tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263400802024-03-12T20:17:03.391-05:00Lacy'sLacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13415420941287060720noreply@blogger.comBlogger242125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26340080.post-9252347020980164932011-06-13T21:05:00.000-05:002011-06-13T21:11:45.917-05:00fw:re:Hi, save time, save effort, save money. <br>You can easily find what you want. <br>A business company: <a href="http://newbuystore.com">newbuystore.com</a> <br>I believe it also can certainly take you a wonderful trip. Lacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13415420941287060720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26340080.post-30133782180623545212011-04-16T15:33:00.000-05:002011-04-16T15:34:45.414-05:00Whoa!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2U_2xBC2eenTKBNLNMN_cpAkhouRqa6ukGXQ9mG1JVTyD0BEcqGoriQ5ml3LMdDJQ7UJviO8kRmKHvux5YL7JCLjjh08cjAKY60lpywyXd408a0hJD5ChaQ5M1R2FJ2X60ZDTBg/s1600/photo-785414.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2U_2xBC2eenTKBNLNMN_cpAkhouRqa6ukGXQ9mG1JVTyD0BEcqGoriQ5ml3LMdDJQ7UJviO8kRmKHvux5YL7JCLjjh08cjAKY60lpywyXd408a0hJD5ChaQ5M1R2FJ2X60ZDTBg/s320/photo-785414.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596282634500464370" /></a></p>My head is spinning but I had to pause to show you who I saw today. The picture is blurry, but that's okay.<br>I was walking through the expo and caught a glimpse of Ryan Hall and then he walked over to Josh Cox. With sweaty arm pits I interrupted them and asked for a picture.Lacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13415420941287060720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26340080.post-43165433169260991292011-04-12T08:55:00.000-05:002011-04-12T08:55:17.056-05:00Dealin' With ItI don't know why. I just do, ok?! I haven't always, but I just do now. <br />
<br />
What am I talking about? PINK. That terrible, awful color. And why am I talking about it? Because my shoe's this season only come in pink. ....iiiccck<br />
<br />
<br />
When I called about my specially ordered Saucony Guide's SIZE: 10.5 - NARROW (aka: HUGE mammoth , yet thin sized), the shoe store owner warned me that they were pink. He knew my strong distaste for the color too. Seeing as it was April 1st, I held out hope all day that it was a joke. Alas, it wasn't and I now have my very first pair of pink shoes. So, yeah, I'm dealin' with it!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKC7k5FUc01UsZ-AjTa0TIWFhEXqNmmbecr4xPJTOodmK330Y0qEjEWzsbHxbqrai3BOVM7UHbcW3OMDTxf_gatwne4AhItR-LDqg8QEnnz3UxU6h2PAGpATkfPErBYFhvyYiaMQ/s1600/shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKC7k5FUc01UsZ-AjTa0TIWFhEXqNmmbecr4xPJTOodmK330Y0qEjEWzsbHxbqrai3BOVM7UHbcW3OMDTxf_gatwne4AhItR-LDqg8QEnnz3UxU6h2PAGpATkfPErBYFhvyYiaMQ/s320/shoes.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue's more my thing, if you hadn't noticed</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9h8ixnDSRThG3U7OfCiot9rtorimYfdlZe8XizW6kj06OHdMkQE2wS-189iOVS3f2NhyphenhyphenWbW7pqnEWHCpjlU9JCuOE_uIlBbrIz1F5cjKUOfFB31xW9Z7PgrtkAuJgsQNdFU3eCg/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-04-12+at+8.46.46+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9h8ixnDSRThG3U7OfCiot9rtorimYfdlZe8XizW6kj06OHdMkQE2wS-189iOVS3f2NhyphenhyphenWbW7pqnEWHCpjlU9JCuOE_uIlBbrIz1F5cjKUOfFB31xW9Z7PgrtkAuJgsQNdFU3eCg/s320/Screen+shot+2011-04-12+at+8.46.46+AM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new shoes</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So, that's my "spoiled, cushy, does what ever I please, has nothing to really whine about" problem of the week.<br />
In that same vain, Here's the link to a nice article from a local magazine SPLURGE! They wrote about my said cushy life. Oh and the author included some really nice stuff about my family.<br />
<a href="http://www.splurgemag.com/category.php?id=82&cat=Live">http://www.splurgemag.com/category.php?id=82&cat=Live</a><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgahPzmyQfWGAAwcMmcV4chAyrhn9OS0ke4eX5qfJPM2z_RpdmLaPs37oMiVesKtACXNLDxYE7YLMUCQNSyc2cjMksWqaqPVPkcUwA7JH803DPjDpKp85QKjCVaP1M1DdUwunM2w/s1600/Splurge%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgahPzmyQfWGAAwcMmcV4chAyrhn9OS0ke4eX5qfJPM2z_RpdmLaPs37oMiVesKtACXNLDxYE7YLMUCQNSyc2cjMksWqaqPVPkcUwA7JH803DPjDpKp85QKjCVaP1M1DdUwunM2w/s400/Splurge%2521.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April's Splurge!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So, that's a small tidbit into the running drama going on this month. Oh, and that I'm leaving for Boston this week. I'm bib # 8007 and can be tracked along the race.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWtpFYLk26_SvNDzAMBwjofOfedlIOkgbwZDTJ7uzFO8hsEooC8yB6fGzSvriP7OITj55DJO3CSMWWqe_wyAqMdOY3TX9HYJO0SW-vxhQLtsbKfOb1NMbdxTqyo4P3OyjLPa0Lw/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-04-12+at+8.56.19+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWtpFYLk26_SvNDzAMBwjofOfedlIOkgbwZDTJ7uzFO8hsEooC8yB6fGzSvriP7OITj55DJO3CSMWWqe_wyAqMdOY3TX9HYJO0SW-vxhQLtsbKfOb1NMbdxTqyo4P3OyjLPa0Lw/s400/Screen+shot+2011-04-12+at+8.56.19+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/participant-information/att-athlete-alert.aspx">http://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/participant-information/att-athlete-alert.aspx</a><br />
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All the info's at the link.<br />
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Here's to hoping I'm all smiles (not just faked ones for the camera) as I cross the line on Monday. Even if I'm in pink shoes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyterZLchjwHHXSJkFaHWLQolKOVZ7zvv2zeVq0Q9Jp8vlXLdFFB0xC6fzARzI6HrY2qPjXuYCO2EirPf3kMMa1OvGIuRoyP4FqZwQ2fzbyPwORJpO8y001i_B_5Yi5iaiXhcdXg/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-12-05+at+4.26.53+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyterZLchjwHHXSJkFaHWLQolKOVZ7zvv2zeVq0Q9Jp8vlXLdFFB0xC6fzARzI6HrY2qPjXuYCO2EirPf3kMMa1OvGIuRoyP4FqZwQ2fzbyPwORJpO8y001i_B_5Yi5iaiXhcdXg/s400/Screen+shot+2010-12-05+at+4.26.53+PM.png" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2010, 3:29 Finish</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1_iJhyEPoYuEUfUSzNWcAVI1NiZMY30NhSTrjWNFpbIgslTL03MCgq1Vg2t6WLab0n8zRbbXK1rJtxmJSR1uvkK1RrUs-z3e8GnXjN_EEA5C2D7UsB7YeuDrygAQ287inXMdLA/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-12-05+at+4.27.21+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1_iJhyEPoYuEUfUSzNWcAVI1NiZMY30NhSTrjWNFpbIgslTL03MCgq1Vg2t6WLab0n8zRbbXK1rJtxmJSR1uvkK1RrUs-z3e8GnXjN_EEA5C2D7UsB7YeuDrygAQ287inXMdLA/s320/Screen+shot+2010-12-05+at+4.27.21+PM.png" width="205" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me faking it. Really thinking "Is this real life?"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13415420941287060720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26340080.post-54072607053796011522011-03-31T07:55:00.001-05:002011-03-31T07:57:09.546-05:00Better Late Than Never!Wow-za! It's been so busy around here!<br />
I woke up remembering that I forgot to draw the winners for this great book.<br />
So, as the early morning trash trucks are rumbling down the street I'm up in the dark selecting the random winners.<br />
I'm happy to announce that Jason N., Hannah, and Matt B. are the lucky winners of the great book, <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.davidwpierce.com/"><u><i>Don't Let Me Go</i></u>, by David W. Pierce</a> (What My Daughter Taught Me About the Journey Every Parent Must Make)<br />
<br />
contact me: lacyjhansen at gmail dot com and I'll get your book to you ASAP, promise!<br />
<br />
In the meantime, here's a really short video as we actually got to the finish line. You can hear my breathing and see just how slow we're moving. You can also see that I'm just walking in my Dad's footsteps. It's a precious memory for me. <br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xFwuhpssFHo" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
I'll also let you read our second attempt up the Peak. It was only one year later and it was ugly! 2008's Ascent ended up being called off during the race due to a monstrous blizzard above tree line. We received that news about 10 miles up the trail. The only way off that trail was to turn around and go back down. Our 1/2 Marathon ended up being a 20 mile mountain hike in the freezing rain. Still a priceless memory, just not as found. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://blog.lacyjhansen.com/2008/08/pikes-peak-descent-2008.html">http://blog.lacyjhansen.com/2008/08/pikes-peak-descent-2008.html</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJ6PMTu7PUBGcaGPimyfSnbRfoeN0G2S4r8lxdmb6h0jcvPIbXFXrrVP1RToVxNP5-6P2y5wso5C-x_r4WNJjlf7xArz6WmnUHQFzNtqsA7ub1mvnNdSWoZHhBv3kysgt8NOOCw/s1600/Picture+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJ6PMTu7PUBGcaGPimyfSnbRfoeN0G2S4r8lxdmb6h0jcvPIbXFXrrVP1RToVxNP5-6P2y5wso5C-x_r4WNJjlf7xArz6WmnUHQFzNtqsA7ub1mvnNdSWoZHhBv3kysgt8NOOCw/s320/Picture+036.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2008 Pike Peak Ascent- or Descent as it were!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13415420941287060720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26340080.post-51176437350197480452011-03-17T14:27:00.000-05:002011-03-17T14:27:55.873-05:00Climbing MountainsYesterday registration for<a href="http://www.pikespeakmarathon.org/index.htm"> The Pikes Peak Ascent and the Pikes Peak Marathon</a> opened up. I saw so many out there on the interwebs mention they signed up. I, however, did not. Not yet, at least. This race is so special to me though. I was lucky enough to complete the race to the top of Pikes Peak with my Dad. We completed the Ascent in 2007.<br />
We didn't know what we were doing, we were slow, and we were deliriously happy when it was all over.<br />
<br />
The Ascent proved to be a trek up a literal and metaphorical mountain for me and my Dad. It's a treasured memory I will store in my heart for the rest of my life. I mean, how many of you have climbed a mountain with your Dad?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKhwzjLbPYjzXGmpEOhIkqf3sksPPbn8BzYddyLhLRZK4tz-bxDbaN6_-47uuBQAJvRpd03qCXCy6Gngk3mDRsqtmN0YJAWNZ8rd2cxKN3u2iQ1uAQb3zO6V_vgF6A0L_LVntqQ/s1600/PIKES.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKhwzjLbPYjzXGmpEOhIkqf3sksPPbn8BzYddyLhLRZK4tz-bxDbaN6_-47uuBQAJvRpd03qCXCy6Gngk3mDRsqtmN0YJAWNZ8rd2cxKN3u2iQ1uAQb3zO6V_vgF6A0L_LVntqQ/s320/PIKES.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished! Smiling at 14,000+ Feet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The complete, heart felt account is found at this link. Warning: it still makes me cry after all these years.<br />
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<a href="http://blog.lacyjhansen.com/2007/08/we-peaked.html">http://blog.lacyjhansen.com/2007/08/we-peaked.html</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVH8DwpqnoJGZBfSCUQ4zj-5go5NGCbc-aexgEoANSS2SF9dIqthzxZBAcMgureh4NiggjEcsPr_CQZdmpCfH965JLUY8Cv9n7IIzQQVoE-GCBPl0OPZ52s3F0E2-DuqrGovPVA/s1600/PEAK.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVH8DwpqnoJGZBfSCUQ4zj-5go5NGCbc-aexgEoANSS2SF9dIqthzxZBAcMgureh4NiggjEcsPr_CQZdmpCfH965JLUY8Cv9n7IIzQQVoE-GCBPl0OPZ52s3F0E2-DuqrGovPVA/s320/PEAK.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's all worth it once you're at the top!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As I listened to some great runner's chat while we ran this winter, we got in to a conversation about a book they'd all been reading. The book is titled<i> </i><a href="http://www.davidwpierce.com/"><u><i>Don't Let Me Go</i></u>, by David W. Pierce</a> (What My Daughter Taught Me About the Journey Every Parent Must Make). My friends kept talking about how the story made them want to climb mountains and run races with their daughters, as the book accounts the adventures of a father and daughter as they climb mountains and, you guessed it, run races together. The more I listened the more I knew I had to get my hands on this book.<br />
I did just that. I was immediately surprised at the first two pictures I saw as I thumbed through it in the book store. They looked just like the pictures my Dad and I had taken as we journeyed up Pikes Peak.<br />
I gave the book to my Dad for Christmas and we both have really enjoyed comparing our climb verses theirs.<br />
<br />
I was so impressed with just the first two chapters, I emailed the author and let him know about me and my Dad. David Pierce has been such a great guy. He got back with me right away after he read my blog post. We've shared kind words and encouragements back and forth over the last month.<br />
It feels like we're in the same club. We've both been changed by our "mountain climbs" and our "marathons." We both know what an unbreakable bond a father and daughter can form once they endure these things together.<br />
If you haven't climbed a mountain with your dad, I highly recommend it. Pikes Peak registration is open you know. :)<br />
Also, if you haven't read David's book. I highly recommend that as well.<br />
He was nice enough to send me 3 copies to give away.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlo5ATXY7Qj6Ojd-7n-bs1hMUTm2SO5VfdWIoeDqW5iWRf83xaQR4S6-6Rl2w5jXanMsVlFBImVZplCvM5ie6BXqYZl8mmZRvrve_kT-ovYo_rxZu1g17P00Nc7gX46YlUGz-FKA/s1600/COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlo5ATXY7Qj6Ojd-7n-bs1hMUTm2SO5VfdWIoeDqW5iWRf83xaQR4S6-6Rl2w5jXanMsVlFBImVZplCvM5ie6BXqYZl8mmZRvrve_kT-ovYo_rxZu1g17P00Nc7gX46YlUGz-FKA/s320/COVER.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I'll hold a random drawing in one week. To be entered in the drawing leave a comment. Let me know about what you thought of my story of our Pikes Peak Ascent. Let me know if you've experienced something similar with your Dad. Let me know what your hopeful plans are for you and your Dad. There's no wrong answer here.<br />
I'm so excited for a few of you to get your hands on this book.<br />
<br />
Here's a video of all the images from our 2007 Pikes Peak Ascent<br />
<object style="height: 390px; width: 640px;"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MwPwRK5wHeI?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MwPwRK5wHeI?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></object>Lacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13415420941287060720noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26340080.post-74920327151466249452011-02-26T20:16:00.000-06:002011-02-26T20:16:41.174-06:00Long Story ShortSo, here's the short story of what's been happening.<br />
<b>January 22</b>, I join the <a href="http://gorunwichita.com/">GoRun</a> Runners and headed out to Kingman County for "one hill of a run." 20 insane miles on the relentless hills of Kingman. As one friend said, "those hills were demoralizing!"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWvi2Ay3ig7pvCeHDXUv-skCzFq9gYcdl3H2xbEuVRtsiv3JHIuafZLKjCjVEp3dutDRzmSe3jj7eEZydO2K5SfZrfFerD8Bh_d89aI9RuzpXgXWab33f9oTJhWSfKfXTzaOJaw/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-02-26+at+7.40.34+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWvi2Ay3ig7pvCeHDXUv-skCzFq9gYcdl3H2xbEuVRtsiv3JHIuafZLKjCjVEp3dutDRzmSe3jj7eEZydO2K5SfZrfFerD8Bh_d89aI9RuzpXgXWab33f9oTJhWSfKfXTzaOJaw/s400/Screen+shot+2011-02-26+at+7.40.34+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's a big deal for Kansas, ok?</td></tr>
</tbody></table> They were, but it felt good to get that awesome workout in so early in the training season.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9ozSYcyWJAvlvZN-OHPdh2aZgB-wI312bIa7hclP-GwmrQoJcIGPdqGXApK_DZb3KQCQKp88xjd5uJ6DYznw2Vxktgkp2gn9HaKvEB6naeTHIk0URp8Sc1eKswyl2eAgIhkh0w/s1600/171366_195759387104764_128697923810911_818149_7371520_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9ozSYcyWJAvlvZN-OHPdh2aZgB-wI312bIa7hclP-GwmrQoJcIGPdqGXApK_DZb3KQCQKp88xjd5uJ6DYznw2Vxktgkp2gn9HaKvEB6naeTHIk0URp8Sc1eKswyl2eAgIhkh0w/s320/171366_195759387104764_128697923810911_818149_7371520_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A PRE shot before the Kingman Hills</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I ran my normal miles the rest of the week. I felt tight in my left calf specifically but chalked it up to the hill run. I stretched more and just dealt with it.<br />
<b>Wednesday, January 26</b>, was my typical morning 10 miler with some speed work. I even got creative and "Stitched" my neighborhood.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-Fp2FzMJEZTWMb3gJZFJQswhvCWcmLzWcmAxX5k-GY1AGMF68C8BAL9_G0Gq1vyh006uugxpQInKtyMI-7rjYZlNIyzlqbA74eZW4rmoQ3ZhmwQeq6co70z3U4Xg8dv3G5xmew/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-02-26+at+7.38.14+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-Fp2FzMJEZTWMb3gJZFJQswhvCWcmLzWcmAxX5k-GY1AGMF68C8BAL9_G0Gq1vyh006uugxpQInKtyMI-7rjYZlNIyzlqbA74eZW4rmoQ3ZhmwQeq6co70z3U4Xg8dv3G5xmew/s400/Screen+shot+2011-02-26+at+7.38.14+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My "Stitch" Run</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I had to stop twice on this run to stretch out my calf. Again, I just thought the pain was tightness and assumed some more localized attention would do the trick.<br />
That evening I ran once more with the GoRun evening group. I complained that the "tightness" was really bugging me. After the run I stuck around for a great clinic about running drills. I had a great time ignoring the screaming pain and learning to do high knee and skipping drills.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwlWSwgENtP6_2Ea7lywmKRXBw6j-4NwlPZaJAutqp0LVCO2EuIN4Obfp3k6P6eosjssIfHlvWM53PSY_OUz1SXfZvvDP1-tuoyQRsWDazek2yiStcerPUTu6VHy7jjrf4qKftQ/s1600/170525_197117180302318_128697923810911_828273_7209414_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwlWSwgENtP6_2Ea7lywmKRXBw6j-4NwlPZaJAutqp0LVCO2EuIN4Obfp3k6P6eosjssIfHlvWM53PSY_OUz1SXfZvvDP1-tuoyQRsWDazek2yiStcerPUTu6VHy7jjrf4qKftQ/s320/170525_197117180302318_128697923810911_828273_7209414_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The GoRun Running Clinic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I cycled on the non-running days and kinda forgot about the pain.<br />
I even had a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual-energy_X-ray_absorptiometry">DEXA Scan</a> done at <a href="http://atlas.md/">my doctor's office</a>. It revealed some lower bone density levels that we're slightly concerning for a runner, especially a female runner. All the time I was at the docs it never occurred to me to mention the pain in my calf. I just assumed it was a fluke and I went on with my scan. (It also gave an accurate reading of my body fat percentage. But you don't care about that do you?)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0KLpvzC_E3_lhCuTgPQH2qI0i2WgTfDUAppMOUeyGn2HW8OIfAtufOvRf9Bfo7wfFojAn1dG1g-Hf4D_iHkwDoNR6kJl9t5l51iaOm6lc1_gsRY0eogPvqSqEM0qa5I_CaahWA/s1600/DEXA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0KLpvzC_E3_lhCuTgPQH2qI0i2WgTfDUAppMOUeyGn2HW8OIfAtufOvRf9Bfo7wfFojAn1dG1g-Hf4D_iHkwDoNR6kJl9t5l51iaOm6lc1_gsRY0eogPvqSqEM0qa5I_CaahWA/s320/DEXA.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Bones and Tissue</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
However, by the halfway point of my 18 miler on <b>January 29</b>, I knew something more than tightness was brewing in my left calf. I feared the worse. The runner's kryptonite: A STRESS FRACTURE.<br />
<br />
I contacted my <a href="http://physicaltherapyatcypress.com/">PT, Mr. Karl Glick.</a> he told me not to run and come see him <b>Monday, January 31</b>.<br />
I should have taken a wooden spoon to bite down on with me to that appointment. Once he confirmed it wasn't a stress fracture (phew!) he proceeded to try and kill me.<br />
While it wasn't a stress fracture it was a nasty tear in my calf. He immediately hooked me up to an ultrasound machine and treated the "knot." Then he used his hands to "workout the knot." OH. MY.<br />
I can't think of anything more painful in my entire life. Not childbirth (eventual c-section of a 9lbs. 13oz. baby), not a stress fracture, not stitches, not running a marathon, or recovering from a marathon. Nope. Not one thing has been as painful as the therapy for a muscle tear.<br />
I was on my belly, clinching my fist, and kicking my good leg. (I later learned that most cry and that includes the grown men. I feel that earns me some serious street cred.)<br />
I left the office with the strict instructions not to run, cycling and swimming were okay, and to come back on <b>Wednesday, February 2</b>.<br />
Thank goodness for the purchase of a trainer this winter. My butt and that saddle got real familiar this month!<br />
I was lucky to only have to do the ultrasound treatment on 2/2/11, not hand-to-calf contact. That was a nice Groundhog's gift! No more torture.<br />
