GO STL Recap

Last Sunday I ran the Go STL half marathon. This was my sixth half Mary. To say I was excited to run in STL is an understatement. STL is home and it always will be. This girl was was going to be there BONUS.

Let me just reflect on her for a moment. She totally wins the friendship award. Why? Well home girl has been working her tail off to get back into running after an injury. She has kicked her old lady boot to the curb and lace up her running shoes. She did awesome and I am so proud of her. Most people would have just thrown their running shoes to the curb and just signed up for the 1k fun run. Not this girl!

Like and other weekend in STL, I always manage to jam pack every moment seeing friends. The Friday before I literally was in STL for an hour before I had a beer in my hand and had my happy ass at the cardinals game (more on that later) Saturday, I spend the day at Eckert’s (more on the later too) I knew If I didn’t go home before 6pm I would have my happy butt bar hopping with friends. Running hung over is something I just never want to do. So I put my sober self to bed at 9:30pm. Jealous much…wait until you hear my super awesome sister hosted a sleep over for H and a friends so THIS girl got to sleep 8 hours kid free. Glorious

My alarm went off at 5am: I bounced up like a spring chicken. I got dressed and ate a bowl of spaghetti?! Yes, you read that right. I woke up starving. I normally grab a cliff bar and wash it down with water but not this morning.

The plan was for Marcia to pick me up by 6am. It was so weird getting ready for a race without her. She there to keep me on track. Read: ask me a million questions: Did you eat your banana? Did you drink water? Double tie your shoes? Do you have your iPod? You get my drift. She’s a walking reminder and I love it.

I was ready in no time. So I peed 43 times and stretched until my chariot arrived.

We headed down town chatting. Angie was with us, she’s the bride to be. I was so excited to see her one last time before her race. I digress.

Marcia finds us a parking spot, but not without taking out a sign. Yes. took.out.a.construction.sign. bless its!

We found a potty (race day = pea size bladder) and headed to the start line. Since Marcia was still recovering from her injury she was running the 5k. They started 30 minutes before the half marathon runners.

30 minutes to kill. Stretch, use the bathroom again. Head to the start line.

7:30 and we are off.

Mile 1: run up hill. Really? Whose idea was this?

Mile 2: running in direct sunlight through downtown STL. I couldn’t see a thing, except the person in front of me. Terrible

Mile 3: still running in darkness. Thankfully the weather is perfect. Pace is good.

Mile 4- 5: wow, this is going pretty good.

Mile 6: stop gets water/Gatorade and a gel. Pick up the pace. Feeling great.

Mile 7-8. I was in a running coma. No thinking just running.

Mile 9 and I’m bored. I start thinking of random things, like my dog, my hair; wish I had a piece of gum. I start people watching. I see this girl running in front of me. I think “dang, how does she still look cute? Her hair looks amazing, like she’s in a commercial for Brandy Bands” I need to get a better look. So I speed up just a bit and I instantly recognize her. It’s Mel from 4KOTTEZ. I get nervous, like I just saw Kate Middleton or something. I think I have to say Hi. Marcia and her have met, that automatically cancels the freak card. You know what I’m talking about. Those awkward conversations of you don’t know me but I stalk your blog every day. I think your hilarious can we be friends?

I put my big girl panties on and said hello (I’m sure there was some heavy breathing, this girl can’t run and hold a conversation) Mel was so sweet if you don’t follow her go check her out. Her blog is a cornucopia of sweetish fish, running, and photos of her adorable kids.

Mile 10: I was still running on the high of meeting Mel. Feeling great. I the 2:05 pacers just pass me. I had no idea I was that close.

Mile 11: just keep running

Mile 12: Hit the wall. I wanted to cry, wanted to walk. I look up and see a hill. Like a HUGE hill. Shoot me now. Then I see this little ray of sunshine. Also known as Marcia. She’s up there cheering me on. I was full blown baby I want to quit mode at this time. If it wasn’t for Marcia I would have walked. I kept going.

Mile 13: I see the finish line, I hear the people cheering. I see my dad! I see my mom! I see my aunt! I cross the finish line!!

