8th Grade

Angela's 1/2 marathon training plan: Week 6
Sunday: 40 min run
Monay: 7x400 @ 2:10 (interval)
Tuesday: rest
Wednesday: XT
Thursday: 20 min run (tempo)
Friday: rest
Saturday: 7 mile run (long)

May 1992....The last day of 8th grade in Hebron, NE with my best friend Julie Williamson

When my parents were preparing to move this past summer, I was able to go through quite a few old photo albums and boxes of things that were still at my parents house. The picture above I found and now have in a small picture frame at work amongst all my pictures of family and friends. A reminder of my days in junior high and important friendships from my past.

Today would have been Julie's 33rd birthday. It is still hard to believe that she has now been gone for almost 17 years. Her presence remains with me every day and I can't help but feel that she has accompanied me on many of my runs these past few years. In May 2010 when I crossed the finish line of the Lincoln Half Marathon, I cried briefly, lifted my eyes to the bright blue sky above me and knew she was there. So much time has gone by since Julie died when we were 16 years old. I am now 33....a wife, mother, undergraduate and graduate recipient with a full time career and sharing a mortgage. So many places and so many wonderful people have been in my life these past 17 years. But today one picture from 8th grade takes a special place in my heart and mind.

Thanks for staying by my side dear friend. You continue to be a big part of my inspiration as I continue on the journey to my next 1/2 marathon.

Lesson Learned

Angela's 1/2 marathon training schedule: Week 5

Sunday: Rest
Monday: 40 minute run
Tuesday: XT
Wednesday: 6 x 400 @ 2:10 (interval)
Thursday: 20 minute run (tempo)
Friday: XT
Saturday: 4 mile (long)

Week 4 did not go exactly as planned by my posted training schedule. The snowstorm that hit Wednesday threw a wrench into all my plans both Wednesday and Thursday due to snow. Thursday's surprise snow day at home with the boys was a great treat, however after shoveling snow both Wednesday and Thursday my stiff back had no desire to tackle any other cardio. Prior commitments left me with no time to work out on Friday as well. So Saturday, I took out on a 6 mile long run after not following my training schedule since Tuesday.

Thanks to my folks, Chad and I were able to run together on Saturday! Chad had 12 miles (gasp) to run so he came up with a 6 mile loop and met up with him so we could run the last leg of his long run together. I enjoy running outside in the winter under the right conditions and for the most part, we had dry roads. However we had to start and stop quite a bit during the last 1.5 miles due to snow heaps and areas of ice....not fun at all! I made it through the run, and was so thankful I had Chad along to keep me going.

I am in decent enough shape that I made it through this long run without struggling too much, but I could certainly tell/feel that I had not followed my training schedule like normal. This week I get to back off a bit on my long run which will be perfect as Chad and are going to visit his cousins in York, NE for the weekend. But my lesson has been learned when it comes to following my training schedule. Not finding time for a run during the week can definitely equal added pain and fatigue for the weekend long run!

Chad and the boys having fun during the bull riding at Webber Arena Saturday night. While the boys enjoyed the show with my folks, I met up with some friends from work for some much needed relaxation and laughter. We all work hard as a team and I wish we could get together more often outside of work....they are a great group of people and so much fun!

For some reason, Collin insisted on wearing his shirt like this (at home only thankfully) one day about two weeks ago.

Notes from the Tooth Fairy

Mitchell lost his 5th tooth this morning! We now officially have the "toothless grin" with both of his top front teeth missing. :) Since I have now successfully pulled 3 of these (with Mitchell actually yanking one out on Christmas Eve so both Santa AND the Tooth Fairy could visit in one night,) I believe I have become somewhat of an expert on tooth extraction in the Bunger House, as 4 of the 5 teeth have left Mitchell's mouth with no tears!!!

My advice for those about to journey down the path to Tooth Fairy land? Several steps have made loosing a tooth drama free at our house for Mitchell including:

-1 dry paper towel to grab the loose tooth

-1 ice cold cup of water (for a long cold drink after the tooth comes out).

-1 (or 2 if Collin is around) Popsicle(s) afterward to celebrate and numb the gums

We've been able to get this process down to a science at our house. Mitchell wiggles the tooth himself for awhile, Chad pumps him up when it is loose enough to come out, and mommy finishes the job! Make no mistake.....if you are going to attempt to pull a tooth out of your youngsters mouth, you must mean business and get the job done QUICKLY. This tooth fairy suggests that if you are squeamish at all or worried about it hurting your little one.....it is sure to end in disaster and a lot of drama!

