My 1st Half Marathon

Finally the day I've been training for, over the last two months was here. I couldn't believe it was all coming together and I was really going to be doing this. I had my moments during training were I didn't think I was going to be able to complete the race but I kept going. And I'm so so thankful that I did because I'm not one to quit or throw in the towel. 

Up at 5am this morning to eat a yummy breakfast, get dress, make sure my hair was pulled back nice and tight. Everything else I got together and ready the night before so I was set to go. I'm not a morning person at all, but once I'm up I'm good to go. It's just that initial getting up that sucks. 

I met up with Kelly at 6:15am at her house and we headed down town it was time to face the starting line. Was this really happening, are we really here today. It's not a dream, its really happening. All of these emotions kept going through my head, I wasn't sure what to expect with this being my first big race. There was going to be a ton of people, I didn't want to be left in the dust at the end the last one to cross the finish line. What if no one talked to me or if I choked and got nervous, I was feeling a bit over whelmed but I put a smile on and made my way to the start line. 

Ready or not this is really happening, I'm about to run my first ever (but not last Half Marathon). Yesterday at Packet Pick Up, I signed up to run with a Pacer. (If you don't know what a pacer is here's a quick example, bc I didn't know before this past week. Race's have pacer's to help runners meet their goal time. Example: if you want to run a marathon in 3 hours you sign up to run with the pacer that runs at that mile a minute pace, if you want to run a marathon in 5 hours you sign up with that mile a minute pacer. I highly recommend this for first time half / full marathon runners) I had a goal time that I really wanted to meet. So I signed up with the pacer that best fit my goal time. Knowing that if I ran with them or ahead of them, never letting that pacer or other runners in that pacing group pass me then I'd make my goal time. It made perfect sense. 

Kelly and I before she decided she needed to go wait in the 10 minute long potty line umm......7 minutes before the race was suppose to start. I went ahead and met up with my pacer, this way I could put a face with the people I'd be running with. 

The race started and I was feeling good about things, it was a little chilly but I knew it would warm up as soon as I got going. At first I was nervous about running by myself (not with K) for say but I really think it help me alot. I was able to focus on myself and stay in the zone. I knew the route of the last 5 miles but the first half of the race I didn't. I think knowing some and not knowing helped me in different ways. I was able to stay with the pacer through out the first 5 1/2 - 6 miles, I never let them pass me. There was 4 other runners running with her as well, they were all running the full marathon though. There was water and first aide stations at every mile marker which was really nice. I only grabbed water three times out of the 13 miles. I'm used to running with out water so I didn't need it so much. I'm sure on hotter days it will be more welcomed but I did fine with my Gu pack. A good amount of the time I stayed a few feet ahead of the pacer or just right behind her. As we would reach a water station I would hear her tell the other runners that they could walk through this one and take a break. Are you kidding me......no way I'm not walking, I'm not stopping. I kept going and when I would grab water I would get it from the last person handing it out. Everyone seems to go to the first person they see, which causes a mass cluster and I've learned in race's that I tend to go to the last person. 

When we passed about mile 5 1/2 -6 I found myself a good few blocks ahead of the group. I'd picked up my pace a little and just kept going. I wasn't going to slow down to wait for them. As long as they DIDN'T pass me I was golden and had nothing to worry about. I had a goal and that's all that mattered, if I came in under FABULOUS but if I came in at my goal time I'd be just as stoked. 

I paced through mile 7, 8, 9, 10 all by myself, I never stopped, never let up and never looked back. Passing mile 10 there was a few people cheering that it was just a 5k left. Hey a 5k, I've done plenty of these I've got this. (speaking of people out cheering, they were EVERY WERE through out the city, the different neighborhoods and along the streets cheering us on. The support from the community was outstanding) I came up on mile 11 and I recognized some of the voices coming up from behind me. It was the pacer and the other runners I'd ran with the first few miles. Are you kidding I though I lost you people. One of the guys (I'll will call him N) said to me "alright your about to smoke us out of here and fly away" I replied laughing "I though I already did that". Then came a awful hill, the largest one of the course, I pushed through it as hard as I could but I seriously though I was going to die. 

But I DIDN'T stop. "NEVER STOP ON A HILL", I just kept repeating that to myself. 

