Mmmm, It's always better when we're together

April 30, 2008...3 Years Strong!

There's no combination of words

I could put on the back of a postcard

No song that I could sing

But I can try for your heart,

our dreams, and they are made out of real things

like a shoebox of photographs

with sepia-toned loving
Love is the answer
at least for most of the questions in my heart, like

Why are we here? And where do we go?
And how come it's so hard?
It's not always easy and
sometimes life can be deceiving
I'll tell you one thing, it's always better when we're together

Mmmm, It's always better when we're together
Yeah we'll look at the stars and we're together

Well, it's always better when we're together
Yeah it's always better when we're together

And all of these moments

just might find their way into my dreams tonight,

But I know that they’ll be gone

when the morning light sings
and brings new things

for tomorrow night you see
that they’ll be gone too,

too many things I have to do

But if all of these dreams might find their way

into my day to day scene

I'd be under the impressioni was somewhere in between

With only two,

Just me and you,

Not so many things we got to door places we got to be

We'll sit beneath the mango tree, now,

Yeah It's always better when we're together
Mmmm, we're somewhere in between together
Well, it's always better when we're together
Yeah, it's always better when we're together
I believe in memories

they look so, so pretty when I sleep
Hey now, and when I wake up,
you look so pretty sleeping next to me
But there is not enough time,
There is no, no song I could sing
and there is no combination of words I could say
but I will still tell you one thing
We're Better together

Better Together - Jack Johnson

I'm not broke but you can see the cracks

Thank you all so much for your advice and suggestions.

The first two miles of the race were perfect...the third mile, well...

I stuck to the routine. Got up at 5:30 had my banana and Luna bar a little coffee and a lot of water.

The entire pit crew cam along...Mom picked Scott and me up and we headed to Dalton.

This was a very unique experience in that there were all types of people there. There was a 2K, an un timed 2K and the 5K. There were groups from all over the area competing for a participation award. There were businesses, schools, a group of Fire Fighters and a group of Marines. 5,935 people of all shapes and sizes participated. This year's Bill Gregory Health care Classic saw a record number of participants.

We lined up for the 5k and after they changed the starting line 3 times we were off. The first mile went great. There was a huge hill and I charged up it. The second mile was equally good and my times in the first and second mile were almost identical.

The day did not turn out as expected. It did not rain...it was a beautiful, but humid, day. I decided on the starting line that I was going to go the "run until I am tired" route. There were two more hills on the second mile and that was the only walking I did. Right after I passed the two mile marker I decided I would do a walk/run the third mile.

All of this is to lead up to the fact that the third mile was THE WORST.

Right after that there was the fourth hill, that just about killed me. At this point I really felt myself overheating and I started to feel a bit light headed. So, for the entire third mile I walked a minute and ran a minute...until the huge hill at the end that it took me two minutes to walk up and then I ran the last two minutes into the shoot. I have never seen so many people at the end of a race - it was amazing...every person was welcomed with a huge burst of support.

Mile 1: 11:21
Mile 2: 11:23
Mile 3: 12:27

Total time: 35:11

I walked about 500 yards, caught my Mom's eye and sat down in the shade. I was not sure if I was going to throw up or pass out. Scott got me some water and some orange wedges and I sat there for about 10 minutes and regrouped. In addition to a rather normal T Shirt we did get a cool backpack bag:

We hung out a little while longer and watched folks come in and then we headed out.

Following the aftermath last weeks post race meal I decided to stick with ole' faithful and we headed to IHOP for pancakes! Those were the best pancakes I have ever had!

I am SO happy that Momma and Scott were there with me. We ended up without a camera so I made sure that we got a picture of the crew back at the house.

I have spent a lot of time reflecting on this race. I did not reach my goal, I did awful on the third mile and I felt sick at the end. I can see myself walking away from this one feeling sorry for myself.

