Everything is bigger in Texas, even the surprises.

I stand at the doorstep and ring the doorbell. My heart is racing and I'm smiling from ear to ear. I've traveled thousands of miles and hours by plane and car waiting for this moment; a secret I've kept for two weeks. It's 9:15 p.m. on Friday in Corpus Christi, Texas and the door opens. The woman who answers studies me for a moment trying to recognize and place me. 

"Oh my gosh, what in the world are you doing here?" My mom says to me in excited disbelief.  "Jim, come here, you have to see who just showed up at our door!"

After hugging my mom, I run around the corner where my dad goes speechless on his phone call when he sees me. My sister's voice on the other end of the phone says, "Christine is there, isn't she," more as a knowing comment rather than a question. My sister was in on the surprise and our plan was flawless. Let the party begin! Literally.

The next two days are a whirlwind of people, celebrations, book readings, book selling and signings. My parents did it!  They published their book "The Blades Carry Me: Inside the Helicopter War in Vietnam." 

Three years of laughter, frustration, tears, aching hearts, and processing of 45 years of repressed memories brought my parents to this moment; surrounded by 100 of their friends who arrived to celebrate their book with them!  Well, make that 101 counting me. Does that make me a groupie?

The events were organized and smooth thanks to many good friends who volunteered to take care of everything from food set up, beverage service, book sales, moderating the reading, and shuttling people to and from their cars by golf cart. 

Over 85 books were sold and signed at their event with more copies sold on Amazon and Barnes and Noble! And they have only received five star reviews!

Their book reading was heartfelt and perfect. I don't think there was a dry eye in the place. I was beaming with pride! Their book was amazing and I couldn't put it down until I'd read the whole thing.

In between events, set up, and visiting, I was able to go for a run. Both days I wore shorts and a tank top, LOVE the warm weather! 

The second day Mother Nature tried to help me multitask and surprised me with a rain shower on my run. Running back into the rain and headwind I felt like I was going slow. Celebrating the fact that I didn't melt, I took a rain-drenched selfie when I returned then hit the real shower. 

Later, I glanced at my running splits. Holy speed, Batman! I've never run that fast in my life! My "slow" mile 2 included a quick stop to take a photo of where I'd just run from. Good grief, maybe I should only run in the rain...or rather run to get out of the rain! I'm so excited!

This trip had surprises all around; big ones the size of Texas! If you take the time to read my parents' book, I guarantee you will be surprised by how it keeps you reading and emotionally moves you.  Want to read a true account of our family history? Here's your chance! "The Blades Carry Me: Inside the Helicopter War in Vietnam" by James V. Weatherill and Anne Weatherill.  Find it at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. 

So proud of what my parents have accomplished. It was a wild weekend and I wouldn't have missed for the world. I'd do anything for my family.  Love to you all!

The Beginning of a Real Runner

It started with a math equation:  20 degree weather + 20 mile per hour freezing wind gusts = feels like -6 degrees.

Sounds like a perfect day for a run--indoors. 

The steps to solve this equation require affirmative answers to the following:

1.  Do you have enough clothes to keep you warm?

-Yes, thanks to my 11th hour purchase. I'm going to break the rule and race in something I've never warn before. HUGE kudos to Nicole at Fleet Feet in Spokane for her clothing recommendations; you saved me. 

2. Have you done enough training to run 13.1 miles?

-Yes, enough that I won't hurt myself, nor will I run a PR. Recently, my miles have been logged on the treadmill and transitioning back to the road is more difficult. 

3.  Do you have a plan if the freezing air triggers your asthma?

-Yes, I will start running and if I have a minor issue I'll slow down or walk. If that doesn't fix it and my breathing worsens, then I'll go to the nearest med station and not finish the race. My ability to breath is worth more than a medal.

4. Do you have child care covered?

-The "big boys" went fishing and my amazing mother-in-law was watching my youngest. Check, check.

My son camping at Little Goose Dam.

5.  Do you have the perseverance, grit, determination, guts (or stupidity, your choice) to run a half marathon in well below freezing temperatures?

-Yes, and I think I was about to grow a real set of balls. As my friend said, "...it confirmed you are a runner."

Apparently, I had no excuses.  I was going to run a half marathon in the freezing cold. I had to laugh at myself when I was happy the temperature was up to 23 degrees (before wind chill) by the time I arrived at the race. Good grief!

When I arrived, the first thing I saw was the MedStar helicopter and Whitman County ambulance waiting to assist runners if necessary.  I wasn't sure if I should be relieved or concerned. Considering we were in a location without cell service (yes, those places still exist), I opted to feel relieved. Brilliant move by the race director based on potential liability reasons.

