Update.....

• I am running only 3 days a week now - Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday. If I have time and a running partner on Sunday I will run but if not no biggie.
• Running mileage is about 35 miles/per week - I want to work my way up to running 5 days a week and about 60-70 miles.
• No pain in my heel expect for when the weather changes. - then it hurts pretty bad.
• I have been icing my foot almost every night.
• Tim and I joined CrossFit - Monday/Wednesday. He wanted to spend more time with me so I thought this would be perfect for us since we both love to workout. Plus I thought this would be perfect cross training for me.
• Work is slowing down some and I finally able to catch up on some work and relax before tax season begins again in January.
• I have signed up to do the San Antonio (half or full), Dallas Marathon, and Austin Marathon.
• I started coaching a marathon group out in Bee Caves with Cindy. We have a great group of students. I can't wait to see how well they do in February.
• We are making small improvements to our house - yard work, installing fans, new gate on the side of the house, light fixtures, and decorating - It is nice to see the results but it is alot of work.
• Tim and I are trying to get back on our diet. We slacked off alot these last couple of weeks. So I have been trying to grocery shop and eat in as much as we can. Eating out makes it so much easier to cheat.
• I am loving fall TV these days. Gossip Girl, Castle, Grey's, Desperate Housewives, Real Housewives, Numbers, Project Runway
• I am selling some clothes on ebay that I do not wear anymore. It is pretty easy the only bad part is writing the description and taking the pictures. It is easy just time consuming.
• I am loving all of the cool weather. I can't wait till we can start having the fireplace on and I can start making chili!! I can make some yummy chili.

1st Workout with Team Rogue - Post Injury!!

Time: 5:30AM
Duration: don't care, just wanted to finish
Location: Barton Springs

Sport: Running
Workout: Steve's Rollers - Hill Workout
Distance: 13 miles
Weather: nice and cool
People: Kim, Ann Marie, Tammy


Today was my 1st run with Team Rogue post injury. I have been running on my own, slowly building up mileage. Currently I am not running 2 days in a row. I usually run Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. I do sometimes run on Sunday with my friend Sabrina (she is also recovering from many problems/injures) if I have time but if not no biggie. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are for cross-training, mostly body pump at Gold's gym.


I decided to put my big girl panties on today and run with the Team. I have been afraid to run with them fearing I couldn't keep up or even do the distance. But I have missed everyone and wanted to catch up on some girl talk. We meet up at Barton Springs to run Steve's Rollers. Let me tell you, it wasn't the smartest thing to do my 1st day back, but hey what doesn't kill you makes you stronger right? The rest of the Team was supposed to do a speed workout but no speed work for me, just a nice and easy run. Started out with my girls and enjoyed a nice run for about 4 miles before they left me in the dust. They stopped to go to the bathroom and they told me to go ahead because I was soooo slow. I mean turtle slow. I think a walker could pass me. I was planning on cutting it short, but I wasn't going to let Steve's rollers get me. I was determined to finish this run no matter how long it took. I took it really easy on the hills and just tried to relax and get into a groove. Next thing I know, I am already half way done and on my way home. The last few miles were a struggle but I dig deep in and got it done. I am happy to report I ran a half-marathon this morning!! I am soo proud of myself!! So far my body isn't hating me, but let's wait till 3pm. That is usually when everything starts to go downhill.

The good news and bad news....

Good news - The bone density test shows that I am normal. No problems there.

Bad news - Dr. W. confirmed it is a stress fracture and not just an impending fracture. He asked me again if I wanted to get a MRI to confirm it but what is the point if you can see it on the x-ray. So there is nothing that really can be done besides wait for it to heal. He did mention I really should be on crutches if the pain is about a 5. And right now it is a 7. My only problem is that I hate to be depend on someone. Who is going to carry my purse, go to the grocery store, bring my lunch to me after I heat it up in the microwave, or pump my gas. But looks I am going to have to suck it up and get on them. So I am putting it out there.... I am officially getting on my crutches, starting tomorrow. I am going to use them for at least 2 weeks to see if it will help me more. It has been 3 weeks with no running and I must admit I feel about the same. No really big improvements.

