Sunday, May 29, 2011

A day to remember

Memorial Day is more than just an extra day off of work. It's more than just great sales at stores. It's more than the start of summer vacations and camping season.

Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor the hero's that have sacrificed their lives for our country.

July 14th, 2009 1-17 IN 5/2 SBCT deployed to Afghanistan. My love was the First Sergeant for Alpha Company.
The Soldiers with their families getting ready to leave
I was stuck to him from the minute we woke up to the minute they left
Prepping for formation

On August 25th 2009 and IED detonated under a stryker vehicle killing Alpha Company Commander CPT John Hallett, the Battalion Physician’s Assistant, CPT Cory Jenkins, a Senior Medic, SFC Ronald Sawyer, and the Stryker’s driver, SPC Dennis Williams.

CPT John Hallett
CPT Hallett didn't get to meet his daughter who was born 3 weeks prior to his death. He also left behind 2 small boys and a beautiful wife, Lisa Hallett.

He was always the nicest person when I was around the office. The day they deployed he held a quick meeting with all his Soldiers, he was about to say a cuss word but stopped short cause he knew I was there. He was a hard worker and cared for his job and his Soldiers. Gene and CPT Hallett would be working in the office late into the evenings.




23 Soldiers were killed from 1-17 IN BN, 41 in total from the Brigade




Two days after CPT Hallett's death, Lisa ran. She, along with other wives started the group Wear Blue Run to Remember:
"Our Vision is to remember the Soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice."
"Our Mission is to establish a running community that serves as a living memorial to the Service  and Sacrifice to the American Military."

"Our Goals are to Humanize the loss of war, support the community affected by this loss, and participate in and train for running events."
This year they will again be running at Seattle Rock and Roll marathon. If you ran it last year you remember the the 41 flags along the course. This year mile 5 of the course will be run by BLUE, handing out water and holding flags.

If you are in the Seattle area and want to volunteer at Seattle Rock and Roll for Wear Blue Run to Remember follow this link
http://www.elitevolunteer.com/er/signup_form1.php?event_id=232

If you want more information on the group you can go to their website
http://www.wearblueruntoremember.org


It's not fair and it's hard to understand why these men are taken from their families. When I see families that take the time they have with their loved ones for granted I think of all the families that wish they could spend just one more day with their Soldier, hear their voice, feel them put their arms around them, hug them, kiss them one last time.

Lisa has been such an inspiration to me and many other women and families.
CPT Hallett and all our lost hero's live on through all the runners lacing up every Saturday, wearing blue and remembering.

You don't have to live in WA to help. You can donate here to help them keep running
http://www.wearblueruntoremember.org/donate.html

You can purchase a shirt through their website or wear your own blue shirt and run or walk in honor of our hero's any day of the week.



If you would like to read more about Lisa & John's story click below
http://andrialindquistblog.com/2011/02/23/february-inspirashown-lisa/


So tomorrow remember why it's Memorial Day. Remember the sacrifice of our fallen hero's. Tell a Soldier thank you.





Thank you 1SG Gene Hicks for being such an inspiration in my life. Thank you for your 21 years of service, for all the sacrifices you have made in your life that other's will never know or understand so that we may live in freedom. I love you



To all the Soldiers currently serving, to their families, and to any readers I have that are in the military, have a husband, wife or family member in the military, THANK YOU for the bottom of my heart.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

99 cents for Gaga!

3.5 Things Thursday!

1. You can download Lady Gaga's new album Born This Way for 99 cents thru Amazon! Yes all 14 songs for 99 cents! I am downloading it as I type this! Click HERE to download it. I haven't bought music from Amazon before but it's pretty easy you just have to download the Amazon MP3 Downloader and it automatically transfers all songs to your iTunes! If you don't have it go download it now!



2. My back is feeling much better today (still don't know why it was hurting) so I went for a beautiful 8 mile run! I love running next to the river it's so peaceful!
Here's some pics of today's run.


