Picking up the Pace

"last Saturday's 5 mile run"

Last Saturday I ran 5 miles with the Trenholm Road Runners group I joined. Sunday (the day after) I woke up bright and early to get in a long run in with Kelly. I was a little sore from the day before but felt good and knew I needed to get in the miles. We did a good 8 mile run and I was really feeling it the last mile. I had to pee like a race horse but refused to stop because I knew I wouldn't want to finish. My legs started to get shaking and my stomach was starting to hurt. There was just a couple blocks left to get back to Kelly's house and I was pushing it with my last bit of steam. I'm pretty sure I could of passed out in her drive way the second I hit her house. I completely forgot about having to use the restroom. It was a much needed run together but after the fact I was a bit butt hurt with myself at how much I slacked on that last mile but in my defense I ran 5 the day before. 

"last Sunday's 8 mile run"

This morning was another long run, although I didn't go into it with that in mind. I almost didn't even make it to meet with the Trenholm Road Runners. I though I left the house on time but after I got in the car and headed off post I had 10 minutes to get to our meeting place. Thankfully I made it just in time, how ever once we set off on our run I wasn't feeling it for the first half mile. I felt rushed getting there and then my hair was falling down and bouncing on my head. Seriously it was so annoying. I didn't want to stop and fix it because I'd fall behind the group. I did my best to put it back up in a bun while running and it seemed to work. My head was back in the game and I was on my way. I kept going back and forth on weather I wanted to add miles on at the end or not. I figured I'd see how I felt when I was done.

 On my way to the meet this morning I had a new supplement drink mix a friend from Texas sent me. Have you ever heard of Advocare? I had before but had never used any of their products till now. The mix I used this morning was called "Spark", it has 45 calories and is sugar free. It helps enhance mental energy and focus, it also provides support for long-lasting energy. I am not one to use "extra" supplements or powder mixes or pills to help with running or working out. I watch my diet and eat in moderation and make healthier choices. However L sent it to me knowing I'm training for a Marathon. She has had several other runners use the same products and they've had great results. I figured the worst that would happen would be I wouldn't notice a difference, I have a horrible run because it didn't set well with my stomach OR it actually would help and makes a difference. 

Once we got just before mile 5 almost to our finishing point I was still on the fence on weather or not I was going to continue and add miles on. It wasn't till the group made the last right turn almost into the parking lot were we where parked was it that I decided to stay straight and go on. I was filling good, weather that be from the "Spark" or not I don't know. I figured I'd get in a extra mile or maybe two. I followed the road and kept going, figured it would loop around to were I was parked eventually. And that it did. I was at 6.69 miles at that point 3 more and I would be at 10 miles. I decided to circle around again and make it a even 10 miles but that wasn't a big enough circle, I had to loop around another time and a half. I was doing good all the way up until about mile 9.2, I hit a wall and wanted to be done. I kept going I was determined to make it a even 10 miles. I kept telling myself that I had less than a mile to go "LESS THAN A MILE TIFFANY", you can do this. I knew not matter how much I was hurting in the moment I would be hating myself for quitting early. Its all a mental game for me, I let things get in my head while training for my half in the spring and I'm not letting that happen this time. 

"today's 10 mile run"

I'm proud to say I completed a unexpected 10 mile run this morning and couldn't be happier. 

I have just over 2 month of training time left before my big race. I have a plan in my head as far as training and its been going well. As long as I continue with it I think I will be ready come November 9th. I also have a plan on how I'm going to run the Marathon and hopefully it will all work out. I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a goal finish time but I know the most important thing is to just finish. No matter what after wards I know I'm going to be so excited to say I've officially ran and finished my first marathon. That's a lot more than most people can say. 