Offically on the injury list.....

I have been having some pain in my right heel for a few weeks now. I took last week off hoping it would get better and it hasn't. And the pain became more intense and now was occurring all the time instead of when I was running. I had Dr. Riggs work on it and it didn't seem to help at all. At first I thought it was planter fascitis but the pain seemed to be more intense. So I decided to go see the doctor on Thursday and he did a X-ray. It showed a impending or fracture in my calcaneus. He suggested that I be on crutches for at least a couple of weeks if not more. I have tried to get on them, but it hasn't been easy or fun. I do not like have to depend on someone all the time. I also have an aircast that I am wearing as well. My doctor said I didn't have to wear it, but it reminds me that I am injured and I do need to take it easy. So I wear it all the time. It is a mental thing for me. I am also getting a bone density test tomorrow to see if there is something else that can be done. I have had 3 impending fractures in the past 18 months.

Update.....

Yeah, I know my blog has been dead but here is a quick update on what has been going on with my life.... (This is for Mike W. and Leslie)

• My 1st year of Iron Chick coaching was amazing. I had so much fun and learned so much with ladies. All of them kicked butt at Daskin. I am so proud of them and can't wait till next year!! We celebrated with a Happy Hour/Dinner celebration too.
  
• Nike Run Club also ended at the end of May. I met some amazing new people and hopefully will see them on the trail soon.
  
• I am running with Team Rogue again, training for the Portland marathon on October 4th.
  
• My coach increased my mileage per week by 10 miles this time around. Usually it wouldn't be bad but it seems extra hot this summer. I find myself grumpier and tired so I am going to drop back down again. Once it gets cooler, I think I might up it again. I just can't do heat and higher mileage. I have been training since mid-May and am still not used to it.
  
• I am also trying to do alot more cross-training than I have the past years. I am trying to stay heathly and not get injured.
  
• Although, not sure if that worked, my heel is hurting also right now. It only used to hurt after my runs, but now during the day too. I made the decision not to run this week at all to see if it gets any better.
  
• I met up with Meredith on June 1st and started my new diet. I am making my husband do it too. Aren't I such a nice wife? I have lost a few pounds and am feeling sooo much better about myself. I can tell the difference in my running and daily life. Although eating healthier is much more expensive I have come to find out.
  
• Work has picked back up again, so I am trying to get everything done between 8-5 and not really taking a lunch because I don't want to come in on Saturday or work overtime.
  
• I did the Muddy Buddy with my friend Ginger. It was the scarest experience of my life. The running wasn't so bad, but the biking was the worst. I thought I was going to die. I should have biked on the greenbelt first before. I am never doing it again unless I practice or only run.
  
• Tim and I are trying to have date night at least every other week. We both get dressed up and go to out to dinner or a movie.
  
• We have also spent many weekends out on the lake!! We try and go out at least every other week.
  
• I also made my 1st trip up to the New England states Memorial weekend. I finally was able to meet the rest of the Woodruff Family.
  
• We dog-sitted for our really good friends dogs for a week while they were on vacation. It was an adventure to have 4 dogs running around and feeding.
  
• I made $200 selling some of my clothes on ebay!!
  

That gets you all caught up with my life. I am going to start posting again on a regular basis. Here are some pictures from the past few months...

Yep, those are Jello shots.. just like college!!

The view from Camp is amazing!!

Woodruff Family

Camp - The house that Tim's grandparents own where everyone comes for the entire summer.

At Camp in Vermount

Iron Chicks - Running Class

Iron Chick Coaches 2009

Iron Chicks at Danskin 2009

Getting excited about race day!!