3. Training has fully resumed! 12 mile long run on the schedule this weekend and I'm hoping next weekend a 20-22 mile run. I was able to get two 20 mile runs in before the Idaho Potato Marathon but looking back I really wish I would have made one of those more than 20 miles. I think it would have helped me mentally and physically. I'm also incorporating some more speed and hill training. I'm running the Boise See Jane Run half marathon on June 18th and then Seattle Rock and Roll marathon on June 25th!
3.5 I'm running Seattle RnR with team Wear Blue Run to Remember so I'll be making a post on that soon as well as a link to their volunteer water station if anyone is interested. You can check out their website www.wearblueruntoremember.org for info now.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Here's Johnny!

So I made it back from my Denver trip! Was only there for a couple of days but was stuck in classes all day. The hotel I stayed at was cool. It's called the Curtis Hotel and their floors are all themed. I was on the 13th floor... the horror floor. I love scary movies so I thought it was awesome. When the elevator stopped at each of the floors a voice would come on saying something, like the cartoon floor had Marge Simpson's voice. Mine would say "Here's Johnny!" and the doors would open up to this..


Anyway there wasn't much fun going on while I was there but maybe next time. If there is a next time it might be in Miami! Now that would be pretty sweet!

Anyway I got to finally run yesterday! I ran 5 miles 46 min. It was about a 9:16 pace which I was pretty happy with. I felt like I was moving really slow. And funny thing was I ran it on the last few miles of the marathon course so there was a little reminiscing going on :)
I wanted to get in another 5 or 6 miles today but I have had some really bad back pain going on. Kind of in the area of where my left kidney is. Not sure what's going on there. I had the doctor at the office check it out and do some adjusting and use the massage machine on it. Felt ok for a little bit but it still hurts. I knew running wouldn't help it cause it hurts to take in deep breaths. I'm hoping it goes away by tomorrow!

Oh and here's some official pics from the race!

Um yea I need to practice on my posing still
I think this was around the 20 mile mark
Peace.Love.Run

This was the last .2 where I was in pain and I was looking for Gene in the crowd

Yup there he is! Happy to see him!

When I crossed the finish line there was a girl taking pics and I made her wait for me to put my medal on but they didn't post those online :(

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Leaving on a jet plane

Today was my first run post marathon. I ran an nice and slow 2 miles to see how everything was feeling. My legs felt good overall but I can tell they are still a bit tired. My left hip was tight. I stretched it out a half a mile in and it felt good, also stretched it some more after. Felt good to get the legs moving. I had been craving a run today but didn't want to overdo it especially with a tight hip.

Tomorrow I leave for Denver.. Anyone know anything fun to do in the downtown area? I'll be there for work training but I should hopefully be able to get some walking around in after my class and maybe some shopping :)

I'll only be there till Saturday evening but it feels weird to be the one leaving. I'm used to Gene being the one leaving for trainings when he was in the military. Feels weird to even say that, "when he was".
I'm know i'm being a big baby and i'm sure i'll have an ok time but I hate leaving home and leaving my boys. Kinda wish they could go with me.

Anyway I'm still waiting for the official race photos to be posted online. I did a little posing when I saw the camera and I'm sure they came out super cheesy. When I crossed the finish line there was a girl taking our picture so I made her take one again after I put my medal on.

And here's another pic of me at the race so hope your not tired of looking at them yet :) My next race is only a few weeks away so don't worry I'll have new ones to post then too.

Monday, May 16, 2011

After the race...

First I want to say thank you to all your sweet comments! I really love the blogging community you guys are all so supportive!


After the race...
As soon as I crossed the finish line my legs were screaming at me. I didn't feel this for my first marathon cause my knee was hurting so bad that's all I felt. But for this race my entire legs were just screaming to sit down so I went to find Gene and Adam. I sat down on the chair but that only lasted for about a few seconds before I took off my shoes and laid out on the grass. Gene was laughing telling me why do I run if i'm cursing about how bad my legs hurt.

I tried to eat a piece of banana but my stomach was not having it, I was feeling too nauseous to eat or drink anything. Gene had even made and brought be a baked potato with all the fixings in honor of the Famous Idaho Potato Marathon (don't worry he made an extra one at home so I had one there when I could finally get some food down). He also brought me chocolate milk, lucky since they ran out of it at the race.