Karl had me schedule a massage with our favorite therapist,<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_263568218"> </a><a href="http://vytalmassage.com/">Nancy Korroch</a>, for <b>Friday, February 4</b>. He treated me with another ultrasound and then sent me down the street to her.<br />
She worked that pesky tear over. I wasn't in as much pain as Monday, but sheesh! I found myself on my belly clinching my fist once more.<br />
She also had another plan for me. She's been researching Ion Detox Foot Baths. I got to be one of her guinea pigs. Along with claims of ridding your body of dangerous toxins, it also couples with electrode therapy. So I sat with electrodes on my sore calf, causing it to contract, and watched as my clear water turned into a swamp of supposed toxins.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wioKvRx33ZsD88_MpA7mMbrzKeG-9UgDi-S864km1tp1tlquhtkg66wcOEKppnaM71JkjPTgxHhcdlcKK44CGSMLDWx31b7_9d4w1ir9F57J2eQa3K8x6kOXJMNxtfcAIrEWKQ/s1600/DSCN4980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wioKvRx33ZsD88_MpA7mMbrzKeG-9UgDi-S864km1tp1tlquhtkg66wcOEKppnaM71JkjPTgxHhcdlcKK44CGSMLDWx31b7_9d4w1ir9F57J2eQa3K8x6kOXJMNxtfcAIrEWKQ/s320/DSCN4980.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice clean water to start</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsasEKyDT5ULX5BleZSt4qhBe8bJAGbcyu_LcZmLyvxWIHcUXg9Bd_l9N8JypwjaCTdO4809YFw-KbycbTAFCj8ygDTY5PZGs22UmsdP_z1tLgxMXFeDazmvyD2SvlqJqS22TFlw/s1600/DSCN4982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsasEKyDT5ULX5BleZSt4qhBe8bJAGbcyu_LcZmLyvxWIHcUXg9Bd_l9N8JypwjaCTdO4809YFw-KbycbTAFCj8ygDTY5PZGs22UmsdP_z1tLgxMXFeDazmvyD2SvlqJqS22TFlw/s320/DSCN4982.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Less than 5 minutes in</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlMQV2cHsr56WnqxuuwHnekFujhXWruZnK30RUP6ZT6R-8gl8VbPlZ3imd4X520d8vzPVo_JNXDODMqYmUt4sSxehH1ra_JwzHjCTt4bLSe86lUa-z7UBslAOPaMwhdXKSAlnfw/s1600/DSCN4983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlMQV2cHsr56WnqxuuwHnekFujhXWruZnK30RUP6ZT6R-8gl8VbPlZ3imd4X520d8vzPVo_JNXDODMqYmUt4sSxehH1ra_JwzHjCTt4bLSe86lUa-z7UBslAOPaMwhdXKSAlnfw/s320/DSCN4983.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About 15 minutes</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Zy1lhXIbIvaTo7NR7ABrelBsWO0wbGmnxytOJHUKN8E8pgy7jOhEqpXyti82eHLqjcZBwVI-jgk0ZGG93kL26ncXflXsyz2bfSDrURsZECOXoe1cZIVdJ6jA9WCyL_-buQkXFQ/s1600/DSCN4987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Zy1lhXIbIvaTo7NR7ABrelBsWO0wbGmnxytOJHUKN8E8pgy7jOhEqpXyti82eHLqjcZBwVI-jgk0ZGG93kL26ncXflXsyz2bfSDrURsZECOXoe1cZIVdJ6jA9WCyL_-buQkXFQ/s320/DSCN4987.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final shot at 30 minutes</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The chart showed that greens and oranges were possible toxins from my gallbladder and joints, I think. Like I said, we're in the research stage of this product. And she figured, it couldn't hurt to try and see if it helped the healing process. Man, it was gross to see though!!<br />
<br />
I couldn't run long the next day, so on <b>Saturday, February 5</b>, I replaced my long run with my first 50 mile spin. Whew! Even the best of shows can't make that sort of thing fun. I watched a lot of TV that day and was so glad when the 50 rolled over on my calculator!<br />
Fast forward to <b>Wednesday, February 9</b>. I'd totaled four ultrasound treatments and even was approved to give the elliptical a whirl.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWdR3nD2vbf2qxscWinfpSZs13DZhCHA1UUaRzj-IpmXFANtdNLKkuRrysbPaPP9TmtVS4GgRvBRH14Vcwbbv0a6t4z83dLY4xs6uabxaZdGRUwHd6xAkAFnJ2leNOwFwAsfloQ/s1600/liptical.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWdR3nD2vbf2qxscWinfpSZs13DZhCHA1UUaRzj-IpmXFANtdNLKkuRrysbPaPP9TmtVS4GgRvBRH14Vcwbbv0a6t4z83dLY4xs6uabxaZdGRUwHd6xAkAFnJ2leNOwFwAsfloQ/s320/liptical.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally on my feet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>But Wednesday was the real test. A bona fide run on a treadmill was on the doctor's orders. Only 3 miles, but I took it. I felt pretty good and I got pretty eager. I felt like a caged horse, dying to run. I probably ran a little too hard, finishing up in sub 7/minute miles. It felt really good.<br />
<b>Wednesday, February 16</b>: PT require a morning 5 miler and an evening 5 miler to see how the legs would do on their first double digit day. I'd been allowed to run several 5's and 6's since the first treadmill run, but nothing higher. All signs pointed towards healing as I finished my day's miles with the Wednesday GoRun gang once more.<br />
<b>Saturday, February 19:</b> First "Long Run" back. Ran 14 with the Saturday morning crew and reported back to PT that there was no pain, just a little tightness. He sent me on to my normal week this week and had me plan to check in on Thursday. <br />
<b>Thursday, February 24:</b> "If you promise to go moderate, no hills, no speed work, and vow to shut it down after 15 miles if there's pain, you can run the scheduled 20." <br />
<b>Saturday, February 26 (Today):</b> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Ya_CRpYVzyi1AZe3_f6fZeplDTOHhmHizgaY4ZGimOIm99Dc1R26l8AD94DyRaA1FywXs0pArQV_4LLJkwzuWCSAvKSJSrEpupx7qSOpkRdNFkIWoRlIJlq362V5EfSlOfAqoA/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-02-26+at+7.34.36+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Ya_CRpYVzyi1AZe3_f6fZeplDTOHhmHizgaY4ZGimOIm99Dc1R26l8AD94DyRaA1FywXs0pArQV_4LLJkwzuWCSAvKSJSrEpupx7qSOpkRdNFkIWoRlIJlq362V5EfSlOfAqoA/s400/Screen+shot+2011-02-26+at+7.34.36+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No PAIN to report!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Kids, I think we're back in business!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyone want to buy my tickets to Boston?</div>Lacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13415420941287060720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26340080.post-2113478921726912322011-02-09T17:45:00.000-06:002011-02-09T17:45:15.633-06:00He's All Heart!My little man is hi-jacking the blog today. I'll allow it though.<br />
<br />
Check out what he has to say:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eo-Gq_94yUg" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe><br />
(Notice his celebration at the end? That was "Take 15" of the afternoon!)<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Here's "His Website":</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/hxtAE3">http://bit.ly/hxtAE3</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I used to participate in Jump Rope For Heart when I was little and it's been great to watch Judah do the same for the last 3 years.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyszv3sHOEEgpnbhGZBDckFGeS1aFiZymG3HD4MD8z0rH_-0rwpEy5duk38QMk5r_06IwL7Vpz6torUmKJcNVye0yYCxRqD2-ii30o6pcEj5_GQlxNuzU1LPQFeKJMerlnUO02g/s1600/Picture+065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyszv3sHOEEgpnbhGZBDckFGeS1aFiZymG3HD4MD8z0rH_-0rwpEy5duk38QMk5r_06IwL7Vpz6torUmKJcNVye0yYCxRqD2-ii30o6pcEj5_GQlxNuzU1LPQFeKJMerlnUO02g/s320/Picture+065.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">World Cup Practice</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">One of his pals from pre-school has a baby brother with a "special heart." Judah was really impacted when he learned that a baby had to go through open heart surgery. It really sank in this summer when he saw the scar at a pool party. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qLzRZDu3pQK_d2VWr5c2YA_VWIjQFbic8kqR5nN0ccUm05uRmuDiIAQr0XsKwZ6Np3Nx6hK7NvZklbc4AE433wFriRkSA_woj0uqbPzrKqpy9tO4i8QHdOabyuKxCblzpOKVqQ/s1600/Picture+082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qLzRZDu3pQK_d2VWr5c2YA_VWIjQFbic8kqR5nN0ccUm05uRmuDiIAQr0XsKwZ6Np3Nx6hK7NvZklbc4AE433wFriRkSA_woj0uqbPzrKqpy9tO4i8QHdOabyuKxCblzpOKVqQ/s320/Picture+082.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael Phelps #2</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">So, even though this snow is causing lots of cabin fever, Judah doesn't argue too much when he's told he needs to get some "exercise."</div><div style="text-align: left;">If it's too cold to get outside, then he has to give us 30 minutes of Wii Fit. Tough price to pay for having a healthy heart.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELcQtvqfH-TpjYJSSkYBf5kkY1qn9-xonf8SB9HmjV469lcDxyY_VqzM22Q_FF70fbKengx1prxZZ1V2vvHrIZtMygx1jcaSYFCDB82KLZ4QBaw8IN09Mui76A8FITpurumPb9Q/s1600/DSCF3961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELcQtvqfH-TpjYJSSkYBf5kkY1qn9-xonf8SB9HmjV469lcDxyY_VqzM22Q_FF70fbKengx1prxZZ1V2vvHrIZtMygx1jcaSYFCDB82KLZ4QBaw8IN09Mui76A8FITpurumPb9Q/s320/DSCF3961.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blizzard of Oz, 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">He's starting to understand what a gift <i>good health</i> really is. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for listening and thank you for your donations!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-rYgArafwEFRSC_ZmxUkbbW-AAr8AO4_57WhtR-UWtOgUbF0P02dJXYmWagg7NQkmLbcC2-5S0aMmBfaUp7sKPyj7exfFn6MyrZ-rMhwvkLvMgF2YE-BOfumS2BOF-OEwUHXCg/s1600/DSCN4846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-rYgArafwEFRSC_ZmxUkbbW-AAr8AO4_57WhtR-UWtOgUbF0P02dJXYmWagg7NQkmLbcC2-5S0aMmBfaUp7sKPyj7exfFn6MyrZ-rMhwvkLvMgF2YE-BOfumS2BOF-OEwUHXCg/s320/DSCN4846.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">9:05, 1 Mile Oct. 2010. That's MY boy!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Lacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13415420941287060720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26340080.post-82539038047014408772011-02-06T15:34:00.000-06:002011-02-06T15:34:59.633-06:00Stir Crazy!!!I haven't fallen off the face of the Earth, but it feels like I've been in another dimension lately! (more on that later)<br />
In the meantime, check out who else has been bringing home the bling this month!!<br />
Little man took home two, yes TWO, trophies from his first Pinewood Derby.<br />
My Dad helped him build the car and the axles. He helped him add weight and get it painted. We helped him get he's desired design of a Wii-mote perfected.<br />
The little booger walked away with the trophy for best design and for being the fastest Tiger Cub! He earned a spot to go on to a district competition. Must be rough being the best at everything!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCABMT25kzdfGMUzytrP-2Zhy3xRlQIQrx-ZbEMbIhzR8ABaORmWe3BgBSM22DD4vtd4WNJS7i1l2gECitFcMER_junzrW_ROGAhdWrRUMbGqAKGMbrfb2wdYwyNlcJK38LuUF3w/s1600/PineDerb%252711+827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCABMT25kzdfGMUzytrP-2Zhy3xRlQIQrx-ZbEMbIhzR8ABaORmWe3BgBSM22DD4vtd4WNJS7i1l2gECitFcMER_junzrW_ROGAhdWrRUMbGqAKGMbrfb2wdYwyNlcJK38LuUF3w/s320/PineDerb%252711+827.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Judah and His Pit Crew!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The day of the derby it was a rare 70 degree January day, two days later it was a record low of 3 degrees and so much snow and cold that school was canceled for 3 days straight!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24reg3ZV8j2X2_9gKKE4PZPrlEg7497MA8Q9Zb_P2s6gq8Z_5LTaW3n6AipWwmxpp7obyDDkSJiaMUpGUyK-xzxfc85eqbIJxnPL15H6rD9apFg5U6Ku9Rtbm9RSfVF8MuVeaQg/s1600/DSCF4053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24reg3ZV8j2X2_9gKKE4PZPrlEg7497MA8Q9Zb_P2s6gq8Z_5LTaW3n6AipWwmxpp7obyDDkSJiaMUpGUyK-xzxfc85eqbIJxnPL15H6rD9apFg5U6Ku9Rtbm9RSfVF8MuVeaQg/s320/DSCF4053.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Little Snow Monster!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>All of this took place while my running was being seriously effected. Not so much by the weather though. The longer story, I'll get to next is about my new adventures with a torn calf muscle. Stay tuned, it's good one!Lacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13415420941287060720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26340080.post-54668931072513374592011-01-18T21:36:00.000-06:002011-01-18T21:36:30.901-06:00SuRRRRvey Saaaays!!!!!...........With the help of <a href="http://random.org/">Random.org</a> the winner of the<a href="http://www.roadid.com/Common/default.aspx"> Road ID</a> eCard is...................(drum roll)....................................(BING!)<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Danny!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Congratulations! Now if we meet up at a race we can hold up our wrist bands together like Power Rangers!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMPSBZUEou75TouwP9liCRyUUqGWe57lqQfo_aQ6NBULsyLhlguV-5k_qpyCZE0HcHYl8zvnP73vVSVV6cUFijkBRz4XFmiSF5fzFjQp1iU8-ct4ouHJHGNeW-RUzjYyZKCFb4Q/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-18+at+9.26.41+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMPSBZUEou75TouwP9liCRyUUqGWe57lqQfo_aQ6NBULsyLhlguV-5k_qpyCZE0HcHYl8zvnP73vVSVV6cUFijkBRz4XFmiSF5fzFjQp1iU8-ct4ouHJHGNeW-RUzjYyZKCFb4Q/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-18+at+9.26.41+PM.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Or even better, like the Wonder Twins!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NrrbvHRyjX-NA_preMqUG7TBGIRC4fqyeQYGFeTKn4VgQMM8eHWFDeThaOBasqOR4mk4DaeI4Kv02MH9EE6uewkpwE3-SBXxuZTj4onp7ygO7DM6rFYQjda9pSqPzQKuBSxhyQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-18+at+9.29.23+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NrrbvHRyjX-NA_preMqUG7TBGIRC4fqyeQYGFeTKn4VgQMM8eHWFDeThaOBasqOR4mk4DaeI4Kv02MH9EE6uewkpwE3-SBXxuZTj4onp7ygO7DM6rFYQjda9pSqPzQKuBSxhyQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-18+at+9.29.23+PM.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Form of a Road ID!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Or maybe not. (I may have just let the freak flag fly a little too high)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Danny, email me at lacyjhansen at gmail dot com and I'll get you hooked up with my pals at Road ID.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks to everyone for entering and stay tuned. I've got another awesome product to tell you about later this week. Oh, and I'm giving you a chance to win too!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Lacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13415420941287060720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26340080.post-22260891888566596562011-01-11T17:22:00.000-06:002011-01-11T17:22:06.430-06:00Who Are You?I finally got my Road ID in the mail this weekend! Since day one, my Dad told me to get an ID, to have on me or my shoes, while I was out running. I listened and got a small dog tag with one phone number listed for my cheap shoes. However, I was rarely ever a mile from home at this point. And furthermore, I got real shoes and a new number a few weeks later and never got another ID.<br />
But, flash forward 4 years and I have now followed my Dad's advice and I've got my ID.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfERD3t3Jfwz4y-CicCMPI1Mj9c44RHAmlf_2BE3D43TbHdYS3TOAEEh83vE3tQCcIIVQHVn72AxX5t7s6501yHCu_BNtuPh0H5n6MfbOHrXsA3259LHrQFsCQy_BJAgxjj8Hx2g/s320/DSCF3938.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The nice shiny tin it was delivered in</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I ordered the "Wrist ID Elite" from Road ID. I chose blue, not a big surprise, right? Their website shows all the different wrist models, and an ankle model, a necklace, and shoe models. They provide several different colors to choose from as well. Ordering from their site,<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.roadid.com/Common/default.aspx">http://www.roadid.com/Common/default.aspx</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">was super simple and quick. </div><div style="text-align: left;">The site also includes testimony after testimony of how an ID quite literally saved someone's life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTh5DVl9l6X_IbipM0nj4zf7OcNpCeeZE646nt7x4lrGLdwWgJnH7dUAekq2BykxzKUbP-FBYyGiofl67c5dCXHDwu4tlq0Sb5g-FPNMb4Z-TJbsFcDLfMOfRZcFj6XKnbW6RgMQ/s1600/blog+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTh5DVl9l6X_IbipM0nj4zf7OcNpCeeZE646nt7x4lrGLdwWgJnH7dUAekq2BykxzKUbP-FBYyGiofl67c5dCXHDwu4tlq0Sb5g-FPNMb4Z-TJbsFcDLfMOfRZcFj6XKnbW6RgMQ/s320/blog+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Listed all my vitals and an inspirational phrase</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">"If you can't speak for yourself, Road ID will speak for you."</div>The quote says it all. I've been very lucky that I haven't been in a situation where I couldn't speak for myself. But now, me and my family can rest easier knowing I'll have a voice wrapped around my wrist when I'm "out there."<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNODK3y9snF2MJ4HPZuGiUSHv0KkWRY-VmAJwwYcqftnd42iOdin6-3UjxGe9lQk0g01Tl-LliJJQ5v6Zr4HFtQuzefvZxprnyhcOxdeY16FCBqt-d4TRg2nkppWX8u2xslgXAg/s1600/Blog+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNODK3y9snF2MJ4HPZuGiUSHv0KkWRY-VmAJwwYcqftnd42iOdin6-3UjxGe9lQk0g01Tl-LliJJQ5v6Zr4HFtQuzefvZxprnyhcOxdeY16FCBqt-d4TRg2nkppWX8u2xslgXAg/s320/Blog+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The voice to speak for me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I've been very pleased with my choice. My ID is light weight and I cut it down to size. So it fits me just right. I actually forget it's there, that's what I was hoping for. I can easily clean it when it gets too sweaty as well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhm-GYFxtnl1LwKNHAO1IsnCNbHTsd4URTf17lAhPzuEz3cbd3iIGMe9HTjAbGQUBynAGBGfWfhUYa4rzqHO6yOY9ndptq3AvLE5piFePooCtZhRH6bdTS14NGv0M09Uw-U81Kw/s1600/blog+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhm-GYFxtnl1LwKNHAO1IsnCNbHTsd4URTf17lAhPzuEz3cbd3iIGMe9HTjAbGQUBynAGBGfWfhUYa4rzqHO6yOY9ndptq3AvLE5piFePooCtZhRH6bdTS14NGv0M09Uw-U81Kw/s320/blog+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I don't have any major medical condtions or allegies so I had a little more room for an inspirational phrase. I chose to put a note to my son. I had limited characters so I struggled to get it just right.<br />
That little boy is my muse. He's been there since my first mile, watching me push myself pass my previous abilities. My heart's desire is that this will help him grow to know that he shouldn't limit himself, he should dream big, and mostly never give up. When I'm struggling to get up a hill, when I'm out of breath, or when I'm just completely spent, he's the thought that enters my mind. And then somehow the strength to push through shows up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9MGiC03L6Pf5S6-SxvOXldEj6mdBlzB6yjWP7uskrKSXf3lzumHSSWCSpqwtsTo7a9mO9z_eT7227mp1iDiGjfgDnySLRa6BPKhiHSy8dsXVeepHI-XVdomCS3_cBfoq6ZSknQ/s1600/DSCF0174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9MGiC03L6Pf5S6-SxvOXldEj6mdBlzB6yjWP7uskrKSXf3lzumHSSWCSpqwtsTo7a9mO9z_eT7227mp1iDiGjfgDnySLRa6BPKhiHSy8dsXVeepHI-XVdomCS3_cBfoq6ZSknQ/s320/DSCF0174.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July 4, 2006- Judah watching me run my first 1 Mile race</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And most importantly I believe with my whole heart:<br />
<h2 id="passage_heading" style="text-align: center;">Philippians 4:13 (New International Version, ©2010)</h2><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29456">13</sup> I can do all this through him who gives me strength. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I think I got my money's worth on the last two lines of the ID. </div><br />
The worst thing that's happened to me this season was when I fell and scraped up my knee. I was all alone and more embarrassed than hurt. I snapped a pic and sent it to my husband (ahhh....living in a world with smart phones...), told him where I was and ran home. Now if it had been my head instead, who knows what might have happened. I also have run in other cities this season. Whether in a race or just in a neighborhood, there wasn't anyone near who could have spoken for me. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDxF2fvz7kWgVmnpN1MzylR1CU1iLgt_K7OlrEU-o4Er8DqBE9maH4JaVQXyb5y2ib2UXlt4Opdn-G-OwnNL24NC8sqKT4nwyOdAvhu05vB_vcb8piiDzRsoSnZn5f3B3-mGW1Q/s1600/road+id+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDxF2fvz7kWgVmnpN1MzylR1CU1iLgt_K7OlrEU-o4Er8DqBE9maH4JaVQXyb5y2ib2UXlt4Opdn-G-OwnNL24NC8sqKT4nwyOdAvhu05vB_vcb8piiDzRsoSnZn5f3B3-mGW1Q/s320/road+id+post.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The aftermath of kissing the pavement</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So, I'm going to give you my Dad's advice, "Get an ID." And I'm going to add my own, "Don't wait so long to do it!"<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrgxf6HesLxDgbhqdneAEfKZX7vF2oFv5dXyxJFAy5WjAwU8igAH_BQi0qJpYH5BM-4yBv5mKqW2ri-x2I_tal0JLUrcj8NvX4mOvm9ruxbZ3IJd8vKUTL1qx9ACqVqI4WH6enQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-10+at+4.37.44+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrgxf6HesLxDgbhqdneAEfKZX7vF2oFv5dXyxJFAy5WjAwU8igAH_BQi0qJpYH5BM-4yBv5mKqW2ri-x2I_tal0JLUrcj8NvX4mOvm9ruxbZ3IJd8vKUTL1qx9ACqVqI4WH6enQ/s400/Screen+shot+2011-01-10+at+4.37.44+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zach B. running in the blizzard of 2011- Photo by <a href="http://www.travisheying.com/">Travis Heying</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The winter finally showed up here in Wichita this week. Not all of us are as crazy as my friend Zach, but many of us are still getting out there. It's cold and slick, prime conditions for a fall or injury. Do you have your Road ID? <br />
