Mind over Body - St. George Recap

Eight years ago, I ran the St. George Marathon.  Two weeks later I was at the doctors office being told I had an autoimmune disorder and would need to take medication for the rest of my life.  That really knocked the wind out of my sail.  Not only did I not feel in control of my body, I didn't feel good.  I was tired all the time.

Fast forward 8 years.  My friends signed up for the same race.  I thought why not.  I figured I wouldn't be able to run it, but I would go for the experience and just be happy I was there.  I ran a few long runs with them about half way through training.  My knees were hurting.  I just keep telling myself I would walk, and it would be okay.

Race day.  I am waiting at the start line with thousands of other runners.  The energy is intense.  All the sudden, I decided that I was running this race no matter what!  The race began and so off we went.

Mile 6 I was aware of my knees - darn that tight IT band!  I decided I didn't care and I was running anyway.  It was exhilarating to push myself, force my body to do what it was screaming it didn't want to.

Soon I was at mile 13 and feeling pretty good.  I had this!

By the time I hit mile 23 I couldn't feel my legs.  Really!  I started to get emotional.  Not because of my legs, but because I was in charge of me.  I felt so empowered that I was able to overcome my body.  I felt like I was in control again.  I am in charge and I will say when enough's enough - not my body.

I could hardly contain my tears as I crossed the finish line with my good friend Kaye.  Not only did I finish the race, I ran it 3 minutes faster than I did 8 years ago.  

What a wonderful day!  I still can't walk up the stairs or sit down very gracefully, but I conquered!  I am strong!  It makes me happy!

 Kaye and I in the back seat driving up to St. George.

 Dinner that night before the race with Ruth, who was there to cheer her hubby and the rest of us on!

 Tim, Billy, and I waiting to load the bus to take us to the top.

 Here's the whole gang waiting in anticipation for the race to begin!

 Kaye and I stuck together the whole race.  It was fun to have a friend along the way.

 I was about to fall over in this picture, but I was leaning on Kaye pretty heavy.

So happy to be done!

Brief Pause

Yes,
I am still here.
My head is spinning a little.
But I am getting the hang of this working, going to school thing.

Give me a little time and I might just figure out how to add blogging back into the picture.

In the meantime, I am going to "the happiest place on earth" very soon.
I can't wait.  I love Disneyland and always will.

See you when I get back!

Working

Well, I officially start working tomorrow (officially meaning some steady, set hours).   Job description:  keep the cupcake counter stocked with pretty and delicious cupcakes, and make decorations for specialty cakes.  Can I do this, be a wife, mother, go to school, train for the next race, and be a great cub scout den leader?  I sure hope so!  Here's to a new year!!!!

PS - If you live in the Gilbert area, drop on by and check us out!  Designer Cakes is located across the street from the San Tan Mall right by Carrabba's restaurant.  You won't be disappointed!

Finding the Fire

I think my husband has talked me into an olympic distance triathlon in March.   I have always been competitive and loved to push myself, but over the last few years, I seemed to have lost my fire.

I don't know why that is exactly.  Maybe because my kids are busy with sports and school and homework. Maybe it's because I am busy making cake.  Maybe because I went back to school.   Maybe it's because of health problems.  Maybe because my body is getting older and doesn't recover quite as fast as before.  Whatever the reason, I just lost it.

But I really miss that part of me.  I want her back.  I want to allow myself to compete and let a little of my competitiveness go.  No need to win the race - just enjoy the ride - right?

So as I am stepping it up again - getting myself out of bed at 5 am - I am rediscovering the old me - the fire.  It is good.  I like this.

I think it might just be the trash talk that will soon come into play and my deep rooted desire to beat my husband in the race so I can gloat for months afterwards - who knows?  All I know is SHE'S BACK!

Win or lose - GAME ON!!!!!!!!

Back to School

Did I mention I went back to school?  Well I did.  Here's a few things I have learned so far...

1. I like math.
2. I am fascinated by my professors.  Some are extremely eccentric and I find myself wondering what kind of lives they lead when not in the classroom.
3. Irresponsible 19 year olds drive me crazy.  We all are busy - so get over it and do your homework!
4. Running a household and homework don't mix. 
5. I wish I knew what I know now back then.
6. I wonder what all these 19 year olds think of this almost middle aged women raising her hand.

I can't believe this semester is almost over.  Wonder what I will learn in the next!

Ragnar LA

I must be getting old. Ragnar Relay's are fun, but oh so exhausting. 200 miles, 12 people, no sleep! The weather was beautiful in California, and I felt good running! Now I have to make a cake and paint my bedroom. Not quite as much fun, but at least I get sleep!

Love Him!

When I have a Moment to Spare...

I have a funny Rusty story coming (for you Leslie).

Some great recipes to share (for you Nancy).

A gingerbread house (seriously insane).

And 2 more cakes to post.

Crazy busy at the moment.

Will try to post soon.

Promise to do better in 2010.

Tri In The Pines

My friend found this picture on her friends blog.  There's Jeff and I in the pool warming up before the race begins.

I didn't get any pictures during the race, but here I come - headed for the finish line 2 minutes ahead of my hubby!!  Yippee!!1

I was so glad to be done!

Big smiles!

Jeff and I had so much fun we are signed up for another one in October!!

Lacking Inspiration

Where have I been you ask?  

I am still here.  Just in a little blogging funk lately.  I feel the computer calling to me, telling me to update, but alas, I just haven't been able to force myself to sit down and do it.