As we reached the top of the hill N kept encouraging me along the way and telling me the next few turns before I reached the finish line. He was a great supporter and I can not thank him enough for pushing me that last mile and half. We rounded the last corner and you could see a large crowd of people in the distance about 3/4 of a mile down. N knew my goal time and told me if I didn't slow down there would be no doubt that I'd make it and be really happy with myself. I asked him what the time was and then quickly said NO NO don't tell me, I wanted to be surprise. (even though I had my watch on me I hadn't looked at it) He told me to sprint it out the last 100 yards and push out everything I had in me. I said my good byes to them and wished them good luck as they were about to start on their 2nd loop around and the really left them in my dust. I pushed it out and ran my little heart out as fast as I could. 

(the picture below was taken after I crossed the finish line)

All of a sudden I hear to my right some people yelling my name and I look over and its Kelly her husband and one of their friends. I looked over at them with a big smile and waved as I kept going, I was ALMOST THERE. My husband was waiting for me at the finish line some were and I wanted him to see my finish strong. 

I DID IT!!!! 

I'm a Half Marathon Runner and I finished UNDER my goal time!!! 

I was so freaking stoked!!!! 

My Goal time to finish was 2:30:00

 My final finish time was 2:27:03

That's right 3 minutes under my goal time. Sure its not much but its under and I'll take that any day!!!! With that being said and seeing that I can do it, I know I can push myself that much more next time. I've already set a new goal time for my next Half Marathon!!!

 (no, there's not a race planned yet, looking for one though. )

My Love and I after I finished. He is the best husband, supporter ever. I can't even begin to Thank him enough for always supporting my love for running and encouraging me to follow through with my dreams and goals. Having him there at the finished line made it that much more sweeter. While I was running knowing he was going to be waiting for me only made me want to push through that much stronger. 

side note: out of all the races I've ran he's only been able to attend one of them because of the army, so this was a big deal.  

Kelly and I after I finished. She is definitely a rock star, with out her it would have taken me a lot longer to train up and get ready to run a half. When we first talked about doing it and signed up for it I though no way will I be ready in two months. Let me tell you about a month and a half into training I was ready. At that point I had the confidence that I could do it!!! I impressed myself more and more every day with training, running and working out leading up to today. 

After today I have more confidence in myself that I can do a FULL MARATHON. I've always had a goal to run a Full before I'm 30, it's on my 30 before 30 list. (thankfully I have a few years till then lol.) Prior to running the half I told myself, the hubbs and Kelly that I wasn't at all going to try and push myself to do one this year. I didn't think it was possible at all. However I believe I can do it this year and I may just take on the challenge if I come across good race and location.

Seriously one of my most favorite people I have here in the South!!! Love Love her!!! I'm so glad that I've finally found someone who I love hanging out with and spending time with. We can joke around, be goofy and crazy and have a great time doing just about anything. She's def. made my time here in the South more enjoyable. 

Half Marathon Finisher!!!!! Metal!!!! 

I had so much fun running the half, the course was great the weather was perfect the support from the community was amazing and I can't wait to do this race again next year. 

All the tears, blisters, shoe issues, sore leg and every ounce of pain was totally worth it. I'd do it all over again and can't wait to!!!! 

I'm taking the week off from running to let my leg fully heal from a injury I've been nursing and then its back at it full force hitting the streets. Thanks again for following along and supporting me through this journey. Stick around because its not over!!!!!

My Week Flash Back

My week in review through Instagram, seriously I mean who doesn't LOVE Instagram. 

Monday was a run day!! I have to toot my own horn I'm getting stronger and stronger on my runs. It's a wonderful feeling. It doesn't happen over night but I will get there, one step.....one run at a time. 

 Tuesday I met up with 3 other wives from our company for dinner at the local Pizza Joint. Its by far the hubbs and I's favorite pizza place in the area. We all try to get together at least once and month and just catch up outside of the company / BCT life on the trail. The company was great, the food was fabulous the laughs were endless and I can't wait to do it again. Before we left I called the hubbs to see if he wanted dinner, since he was staying out in the field over night for their FTX (field training exercise). With two of the other wives husbands out there we just decided to get them a whole pizza to share. 20 inches of pure yummy goodness right there. This thing is so so BIG and so so good!!!!