My little Dash was more than happy to eat what I wouldn't haha

 
Had to show off the bling


And the finishers shirt


After the shock wore of my legs and they weren't screaming at me anymore I decided to go get a massage. I  filled out the release form waiting for my turn, both massage therapists saw me standing there and smiled. Well turns out they were done giving massages and didn't bother to say anything! The only reason I knew was the guy waiting for one in front of me asked and they said they were done massaging...booo! They could have said they were not massaging so I wouldn't have been standing there the entire time. Oh well. I saw another massage table at the other end of the park but didn't feel like walking over there.

This guy is the best supporter ever. My little man is missing though. Next race i'll make him go :)

And had to take a pic with my friend Adam. It was a total surprise to see him at the finish line.

Being a little silly. I feel really short standing next to him though!



After the race I went home to take a shower and get ready. I finally got an appetite so we decided to go eat at Red Robin with some friends. I had a yummy cheeseburger and Strawberry Vojito.


And lets not forget dessert! A delicious Mudd Pie!


After we went home where I relaxed with my compression socks and enjoyed the rest of the day.


Today it hurts to go down the stairs or to sit down, well pretty much any squatting position hurts haha. I don't know how many days i'll take off, I have to go to Denver at the end of the week for work so don't think I'll get any recovery workouts in. But training will resume soon for sure though cause Seattle Rock & Roll is right around the corner!

I'll leave you with this pic of Dash on the ride home after the race. He was one happy puppy.


Sunday, May 15, 2011

Famous Idaho Potato Marathon Recap

I was having trouble falling asleep Friday night cause my brain just wouldn’t shut off. I ended up waking up at 2 am marathon morning from a dream about being late to the starting line and everyone had already left. I knew this wasn’t going to happen cause I had set both my phone alarm and clock alarm just in case. I woke up at 5:30 am before my alarm went off and decided to get up and start getting ready.
I had 3/4 of a cliff bar (I left the last part of it on the bench while I got dressed and my dog decided she was hungry and wanted to eat the rest of it) and a 1/2 a banana with some peanut butter for breakfast.
As I walked outside at 7 am to to drive to the starting line it was rainy. I posted on Facebook  that mother nature decided to remind me of Tacoma since it was raining.


It was cold, rainy and windy at the starting line and I was second guessing my clothing decisions. The weather had said it was going to be in the 60/70s during the race so I decided to just throw on my arm sleeves.


I waited in the truck till about 5 minutes before the start with Gene and Dash where it was nice and warm.
The start was at 8am. The announcer said there was about 250 full and 1500 half runners (they were starting 30 min after us). There actually wasn’t really a starting line. It was just a line spray painted into the ground.


Before I knew it we were off and running. As we turned the corner about .5 mile in the sun was suddenly out and I was warm already so I took off my arm sleeves and hung them off my spibelt (love that thing!) A girl in front of me took off her long sleeve and another runner told he was worried at how warm it was already.
About a mile in I was thirsty already, not good the next water stop wasn’t until mile 3. I quickly walked thru the water station and kept on going. We were running near the river so there was a light breeze and some clouds that felt good.

I was reaching the half way point and knew I should be seeing Gene soon. I looked out for him and saw his truck parked along the road. I didn't see him where I though he would be so I kept looking out for him.  I never got to see him which was a little hard mentally but I tried not to get discouraged. I guess I was just too fast :) I crossed the half at 2:01 and was feeling good still just really thirsty.

The last few miles is where it started to get really tough. The sun was really beating down and the temps where up around mile 16. We had to run past the fairgrounds around mile 19 and there was a swap meet going on or something so all I could smell was greasy fried fair food that was making me nauseous. I had also been seeing people run towards me for what seemed like miles already but it seemed like the turn around was NEVER in sight, this was really tough mentally cause I just wanted to turn around and head back already.

At mile 20 I started to get a really bad side ache that I just couldn't run thru. I walked for a little bit and kept going. I wanted to just keep drinking water cause I was so thirsty. Even though I would take in water or Gatorade at every station it still wasn't enough. The side ache was also persistent and getting worse as the race went on. I wanted to run faster but my legs didn't want to move any faster.

Miles 22-24 was a lot of run/walking. I was able to consistently fuel with energy chews at miles 6, 12, 18 and 22.

When I reached mile 25 I didn't want to walk and kept telling myself I was almost done I can walk when I cross the finish line. At mile 26 and told myself to "embrace the pain", easier said than done. I managed to hold a 9:34 pace this last mile but it wasn't easy my side was hurting bad. As I made the turn into the park the last .2 were the toughest cause the path was a big U so it looked like the finish line was so far away. I wanted to walk so bad but I sped up which really made the side ache worse and hard to breath.