Picked up my packet and headed back to the warm pickup to enjoy my heated seats while I waited for the race to start. I was having second thoughts. "I could leave now and no one would miss me." I wasn't meeting anyone at this race. No one would be running with me or waiting for me. But instead of leaving, I joined the crowd of runners and started on my 13 mile journey.

We're off and I tell myself this is only a long, slow training run, not a race. I cover my mouth with my neck warmer and breathe through that to keep the air in my lungs warm. The wind gusts were enough to take my breath away.

Into the headwind I take a slow and steady pace; staying positive and keeping the negative chatter out of my head. It's an out and back race along the Snake River beginning and ending at Wawawai Landing.

At about mile 5, the top runners start passing me on their way back to the finish line. I see my friends Heather and Tammy and send a muffled cheer from under my mock face mask. I know they couldn't hear me, but Tammy saw me wave.

As I run I watch for my friend Andrea. I see her just before my turnaround point. She's about a quarter of a mile ahead of me and walking. Something must be wrong so I picked up the pace and caught up to her.  She was taking it slow because she was feeling dizzy. Relieved to not be suffering in the cold alone anymore, I stayed with her and we walked the rest of the way back. We had a blast, chatting the whole way while wondering if we'll ever get feeling back in our fingers. Andrea, you can be my race buddy anytime!

Tammy was a happy sight to see cheering at the finish line. Thanks for staying and making sure Andrea was okay. 

My final time was 2:53. That is a LONG time to be out in that cold! I did learn the trick to put Duck tape on the top of my tennis shoes to help insulate my feet. I also learned that you don't have to exfoliate your skin, the wind burn will do that for you. My face is silky smooth right now!

Despite waking up the next morning with puffy, weepy eyes, I feel like an accomplished runner. A REAL runner, not just one who writes about her running now and then. With that, my official race season has begun. I can just feel this year will be a good one!

My Bling!

Family First

"Family first" is a value that was instilled in me from an early age.  (Although, I currently struggle with defining the parameters of this concept as I attempt to devote more time to myself in order to get healthy and fit again.) As much as I strive to be Supermom, I constantly fight the battle of balance between work, home, and self. 

"Family first" dedication kept me close to home in 2013 with only one long distance destination race, which I chose Savannah, Georgia because I could visit my sister who lives in Atlanta.

I chose to run a local marathon so my son could finally come and see me race and run across a finish line; a wish he's had for three years. (I grabbed his hand and had him cross the finish line with me!)

I ran shorter races so I wouldn't be away from my family very long and I could still have the time and energy to play with my boys, while working around my son's soccer schedule.

On weekdays, I'd run at night after I tucked my boys in bed so my running never interfered with our time together or with our family plans. 

This summer. my 7-year-old wanted to run a "real" race so we ran a 5K together, twice! He thought my I AM poster was so cool so Tran Creative made one for DD with his 5K photo and own words!

In 2013, I wanted to run at least 500 miles but logged 340. I'm happy with that. A mile is a mile and forward motion. I will keep my 500 mile goal for 2014, keep my family-first focus, and challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone more often. 

May 2014 be good to you, your family, and fill your cup!

The Grand Finale

My final race of 2013 took me to Savannah, Georgia for the Rock 'n' Roll Half-Marathon. My friend Traci and I flew to Atlanta and stayed with my sister, Maryanne.  Traci and Maryanne have been friends for years and we were all excited for a girl's weekend!

On the plane, Traci and I sat with my friend, Ellen, who I hadn't seen in ages. We flapped our jaws about horses and running, our favorite things. Funny how you never know who you'll run into when you're traveling!

Traci and I had a three hour layover in Denver, so what did we do to pass time?  Thirteen minutes of planking! (We went upstairs to a corner of the mezzanine where there was minimal foot traffic and witnesses.)

After a night in Atlanta at Maryanne's house and an interesting trip to the grocery store ("Maryanne are you buying a squirrel?"), we took a three hour road trip to Savannah. 

Our hotel was amazing, but the race packet pick up was not. They had lost Traci's number and she had to be issued another one, causing her race day tracking not to work (which she found out after the fact). 

Just for the experience, we ate at Paula Deen's restaurant which wasn't anything to brag about. Plus, there is nothing quite like gambling on eating fried food the day before a race....

Race morning came fast and it was cold, dark, and crack-of-dawn early (insert jet lag here).  We stopped for a quick photo op on our way to the gear check and porta-potties. 

We were gifted with a corral 6 start, my best yet, but that joy came and went as we were still standing in the porta-potty line when the race started. So much for our prime starting group!  By the time we got to the start they were on corral 10. We quickly gave each other hugs and well wishes and off we went. This was Traci's first half and my sister's second!

In my rush to the starting line, I made a rookie mistake and forgot to double tie my shoelaces. By mile 1, my laces were flapping and I had to stop to tie them. Seriously? I know better!