A week from today, I will be boarding a plane heading to Nashville. I am super duper excited. Not only is this my 1st out of state race but also my 1st out of city race!!

After being on the fence for many weeks now on to do the half or the full, I finally have made a decision. I have been struggling with my running over the past few weeks due to working alot of overtime including almost every single Saturday since January and not taking care of myself. I would say that right now I am only about 75% of my usually self. But now that April 15th is over, I can finally put things into perspective and take a handle of things. I have learned the following things this season:

a.)I am stronger than I think with my running. I can push myself harder than I ever could. I just need to believe in myself.

b.)I also need to make sure I get enough sleep and watch my eating/drinking habits. If I don't get enough sleep than my runs are no good. I am coming to realize that I am one of those few people that need about 8 hours sleep a night.

c.) It also helps to run with people that are faster than you. Having great company makes the runs much more fun.

d.)Also the most important thing..... I am NEVER EVER going to train for a marathon again during tax season. I have learned my lesson. What the heck was I thinking?? My coach agrees with me. It sounded good at the time, but little did I know it wasn't going to be easy.

e.)I have an awesome supportive running team (Team Rogue - Central) and my family/husband are even better. Even though they think I am crazy, they still are very supportive and understanding.


I have decided to run the full!! I met up with my coach this morning and we came up with a race plan. I am going to try and break 4 hours. I am going to run conservative marathon and if I have anything in the gas tank, push it at mile 20. It is also nice knowing that he believes my fitness level higher than that and knows I can do better.

I made it!!

I made it through tax season!! I am happy to report we did not even have to make a late run to the post office!! We are getting better every year. I only starting loosing my mind towards the end. I got all of my extensions done on Tuesday and was able to have them ready to go by lunch. I had wanted to go celebrate but I couldn't find anyone to drink with. :( So instead, I got my nails done and did some shopping to celebrate. Now I just need a full weekend of non-stop sleeping to recover.

I'm a movie star!!!

The Rogue commercial will air with great frequency at the news spots on KXAN. Stay tuned or set up your DVR to catch a glimpse of me on screen. The commercial will air at the following times:

Friday
5:13 AM

5:44 AM

6:28 AM

6:38 AM

12:22 PM

12:44 PM

6:21 PM

Saturday

6:13 PM

I am in one of the 1st shots--running down Congress with the capitol in the background with a light blue shirt on and a black skort.

Too busy to run???

Tax season is in full swing now. I am super duper busy. I don't really have time to do much of anything these days expect work. I don't cook, clean the house, wash clothes, blog etc. because I just don't have time anymore. I come home after working a long hard day and just want to crash and get ready for the next day. I also have worked every single Saturday since January (expect 2 due to family functions) after all of my long runs. But I love my job so it is okay. What in the heck was I thinking when I thought I would train for a marathon during tax season?? So I have decided to "throw in the towel" as they say. After thinking about it for many weeks going back and forth and judging from my recent workouts (or lack of), I have decided not to "race" the marathon. I am going to run Nashville just for fun. I still have the goal to break 4 hours still but if I don't feel up to it, I have no problem just running the 1/2. Since I have made that decision such a weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I am happy with my decision. I can put my heart and soul into my work over the next few of weeks. And once we start to slow down, I can start back with my regular training schedule. I am still excited to do Nashville though. This will be my 1st out of state marathon (or half)!! Not to mention I will be traveling with some new friends I have meet through Team Rogue.

Happy Birthday Mom!!

Tim and I wish the best Mom in the world a Happy Birthday!! Tonight we are going to celebrate at dinner with Uncle David and Aunt Diana. Love ya!!