But with reflection I think I have put some things into perspective. Ironically, this race was one month to the day that I ran for the first time since last summer. So, with less than a month of preparation I ran two 5Ks with consistent times. While I did not reach my goal this race I think I would be shallow to think that reaching a goal was all this race was about. It was about Dr. Gregory and what he meant to my life...an so many other peoples lives!

I can honestly say...I am proud of myself!

After a nice long nap we went to Aunt Jan's for a tailgate party before we all went to the Lookouts game. You all know how much I LOVE baseball:

But...with this crew you can not, NOT have fun!

We never got the expected rain yesterday, but it hit us this morning. I am hoping that it will cleat so that I can work in the garden. Otherwise I am looking forward to a quiet day at home!

Take Care
Molly

I'm alive
I'm being born
I just arrived, I'm at the door
Of the place I started out from
And I want back inside
-U2

So stay with me and I'll have it made

I had a really good run on Wednesday:

Mile 1: 12:08
Mile 2: 12:28
Mile 3: 12:15

Today I did 40 minutes on the Elliptical and stretched.

Tomorrow is off...I never thought that sleeping until 7:00 would be such a luxury!

I was not going to post until after the race; but, I have two burning questions...

1. Would I do better in the race if I implemented the 4 minute run, 1 minute walk from the beginning?...my time on Wednesday was really consistent and I felt good the entire time. Knowing that I run faster in a race I wonder if this would get me closer to my 34 minute goal...or should I stick to the original plan of running as long as possible and THEN implementing the 4 minute run 1 minute walk?

2. Does anyone have a good swim shampoo that they use...I could smell the chlorine on my hair all day Tuesday! My Mom uses a Kiehls shampoo that she really likes...but it is a little pricey for me...I am wondering if there is a cheaper option?!?!

Thanks, in advance for your advice...looks like I might have my first race in the rain Saturday!

Take Care
Molly

All I can say is that my life is pretty plain
I like watchin' the puddles gather rain
-Blind Melon

Hey now nellie with an anchor on your belly

TMI...but...

For those of you have commented on how good the biscuit looks...I am not lovin' it anymore:

+

=

I am afraid Speedo Steve is rubbing off on me!

And now back to our regularly scheduled program:

Sunday
I went for a swim at the gym to work the race kinks out. I did a half mile in about 2o minutes. Then I spent 10 more minutes working on breathing on both sides. Right now I am alternating laps between free and breast strokes so that I get enough air. I know that if I could breath on both sides that would help...as always, any suggestions welcome!

Monday
40 minutes on the Elliptical and 10 minutes arms and abs.

Today
20 minutes Elliptical and 20 minute swim. I did the same routine...in that, I did about 15 minutes of laps (lost count) and then 5 minutes of practicing breathing.

The plan for the rest of the week is:

Wednesday
3.2 miles...4 minute walk and 1 minute run.

Thursday
20 minute Elliptical, 20 minute swim

Friday
Rest

Saturday
RACE
I am going to STATE my goal this time! I would like to run the first two miles and then, if necessary, do the 4 minute run, 1 minute walk the third mile. I have a map of the course but I have no idea what the hill situation is...I have not practiced hills yet, so that might effect the result. I would like to finish in 34 minutes this race!

I am excited about Sunday. We are going to Dogs on the Diamond at our local AA baseball team The Lookouts. My sister is going to bring her greyhound Carmella:

My parent's dogs Percy and Roxie are coming:


AND:

THE KOZ

It is very possible that the Dogs on the Diamond report might be more exciting than Saturday's race report!

Take Care!
Molly

Biscuit head you got a double decker biscuit head

It's got you all laid up in bed

-Spin Doctor's

Make a time to find your way, I got a litlte further today

Great race!

But first...the week in review!

Tuesday morning I got up and did 40 minutes on the elliptical, arms and abs.
Headed to Nashville and had a very busy, productive day getting things ready!

I set the alarm to get up at the hotel and I just did not have the energy! We stayed up late having dinner with friends and it was WAY past my 10:30 bedtime.

Wednesday was another long day...