It was a beautiful course with SO much history surrounding us.  We ran through a full spectrum of neighborhoods and everyone was very friendly.  Downtown the trees draped over us creating a tunnel for the sea of runners. Neighborhoods rallied together to cheer and the funniest sign I saw read: "You're running better than our government!" 

Savannah was a magical race with all of us getting personal records! Traci ran a 2:15, I ran a 2:20, and Maryanne beat her last half marathon time by 14 minutes! 

On our road trip back to Atlanta, we took a detour to the beach. It was the first time I'd been to the Atlantic Ocean.

I could have stayed there for days, but the Coach outlet mall was calling Traci's name. Well, that was what I thought until I was the one who bought so much stuff I had to buy a second suitcase just to get it all home! ("If you're looking for me I'll be in timeout in the car.")

Great trip, beautiful location, friendly race, and memories with my sister that will last a lifetime!

May 2014 bring you all the joys that comes from a balanced life and putting family first!

Peace.

The Reality of a Mother Runner

Running doesn't come easy for me. I envy those who decide to go for a run and then just go; no additional planning, thought, or guilt associated with their choice.  I'm a mom first and runner second. Being a Mother Runner requires A LOT of time and planning. I'm not complaining, just acknowledging the behind-the-scenes actions of active moms (and dads too!). So, round two of a fun girls' marathon relay weekend looked like this:

1.  Leave my house at 11:30 a.m., pick up a friend who is running on my team, and drive 2.5 hours to Richland, WA.

2. Have a fun road trip to Richland.  

Wait, stop the press, it's not so easy in my world (insert more stops and time). 

Here was the reality of that weekend for me (like many other Mother or Father Runners):

1.  Leave my house at 11:30 a.m. with my two boys and all our luggage and pick up my friend who is running on my team.

2.  Take my older son to his soccer game and play cheerleader from the sideline (while keeping his little brother entertained and out of the game, trying to carry on a conversation with my friend, and then looking really excited and engaged when my son looks at me after making a great game play or goal).

3.  Take my son to his end of the season soccer party (with his little brother and my friend along for the entertaining ride).

4.  Drive everyone an hour and a half to my in-laws house where I drop off the boys to stay the night (they LOVE IT at Papa and Grammy's house! Who doesn't?).

5.  Have a fun road trip to Richland, WA. with my friend.

6. Arrive in Richland in time to meet our other two relay teammates and eat dinner at 8:00 p.m. A two and a half hour drive had turned into an eight and a half hour adventure. No wonder we were hungry!

7. Go to the hotel (oh, I mean sketchy motel) and get ready for race morning. (Laying out our race clothes consisted of covering the surface before putting your clothes on it.) The race started and ended in the motel parking lot so it was worth it for the location!

8.  Get up the next morning and run...no, wait I'm third leg so I have no rush! Sweet! So, Traci (second leg) and I headed to Starbucks for coffee and oatmeal. Life is good when Traci has her coffee.

Turtle Girl was first leg again and we all gathered for a photo before the race started. Our friend Tammy joined us in the picture as she was running the whole marathon...her own one woman team! 

It was another FREEZING cold morning.  After the race started, Traci, Janine and I drove to the first transition point. It felt like a timed scavenger hunt; follow a paper map in an unfamiliar city to a set location before your runner gets there. Similar to the last race, we hovered in the warm car until the last possible moment to get out for the transition. Turtle Girl arrived and Traci ran off into the sunrise.

We piled in the car and continued on our scavenger hunt to find the second transition, then the wind and rain hit. Oh man. Cold, wet, and windy. Lovely.

Traci smoked her run (something about those second leg runners!) and then I was off. My first mile was fast because I was FREEZING! Then, as my body warmed up, my pace leveled out. I felt solid and was inspired by a family we'd been watching pass through each transition. The mother was running the full marathon herself and her family members were running as a relay team encouraging and pacing her, then transitioning to a new family member at each transition. Awesome!

I sprinted in to my transition and Janine took off as our closer. She is one of our "fun sized friends" who despite her small stature can turn on her jets and blaze past you. She blew all of our times out of the water and finished the marathon sprinting in faster than any of us can run. Our final team time was 4:15! 

Back to the motel room we go to shower, change, and warm-up, then we all say goodbye and head out. Turtle Girl and Janine drive straight home, while Traci is along for the long ride home via the in-laws to pick up my boys, play in the leaves, chat, then finally getting home in time to make dinner and get ready for work the next morning. A two and a half hour drive turned into a five hour drive for this mother runner. Par for the course.

Where does the time go? The weekend was over and it was already time to start thinking about the Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Half-Marathon. My last race of the year!