I finally saw Gene and my friend Adam on the sideline so I waved and pushed it to the finish line crossing in 4:17:33. A 31 minute PR off my first marathon.


Not really sure why the clock reads 4:21 cause I crossed the starting line a few seconds after the gun went off. But my garmin time was only a second off of the official time.


I wanted to get somewhere between 4 and 4:15 cause I knew I was capable of this based on my training runs but I am still 100% happy with the time that I got because I ran uninjured which was my number 1 goal.


This post is long enough already so I'll post some after race pics tomorrow!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Just a quickie!

Marathon #2 done!

Time 4:17
A 31 minute PR!!!

You can read a semi recap if you click on my dailymile link on the right. I'll post a full recap tomorrow.
All I have to say right now is it was HOT and side aches SUCK!


Friday, May 13, 2011

Ready, Set, Go!

Alright, I'm all carbed up and have my gear all laid out ready for tomorrow.


I don't think I'll be wearing the arm sleeves but I put them out just in case. The weather changed on me again. Says there's supposed to be a chance of thunderstorms tonight and tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully should be cleared up by the time I run. Right now weather says partly cloudy and 58 degrees at the 8am start.

I don't think there are many people running the full as you can see by my bib number. I know there is alot more signed up for the half though. One sucky part is we have to run right by the finish line turn off where all the half marathoners will be going while I will still have 13.1 miles to go. That's why I want Gene around that spot to give me a mental boost if I need it.

Check out my time chip already on my bib

I've never had one of those so I hope it works well!


Well I'm going to mess around with the playlist a little more then try to be in bed my 10pm which I usually never get to bed by 12 so we'll see how that goes. At least I get to sleep in my nice comfy bed and shouldn't be woken up by any fire alarms going off like at the hotel we stayed at for the Portland Marathon!



Marathon #2 here I come!!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Tweet Tweet

I set up a twitter account! It you feel like following me click on the link at the right above my followers section. My name is very original.... CynthiaRuns
Kinda sounds like Cynthia has the runs if you remember that easier.

I am currently multitasking by setting up a twitter account and working on my playlist while watching The Voice. This is all after a day at work, a quick 3 mile run, quizzing my son on his reading book, vacuuming and doing the dishes. I didn't have to cook dinner cause my love put some yummy chicken in the crockpot before he left to work. He must really love me :)

My legs actually felt heavy during the first 1.5 miles of my run and I swear I felt some pain too. I know it's phantom pains or at least I hope. But after they were warmed up they felt great. It usually takes me the first few miles of a run to get my legs warmed up and have them realize that i'm actually making them move. How long does it take you to warm up?


Well back to my playlist. I'm checking out the 69 cents Songs Just Added section on iTunes.

Monday, May 9, 2011

I'm making my list, checking it twice!

The countdown is on! Saturday is right around the corner!
I'm mentally making a checklist (and checking it twice) of all the things I need to do before that day gets here!

*Marathon outfit has been tested and is approved. (Tank, running skirt and possibly running sleeves if it's not too warm)
*Need to get some more gels/chews
*Need to work on my play list (thanks for the suggestions on my other post!)
*Have been hydrating. Here's proof

Hydrating at work
  
Dash wanted some of my green tea!
I have been stalking the weather
Saturdays temps are high of 77, low of 49 with 20% chance of rain. I'll be looking at the hour by hour report on Friday but i'm thinking it's going to be in the 50's when I start and the 60's when I finish. Just call me Cynthia the weather gal.

We are making a spectator plan. I think it will just be Gene watching me run. (My son is going out of town this weekend with his grandma) We originally thought he could hang out at the RAM Restaurant till I ran by at the half way point cause it's right on the course but I doubt it will be open around 10 am and also not sure if there will be some detours on the course cause part of the greenbelt is still flooded. Packet pickup is this Friday where the finish line will be so I'll ask if they have an updated map.

Check out the lovely Jess @ Blonde Ponytail latest blog post for an awesome list of marathon tips! HERE
Definitely very helpful whether you are running your first marathon, second marathon like me or really just great tips for any runner to know!