Thursday morning I got up and did 40 minutes on the elliptical again and arms and abs.

I once again intended to get up Friday morning...and I bailed...can I say I was tapering?

Friday night I had a big bowl of pasta, lots of water and got in bed early.

Got up at 5:30 and had a breakfast bar, some water and some coffee. Did some stretching and I was ready to go!

The Chickaumaga Race was wonderful! By far the best run I have done...through the park and mostly flat. I really enjoyed myself and (once again) I think I am officially bit by the bug!

Here are Alan and I before the race

As you recall Alan is the reason I got into this in the first place.


It was a cold and rainy morning. We knew that it was supposed to stop by race time, and it did, but it was pretty unnerving at the beginning.


The Chickaumaga Chase takes place in the Chickamauga Battlefield so the appropriate pre race festivities took place:

It was another crowded start. Our 5K, a 15K and a 2.5 walk all started at the same time. I had feelings of being closed in again and worked through it!

The first mile was great...I felt great I stayed in my head and did not worry about the people around me. I ran the entire first mile in 11 minutes and 28 seconds.

The next half mile I started to slow down and get a little winded. I decided to push through five more minutes and the last 1/4 mile I did a four minute walk I minute run. I did he second mile in 11 minutes and 26 seconds.

The third mile I did the four minute walk and one minute walk the entire way. I really saw the benefits of this method as I saw a lot of people around me fly past, stop and then I would pass them again...but, by the end my steady pace was helping me pull ahead!

After I passed the 3mile marker I sprinted (really) the last .2 and passed about 7 people. I was a little disappointed in myself that I still had that much fuel in the tank. The last 1.2 mile was done in 12:53.

Total Time: 35 minutes and seven seconds.




I had a mental goal (that I was scared to share) of making it in 35 minutes...so close!

Alan did great too:



He finished in just over 41 minutes!

My kneed did great, my halo did great and I am overall really happy with the race!




As always, Scott was there to root me on and take all these great pictures!

After the race we all hit the Biscuit Barn:

And, finally, on a more superficial note...by far my favorite T-Shirt of my short career:

So, next week, different place, same time...

Take Care
Molly

If you haven't got the reasons
Just make up any reasons
Then pick them 'til they're torn.
-Counting Crows

I believe in what you do, I believe in watching you

Workouts:

Thursday:

40 minutes on the Elliptical, 20 minutes arms and Abs.

I have to tell a quick story about the gym. I do free weights. I think they are quicker (I hate adjusting machines) and I can pull the Bo Cu ball right up to my area and make quick transitions between arms and abs. But, the triceps machine was right next to the free weights area. These guys were doing burn outs on the triceps machine (the one where you stand up and pull the Y shaped rope). The one machine, out of all of them where isolating your muscle is the most important thing...and there they were pulling with their backs, shoulders and biceps...probably going nothing for their tricepses...OH well, since I do not work at the gym anymore I did not use my line, "can I show you how to make your workout even better?"

Saturday

Swam at the Sports Barn with Mom

30 minute swim 1/2 mile. I THOUGHT we did a mile until I realized a length was up and back!

LOVE, plan to add to repertoire! DO need a swim cap!

Sunday

I decide to do ONE road run before the race. I did a 40 minute run. 2 minute walk three minute run. I thought I could do 4 minute run, 1 minute walk...might go for that later in the week (if I feel better).

I decided to give my Halo Headband a try.

Here are the before pictures:

And the after:

LOVE IT! Most of all because I have a BIG head (this is a reality, not me being self critical) and I have never found a headband that does not slip back on my head. This head band STAYED on my head! I should have taken a picture of this too...but it has a great "Gripper"on the inside that holds the headband in place! And you can see the layer of sweat above the headband on my hair...that was not running down mt face!

I encourage ANYONE who is looking for ahead band to go over to All things Triathlon and check out this Halo Headband!

And, since I am highlighting my blogger friends I thought that I would also show off my dual braces, thanks to Colleen!