<br />
<div style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>If the answer is no, my friends at Road ID want to help you out. They are going to give one of you an eCard to road ID. With the card you can order any ID of your choice.</b></span></div><div style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>So here's what you need to do:</b></span></div><div style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Leave comments letting me know:</b></span></div><div style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>1. What model you would choose if you won (Check the site <a href="http://roadid.com/">http://RoadID.com</a>)</b></span></div><div style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>2. What fun phrase would you include as a motivator on your ID</b></span></div><div style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>3. You "Liked" them on Facebook (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/RoadID">http://www.facebook.com/RoadID</a>)</b></span></div><div style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>4. You follow them on Twitter (<a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/roadid">http://twitter.com/#!/roadid</a>)</b></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">5. You think I'm awesome. (okay, that won't help you win, but it'll make me happy) </span></b></span><br />
<br />
Each one of those tasks will get you a separate entry into a random drawing for the eCard. I will hold the drawing in one week. Good luck everyone, and be safe out there!Lacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13415420941287060720noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26340080.post-13897157435822772122011-01-03T20:46:00.000-06:002011-01-03T20:46:34.662-06:00Happy New Year!I rang in the new year with a bang. I was just so blessed to pull off my first Frosty 5K New Years Day WIN!! Even better..... I PR'd too!<br />
It was below feezing, not too windy, and full of sunshine. I guess it was just my day.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRR-y6t78YR4A3jxTqS3ROgCBSECK70x0eYQah_hxLRsB3sz1gU2BWpP2udRQf89AupXjeQKhW7Tf_VdA2tKx-VQ8hYXvMzzU4b8msMm8d-9N8BKgLGK7icFGrpdq0XwwHsBs1g/s1600/Frosty+5K.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRR-y6t78YR4A3jxTqS3ROgCBSECK70x0eYQah_hxLRsB3sz1gU2BWpP2udRQf89AupXjeQKhW7Tf_VdA2tKx-VQ8hYXvMzzU4b8msMm8d-9N8BKgLGK7icFGrpdq0XwwHsBs1g/s320/Frosty+5K.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-Race with my parents and friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I pulled in front before mile one and ran as hard as I could to keep #2 behind me. When I knew I had sealed the win I was overjoyed. When I turned the corner to see the clock and knew I PRed, I was in shock.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_B4Rnl4koCAR9JCTZxubSjzpUMLd-wUSxmRONburXfP68XVgmnV4v7r3dqYAth4A68_NxbyXEMoRrNnCoWkeoMeguGKIFoBhP14DzhIN3oGKAuQBJdPru0XuEi-48eGQeaqcsA/s1600/Frosty+Start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_B4Rnl4koCAR9JCTZxubSjzpUMLd-wUSxmRONburXfP68XVgmnV4v7r3dqYAth4A68_NxbyXEMoRrNnCoWkeoMeguGKIFoBhP14DzhIN3oGKAuQBJdPru0XuEi-48eGQeaqcsA/s320/Frosty+Start.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Start (I'm looking back at <a href="http://fairweatherrunner.blogspot.com/">FairWeather Runner</a>!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
My previous PR was set in June 2009. I ran a 19:56 that summer. I clocked a<a href="http://www.ozendurance.net/uploads/2011_frosty_results.txt"> 19:42</a> on Saturday. Sub zero temps are rarely PR days and it hurt all day in my chest, but it was worth it. I got a gold medal and a $100 gift certificate to First Gear. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9GkOL55fNQCHfYVQijGfWbJs3xWewEQihivJ00cEt2iRJXiNMa9d_3sp4weUPkeNOpvGFmARlifsBl04D0b3SOjG4_J45QayJtm3Rsjv0oWDf4ZOOd82-nWo4dPIu7itlFpTTtQ/s1600/frosty+finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9GkOL55fNQCHfYVQijGfWbJs3xWewEQihivJ00cEt2iRJXiNMa9d_3sp4weUPkeNOpvGFmARlifsBl04D0b3SOjG4_J45QayJtm3Rsjv0oWDf4ZOOd82-nWo4dPIu7itlFpTTtQ/s320/frosty+finish.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.examiner.com/running-in-wichita/weekend-race-results-running-out-the-old-year-and-the-new-year">Finishing in 19:42</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I had tucked this race back in my mind during the week. I knew that there was gift money to be won. I held off on any after Christmas shopping in the tiny belief that I stood a chance at winning. <br />
My Dad and I joked later that night that I pulled a "Babe Ruth" and called my shot.<br />
I was just lucky and I know it.<br />
I prayed the night before and that morning for God's favor. As I travel down this road as a runner I've been really trying to find the pure joy in the run. That's something I've lost many times during my journey. I long for the days that I can't wait to get out there. The mornings when I'm still nervous before a long run. The runs I go further because I want to.<br />
Mostly I'm seeking to sense my God's goodness when I run. The 5K hurt, but I felt his pleasure and that's the real prize.<br />
<br />
<br />
I didn't see <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082158/">Chariot's Of Fire</a> until just a few years ago. Since then I hear the quote of Eric Liddell running through my head every time I run. How I desire to have this be my anthem every time I lace up my shoes.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">"I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure."</div><div style="text-align: center;">-Eric Liddell</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
It was a great post-race too. I met some new people, caught up with some others, and caught glimpses of some I wished I'd talked to. I did get to talk to John (<a href="http://2slow4boston.blogspot.com/">2Slow4Boston</a>) and get reminded to stop slacking on my blog, I mean I was inspired to write.... right John?<br />
<br />
Most of my family was at the race and we all had a great morning. My sister was in town for the Holiday and we had a wonderful post-race afternoon and evening. And if you want to talk about pleasure, listen to my uncontrollable laughing as we decided to dispose of our gingerbread house in style this year. (You might be a redneck..........)<br />
<br />
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!Lacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13415420941287060720noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26340080.post-13518607856321082062010-12-26T15:31:00.000-06:002010-12-26T15:31:28.794-06:00New Terrain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Tis' the season to be busy, right?<br />
Even though I haven't written about it much, I have been running and riding lots. I've gotten the chance to really break things up too and get some interesting workouts in.<br />
<br />
A few Saturday's ago I joined a group of runners who call themselves the "West Side Wackos." They're a lively bunch of runners who live on the west side of town. Thanks to Daily Mile I've been made an honorary WSW even though I live out East.<br />
They welcome any and all regardless of their geographic location.<br />
I joined them at 6AM on a Saturday morning to follow a caravan of 10+ cars out to the desolate highway 17 in Kingman county.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuNbQSjDBoeE7U3PAmuiz4YgZ4EwSsTKQtgtulpnZPE65W4BolnIrZFTxOkhJ5-WYN3dSPRrdYbtr75L0TdkC9Bse-udy8evfXZ8hnbXzAcrbJ9miOU1HbErtoRuDctciJPK5Mw/s1600/WSW+Kingman.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuNbQSjDBoeE7U3PAmuiz4YgZ4EwSsTKQtgtulpnZPE65W4BolnIrZFTxOkhJ5-WYN3dSPRrdYbtr75L0TdkC9Bse-udy8evfXZ8hnbXzAcrbJ9miOU1HbErtoRuDctciJPK5Mw/s320/WSW+Kingman.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cold dark morning with the WSW!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I was told this course was awesome, hilly, and beautiful.<br />
I had no idea what I was getting into!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New scenery for sure! Can't see any hills in these pic though.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCSoSixyzmFPZ9W47EfLaH6q8eCHgiqAvSonXNAbrWLHntEkiv8xhqxkzyL0vJtaSij2oetZbcE1M7bGKsZM84iwBhzUYqDE0lR-d0hNq2oLXRvy-9boaIqSM5J4oD3O8jomcTcA/s1600/kingman+wsw.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCSoSixyzmFPZ9W47EfLaH6q8eCHgiqAvSonXNAbrWLHntEkiv8xhqxkzyL0vJtaSij2oetZbcE1M7bGKsZM84iwBhzUYqDE0lR-d0hNq2oLXRvy-9boaIqSM5J4oD3O8jomcTcA/s320/kingman+wsw.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the other runners making their way back after about 10 miles</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I ran 8 miles into the town of Kingman on a very cold winter morning. Cresting at least 15 hills all the way. My heart rate was flying! There was a grocery store at mile 8. I caught my breath, grabbed a drink, and headed back for another 8 miles of pain!<br />
It was good pain though!!<br />
I was so tired the next two days. But I know I've found my Heartbreak Hill training course now!!<br />
<br />
Another different type of run took place this week. On Monday night I kept hearing more and more about the lunar eclipse that was to take place in the early morning hours Tuesday. I continued to hear how the fact that it was landing on the Winter solstice was a once in a life time event. It had been some like 400 years since it last happened?<br />
On a whim I posted a note on Daily Mile and Facebook just to see if any weirdos might want to run in the middle of the night to observe the eclipse. Sure enough, I'm not the only crazy one out there.<br />
Long story short I meet a group of 5 other runners for a run at 1AM until about 3AM.<br />
We ran through the streets of Wichita and watched the moon disappear and watched it turn red. It was very very cool!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnzHVtKBB0sQXR5_FHROTsbfF3t8NmJy0gK1D-5PynZfUE5vLiFiYV0SzN-4QLD1WmI-wCZlWFsVS8j81SkXWAnG_qRQF_GIkzHOl-uc_m8Oukjxv-KJgygLenfm1gxHKc9hrEg/s1600/DSCN4975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnzHVtKBB0sQXR5_FHROTsbfF3t8NmJy0gK1D-5PynZfUE5vLiFiYV0SzN-4QLD1WmI-wCZlWFsVS8j81SkXWAnG_qRQF_GIkzHOl-uc_m8Oukjxv-KJgygLenfm1gxHKc9hrEg/s320/DSCN4975.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freezing and Eclipsing at 2AM </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRH8hFzLsD8JWpxqRdvpXID-znq8yFHzDyRuYPgWQaevHp1NOcgjWSMVh8cDhaxX2QgARqGGdt54ZggOPZQqhyRShiyV3o7qtPQK9KpXchcFxwgZ-PFqc7HDifIufpYYNuVlMM-g/s1600/DSCN4973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRH8hFzLsD8JWpxqRdvpXID-znq8yFHzDyRuYPgWQaevHp1NOcgjWSMVh8cDhaxX2QgARqGGdt54ZggOPZQqhyRShiyV3o7qtPQK9KpXchcFxwgZ-PFqc7HDifIufpYYNuVlMM-g/s320/DSCN4973.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Runners moon gazing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I got home about 3, showered, and went right back to bed. I was super tired the next day, a little sore, but stoked to wake up with my workout already done!<br />
I'm so glad I got to do this.<br />
<br />
Another new scene for my workouts has been..... my bedroom. Yep, that's right. I wanted to keep up with my cycling as the weather got cold this year. Kenton was kind enough to invest in a trainer for our road bikes. It's taken a bit to get used to it, but my room is where you'll find me spinning away about every other day. I rotate the TV, find a good show and try to knock out a nice long ride.<br />
Kenton's been using it too. Our only little hiccup is that we both have to share a nut for our bikes. The nut on my bike won't fit on the trainer. So every morning I'd unscrew Kenton's to put on mine. It was really a pain and I guess he heard my complaints.<br />
On Christmas morning, I unwrapped a tiny little jewelery box to find my very own nut.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UzMk7BOAWPBPmfQFvoxlYjeW9xlxYgv5E0_qIMkg-TDLUwSBJBlEqhPbzYvlMlNWkQqUDrSOZTK8DMXZU5BqqtowbLCnC0XgTg6pY0jvSYozBsBEilRmFTja6zb3L9QACCbyCw/s1600/DSCF3871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UzMk7BOAWPBPmfQFvoxlYjeW9xlxYgv5E0_qIMkg-TDLUwSBJBlEqhPbzYvlMlNWkQqUDrSOZTK8DMXZU5BqqtowbLCnC0XgTg6pY0jvSYozBsBEilRmFTja6zb3L9QACCbyCw/s320/DSCF3871.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My very special Christmas gift</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb8O0QC2lQzKlbm9qYKqw6yOV7ZSrbtcpOLTh6vd5ibmBvhVpyDDxx4sbHl2c_4ARGzwuWFlopRnRexbzR0Gp63qX133Io7DEkCjyJf8rJT7I2b-BdHEX9Xmo9C0shpYT3Ho_Kzw/s1600/DSCF3872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb8O0QC2lQzKlbm9qYKqw6yOV7ZSrbtcpOLTh6vd5ibmBvhVpyDDxx4sbHl2c_4ARGzwuWFlopRnRexbzR0Gp63qX133Io7DEkCjyJf8rJT7I2b-BdHEX9Xmo9C0shpYT3Ho_Kzw/s320/DSCF3872.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I guess I got what I asked for</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I enjoyed my post Christmas spin while watching Christmas Vacation with my very own nut this morning! Best thing about gift giving is to give them something they'll use. Well, if that's true.... Kenton nailed it this year! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpqvpWd3I_Q632FN6Iy-7z88LIqg_-NSEYWgYlfLazUw2BK-Qbd_bMhyV_Rpnkhi_rMm4sYs5YX8gPKOiC24IXI360RwQNgbnnRU3fN2ex65Z98Sl1nYmh3vFu5HZET9yih4Ndmw/s1600/DSCF3906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpqvpWd3I_Q632FN6Iy-7z88LIqg_-NSEYWgYlfLazUw2BK-Qbd_bMhyV_Rpnkhi_rMm4sYs5YX8gPKOiC24IXI360RwQNgbnnRU3fN2ex65Z98Sl1nYmh3vFu5HZET9yih4Ndmw/s320/DSCF3906.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spinning in my room</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not really my best look...yikes! </td></tr>
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Happy trails where ever they might be!Lacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13415420941287060720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26340080.post-78777812161562944382010-12-24T13:51:00.000-06:002010-12-24T13:51:42.749-06:00Jingle Bell RunIt's better late than never on these post, right?<br />
The annual Jingle Bell 4 miler was a fun event as always. Here's the low down on the morning.<br />
<br />
It was about 30 degrees with a 20mph+ north wind. Needless to say, it was not ideal running conditions.<br />
I ran 8 miles with my gang prior to the race and quickly showered and changed to make it down to the Waterwalk with about 10 minutes to spare.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeYhrgp1gO_t-exep_RWkOKJaG8zFclOGDjo5I69R3OejE8nNJC14UF_ygjkYHeUwL85iuwcoodNEW_1XWHxQxsBnk2CzQT00v9ACeKx-HgQjI5U5_0l1_lvxKlebm_lHEQwl7w/s1600/jb+start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeYhrgp1gO_t-exep_RWkOKJaG8zFclOGDjo5I69R3OejE8nNJC14UF_ygjkYHeUwL85iuwcoodNEW_1XWHxQxsBnk2CzQT00v9ACeKx-HgQjI5U5_0l1_lvxKlebm_lHEQwl7w/s320/jb+start.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 Mile Start</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I was a member of a group costume: "The Ugly Sweater Party." I planned to try and run and defend my title as 1st place from last year, so I dressed the part, but missed the fun. These guys ran along passing out hot cider and candy canes along the way. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9TGCGv2VOCJhSsduG7ELtzl0C5yvArqysOoUE54aZbwJQt-SMdTmED6jqf4pjc7mImQm0h-1w6t5MLQTovRBl8Cmrnn1O81i7R9zxTCLUO5UTkPKCUuu7JVeQHgBsiuNyxpJnA/s1600/sweaters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9TGCGv2VOCJhSsduG7ELtzl0C5yvArqysOoUE54aZbwJQt-SMdTmED6jqf4pjc7mImQm0h-1w6t5MLQTovRBl8Cmrnn1O81i7R9zxTCLUO5UTkPKCUuu7JVeQHgBsiuNyxpJnA/s320/sweaters.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ugly Sweater Party!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The gun sounded and I ran with all I had. We were quickly turned into the wind and I struggled as did everyone else. The wind was cold and strong. I quickly pulled into the front. I could tell I was in about third place. I pulled up to second and then this rouge runner came blasting by me. She had on baggy sweats and an over sized hoodie. I had no idea who she was or where she came from. I chased her the whole race and never caught her. Later I discovered she wasn't in the race. She was apparently either a bandit who jumped in at some point or was just out on her run. Either way, she psyched me out the last three miles.<br />
In addition to feeling like I was going to hurl, the course marshall's weren't at their spots and the first 20 of us ran the wrong way out into traffic. That kept it exciting :)<br />
I ended up finishing 2nd overall in a time of 26:53 or something like that.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGq1UZsjLTkDCgdafJe6QT3ECUomGi0j46xd9QqnR_tnHfKn7FeoZ_vSfGvXO12QDr1i0M7b3pVQiT55EmTmuY-6OPR4dOrmsHxk4DXjiRibuaJPAUYqdvwZuzGUtUfVHySNzIQ/s1600/Jingle+bell+L.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGq1UZsjLTkDCgdafJe6QT3ECUomGi0j46xd9QqnR_tnHfKn7FeoZ_vSfGvXO12QDr1i0M7b3pVQiT55EmTmuY-6OPR4dOrmsHxk4DXjiRibuaJPAUYqdvwZuzGUtUfVHySNzIQ/s320/Jingle+bell+L.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishing up my 4 miler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The highlight of the day was Kenton and Judah. Last year Kenton won the costume contest in his magnificent "Holiday Fireplace" costume. This years costume was more a performance piece that didn't go over as well. His great idea was to be George Bailey from "It's a Wonderful Life." He planned to reenact the famous scene of George running through the streets of Bedford Falls screaming "Merry Christmas..." Kenton's mistake was taking the costume too far. He thought to paint his face "black and white" as the character is only seen in black in white. It didn't translate. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7Uu3nHPhI2Y9rg8p7Uz7ooo8-T2NZKNmpYKzWjHz9uWerafg1Q9GdTnxIFCtUH5N5lqUj7oD9ke3sUgq2Gx8zUI6yBTMIiJ7YRplQbNZW57lpwcmCPoybVtWrQF62YCR_7TYfA/s1600/kenton+Jingle+bell.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7Uu3nHPhI2Y9rg8p7Uz7ooo8-T2NZKNmpYKzWjHz9uWerafg1Q9GdTnxIFCtUH5N5lqUj7oD9ke3sUgq2Gx8zUI6yBTMIiJ7YRplQbNZW57lpwcmCPoybVtWrQF62YCR_7TYfA/s320/kenton+Jingle+bell.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Merry Christmas you old Building and Loan!!"</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
While Judah was dressed as "Clarence" or an Angel *with Wings* (post bell ringing), the one mile gun went off and Kenton screamed and waved for the whole chilly mile.<br />
Due to the paint and Judah's costume, they received 2nd prize in the costume contest. They won for being the "Ghosts of Christmas' Past."<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYzqxIvM20zmWXbyqQJaI96tflf-qYRAOWazr1fSwAB0ajrKlJsVQs8O9cDIO6N_IbCr75Se7UeViM3Ay7rUlPAR0z4EHrgbBYdRKyGbyqmKlflxU25m_eOiBLyxq87s0NQFbLg/s1600/family+finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYzqxIvM20zmWXbyqQJaI96tflf-qYRAOWazr1fSwAB0ajrKlJsVQs8O9cDIO6N_IbCr75Se7UeViM3Ay7rUlPAR0z4EHrgbBYdRKyGbyqmKlflxU25m_eOiBLyxq87s0NQFbLg/s320/family+finish.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, we're 'special'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>That was hilarious! Oh well, they took their Applebee's gift card anyways!<br />
The morning was concluded with lots of medals and prizes. I received a LED head lamp and a medal for my 2nd place finish. The best part of this event was all the door prizes though.<br />
Before it was over I had received enough gift certificates from Road ID to get an ID of my choice, Panera Bread gift cards, Applebee's money, and Freddy's Frozen Custard money!<br />
<br />
The finale of our morning included Kenton, dressed as George Bailey (The richest man in Bedford Falls), going back in for a soda to take on the drive home. Since they all were technically free to the runners, George Bailey comes running from the Waterwalk building yelling: "GO!! RUN!!!"<br />
<br />
We made it home with two, yes TWO cases of Diet Pepsi!!!<br />
<br />