And if you haven't already checked out EMZ blog (HERE) you NEED TOO!! Words cannot describe how inspiring she is.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

He totally kicked butt on the mile run!

So my son got home from school today and said "Guess who got first place" and handed me this piece of paper
He put it up on the tv stand in his room :)
I'm one proud mommy! First place in the mile run with the a time of 8:10. He was so excited! He told me he "capitalized" on the moment. There was a few kids that each said they would get first place so he took that as a challenge and  without telling them he was aiming to get first place he totally passed them all on the first lap. He got tired in the 3rd lap and jogged a little till he saw a kid catching up so he showed me just how he sped up.... arms at side pumping them back and forth... perfect little runners form! And this was with non-running (or gym) shoes and a track on grass with just the lines painted on. Here's a pic of it last time I was walking Dash on it.

He gets to run with the top 5th and 6th grade runners (he's in 4th grade). The running mom in me wants to go out and buy him some good running shoes so he can kick butt!

He said his legs felt wobbly after the run. I told him it was cause he pushed himself to go as fast as he could. He is so proud of himself, as am I. His details of the run were so good he could write his own race recap on it :)

 

He asked me to take this pic of him. It's his "ahhh I'm done" look :)


Maybe I have a new running partner now :)

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Making the list

Today's workout was 5 miles (on the treadmill cause it was a late day at work).

I like to picture myself running the marathon. Especially the last 10k. What's that saying.. the race doesn't start till the last 10k... or something like that? Anyway I like to picture pushing myself those last few miles knowing how tired my legs are and crossing the finish line with a big smile on my face :)

Half way point at the Portland Marathon last year

Today I overheard a patient at work talking about her race this weekend so I started talking to her about running of course. She's running the Lake Lowell Marathon this weekend. It's a first year race that I heard about but already had my eyes set on the Idaho Potato Marathon. I think she said it's her 3rd marathon. I told her about my marathon and she said it was tough cause it gets really hot out there. She's the second person to tell me that now. I'm not worried, but I am re-evaluating my outfit choice. Still wearing a skirt but I might have to wear a tank top. I'll be stalking weather.com when the day gets closer!


So I need your help!
I'm working on my playlist and need you all to tell me what your fav running songs are?

Yes Britney is making the playlist, she has some good running songs on her new album!

Monday, May 2, 2011

Running, working and puppy love

Yesterday I ran my last double digit run till my marathon on May 14th. 12 miles in 1hr 48 min a 9:02 pace.
I'm getting really excited and nervous all at the same time!

My number one goal is to finish uninjured. Unlike my first marathon last October - Portland Marathon - where I had to shuffle to the finish line due to my IT band flaring up at mile 16. I think that's why I have such a hard time setting a timed goal. I start to set a goal then the doubt starts to slowly creep into my head. I just have to keep those thoughts out.

My training runs feel good at a 9:20 pace and I have been able to push it for under a 9 min pace during some of those double digit runs. My legs felt tired which was good cause it shows me I can keep a decent pace later in the marathon. I guess what I'm having trouble with is should I play it safe and run at my "comfortable" 9:20 pace or should I push the pace a little?


On another note I started a new job that I really really like... not sure if I should say love yet it might be too soon for the L word :)
It's at a health studio that offers chiropractic and massage therapy. I already got an adjustment on only my 2nd day there and anytime I need one I can just tell the doctor. I was talking to him about running cause my shoulder/neck area was a spot that needed some work and one of my hips was off too. I told him the marathon I am training for and he said he was supposed to run the 10k race but wasn't sure if he still was since he hasn't really been running. He also told me that I can use any of the equipment there - ultrasound, hot/cold compress, light therapy, traction, electronic muscle stimulator. And I also get a free massage a month. Awesomeness! It's a runners dream job, besides getting paid to run of course! But I'm also excited to finally be putting my bachelors degree to good use and not just paying off student loans. It will also be great for me when I decided to apply to graduate school!

One sad part about working is this little guy got used to having me home all day and or going with me everywhere.
This is the look he gives you anytime you say the word 'go'.

He was ready to go at the front door when I grabbed my purse thinking he was going to get to 'go' with me.
But it's fun to come home and get lots of kisses like he hasn't seen me in forever :)


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