Halloween

I usually like to have a "theme" for Halloween and have some sort of unity among the kids' costumes.  I did not have the fight or the energy this year to organize it so they were what they were.

Everett and Reeve had a little Fall Fest at school with songs, games and a parade.  Everett refused to wear the Power Rangers costume he demanded I buy in lieu of the spiderman costume he wore last year.  Reeve was happy with his $5 costume I found at a resale shop although we had some issues with the hood.

 Trinity had a parade and class party as well.

 In the end we were a Power Ranger, a Tiger, a Monster High Doll and a Little Lion. roar!

Konow's Pumpkin Patch

Every year, we Americans believe you cannot have kids and not go to a pumpkin patch.  If I do not get this on the calendar, I get stressed.  We made it but it was chilly and one of the last days they were open.

 Reeve on lap 1 of first pony ride.

 Reeve on lap 2...

Elias 10 months

I know these mustaches are silly and annoying to a lot of people but on tiny babes, I think they are hilarious!

Elias finally figured out how to crawl on his hands and knees.  This makes for cleaner onesies and the need to not wash the floor as often.

He loves to clap and has started to pull himself up and hang onto the crib and couch.

He is still easy as breathing!

Crazy. Busy.Fall

I have always wanted to start my own photography business.  I thought I would organize a mini session in a forest preserve and see what happened.  Not only was it a huge success but I had to turn people away.  Thus Tiny Bubbles Photography was born.  First, I had to practice on my kids...

The Marathon 2012

It is always such a relief to be on this side of such an event.  I am glad it is over but am never sure if all the pain, tears and training is worth just a couple hours of one single race.  Its not like I am in the Olympics or anything.

I had big goals to contend with this year.  In 2010 I ran the marathon in 5 hours flat which was quite a disappointment to me.  I knew I could do better but my legs proved otherwise   An extraordinarily hot day and an injured leg made me put my goals on the shelf for a different time.  I was hoping 2012 would be that time.

My training was great this year.  I was training 2 minutes faster per mile than I did last time.  My legs were great and I was smashing PRs like glass.  On one particular weekend I thought it was my time to place first in my division in a local 5k and the next day beat my goal of a sub 2 hour half marathon.  Both were accomplished as was some really overworked muscle breakdown.  Note to self: NEVER race in the middle of training.  Tendinitis flared, limping began and I was pretty sure I ruined all possibilities and having a good marathon.

My 18 and 20 miler training runs were a disaster.  I finished them in tears and panic.  I began to visit a chiropractor / physical therapist who specializes in runners.  Three times a week I went in hopes of just getting to the start line and begin the race.

I rested my legs and shut down running for 10 days, that helped a little.  Days before the race I felt unprepared and shaky.  My girlfriend Lindsey who lives in MO called and said she needed a place to crash the night before the marathon   I was so happy to have some marathon company and a companion to get in the corral with.

I always have these feelings at the beginning of every race as to whether it will be a good one or not.  I know I will have a PR or not before the start even begins.  At the start of the marathon, I was feeling as though I would have my PR unless a limb fell off but doubtful of my secret goals I stashed in the back of my mind.  I knew that injured or not I could get in under 4:30.  I trained at a 4:22 and so 4:20 was a realistic goal.  Now if I had a good race I knew I could finish in 4:10.

Shortly before the start I wasn't sure I wanted to continue another mile.  Every mile seem labored and difficult.  My biggest problem was my uterus, yes my uterus.  This may be TMI, continue with caution.  I nursed Elias for 9 months and it usually takes at least a month after stopping that my cycle begins again and it is usually a painful one.  Well, at Mile 2 my uterus decided that all this exercise would get my uterus in gear.  Cramping began and became worse by the mile.  I became increasingly concerned that I might just get my period in the middle of the course.  At mile 13, I was 3 minutes ahead of pace and projected to finish at 4:19.  That was quickly curbed when the pain and concern became too much and I had to stop in the porta-potty and check things out.  I did this again and mile 16 and snagged about 5 minutes of time.  At Mile 19 death seemed like a possibility   I was frozen cold and I could tell that salt was depleted in my body.  A beef jerky snack made a world of difference and I immediately felt better.  The last 6 miles weren't great and I did run them under my pace but I felt decent.

Here I am approaching the finish.  Eddie was able to get a VIP ticket to the bleacher seat finish as well as beer, fresh cuts of meat and delicious desserts as I was running.  At least he got one sorta decent pic.

My time 4:29.00.

 Lindsey and I post finish.

So will I do another one?  probably!  Not anytime soon though.  I really need to commit to training and have the time to be able to cross train and do strength training in addition to my runs.  I am not in a place to do that, I can barely get my runs in.  I am thinking maybe 2014 or 2015.  Maybe!?

The Fighter

Que Gym Class Heroes music.  The song The Fighter is an inspiring song to me.  It is the song that played in my head when I was willing my niece to fight for life, the song I shared with my brother as an encouragement to the strength and reliance of his precious daughter. Not by coincidence it is the song that always makes the perfect entrance on my ipod shuffle in my discouraging and low moments during my long races.  I think of Evelyn every time I hear it.
I was hoping my brother could be on the sidelines tomorrow cheering me on because I feel like I need total Evy energy.  Truth is she will be with me every step of the way and making my feet light.  Her Almighty Heavenly Father will give me strength and help me power through and put a little bounce in my step.  I will be a fighter tomorrow.
I will be lined up with runners healthier than me or more injured than me, with more or less determination  confidence, courage or strength than me.  We will be running for the same reason or different.  I will lace up my shoes to make my children proud of me, to see my husband's hard work to support me in this journey wasn't for nothing. I will run because I can and for those who don't have that option.  I run to inspire someone to do the same.  I will run because I love it.  It is part of who I am, of what I have become.  It is my lifestyle, my hobby, my habit, my addiction if you will.
Three years ago I never thought I would ever want to or dream of running a marathon.  On the eve of my 2nd one, I am excited.  I had the courage to dream about this, the determination to train for this and the heart to finish this.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.

Godspeed.

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