Oh, Merry Christmas you Old Building and Loan, Merry Christmas Mr. Potter, and Merry Christmas to you too!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5XgCbnzPzhsH5cX_jd7yG7hA_IkCVMQGTuFMbAtuentz_XXUsNY4qjkUaGRWej9f3ar8EHMG-CG09LAymt0OgoH2lbcfUolHJy1D7s-H_ZPU2LDxcsM4qwcTolRLeXNaqL0PYA/s1600/weird+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5XgCbnzPzhsH5cX_jd7yG7hA_IkCVMQGTuFMbAtuentz_XXUsNY4qjkUaGRWej9f3ar8EHMG-CG09LAymt0OgoH2lbcfUolHJy1D7s-H_ZPU2LDxcsM4qwcTolRLeXNaqL0PYA/s320/weird+family.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Lacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13415420941287060720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26340080.post-22353583141825137832010-12-12T17:55:00.000-06:002010-12-12T17:55:05.283-06:00Route 66 1/2 MarathonAs I've read through the blog world this week, I noticed many other 2 week old race reports. I figured that was as good of a sign as any to post about my fun run over two weeks ago.<br />
<br />
<br />
Saturday, November 20th was Wichita's annual 10 Mile Turkey Trot. Just 4 tiny years ago this was my very first 10 mile run. It was so, so hard. I hurt like crazy after it was over. I felt invincible. I hoped as I walked around that day that all the strangers could sense I had just done something amazing.<br />
Now I laugh because I rarely set foot out the door for a run any shorter than 10. It's a great feeling to look back and see that I've come so far.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaAcbPozim6PB0bHEKFIGN6SS5HWw4aE_ut3Zp2DKv0m-7Q9QaHw1jNV7UPrN5yP7c3Gg9REUOy2ySmQvl6MxcEkFtA5ixWErC1eESYrYR_z-k3VLdp6dF4sB6sqaNbOkP23MdcQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-12-12+at+4.30.40+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaAcbPozim6PB0bHEKFIGN6SS5HWw4aE_ut3Zp2DKv0m-7Q9QaHw1jNV7UPrN5yP7c3Gg9REUOy2ySmQvl6MxcEkFtA5ixWErC1eESYrYR_z-k3VLdp6dF4sB6sqaNbOkP23MdcQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-12-12+at+4.30.40+PM.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wearing a cotton shirt and waving at my baby as I finish Turkey Trot 2006</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Every November I look forward to the Turkey Trot. It's an anniversary for me of sorts. However, my only nephew trumps any race. His birthday always comes close to the race. Some years I've crossed the line, hit the shower, and jumped in the car headed for Oklahoma, just to roll in for his party. <br />
This year no amount of Kenton's super driving could land us in Tulsa on time. So, plan B was initiated.<br />
<br />
Still not knowing for sure what Plan B included, I woke on Saturday the 20th, ran with a small group of friends who weren't racing, jumped in the car and headed to Tulsa. Officially decided to sign up for the 1/2 portion of Tulsa's Route 66 Marathon the next morning somewhere between singing Happy Birthday and the slicing of the cake.<br />
Kenton and I ran down to the expo and took care of business. I headed back to a chaotic cousin/post party/toy overloaded home and remembered that this race should be fun, trying not to sweat the horrible pre-race rest atmosphere.<br />
After a dinner a Pei Wei and a terrible time getting two little boys to be quiet and go to sleep. The early morning alarm went off way too soon.<br />
I checked the forecast, was in disbelief of the warm November morning, and got dressed. I was going to wear the same outfit that I wore in a half in June. I wasn't complaining, just couldn't believe it.<br />
Kenton rolled off the hide-a-bed and ever so graciously drove me down to the start.<br />
I was in a port-a-potty line when the 5 minute warning was given. Thankfully some 5Ker's let me jump ahead, as they had 1/2 an hour until their start.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qVuuO9xLjYmUr5c1tfMrbuGc-T_OITLp7ZgI_p5gVMQ3ccwEacYyYk7ukdoUlaZumJ0s25YY_ACbWzZ5slcInj6P4XFpKvMpeomAJVvc8HzKEsu_5KA_AseibHQOUm9rkKBYMw/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-12-12+at+4.52.20+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qVuuO9xLjYmUr5c1tfMrbuGc-T_OITLp7ZgI_p5gVMQ3ccwEacYyYk7ukdoUlaZumJ0s25YY_ACbWzZ5slcInj6P4XFpKvMpeomAJVvc8HzKEsu_5KA_AseibHQOUm9rkKBYMw/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-12-12+at+4.52.20+PM.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Starting Line atmosphere!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I weaseled down to the crowded start with my eyes peeled for "Corral A." I could only assume that was the first corral and jumped through the fence, woke up my Garmin, and "BOOM!" The gun went off, the confetti was flying and I was moving.<br />
I assumed I was in the right spot, but wasn't *really* sure until mile 3. That was a long time of hoping I didn't just waste a lot of money. I feared maybe I had gotten in the full marathon only start or something.<br />
But all was well and I began my nice long run for the morning. The crowd was so thick for the for the first 2-3 miles. I could get a good pace going for a bit. But, eventually it spread out and I just took in the race.<br />
It was windy and cloudy but the streets were lined with fans and there were live bands playing about every mile or two. That was great.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zixzTU8jM254x9Y1cZH1Vn1NgAHxVG09ppAteGPnll72MUwpVLqFu7vEFfPdTK7q4L3WJCY0LC5tOolSdicJQigC8Z_lEgqS6OTJfADRoFHGC8kXfpiBTX3hoahG15Q-TYNNog/s1600/route+66.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zixzTU8jM254x9Y1cZH1Vn1NgAHxVG09ppAteGPnll72MUwpVLqFu7vEFfPdTK7q4L3WJCY0LC5tOolSdicJQigC8Z_lEgqS6OTJfADRoFHGC8kXfpiBTX3hoahG15Q-TYNNog/s320/route+66.png" width="204" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Around Mile 5</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I thoroughly enjoyed my run. I didn't plan for anything but a strong run and hopefully an enjoyable one. I didn't pay attention to my Garmin until about mile 9. Sure, in the back of my head a PR was bouncing around, but I had just run 12 the day before and had not tapered all week long. However, I thought about what time I could make up if I picked up the pace. So, while mile 9-10 isn't the place to start a race strategy, I went ahead and tried some quick math to see what I could do. Since I stink at math, I just sped up and pushed for the last 4 miles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTIwrZdxl4PycvpznhgEY-_L79XSwcy0_WJ8gpXQocQoaUs1rf_we53d7DcINIeqJEk8stMISImGD6hwtDufk2PBioS3p2uHcsdSE3o_hwU2LPKP8zJxFMjTVhATn-5cny94yvw/s1600/bridge+rt+66.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTIwrZdxl4PycvpznhgEY-_L79XSwcy0_WJ8gpXQocQoaUs1rf_we53d7DcINIeqJEk8stMISImGD6hwtDufk2PBioS3p2uHcsdSE3o_hwU2LPKP8zJxFMjTVhATn-5cny94yvw/s320/bridge+rt+66.png" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wind was howling as we crossed the bridges</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Knowing my sister had the boys and Kenton was possibly asleep in the car, I phoned him and said exactly this, "I'm at about mile 10." He heard, "I have about a mile 10 (1.10)." I love that he even thought that was humanly possible.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8Ougcu_BoJJZ89FqliC1cijP5TlfXfpsr6MDKA7yeb-UxyAHQc6bqzQU1Dmmaw_og5Ee50I-SUahl4rSI2wxZDyBfLNS6K8XXvwMe2oFlTCkfaM-_PYgCi_PegW6yrv62Ir6Ew/s1600/1%253A2+route+66.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8Ougcu_BoJJZ89FqliC1cijP5TlfXfpsr6MDKA7yeb-UxyAHQc6bqzQU1Dmmaw_og5Ee50I-SUahl4rSI2wxZDyBfLNS6K8XXvwMe2oFlTCkfaM-_PYgCi_PegW6yrv62Ir6Ew/s320/1%253A2+route+66.png" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice "The Flash" in the back?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
He phoned my sister urged her to rush like mad to the finish because he thought I was going to win.<br />
Meanwhile the final miles of the course were one straight down and then back. So, I began to see the leaders. I counted as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and even 7 maybe more females ran past me. I still had some gas left so I pushed it. This was the windiest part of the course. A very strong headwind made the finish pretty rough. I passed at least one female in that last stretch. I rounded the corner and heard the 6th female finish as the announcer was shouting out for the top ten finishers. <br />
Motley Crue's "Girls, Girls, Girls," was blaring as I ran to the finish. My sister, nephew, and son on one side, and Kenton on the other.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVN74qyP6FviA3hmetkSSmm2HNKG7jdAWJxXVoXkkaW06dDdfgvMhLVJqGx4QN1jrDXTRdO92c6AphLVd1a7_FZWYqNrtvuMNuzVFwnt8mJmQGV2U0g8Tzhk4qWuys5_x48mfZbw/s1600/happy+finish.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVN74qyP6FviA3hmetkSSmm2HNKG7jdAWJxXVoXkkaW06dDdfgvMhLVJqGx4QN1jrDXTRdO92c6AphLVd1a7_FZWYqNrtvuMNuzVFwnt8mJmQGV2U0g8Tzhk4qWuys5_x48mfZbw/s320/happy+finish.png" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I purposely made this face...not as good looking as I thought it'd be</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I finished with the original goals intact. I ran strong and had a good time. Yes, I was bummed, I know I could have run harder, I just didn't plan for my competitive monster to flare up at mile 10.<br />
I ended up with a time of 1:34, 7th overall female, and first in my age group. For a whim, I should be pleased with that...and I'm getting there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih20jYOFbRcE4mGn8ZIFGhDt4d55oB2Leujrb2qFDCzqyVqGZKj8ecLAmgkI9GjBvL7a8pacp6jzpk2vlahSaHe5HiR7ewOw7CMshWZ9ucVs9OcEgn3gDqUnu3XBFHIIdgGgbbfQ/s1600/medal+rt+66.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih20jYOFbRcE4mGn8ZIFGhDt4d55oB2Leujrb2qFDCzqyVqGZKj8ecLAmgkI9GjBvL7a8pacp6jzpk2vlahSaHe5HiR7ewOw7CMshWZ9ucVs9OcEgn3gDqUnu3XBFHIIdgGgbbfQ/s320/medal+rt+66.png" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They had the coolest medals, the wheel spins.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The after party was awesome. Tons of food, a live band, lots of fun for the kids, and free beer. So, if you didn't know here you go. I hate beer. AND I'm allergic to gluten which is in 99% of beers. However, I come from a long line of beer connoisseurs. My sister being one of them. No one in the family is a lush, they just really appreciate the brewing art and flavor of beer. As I continued to walk past the beer tent, with two tickets for beer, my sister couldn't stand it anymore. In her words, "It's a crime to waste free beer."<br />
To keep the peace in my family, I redeemed those tickets and secured my two free beers.<br />
And to offer a laugh to everyone who knows me, this was posted on Facebook.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwMytqHWq0SmPycX1X_0VZ1lW2v2ZNXML6-2BEtY1schhYGPn6wRDjLBL-QwjM-aI6VkdB417FHH9ItFgYK-GvtQr3UnCpv0YkQOSRAnqoifD0FgBKTHk2fncrvyqdGYlsW7bVQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-12-12+at+5.26.05+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwMytqHWq0SmPycX1X_0VZ1lW2v2ZNXML6-2BEtY1schhYGPn6wRDjLBL-QwjM-aI6VkdB417FHH9ItFgYK-GvtQr3UnCpv0YkQOSRAnqoifD0FgBKTHk2fncrvyqdGYlsW7bVQ/s320/Screen+shot+2010-12-12+at+5.26.05+PM.png" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One for my homies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>All in all, I'm so glad I ran this race. I'd like to do it again. I'd know there were some pretty intense hills and I'd plan for it better next time.<br />
It's all relative. I am actually most proud that I'm healthy enough to run such a strong race on a whim. Who would have thought this was possible, just 4 tiny years ago?Lacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13415420941287060720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26340080.post-45603404992830142052010-11-30T13:53:00.000-06:002010-11-30T13:53:54.648-06:00Philippians 1:3<div style="text-align: center;">"I thank my God every time I remember you." Philippians 1:3</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This was Judah's memory verse this month in Sunday school. He got it memorized real fast and would speed through it every time we'd quiz him. Finally, we asked him to slow down and say it to where we could all understand it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It finally sunk in with me too. I have so many things to be thankful for. So many people that make my life rich and full. </div><div style="text-align: left;">However, few really come close to the amazing thankfulness I have for my little boy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">He had to have surgery this month. Nothing major but surgery none the less. I played very brave for him all morning as we prepared to leave for the surgery center. As I read over the doctor's instructions I saw he couldn't have any type of jewelery or bracelet on. I wanted to give him something special so I grabbed the Sharpie and finally got to give him a reminder on his arm.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV91iVDs251UQYQCY0zPt32BOYYHHdEDRjbNvJ8X2P1qL8vh2MEmM7p5unT5W61fZxK1i2z8BcyITyVuGhNWu3IPuVAioUZO9mi_n6j6Lc4Non4XXNNeYiW0KrskjQoKfcdLQQtQ/s1600/judes+note.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV91iVDs251UQYQCY0zPt32BOYYHHdEDRjbNvJ8X2P1qL8vh2MEmM7p5unT5W61fZxK1i2z8BcyITyVuGhNWu3IPuVAioUZO9mi_n6j6Lc4Non4XXNNeYiW0KrskjQoKfcdLQQtQ/s320/judes+note.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love him most</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">He writes me notes on my arm to help me remember him during races. I wanted to help him remember me during his feat. He always says, "I love you Mommy!" I always say back, "I love you too." Then he says, "I love you more." I've always said, "Okay." Even when he was smaller he would ask, "Why do you always do that? You're supposed to play along."</div><div style="text-align: left;">The morning of his surgery I smiled and told him, "I actually love you most, not more." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJ-R2vigoAiH-J3PtOnrX5DAFf5cjnqFrPJ-Xk7YS3Gb7hJjs-OgtHCpZlMBQ7U5yHjztYqak808FO_C_Y5xPVhZGRt0jJD77i0GT08WYNbKH1R7Y_A_Jb74u1Bd12i3n5qinYQ/s1600/marathon+note.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJ-R2vigoAiH-J3PtOnrX5DAFf5cjnqFrPJ-Xk7YS3Gb7hJjs-OgtHCpZlMBQ7U5yHjztYqak808FO_C_Y5xPVhZGRt0jJD77i0GT08WYNbKH1R7Y_A_Jb74u1Bd12i3n5qinYQ/s320/marathon+note.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"go go go <3 JOH"</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">He wrote me an arm full in October for the marathon. The nurses liked his note and our tradition. They said they'd never seen anyone do that before.</div><div style="text-align: left;">As he walked bravely back into the care of mere strangers I sat in the waiting room and cried on Kenton's shoulders.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Not soon enough they called us back and we could finally see our little boy. He wanted to sit on Daddy's lap (he later told me he didn't want to hurt me, that's why he asked for Daddy).</div><div style="text-align: left;">He drank a juice box and finally we were able to go home for recovery.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCpOtzf0FZ2DNQrckWCiYXA9SmSJ0mWIRc60T2KoUbthrmZGNVKGMQa8QS7XXxm1jdB5HyNnjqRkwq6SmhUQekxgC99GCx9KPlPkfcCHIUeBc5CbqQyU883wSYAdxyR1W_QSNOQ/s1600/photo-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCpOtzf0FZ2DNQrckWCiYXA9SmSJ0mWIRc60T2KoUbthrmZGNVKGMQa8QS7XXxm1jdB5HyNnjqRkwq6SmhUQekxgC99GCx9KPlPkfcCHIUeBc5CbqQyU883wSYAdxyR1W_QSNOQ/s320/photo-12.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorites</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">As we sat around as a family of three this past Thanksgiving weekend, eating turkey tacos, we all went around sharing what we were most thankful for. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Did my sweet angel say his loving mother who would walk through fire for him? Heck no!</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Angry Birds, Gravity, the Wii, and Netflix."</div><div style="text-align: left;">No bother, I have to thank my God every time I remember him! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Lacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13415420941287060720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26340080.post-27719924847427962282010-11-03T15:26:00.000-05:002010-11-03T15:26:59.845-05:00CommunityIt's been a full few weeks. But as it's slowing down a hair, it's awesome to look back and see how all the busyness has been mostly fun. <br />
I've had some great opportunity to bond with my community this past month. <br />
As a runner, a community is what really makes the sport worthwhile. When it's cold and you know the group is waiting on you, you've got the motivation to get out the door.<br />
When you're a little burnt out and you know others are expecting you, the conversation during the run normally makes all the other feelings fade.<br />
When the run is getting so hard you don't know if you can continue, it's the community that holds you up and carries you across the finish line.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-0nMSyBVG-m8xdBPCPAN2fvrinaNG7nCmX5wGaGleNUHLIyHYJe4FTopLl9khyteSja89RQ5AXaVDv5Jrb6pQ4cxv7lTWjoqDjaK5peQqfboUy4PG5NB37QFqjFeL273ggIEDg/s1600/group+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-0nMSyBVG-m8xdBPCPAN2fvrinaNG7nCmX5wGaGleNUHLIyHYJe4FTopLl9khyteSja89RQ5AXaVDv5Jrb6pQ4cxv7lTWjoqDjaK5peQqfboUy4PG5NB37QFqjFeL273ggIEDg/s320/group+shot.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not all of us, but some of the community post marathon/pre-spring roll dinner! </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I would have thrown in the towel long ago if I hadn't found a group to bond with. This past month I've had a special chance to do even more of that than usual.<br />
<br />
One of my community members, Katie, trained all summer long with us. She dropped off Gatorade and water at our mile 6 every Saturday morning. She decided to run the Chicago Marathon on 10-10-10 with her Dad instead of staying town to run <a href="http://www.prairiefiremarathon.com/">The Prairie Fire</a>. We all eagerly awaited her results as we knew she'd be amazing in Chi Town. As luck would have it, she got very sick in Chicago on Saturday and wasn't able to run Sunday morning.<br />
She was crushed, understandably. As an attempt to not waste all that training she signed up for the <a href="http://www.waddellandreedkansascitymarathon.org/">Kansas City Marathon</a> the following Saturday. Her Dad was going to run the half, but that still left her all alone for over 18 miles of the race.<br />
My heart leaped at the opportunity to help my new friend. As all things just worked out, I found myself flying down the turnpike at 5AM that Saturday morning with Kenton and Judah. Kenton's the best. He willing got us all out of bed and drove us up to KC in record time. I was at mile 13 with plenty of time to spare. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtrcOKRax3SSCz0MvMRlKku8utVmw4OH8c4KBe04t5aFd-15v6gKI3j_TyESotZx0TUuG1tWnQdRGlHlEk0UPoEWGuBFG0rCmNS_QhyVKcJgczbZjT7TQg-1utY01kSN2Te0K7Q/s1600/KC+mary+w:+Jude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtrcOKRax3SSCz0MvMRlKku8utVmw4OH8c4KBe04t5aFd-15v6gKI3j_TyESotZx0TUuG1tWnQdRGlHlEk0UPoEWGuBFG0rCmNS_QhyVKcJgczbZjT7TQg-1utY01kSN2Te0K7Q/s320/KC+mary+w:+Jude.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the Front Runners at mile 13 of the KC Marathon</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
I was able to jump in and begin running with Katie with ease. However, before we hit mile 14 Katie realized she wasn't feeling as good as she hoped. She quickly changed her goal from a strong time to "just finishing."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVsuw9qM6fXc9k6YBfjUhM5_TsEHgRAfDO18NjMU6Merh_tbPGj63klPJhOeRhyphenhyphen3hI-H87uyTcOfUcooZKHLIobyChkL2OSNIdtdQq5IzfdEIDpTDDWkwnFDRVbdHHw70iQh9Pw/s1600/Meeting+Katie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVsuw9qM6fXc9k6YBfjUhM5_TsEHgRAfDO18NjMU6Merh_tbPGj63klPJhOeRhyphenhyphen3hI-H87uyTcOfUcooZKHLIobyChkL2OSNIdtdQq5IzfdEIDpTDDWkwnFDRVbdHHw70iQh9Pw/s320/Meeting+Katie.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting Katie for the last half</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Many pace groups passed us as we took on all the unforgiving hills of KC. When I got in we were ahead of the 3:10 pace group. In the last two miles the 3:40 pace group passed us.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAthIugQcbqWS62z0LGQ-ZQsVSS9bAaHqYMo4mrnywcE1_AZ6qRXiLTg-ZM-vGjb4QX5mKqkr2e3IT4Cdv3TeQM5Etj0VrHcVbnWDEgcyApSOORlpoQbiZ1ZUDKXrnaEyZOv7mw/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-10-22+at+10.14.00+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAthIugQcbqWS62z0LGQ-ZQsVSS9bAaHqYMo4mrnywcE1_AZ6qRXiLTg-ZM-vGjb4QX5mKqkr2e3IT4Cdv3TeQM5Etj0VrHcVbnWDEgcyApSOORlpoQbiZ1ZUDKXrnaEyZOv7mw/s320/Screen+shot+2010-10-22+at+10.14.00+AM.png" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last .2 miles of the KC Marathon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Katie struggled like she never had before. We had to stop and stretch, stop and walk, and even just stop a few times. I felt so bad for her. I was digging deep trying to be helpful, I don't know if I was. I tried to just talk and not ask questions. I also told her to tell me to shut up if I was getting on her nerves.<br />