After my run this morning I had plans to make my way over to Fleet Feet to look in to getting new kicks. I wasn't excited about it so much because I love love my current shoes. We've shared many many miles together almost 300 miles to be exact. Most running shoes have a life time of 300-500 miles, minimalist shoes are on the lower end of that mile count. And that's what I run in, not having a arch in either of my ankles having a fully supported shoe just doesn't work well for me. I am currently running in the original Brooks Pure Flow but they no longer make them. The new version has me worried with the mixed reviews and I'm not 100% sold on them. I am a firm believe in Fleet Feet and what they offer, their service is amazing and they offer a Military discount so you can't beat that. I went in told them what was going on, my training and what I'm working towards. I tired on the new Pure Flow 2 and also the Pure Cadence 2 went for a quick jog outside the store in both to test them out and ultimately walked out with the Brooks Pure Cadence 2. They were both very similar but the Pure Cadence 2 had a bit more cushion then the Pure Flow 2 and I don't know any one that would ever complain about that. I'll probably take them for a short run on Monday morning to see how I like them. Thankfully with Fleet Feet even after a good month if I don't like them or I'm not 100% happy I can take them back and exchange them for something else. I'm really hoping they work out though because I don't want to have to get used to another new shoe. And if they do and I grow to love them just as much as I did my other ones I may just go ahead and buy a 2nd pair to have on hand for when these go. 

Work and Running consumed most of my life right now which really isn't all that bad since the husband picked up a new cycle last week. His Battalion Graduates on Halloween and he will only have two weeks off before picking up again. I'm not complaining though because I need these next two months to fully focus on my training. I wont feel guilty doing so and leaving him at home because he'll be at work. Thankfully he will be on cycle break for the race which just so happens to be the same day as our anniversary. I'm looking forward to a little Marathon / Anniversary get away in Savannah, Georgia. 

1st Platoon Titans 

 

Sorry I've been a little MIA...

1-First Day of Teacher work week. Getting ready for the new school year to start. I'm gonna miss my sweet little people. I just keep letting myself Change is good. 

2-Friday (last week) after I got off work, (hello half day's) the hubbs and I headed up to Charlotte to do a little shopping at Ikea and had dinner at On The Border. We came home with a new Entertainment unit. I absolutely love it. 

3-Monday on my lunch break I got dinner going in the Crock pot. Hubbs was home for the day already so I left him instructions on how and when to finish things up. I pre-measured everything and laid it all out for him. A little OCD maybe but hey makes things easier on him. 

4-Saturday after my morning run I came home to find this lovely giant truck in my neighbors drive way. They are moving!!!!! We knew they were moving this month just wasn't sure the date. They are by far the most un-sanitariest people I have ever lived by. Their house is infested with mice so badly the moving company set up by the army refused to move them. 

5-This past week has definitely been a challenge for me, for many reasons. I've been put to the test in many ways but I've stood my ground and stuck to my guns and made it through. I know this life we live isn't always gonna be cookies and ice cream but I'm making the best of every moment and that's all I can do. 

6-I stepped out of my comfort zone last weekend and join a running group. I've been trying to pick up my running and add the miles to my long weekend runs. This was a first for me, joining a group not knowing a single soul. It was a great experience w/ great people and I plan to continue going every Saturday till my Full Marathon in November. 

7-Not that I'm counting but I was talking to a friend in Texas about NYC and it got me wondering how much longer we have till our trip. 125 days!!!! I can't wait to take the hubbs and show him around one of my most favorite cities ever!!! NYE IN NYC, I can't wait we are going to have a great time!!!! 

8-Wednesday after work Kelly and I were suppose to go run but for other reason's she wasn't able to go. That didn't keep me from going though, I did a good solid 4.5 miles around post before dinner. I Just went out to run, had no plan or set route in mind. Figured I'd take it as it came and it ended up being a great run. 

9-Sometime last week the hubbs and I were randomly searching on ebay at different fiestaware pieces when I came across this beautiful piece. It's a retired covered casserole dish in the color Juniper. I have a pretty good collection of fiestaware but I'm always trying to add to it and find pieces that I don't have yet. Especially unique pieces such as retired or vintage ones. I love it and am so happy with my purchase. 

10-Another Saturday run with the Trenholm Road Runners group this morning. There was a nice breeze through out the run and I did better at remembering the route this morning. I chatted with some of the other members of the group after our run and everyone seems really nice and welcoming. We are planning to run a race together in October, which many of them have ran before. I'm pretty excited about it and nervous at the same time. Apparently its a really awesome race here in the South. 