March 12,2009

Time: 5:30AM
Duration: ~1:15:00
Location: Lifetime Fitness - South

Sport: Weight Conditioning/Cross Training
Workout: Total Conditioning
Distance: N/A
Weather: Very cold and Rainy
People: N/A

I woke up on time to get ready to run, but then heard all of the rain. I checked my weather bug and it said it was 39 degrees. Usually I don't mind running in the rain , in fact I love running in the rain but it was just too cold. I have been fighting getting sick this week. I have had a sore throat, little fever (lower 99) and feeling achy all this week. I even went to bed a 9 pm on Monday and 8pm on Tuesday night. Last night I was able to stay up till 10 but that was pushing it. I can usually stay up till 10:30 or 11. I figured running in the rain (Nike Club Run tonight) and cold twice today wasn't the best idea of trying to stay healthily.

I opted hit the gym instead where I got my butt handed to me on a silver platter. This class is so hard. At one point in the class I thought running in the rain and cold sounded even better that what I was doing. But I am happy to say I tried my best and made it through the entire class with a smile on my face.

Tonight I am pacing for the Nike Run Club at Doc's. I have a great group and am so excited to be their pace leader. We have so much fun together. Can't wait!! I am going to do today's quality workout tomorrow since our long run has moved to Sunday unless I can squeeze it into my lunch break, but that is highly unlikely.

Bridal Pictures!!!

On our run this morning we ran through the capitol. I stopped to use the bathroom and remembered that this was the same bathroom I changed into my dress in to take my bridals pictures. I wanted to share a few of my favorites...

By the way it took me 1 hour and 1 dress shop to pick my dress. I only tired on 4 or 5 total. But as soon as I walked out of the dressing room my mom and sister started to tear up and I knew this was the one. I also wanted to mention that the bouquet is the same one my mom and sister used when they got married. I hope my childern carry on this tradition.

My photos were done my my friend Swami. http://www.swamistudios.com/ Check him out, he is awesome and would recommend him to any one of my friends or family members.

March 10,2009

Time: 5:30AM
Duration: ~??
Location: Barton Springs - Mike's Tourista Loop

Sport: Running
Workout: Medium Long Run
Distance: 10.4 (according to Sadie)
Weather: Humid and nasty
People: Team Rogue - Mainly Sadie and Amy

None of my normal group showed up. So Amy and I decided to run together. About a quarter of a mile in, we picked up Sadie and nominated her to be our tour guide since either one of us had run this loop before and we had no idea where the heck we were going. It was a great run and we had some good talks. I enjoyed it so much that the 10 miles flew by pretty fast.

Oh, and for the missing entries.... I have been taking it easy for the past couple of weeks. My right tibia where I had fractured it in October had been bothering me alot. I was starting hurt more and the pain seemed to be more intense on a regular basis so decided to back it off and do more cross-training with light running (no longer than 45 minutes). It seemed to have worked. I had a great run this morning and felt no pain.

(Almost) last Marathoner Shares Story from the Austin marathon

This is a very inspirational article I found on my friend's blog. It is from austin360.com.

Lara Newcomer wasn’t the first across the finish line of the Austin Marathon last weekend. She wasn’t the 100th or the 1,000th or even the 4,000th.She was one of the last people to officially cross the finish line, and she did it with the help of her husband, other people in the race and a whole lot of folks who saw her go by and reached out to offer encouragement. It took her 7 hours and 20 minutes. Here is her story. Thanks for sharing, Lara. And congratulations!

“Last Sunday’s marathon wasn’t my first, but it was certainly my hardest. About a month ago I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, which makes walking very painful at times. I stopped training and started treatments to try to let things heal up a little, but was still struggling with it. Then a week before the marathon I came down with the flu. I spent Monday and Tuesday in bed coughing and wheezing, with my fever hovering between 100 and 103.


My parents tried to talk me out of doing the marathon. But, I’ve been doing the Distance Challenge, a series of six races that started in October and totals almost 100 miles. The Austin Marathon was the last race in the challenge and if I didn’t do it, I wouldn’t get any credit for the Distance Challenge at all. So, I decided to give the marathon my best shot.