By mile 24.5 Katie knew we were almost done and somehow she found her stride once more. She didn't walk through aid stations, she didn't slow her pace. She charged through to the finish like a champion.<br />
The first time I heard about Katie was when she jumped in the race in OKC to help one of my friends. She hadn't planned on it, but when she noticed Stacey, my friend, struggling, she got in to carry her in from mile 20 to the finish.<br />
I got the chance to be friends with this girl. So when I had an opportunity to help her out, I jumped at it. Because I know that she would have done the same for me.<br />
<br />
This week another friend admitted he had the post-marathon blues. I jumped at the chance to bust his and my impending rut by finding some fun races. As chance would have it, a <a href="http://www.runwichita.org/siteadmin/raceresults_file/483.txt">Monster Bash 5K</a> was taking place in a few days. We agreed that the best way to have fun with this one was to dress up per recommendation.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwAzZnpc5kBseXgSsq2UxWlzUNA34_MVK6fFPYunwjeQuqD80I3ReR6v6Aj4sdfWJYWJCUGnH2Hl-SiATXR1F6WK_vFzyiGfmFH15EPcg_7Q_PqRZKLPdesy4KIaajzNrvkgaM0Q/s1600/DSCF3663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwAzZnpc5kBseXgSsq2UxWlzUNA34_MVK6fFPYunwjeQuqD80I3ReR6v6Aj4sdfWJYWJCUGnH2Hl-SiATXR1F6WK_vFzyiGfmFH15EPcg_7Q_PqRZKLPdesy4KIaajzNrvkgaM0Q/s320/DSCF3663.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Batman and Batgirl</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHX7G3W4xpLebyOddsClMxUVGAYdiEzirsPShLCsiKrQumJyrmMFLzk1Tio-hdChCmAid5TZWbIc4eQLMYD1DpinwLeNlKoLzlSwU5Imu1xjq81fbgcQHRdtIK8te_D5X8XHc3g/s1600/DSCF3664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHX7G3W4xpLebyOddsClMxUVGAYdiEzirsPShLCsiKrQumJyrmMFLzk1Tio-hdChCmAid5TZWbIc4eQLMYD1DpinwLeNlKoLzlSwU5Imu1xjq81fbgcQHRdtIK8te_D5X8XHc3g/s320/DSCF3664.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing for my first caped run</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YosvuknU0NUdEJ3H7FOPcGrRRR84UoqY4QtwlYDpFOWvbTix0rLf6p-knPEbu3f-T152_3Wv_3vaEFv195qMtKL9SZnElhmpfFJAXqML6SzhY5GNqcOf4V4hAqaCcwWCRBxnBQ/s1600/DSCF3671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YosvuknU0NUdEJ3H7FOPcGrRRR84UoqY4QtwlYDpFOWvbTix0rLf6p-knPEbu3f-T152_3Wv_3vaEFv195qMtKL9SZnElhmpfFJAXqML6SzhY5GNqcOf4V4hAqaCcwWCRBxnBQ/s320/DSCF3671.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishing the Monster Bask 5k</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
It was last minute, but there were some easy Batman costumes to be found. Long story short, I had the most fun run as a super duo. I had already run 10 miles that morning and was just going to "have fun" with the 5K. But I also don't know how to slow down once a gun goes off. Nick was feeling much fresher than I and had way too much fun flying with his cape and turning to the runners we'd pass saying, "I'm Batman." His side kick Bat Girl wasn't as talkative, but held on to finish side by side.<br />
We totally whipped Pac Man and in the last half mile was got Fred Flintstone too!<br />
So it was all for fun and we had on capes that's why we didn't PR....yeah that's it. However, we were the 5th and 6th finishers over all and I was the 2nd female. Our time was 20:33....not too bad really.<br />
<br />
It was the most fun I've had in 5k and Nick later said he was glad he got out there to run after almost a week without it.<br />
<br />
<br />
We've had so much non-running community this month too. It's good to do life together with others.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL06eZaufIcP1CuhWSG1eYNxehI1caNsiRyB5gJG91UBEEubVmy5sg0chEfjpHKrtmuG1N5Gfd2yeIUMO4K4HpYZ17QvOPZLYqCdlUBTblBy-GIBy06b5e8vp8wNLUVO_JHy7ZvQ/s1600/JudahsCowboyParty-2537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL06eZaufIcP1CuhWSG1eYNxehI1caNsiRyB5gJG91UBEEubVmy5sg0chEfjpHKrtmuG1N5Gfd2yeIUMO4K4HpYZ17QvOPZLYqCdlUBTblBy-GIBy06b5e8vp8wNLUVO_JHy7ZvQ/s320/JudahsCowboyParty-2537.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Judah's 'Magnificent 7' Cowboy Birthday Party</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAnTHtq68APghrCeZOOBDb_KWUnjL1bulIHG0RVL6OeT3uq-uAqH6LVcif6ncxDg9DSiarknzjuBVRCmFfpFkey_lyr0c9Ol15YW2hGMS51kJCkOOiqUbN4NEmRCv2oFwncvtPw/s1600/JudahsCowboyParty-2551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAnTHtq68APghrCeZOOBDb_KWUnjL1bulIHG0RVL6OeT3uq-uAqH6LVcif6ncxDg9DSiarknzjuBVRCmFfpFkey_lyr0c9Ol15YW2hGMS51kJCkOOiqUbN4NEmRCv2oFwncvtPw/s320/JudahsCowboyParty-2551.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family, friends, ponies, weenies, s'mores...Yee-Haw!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUTmn6OR4uD4mrSLfSBS6FeETwj2tuE1dOnI79cSsR0lI_MjrdTTgc9fgfV3AKJlFCdGWDFOD1BL1t34XWDrYCXlePsa7q43R3xvdudwU6yb_dqMHigoh_B05O3nF-dPvgyy5_A/s1600/DSCF3686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUTmn6OR4uD4mrSLfSBS6FeETwj2tuE1dOnI79cSsR0lI_MjrdTTgc9fgfV3AKJlFCdGWDFOD1BL1t34XWDrYCXlePsa7q43R3xvdudwU6yb_dqMHigoh_B05O3nF-dPvgyy5_A/s320/DSCF3686.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Navigating corn maze with friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78B3uBDuzTSESVDa4YQVfq6nz0T6AZ-Gjeo-D0KNb2FVe8Yx5WQKiI4DS34NLPBsWHsgOPIlSAW1HDsEEuYIR9uPFd72o7m_WFY10_dy2FUtRkBdPG4w97MjhrGkVPp5KNg2RjQ/s1600/DSCF3707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78B3uBDuzTSESVDa4YQVfq6nz0T6AZ-Gjeo-D0KNb2FVe8Yx5WQKiI4DS34NLPBsWHsgOPIlSAW1HDsEEuYIR9uPFd72o7m_WFY10_dy2FUtRkBdPG4w97MjhrGkVPp5KNg2RjQ/s320/DSCF3707.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVN4VyR5EZRdrQmh_bKw5hRXpTSC4RgGJ-unsFJgoUmjU0xr9ZcEbaPv9OHbQ9ZkaqTJur4rjBgHaqSLE4QHkSwFo35I2t-TqfbxL5TBJtu-A8j_H1EsSD13gEQpw9df_X9owpw/s1600/DSCF3709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVN4VyR5EZRdrQmh_bKw5hRXpTSC4RgGJ-unsFJgoUmjU0xr9ZcEbaPv9OHbQ9ZkaqTJur4rjBgHaqSLE4QHkSwFo35I2t-TqfbxL5TBJtu-A8j_H1EsSD13gEQpw9df_X9owpw/s320/DSCF3709.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Mom dressed up as, "Lacy Hansen"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As a shy homebody, it's been invaluable to embrace a community. I wouldn't make through without the support and love of my friends and family. While I may be on an upswing, I'll have my down times and they'll do their part to pull me through.<br />
<br />
Oh it goes without saying, these two are the best community ever. They're always behind the camera, cheering, and following me along. They were spotted by many at the<a href="http://www.prairiefiremarathon.com/"> Prairie Fire</a> as they zoomed around to support me on their bike. <br />
I'm nothing without my boys.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cGzjcLMmShn6wnyFuJ_vfUdzIV63PYJ_EYiD92XNIDtIORh-_R6NOvvp0cQJ9YSEPMU6efzTYlHlxT1rSW8LmRwag040kz8K28FFH3rLqHtMVaooNADAYdjvScd4tngAtMmLFg/s1600/bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cGzjcLMmShn6wnyFuJ_vfUdzIV63PYJ_EYiD92XNIDtIORh-_R6NOvvp0cQJ9YSEPMU6efzTYlHlxT1rSW8LmRwag040kz8K28FFH3rLqHtMVaooNADAYdjvScd4tngAtMmLFg/s320/bike.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My support team and their sag wagon</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Oh and finally, speaking of community, HOW FUNNY WAS THE HALLOWEEN EPISODE OF NBC'S COMMUNITY??!!<br />
<object align="middle" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" height="283" width="384"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="movie" value="http://widget.nbc.com/videos/nbcshort_at.swf?CXNID=1000004.10045NXC&widID=4727a250e66f9723&clipID=1256780&showID=311&configXML=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbc.com%2Fservice%2Fvideowidget%2Fparams%2FdmlkZW9faWQ9MTI1Njc4MA%3D%3D%2F&initXML=http://www.nbc.com%2Fcommunity%2Fvideo%2Fepisodes%2Finit.xml?videoId=1256780"/><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><embed src="http://widget.nbc.com/videos/nbcshort_at.swf?CXNID=1000004.10045NXC&widID=4727a250e66f9723&clipID=1256780&showID=311&configXML=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbc.com%2Fservice%2Fvideowidget%2Fparams%2FdmlkZW9faWQ9MTI1Njc4MA%3D%3D%2F&initXML=http://www.nbc.com%2Fcommunity%2Fvideo%2Fepisodes%2Finit.xml?videoId=1256780" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" width="384" height="283" allowFullScreen="true" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>Lacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13415420941287060720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26340080.post-17074978138797438262010-10-21T12:02:00.000-05:002010-10-21T12:02:12.952-05:00"Love That Dirty Water....Boston You're My Home!"As all the marathon world knows, Boston's registration filled up in record time this year. In less than 8 hours or something like that.<br />
I was on the fence and even leaning more towards the "not this year" side. The night before registration opened, a last minute decision to go for it was made.<br />
It took several attempts and eventually some help from the runners on Twitter, but I got in!<br />
<br />
I'm not 100% sure we're going, but I know one little guy who was more excited about the possibility than anyone else!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMSVJ8Xq9rsDrFD7pITz_Qai_napTGQNCTr9QD3eLLCYRUIrAmppVZ-4hxF97JzOS2BB7YYxvz4Glq4JBQqrDHBgwW7ixfxlTyYSG8bdN-ve0A0N1DYkZDoB3XMsei7f1s5MWtg/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-10-21+at+11.34.33+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMSVJ8Xq9rsDrFD7pITz_Qai_napTGQNCTr9QD3eLLCYRUIrAmppVZ-4hxF97JzOS2BB7YYxvz4Glq4JBQqrDHBgwW7ixfxlTyYSG8bdN-ve0A0N1DYkZDoB3XMsei7f1s5MWtg/s400/Screen+shot+2010-10-21+at+11.34.33+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw4pif9TqoFk8eg7_zKmjdvjysAzGQZLGjUtMT9__zLYBWxDBCM-QwUtCEzGVPYZ4C3Wnzhp32ll7A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>He's so excited! I don't know what power Boston has over us, but this big birthday boy fell in love just as hard as we did!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving the Duck Boat on the Charles River</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE Finish Line</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOQs5nJbNbDb3gC_AGNjLWCAXfV7NK_FVGqlWvg-hHiLslseJlPW4nHBuVYCs1aUomcTT9lGKL5r9nfG-mKJJzzWy0XjQXE_NyCyM81wcpBjQVUwqf62JUMsW31GncR4WNLbQNw/s1600/Boston'10+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rubbing John Harvard's toe for luck in Harvard Yard</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying a bowl of 'Chowda'</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Boston Comma" or Common depending on how well you read :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4R5qO2l2UZUNP2ZkdLZiX4UFphKivaAOq73FGGP0WY-kt6x5VWK_mVdBU1qcvivCRGkruuZQ5Em3RddSdBvewGKntF0O2x2avp_IceikvLi2KhptXSDIjaEDh9c0bSLSUUFp2w/s1600/DSCN3582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaq5cMCozYldHhzwEbdYVtD2GO-NiP8H9wKofthfpUhI0t0HS_q2ImTy9iU6RDWh_0jQ7utcqbtv0DtWUfDLvCimmoesPfWbK-OIdstOAoGnRxlhu-7zhrD6Pay_8ZutUrdlC05A/s1600/DSCN3586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaq5cMCozYldHhzwEbdYVtD2GO-NiP8H9wKofthfpUhI0t0HS_q2ImTy9iU6RDWh_0jQ7utcqbtv0DtWUfDLvCimmoesPfWbK-OIdstOAoGnRxlhu-7zhrD6Pay_8ZutUrdlC05A/s320/DSCN3586.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boston Baked Beans!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaM0s9ijl350uQMNLKydvCnCDlNCr_kRtp03mrUyoW4ViU-670GkI13Hx9i0cuumKgbhGc_A-YKL4G-8s9WMhHVchUwvhrmV1F9JsHfwk1hnoPqHrBZ3txKKAIFv7-NZdliTIJig/s320/DSCN3592.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He became a big Cheers fan after this stop!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaM0s9ijl350uQMNLKydvCnCDlNCr_kRtp03mrUyoW4ViU-670GkI13Hx9i0cuumKgbhGc_A-YKL4G-8s9WMhHVchUwvhrmV1F9JsHfwk1hnoPqHrBZ3txKKAIFv7-NZdliTIJig/s1600/DSCN3592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXmt14_5eWYFDD7XsjpWCvy0jwRu43vbZPTB5T-XpB5DHh4-is3n-DlRgy989wuceEaRMGXshFDb3L0W5pWq_xw1ZsAG9RQj3LzC1fjSNk3RSIP72wLnlmWCVWCu-DcALsAI4pg/s320/judah+at+the+beach.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Judah's first time in the ocean, it was chilly, but he loved it! </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXmt14_5eWYFDD7XsjpWCvy0jwRu43vbZPTB5T-XpB5DHh4-is3n-DlRgy989wuceEaRMGXshFDb3L0W5pWq_xw1ZsAG9RQj3LzC1fjSNk3RSIP72wLnlmWCVWCu-DcALsAI4pg/s1600/judah+at+the+beach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
This birthday boy brings me so much joy. I can't believe I've had him in my life for 7 years now. He wants me to run the Boston Marathon every year just so he can go back to his adopted home.<br />
<br />
Judah, I'd run to the moon and back everyday if it could make you smile. I'm the luckiest mommy in the whole world. My breath was taken away when the doctor said, "It's a boy!!."<br />
I haven't gotten it back yet.<br />
Happy Birthday to my little man, I love you.Lacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13415420941287060720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26340080.post-60253033012053451742010-10-16T22:16:00.000-05:002010-10-16T22:16:10.311-05:00Prairie Fire Marathon 10-10-10<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQ_qPsV6KIt11R8indNpP9IC-YxJdgaW7iM4vzGOq-oZErwyj0i8tkj0zggte43Kk6it0llkE51P6jKOVrwLLTFOfgeg0YPGAc4Npk0GbAisDkqm5KgqBA9npV6qfvMfjZVPpPw/s200/cup.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="150" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water cup near Mile 23</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The Inaugural Prairie Fire Marathon has come and gone. There are still some reminders around Wichita that something big happened out in the streets on 10-10-10. From worn street markings to a little debris, there is enough evidence that Wichita just pulled off it's first urban marathon.<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82QpiEA-6ZHK2FTV4A_J12hHKEsnzeRCMjluTab2I7QbaZCWziz8_Ct8IVNLHgR_QFqp6BUnwfe8uH63zZ3j8DpwFdNX2mlGlLGeSVDj4KxvaludCeOJdPx6OFHqHjV2tStUthg/s1600/arrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQ_qPsV6KIt11R8indNpP9IC-YxJdgaW7iM4vzGOq-oZErwyj0i8tkj0zggte43Kk6it0llkE51P6jKOVrwLLTFOfgeg0YPGAc4Npk0GbAisDkqm5KgqBA9npV6qfvMfjZVPpPw/s1600/cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82QpiEA-6ZHK2FTV4A_J12hHKEsnzeRCMjluTab2I7QbaZCWziz8_Ct8IVNLHgR_QFqp6BUnwfe8uH63zZ3j8DpwFdNX2mlGlLGeSVDj4KxvaludCeOJdPx6OFHqHjV2tStUthg/s200/arrow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="150" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red arrow marking turn in Riverside</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM86DHif1T7ngeM9WSsQokKj-DEfPsfQe7vnJTbzVQdyo1n4RWbF3HW6s0bGQqO-7pLSqO9JqRO3AkxgRHc36W6bje0OGkdur5hdg94o580BbeBH4d-BogFBTdCUl55RUJhDDCnQ/s200/shiny+gu.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="150" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gu packet left behind</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM86DHif1T7ngeM9WSsQokKj-DEfPsfQe7vnJTbzVQdyo1n4RWbF3HW6s0bGQqO-7pLSqO9JqRO3AkxgRHc36W6bje0OGkdur5hdg94o580BbeBH4d-BogFBTdCUl55RUJhDDCnQ/s1600/shiny+gu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm10As8SvnDie7BxRe45Dl46DuzJbLxq4-D_Sf2lwP7b22pYB27PnjQ45ZyXFp9L_hJulpy3e973lQcs1-rMINKg9HRSSlQn88H499IaN5-UJ4lMIzJPzKi2S-G8XJyOdAor5M_w/s400/two+gu.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Several silver Gu packs are shining along the course</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm10As8SvnDie7BxRe45Dl46DuzJbLxq4-D_Sf2lwP7b22pYB27PnjQ45ZyXFp9L_hJulpy3e973lQcs1-rMINKg9HRSSlQn88H499IaN5-UJ4lMIzJPzKi2S-G8XJyOdAor5M_w/s1600/two+gu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwFNcyr5jrBZDTm6IvPNMyET6IOj9ha3lp-54v61zqpJwfbEpRqPeSPvc5N4C1ZQSvYjPna57Co2UwkgcFHh3h93Y4HLABgoZ3486L4rkj60xwDmRnmw1jxDGvmzgxeB5MRRz5Q/s400/keeper.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red arrow still visible right before mile 25</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwFNcyr5jrBZDTm6IvPNMyET6IOj9ha3lp-54v61zqpJwfbEpRqPeSPvc5N4C1ZQSvYjPna57Co2UwkgcFHh3h93Y4HLABgoZ3486L4rkj60xwDmRnmw1jxDGvmzgxeB5MRRz5Q/s1600/keeper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>I was lucky enough to be a part of it too.<br />
There were several races taking place on Sunday. I lined up for the 8 AM start of the Full Marathon. We shared the start with the half marathoners, too.<br />
It was a beautiful October morning. The temps were predicted to get unseasonably warm, but at the start it was around 60 degrees and sunny.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocRVNSoEIWRX87nw0CoFYoJ-pUe-4JQ_tQqRrkJcD7NOCeYE9xe7ur70NNSvdGgeW6XirQX3S5HJtRlPIrx47bwSQjJx6B9MlLcFuTBInzmWf06OWjf9P4Oyt3pUcEVPCvgth7A/s400/LacynRandy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the starting line with my Dad</td></tr>
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There was a great crowd of runners and spectators. Unlike any year previous when the<a href="http://blog.lacyjhansen.com/2009/11/pinch-me-ive-got-to-be-dreaming.html"> Heart of Wichita Marathon</a> started in Derby.<br />
The race started right on time and the crowd was very thick for the first 1/4 mile or so.<br />
The loud speakers were placed all along the Arkansas River. It was great to have music cranked as we embarked on our 26.2 mile trek. I quickly said hello to many people as the herd started to find it's pace. It's wonderful knowing so many people in this running community!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the start with one of many great training partners, Brad.</td></tr>
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The race headed directly into downtown. There wasn't a ton of spectators, but there were enough to make some noise. By mile three we were headed into the College Hill Neighborhood and the crowds got very thick. Mile three is one block from our house and I was so surprised to see several of our neighbors out on Douglas cheering. I doubt they were out there for me, but it's nice to hear your name as you pass.<br />
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The course ran around College Hill park just before mile 4. Again, I was lucky enough to cross several friend's paths. Many people were out to support the runners, that was a wonderful feeling!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gpphoto.zenfolio.com/p953886559/h118bc568#hb56260f">Nearing Mile 4 in College Hill Park</a></td></tr>
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Just before mile 5 the race entered the Crown Heights Neighborhood. I came across an "unofficial" aid station here. Small kids were out with their parents filling Dixie cups with Powerade. That was wonderful. That sort of attitude has never existed in Wichita's Marathon past. It was another early sign of a great race future.<br />
It was also near here that the half marathon course split from the full marathon.<br />
I was able to met up with some runners I had gotten acquainted with through the <a href="http://www.dailymile.com/">Daily Mile</a>. We shared our hopeful finish times and entered into Eastborough. This part of the course switches back through a neighborhood park. We had our first distant glances at the front runners. Many of them were our friends and/or acquaintances. It was great to shout out to them before we made the turn ourselves.<br />
I also saw my friend, April Gochenour. She and I expected to be close in the race, however she had a strong lead on me from the beginning. She looked strong and was very far ahead of me.<br />
We made the turn as another live band played in the park. This was the third live performance of the course.<br />
We left Eastborough and quickly entered the Rockwood neighborhood. I was still running with the same group of runners at this point. It was nice to have a few faces to chat with as the paces clipped off.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rounding mile 7 with an incredible group of runners</td></tr>
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The course took it's first of two trips through Rockwood. The neighborhood is completely covered by trees. This was especially helpful as it was still very sunny and the temps were starting to climb. This was also the first time we encountered early starters. There was a full marathon start at 7 AM as well. My path was coming up behind some of them and I was also being crossed by others. This particular street, Armour, was also the return path into Rockwood, just before mile 11. It would have been useful for early starters to have a different bib color. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading to mile 8</td></tr>
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I'm not sure of all the names of the neighborhoods between mile 8-10. These miles were the most twisting miles. This part of the course included sidewalks and footbridges. One sidewalk was a neighborhood bike and walking path that served as a connector between two neighborhoods. This was a nice scenic route, but it was definitely not great for momentum and pace. <br />
I was fortunate enough to see a running partner and her new born baby just before the sidewalk started. I hadn't seen the baby yet and his little wave was just what I needed to get my mind off the side stitch I was developing.<br />