Time 2:15. Eh, not my best but not my worse.

I had a fantastic time in STL with these girls!

Zooma Race Recap

I have been dreading writing this race recap. I’ve been back from Zooma for weeks now. I was super pumped for this race. I mean look at all the perks:

• Entry into an unforgettable, professionally-managed and timed half marathon or 10K race
• Access to a full weekend of yoga, sponsored cocktail hour, and a Fitness Expo
• ZOOMA Signature Swag Bag, including a cute tech tee, yoga mat, reusable bag, and stainless steel water bottle (over $50 value)
• Water and Cytomax Sports Performance drinks on the course
• Water, Cytomax Sports Performance drinks, Muscle Milk Light, and food at the finish line
• GU Energy Gel station along the course
• Wine from Barefoot Wine & Bubbly at the After-Party Expo
• Necklace designed exclusively by Satya Jewelry for ZOOMA for all finishers
• Post-race massage, shopping and live music at the ZOOMA After-Party Expo

I mean COME ON AMIE!!

Have you ever ran a Zooma? Here’s the back ground:

Run the newest women’s fitness event in Chicago! Join us for a full weekend of serious racing and serious celebration–including sponsored mocktail hours, yoga, film screenings, and fun times with running friends.
A half marathon and 10K start and finish in scenic Montrose Harbor, with views of the Chicago skyline. A scenic and flat course will give you a tour of the lakefront. After the finish line, there’s serious celebration with wine, massage, live music, shopping and fun at the lakefront park of Montrose Harbor, with access to the beach and swimming.

Marcia and I traveled to Chicago bright and early Friday morning. Of course we made a pit stop at the Outlet Mall before checking into our hotel.

The Hotel: We felt like were living with the rich and famous. The hotel was nothing short of fabulous!

The host hotel was the Langham..



Located in the heart of downtown Chicago overlooking the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, the hotel is an iconic landmark on the city’s skyline. It is just steps from the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, great dining and shopping. The average guest room is over 500 sq. ft. (among the largest in the city) and will comfortably accommodate and pamper you and your gal pal for the weekend.

Have you seen the movie Richie Rich? You know the scene when he gets in the hotel room and totally looses his mind?

That was Marcia and I in a nutshell. We were opening and closing cabinets, trying on robes, ringing the door bell to our room, checking out the “hidden wall”, the waterfall shower, the fully stocked bar (which included coconut water) and the finest wine and wine glasses. It was amazing and a tad bit overpriced. It was one of those “look but you better not touch; otherwise you were purchasing a $7.00 fun size bag of chips.

Once we composed ourselves we headed over to the expo. Eh, it was just ok. We were a little star struck when we saw Sara Hall. (Of course M had to point her out to me and say “um, she’s a big deal”) She was so down to earth and so sweet. I think I want to be here for Halloween.

We had calm evening, dinner a glass of wine and headed off to bed pretty early Friday night. Race time was 7am.

We woke with the birds, did our normal routine and headed to the shuttle.

Let the mind games start.

You can do this Amie, put your mind to it go for it, you got this. You know, totally pumping myself up.

We head to the start line, and we are off. I shot out like a dang banshee. Gone.

Miles 1-6 we absolutely beautiful, running by the water was memorizing to me. I found my pace and things we golden. I kept saying stay in front of the 2:00 pacers.

Mile 7-13.1 Nightmare on Elm Street.

I think that’s why I dreaded writing this post. You know sometimes it’s hard to admit where you fail. I totally failed in my training with this race. I could use the excuses that I let life get in the way, I didn’t make time, the race was too crowded and confusing, it was too hot, I was dehydrated. But it all comes down to the fact that I didn’t train like I should have.

At mile 7 hit a wall. (really? Amie mile 7) I’m talking full on heat stroke. (Ok that’s a slight exaggeration) I just wanted to finish.

I didn’t even look at my finished time. I really don’t want to look nor do I care.

Lesson learned: Motivation will take you to mile 6 in less than 60mins. Training will take you to mile 13.1 in under 2:00.

All things aside, I did learn there are bad races and there are good races. No more dwelling on this.

