Time-flying by the seat of my pants

It's been a busy year-and finally will be taking some time for a much needed vacation to MN-stay tuned for details!  For a preview-we're road tripping it, with our 2 labs, 24 hours a little break at the half way mark and then, wait for it...we will be in MN!

Where has the time gone?

Wow, this summer has been busy! From visiting my sister in AR, meeting my new nephew, running in a 197 mile relay race from Mt. Hood to the Oregon Coast and running my 4th marathon in 365 days...and between my training, etc, I was able to fit in a little work, time has flown by. I'm ready for fall and football season and now I am taking a training break so will have a little more time on my hands.



My sissy and me

Jordan wanting me to sit next to him on his favorite sitting spot

I love spending time with my nephews!

A couple friends and me on my Hood to Coast team, we're testing out our night running gear. Pretty hot, mine didn't even make it to my run before it broke!

Mt Hood and our sign we held up periodically for the runners on Hood to Coast

Here is where I camped out for 30+ hours

September 20 was Global Mala, yogis promoting peace in Action in Pioneer Courthouse Square downtown Portland. 300+ yogis came to participate, I taught at the event. Spectacular!

Running the Portland Marathon 10/4/09. It was a tough race mentally and I got through it, I was SO happy to see that finish line! Can you find me? Hint:my attire is in the blue and green family and am the shortest runner in the mix.

www.runpix3.com/por09/00/finord.php?LastName=6085&lan&aset=0&dist=42 shows details on my finish. I finished relatively the same as last year, just a minute faster. Just like last year, I was stopped by a train, but at mile 12. My legs felt like lead the entire time following since we were stopped for 1:30-2:00. Not what any runner wants to happen, but that is life and sometimes things aren't fair. I knew I had to throw out my goal time and focus on trying to get to the finish line. It was SO hard to continue on, but so happy I did and still finished in good timing.

This year's Portland marathon was the 38th and their largest by far. Next year they will be introducing a half marathon with the full which will attract more runners. It is one of the most organized races and top 10 greenest races-everything is solar powered and volunteers man the course on their bicycles. There are so many volunteers and 19, yes 19 aid stations, the most of ANY race, it's amazing! I'm sure glad it's done, though.

26.2 times 3!

St John's bridge

The 4th of July weekend was a big weekend because not only was it a holiday weekend, I ran my 3rd marathon.!

It was important for me to run since my race in Eugene wasn't the most positive. I went into this race with a whole new set of goals and, well, they worked for me! I had a PR and a great race. The weather was HOT, started at 60 and was 80 by the time I finished. It was a really small race, hardly any spectators. I was nervous about that prior to the race, but found that I loved not having the distraction and I could really focus on being present and focus on my run. I finished in 3:46:02, 5 minutes shy of qualifying for Boston. One of these days I will make the grade!

The biggest treat I gave myself that weekend was a 3.5 hour nap after, so glorious! Michael made a nice dinner that night, we enjoyed a bottle of Domaine Serene Couer Blanc, and relaxed the rest of the weekend (rightfully deserved). He sure is a trooper for coming to my races, so nice of him to come and support me on something I love to do!

Crossing the finish line. Though it doesn't look like it, I had a strong finish and was able to speed up during the last few miles, I actually hit a pace of 5:20 at some point! I have never run that fast in my life! I was also VERY happy to see that finish line, it was hot out!

Drinking water after the race, stopped for a patriotic photo before heading home.

26.2 times 2!

On Sunday I finished my second marathon! The Eugene marathon was a completely different experience, though I trained better, and had the experience of what it felt like to run 26.2 miles, it wasn't as organized as the Portland marathon and the course was poorly marked.

It was small, flat, scenic, and we got to run on the very grounds that Olympic runners and other elite, collegiate and non-elite athletes have run on. Each mile on this marathon was dedicated to one of 26 Eugene legends including Nike co founders Bill Bowerman and Phil knight, Steve Prefontaine, and other running greats. It is also one of the top ten greenest marathons in the US. After all, it is Oregon, and it doesn't get greener than that, believe me. http://www.eugenemarathon.com/runner-resources/26-eugene-legends/

The first half of the race was great, on pace, focused, in the zone, felt I could make my first goal. We started with the half marathoners and ran with them the first 10 miles, then split off, only to reunite with them at mile 13 (11 for them). We ran together until 15.5, then split again. Due to the poorly marked course (no signs!!!) and me having no clue where I was, I was led by the volunteers into the half marathon route, it took a quarter mile for me to realize this and then had to turn around to get back on track. All in all, it set me back 10 minutes, yes 10 minutes, and I ran an additional half mile.

I finished, didn't quit after being discouraged, and I am happy about that. I now know to study each course closely and be aware of ALL twists in the course.

Eugene Marathon finisher medal

My friend Andrea and I gearing up for the road ahead of us

Willamette River


Running and enjoying myself. Notice we are all running on the same foot? Hilarious!

Mile 16, still wet, but the weather soon clears up and it gets sunny and HOT!

Nike store window. This window literally stopped traffic!

Michael, the greatest husband in the world, captured this video of me crossing the finish line. The commentary of the spectators cracks me up!

A plus for this race, my name was printed on my bib, therefore, people were cheering for me along the entire course. It was great!

Taper Time!

Only a week and a half to go until the next big race!


So far, I have run 2 races in 2009, both have been successful, personal bests. I ran the Fanconi Anemia 5k race in February in 22 minutes! My goal was 23-24 (in accordance with my marathon training). It was a COLD run, windy, cold, yuk. Mike was a trooper, coming along to cheer me on.