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Another personal bonus was coming up at mile 9.5. My <a href="http://www.bowersmassage.com/">massage therapist, Nancy Bowers</a>, lives right on the course. She had offered her house to Kenton and Judah as a pit stop, as they were keeping up with me on the course by bike. Not only were they all there cheering at the house, she had food, water, and honey sticks for the runners. She's a marathoner. She gets it. My son had a blast hanging out at her house and passing out treats to the runners.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son and my massage therapist's daughter passing out honey sticks at mile 9.5</td></tr>
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By mile 10 my little group had changed. One had pressed on with a quicker pace, others had fallen back. I was traveling along through the wonderful shade of Woodlawn Village with a new friend named Greg. He'd been with me since mile 6. We kept together as we passed several groups of spectators. Many were out for one specific runner, but some were out in their drives to show their support for all. I passed many people I knew. Whether they were out for their family, or an early starter taking a pit stop, and even a few people hollering my name that I wasn't sure how they knew me, it was wonderful to be nearly to the half and feel such support. Greg asked after the 5th time I heard my name,<br />
"Does everybody know you?"<br />
Later on twitter I read a tweet,<br />
"I just heard @lacyjhansen's running partner ask, "Does everyone know you?"<br />
I felt so surrounded by a community on Sunday, that's for sure.<br />
The race entered back into Rockwood, just like I saw previously with the early starters. At this point the course was two lanes thick of runners. It was awesome to see such a strong group coming. This really opened my eyes to how large the field had grown to.<br />
Before the route turned back west, my new friend Greg bid me goodbye as he was going to pull back. I wished him well and pressed on.<br />
I was still feeling good. I was happy to engage the crowd, when there was one. I kept telling them thank you for coming out, or simply wishing them a good morning. This seemed to waken a quiet crowd. It was great to have people out, but the runners needed some noise!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrI_37cnE5rIH8rEqRZft4bavd6QozFzk4iQtt3saeeRMjClkcd4G8KeySH_63maOmNeWYCLKGn2NLIBeL4XzjXZeDfWpUox4YnUUFSvJS2d5YH7eefjlFEWiT3mbu2K1RiFZuGQ/s1600/DSCN4875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>The route quickly ended up back in the Crown Heights Neighborhood. Mile 12 was in Crown Heights north. They were ready for runners. They had signs welcoming us and several people were lining the streets. There was music playing and even a block party celebration going on. This was my favorite part of the entire day. That was the best spirit all morning. I was just so proud of that neighborhood. Instead of griping about the street closings, they supported the entire event.<br />
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Just before the half we headed pass <a href="http://www.watermarkbooks.com/">Watermark Books</a>. Several of their employees are runners and were running that day. They had live music in the parking lot and a nice crowd enjoying 26.2 cent cups of coffee from the cafe. <br />
The arrows pointed me back into College Hill. Mile 13.1 was on my street. There was a bright sign on a brick street that it was halfway over. The bricks don't bother me. I learned to run on that very street, I'm used to it. However I know others didn't like the footing. The surface wasn't an issue, but I was having issues by that point. I noticed I was fading. My energy had dropped. I wasn't having fun anymore. I got worried, there was a lot of pavement to cover still.<br />
As we were sent back west down Douglas, the very route we had started on, I met up with another runner, DJ. He and I had briefly met a few time in the last 6 months. Now we were both in stride with each other, noticing the gentle downhill back into downtown.<br />
DJ and I had covered several miles throughout the morning near each other and now we were sticking close once more. We lost each other just as the route turned onto the brick streets of Old Town. As I passed <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=first+gear+wichita+ks&fb=1&gl=us&hq=first+gear&hnear=Wichita,+KS&cid=3164175520934051415">First Gear</a>, one of the local running stores, I saw <a href="http://www.kansas.com/2010/10/10/1536510/prairie-fire-half-marathon-results.html">Raquel Stucky</a> up on the steps stretching. I hadn't learned that she just won the woman's half marathon portion of the race. She hollered at me and I waved. It was nice to have any distraction at this point.<br />
The route had begun sharing the course with the half marathoners once more back near mile 12. By my mile 15 through Old Town Square, most of the half marathoners I saw were walking the course.<br />
I passed through Old Town and headed up towards St. Francis Hospital. I had been able to see April anytime the stretch ahead of me was straight. I hadn't seen her in a while due to all the turns. Because of the early start bibs being the same colors as the regular start a volunteer told me I was the 7th female. I was a little surprised at this news, but assumed he was wrong. I just hadn't seen that many females ahead of me.<br />
I caught up to another friend. Jon has been running with my Saturday morning group most of the summer. Jon's a super hero. I joke and say he's nine-tenths leg. On his first marathon attempt in Wichita last October, he won. With some crazy fast time like 2:40 or something. When I saw him he was walking. Obviously he was not having a good day. We all thought his super powers would make up for the holes in his training. Apparently even Superman can't skip too many long runs. We ran together all the way past mile 19. It was quiet and hard. The half marathoners had turned off for their final miles into the finish and we were all alone. As we entered into beautiful Riverside, I didn't think I could keep up with wounded Superman. We ran through Oak Park and watched the disc golfers play their rounds. We crossed over the river and saw the awesome Riverside Castle. We turned through another shaded, quaint neighborhood. There was lots to see as we barely talked. However, there weren't many people there to see us. A few faithfuls were out ready to catch their runner. There was one cowbell just before an aid station, but other than the deep breathing of Jon and me, it was disappointingly quiet.<br />
To my surprise Jon pushed me on after the aid station. He said he couldn't stay with me. I couldn't believe it. I felt horrible for him. I assumed his altered state was still going to smoke mine.<br />
I carried on along the residential street. One side was houses, the other was Sims Golf Course. The route followed the golf course for quite a while. When the race got the toughest, the route got the loneliest. <br />
While it was still mostly shaded, the weather had made a complete shift. The clouds had completely covered the sky and a cool breeze had lowered the temperatures. I really hadn't noticed. I was just doing the deduction of distance with each passing step.<br />
As the path began it's course out of the golf course, a literal loop was required to fullfil the distance. I came across a friend who was riding his bike. He told me there was water up ahead and gave me hope that maybe this race was coming to an end. <br />
As I began my switchback, I saw Aprils' face for the first time the whole morning. She was headed out as I was headed in. This is where the whole race changed for me.<br />
I gave an interview this week and I think the writer captured the rest of the race very well. All of this happened as we were routed out of the golf course, through the literal Ghost town of The Old Cowtown Museum, pass the Art Museum, through Riverside Park, back through downtown and on the shared half marathon route. Across the Keeper of the Plains Bridge, and finally back down the Arkansas River, across the Lewis Street Bridge, and across the finish line in front of the Hyatt.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNhX62xxWq4qAbqcrYMqPd7OxsesLKkECDZCYyfi1td3i7SFXKFPnTVIYK6-LYzezdraCSDyoGdUyXiWhhE7RKptUIOaGI4oTpbj68ZFwGj5A7gEqedt4fr0IRZPPJufvVfovtA/s320/DSCN4878.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just before mile 23, moving in to 2nd place</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNhX62xxWq4qAbqcrYMqPd7OxsesLKkECDZCYyfi1td3i7SFXKFPnTVIYK6-LYzezdraCSDyoGdUyXiWhhE7RKptUIOaGI4oTpbj68ZFwGj5A7gEqedt4fr0IRZPPJufvVfovtA/s1600/DSCN4878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><strong>"April Gochenour</strong>, 31, of Rose Hill was in second place and running strong with <strong>Lacy Hansen</strong>, 29, of Wichita in third for the majority of the race.<br />
Hansen knew that Gochenour was a strong runner and also a friend and didn’t expect to see Gochenour until the finish.<br />
However, at mile 21, Hansen was able to see Gochenour for the first time since the beginning of the race at the switchback where Gochenour jokingly said, “Come get me”. At this point Hansen didn’t think she could catch her friend, “I was so worn out I didn't think I stood a chance.”<br />
By mile 23, Hansen had Gochenour in her sights and caught up to Gochenour. Gochenour explained to Hansen that she had hit the wall at mile 16 and was just wanting to finish.<br />
Hansen encouraged Gochenour by telling her "hang tough, you're almost done," and just hoped her own legs would carry her to the finish line as well.<br />
Hansen finished strong in second place with a time of 3:19:51 just 32 seconds shy of her personal record. Gochenour held on for third with a time of 3:23:26." (<a href="http://www.examiner.com/running-in-wichita/inaugural-prairie-fire-wichita-marathon-receives-rave-reviews-on-facebook">From Karla Gregg's Article in The Examiner</a>)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mile 25, D.E.A.D.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mile 25</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnAegNmADMFmeqlN4JixrA2yx-7718bd_hALf7qhphd4a6WuswsW2B5P1tcm3PwcD3sdgj5Ok-S1uTin7_hXWC7ddfxSyG3-0aJUgEasuC7mgsTte5AugOS_uWQfIh9HmlXS7Gw/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-10-15+at+6.04.23+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waving with all the energy I could find to Judah and Kenton</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZExmJwlkYTUj1Q6xovk3_h7HviANDqeOcZaSK8rVYQ-Wg4zm3BespJzaU51h7QTwPCoKR5dBwotCSRBSYz2YXwNfiTDMt5zxWIVf9p-OTF7euhKMPzE_HecCWXz50DBqIrbeAw/s320/Screen+shot+2010-10-14+at+3.43.52+PM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="192" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had just heard my name over the loud speakers, passed my parents and several friends.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZExmJwlkYTUj1Q6xovk3_h7HviANDqeOcZaSK8rVYQ-Wg4zm3BespJzaU51h7QTwPCoKR5dBwotCSRBSYz2YXwNfiTDMt5zxWIVf9p-OTF7euhKMPzE_HecCWXz50DBqIrbeAw/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-10-14+at+3.43.52+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son was bouncing up and down with his hand out for a high five, a reason to smile.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3:19:51</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLHOuQpNLMb-LLFNf79UFg5j0uTL9O3hylRjLWy_PeurbVbQPD0Kg4dIzESzzS57F6CAkQXe9sezHMaYwLD7KjI0d8LYawk6nYmD5h8tD1snORRARNB8bmiTb4PIFZ9GRLVnSqg/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-10-15+at+6.08.03+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgo2dZhmCme3H5zzNf5bPtARkGON30V1Rog5h4lacrKFdm3WRLHYBKldxPiLJnbX-gGOm2e9wuR-X_3bdM7WjsCPPJ7jMk2l_ca8R1ZSb6kKb8RKLqoW5b1ZXFafZSUXN0hyj2g/s320/Screen+shot+2010-10-15+at+6.08.14+PM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="214" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best part of running: Stopping!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgo2dZhmCme3H5zzNf5bPtARkGON30V1Rog5h4lacrKFdm3WRLHYBKldxPiLJnbX-gGOm2e9wuR-X_3bdM7WjsCPPJ7jMk2l_ca8R1ZSb6kKb8RKLqoW5b1ZXFafZSUXN0hyj2g/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-10-15+at+6.08.14+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Videos and pictures can not capture what it's really like to finish a marathon. As far as finishing the Prairie Fire Marathon, I had the best view. I didn't know how I was going to get to the end. I was barely moving at mile 25. I had walked through the final aid station and I didn't have anything but a <i>remembrance</i> of a desire to finish. Apparently that was enough. I didn't finish strong, I just held on. I didn't meet my hopes for that day, I just got lucky everyone else wasn't having a better day. I watched a lot of people come to grips with their humanity this past Sunday. The strong became weak. The fit became fragile. The prepared became survivors.<br />
The marathon is always a humbling experience and 10-10-10 was no exception. As I rounded the final turn of this wonderful new marathon. I was once more humbled. I was blessed enough to have had friends all along the way. And in the final strides I was being welcomed in from battle. I looked all around and had a family of believers bringing me in. I believe heaven will be like this one day. A line of those who won't give up the faith, welcoming me home. My God uses the marathon to teach me so many things. Sunday I learned that no "marathon" is run with out the love of friends. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was SPENT</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpeHtFxjqQbZ2YDNbz2Y_p7IQk0985mZrHO3BKRD3wYBcYlXfaa4dcX0YIJPVexRb9DGLCu-vKS8ybpxke38qhsJ9mhh5Gj_ad3ceHgiUp8hoSyCdyjU4xJI_SyFZBtomAGVOy5g/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-10-14+at+3.42.04+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most of my Saturday morning crew. They make me the runner I am.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhMLao8QcF6G3gyyNanVSGAA3gm7O0TOlUgnzNLgoHJ9_Aaun4uDKT5YL7z0iSk26wDDLabhmX3RCV8_24r_xNfcfI2AJUFNPluohtx7mw8SvNZ3Su7ZKzfI_hHe2WYZnvT6R5Q/s1600/group+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25OK6DgnLDug5cTfwCAsEOGSLUJrGOHdJI-NPtu-USkuAWvjUyvOIcVQaVUltQLFr31wqnyqSprzcHSVJvhiV_hf5fT7rszLTx7EWIbOoEJ8PwkGNPDTJBXbN3hC9itTnIvKf1w/s400/lacy+and+dad+post.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Dad after his Half Marathon PR. He started this all. I wouldn't have gone 1 mile without him.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25OK6DgnLDug5cTfwCAsEOGSLUJrGOHdJI-NPtu-USkuAWvjUyvOIcVQaVUltQLFr31wqnyqSprzcHSVJvhiV_hf5fT7rszLTx7EWIbOoEJ8PwkGNPDTJBXbN3hC9itTnIvKf1w/s1600/lacy+and+dad+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRsKerItNVsZI0xosR8IJTYSFZQAI-izaIEP8JRN5BDtE1_jyoR01LTJBzJtOiLVfLel5cj_P15vCxL_NZXzLDQyl4easNJCWGcsiur7R_RjQSTGA8s5YUQo6tyr8E3M9RDBEog/s400/Screen+shot+2010-10-15+at+6.09.18+PM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="266" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.danerunsalot.blogspot.com/">Dane Rauschenberg</a> handing out age group medal. 1st in Age Group. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRsKerItNVsZI0xosR8IJTYSFZQAI-izaIEP8JRN5BDtE1_jyoR01LTJBzJtOiLVfLel5cj_P15vCxL_NZXzLDQyl4easNJCWGcsiur7R_RjQSTGA8s5YUQo6tyr8E3M9RDBEog/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-10-15+at+6.09.18+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Receiving Female Runner up award.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRkzD9743AGj-cR1_YhsoXfHEksJEPVW_i9hAvUE8HzWM69I9BG9L_4Y688lv7L-A-NKzZHDVeuIuHYDZgkd7mPgDRL7QfXb_Phb8XlZGFbgAsMDYrjwuMfHIsrXNKhFXILKUOQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-10-15+at+6.10.20+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTm8y549id1miGfY3-tHuegGNh47UjJDfofVsCoRNUYmljNhX8PHsuyZDh3YdeMVbWd4uQWO5ynYpDudhIJjfLQxMGKB-M2DJ3xXLeSPIlP-lDmlIxV3sp5IJBzM-Jf9P-K1GHA/s640/Screen+shot+2010-10-15+at+10.05.26+AM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="304" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see where I really fell apart towards the end. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTm8y549id1miGfY3-tHuegGNh47UjJDfofVsCoRNUYmljNhX8PHsuyZDh3YdeMVbWd4uQWO5ynYpDudhIJjfLQxMGKB-M2DJ3xXLeSPIlP-lDmlIxV3sp5IJBzM-Jf9P-K1GHA/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-10-15+at+10.05.26+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Lacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13415420941287060720noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26340080.post-52045945169307258212010-10-11T17:46:00.000-05:002010-10-11T17:46:30.722-05:00Prairie Fire Marathon Teaser Highlights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's the day after the marathon. I'm tired and sore. It's all kind of fuzzy right now. Before I dig out every story and picture, here are the highlights of our city's first urban marathon and my 6th marathon. </div><span id="goog_1025354481"></span><span id="goog_1025354482"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zbrvsNw7xMLqWbZy_8jM1fLmBj1AWvV3nRkomakbVFuvj_yhtPruxkcVJJ7oC-A7U1Gzz6DaOAZBPQcmLvs__t1wa3U0kDwtlKxonKwQvvveya04WLVvGiEl2IabowxXxYNu0A/s1600/DSCN4878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTaHrd1xT1E9yqh4sx0RHh7bPwxQwIunB0F_6MagjsVDot3QaqH-ZQy46Phllg9g1GkZjeZcfXQlbwB2bsIjFaz6Ot-JRGwO2rw7zIrrF758ptH1oFApvwlhtEpJEgH_HXpHWimQ/s1600/66251_1557842499317_1032875564_1600498_1208926_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAYdptn8lBqWLF7wpe2sI-o-HUTeMVM55EwfUMto5_s34tRFjOY8FIzfsXd8SwjiH9KYVLt_W_91omQiJBiv6nC1GI2oBQUPeb-ImlAr8aPF9I_e-_g5S3zuRaWZfjZgjsypNIg/s400/paper.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was the anonymous runner for the special marathon weekend wrap around</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_P7c7EEQ9YECjavM5B8CrVQs5Ac4hBAMucmLqmALMqazGli4pgVXGU5vng59eIY1PH4I-3kty-fe3gT5qpA0xx1X3egg6hgIWUd6dbP_eueJE0HVlcHZk8SA3U0ggreRH05Dog/s320/LacynRandy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marathon and Half Marathon Start (I'm starting with my Dad)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_P7c7EEQ9YECjavM5B8CrVQs5Ac4hBAMucmLqmALMqazGli4pgVXGU5vng59eIY1PH4I-3kty-fe3gT5qpA0xx1X3egg6hgIWUd6dbP_eueJE0HVlcHZk8SA3U0ggreRH05Dog/s1600/LacynRandy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NDambwTXCZFxM2kVZg3hJClIFUa6oYOP4JHoeBoyZu6lUEbYjBQ2x66YoJhT44efX1z8nFC0lMwxpdmj2JDuyL8O7-YtJCHnvVCuPdmNF4DPBDz_TYWWmd1EI61KS076mtOJaA/s320/DSCN4878.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where everything changed. My dear friend April lost her huge lead on me and I moved into 2nd near mile 23</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NDambwTXCZFxM2kVZg3hJClIFUa6oYOP4JHoeBoyZu6lUEbYjBQ2x66YoJhT44efX1z8nFC0lMwxpdmj2JDuyL8O7-YtJCHnvVCuPdmNF4DPBDz_TYWWmd1EI61KS076mtOJaA/s1600/DSCN4878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFO7z_yzS2UbvyjEulPY6awqMjzBLEbnznHnC0URTH6c6nH_zyjL4e15KRiQISKZUs3DDleebiGY6b7DzXFlLeNlBGpDGjYF1X2snJmyn9WXIdD_n2UPh_gq3HzoxCTtr7y4oItw/s320/66251_1557842499317_1032875564_1600498_1208926_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="214" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faking a smile and finding a 26th wind to burst it home, felt like being welcomed into heaven </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/15751500" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/15751500">Lacy Finishing 2nd Over at Prairie Fire Marathon</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3859420">Kenton & Lacy Hansen</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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</tbody></table>Lacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13415420941287060720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26340080.post-31660835743597640632010-10-06T18:00:00.000-05:002010-10-06T18:00:38.290-05:00Why Not Wichita??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
It's Taper week. The marathon is on Sunday. I've never been so busy leading up to a local race before. It's been good though. It's been rewarding to to help out and do my best to promote this inaugural race. Wichita is not a marathon city....yet. Many people are still unaware of what's really getting ready to happen. Kenton and I have really tried to use our connections and help make Wichita a marathon city.<br />
<br />
We drove the course this week and really scoped out the best places to watch from. We also got to visit with many of the businesses that are along the route. Hopefully, the buzz will spread and the city will come out on Sunday to support the runners. Spectators make the race.<br />
<br />
Some of my favorite race memories are from spectators.<br />
- Small children handing out orange slices in Boston<br />