 Tuesday night I also registered for the Color Run that is coming to the South the beginning of March. I'm super excited, it was here twice in my area last year and I was out of town both days. Not this time around. I first saw the Color Run on Pinterest a bit ago and knew it had to be on my "To Do Race List". I will definitely be doing it for fun and just to have a good time with it (not time at all), seeing's I'll be running my 1st Half Marathon a week later. I don't want to take any chances in hurting myself or causing any injuries. 

Wednesday after our run I came home and hung out with the hubbs in his office / disaster of a room while he reloaded ammo. I was totally not feeling the need to cook dinner at all, I was being lazy and enjoyed just lounging around chatting with him. You ever have those days were nothing sounds good, you don't wanna cook but you don't want take out either?!?!? Yea that was this girl right here. 

Isn't he just a doll face, :) I sure do think so. I love his blue eyes to!!! I lost interest in hanging out in the man-cave mess of a office when his "manpanion" called and they started talking guns. "See ya" I'm gonna go figure out dinner on that note. Love you boo!!! 

Friday I came home to a box from the Mistress on my front porch. I have such fabulous friends, that know the way to my heart. Isn't she so sweet, chocolates, a wine glass, comfy socks and a cute shirt with a little bit of nail color. What more do I need for a perfect Friday night when the hubbs has CQ. Well maybe a bottle of wine to go along with it. :) 

Sunday after our long run that was suppose to be 6 miles that turned into 9.5 miles I was definetly feeling a little bit of pain in my left lower leg. I treated myself to lunch and came home and took the rest of the day off. Not at all how I had intended to spend the rest of the day but thankfully I have tomorrow off as well. Thank You MLK!!! Icy Hot & Sweet Tea a cure for just about anything!!!! 

Adding to My Collection

A week or so ago the hubbs & I were out shopping and we stumbled upon this fabulous Fiestaware pot / skillet set. I'd never seen it before and I was overly excited, like a fat kid in a candy store excited!!! They had a few items that were sold individually that were different colors but not enough to make a full set. We priced it out and buying just four items would be right at $200.00 that's the whole cost of the 11 piece set. $200.00. I really wanted it but I knew the hubbs had already spent a pretty penny on my Christmas gift. I told him we would wait, because I knew I'd be getting a "cash" gift from my parents at school the very next day. (Monday) It's just what they do, they take up a collection and its divided out between the other two teachers and myself. 

Then I'd still be getting it, just not spending "our" money. It made perfect sense, and so that is what we did. Monday rolled around, sure enough I received $200.00 cash from my parents at school as my Christmas gift. Thursday the hubbs went over to Dillard's and picked up my fabulous new Pot / Skillet set. We decided it made more since to get the full 11 piece set vs. buying it all individually just to get different colors and paying way more. The set was $200.00 exactly so we only had to pay the taxes, not to shabby if I do say so myself. I'm loving my new set and the color to, I can't wait to use them the weekend!!!!!!! 

JUST A LITTLE EXCITED ABOUT MY NEW COOKWARE MAYBE!!!!

(please excuse my ugly gas stove, I hate it!!!)

I've managed to build quite the collection of Fiestaware over the past couple years. I absolutely love how colorful it is and how it brightens up our kitchen. Everything is a different color even down to the salt and pepper shakers and the utensil set. I think I'll have to do a post, show casing our collection here soon!!!!! I've still got quite the list of items I want, Can't wait to add more to our collection.

Do you have a particular dishware / 

cookware brand you are partial to over another???

Labor Day Weekend

Even with the Holiday weekend the hubbs had to work pretty much a good half day on Sunday and Monday he worked all day again. It's quite the bummer but you know it comes with the job. I didn't complain because well that wasn't going to make the situation any better. The pups and I enjoyed some nice quality time together at home. I ran a few errands around town but that was about the extent of my day. We caught up on some dvr and vegged out on the couch for the rest of Sunday. It happened to down poor right after I got home, so that squashed any plans we had of going for a run. Hints the reason for vegging out. 