Cooking Adventures

Loaded Pepperoni Pizza on top of a Homemade Garlic Crust

Foil Turkey Veggie wraps

Broccoli Alfredo Pasta with Grilled Chicken 

Lazy Sunday Casserole 

Honey Sesame Chicken with White Rice 

Homemade Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast

I love to cook as you may have already figure out. Trying new recipes is always fun and a experiment in its self. 9 times out of 10 they come out great but sometimes you have those meals that are a total bust. These few here though have been great!!!! Can't wait to get in the kitchen this next week!!!

Catching up from a crazy week at home!!!

My mom came back to the South with me for a few days. We made the lovely 14hour drive together straight through.  I was so sad to leave my family but was so excited to get back to my love!!! I missed him so so much!!!

While mom was here we did a little random shopping and showing her around town. One evening we headed out to Monetta to catch a movie at the Drive In. Mom had been wanting to see Smurfs 2 and it just so happened to be playing while she was here. We enjoyed some a yummy burger and fries before the movie started.

And then enjoyed the movie from the back on the truck. Although we've been once before, we didn't plan so well. I was eaten alive by stupid mosquitos betime we left. Still we had a great time and I cant wait to go back!!!!

Houston things just got real, not that they weren't already but I picked up my training shirt for my Full Marathon Im training for that is in November. Later that evening I Kicked but during Intensity class before going to dinner with my mom and love.

Before heading out for our run Sunday morning this little sweet girl came home and I got some much needed love. She's got the cutest curls ever!!!!

Morning run though Forest Acres. Always a great way to clear my head and give me that extra push of encouragement I need. Running really has changed my life and showed me that I can do anything I want as long as I put my mind and heart into it. 

While I was in Texas the Hubbs Graduated his 5th BCT cycle. I received a award during this cycle and since I wasn't there to receive it in person my wonderful excepted it in my honor. Isn't he the sweetest love ever!!!!! Can't get enough of him in that Brown Round!!!

lazy puppy missed him while I was gone!!!!

I know I've been a little MIA but hang tight I've got more to share and catch you up on. 

FAMILY!!!

Going home was bitter sweet but it was great to visit with and see my family that I miss so so much!!!! 

Bubby and I went to visit my dad the day after I got home. He had a hip-replacement 17 days prior to this picture and he's already back to driving and doing yard work and talking walks around the neighborhood. Nothing holds him back!!!! 

Bubby and I with Cali girl, his Pit!!! I absolutely love my little brother to pieces and would do anything in the world for him. He went through a really really though time a couple years back and he's been doing great here the last 7 months and I couldn't be a prouder big sis. 

We went to visit our papa, he passed away 12 years ago and this was the first time I'd been out to his grave site since we had his funeral. It was a very hard moment for me. I was so close to my papa and I hated that he was taken from us way to early. I've made a promise to myself and him that I will go visit more often when I am home. There's no reason not to, the cemetery is a mile from my other grandparents house. He loved him some DoubleMint gum and always had it around the house. When I see it, it always reminds me of him and so of course I had to take him some!!! 

I'm named after both my grandma's (my middle name). I love that my grandparents and great grandparents have the quote on their head stones. "Together Forever" It's crazy because the hubbs and I have a quote / saying that is almost just like theirs. I never knew this before, clearly bc I hadn't been out here in so long. Its a hard thing for me to go here. I hate not having him here with us. 

Bubby cleaning off the grass and shrub from the headstone. My Nene, our grandma (Carol Ann) is obviously still alive, thank the Good LORD!!!!!

While walking through the cemetery looking for our papa's plot I found our Great-Grand Parents head stone first. (we knew it was in the area where we were) Then right next to theirs is our Uncle Davids, our papa's twin brother who we never got to meet because he left us much much to early. But thankfully they are all right close together and we can go visit when ever we want and I plan to do so. 

Oh and then of course there's this beautiful girl!!! My sweet little cousin Shae, although she just finished 8th grade and is going in to her Freshman year of High School this year. You'd never know. The way she talks, walks, dresses and acts. She's CRAZY but I absolutely ADORE THE LIFE out of her. When she was born I was 13, her age now. (well she's 14, so pretty much) When I go home I generally spend most of my time with her and my brother!!! 

