Undercover Weather Watcher

I admit it.  I have become obsessed with the weather forecast for Oklahoma City, OK for Sunday April 29th. 

Scattered T-Storms...High 73...Chance of Rain 60%....then 30%......now 40%



I must stop the insanity!  It is only Monday evening!!! 

Lots can change in a weather forecast between now and Sunday.  And if I keep going at this rate, I may have a second degree in Meteorology by then.  But after enduring last year's conditions....you may be more than a bit paranoid as well.  I won't bore you with re-hashing last year...but in case you missed it here is a recap  OKC 2011

If last year's race taught me anything it is to be prepared.  I will go ready for any kind of running conditions mother nature can throw at me short of a snow storm.  And I know that I have tackled a half marathon in the pouring rain and even hail once before....so I know I have it in me.

 I'd just rather not do it again. :)

 

Nebraska Weekend

We are enjoying a great weekend in Nebraska with family and friends

Shana's baby shower in Grand Island

The funny preggo picture tradition continues....I have pictures from my baby shower, Laura's shower and now with Shana embracing the baby bump.  Silly photos date back to high school and college with these two...some things never change! :)

8 days until the Oklahoma City Half Marathon!!!

I still need to run my 4 mile long run tomorrow morning and hoping I can keep up a race pace this time if possible.  Chad and I plan on running together Sunday morning in Hildreth before heading home.  I was able to run a pretty darn fast (for me at least) 3 mile tempo run this past week with Mitchell's help.  He rode his bike home from school and I ran....wow has he gotten a lot stronger and faster from what I remember last year!  I averaged a 8:49 minute mile pace...which made me think I need to have him ride his bike with me more often. :)

Two Weeks

This is what my last two weeks look like training-wise......

15	15-Apr	Jog 40 min	Cross train	3 miles at 9:35 pace	Rest	Cross train	4 miles at 9:35	Rest
16	22-Apr	Rest	Jog 30 min	3 miles at 9:35 pace	Rest	Rest	1/2 Marathon!!!

I originally had a pretty lofty goal for my 5th half marathon, but with the way my running has been going as of late I think I will be happy with anything under 2:10.  Again this year, I will also plan to walk back on to the course so I am able to run the last several miles of Chad's marathon distance with him.  As of today's 40 minute easy run, I have also logged over 200 miles in 2012!

I found this old picture while cleaning out a box in our closet.  This was taken in December 2002.  10 years later Chad is running marathons and competing in triathlons!  I am running (something I would have laughed out loud at 10 years ago) and about to take on my 5th half marathon.....amazing!  I can only imagine the journeys I will think about when I look back on pictures from this time in our lives another ten years from now.

13,12 and 5

13 years ago we officially became a couple.
12 years ago I said "yes!"

April 12th may not be our wedding anniversary but it still holds a special spot! 

Someday these boys will take a picture together where they are both looking at the same time.....I just know they will.

Hoping the weather holds off long enough on Saturday for a quick 5 mile long run and also so we can attend the Jr Wildcat Events at the KSU Baseball Game!

New kicks

New shoes....I have been told there is nothing quite like it.  For the second time in my blogging history I have posted a picture of my new running shoes. But if you happen to know me, and have a grasp on how low matainence I am when it comes to shoes....purchasing new shoes is a big deal and not something I usually get all that excited about.

I've been in a running funk lately. I've just felt tired, my legs have seemed heavy and I have just felt overall like I have been slow and running has been more of a struggle then I would like it to be. Enter my new Mizuno Wave Inspire 8's!!!  Review of my new running shoes
My last pair of Mizuno's were just okay, and I was thinking of trying a different brand after logging over 350 miles on my last pair.  But thanks to the good people at the Manhattan Running Company I was able to find a fun new pair of shoes, I stuck with what still felt the best and my 28 minute treadmill 5K today felt quite a bit better.  What a difference new shoes can make!

I thought I would also include more shots from our Easter Weekend. The last shot is of my dad and his new knee. He is doing great and we are so happy his recovery continues to progress so well.

6 miles before Easter

Here are some of our highlights from our Easter Weekend!

I ran 6 miles this afternoon in the beautiful spring weather. It is all downhill from now until April 29th. I am still feeling slow and sluggish...hoping to get out of the funk soon, but I'm doing my best to battle through it.

The boys were very sad to see Aunt Amy, Uncle Doug and Daniel leave on Thursday morning.  Collin had so much fun and slept VERY well after his busy days of playing with his cousin.

Recovery

I've taken a few more days of rest this week than I normally would on my training schedule. 1) Because my sister Amy, and her family are in town for their spring break from Minnesota so I want to enjoy all the time I can with them. 2) I have been more sore from this past weekend's trail race than any half marathon I have completed! All my training runs from now until April 29th should be a piece of cake after Saturday's accomplishment. :)

The two above pictures were taken this past weekend at the new Flint Hills Discovery Center.  We were able to get a sneak peak at the facility before it opens with other City of Manhattan employees and their family members.

The boys have had so much fun with Aunt Amy, Uncle Doug and Daniel during their spring break visit. Collin has been able to have a few fun filled days with them at my parents house during the work/school day and is filled with exuberance each morning when he discovers he gets another "special stay home day with my cousin Daniel" as he puts it.