate with my husband's family as well as my own. I would love to host a big Christmas gathering for my family but as of yet, that hasn't been possible. We've moved to Central Oregon and now traveling is required (of course, we do all of it as few family & friends wish to brave the ice/snow as they traverse the pass). Yet, perhaps the most difficult to overcome... my parents divorced in 2002. We are still grappling with how to accommodate everyone. As a result, some beloved traditions have been lost. Yet, I have also started new ones.

1. Sending out Christmas cards with a DVD of favorite photos to share our many adventures with friends & family.

2. Putting up our tree and decorating the house the weekend following Thanksgiving.

3. Taking a annual family photo (either in a studio or at home).

4. Having Breakfast with Santa at the Pine Tavern Restaurant.

5. Celebrating Christmas - just the four of us - the night before we depart for the coast to see friends & family. Preferably, I would like to do this on Christmas Eve as is tradition in Norway (and as I did as a child) but circumstances prevent this and the specific date isn't critical. I prepare a traditional Norwegian Christmas menu ... roast pork with gingerbread glaze, lefse, pickled herring, etc.

6. Creating handmade gifts for friends and family. I started this in 2003 and have been gradually giving fewer store-bought gifts. I enjoy spending the time crafting with my daughter (my son is just now beginning to show interest) and I feel the gifts are more meaningful. I of course try my best to select projects I think the recipient will truly enjoy.

7. My daughter has also taken up this tradition and has given her loved ones a handmade gift every year since she was two.

8. When I was little, Santa's arrival on Christmas was always magical. I haven't quite figured out how to make this happen for my two. Traveling makes this difficult. Any suggestions would be appreciated. :)

9. I tried to start a new tradition this year of eating by candlelight for our evening meal. DH doesn't like this very well so the kiddos and I do it on the nights he works late. Hopefully, he'll come around and enjoy it himself.

10. Another new tradition I plan to start this year is to eat a traditional Scandinavian breakfast on Christmas morning. I bought an aebleskiver pan and look forward to expanding my repertoire.

11. My Christmas wish list includes a set of clips for Christmas tree candles. They are mostly for appearance but I would light them on Christmas Eve for a short time. My mom did this when I was little and the tree never looked more beautiful. I also want to get a garland of little Norwegian flags to adorn the tree.

12. Maybe not so traditional for other families but true for ours... My FIL prepares prime rib on the 25th and we have a buffet of appetizers and finger foods at my SIL's on the 24th.

13. We drive out to Shore Acres to see the Christmas lights and enjoy hot cider and cookies as we listen to a choir sing Christmas carols.

Wishing you a Christmas warm with happiness and a new year filled with joy. Hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday season.

Merry Christmas!

The Butterfly

I am enjoying swimming more and more each time I jump into the water. After a lengthy warm-up (I arrived a little early knowing I'd have to leave a little early), we did a butterfly drill... 12 x 25 m (odds - alternate single arm, evens - regular fly). Fortunately, we were permitted the use of fins. Even so, I feel I am getting used to this stroke. I just need to remember not to bend my elbow when reaching forward and position my arms better. A year ago, I couldn't even dolphin kick and coordinate my arms. I plan to take the butterfly clinic in January. I'm certain it will be an eye-opening and amusing experience.

This was followed up by 30 minutes of straight freestyle without a rest interval. I had time enough to do about 15 minutes (kiddos had swim lessons themselves) and in that time managed to cover 600m.

600m warm-up (alternate stroke every 50m)
200m w/fins
300m butterfly drill
600m freestyle

1700m total / equivalent to ~4 running miles

Tomorrow, I signed the kiddos up for childcare so I can run as well. It has been raining & snowing constantly for the past week or so and they have no desire whatsoever to go out in the elements despite my reassurance that I would bundle them up. So it's the treadmill for me.

Also newsworthy ~ I signed up for Oregon Masters Swimming (OMS) and United States Masters Aquatics membership. I am now officially permitted to participate in any pool meet, open water swim, postal swim, or national fitness event. We'll see what this brings me in 2008. Perhaps a swim competition is in my future??

A Little Fall Off the Wagon

I seemingly haven't been working out as I know I should. I ran Thursday after the marathon and though it was a great run; I haven't run, swam or otherwise since. The only thing I did manage to do in regards to training was to develop a new training plan. GB referred me to Your Ultimate Marathon Training Plan when I started training for Eugene a year ago. I used the Advanced plan and really liked the variety and intensity. I'm going to up the paces a little though.