~DAY 325~

Well today was suppose to be another half day for the hubbs but it didn't quite happen. It was a awful day for him at work. I feel so bad for him some times and wish I could make things better but sadly there's nothing I can do. I hate feeling helpless and out of control. Some of the other DS that he works with just don't do their job which leaves him to pick up the slack. He's not one to walk away till the job is done so he goes behind making sure everything is takin care of. Even if that means having to over see the privates mow the grass, because the DS on CQ is to lazy to do so. I've gone over and above with our company and the DS here. I'm always making sweet treats for them to munch on during long nights. This past Saturday when I went out to take pictures I took them all Gatorade's and snacks from the shoppette because it was so hot out at the range. But then it breaks my heart when the hubbs comes home and tells me how awful they all are and how they don't do anything. I told him it makes me not want to do anything for them any more or go out of my way for them. He says "I know right" because he does the same, by going out of his way for them. I know it sounds bad, but if your going to treat my husband awful then why am I going to go out of my way to do something nice for you. DONE!!! I refuse to play their games and give in to their poor pitty me act. Same with our Battalion its seriously the most disorganized unit possibly in the army. I really don't know how much more of their nonsense I am going to put up with. Its all about the rank here, (with the spouses) and they like to through that in your face. Last time I checked my husband earned and wore the rank so why am I treated differently because of what rank he is. Makes no sense to me, It's never bothered me and I've never had to deal with it before coming here. It's actually really sad how some spouses put themselves above others because of their spouses rank. You hear about it all the time but this is the first I've had to experience it.
I don't so much mind the city anymore, I've settled in and found my groove here. Now if only we can do something with the post and unit its self. Beginning to Mid March we are getting a new BC so I'm hoping that might help turn things around a bit, we will see.


On another note I'm going on vacation soon an I couldn't be more excited. I'm really looking forward to getting away for a while to seeing Family, My Spouse and Mistress. It's going to be a nice change of pace for a few weeks. I'll miss the hubbs something crazy because sadly he's not able to come with during the first part of my adventure & well the second part is GIRLS ONLY!!!!
When taking vacation from work I have to find my own sub to cover my hours at work. (talk about a drag) So this afternoon I sat down and finally nailed it out. I've been stressing about it for a while now, with the number of days I'm taking off I was worried about getting it all covered.
Just a few more week till I'm outta here, but for now its time to say goodbye to a long holiday weekend because its back to work tomorrow :(.

~DAY 326~

Family Fun Day!

 Today was the battalion family fun day at Weston Lake. It was mandatory for the Soldiers to attend but families were optional. The morning consisted of a PT competition and the afternoon was when they had a big BBQ and activities. I chose not to attend only because that would mean I'd have to take off work and I really don't want to right now. Not unless I really need to, I'm trying to save my Vacay days. 

So this evening when we were on our walk with the pups the hubbs was telling me about his day at the lake. It was quite interesting and embarrassing at the same time. I have to say I'm kinda glad I wasn't there, but on the other hand if I was this probably would NOT have happened. 

One of the guys that he knows made the comment that he was so hot from being out side all day. He said he was just going drop his pants because he had his ranger panties on under neither. The hubbs made mention that he had the same thing on as well and I'll let you fill in the blank from there. 

YES, they both dropped there pants right there in front of god knows who. Thankfully the ranger panties are similar to super short silky shorts. Someone managed to capture a picture of the two of them acting like complete retards. I'm hoping with my fingers crossed that it was just for a moment and not a minute longer. 

I'll spare you the full picture ~ here is the cropped version.    

Has your husband ever done anything to completely embarrass you, weather you were there or not?!?!? When he was telling me the story I was completely dumb founded. Then when he showed me the picture I couldn't stop laughing. Men......they will always have that "little boy" in them. lol

I still love him though!!!

~DAY 207~

Happy Birthday Boo

It's MAY 1st, I still can't get over how fast this year is going by. I'm loving it so much only because I have so much to look forward to come the fall and then its just that much closer to us PCSing again. But today isn't about the Army or our time here its all about MY LOVE. Today is his 29th birthday, I can't believe we are here again, another birthday. Crazy because when we got together he was only 23 years old. 