- Kids having high five competitions in Boston, seeing who could get the most<br />
- Being offered hot bacon in OKC from a resident<br />
- Being cheered for by name (printed on bib) from someone else's mom<br />
- Reading the signs from the girls at Wellesley College (Kiss Me I'm.......)<br />
- Being cheered for by a "more cowbell" look-a-like in OKC<br />
- Being served Gatorade from Darth Vador<br />
- Having my tiny nephew and son hold up their "home-made" signs<br />
- Seeing Judah hold up a sign from his entire kindergarten class<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLh1nF7xbj5v_PS8t0VkmUbDqnMpzTPkBVJqACitu3HzeKri3-GrkDowR0g2JyIhoHUw953416m3-P7yINa-fiFzkaTsANuCpcJKh9qWzxmny_yxOGFWWxhMMDnovSJ_64Nrw3rg/s320/DSCF1219.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Fan Club in 2007</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLh1nF7xbj5v_PS8t0VkmUbDqnMpzTPkBVJqACitu3HzeKri3-GrkDowR0g2JyIhoHUw953416m3-P7yINa-fiFzkaTsANuCpcJKh9qWzxmny_yxOGFWWxhMMDnovSJ_64Nrw3rg/s1600/DSCF1219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3FU3m6zMkDDsf7xjVq2C6wi4xaPlGxx4zrWeI81x02i0MO3DDxl4nQe4anDUEwflBqM5fJs6yTqXbbKT0OQvlhidK4XDi7QjCgc8SEmmu19iWcRgcltcnvAT5uUHrR6dis2IApQ/s320/Boston'10+pt2+212.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heart Break Hill, 2010 With Mrs. Johnson's Class' sign</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3FU3m6zMkDDsf7xjVq2C6wi4xaPlGxx4zrWeI81x02i0MO3DDxl4nQe4anDUEwflBqM5fJs6yTqXbbKT0OQvlhidK4XDi7QjCgc8SEmmu19iWcRgcltcnvAT5uUHrR6dis2IApQ/s1600/Boston'10+pt2+212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Kenton is the best "Marathon Spectator" known to man. He wanted to make sure he did his part to help The Prairie Fire Marathon be the best it can be. He made a site for spectators. Here you will see info about the best locations, the location of the booked live bands, deals from local businesses, and views from the mile markers.<br />
<a href="http://seetheprairiefire.com/#">http://seetheprairiefire.com/# </a><br />
<br />
Please check it out and contact us with any updated information you have. <br />
<br />
Mostly, come out and have a blast! My massage therapist happens to live right on the route. She was making her plans for what she's going to offer the runners on Sunday. Another reason why Nancy Bowers is the best therapist in town!!<br />
<a href="http://www.bowersmassage.com/">http://www.bowersmassage.com/ </a><br />
<br />
Another local runner, Karla Gregg, developed a full review of the course and a turn by turn video.<br />
<br />
<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2LQknQzpilM?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2LQknQzpilM?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<br />
She also reviewed the course in her articles for The Examiner.<br />
<a href="http://www.examiner.com/running-in-wichita/the-wichita-experience-on-the-wichita-marathon-course-part-i">http://www.examiner.com/running-in-wichita/the-wichita-experience-on-the-wichita-marathon-course-part-i</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.examiner.com/running-in-wichita/the-wichita-experience-on-the-wichita-marathon-course-part-ii">http://www.examiner.com/running-in-wichita/the-wichita-experience-on-the-wichita-marathon-course-part-ii</a><br />
<br />
I enjoyed my training run on the course three weeks ago. It ran through my favorite parts of Wichita. One surprise gem was right before mile 24. A friend from Twitter, @jenniferlkeller, left me a message on the Red Cross sign.<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/15541460" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/15541460">Red Cross Mile 24 Shout Out</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3859420">Kenton & Lacy Hansen</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
<br />
That was so surprising to see. It was also encouraging to see the community starting to get behind our little marathon attempt. <br />
The Wichita Eagle has never covered much about local running and especially the previous marathon. I was surprised again when I got to speak to the sports writer this past week. He was preparing <i>TWO</i> stories before the marathon. To make things even more exciting, last night I got a last minute message about being in a photo shoot for a special "Wrap-Around" insert for Friday's paper. Twitter friend and local photog, @travisheying, let little 'ol me run up and down the river right in from of Wichita's "Citgo" sign. At mile 25 in Boston the gigantic Citgo sign serves as the "ALMOST THERE!!" marker. Our local Keeper of the Plains statue will signify that for us on Sunday. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJsnHp8Cw67YwApmoYIPMgsD8rLTQyghlns2qpN_jX5La5-4OLlzwCqwqYXjBB9d3fL3hkJ_yWm1BACTE6I97x-2TFCO4PLpIaeu_1rfkxkyCYRx1m3UVzWN4JxcBxm-jgnocow/s320/photoshoot+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running back and forth for the camera.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJsnHp8Cw67YwApmoYIPMgsD8rLTQyghlns2qpN_jX5La5-4OLlzwCqwqYXjBB9d3fL3hkJ_yWm1BACTE6I97x-2TFCO4PLpIaeu_1rfkxkyCYRx1m3UVzWN4JxcBxm-jgnocow/s1600/photoshoot+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLgaxtT-lHagBFbbP0XvW3MZ30tQvqwEJu2wy2d1rv4rKrVmOLtEZ3Pb8EWm1jfMJ3OTp4_zokGJ6Z6t4vOYpTIoWRThFMfAqj_knbRgEvPp0K3YfCqdA6vjiG9-CW5xkTmS7DA/s320/photoshoot1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ever so naturally pacing back and forth</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLgaxtT-lHagBFbbP0XvW3MZ30tQvqwEJu2wy2d1rv4rKrVmOLtEZ3Pb8EWm1jfMJ3OTp4_zokGJ6Z6t4vOYpTIoWRThFMfAqj_knbRgEvPp0K3YfCqdA6vjiG9-CW5xkTmS7DA/s1600/photoshoot1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilYgSWaB1XIPSwrPbG-NH9FLJvOYKFNsCy7qrOMHbw9Mqj0OWtBJ4Cq3DDSzenXGbpfcWD_8ERauxQ0TP7Yjfb-2Eva4vnzCCuV72mlCiMri1-t7xdn3BfNX7wOI_D_-sTu_Wsg/s1600/photoshoot1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>There's a buzz for sure. I've never been this involved before. But I believe it can be great. Here's to hoping Sunday will start a new era in Wichita. Here's to Wichita's first year as a Marathon City!!Lacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13415420941287060720noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26340080.post-29955976194801073212010-10-04T15:25:00.000-05:002010-10-04T15:25:21.594-05:00Rosstoberfest 5k 2010The marathon is about 10-14 days earlier than it has previously been in Wichita. That's fine. My only dilemma was deciding if I could participate in the neighborhood 5K so close to the marathon? Judah wanted to run the kids race and my parents were already signed up. I also kinda wanted to see if I could add to my beer glass collection. I've run the Rosstoberfest 5K every year and 10/2 was the third annual.So against better judgment I signed up for a 5K one week before the marathon. I ran with my group at 6 AM and covered 8 miles. And then I lined up to run 3.1 more miles at 9:30. <br />
I had no plans about how I was going to run, not until I saw I was the lead female.<br />
Since the charming course winds through College Hill, the route loops several round-a-bouts. At the first round-a-bout I saw only men make the loop.<br />
So once more against better judgement I thought, "how many times are you going to get this chance?" I went for it with what I thought was still a moderate pace pulling ahead to win my first 5k.<br />
Rosstoberfest has one of the best local courses, if you like unique features over great running surfaces.<br />
<br />
I ran the brick streets, the looping round-a-bouts, the park paths, and finally off the pavement through the grass and up the College Hill sledding hill straight to the finish line.<br />
When I saw the clock I thought maybe I might set a PR, but I just ran out of gas. I clocked a 19:58. That's 2 seconds slower than my personal record. That's ok, I'm tapering afterall.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxUZy2CgeOp-Cla9opSFKXif3bH_RN9ZyFcO0pjipoatrc-2dbbyVgnOAw6zaMuSlDGOoivxoZsSmy6ALOYIPi7PdLEgnag71yOsS0GwGumo3eFDo57fiboVOlrPjxV6uB4pCYQ/s400/RSCN4854.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Morning for a 5K!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxUZy2CgeOp-Cla9opSFKXif3bH_RN9ZyFcO0pjipoatrc-2dbbyVgnOAw6zaMuSlDGOoivxoZsSmy6ALOYIPi7PdLEgnag71yOsS0GwGumo3eFDo57fiboVOlrPjxV6uB4pCYQ/s1600/RSCN4854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>I later learned that the next female was minutes behind me. I guess I could have taken it easier. I was just very lucky. Last year I ran one second faster and came in 6th place overall. The fast girls didn't show up this year. The men's division was not so scattered however. New records were set and several finished under 16 minutes within seconds of each other. <br />
There's a great celebration after the race. Beer and brats for the runners and this year Freddy's Frozen Custard showed up too. I got to see several friends and chat with lots of people. One them being Mrs. <a href="http://fairweatherrunner.blogspot.com/">Fairweather Runner</a> and parts of her posse. The race actually passed her house twice. Her fan club had nice cozy lawn chairs and a stereo pumping as I passed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVJY9VEqp8BwO6AMd31qM1fLwtNpoIlPb1v0HsX_sT3RjX4YI2MPNol-u60JooBQWcPNb8cLqpluV2J3dx-CKxnVkmP1AK356VK7bFU7zt_Od8MCBH5RKiBmPikfba43374rowA/s320/DSCN4840.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie, Beka (Fairweather Runner), and Me</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVJY9VEqp8BwO6AMd31qM1fLwtNpoIlPb1v0HsX_sT3RjX4YI2MPNol-u60JooBQWcPNb8cLqpluV2J3dx-CKxnVkmP1AK356VK7bFU7zt_Od8MCBH5RKiBmPikfba43374rowA/s1600/DSCN4840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>After a bit of chatting and catching my breath the calls for the one mile start were being made. I had to go fish Judah out of the playground and have him dump the sand out of his shoes. (Every runner does that before the big race, right?")<br />
Like a true runner, he did not sport the event shirt at the race. He lined up with several kids and waited for the signal. He wanted to run alone again. We screamed as he passed and then went to the top of the hill to wait for him. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitoG-v-GxwZgMoZXmIUOsDSt92LkeHxHBwOHbssOLrw7ZBhIOSfbCzAf7CKQsZaJaTj2b4NvAib77HQeVWau3J0B0Svvtp-jeQFYWWZFQX49r73KxHGxppFQfBV5HWhzRQmLHHew/s320/DSCN4842.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KIDS For Ross 1 Mile</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitoG-v-GxwZgMoZXmIUOsDSt92LkeHxHBwOHbssOLrw7ZBhIOSfbCzAf7CKQsZaJaTj2b4NvAib77HQeVWau3J0B0Svvtp-jeQFYWWZFQX49r73KxHGxppFQfBV5HWhzRQmLHHew/s1600/DSCN4842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zsztT5fXGgQJIQ8vCeTuCnCJnuAdUZaodeRdGMLJ5aGMAuuAqY_uq8Soy36R-BcrjQUZndAfqXZWkJ2D17cWFm1I0EIuA58aKlZypTaDQkLgUOrHT3-A_-lI1uPIgGLx4UDYyg/s320/DSCN4843.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And they're off!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zsztT5fXGgQJIQ8vCeTuCnCJnuAdUZaodeRdGMLJ5aGMAuuAqY_uq8Soy36R-BcrjQUZndAfqXZWkJ2D17cWFm1I0EIuA58aKlZypTaDQkLgUOrHT3-A_-lI1uPIgGLx4UDYyg/s1600/DSCN4843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbpWisN9xFwZ3lMaROkHugBGgS05D6xq-EoO3I8kbnVdYKWozBybBHZI4VQrADJWp58qtirq60cjayhchlAVLgMOFfXaV8yjbCsjKjfPmEK-ppHbFhimWAHv1efHgWyInIXT-Gw/s320/DSCN4845.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final Stretch up the hill</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbpWisN9xFwZ3lMaROkHugBGgS05D6xq-EoO3I8kbnVdYKWozBybBHZI4VQrADJWp58qtirq60cjayhchlAVLgMOFfXaV8yjbCsjKjfPmEK-ppHbFhimWAHv1efHgWyInIXT-Gw/s1600/DSCN4845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYy6EhD-AKPWRNzOakFPG4v12qRYOsHQkr_eH57W0o9nT0EI0Hm0-3e49wHC2dfErukF1CpVa0mrDCa_mPxuOIqq6SNjjLFniOVmHqsNsIPOxedUg_Uc3gmOI4G3L4rmr2vQEAFg/s320/DSCN4846.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Judah giving it his all</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYy6EhD-AKPWRNzOakFPG4v12qRYOsHQkr_eH57W0o9nT0EI0Hm0-3e49wHC2dfErukF1CpVa0mrDCa_mPxuOIqq6SNjjLFniOVmHqsNsIPOxedUg_Uc3gmOI4G3L4rmr2vQEAFg/s1600/DSCN4846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>The kid;s race is always the best part of the day for us. Judah set a new PR by nearly a full minute. We were so proud of him. As he ran the hill we forgot any other parents were watching their kids and screamed and yelled as he passed. Between me, Kenton, and my parents, he had a whole swarm of adults running after him as he finished.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4xS7KSGF-Os3WIBe3Tqm_8V3hQoqvoTiHU2d6m2qOKyV2sT5QbgjeP49l8MNk8UR4kPxmGKf0zurnqIEUSJQUmqZqhzDvRD3Ghk2NXuwd8FFnLBSgZSsxg553omGErdm8UDzXA/s320/DSCN4847.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Judah's 9:07 Finish</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4xS7KSGF-Os3WIBe3Tqm_8V3hQoqvoTiHU2d6m2qOKyV2sT5QbgjeP49l8MNk8UR4kPxmGKf0zurnqIEUSJQUmqZqhzDvRD3Ghk2NXuwd8FFnLBSgZSsxg553omGErdm8UDzXA/s1600/DSCN4847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
He promptly crossed the line and got 2 scoops of frozen custard! He's exactly 1/2 of each of his parents!<br />
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A "friend" from<a href="http://www.dailymile.com/"> Daily Mile</a> brought his little boy to run the one miler too. His little guy, Brayden, is about a year younger than Judah. Brayden clocked an amazing 8:37. He took home first place and Judah took home second.<br />
Before the day was over I was now real-life friends with Daily Miler, Jeremiah, and his speedster of a son, Brayden.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6CpCDv9AjQOSqVSaN403-hYHXNXcbkBHojffKk6eNXiQh23BXquvURNO0CbZY-YksjhxY8wXfWX7GLZ4GQMHkNsDhCryFmXYld8AGKiFbi7u2s7lUkP3EWrjMr4aQbPlD7JEbAQ/s320/DSCN4844.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brayden and Jeremiah </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6CpCDv9AjQOSqVSaN403-hYHXNXcbkBHojffKk6eNXiQh23BXquvURNO0CbZY-YksjhxY8wXfWX7GLZ4GQMHkNsDhCryFmXYld8AGKiFbi7u2s7lUkP3EWrjMr4aQbPlD7JEbAQ/s1600/DSCN4844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>The boys worked hard for these medals. Judah also ate his weight in custard and brats!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPx2ammbQvGeDkV_1IvUJviY_E9HqNCROqMdQ6qi2RRpjZJurN3LNNxGm49GdvL9hdiHWfB30EKZCQ9cOAN4jPC63AgbDBJ8zsxoQCpjlVT6pNx60QRK69_NpAliVPX7Vmq_I5g/s320/DSCN4853.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite runners of the day!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPx2ammbQvGeDkV_1IvUJviY_E9HqNCROqMdQ6qi2RRpjZJurN3LNNxGm49GdvL9hdiHWfB30EKZCQ9cOAN4jPC63AgbDBJ8zsxoQCpjlVT6pNx60QRK69_NpAliVPX7Vmq_I5g/s1600/DSCN4853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
I was able to take home another beer glass to add to my collection and much to my surprise they paid me for my overall finish. All questions about whether I should have run went right out the window!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxNd9LuQmg8hTCL_Sc3m3h0KxQ-qkj2qHH2DLXOSF4xuR9wdgYf-WshKM9ukbdq2X6_c_7a_nk02II' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>I didn't know there was prize money, or a video going. I was totally surprised and very humbled. I know that my time wasn't all that fast for most races. I guess it was just my day.<br />
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<br />
(Oh and the results and the paper have me listed at 19:45. I wish! The picture, the Garmin, and the original results all say 19:58)<br />
<a href="http://runwichita.org/siteadmin/raceresults_file/401.txt">http://runwichita.org/siteadmin/raceresults_file/401.txt</a><br />
<a href="http://www.kansas.com/2010/10/03/1524433/rosstoberfest-5k.html">http://www.kansas.com/2010/10/03/1524433/rosstoberfest-5k.html </a>Lacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13415420941287060720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26340080.post-51039337510791738742010-09-17T12:57:00.000-05:002010-09-17T12:57:20.458-05:00The Times They Are A Changin'These new sights have caught my eye the past week while I was out running. They make me very happy. While out in Colorado, I felt so much safer on the road. They have several bike lanes and just an all around better attitude about bikers and runners sharing the road. In Boston I was confused why the cars kept stopping for <i>me</i>. It's refreshing to think Wichita might become a healthier city very soon!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiACj4QiUC7sR3kjE-um0Rn9_XTCqutejIXxb83Y5z-G55EjVkjNgrBHtBh0OJBAERNVmEtKF-JGCFqUHQ4pRsxtTid2fZzhVVcv327BQ4DfOjypj9pP5IXsTHOp4yrTRPbifew/s400/share+the+road+sign" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Several of these signs are covering the east side of town!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgcbwPNg562zPLa32mtY6W_puzr9p8w7Y9djeWAZdp9AONQB7ASIcsfdNiUYzq1jgtgFBux4w5A2UGgsmsL1h8KKzIenDh5q-E0KKcPiwwFQVUUwdqvbOQglAkw_cEeXdBlvpLQ/s400/bike+path" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd Street Bike way is really happening!! Being painted as we speak!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiACj4QiUC7sR3kjE-um0Rn9_XTCqutejIXxb83Y5z-G55EjVkjNgrBHtBh0OJBAERNVmEtKF-JGCFqUHQ4pRsxtTid2fZzhVVcv327BQ4DfOjypj9pP5IXsTHOp4yrTRPbifew/s1600/share+the+road+sign" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgcbwPNg562zPLa32mtY6W_puzr9p8w7Y9djeWAZdp9AONQB7ASIcsfdNiUYzq1jgtgFBux4w5A2UGgsmsL1h8KKzIenDh5q-E0KKcPiwwFQVUUwdqvbOQglAkw_cEeXdBlvpLQ/s1600/bike+path" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Friday!</div>Lacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13415420941287060720noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26340080.post-78261519268086187812010-09-10T12:17:00.000-05:002010-09-10T12:17:40.387-05:0010-10-10That convenient little date is exactly one month from today. Many organizations have tried to jump on that catchy set of numbers for their event. The Chicago Marathon and The Boston Athletic Association Half Marathon just to name a few.<br />
Another organization, closer to my home jumped on it too. 10-10-10 will mark the date of the first ever Prairie Fire Marathon. Wichita retired it's 30 year old, "Heart of Wichita Marathon," last October. An obscure 26.2 mile run from the small town of Derby through the outskirts of Sedgwick county and finally a few tiny miles into an unaware part of Wichita. No one knew it was happening, except for the runners and their families. So, about 300-400 people total even knew about it. The paper didn't report on it. The 3 major news stations didn't mention a word. But you better believe all the news fronts are always front and center when the local animal shelter has an event in the park with dogs and their owners for a social gathering...... but I digress. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3wAxHIX59l1q6I0JgQuxI_u19ex1DPZGp0DNihUZB5HsbPwtfZN0r0hA_UlhTm2xkrC5QorhpCCTJ7ZNKc8O-3EGzPgZUpXiRXM_4iVWhRwmV4dpxGhJTGwPovg5qBCfAtBumw/s1600/press+invite" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3wAxHIX59l1q6I0JgQuxI_u19ex1DPZGp0DNihUZB5HsbPwtfZN0r0hA_UlhTm2xkrC5QorhpCCTJ7ZNKc8O-3EGzPgZUpXiRXM_4iVWhRwmV4dpxGhJTGwPovg5qBCfAtBumw/s320/press+invite" /></a></div>So a year ago, word was given to show up at the arena for a press conference regarding this "new" marathon that was supposedly in the works. <br />
<br />
I attended and listened to all the buzz.<br />
<br />