I did manage to swim today, however. I arrived a little early so I had time enough to get a good warm-up completed before the main set.

450m warm-up mixed stroke
200m w/ fins
8 x 25m single arm (alternating every 3rd stroke) freestyle drill
100m IM
4 x 25m butterfly
100m IM
4 x 50m backstroke
100m IM

total distance = 1450m

Certainly less than what I had been doing but a good workout to ease back into things. I had to leave early - the kiddos had swim lessons themselves - so I wasn't able to finish the last few: 4 x 75m breast, 100m IM, and 4 x 100m free. Let's just hope I don't allow the snow and freezing temps deter me from staying the course.

My Scrapbook Albums ~ Thursday Thirteen

I believe that most are aware of my passion for creating scrapbooks. I have been collecting photographs, stories and memorabilia for as long as I can remember. I first discovered 'modern scrapbooking' in the summer of 2000. I wanted to document the years I'd spent as an elementary science specialist - a position I had come to love. I had found my calling - my true self. I wanted to grab onto the memories I had built and hold onto them forever.

I thereby began a quest to share my memories in an organized and yet, aesthetically pleasing way. My MIL had been subscribing to a number of scrapbook magazines and I had always been entranced by the colorful pages and the creative outlet this new hobby provided. I jumped in.

Over the years I have created countless pages. I have destroyed some of the earlier pages in effort to re-do them as my style has evolved. I've since learned NOT to do that... I've learned that even the early pages tell a story of who I am and where I've been. I've attended the Creating Keepsakes convention, taken scrapbook classes (both online and in local scrapbook stores), and even taught classes myself. The industry has grown and evolved over the years and I have grown and evolved right along with it.

I no longer consider myself a scrapbooker, however. Like many who enjoy this craft, the term scrapbooker doesn't completely fit me or what I do. Ali Edwards recently coined the term life artist as one who, most simply, captures life and creates art. When I first heard her use this term I thought to myself, "That's me!" I recently purchased her new book Life Artist and have been devouring every page since it arrived on my doorstep. "Life artists recognize that life consists of both good and bad, that our experiences are a sum of who we really are, that there is beauty in sharing authentic stories, even the so-called imperfect ones."

I have many, many albums. When I first started, I made only 12x12 pages. I love the square format and the incredible amount of space it provides. When the children started to pick up the albums themselves, I realized that the big 12x12 albums were too difficult, too heavy, for them to carry. In 2005, I thereby switched to all 8x8. I am starting to regret that decision. I kinda wish I had stuck with 12x12. The pictures are so much bigger. Bolder. I just keep repeating to myself, "It's okay." "Embrace imperfection." Soon, I will come to believe it (...at least I hope so).

Anyway, I thought I might document the albums/books that I have ... both in progress and completed (basically 13 main albums, hence my participation in T13 - I didn't count all the little 6x6 or accordion style albums). I have so many, I need another book shelf on which to display them!

Family Albums

• The first 3 volumes (1996 - 2004) are 12x12 and feature only DH and I as a couple (as well as extended family and friends) until Sweetie was born in Sept 2002. They are all chronological and include holidays and vacations.
• The fourth volume (2005 - 2007) is 8x8.
• The fifth volume will be 8 1/2 x 11 and will begin in Jan '08. I'm attempting to break out of my square box. :)

All About Me 12x12

Sweetie's Albums

• First Year (Sept '02 - Sept '03 / 12x12)
• Toddler Years vol. 1 (Oct '03 - Dec '05 / 12x12)
• Toddler Years vol. 2 (Jan '05 - Dec '07 / 8x8)
• Grade School Years (Jan '08 - ?? / 8x8)
  

Buddy's Albums

• First Year (Feb '05 - Feb '06 / 12x12)
• Toddler Years vol. 1 (Mar '06 - present / 12x12)

In 2005, I also opted to have separate albums for specific events like our annual camping trip to Indian Mary and other thematic albums. All are 8x8 unless noted otherwise.