I knew when I got up Sunday morning that I wasn’t 100%, but I thought I had enough in me to do the marathon. I met up with my training partner, Shae, and two of her friends at the starting line. It all started pretty well —- I thought it was a good omen that there was a guy playing the cowbell on the Congress Avenue Bridge. It only took about three miles before I realized that my body was not going to let me keep up with the pace Shae and her friends were setting. Shae realized this and sent her friends on ahead. We slowed down a little, but I could tell that the pace was still just too fast for my poor recovering body.

By mile 8, I had decided to send Shae on ahead. I really thought I was done. I had texted Adam, my husband, that my body just couldn’t keep the pace and that I was going to quit. Shae said she’d stay with me until mile 10 because that’s where our husbands were. At mile 10, she went on ahead, but I decided that I had nothing to lose. So, I told Adam that I was just going to keep walking until I couldn’t walk anymore.

A lovely woman named Marissa had overheard me talking to Shae and to Adam and she was walking about my pace (very slow) and decided to walk with me — we decided that we would help and encourage each other. I don’t know her last name or where she’s from, but she walked with me from mile 10 until mile 23 and was a great encouragement.

By mile 13 my feet were killing me. Each step was painful and my knees were beginning to hurt because of the way I was compensating for the pain in my feet. A woman I don’t even know looked at me and told me she could tell by my face that I was dehydrated. And then my dear friend Edgar rode up on his bike. He just happened to be riding first aid and gave me a bottle of water with electrolytes and some of his wife’s “magic” pierogies. Thank God for Edgar and the water and pierogies! It was like someone flipped a switch and I suddenly had more energy and I was pretty confident that I was going to make it.

By mile 17 I wasn’t so confident anymore….the police car and official race vehicles had been right behind us since mile 15…..I knew I was the very end of the line. Everything below my hips was hurting and I really thought that something was going to seize up and I just wouldn’t be able to walk anymore. But, Edgar showed up again at mile 17 with more water and pierogies and my switch flipped again and I kept on walking.


At mile 20, I thought— heck, 6 more miles?! That’s just a 10K — I can do that in my sleep! My pace picked up a little and I really felt confident. Marissa was starting to slow down and I did all I could to encourage her.

Mile 23 nearly did me in. At that point a motorcycle policeman rode up next to us and told us that we needed to pick up the pace and catch up with the ladies in front of us or we’d have to move out of the street and on to the sidewalk and would probably not get credit for the race.

Well, I nearly quit right then —- I knew my body didn’t have enough left to catch up to those women. Marissa tried to encourage me, and she found some sort of inner reserve and powered right past those women in front of us. I picked up my pace, but I couldn’t breathe and my body felt so weak. I just wanted to sit down on the curb and give up.

Adam had met me at several different spots on the course to encourage me and see how I was doing and if I needed anything. He showed up again just past mile 23. I was ready to quit, but he hopped out of the truck and started walking with me. He just wouldn’t let me stop.


Then Edgar showed up on his bike again. And there we went —- Edgar on my left, and Adam on my right (in his blue jeans and work boots). Every time I wanted to quit (which was pretty often), they talked me out of it. Edgar coached me through the hills and helped me catch a breath when I was having trouble. Every time Adam saw spectators he shouted, “You know what we have here? A marathon finisher!!! We’ve got a finisher here!!” or “You know what I see? I see a woman who looked inside for some quit but couldn’t find any!!”


There was a police woman at 23rd and Guadalupe who reminded me that pain is just weakness leaving the body. And another police woman at 20th and Guadalupe who shooed pedestrians out of the crosswalk so I didn’t have to break my stride (slow as it was). The motorcycle officers on MLK began cheering with Adam as I made my way down the hill. And then I had less than a mile to go. My body wanted to quit so badly, but I was so close.

When there were 200 meters left, a race official with a walkie talkie approached me — I was sure he was going to tell me that I was too late, they’d already closed the race. But, he held out his hand and said, “Lara, I’m the race organizer and it’s my honor to escort you across the finish line.” I burst into tears — and Adam did, too.