So what if it was a bad race, I got a weekend away with Marcia and we had a great time.

Race Day Must Haves

It's that time again FOLKS!!

Time for what you ask?

RACE TIME!!

Tonight I head to STL to grab This sassy girl!

Then we hit the raod for ZOOMA

To use the term excited is a total understatement!

I am so ready for a weekend away with my bestie

As I was packing (like we were never coming home, can you say OVER PACKER)

I grabed all my MUST HAVES: I thought I'd share them with you!

RACE DAY MUST HAVES:

1. IPOD

Gotta have music! AND yes, sometimes you will hear me singing! loud and off key.

2. GARMIN FORERUNNER

Can we say "obsessive" Have to have it! Why run if you don't know how fast or how far you are going!

3. Honey Stingers

I don't know if it's a mental thing but these things make me run like the wind.

4. GUM

I chew this like it's the only way to get into heaven. num num num

4. Running Skirt

LOVE LOVE LOVE this skirt from lululemon.

5. Socks

I'm usually a total tight wad, but these socks changed my life. They are Balega, ultra light and totally make a difference

6. Saucony Glide 6

last but not least, gotta have a good pair of running shoes!

Here's to a good race weekend!!

My heart is so heavy

Where do I begin?

What can I do?

Who can I pray for?

How does something like this happen?

Whose going to pay for this?

I know Boston is all over the news today and probably will be for the next few days. I just can't imagine what this city is going through.

I don't know if any of you follow Ragnar on facebook. But I do. All day yesterday, they were hyped about the race. People posting "good luck wishes" and tracking their friends. It was all so positive, such great spirits, cheering each other on.

That is what runner's do. We spend months training preparing ourselves for the big race. We spend months eating right, skipping happy hours, waking up early for a run, just so we can perform well on race day. I just think of all the hard work these runner's put in MONTHS prior, they set out for the race, they run, the encourage each other and bond with total strangers.

WE do whatever it takes to just get to the finish line. We encourage total strangers  to KEEP GOING.

I can't explain it, but running during a race gives me total peace while I run. It's a happy place.

Can you even imagine being a runner during this race and hearing the sound of an explosion?

Immediately throwing you into a panic, wondering about your family waiting for you at the finish line?

The thought of someone doing this intentionally makes me sick to my stomach.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33

Hug and tell your loved ones you love them today!

Add another to the list

My running mate Cia sent me an email with the subject line: "New Halloween Half Marathon"
the body of the emails read: "Yep, I signed up"


So there I go, signed myself up for the New Halloween Half Marathon

Any excuse to make a trip to the LOU!

Hmm? I wonder if I can run 13.1 in a costume?

Lincoln Presidential Half

Last week could not have been any more busier. I didn't know if I was coming or going.

Do you ever have those weeks?

Let's not even mention that I completely stopped training for the Lincoln half at week 8. That's right folks. I did not run one single mile 3 weeks prior to the race. Yes, I am crazy. I don't have any excuse. all I can say is I just did not make time to run. I did however find time to eat my weight in Easter Candy, watch all my shows on the DVR, and down 3-4 beers a night.

Seriously, I don't know what was wrong with me, I turned into a lazy arse BIG TIME.

I have to be totally honest. I hadn't been back to STL since December. I was more excited to hang out with friends than run.

First stop, Stacey. I love this girl we met years ago "working" at a golf course. We clicked immediately and I swear it's like we've been friends forever. Plus we were Prego at the same time so we were able to share horror stories about eating grilled cheese, breast feeding, and the joy of C-sections. It was nice being able to talk while the girls played.

Then I stopped by and picked up my crazy friend Maryann. She is probably my most crazy, mouthy fly by the seat of her pants friend. She be crazy but you call that girl and she is there for you in a New York minute. I love me some her. She was also running the Lincoln half. This was her first half. She also did no training and last minute decided to walk it. Told you, fly by the seat of your pants.

There was no way I could drive through STL without stopping at my parents. So we headed there  raided the fridge sipped on Lime A Rita's lime a Rita's count as carb loading right? and then decided to head to Springfield.