The next race was the Shamrock 8k in March. This one was RAINY, wet, windy, cold, even worse than the prior race, BUT even still, 20,000 (yes, that is correct 20 THOUSAND) runners came to run either the 5k, 8k, or 15k. My goal was to run in 38 minutes, I ran in 37:20, and placed 12th in my age group! Someone once told me this race was a flat, east run. WRONG-the first 3 miles were uphill, but the last 2 were downhill, I was able to coast and make up my time to finish within my goal.


Up next is the Eugene marathon, in Eugene Oregon, a smaller race (about 5,000 for hte marathon and half). I have never been there, but hear there is a lovely outlet mall on the way. We won't be stopping, must get to the destination, check into hotel, pick up my race packet information and focus on finishing 26.2 within my goal time. The training has been great, have a few friends with the same general pace as me to run with on the long runs. I have also been diligent about heading to the track doing my speedwork, training to keep my pace for the big race. YIKES! I hope I can maintain! Time will tell and one never knows until RACE DAY! For now I am enjoying my taper, starting to rest, drink water and sports massage. AH the life!

Happy Anniversary!

Well, we celebrated our 3rd anniversary yesterday! I remember being in Vegas as if it were yesterday. We spent this anniversary weekend MOVING, yes, moving. We have moved again. Not far from our old home, but it is in a better location, and we finally have SPACE and a YARD! Woot! Here is a preview of our new digs, once settled in, I will post more. Not much else is new, Michael loves his new job, I still love mine and they are keeping us busy. Lucy and Brian had a whirlwind of a week, but are loving their new home and new windows to look out of. We can't wait for summer!

Visit to MN

A week ago, Mike and I returned to Oregon from a visit in MN. Lucy and Brian also went on vacation to Noah's arf and had the time of their life! they were so tired when we picked them up. They now miss their friends and can't wait to go back. For the record, they both lost 4 pounds from 5 days of play, play, play!

Sweet Abby

Bro Ryan and nephew Ryder. Check out his headband, just like his auntie wears!

Grandpa and baby Ty, so smiley!

Ryder hugging uncle Mike, he loved uncle Mike once he got passed his scary hair:)

Us

Shots! 6! Oysters!

Best friends

Mike playing with Zandar and Gunner. they both took on a liking to Mike, who doesn't?!? Zander followed Mike everywhere around the house for attention. Zandar felt so comfortable around Mike, he even peed on him. Too much info?

Zandar showing off for Mike, he even puffed his feathers!

Don't ask, but wherever Mike goes, drama follows.

Sweet Abby and Mike

Great day for a view, Mt hood is closest, then Mt Bachelor and Sisters mountain.

Brian, home, tired.

To sum up our weekend, we flew in, went out to dinner with the folks, I ran 15 miles on a treadmill-gross, went to my old work, had lunch with good friends, had dinner with best friends, tried to stay warm-it's cold in mn, went out for coffee, slept in with Abby in our bed, visited Mike's family in Lacrosse, took care of someone with a broken ankle, went to the gym, practiced yoga at lululemon, took a total conditioning class, drank water, ate food, saw family, went home to a beautiful 60 degree sunny day, picked up the pooches, got home.

Celebrate the life

We are saddened by the news of Shaddow's passing today. Lucy and Brian will miss their playmate tremendously. Brian and Shaddow sure had something special chasing each other around. Shaddow will be sorely missed by all of us but are relieved to know that you are now at peace.


Lap doggie! I loved how Shaddow would back up and park it on your legs when you kneeled on the floor. Even cuter was when she missed. Hey, no one's perfect.

Shaddow was so full of kisses, sometimes it was tough to get air, but so worth it. Will miss those the most.

Love you Shaddow, you're such a good girl.

Thank you for the wonderful memories and for taking care of Mindee, Ryan and Jordan!

Goodbye 2008...Hello 2009!

2008 was a year for many changes. Myself, Mike, Lucy and Brian packed up and moved across the country to Oregon, started new jobs, I trained and ran for my first (and not last) marathon, visited Mt Hood for the first time, experienced driving for the first time on unsalted icy roads, had more snow days in December than in my entire life in MN (how does that work), Mike made his first Thanksgiving turkey and it was delicious, our first Xmas outside of MN (and still a white christmas-we were snowed in). So much has happened and so much yet to come. Here's a look at our holiday season:

Lucy and Brian patiently waiting for our turkey to brine. They were waiting there for 24 hours for that thing. They are such good watch doggies!

Our tree, a noble fir, native to the Pacific Northwest. So pretty!

Our tree all dressed up and nowhere to go

Our mantle and stockings. We are so festive!

Brian with a large rawhide.

Brian working hard. Hilarious! He reminds me so much of Marley in Marley & me! Except for the chewing up everything in site part...

Lucy tuckered out after a day of playing in the snow, walks, and rawhide chewing. Life is rough for the pooches

Mike in his new shirt from mom and dad. Nice work, I think he likes it!

Happy new year!

Winter Wonderland!

We have had a week of snow, and from what I have been told, Portland doesn't get snow like this. I am starting to think that we brought the MN weather with when we moved, and was really hoping to get away from this wintery filth when we moved. Alas, this should be the last of it for a while and the snow will be long gone by the end of the week. Tis the season....



The front of our house a week ago when the snow started. Check out our lights, we are so festive!

Couch St, in the Pearl District of Portland. So pretty!

More snow, topped with freezing rain. Nice combo, especially when plows are nowhere to be found....Bueller? Don't count on salt, either, Portland doesn't use salt on the icy roads. It makes for a tricky commute.

Lucy LOVING the snow!

Brian is prancing around in the snow....with my shoe!