My plan / goal was to get up this morning when he did before PT and fix him breakfast. Sadly that didn't happen because I was a bit tired and lazy. Knowing he would be coming home to shower and clean up before heading back to work for the day I had other plans. I quickly got myself ready for work and rushed off to DD. His all time favorite breakfast eatery. Picking up his favorite donuts and a box of KCups for him to enjoy when he got home. We hardly ever leave with out a box of KCups when we go there. I left it all on the kitchen counter so he saw it as soon as he came home. :) 

The joys of working, I hate HATE working on my birthday and feel terrible that the hubbs had to today. He didn't seem to mind but still its never fun. Some time last week I had ordered him his favorite Red Velvet cake from The Local Fresh Market. After work I stopped by to pick it up, since he was still at softball practice I was able to get in the house with out him seeing right away. 

We then headed out to do a bit of window shopping around town. He wanted to stop off at a couple gun stores to see if they had some parts he wanted. I needed to go to Davids Bridal to try on bridesmaid dresses for a wedding I'll be in come October. A stop in the book store then finally we were headed to dinner. Red Lobster was his choice for the evening and I didn't mind one bit. Funny though seeings I absolutely do not eat a single thing that involves sea food. I just don't like it, or the fact that it comes from the dirty water. Never have Never will. Instead I indulged on a fabulous Cajun Chicken Pasta that is simply to die for. Prior to that we had a Cesar Salad and Lobster Pizza, half with and half with out lobster though. Oh and of course you can't go to Red Lobster and not overly stuff your self with those wonderful cheddar biscuits they have. I could eat those things all day long they are so good. The hubbs ordered a assorted ship and taco plate and ate every last bite of it. We hadn't been to RL in over a year so we took full advantage of it tonight. 

It was a simple evening nothing extravagant of crazy over the top since it was a work night. We found a place local here that does cooking classes and we plan on taking some of those together here with in the next few weeks, to help continue the celebration. (this is one of the things he said he wanted to do for his bday.) I love this man to pieces and I'm so glad we were together this year to celebrate his big day!!!!! 

HAPPY 29TH BIRTHDAY BABY!!!!!!!!!

~DAY 201~

Drill School is in FULL SWING!!!!!

and he's still NOT loving it


DAY 99

(it is a long one but totally worth reading I promise!!!!)

My husband always continues to amaze me with all that he does. The Army has really opened up some amazing doors for him. He has been able to go places and see things that most of us would never wish for and yet he enjoys every minute of it for one reason or the other.
Wednesday he started Drill School that will carry out for the next 9 weeks. This was one thing he was NOT looking forward to doing through out his career in the Army but he was DA selected for the job. Wednesday morning he had to report at 0800 and didn't end up getting home till about 2030, for you nonmilitary people thats 8:30pm :(. When he did finally make it home I picked his brain with loads of questions on how his day was. Long story short he said it was gay and was going to be a long 9 weeks & they made mention that his hair was to long. (which he had gone to get cut the day before) He didn't at all seem worried about it and said he was going to ride it out as long as he could. So typical of him.
Thursday night he called me about 1930 to tell me he was on his way home. He said he would have been home 30 minutes earlier but he went to the PX to get his hair cut. That riding out didn't last to long I told him. He said they commented on it again this time saying the front was to long. (really, his hair to long, come on now he's going through school not freaking basic) When he got home I had made him dinner and we were in the kitchen talking and he said he had some good and bad news for me. I freaked because today was the BIG PT test that either made you or kicked you to the curb out of school. Basically if you didn't pass you got kicked out right there on the spot. I asked him a few times before if he was worried about passing and he said no not at all. Still that didn't mean I wasn't worried.
So the first thing out of my mouth to his good news bad news was "you didn't pass the PT test".  "I PASSED, I would have been home hours ago if I didn't pass." The bad news was he had Staff Duty on Sunday which is their day off. (school is Mon.-Sat.) (Staff duty for a normal unit is a 24 hour shift which takes place at the battalion or unit building) The good news was that through out drill school staff duty was only two hours. Freaking awesome I can handle that one, he then told me that his hours on Sunday were from 0500-0700 in the morning so I would still be asleep when he got home. Meaning we would still have the whole day together. After that he told me of a few other days that he had SD he said I have it on the 20th from 0100-0300, really so like tomorrow morning. He said NO the 20th, right babe tomorrow is the 20th remember today is the 19th. By this point its about 8:45pm and so I said you have to be there in like less then 5 hours. I then asked him what time he had to report in for formation and he said 0400, are you seriously. You should have seen the look on his face when he figure out he had his days wrong. I felt horrible for him and just gave him a big hug. The rest of the night was very short lived he was in bed by 9:00pm.