I turned the corner on to Congress Avenue and Adam shouted again, “Do you know what I see?

I see a woman who looked inside for some quit and couldn’t find any!” And the DPS trooper standing there looked at me and said, “That’s the kind of determination we need. You should be on the force!” Adam clapped his hands, looked at me and said, “I am more proud of you than I have been in the 18 years I’ve known you. I’ve seen you do some remarkable things, but I have never seen anyone with such determination, will power and grit. You made a conscious decision all day long to keep at this and you never gave up.”

I cried, he cried … and stepped away from me, for the first time since mile 23 … so that I could have the finish line to myself. I felt like a celebrity — there were photographers and race officials and people cheering. Once I crossed the finish line, the race organizer put the medal around my neck and we had a photo op (guess there are some advantages to being last) and the workers started tearing down the finish line.

I want to thank the police officers who spent all day sitting at intersections to keep my slow butt safe. And a special thank you to those who were so encouraging to me. I also want to thank the families who stayed out in their front yards for hours to cheer on even the slowest marathoners (especially those at Rutgers Avenue and those on Avenue H). Fellow marathoners Marissa and Walt were incredible inspirations to me — I wish I knew how to contact them and thank them. And I just can’t thank Edgar and Adam enough — without them, I’m fairly certain that I’d have just sat down on the curb at 24th and Guadalupe and given up.


It took me 7 hours and 20 minutes to complete the marathon. I was the last “official” finisher. But, I did it — I conquered my weakness and my doubt and I accomplished my goal. It was an epic journey — and one I’m glad is over — but I will never forget the feeling of confidence from finishing what I set out to do.”

February 21 ,2009

Time: 6:00AM
Duration: ~??
Location: long run up north

Sport: Running
Workout: Soulbuster #1 - 16 miles of hills plus 4 miles at MGP (marathon goal pace)
Distance: 12.6 Miles
Weather: Good
People: Team Rogue

I still wasn't feeling 100%. I was at about 70%. I feel like I am on the verge of getting sick. The achyness, sore throat, sniffles, etc. I was planning on canceling the run but I had made plans with Andrea. So I sucked it up and went. By mile 2.5 I was ready to turn around. But Andrea said that maybe we would feel better after a few more miles. We kept going till we got to the next waterstop. I thought "Hey this isn't so bad." Then as soon as we hit Mt. Bonnell I was ready to call it a day. But we were so close to finishing. So we just kept going, hill after hill after hill. I swear every street name had the word mountain or hill or valley in it. Let me say it was the longest 12ish miles of my entire life. I didn't say good bye to anyone just hoped in my car and headed home to shower and sleep. I didn't want to be talked into doing any additional miles. Taking Sunday and Monday off to recover from whatever I have.

Thanks Andrea for the great company and talks. I really enjoyed. I wouldn't have made it near that far if it wasn't for you.

February 19,2009

Time: 5:30AM
Duration: ~1:10:00
Location: LAB/Enfield Loop and AHS track

Sport: Running
Workout: 3 mile w/p, 4 miles at tempo, 4 X 200m at 5k pace w/200m recovery, 3 mile c/d
Distance: 9.75 miles
Weather: Awesome
People: Team Rogue

I was just flat out tired. From working long hours at the office, to the marathon less than a week ago, running 10 on Tuesday, and whatever is going on with my stomach. And to top it off I am also having pain in my tibia where my stress fracture was back in October. It just wasn't my day. I tried to shorten the workout but only managed to cut off 1 mile. I pushed as hard as I could but my legs wouldn't move. I ran the cool-down with Roger who is also kind of taking it easy because of his injury.