Her daddy, My Favorite Uncle. Uncle Richard, we've been close since day one. I went to him all the time when I lived at home for everything. I would go spend the night at his house on the weekends just so we could hang out and watch non-sense on TV. He takes longer than any of my girl friends to get ready. The guy seriously takes hour or longer long showers. Then another hour to get dressed and do his hair. I'm not kidding. When my mom was going into labor with me, he asked her if he was going to be a uncle or a aunt. lol. I'm so glad he turned out to be my uncle. lol. He's one of my best friends ever!!

His little mini squirt is just like him. She is so her daddies child and theirs no denying it for either of them. I know that's why I adore and love Shae so much because me and her daddy are so close. Well and not to mentions she's a freaking hoot to be around!!!

One afternoon bubby and I decided to go and have a few drinks with our God-Father. We grew up with Croysdale, he was like our 2nd dad. He's our dad's best friend, they lived together before our parents got together. They went to high school together and he has always been there for me and my brother. We spent endless weekends and summers at the river skiing and hanging out at the pool. Getting married and moving away you tend to loose touch with people but thank's to FB we are able to stay in touch. The last time I saw Croysdale was at my wedding almost 6 years ago. Bubby hadn't seem him for a good couple years before that but you would never had though a day had passed when we met up with him. He hasn't changed one bit and it was so wonderful getting to catch up and chat with him. I absolutely love him just as my dad and always will. I can't wait to go home again soon and see him again. No matter how old I get he'll always be my God-Daddy!!!

I had a great time during my short visit back in the Lone Star State, it was a bitter sweet sad trip but I did make the most of it and got in a lot of family time and at the end of the day that's all that matters!!! This trip home was spent with 100% family. As much as I wanted to see a few close friends there just wasn't enough time in the day. Also not having a rental car of my own kinda limited my getting around. I'm so blessed though that everyone was so understandings and supportive of my reasoning for coming home.  I'm so glad I was able to make it and I can't wait to go back home again soon. I miss living in Texas so much and it breaks my heart every time I have to leave. 

Until we met again TEXAS!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Day On The Water *part 2

The many faces of Shae Shae and her goofy self. I have so many photo's of her on my camera and phone from her high-jacking it while I was home. I don't know if I'll ever get through them all and clear it out. Before skiing we decided to stop for a bit and take a dip in the water. Some people are weird and wont swim in the river because they can't see what is under them. Me, I've grown up here and Love it so it doesn't phase me a bit. Frankly I'd rather not know. 

The water was nice and warm, almost hot in some places. Still so nice and refreshing to enjoy. 

Shae had so much fun knee-boarding that she couldn't get enough of it. She was cracking up the whole time, having a blast. We passed a few deer on the beach getting water at one point and she started waving and telling them hello. 

We had a such great time spending the day on the water. We were all exhausted be time we got home. 

I totally forgot that Shae got some pictures of me knee-boarding while when I went. I haven't done this in YEARS and after this two short runs I remembered why. Just not my thing, still had fun but love my ski. I jumped in the water with the board completely forgetting I had my sun glasses on. Thankfully I didn't loose them, even when I crashed. As you can see in the bottom right picture, I was done. 

I can't wait to go back home and go out on the boat again. The hubbs has been down to our River house several times but he hasn't been out on our boat. He's only seem pictures and video of me Slaloming, I can't wait for him to see me in person. Hopefully the Army will be nice and station us a little closer to home soon. Less than a year left in the South so we will see. 

Here are two video's of me Slaloming. 