Friday night he called about 2045 to tell me he was finally on his way home, I hate that they keep them there so late. Really its so annoying but not much we can do about it. I had left over pizza from lunch for him for dinner and he was in heaven. Seriously its the simple things that make him smile.
I asked him how his day was and he just laughed and said I had lunch with the SERGEANT MAJOR OF THE ARMY.  He then proceeds to say I don't know why in the world they sent me to go. He was one out of a handful of guys were picked from his class to go. I asked him why he was shocked that he was picked to go. Apparently he made a racial comment during class today,

 NOW WAIT before I go on let me just stop and say that by no means is my husband racist at all. He his a man of many words and simply does not have a censor. This is both a good thing and a bad thing. If know him at all you will understand what I mean by this. He has been told by many of the instructors and other Drill SGT's here that they really like him because he is so real and speaks what is on his mind. 


So back to class ~ he made the comment during class that he hates Arabic people. The girl sitting next him just so happened to be Arab, and just as she was about to call him out on it a instructor stopped him. He then proceeded to correct himself, saying "what I should have said and what I mint was I hate Arab people that shoot at me." (being deployed twice now is were this comes from) At this point Im shaking my head because there is a perfect example of my non-censored husband. He said after class before going to lunch with the SMA he and the girl from class had a talk and he made sure that she understood what he was meaning to say. Thankfully she was kinda hearted and completely understood were the comment came from and the air was cleared. Him and one of the instructors also had a chat about it and  made sure things were cleared over. This is when he asked why he was selected to go to the lunch. The  instructor proceeded with "you are outspoken, you don't hold anything back, you are real, we believe you are going to make a great Drill SGT and I know you will have good questions to ask him. Apparently they were told to make sure and think of good questions to ask the SMA when they went to lunch. Not that he didn't appreciate being given this opportunity he is just not one to stand in the spot light and drawl attention to himself or jump up and down with his hand in the air saying oh pick me pick me.
I asked him how it went and what questions were asked from the other guys. He said they all asked lame typical questions pertaining to the Army downsizing and Promotions. I asked if he asked different questions and he said yes but I didn't think to ask what he asked. lol At one point the SMA asked who was DA Select for Drill and 2 other guys along with the hubbs raised their hands. He asked them how they felt about it and the two guys came back with "I'm really happy to have this opportunity, I look forward to bettering the army and new soldiers, along with some other crap he said". When he looked at the hubbs and asked him how he felt about being selected for drill he answered with "I called branch when I came down on orders for drill because I don't want to be here. I've only been a  SSG for a year & a half and I want my squad leader time. I want to be out on the line doing fun stuff, not training New Bee's."
(again non-censored / speaks his mind to WHOEVER)

You really did NOT say that to him did you, I asked as I'm seriously laughing & shaking my head. Ya I did he said its the truth and he asked how I felt so told him. The SMA told him that he completely understood because many times in the Army his has been asked / told to do things that he didn't want to do at the time. But that it only made him a better Soldier.

After lunch the SMA pulled the hubbs aside to give him some words of encouragement, shook his hand and gave him a coin. (pictured below) I asked him if everyone there got a coin and he said yes, he was just the only one he took time to talk with individually. Yeah go figure that one, dork.
He really does say the craziest things but he truly does mean well.
He said he did enjoy meeting him even though he still didn't understand why he was picked.

I know he is going to make a great Drill SGT as much as he doesn't want to be here doing this. Its what the cards have dealt for now and they must be played out. I hope we are able to find our groove through school and that the time goes by fast. I'm hoping once he gets on the trail (starts training soldiers) he will start to enjoy it more. This is a two year assignment so end of March Early April will officially start our two year count down to getting out of the South. WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!! 

US Army Coin given to the Hubbs
(front)

From Raymond F. Chandler III
14th Sergeant Major of the Army
(back)