Comfort Zone

Call me crazy. In October, I stepped out of my comfort zone and ran two marathons, two weeks apart from each other! Well, l need to be honest...they were both marathon relays.

By random chance, I ventured into the team sport arena of running.  (Rewind to August) Here's the scenario:
I'm bored of running, but know I need to keep moving if I want to maintain the physical gains I've made. So, reluctantly, I log into my Active.com account and begin signing up for the Spokane Marathon 10K in October.  As I'm about to confirm my registration, I'm interrupted by a phone call.  It's Turtle Girl and she needs one more person for her Spokane Marathon relay team. Seriously!? The same race, the same distance, the same registration website I'm on, but more fun than running a 10K alone...I'm in! And so, with that, my relay team adventures began.

I'm a princess runner. I hate being cold, running in the rain, snow, wind, or running up hills. Yeah, I know...suck it up and go.  Running in the Northwest guarantees I'll need to buck up and deal with all the above.

Spokane Marathon Race morning it was 30 degrees. I had the final leg of our relay which included Doomsday hill. I was nervous because I was the "closer" for a team where I'd never before run with two of my teammates. As a matter of fact, I'd only met them briefly the day before and I knew I wouldn't be able to pick them out of a crowd. I felt pressure to "perform" (from myself) and it was hard to go through my normal race morning routine knowing I would still have to wait at least another three hours to run (after the race begins). Odd. I don't know how to do that, but I was about to learn.

Ready, set, go...Turtle Girl was off.  Our team drives to the first transition point and waits in the warm car for her arrival.  Turtle Girl arrives, Beth takes off, and we head to the next transition and wait. Beth smokes her leg and Andrea is off before she knows it. We go to the final transition point and wait some more. Andrea rounds the bend and I take off. It feels good to finally run. I've been waiting for this since I woke up, six hours ago! I make it up Doomsday hill and power through my leg passing two other relay teams along the way. It feels good. Rarely am I the passer, usually just the passee (I may have made that word up).

Race over, group finisher photo taken, and final relay time of 4:30.  What a relief and blast! Would I ever do it again? Definitely, two weeks later....

The "Two Week Rule"

I’m naked and vulnerable.  Or, at least I feel that way.  For the first time in five years, I have no training plan, no trainer, no race I’m registered for, or even have a race that I’m thinking about.  It’s dark more hours than it is light and my mind tells me it really wants me to eat the cookies, donuts, pies, endless empty, worthless calories that surround me at work during the holidays.  So, if I’m not running, what else do I want to do? 

Sleep. 

Hibernate.   

Stay in a fetal position under the covers in my bed.  

Unfortunately, none of which are viable options (although my children would think that it was an awesome game of hide-and-seek).

Smile if you are reading this and have been a “victim” of my convincing ways, and thus, have signed up for a race with me.  Because of that inclination my friends, my sister has devised “the two week rule.”  Let me explain.  My runner’s high after a great race lasts about two weeks.  According to my sister, this is a crucial time to avoid me (including calls, texts, emails, Facebook posts, Instagram photos, etc.) unless you are ready to sign on for another race.  Apparently, I am more convincing during these two post-race weeks than during other times.  Here are a few examples of my “two week rule” of persuasion:  

My sister never wanted to do a half-marathon, nor two.  Yes, twice she has been a victim of my two week rule of persuasion. 

My friends said they could NEVER run that far and didn’t know how I did it.  Now, the superstar couple has matching medals to prove they both can.  Yep, more two week victims.

My cousin never wanted to do a full marathon.  After seven long hours and 16 miles of pouring rain we became “marathoners.”  She swore she’d never run another race with me again.  Yes, you guessed it, I’ve since talked her into running a half-marathon, even while wearing a tiara!

And it gets better.

So far in five years, I’ve run 14 half-marathons in eight states and always talked someone into joining me.  Even if it meant flying all the way across the country.  My largest gaggle of gals was a team of 23 “Sole Sisters” who went to Bellingham, Washington.  Oh the memories!   My longest half-marathon time?  3:25 and I did wearing a sock monkey costume. Perfect.

As I close on the end of my two-week high from running my fastest race to date in Savannah, Georgia (2:20), I’m going to sit in this uncomfortable place of limbo and cherish it.  No place to be.  No pressures to go anywhere.  Only me and the chatter in my brain.  Don't get me wrong, a couple of times I found myself searching for my next destination race.

For those of you who have fallen victim to my unwillingness to back down and take no for an answer:

Thank you for trusting me and taking a chance.

Thank you for stepping out of your comfort zone.

Thank you for being willing to see what your mind and body was capable of. 

Thank you for all the amazing memories and friendships made.

I wish you great health, happy days, and amazing memories. 

To many more memories to come…if one of you would just answer my call….