When I think back 6 years ago to August 2004, all we were focused on was the new baby in our lives. Now that same little baby has us thinking about school, sports, friends, and losing teeth. It is so hard to believe what a big boy we now have. I can only imagine what is to come and what we will be concurring in the next 6 years of parenthood. :)

Bring It

Angela's 1/2 marathon training program: Week 4

Sunday: 40 minute run (easy)

Monday: 20 minute run (tempo)
Tuesday: rest
Wednesday: 6 x 400 (intervals)
Thursday: cross training
Friday: rest
Saturday: 6 miles (long)

I never want to take my thoughtful husband for granted!!! He sent me these flowers last week at work and he always seems to know just the time when I need a little pick me up on a stressful day.

As if things weren't busy enough at the Bunger house, they are about to pick up a bit. Chad starts his two classes at KSU this week as he begins his coursework to pick up an additional certificate. He will now balance working full time, home and family along with 6 graduate credit hours. With this added item to our schedule, we will need to be even more organized to balance it all.

Will we both be able to continue working toward our personal fitness goals for the year? Why not? Life is busy, but I hope that we can continue to show our boys a healthy balance and that it is always important to stay healthy and active in life....no matter how crazy the schedule looks.

Cross Training?

It will come as no shock to most of you that I was not thrilled about the news that the Manhattan area would finally see accumulating snow for the first time this season. The older I get, the more convinced I am that one day we will move south so maybe I can find a way to miss this winter season!

However, today we had a fun surprise as both Manhattan and Junction City school districts were closed! We have spent our day out at my folks trying out the hills in their backyard for sledding.

I had no gear for sledding, so I just decided to wear Chad's overalls and boots. While I looked like a sumo wrestler, I was quite warm during our sledding adventure!

Both boys were dressed in their snow gear as we left the house this morning and had to get in on playing in the snow before we even had breakfast. Collin was bundled up tight but was the first to head indoors! Maybe he will have the same feelings as his Mommy about these winter time conditions?

Make no mistake.....I will have no use for this snow tomorrow morning!!! However with all the sledding, climbing up hills and scooping both our driveway and my parents driveway I might be able to consider this as one of my cross training days on my training schedule! :)

Reading and Training

Angela's Training Schedule: Week 3
Sunday: 40 minute run
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Cross Train
Wednesday: 4x 400 @ 2:10
Thursday: Cross Train
Friday: 20 minute run
Saturday: 5 miles

I was able to get my 40 minute run in this morning before the expected snow storm hits Sunday night into Monday. I am not a fan of winter or snow, but I do actually enjoy running outdoors in the cold. As long as I am somewhat out of the wind and there is no ice or snow, I have been surprised how warm I actually am when dressed appropriately!
I love this picture of Mitchell reading to Collin on the kitchen floor! It is so exciting to see Mitchell starting to actually read and pick out of all his popcorn words in books! We were also so proud of Mitchell this week when we found out he was selected as Student of the Week by his art teacher! His art work was chosen for his Kindergarten class to be shown at the Beach Art Museum at KSU during the month of February. It will be featured in the "Early Expressions" exhibit with other students from USD 383.

Mitchell was sure he didn't need a nap today, but I guess the warmth of a good fury friend finally made him relax enough to sleep! :) We are all headed to the KSU Women's Basketball game this afternoon along with my folks. After an early nap, both boys should be ready to enjoy the game and cheer on the Lady Cats!

Week 2 Training plan

As always, Chad has come up with a training schedule for me to follow for my upcoming 1/2 marathon. This week I will be starting my second week of training which will consist of:

Monday: 40 min run
Tuesday: Cross Train
Wednesday: 4x400 @ 2:10-2:20 (tempo run)
Thursday: Cross Train
Friday: 20 min run
Sat/Sun: 4 mile long run @ 10:30 pace/other day is rest day

I am starting out focusing on going slower during my long runs. This will help me to burn more fat and not muscle. It will also help me build a strong aerobic base. Later in my training schedule I was increase my speed, with the hopes that I will be able to run a stronger (and hopefully) faster 1/2 marathon in April! :)

I will try and post my training schedule each week. It helps keep me motivated and accountable to keep going!

Posts are no fun without pictures so I have included this picture from one of our days at home during holiday break. We had the luxury of not having to travel this year and enjoyed our time at home over the holidays relaxing together. :) While I return to work tomorrow and Collin back to daycare, Mitchell has 2 more days left of break and will spend them with Grandma and Grandpa Ammeter.