The kids started school today.  I think routine will set in again and the blog posts will continue.

I have made some cute cakes and made some very tasty baked goods.  I have had some fun vacations and lot's of pictures to sort through.  But for now, bear with me - 

Maybe tomorrow I will feel inspired to sit down and share.  

Right now, all I can do is share with you how I am lacking the motivation to post.  

Pathetic, but true non the less.

I will be back.

Just not today.

Ragnar Rundown

Oh what a fun weekend!!!  Bear with me as I post a bunch of random pictures from the Ragnar Relay LA!  Here we all are at the finish line at Dana Point.  Yippeee!!

Check out our cool team shirts that me and Wendi made!

(We all live in the "Villages" community,  thus - The Village People).

Here's Jeff handing off to me at exchange 36.  

Could you ask for a better view while running?

My husband had to be funny and wear short running shorts and spandex just to make us all laugh.   He kept us laughing the entire time!

Here we are at the start line full of nerves and excitement.  It was cold in Santa Barbara!  BRrrrr!

Here we are handing off again!

Van 2 waiting for the handoff.

Here's the whole team crossing the finish line together!!!

Here we are tanking up getting ready for our next run.

Good times.... good times!!!

The Best Email Ever!

I received the sweetest email from a mother in Texas who actually made my cornflake ball recipe with her children.  They loved them and she even sent me pictures of her cute kids and all the gooey fun!  I just had to post them.  When I blog, I do it for me - to record things I have done and yummy things I have made.  It just tickles me pink to think someone else is enjoying these things as well.  Thanks again Clyde from Texas!

The Neverending To Do List

I am leaving for Santa Barbara in the morning - Ragnar Relay LA!!

Do you ever feel like the stress of getting ready to go out of town is so high, it just might not be worth going?  That's how I am feeling today.  The list is big my friends - it's BIG!

Ah - but what am I complaining about?  I get to go and run 18 miles on Friday.  I should be jumping for joy.  (yes, I am being sarcastic).  It sounded like such a good idea a month ago.

Alrighty then.  Wish me luck and off I go to get something done.  Be back Monday with some sore muscles.  Yup - good and sore.

Kindness

This week, I feel blessed.  I was busy.  I was stressed.  I am sick.

• My mom dropped everything to run to Walmart for me and pick up some silver polish - came over to my house and polished my cake stand - just because I needed her to.  Then she dropped off some school supplies my daughter forgot to take with her when she left for school that morning.
  
• My friend Penny drove all the way to Phoenix to pick me up some extra fondant because I didn't measure right and needed - okay - like 10 more pounds to cover the monster wedding cake I was working on.  Seriously - all the way to Phoenix!!
• My husband has been so patient this week.  The house is sticky.  I have strep and a fever.  Tonight I just developed a cold sore.  I have two more cakes and a cookie bouquet due this week.  He is a good man.
• My friend Jen directed the choir for me today because I still feel sick.  (She is better at it than I am anyway).  She didn't even bat an eye when I asked her, (I called her on the phone) she immediately answered "yes" and took over.    What a nice friend.
• A very kind "mystery man" carried the 5 tier wedding cake down 2 sets of stairs because I had a temperature of 101, and thought I was going to drop it.  (Imagine if he dropped it!)

As you can see, I have been the recipient of much kindness this week.  I feel very blessed to have such good people in my life.

Thank you. 

The 912 Project

I am so inspired by the 912 project.  What is it you ask?  Check it out here.  I highly recommend you read the mission statement and the 9 principles and 12 values.   This is the kind of American I want to be.  I embrace those principles and values.  It starts with me.

9 Principles / 12 Values

I am so excited about the "We surround them" special on TV this afternoon.  It's the call for all good people to unite!  I am on board!

Ragnar Fun

I survived and am actually not to sore.   I liked the relay so much that I think I am running again in April - LA Ragnar baby!   Good times!

I Can Do This

Finishing a 3 layer safari print cake, baking 2 dozen cupcakes decorated like basketballs, packing for my relay tomorrow, taking care of sick child, stretching my sore muscles, and not going insane.  That is what is on my agenda today.

My Kind of Shoe Shopping

I am the proud owner this new pair of running shoes.  I went to the running doctor and he hooked me up.  He assures me no more knee issues.  I am off to try them out.  Funny - I never get this excited about designer shoes.  A good pair of "sneaks" just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Ragnar Relay - Just Might Be the Death of Me

What have I done?  Oh my H -E - Double Hockey Sticks!!!!!!!!!!!

Last night I got a call from a good friend who is running in the Ragnar Relay in 2 weeks.  Apparently one of their team members is injured and so they need someone to substitute. Why oh why do I get myself into these things?  Yes - I got suckered in and said yes.  How bad can it be right?  This morning I got some more info as to what I am expected to do.  AAAAAHHHHHHH!  (I'm just freaking out a little - just a little!!!!!!!

I will be running 3 legs of the race in a 24 hour period.  Here's the description I got.

Runner #10 (me) - 1st leg - 7 miles / very hard

2nd leg- 6.2 miles / hard

3rd leg - 3.1 miles / easy

Here are some of my concerns....

1. I can only run about 6 miles, or at least that's all I have been running, on very flat ground.
2. What does very hard mean?
3. What they heck is my poor body going to be feeling like when I am done?

Deep breath.  I can do this - right?