It was actually exciting to be present for the start of a new season. Like so many of my fellow runners had mentioned, "Why not Wichita?" Cities similar to our size have huge success with their races. From the high particpation to to incredible support of the spectators. In less than 10 years, our neighbors to the south, Oklahoma City, turned their marathon into a top 10 "must run" race.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENADe9mavBX3svNN762AdQIpHEzcJ9DQrFunwCMDbV0d-8rZ3ecxDB54jHfLyNVcQ04DwYsjPx-RKDMjiHK2YNJqGZncA6EdZPeD1vtAHyN-NK_AwkOmV_QCRTX2R7bp-ajJF0A/s1600/press+conference" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENADe9mavBX3svNN762AdQIpHEzcJ9DQrFunwCMDbV0d-8rZ3ecxDB54jHfLyNVcQ04DwYsjPx-RKDMjiHK2YNJqGZncA6EdZPeD1vtAHyN-NK_AwkOmV_QCRTX2R7bp-ajJF0A/s320/press+conference" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">11-9-09, I look so serious and skeptical. I was just listening :) </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table> They announced that the new marathon would include a half marathon, a relay, and the Mayor's 5K Challenge. However, possibly the best announcement was that the course was brand new and get this, it's actually going to go through the city of Wichita!! How clever :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5iB_7kpFOqkalOUBzAodOLTjjZYN1djDuRr73Qcrp35_gQtK7-b5mVbGaf4cwoXz91rAXdaGJJOO4aySXi_jYJJT-TNb6QYcSCBbqgCKSqJDH7Mt3FoBOFSPVhEKGSyRKbSx_pg/s1600/pfm+press" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5iB_7kpFOqkalOUBzAodOLTjjZYN1djDuRr73Qcrp35_gQtK7-b5mVbGaf4cwoXz91rAXdaGJJOO4aySXi_jYJJT-TNb6QYcSCBbqgCKSqJDH7Mt3FoBOFSPVhEKGSyRKbSx_pg/s320/pfm+press" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prairie Fire Marathon Press Conference </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The map was introduced later and it's going to go right pass our neighborhood and through a lot of the area we already train at. It's going to tour the main hubs in the central part of the city. Some are upset about the amount of turns, but I honestly have no opinion, I just want to support my city's new race. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIbiZDvqZYfxkDmw4HZrUPZecQBiJnxg2YaJ29hPITkUlnPZZsGOKWbJ8UD3cCNWO65ZXuhtzatofEjQEDeaFxpVK8LQctYXfE7dICVJ9aqd8Xyrh8OMT9mVukmqE2DmW3g4pOA/s1600/Marathonmap.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIbiZDvqZYfxkDmw4HZrUPZecQBiJnxg2YaJ29hPITkUlnPZZsGOKWbJ8UD3cCNWO65ZXuhtzatofEjQEDeaFxpVK8LQctYXfE7dICVJ9aqd8Xyrh8OMT9mVukmqE2DmW3g4pOA/s320/Marathonmap.gif" /></a></div>I'm sure there are things to complain about, but I'm just excited to hear a lot of people say they're going to run one of the events and most of them have new run before! That's a victory right there. Usually the only thing this city gets excited about is food, so this could be a new season.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloTEi1WeIA2Pb2EkhfzHwlH0oXGfcGLW6_lAy-OGNzpnF2Omv13b_HL3SJJLONiNsSKhbyOR8-CznmI2G8_aCZrMWArn6r_il_DX8D2bsMhh9gjyHr5TM2zmiZdcAMmw2Uh_3HQ/s1600/pic+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloTEi1WeIA2Pb2EkhfzHwlH0oXGfcGLW6_lAy-OGNzpnF2Omv13b_HL3SJJLONiNsSKhbyOR8-CznmI2G8_aCZrMWArn6r_il_DX8D2bsMhh9gjyHr5TM2zmiZdcAMmw2Uh_3HQ/s320/pic+002.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My "Fire Starter" Shirt</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjqOYP68gxLR0VJTq43blM6fbCBEWMlhEkKtaJOyr_vB0coBXhM2foXUkqn6Pcb1AJWv4r3pg-XsSXNtvpK7lFFyBbTIkZ6UunLVQb3u8wciZEaxKAI4Tw8VIve73S_GZ-97Ntw/s1600/pic+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjqOYP68gxLR0VJTq43blM6fbCBEWMlhEkKtaJOyr_vB0coBXhM2foXUkqn6Pcb1AJWv4r3pg-XsSXNtvpK7lFFyBbTIkZ6UunLVQb3u8wciZEaxKAI4Tw8VIve73S_GZ-97Ntw/s320/pic+003.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet "Sparky," and yeah, I think he's got fire coming out his back end too!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So, I guess that's my official annoucement rgarding my fall marathon plans. I plan to run my heart out on 10-10-10. I plan to support my city's new marathon and once more be changed by putting my body, mind, and soul through such a challenge.<br />
If you've never dared to take on the 26.2 monster, I implore you to be brave. It's worth it. Once you cross that finish line (whether running, walking, or crawling), for the rest of your life you'll know that anything is possible.<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1399322360"><br />
</a><br />
<a href="http://www.prairiefiremarathon.com/front_page">http://www.prairiefiremarathon.com/front_page</a>Lacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13415420941287060720noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26340080.post-24630151626307233842010-09-08T15:08:00.000-05:002010-09-08T15:08:41.647-05:00We So Crazy!So what do you do just hours after a Mountain 1/2 Marathon? Sleep? Rest? Ice bath? Stretch? Nah!!!!!<br />
You haul your mountain bikes up the ski lifts and attempt to ride down on the trails!!! Right?<br />
<br />
Sometimes even I think I have problems. However, I knew within hours the muscle pain would be so intense I wouldn't be able to try mountain biking, so I ate lunch and headed back out.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gzN0eBJig76wcIFcEH3AbJ29gv-5u627DAqn0IXel9cHrOo_lo5a9QmLJbM7AlxGQZZUqj5KCXtqz2WEhIyL4ALWFE1tDmLBYY5wojAtDCe4epynGuLy7HxbYcA0mIer5lVnrg/s1600/lacy+pre+bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gzN0eBJig76wcIFcEH3AbJ29gv-5u627DAqn0IXel9cHrOo_lo5a9QmLJbM7AlxGQZZUqj5KCXtqz2WEhIyL4ALWFE1tDmLBYY5wojAtDCe4epynGuLy7HxbYcA0mIer5lVnrg/s320/lacy+pre+bike.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silly little Kansas girl, what are you doing?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kenton and I rode the gondola up to the fun park and then got on the lifts to take us and our bikes to the top of the peak. We really didn't know what all we were getting into, but that's not our style to analyze things too much. (Like, checking into the details of a mountain race you sign up for to learn it's going to take you up 12,500 feet...) Besides, we'd probably never do much if we knew all the details!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkcPu5QA9sEzSXhrOtSp7VkEFYej0pbqTbyoaM0mqCmWJMV7M20BydfzkurBCSq09Qi3pnH_-PWaI1aesRF01sF7q5qgKV4K0WUh27Bw_7FtEtV658e_tb8XSDP5fHCgCRik1-g/s1600/kenton+pre+bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkcPu5QA9sEzSXhrOtSp7VkEFYej0pbqTbyoaM0mqCmWJMV7M20BydfzkurBCSq09Qi3pnH_-PWaI1aesRF01sF7q5qgKV4K0WUh27Bw_7FtEtV658e_tb8XSDP5fHCgCRik1-g/s320/kenton+pre+bike.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't get too attached to those shorts!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So we got up to the top, put on our helmets and followed the signs, how hard could it be, right?<br />
<br />
After the first switchback, I was scared! I have pad breaks and I guess disc brakes are really what you need up there. I got real friendly with pumping my brakes as to not lock them and skid out of control.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgne7HZGjAUaN7QRM5B1iOFewDgSUIiQmqlP8u9ANkBOTZCSjotPGma91tZE4Gvk3RJ3Mw0utelKBOznURcY8z8aw1m0LLb2AkLc8BPmEp_j4W-j1Giox8lGubiDPSFgu6zk6EQ/s1600/kenton+mid+bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgne7HZGjAUaN7QRM5B1iOFewDgSUIiQmqlP8u9ANkBOTZCSjotPGma91tZE4Gvk3RJ3Mw0utelKBOznURcY8z8aw1m0LLb2AkLc8BPmEp_j4W-j1Giox8lGubiDPSFgu6zk6EQ/s320/kenton+mid+bike.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It didn't seem so hard to Kenton...yet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kenton was more comfortable than I was, even though he had to stop me once to see if I "meant to do that?" There were plenty of runs that I just held on and hoped it would level out before the turn.<br />
I watched one rider wipe out, jump up, dust off, and take off again. That didn't help me get more comfortable.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMZ4tUzqA2AH1kE6HykC7x8P0Ady5Li8b_rsEwSiqlYHvVu7WOv-6DQyaZGNquamyeFnwM-g3GXpbhA3T-DXO3ErninWy4gqlxz0kVYzmIrTamYPwNT8Bbzt8gJ1V5yWhyGd6WA/s1600/lacy+mid+bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMZ4tUzqA2AH1kE6HykC7x8P0Ady5Li8b_rsEwSiqlYHvVu7WOv-6DQyaZGNquamyeFnwM-g3GXpbhA3T-DXO3ErninWy4gqlxz0kVYzmIrTamYPwNT8Bbzt8gJ1V5yWhyGd6WA/s320/lacy+mid+bike.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not enough O2 to grow up there</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We stopped for a minute so I could, uh, you know 'find a tree.' And then Kenton took the lead. He took it alright. Right around a turn too fast and laid the bike down really hard. He jumped up to reveal new scrapes and shredded pants. (Later we realized it went all the way through to the skin and he earn quite a nice wound on his tail...awesome, "we paid for this?")<br />
<br />
We switched trails and made it down with no more incidences. I was happy to not have increased the scrapes on my legs and that we didn't get seriously hurt.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9W7zp7FAZwGF1cxUzlHostnW_pvCrjXTMiW9x9z8gPKqd6Dc5GwelkmayUAdHkxtuHWESo2auG8C2v-KwouaP_SvFxAlCVkve6TJQZ5cYbEVXk7iTJhIJkfzIgM2GA9aQSKRWw/s1600/kenotn+post+bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9W7zp7FAZwGF1cxUzlHostnW_pvCrjXTMiW9x9z8gPKqd6Dc5GwelkmayUAdHkxtuHWESo2auG8C2v-KwouaP_SvFxAlCVkve6TJQZ5cYbEVXk7iTJhIJkfzIgM2GA9aQSKRWw/s320/kenotn+post+bike.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shredded through 2 layers, pic doesn't do justice!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I'm pretty fearless when it comes to "sacrificing my body" in the name of recreation, however, I'm not so sure I'll be adding mountain biking to my list of "interest." Kenton wasn't soured by his experience, he just wants to wear longer pants and thicker underwear next time. :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKgXxl8o7RcRHaOivZ8JcA97TRleF_NZqreR2uk01FU8UBKYTgsqBIR0b3zuTgiv6jWrM6lmaA0t4gNH2SZuDD8daTEfWvTBDMC6-1E_gkpSSCmo_Bx86S3tMQXIkUfDi4jT1uQ/s1600/lacy+post+bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKgXxl8o7RcRHaOivZ8JcA97TRleF_NZqreR2uk01FU8UBKYTgsqBIR0b3zuTgiv6jWrM6lmaA0t4gNH2SZuDD8daTEfWvTBDMC6-1E_gkpSSCmo_Bx86S3tMQXIkUfDi4jT1uQ/s320/lacy+post+bike.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know what the big deal was...*I* didn't get hurt :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13415420941287060720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26340080.post-64756619548217032852010-09-05T22:25:00.001-05:002010-09-08T14:39:00.786-05:00Breck Crest 1/2 Mountain Marathon<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4AvJL_z4rYWAQE8QKMhq_PXPYlNeb5mRKDnn4S5SQ1cYoHTGi7-6Thd7ZxJkjCwUvoQBLxL9kq5fo5DpKeO7T1RdRvbE9S-4EID-WzF5bXYEMwdV2b5a8SwSBlZhJAw_u5mUPg/s1600/IMG_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4AvJL_z4rYWAQE8QKMhq_PXPYlNeb5mRKDnn4S5SQ1cYoHTGi7-6Thd7ZxJkjCwUvoQBLxL9kq5fo5DpKeO7T1RdRvbE9S-4EID-WzF5bXYEMwdV2b5a8SwSBlZhJAw_u5mUPg/s320/IMG_0077.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boston Celebration Jacket, "My Intimidation Factor"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I left the condo to a beautiful crisp morning. It was about 45 degrees at the start. I wore my Boston Celebration jacket. I jokingly told Kenton that it was my "intimidation factor." Kenton walked down with me and we chatted in the cold morning air until it was time to line up. Thanks to social media and specifically, <a href="http://www.dailymile.com/">The Daily Mile</a>, I met a "friend" who was running before the gun went off. Brian is from Nebraska and he was just as ill prepared for this oxygen as I was. We chatted a bit and then began the race. One thing about mountain racing is that there's not much talking on the way up, no one can breathe, they're all saving what air they have.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-pbTQuo0pmXNwF6TCo82m2eK82i3AVmKWMC2LSVEr5U4v5puzWUwoIAZX7SM72IekwWYLdXnCIeOD4z0WMJ3zdBO8y6uGxPzyrvYscpPcQb-l0L_WuBXQLBsGQUgX6ja76r34w/s1600/Picture+261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-pbTQuo0pmXNwF6TCo82m2eK82i3AVmKWMC2LSVEr5U4v5puzWUwoIAZX7SM72IekwWYLdXnCIeOD4z0WMJ3zdBO8y6uGxPzyrvYscpPcQb-l0L_WuBXQLBsGQUgX6ja76r34w/s320/Picture+261.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7:30 Start</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The course quickly ran past our condo and Great Great Aunt Faye was waiting on the balcony to wave at me. I've got the best 92 year old aunt in the world!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXFbocvRZAYVVhmI20gQyMCFTeZsnHcAGFl0bu5Lt-FYvkhi4dm1HSvPU1RFl0xUZu2ZQEgfeo5W-SnqToxZodhVSnNr0IFH4Pn682lw_qUTCqLaaDEevezr17bEvdQO7JY-Nvw/s1600/2010-09-05+08.18.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXFbocvRZAYVVhmI20gQyMCFTeZsnHcAGFl0bu5Lt-FYvkhi4dm1HSvPU1RFl0xUZu2ZQEgfeo5W-SnqToxZodhVSnNr0IFH4Pn682lw_qUTCqLaaDEevezr17bEvdQO7JY-Nvw/s320/2010-09-05+08.18.41.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading up to mile 5</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Once we passed the condo it quickly hit the trails. It was beautiful and tree covered. I huffed and puffed and did my best to hold a pace. Eventually the steep grade gave way to the opening mountain range and my first "I give!, I'm walking." I wasn't alone, we were getting high. After the mile 5 aid station there were a few more tree covered yards and a tricky creek to cross on a log.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMC4eDDrI1hMF4kL7BVl8zFkI54Zlxl4Zmh3nePs-KbzYSaS_as0wx_0AdwW3zPcMfDMWJ-AVI9Tpv-74NsQPsAR4tP8N-gBUJWKnSb5RgoNiebnX2Xy2JVk8acpVKkli9yX95bQ/s1600/2010-09-05+08.32.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMC4eDDrI1hMF4kL7BVl8zFkI54Zlxl4Zmh3nePs-KbzYSaS_as0wx_0AdwW3zPcMfDMWJ-AVI9Tpv-74NsQPsAR4tP8N-gBUJWKnSb5RgoNiebnX2Xy2JVk8acpVKkli9yX95bQ/s320/2010-09-05+08.32.40.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water crossing</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>From mile 5.5 to about 6.5 it was all up hill above tree line. There was no running from anyone at that point. It was just a power hike in the strong winds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicD8UKg4dGa293eeXHKyT3ox4LTNZCSroLJFihOQXTtKjJTmBAGjcoIhfJer5rCBNrXexZbcdLirUkR7ye1YAur0YUUppKzWfa28AfoVKntKdM29cbc-9LGFdHXzvYHX8YNRi1bA/s1600/2010-09-05+08.36.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicD8UKg4dGa293eeXHKyT3ox4LTNZCSroLJFihOQXTtKjJTmBAGjcoIhfJer5rCBNrXexZbcdLirUkR7ye1YAur0YUUppKzWfa28AfoVKntKdM29cbc-9LGFdHXzvYHX8YNRi1bA/s320/2010-09-05+08.36.01.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading out of the trees about mile 5.5</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The sights were amazing but if I looked too long, I'd trip. I pulled off and snapped several pictures. All the while I was in shock.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8mkDUxl1qbKKDL-LlR4NzBlI3OFx_28BtnxbTMfdRhinz6n1RRcgd63ibedRoHV7TFabvsLaJMKQeu8trILeDxRhVeX5V-1SRIgpoT46ti39zV0aupQASyaP-G1OMavgl25Yng/s1600/2010-09-05+08.36.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8mkDUxl1qbKKDL-LlR4NzBlI3OFx_28BtnxbTMfdRhinz6n1RRcgd63ibedRoHV7TFabvsLaJMKQeu8trILeDxRhVeX5V-1SRIgpoT46ti39zV0aupQASyaP-G1OMavgl25Yng/s320/2010-09-05+08.36.05.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking runners</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I did not realize that I was going to be climbing a mountain when I signed up. I couldn't breathe, the wind was literally blowing me around, and it wasn't even half way yet!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWhMHX7naOiw4ov50xWKvSIwwTY_tI5RMlcPbWV3KODortwYvt2RXPlq9Ziiysd5kqjfA8akT8_mezsUgOX2KQKJobyBKTtzsWGM52Z6d8Va5JPS1Yfr6mUizpzh42BOSev7mKQ/s1600/2010-09-05+08.36.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWhMHX7naOiw4ov50xWKvSIwwTY_tI5RMlcPbWV3KODortwYvt2RXPlq9Ziiysd5kqjfA8akT8_mezsUgOX2KQKJobyBKTtzsWGM52Z6d8Va5JPS1Yfr6mUizpzh42BOSev7mKQ/s320/2010-09-05+08.36.15.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back at the runners (tiny ants)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPanRUJdld_8JN2fDyT9qnKpINYoeztHVHTXM1SBA6sTObR7HEjSAQ9d5uTe8Vm8lqkN12S4Ni8Zdd2RRNgaQLllK8dWW3XMIUspsJC3w4HZlihOBA1NJX4fzj5cbmHEDrjOcApg/s1600/2010-09-05+08.37.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPanRUJdld_8JN2fDyT9qnKpINYoeztHVHTXM1SBA6sTObR7HEjSAQ9d5uTe8Vm8lqkN12S4Ni8Zdd2RRNgaQLllK8dWW3XMIUspsJC3w4HZlihOBA1NJX4fzj5cbmHEDrjOcApg/s320/2010-09-05+08.37.58.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictures don't do justice!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7ZDUGhrjVE-rW4940Ip4ahEMILYA3e1-Nb_iYlcn0tsaD5A2XTGqXYvMlQrOQUQjRppFz3ySh26tjlKo1J3L9sQEtdzlRMHU06LcihP5e1d2T_IFEEL6zl8guYOTNs2hAbu3dQ/s1600/2010-09-05+08.47.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7ZDUGhrjVE-rW4940Ip4ahEMILYA3e1-Nb_iYlcn0tsaD5A2XTGqXYvMlQrOQUQjRppFz3ySh26tjlKo1J3L9sQEtdzlRMHU06LcihP5e1d2T_IFEEL6zl8guYOTNs2hAbu3dQ/s320/2010-09-05+08.47.42.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down at the tiny ants</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
I finally made it to the top. All the people below looked like ants, but I was glad to be above them and see the trail ahead. I looked down to Breckenridge and then immediately I began to enjoy my run. It was "all down hill from there." <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoW6PMVvtaO96dk3-K9CXhHT9-xSAq5vz0QJCBx68pXhNOvRP6ZyRY4yVIO7xIsU5a1hWqC9-9oGUe8ReAfgdTSH2vsZv0wNxWX1QI44jcJquoQeyw3V7L657ZUwRaXpjat8B-ZA/s1600/2010-09-05+08.47.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoW6PMVvtaO96dk3-K9CXhHT9-xSAq5vz0QJCBx68pXhNOvRP6ZyRY4yVIO7xIsU5a1hWqC9-9oGUe8ReAfgdTSH2vsZv0wNxWX1QI44jcJquoQeyw3V7L657ZUwRaXpjat8B-ZA/s320/2010-09-05+08.47.52.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up at the tiny ants</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YWM50FBqKjw-TlQaAj2ibFLD2af5eqOl57AXBJ4s0cCPZuOiSgDZmUDxeliZWQB5fWzUKdLwNLJjCV-eDjh2liQq5VhLBufIoiG6ebpud_puR-I1zY2AhrropdkBh8lnRdZOEg/s1600/2010-09-05+09.01.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YWM50FBqKjw-TlQaAj2ibFLD2af5eqOl57AXBJ4s0cCPZuOiSgDZmUDxeliZWQB5fWzUKdLwNLJjCV-eDjh2liQq5VhLBufIoiG6ebpud_puR-I1zY2AhrropdkBh8lnRdZOEg/s320/2010-09-05+09.01.47.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The very top, about 12,500. Around mile 6.5</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUQiVs_COY680Xb1eOKz1_VTZ-ZMvtRf3cfSpWpHsjqLjVmTEYux9uRcGoodx6jKcCSLZIpJwkHdREnazfZC5AF0bntfhJmvr6MLjyU7idI7N5io_WgVYjSuJwEKL9bIXpCONGg/s1600/2010-09-05+09.02.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUQiVs_COY680Xb1eOKz1_VTZ-ZMvtRf3cfSpWpHsjqLjVmTEYux9uRcGoodx6jKcCSLZIpJwkHdREnazfZC5AF0bntfhJmvr6MLjyU7idI7N5io_WgVYjSuJwEKL9bIXpCONGg/s320/2010-09-05+09.02.24.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One more peak, the it's all down hill</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlSfJBGzeQcXddo91FCuacYcoWmpTg86bwOZ1rER9YF0UlWubxCsSTnFIb703ZgyGy9p0Ifg368q1rgXX9ULdQyQ4nc-1SWLEvQfG3vmM0u-9m2k2kutgKaWETO8ybinOI19HQg/s1600/2010-09-05+09.02.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlSfJBGzeQcXddo91FCuacYcoWmpTg86bwOZ1rER9YF0UlWubxCsSTnFIb703ZgyGy9p0Ifg368q1rgXX9ULdQyQ4nc-1SWLEvQfG3vmM0u-9m2k2kutgKaWETO8ybinOI19HQg/s320/2010-09-05+09.02.32.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breckenridge down below</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
It was tricky not to lose control, but it was so great to be flying down the mountain.<br />
<br />
The path turned to service roads and they were very rocky. As long as I controlled my pace I was fine. The huge loose rocks were a little painful on my feet, but my mood had turned to pure joy. I was up in the mountains, taking in the amazing views, and enjoying every step. What a blessing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGf3aZdtoIh0DVYv6RJ8Vq0X2OQhYxBTLUvgDIBsMt345bDtLC6yFMi5qAorWpHLPAMpsCOCds6STQIxhabkAJHszmIgLgHRL009Uq_AL-ApSqwOEc3zKhtWkK715mF93hAwrQPQ/s1600/Picture+265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGf3aZdtoIh0DVYv6RJ8Vq0X2OQhYxBTLUvgDIBsMt345bDtLC6yFMi5qAorWpHLPAMpsCOCds6STQIxhabkAJHszmIgLgHRL009Uq_AL-ApSqwOEc3zKhtWkK715mF93hAwrQPQ/s320/Picture+265.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishing happy</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
The course ran on roads and finally ended up on some great wooded trails. I had breath to talk with the other runners who were just as happy as me to be heading down.<br />
Finally, we hit paved roads and crossed a few streets and it was over!<br />
I had already forgotten about how tough it was and was just so pleased that I had such a great morning. No spills, no major issues, and a joyful attitude. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAhV_NFc6dqJLwlz_p-_p8L5cwgw-yCMWyRWsj6Al_b3rKAnbgpJDoC0-QipD6u8EkScm1voodkWC6qMwaljjNqpJj_pMje2booslnAMPr86LsN5KDLSvycflUtCmw80dgmVMdNg/s1600/IMG_0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAhV_NFc6dqJLwlz_p-_p8L5cwgw-yCMWyRWsj6Al_b3rKAnbgpJDoC0-QipD6u8EkScm1voodkWC6qMwaljjNqpJj_pMje2booslnAMPr86LsN5KDLSvycflUtCmw80dgmVMdNg/s320/IMG_0083.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was whipped!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Officially I was clocked at 2:34:10. That's about an hour slower than my flatland PR, that might give you some idea of the conditions out here. I was the fourth in my age group, about 1/2 an hour behind the top female. I'll take it. Not too bad for a little Kansas girl running from 9,600 feet up to 12,500 and back.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6EdZz4w2f9-OfugJ9leMPz4ujnKB6rk0eDePFf-cz7UTSbzjUPA-_MPqxc_fQz4Hz9hNdvrLOHLQs1Up-eiZgNrxGu0RCLXnHMVyrFhvLR_o_T-1x2i3N7mM-VKVnLiXnlkC-A/s1600/brian+and+me.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6EdZz4w2f9-OfugJ9leMPz4ujnKB6rk0eDePFf-cz7UTSbzjUPA-_MPqxc_fQz4Hz9hNdvrLOHLQs1Up-eiZgNrxGu0RCLXnHMVyrFhvLR_o_T-1x2i3N7mM-VKVnLiXnlkC-A/s320/brian+and+me.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Daily Mile friend, Brian from Nebraska (Happy to be done!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxopB2K4-bjor_Eic55ZlNWTsF2xr5-PFVrC-kgAEFGHPBFvrWvBetSKkE5yIYYTVrGy-t_NNpbtCyZz1vs7oaCZ4KfWKSGd69jTjJS70G8f4olCnw-wV9gtGlAxd4vo-Xz3aUQ/s1600/IMG_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxopB2K4-bjor_Eic55ZlNWTsF2xr5-PFVrC-kgAEFGHPBFvrWvBetSKkE5yIYYTVrGy-t_NNpbtCyZz1vs7oaCZ4KfWKSGd69jTjJS70G8f4olCnw-wV9gtGlAxd4vo-Xz3aUQ/s320/IMG_0085.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A smile is better than a trophy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Lacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13415420941287060720noreply@blogger.com10