• Hawaii
• Disneyland (12x12 because I couldn't find an 8x8 album I liked)
• Indian Mary
• Perspectives
  
• Oregon (unfinished)
• Family Legacy (my family history/genealogy album)
• Our Wedding
• Christmas (Santa - a little peek)
  
• Childhood Memories (Mud Lake - another peek)
  

I also have a few albums in mind that I would like to create sometime soon. I'll Keep Running. All About Him. His Childhood Memories. His Family Legacy. A Week in the Life. December Daily.

Can you tell, I love Ali's work?! I am continually inspired by her and I love her simple, graphic style.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It is easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Thursday Thirteen graphic by Samulli.

Christmas Cards & DVDs ~ WFMW

With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, many dread writing Christmas cards. Some choose to do them in January. Some even refuse to do them at all. I suspect, that there are even recipients who dread the arrival of these cards in their mailboxes. I am not one of them. While I particularly enjoy receiving cards (and the letter that often accompanies them), I much prefer sending them myself. I am certain that is why I continue to send over 60 cards every year despite receiving fewer than 2 dozen.

Two years ago, rather than send a letter highlighting our numerous family adventures, I made a collage of some of my favorite photos. I didn't think my idea was all that unique but those I spoke with were pleasantly surprised. This got me to thinking... what more could I do? What would be better than a few random photographs? What could share our story in a way that was both entertaining and informative? I decided to make a DVD.

I sent my first DVD in 2006 and despite the fact that it was an experiment of trial & error (there were many things I wanted to do but couldn't with the software I had available, I made many errors, and I was slightly unsatisfied with my end-product). However, the responses I heard were all of joy, delight and merriment. I was encouraged to try again... to invest in better software.

That brings us to 2007. I made another DVD and titled it, '2007 - A Magical Year' (for we vacationed in Disneyland). I included many more photographs. I added background music. The still photos transitioned into mini-video clips. I added voice-over narration. It was all remarkably easy. I burned my mini-movie onto DVDs and sent them out with our Christmas cards. Everyone loved them! An aunt even telephoned me to tell me how much she enjoyed it and said, "I've watched it 3 times, already! It's great and the kids are so adorable." Some friends have even asked if I could help them make one for them.

Not only does the DVD make a great little surprise for the recipient, it also makes a memorable keepsake for ourselves. I plan to make one every year and keep them in a CD pocket within our Christmas scrapbook.

I Ran Today

... just 30 minutes but it felt great! I headed out with the kiddos in the jogger for an easy 20 minutes. As we were headed home, Sweetie asked, "Are we going home now?"

"Yes," was my reply. "Just 7 more minutes or so."

"That was very short. You should do more, Mama."

"Okay. I am feeling really good so how about we do 30 minutes all together. That's just 15 minutes more."

"Yeah. That sounds good."

I didn't wear the Garmin but I'm guessing (based on my familiarity with the route we covered) I did about 3 miles.

:D

Running Goals for 2008 ~ Thursday Thirteen

1. Qualify to run BOSTON (i.e. finish under 3:45). To accomplish this, I'll need to do the following:
2. Increase weekly mileage from average 35+ to 50+.
3. Build a solid core.
4. Eat healthier and possibly loose 5 lbs (I generally weigh in at 126-130 - I can lose a few).
5. Run easy on recovery days. Run hard on hard days.
6. Weight train more consistently (related to #3).
7. Improve race strategy (fewer porta-potty visits and consistent effort in middle miles).
8. Run with a others - join local running club and join them for long runs.
9. Do daily doubles - particularly on swim days.
10. Try water running.
11. Push myself harder on tempo/speed days. I want to be a little sore the next day.
12. Up my training paces (goal pace) from 8:30 to 8:20. ???
13. Stay motivated throughout training - stop cutting runs short. This is probably the most important one - looking at my training log, I did that a lot prior to CIM.


Previous Training Paces:
GP = 8:30 (marathon finish 3:42:52)
T = 8:10
C = 7:20 (1 mile), 3:40 (800)
SI = 3:30 (800), 1:45 (400)
** As I trained for CIM, I frequently nailed those times. Occasionally, I was even faster (particularly towards the end of the training cycle and through the taper). Other times, I was slower (when pushing the stroller but other times, too). I just wasn't consistent. **

New 'Goal' Training Paces:
GP = 8:20 (marathon finish 3:38:29)
T = 8:00
C = 7:10 (1 mile), 3:30 (800)
SI = 3:20 (800), 1:35 (400)

Crab & Artichoke Dip

In the spirit of the holidays - and marathon recovery - here is my favorite dip recipe. I usually serve this with sliced bread or crackers.