Springfield is only 1.5 hours outside of STL, somehow we managed to stop at Jack in the box for a glorious taco. YUM. I miss jack in the box. again carb loading for the big race

L was our host for the weekend. I just love this girl. So does H.

 

All I wanted to do was drink wine and talk all night with my friends. Which is what we did-minus the wine park. They drank wine and I drank water.
Running the Lincoln Half taught me a lot of things.

• The only thing I can wing, is wearing a pair of jeans two days in a row
• I am 31 not 21, Let's just be honest. The old grey goose just aint what it used to be
• Training is very important. Very. I must train

The course was beautiful. We ran through the historic part of Springfield which included Abe Lincoln's home and tomb. The course was very entertaining. Trust me, I stopped and did a little sight seeing. I also stopped and got the bug out of my eye, stopped to get the rock out of my shoe, stopped to help some random child, Stopping seemed to be the only consistent thing that I did during the race.
At mile 9 I was so mad at myself. The tears started falling down my face. Mostly because I was so disappointed in myself but the wind didn't help. Did I mention, it was windy because it was.
I tried really hard to push to the end, my legs seemed so heavy but I kept going. FINALLY I reached the finish line, only to see my parents. Which made me Oprah Cry. I was so surprised to see them.

 

I finished at 2:22. Which is 22 minutes over my goal time and 12 minutes slower than my last race. BUT I deserved to finish 2:22. Lesson learned. From this point I am moving forward. I will train for the Hospital Hill Run. No more excuses.

Tuesday Thoughts

This morning I debated staying in my jammies all day on my couch watching reality T.V while eating ice cream right out of the box. Doesn't that sound glorious?

 I put my big girl panties on and drove to work. Mainly because I have a hair appointment this afternoon. I CAN'T miss that. Priorities.

Cai and I booked our hotel for Hospital Hill Run KCMO I'm super excited for the girls weekend. The run terrifies me a little tiny bit.

I follow them on facebook and they had a post yesterday "If someone who had never done Hospital Hill Run had asked you to describe the event, how would you...?"

• The most terribly awesome experience you'll love to hate!
• It's called hospital hill for a reason but its a beautiful run
• It's a challenge and the name is very fitting. However, the route is beautiful and the people in Kansas City are very supportive. They brought out hoses, ice, water, etc. to encourage the runners. I am proud to have checked this race off
• At about the second mile is a Catholic church, "Our Lady of Perpetual Sorrows". If you ran those first two miles with your ego and not with your brains, the rest of the race will be Perpetual Sorrows
• You must prepare!
  This is not a run to take lightly!
  Hill training will make or break u

Umm...I'm scared. But we can do it! We can do ALL things though Christ right? lol.. I'm sure there will be prayers, tears, and cursing.

St. Jude has announced their 2013 date.

I haven't decided if I'm going to do the full marathon or wimp out and stick with the half. The feeling I get when I reach the finish line at 13.1 is so beautiful. I can't imaging going another 13.1(that's my story and I'm sticking to it) I'll pretty much do whatever cia does. Because I'm 10 and I can't make my own decisions.

March 2013 marks 4 years for us in LR. I can't believe we've been here 4 years. It's starting to feel like home (minus the dry county part, the camo and the ridiculous amount of snakes) I no longer cry when we leave STL, I now call this my home, and our house has become a hotel I mean a home :)
I still secretly pray we get transferred back to STL or Dallas.

I'd like to give a shout to to my bestie Lauren. Even though she totally flaked out on running with me and Cia (she had an injury) I have to give kudos's to her and her weight loss.

Before: Still amazing and beautiful

She's totally going to kill me for using this picture.

 

After:

Girlfriend has lost over 50 pounds! Doesn't she look great! I am so proud of her!

 

Lauren and I were college roommates, even though we went to different college. We instantly hit it off. It could have been our shared love for beer and Pointer's Pizza but what ev. She's my girl. I could not ask for a better friend. I call her for everything. She always knows what to say. She's the one I call when M is on my reserve nerve. She always talks me out of dipping his toothbrush in the toilet.  Lauren is beautiful inside and out. I miss her dearly.

 

I got this email from Cia today: It made me miss her too..