I am feeling under the weather this morning and skipped my workout. There are two possibilities for this ailment. We had a sushi dinner last night for my brother in law's birthday and Tommy and Jimmy (the nephews) were under the weather OR I spent most of the day outside yesterday...so the allergies might have kicked in.

I have to go to Nashville tomorrow and have a LONG day Wednesday too...so I am taking it easy today. I did check out the hotel in Nashville and it does have a nice workout room.

So, plan for the week

Tuesday

40 minute Elliptical, 10 minute arms and abs

(probably have to get up at 5:00, instead of 5:30 to get to Nashville on time, SO I really hope I feel better...day off and meds should help!)

Wednesday

3 mile run...4 minute run, 1 minute walk

Thursday

20 minute Elliptical, 20 minute swim

Saturday

5K race!

As ya'll know I love picture, so I wanted to end with a few new ones:

I plan on getting this one framed
Kate, my niece, will be a big sister by June

Tommy and Jimmy.
My sister framed this picture for Tony for his birthday!

My baby!

Take Care
Molly

Given the choice
Given the heart
Given the tool
Given the word
Given the cheers
-REM

Aint no need to go outside...

Workouts:

Sunday
Rocket Yoga...kicked my ass. I had NO idea what I was getting into. We did a lot of weight lifting on the ball and other "non yoga" (in my mind) things. I was hoping to get a deep stretch after spinning. Guess that is what I get for not thinking about the fact it was called ROCKET yoga.

Monday:
Forgot to set the alarm. Pretty impressive that this was the first time that has happened. I DID pack my bag (without socks, it was a sockless run) and went after work. I had, by far, my best run. I did 2 minute walk, 3 minute run and ramped my run speed up from 5.0 to 5.2.

Mile 1: 12:09
Mile 2: 12:50
Mile 3: 12:28

Tuesday:
40 minutes on the Elliptical and 20 minutes arms and abs.

Wednesday:
This morning was the WORST. My legs were heavy,right knee more soar than it has been,my stomach was upset (1/2 Luna bar I regularly eat b/4 I leave felt like a porcupine jumping around in my stomach) and I was TIRED!


The first mile I manages a 3 minute run and a 2 minute walk..went back down to 5.0. The second mile I walked the first 5 minutes and then did a 2 minute run and 3 minute walk. I was determined to make it 3 miles but hit the stop button again (I need to stop playing the air drums) and decided that was a sign from the running gods and quit and stretched out really well.


Mile 1: 12:45
Mile 2: 14:09


So, the plan for the next few days:
Thursday: 40 minute Elliptical and 20 minute arms and abs
Friday:off
Saturday: Swim
Sunday: run (maybe Pilates class)
I was going to go for 4 minute run, 1 minute walk next week...but I think I will stick to 3/2
Monday: 40 minutes Elliptical and 20 minute arms and abs

I have decided that I need to stretch more...so I am going to make sure to get some stretching in every night!

Other STUFF:

Don't think the other ladies will be making not of the fact that I WON the blogger Men's basketball tourney pool! Not only that I went from worst to first! I do think that my J Hawks pulled me through! Rock Chalk Baby!


Also, my Lady Vols won last night! GREAT team effort!

Perhaps my bad morning was a result of a deep depression about College Basketball being over. What am I going to do with myself for 5 1/2 months until College football begins!

I ordered my Hallo Headband last night! I will let you all know how it is!

About to place an order at Eddie Bauer...good looks this season...Lovin' these shoes from Prevo (not quite as snazzy as Momo's) I know I will wear them out this summer!

Take Care
Molly

Baby, You hardly even notice
When I try to show you this
Song is meant to keep ya
From doing what your supposed to
Like waking up too early
Maybe we can sleep in
-Jack Johnson

...nobody like you...there's nobody like you...

Thursday morning I did the 3 minute walk 2 minute run:
Mile 1: 12:52
Mile 2: 13:12
Mile 3: 12:48

It kicked my butt pretty good...I was WORN out! Knees soar, but no sharp pains!