1 pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, pressed
1 can artichoke hearts in water, drained and chopped
crabmeat - according to taste (I grew up on the coast so I always put in a lot of crab)
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions
1 tsp. lemon zest
1/8 tsp. ground black pepper

Just mix everything and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes. Garnish with additional sliced green onions and diced red bell peppers (optional). Makes 4 cups (16 servings).

Submitted to Crazy Hip Blog Mamas 'Recipe Rally' on the 5th December 2007.

I *Heart* the CIM

What a great race... fabulous course... super spectators... inspirational runners. My report is divided into sections for easier reading ... feel free to skip ahead to the race itself. :D

~~~ Departure ~~~

A few weeks ago, DH suggested that we go without the kiddos and asked if my mom couldn't come over to watch them. Thankfully, she was able to... she came over Friday afternoon and the kids enjoyed decorating our Christmas tree with her that evening. Sweetie said, "This is so much fun. Especially with you, Grandma."

The next morning, DH and I left home at 5 a.m. We had a 7+ hour drive ahead of us and we wanted to arrive in Sacramento with sufficient time to spare. We didn't make a single stop and checked into our motel shortly after 12. We were both hungry and not eager to sit down and wait so we went to Del Taco (our first time - we both ordered Tacos al Carbon - small in size but very good).

We then drove over to the Expo and browsed around a little after we picked up my race goodies and bib. I sampled a few Luna Moon gels at the Clif booth. I enjoyed the small size and taste so I bought 4 packages for the race.

We went back to the motel so DH could nap as I laid out everything for the morning. We watched a bit of the civil war game and I took a short nap myself. We then decided upon The Olive Garden for dinner. We arrived at 5 - waited 30 minutes for a table - and then had poor service. Food was yummy, though. We went back to the motel - I soaked in the bath for a while, we watched a little TV and we were asleep by 9 or so.

We were awoken at about 2 a.m. by our 'neighbors' upstairs. I don't know exactly what they were doing (doors closing, bath water running, flushing toilets, hard heeled shoes clicking on the floor and wooden steps, loud voices/talking...) but they made it very difficult for us to fall asleep again. We tossed and turned until it was time to wake up at 4... they were still at it when we departed. I mistakenly didn't make reservations at a 'convention hotel' so we were not on the loop the shuttle buses would be stopping to pick up runners. DH thereby had to drive me to a 'participating hotel' and dropped me off.

~~~ Race Day Morning ~~~

In the lobby were two newbie marathon runners - their goal was to finish before the police 'sweeper vehicles'. They were excited and nervous. I wonder how they did? As we waited, a group of 'veterans' joined us. I ended up sitting next to one on the bus. It was nice to talk with someone with so much running experience. I inquired about race strategy, etc.

We arrived at the starting point in Folsom about an hour before the start. Most of us stayed on the bus until absolutely necessary. As lines for the porta-potties were getting quite long, I decided to get in que at 20 after. As I waited in line, I scanned faces hoping to see a familiar face. Just a few minutes later, I saw a woman that looked remarkably like Lillie, so I walked up to her and asked her name. It was her!

I was elated to meet her. In many ways, I look up to her. She is the type of runner I desire to be someday. She is also very, very sweet. Down-to-earth, warm, encouraging. She was there with her brother and we thereby chatted for several minutes. I wish I had had a camera!