 

YOU are an AMAZING mother, friend, sister, and sole sista. Know God is with you, and I'm here if you ever need anything. An ear, prayer buddy, Babysitter, Dog Sitter, Albi, Cell mate. I got you covered. I LOVE YOU!

 

Wow I'm missing my girls, I think I need to plan a STL trip ASAP!

Happy Tuesday!

 

 

 

Little Rock

We all know how scared I was for this race. Like I would rather hold a snake for 1.5 seconds than run this race.

Winter Training. BOO! Treadmill training BOO! I was hit with lazy stick and shoving oreo's down my pie hole like it was the only way to get into heaven.

I digress..

I picked Cia up from the airport Saturday afternoon. I had full plans on taking her straight to the bar, force her to down a bottle of Riesling and talk her out of doing the race in the morning.

Instead, my sweet husband took us out to dinner and we didn't drink one sip of wine. And if you know us, that NEVER happens when you get us together.

We ate a hearty, healthy meal  came home and crashed like we'd been out boozing all night long. I swear we were out by 10pm. It was glorious.

6:00am "My milk shake brings all the boys to the yard" Yes that is my alarm.  Sounds,  I roll over and try to talk myself out of the run again.

6:03, I get my happy butt out of bed and into the shower. I give myself a little pep talk. It's just 2 hours, just do it and get er done (ha, I sound all southern, where's my camo and my gun)

We run around like banshees and finally get in the car and head downtown.

We get out of the car and I kid you not my face froze instantly. It was FREEZING! Like 33 degree's freezing with wind. Thankfully I went to Goodwill and bought throw away items. So what if my shirt had "Pearl" marked on the tag. It kept me warm.

Marcia and I did our usually, pre run routine. Walk around find the nasty potties, comment on cute running outfits, stretch, pray, line up, pray again.

Ok, let me just say. I felt nothing short of cattle. It was so crowded. I mean, don't get me wrong, the body heat of random strangers was nice but when you are 5'2 you tend to get trampled.  A lot.

The start whistle blows and we don't move and inch. This happened I swear 293 times. 15 minutes later we finally see the start line and our coral finally starts running.

People were tripping everywhere. It was so crowded.  I swear it didn't smooth out until mile 2. I also ditched my pearl sweatshirt at mile two. It was so funny, I threw it and I hear Marcia "Bye Pearl" It may have been that we were delirious from the cold but I've never laughed so hard.

I ran like it was my job. My pace was right at 9:35. I felt golden. I didn't take any gels or drink any water until mile 11. ugh mile ll

I was seriously looking for a bus to throw myself in front of. I hit a wall and I hit it hard. I got so mad at my self. "dang it Amie, this is what happens when you don't properly train" I was so mad.

The song you can go hard or you can go home came on.  I pretty much gave my ipod the finger and kept trucking.
One foot in front of the other
keep moving
one step closer to the finish line

Then I remembered H would be at the finish line. I got a burst of energy.

Isn't it something how your children inspire you? She's two and the thought of her being at the finished line got my butt moving.

I ran my little heart out and PR'D!! 2:11! (two minutes off of my St. Jude's time)

I'm so proud of us!

More Photo's here

13.1

Well we did it.

 

 

13.1 freaking miles! Seriously SO PROUD OF US!! We are so doing St. Jude again. next year

 

Friday after I nursed my coughing toddler back to health. I dropped her off at the sitters and headed to Memphis TN. There I was to meet Lauren, Marcia (and her new main squeeze M. I don’t think he knew what he was getting into. A weekend with all girls…Isn’t’ new love sweet and naïve)

 

We arrived in Memphis around 2pm. We checked into our hotel and headed to the EXPO. I guess I was expecting red carpet and celebrities. I just assumed that it would be a large party with runner’s stretching and chit chatting over Raspberry Shock Bloks. It was none the less. We were there all of 25 minutes. We did however get nice parting gifts.

 

We had some time to kill until my mom made it to Memphis so we headed over to bar. (cause we’re supposed to carb load right?) I can’t even tell you how ridiculous this bar was. 

Example A:

Marcia: what kind of wine you have?