February 17,2009

Time: 5:30AM
Duration: ~1:20:00
Location: South Austin Ramble

Sport: Running
Workout: Easy 10 miles
Distance: 10 Miles
Weather: Awesome
People: Team Rogue

I wasn't sure how my legs were going to feel after having run a marathon less than 48 hours ago. They were pretty tight at the beginning but on the way back they felt much much better. Sadie and I took it back nice and easy. We had some good girl talk and it was nice getting to chat with her one on one. I didn't think I was going to make the whole 10 miles, but I did and it felt great and having her a company made the miles fly by.

Austin Marathon 2009 - February 15, 2009

Time: 7:00AM
Duration: ~4:45:00 minutes
Location: Austin

Sport: Running
Workout: Marathon
Distance: 26.2 Miles
Weather: Nice, but got really hot toward the end
People: Only 4,000 other people


Before the Race - My originally plan was to have Tim take to to the race but since he was up late the night before I just let him sleep and drove myself. I was worried that I was running late, but luckily I found a pretty good parking place and headed to the start line. I didn't see anyone I knew so I just gathered my stuff together and went to the bathroom a couple of times. Something was making my tummy feel upset. Didn't know if it was something I ate or more. I checked in my bag then lined myself up with the 4:30 pace group. I figured this would be a good start that for the 1st part of the hills.

During the race - I tried to pace myself for the 1st several miles but could never get into a rhythm so I just did what my body told me without pushing too much. I saw my dad at mile 3 and handed off my jacket. I was so happy to see him. I was finally able to get into a groove by mile 6. The miles started off clicking pretty fast. Before I knew it I was to mile 13. Then that is when my tummy took a turn for the worst. I tried to ignore it but by the time I hit 15 I couldn't. Matt was nice enough to join me a mile 15 and run a few miles with me. He lifted my spirits and kept my mind off my stomach. But things just got worse. I had to make a pit stop around mile 17. I was in the bathroom for about 10 minutes but after was feeling alittle better. Saw my dad again and waved a big wave and smiled. Matt then left me around mile 18.5. We said our good-byes and I was off again. I figured if I got to mile 20, then I was going to make it. The miles then started coming slower and slower. I was ready to be done. I did start to pick it up again after I hit mile 22. My energy was just zapped. I had nothing left in me. Saw dad 1 one time and he looked alittle concerned but I wasn't going to let this race beat me. I was more determined than ever to kick it's butt. I put on my game face and got going. Mile 25, I saw my husband. He ran with me for alittle bit and said keep going, you are almost there. And that is what I did. I was determined not to let anyone pass me past mile 23 and I didn't.

I wasn't happy with my time, but minus the potty breaks and helping a poor girl throwing up on the side of the road at mile 21 added up to about 15 plus minutes so I am okay with my time. I am happy I just survived and made it to the finish line with a smile on my face. Also by the end of the race my garmin said 26.52 miles.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

This was at my desk on Friday when I got to work. The beautiful roses are from Mom and Dad. The Tiff's Treats, which are my favorite are from my husband. He has finally learned that a full tummy equals a happy Stephanie!! Tim this year is lucky to get out of Valentine's Day. Since I am racing the marathon tomorrow, that means I can't really do much this weekend expect relax and save my engery for Sunday. This also includes my usually carb loading meal, so no going out to eat. Looks like we are just going to stay home and cook tonight. Having an early dinner and maybe watch a movie that way I get get to bed before 9pm.

Austin Marathon 2009!!

This weekend I am planning on running the Austin Marathon. I am not "racing" it. I was originally planning on running a 4:15 or so but after having a bad week mentally and physically that has changed to 4:30. I just don't think my body is up to anything faster and I am not going to risk injuring myself. My friend Matt is going to meet me around mile 15 so that should be lots of fun to run with with him. I also have alot of running buddies running as well, so hopefully I will see them out on the course. I am just out there to have fun and enjoy it. My co-coach, Korrie, for the Texas Round Up is pacing the 5:00 group. I told her that as much as I like her, I better not see her. And if I do see her, she better drag me to the finish line. Now off to pick up my packet and head home to get some rest.