JT- Bubby Barefooting 

A Day On The Water

As you already know I went home to Texas last the week before last for my papa's funeral. I was torn on weather to go or not because I hated to go home just for 2-3 days and not get to visit with all my family, see friends of even go to our River House and go out on the boat. I miss being on the water so much and it kills me not being able to spend the summers water skiing like I did for many years. Gotta love the army wife life right!!!! Thankfully my brother only has school till 1pm and has the afternoon's off so we were able to squeeze in one day down at the Brazos before I left. My brother and I grew up here, before we were even born actually our parents would spend the weekends at the river. Finally we both came along and there's plenty of pictures to prove we were beach babies from the start. My dad has us riding on the knee board before we could walk. We would spend our entire weekend at the River. Eventually my dad bought a house down there in a community called Fisherman's Paradise. Its a little two bed one bath rancher and it over looks the canyon. Right now my brother is in the process of remodeling it and fixing it up. There was a flood in the house a while ago and the work is over do. He's always sending my pictures and up dating me on what is going on  but to be able to go and see the work he's done in person was so nice. It looks great, not only did it need it because of the flood but it was pretty dated as well. My dad always said once we grew up and moved out he was going to move down to the river house and retire. Ya well Justin (my brother) seems to be a step ahead of him because he pretty much lives there now. Below is a picture looking off the back deck over the canyon and a picture of our boat that my dad purchased from Miss. Hawaiian Tropic many years back. She's a beauty (the boat) and I have so many wonderful memories experienced on her!!!!! We set the boat up and got everything ready to hit the water. Being during the week we knew we'd have the water to ourselves and that we did. We maybe saw two other boats but that was it. 

We decided since our little cousin Shae officially passed 8th grade and was moving on to High School that we should take her to do something to celebrate. So down to the river it was. This was only her 2nd time ever coming out and she of course still loved it.

I started young knee boarding, then went to two ski's. Both of which I ABSOLUTELY HATE NOW. They are so boring and you really don't have any fun doing it. I learned how to barefoot on the boom and that's fun but very intense and hard. Wake Boarding was not for me, I can get up but that's about it. I can't turn from side to side or get any air jumping the wake. I so desperately wanted to learn how to Slalom and that I did. I was probably 13-14 and it took me forever to learn how to get up, it was so hard. I started on the boom, then went behind the boat with a double split handle and then finally I got it. I was able to get up with a regular handle after a couple weekends of trying and have never looked back. My mom Slalomed so maybe that's were I get my love for it from. It's my most favorite thing to do. Even more than running and you all know I love to run. Give me a pair of water ski gloves and I'd stay out there for hours. This past April I went home and we went out on the boat. I hadn't Slalomed in almost 4 years and so I was super nervous about getting up and I got up on my FIRST try. I was so stoked with myself. This time of course it had only been a few months but still I was nervous. GOT UP ON MY FIRST TRY. Neither time did I even crash, but I did on the knee board. How awful is that. I decided to give the knee board a try and show Shae our cousin a few tricks and in doing so I totally wiped out. I got back on for another try and after about two minutes I was done and water my ski back. Its so boring I don't know what people enjoy about it. 

Is she not the cutest thing ever!!!! She two got up on her first try and it was only her second time ever knee boarding. It did take her a few minutes to figure out how to get back and forth across the wake. Which she kept calling a hill, but once she figured it out she was set. She only crashed twice once when  Justin turned around and she had to cross her own wakes and the second time neither of us were paying attention oops bad cousins. She had so much fun, you could hear her screaming, yelling and laughing the whole time she was out there. 

Justin is the Barefoot Pro of the family. He's been barefooting since he was probably 6-7 years old. He's competed in so many competitions, doing toe-holes, back-to-fronts, backwards runs, long and short runs and even Damn-to-Damn Competitions. He Wake Boards and also does the Wake Skate but his heart will always be Barefooting. He's so good at it. He got it from our dad, our dad is a die-hard barefooter and has also competed in many competitions. 

We had the water to ourselves and it was such a beautiful day. I'm so glad we were able to make it down and have a day on the water. I remember growing up as kids going to the River House it seemed like it took forever to get there. Now that we are old a 45 minute drive doesn't seem bad at all. I'd do it every day if that mint I was coming here!!!! 

Shae and Bubby 

Me & Shae Shae

Siblings!!! I love this kid so much, I hated him growing up. Ok maybe not hated but we fought ALL the time but now I love every minute with him. It breaks my heart when I have to say goodbye. I know it's not for long but if you knew what we've been through together you'd know we lost a lot of time together. And I'm only trying to make that up now. I can't wait to go back home again and get out on the water!!! My heart will alway's be in Texas no matter were we go. 

We finished out the day with dinner at one of my favorite places before heading back home!!!! You just can't go wrong with Chicken Express, people in the South have NO idea what they are missing out on.