Waitress: “OH we have all kinds...White, Red…there’s so many I don’t know them all”

ME: CRICKETS…MOUTH OPEN  …waiting for  Ashton Kutcher to yell “You’ve been punked.”

Marcia: don’t worry I’ll go look. seriously girl went to the bar and looked.

 

So against my better judgment we had a glass of wine before dinner. Dinner ended up being super late and totally not worth the calories. I was really worried about not getting rest but there was something about a glass of wine, a comfy bed and not having H’s foot in my rib that made me sleep like a baby.

 

My alarm went off at 5:00 am. I stretched, ate, stretched, drank water, drank tons of water and was ready to leave by 6:45am.

 

Once we got downtown, it hit me. YOU ARE REALLY ABOUT TO DO THIS!!

 Marcia and I lined up in our corral (after our photo op) prayed and in no time we were off.

 

They started each corral 2 minutes apart. Which helped the madness of 18,000 runners all running towards the same place.  How I didn’t fall I don’t know. It was totally mayhem. Cia and I ran the first mile together high fived each other and then she disappeared in a sea of people.

 

Right on key around mile 2 my hip hurt. BAD. I ignored it and kept running. Then I had a sudden urge to use the restroom. UGH. I despise Port-a Potties. I then recall all of the photo’s we made Mark and Lauren take of us before the race and I realize I didn’t use the bathroom. DUM DUM! I tried to ignore the urge but I just couldn’t. So I did the nastiest thing in the world… I used the port-a potty! UGH!

 

It was quick but I had to use it. I convinced myself that I caught 3 strands of something for just touching the door. So gross, thankfully there was a water station near so I grabbed a cup of water and tried to wash my hands (I guess I forgot I was running a race. Cleanliness is right up there with Godliness) I quickly poured the water over my hands and tossed the cup into a huge trash can full of fresh Gatorade. WHOOPS. NOW WE ALL HAVE COOTIES.

 

I ran fast to make up the time. The faster I ran the worse my hip felt I knew I had to keep going. So I did.

 

Can I just say, I cried like a baby during this race. I had no idea how emotional this race would be. Seeing the children out cheering for the runners. I cried. Seeing the parents holding signs that read “THANK YOU”. I cried. Seeing “running in memory of Jacob. I cried. Seriously the first 6 miles cried and prayed. Prayed for people I didn’t know, prayed for my family. Thanked Jesus for blessing me and my family with health. Something I never want to take for granted.

 

Soon, I got it together and ran and ran. I had no idea how fast this race would go.

 

Final time 2:13. I’ll take it.

 

 

I couldn't have done this without the support of my husband! Thanks babe! A girls weekend is totally worth coming home to a hot mess home.

I"m with you in Spirit

Soo....Last weekend I had planned a trip to St. Louis for St. Louis Glow Run. I was super pumped to be running with my BFF Marcia and we had full intentions on 1. looking cute 2. running without stopping 3. finish that run in under 30 minutes.

Well some times life just gets in the way. And that weekend life was in full force. Therefore, I wasn't able to make the trip to STL. I  was bummed to say the very least. Especially when my friends were posting these cute pictures:

Isn't she cute...check out those Hot PANTS!!

Then I pulled out my stalker skills and found Marcia's time:

WORK IT GIRL FRIEND!!!

I think she blamed her 3 minutes over on: being stuck behind strollers and the walkers. She missed being "corralled" in her pace because she was doing a mini photo shoot. Totally understandable!

Hi my name is Amie, and I can't stop signing up for races

YEP! That's right. I've signed my ass up for another race. What is wrong with me...More importantly what is wrong with my crazy friends signing up with me...

My approach with Marcia...

And her response....

Half = Done It.Is.On.

"Let's sign up before I change my mind"

With that being said....I'll be running the 1/2 in December and then the 1/2 in March with these two:

(well..I sent Lauren a text to sign up and she's ignoring me...biotch...)

They would totally kill me for putting this picture up...but this pretty much sums up how and what we do when we are out...actually now that I think about it...This was at my wedding reception...Bahaa...real classy...BEST FRIENDS EVER!!