After talking with the 'veterans' and Lillie about race stategy, I decided to start out a few seconds slower than the 3:45 pace group. As I warmed up and if I felt it, I would try to catch up with them and then just hold on until the finish.

~~~ The Race ~~~

I lined up between the 3:45 and 3:50 pace groups and was impressed to see there were more runners lined up behind me than there were in front. That was a good feeling. The race started promptly at 7 and I crossed the start line and thereby started the Garmin a few moments later. It is always an awkward feeling not to start running immediately.

I had gloves and a headband to cover my ears - I removed the gloves at mile 1 and the headband at mile 2. At mile 4, I removed my windbreaker and tied it around my waist. By mile 5, I had caught up with the 3:45 pace group... they were about 100 yards ahead of me. Unfortunately, I also had to use the porta-potty desperately at this point. There was a bit of a line so I lost several minutes here. After the call of nature, I picked up the pace and managed to catch the 3:50 pace group a few miles later. At the half, the Garmin read ~1:55, about 5 min. slower than my half PR. However, at this point, nature called once again. URGH! A few more minutes lost. When I stopped this second time, my legs started to tighten up. I couldn't quite resume the same pace I had previously maintained. I never saw the pace groups again.

My time at the 30K was approx. 2:45 - the same time as the Circle the Bay a few months ago. However, I had slowed significantly from the pace with which I had started. I thought of my family - of Sweetie cheering, "Go, Mommy, Go!" I thought of my blog friends and imagined them along the sidelines encouraging me to stick with it. I knew at this point that I wasn't going to achieve a qualifying time but I knew that if I dug deep, I would be able to finish under 4 hours. I couldn't falter though. I had to maintain. "Hang On." "Even Effort" became my mantra.

I ate the Luna Moon gels at miles 6, 13, 17, and 22. At the aide stations, I generally took GU2O unless I had just eaten a gel, in that case, I chose water. I even ate an orange slice somewhere along the way, Carmichael? I never really encountered a wall - not like I did in Portland in '06.
As I approached the finish with just a little more than a mile to go, I was able to pick up the pace.

I am fortunate to have always had a good kick, but it was all I could do to finish strong. When I rounded the corner and saw the finish line, the clock read 3:58... I knew then that I had made it under 4 hours. I got a little teary eyed. I've never been emotional after a shorter distance race - but completing a marathon - let alone finishing within goal time is a powerful thing.

My Mile Splits:

1 - 8:55
2 - 8:45
3 - 8:35
4 - 8:25
5 - 8:40
6 - 10:56 *
7 - 8:23
8 - 8:33
9 - 8:37
10 - 8:20
11 - 8:26
12 - 8:37
13 - 8:35
14 - 10:40 *
15 - 8:51
16 - 8:47
17 - 8:53
18 - 9:12
19 - 8:53
20 - 9:30
21 - 9:16
22 - 10:17
23 - 9:35
24 - 10:02
25 - 9:19
26 - 8:56
.02 - 1:40

Garmin read 26.39 miles at 3:57:50 - official time 3:57:46.

~~~ Post-Race ~~~

I found DH immediately. We slowly walked to the car and were on the freeway headed home by 11:20 a.m. He had saved a few things from breakfast for me (apple, banana, blueberry muffins) but I didn't feel like eating them. All I wanted was water and I couldn't find it - not even at the finish. We were eager to get going and I didn't want to wander around in the crowd. I drank a little of the Kefir yogurt I'd brought along - it was still cold. It tasted good but wasn't as refreshing as I desired. I napped for about an hour in the car. I was still tired but couldn't really get comfortable. My legs ached. We stopped at an In-n-Out in Redding shortly before 2 p.m. It was the best burger I've ever eaten; I probably could've eaten 2 but I didn't.

We encountered blizzard like conditions shortly after Redding. Travel was slow. We stopped in Weed for gas (just in case) and proceeded on our way. We made good time though - we're equipped with snow tires and DH is a fabulous driver. We made it home around 7:30. The kiddos were happy to see us and of course weren't as eager to go to bed as we were. I'm just glad that we chose to make the trip without them - it would've been difficult to travel so far with so little time had they accompanied us.

I absolutely loved this race. The course was beautiful. Leaves were falling. The weather was perfect. The spectators were awesome. I would love to run it again. Perhaps with a few cushion days on either side of the race for site-seeing/relaxing with the family. My girlfriend mentioned on Friday that we should have planned a girls weekend away and gone on our own. Perhaps we can make something happen in 2008?

I Finished !!

Well, all my training over the past couple of months has come to fruition. I completed my 2nd marathon. I will post a more complete report tomorrow (or maybe the next day)... but I just have to quickly shout out my joy. I finished under 4 hours, which was my first and foremost goal - the one which I felt was achievable if all went well. I aimed to qualify (the goal of my dreams) and in fact stayed with the 3:45 pace group for the first half... but then nature called. The aches began soon thereafter and I just hung on. I crossed the finish in 3:57:50... a PR by 37 minutes... average pace 9:00 min. I am elated.

Stay tuned! :)