Friday I took the day off.

This morning Scott and I went to Spinning. WOW...have not done that in a while...that was tough! Felt really good afterward. Need to get a headband...I sweat like a crazy woman in spinning! (also forgot being soar...there!)

Thursday I went to a meeting and ended up getting into the political process with another candidate. It was another situation where I did not speak up for myself like I should. Don't want to get into it further, only to say that I still need to work on standing up for myself and saying what I mean, not what I think people want to hear!

Friday was a good, long day. Lots of meetings and so forth. Quiet night at home!

After spinning today Scott and I went to Kate's Pee Wee soccer game. The other coach still makes me laugh. He tried to teach the kids to trap the ball (incidentally the wrong way...he was telling them to step on the ball and that is not really the best way to teach 3 and 4 year olds to trap the ball...it is a good way to make a lot of 3 and 4 year olds fall!)

Then we went to Publix, LOVE Publix, and to Smokey Bones to watch BBall and eat our beloved BBQ Chicken Nachos! (GO KU!)

Tomorrow I am going to a Rocket Yoga class and then work in the yard...for the first time this year! I am going to weed and get organized. I am still too nervous to plant after the late freeze last year!

Well, posting the plan for last week kept me 4 for 4...so this week:

Monday morning 40 minutes...3 minute run, 2 minute walk
Tuesday morning 40 minutes on the elliptical and 15 minutes arms and abs
Wednesday morning 40 minutes...3 minute run, 2 minute walk
Thursday morning 40 minutes on elliptical and 15 minutes arms and abs

Take Care
Molly

Early morning, April 4
Shot rings out in the Memphis sky
Free at last, they took your life
They could not take your pride
-U2

Let's begin again, begin the begin

My friend Matt put this picture up yesterday and I was really drawn to it...at the time I was not sure why but I reflected on it most of the day. I think the picture represents new beginnings and the sunset in the background really seemed to represent the warmth and happiness that I feel recently. So there is my meaningless blabber for the week...basically, just like the picture!

If you like this picture too check out Matt's blog...he is a talented man!

Three mornings and three workouts!

Monday I did 40 minutes on the Elliptical and did arms, chest and abs for about 15 minutes.

Tuesday I did my 2 minute run/3 minute walk routine...about a third of the way in I hit the darn STOP button...all my info GONE. All of the people in the gym learned I am not a morning person as I yelled..."OH POOP"! I started back up again and I ended up going about 4.2 miles in 45 minutes...running out the last 5 minutes again.

Colleen sent me my second brace and Tuesday was the first morning that I tried them both...VERY nice...I did notice that more men (and women) are staring at my legs (braces). But, I am used to that...I wore two braces playing college soccer and my coach used to say that I was setting the other team up for target practice!

This morning Scott stayed at home to do yoga so it was up to me to get my butt out of bed. I did and I repeated Monday's workout.

When I was younger and working out regularly I would, and could, eat whatever I wanted (think an entire box of Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts or an entire frozen (not person size) pizza). I am learning that, at 32, that does not work anymore. I need to focus on my nutrition more...another fork in the road. But, while we are talking about not so good for you simple carbohydrates:

I want to tell you about a recipe I made last night. Scott marinated some pork chops in BBQ sauce and rub, to grill, and it was my responsibility to make a side. Keeping in mind we both like savory, not sweet, pork I made these Creamy Dijon Smashed Potatoes and they complimented the pork perfectly. Sorry, but I must...they were Yum-O!

So, tomorrow is another run. I am going to try for the 2 minute walk/3 minute run and see how it goes. My goal for the 5k is a 4 minute run/1 minute walk. I am going to wait until next week to bring the heart rate into play...just makin' it through right now! Thanks for your well wishes...and, as always, unsolicited advice is ALWAYS welcome!

Take Care
Molly

Answer me a question I can't itemize

I can't think clear, you look to me for reason

It's not there, I can't even rhyme here in the begin

-REM