Back at it.

Week 13...Half way through the training. I swear it feels like I've been training a lot longer. I actually woke up this week on time for my group run on Sat. I was lucky enough to bump into my pace buddy from before I left on my trip and she kept me company for the 10 miler that day. It seems so much easier to run when you have somebody to talk to. This next Sat (4th of July) is a 12 miler and I'm pretty much dreading it, but 12 miles should seem like a piece of cake in a month right? right?......right?

The Wall

After 13.1 miles last Saturday this weekend's 8 miler should have been a piece of cake.
Not so. First off I over slept and missed my group run at 7:45am. Then the sky became really dark and started to pour. Now I have to run alone...and in the rain. Not too motivating of a situation.
I took two naps, watched an episode of Family Guy, and made a pot of coffee before I was able to coerce myself into putting on my running clothes. Then it took another half an hour of procrastination before I made it out the door....and by quarter to six that night I was running!!! Better late than never I guess.

Helvetia 1/2 Marathon!!

Hills, hills, and more hills, that is the Helvetia Half. Around mile marker 10 my whole body started to tingle from what I assumed to be exhaustion, but I managed to tell myself only 3 more miles to go. This is definitely one of the hardest physical challenges I've experienced and right now I feel proud and exhausted but most of all I'm thinking...'Holy 'you know what' I have to do this distance twice in October??!'

<----------My Godson Owen wearing my finisher medal.

Finished!!!!----->

Back in Portland

After a wonderful road trip and a very sad goodbye to Brock in Idaho I got on a plane for Portland.


Back at the training... Luckily the scheduled runs for this week were a bit shorter (30-35min) My body needs a break after the killer 11 miler in Lowman.


This coming Saturday is my first Benchmark.
The Helevetia Half-Marathon!!!!
13.1 Miles. Pictures to come...

Final Destination, Final Run of the Trip

Made it back to Idaho Friday night and decided to make it a short day of driving and overnight in Ketchum. We had a great sushi dinner and an even better breakfast. Goodness I love food.

We made it to Lowman, ID (our final destination) Saturday and I completed my 11 miler the next day. It was brutal! In the Boise National Forest there are no flat roads so I had to resort to the 5.5 miles mostly uphill and then the 5.5 down. By the time I reached the top I was certain I was going to lose my breakfast. Luckily Brock gave me a short breather and no food was lost. All in all we completed the 11 miles in 1 hr 47 min.
Longest run yet!

Wyoming

Stayed one night in Rock Springs, WY and took advantage of the hotel treadmill.

8,000 ft is a little tougher

So we made it into Estes Park, CO and fell in love with the area. It was only 3pm when we drove through the town but we decided to call it a day for driving and find a nice place to spend the night.
We found a nice cabin right on the river outside of town.
The next morning I had to get my run in for the day. 40 minutes doesn't seem so bad these days, but at 8000 ft elevation it hurts like hell.

My lungs burned and my legs felt like heavy bricks. Needless to say I'm looking forward to getting back to Portland elevation.


We did have and interesting encounter with a cow elk in town. Brock and I were walking by the river and we noticed a cow near the visitor center. We were a good 40 yards away from her but she must have thought I gave her a bad look because she took off in a full charge towards us. Before we knew it she was a few steps behind andwe were at a full sprint. We took a chance and crossed a busy intersection and the traffic was enough to stop the elk in its tracks.
Good practice for the marathon ;)

Kansas Tornado!

We did everything you're supposed to do in Kansas... Go through a massive weather system, eat a tasty steak, and pick up a family from Alabama that had broken down on the side of the road. All in all the ideal Kansas day.

Due to the weather.. training was postponed until tomorrow. 45 minutes to come in Colorado.

Really Spoiled

Lyons Twin Mansion Bed & Breakfast
Fort Scott, KS

If you are ever anywhere near this state, this town, this region for that matter you have to visit this town and stay here. The place is phenomenal, the hospitality from Miss Pat is nothing short of perfect, and the breakfast by Miss Lorrie is to die for.

The stranded puppy picked up by the owners.
We fell in love and wanted to take him with us so bad.

Theodore the Mansion's resident golden retriever.

Spoiled

Making it through the Midwest!
After the long run in Athens I took advantage of the treadmill in Vincennes, IN for my shorter run of 30 minutes.
Along the way we became tourists at the arch in St. Louis. It's pretty amazing if you've never been. We took the tram up inside the arch all the way to the top.