My new favorite JW picture

And my lock screen picture on my phone.





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I finished a Half Marathon

I did it - finished my first half marathon. It was definitely rough, but I am pleased with my time. 2:05:20. Yes, that's a long time to be running!!! I heard someone say there were 22 hills. That is probably not far from the truth. Several of them kicked my butt (I walked a short stretch 3 times). I had updated my music from Hubby's collection and that helped power me through. I really felt like I had trained well for the hills, there were just a lot of them.

Still a little sore today but thanks to a post race massage, it's probably less than it could have been. The only lingering marks are the blisters on the tips of about four toes.  I am not sure if it was the shoes, the hills, or both.  No chafing anywhere else though, so that's a bonus.  One other side effect - an appetite of a teenage boy. I think I'm either going to have to rein that in or get back in the running program. (probably a little of both.).

Notice I said my first half marathon. I do believe another is in my future. Not very near future, but somewhere in the future!!


(the picture is terrible but the only one I have right now to document the moment......hopefully the one from the race is much better.)
(thanks Mom for my awesome running outfit - it was perfect!)




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Unwinding tonight in the couch enjoying a glass (or two) of wine from my favorite vineyard (J Vineyard. I would link if I weren't posting from my phone). Busy day today. I worked from an office (hubby's) as I've been trying to get out once a week. Then I ran a couple errands, got home to a screaming kid (he was being scolded - I think he might already be hitting the terrible twos). After "working" with the guy to fix our golf cart, little guy was a mess. Bath, dinner and a little play time. Then bed. Resulting in Mommy relaxing on the couch with her wine.

All this to say, today was one of those days I appreciate my work from home status.

Hope you are having a good week.


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JW

I know you all are missing my JW posts so I thought I would share a picture or two of our little guy! He's a walker now!! So much to update and so little time. Hopefully the pictures will tie you over for a bit.

He has strep so we spent Tuesday snuggled on the couch. This was when I was trying to get some work done. He was pretty pitiful but still super cute.




Post bath curls. They were stick straight the next morning.



Big boy at the counter reading mail. This was a couple weeks ago.


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Running

I've been doing a lot of running lately, especially since I finally committed to running my first Half Marathon (in 3 weeks).  Here are some thoughts/updates:

- running hills is tough - running hills in high humidity, even tougher - BUT by the third run, I conquered the big hill (but I might have walked the next little hill).
- I do most of my running by myself.  It's kind of soothing.  But not as motivating as having a running partner.  I was lucky to have a running partner in the Bahamas (oh yeah, we were on vacation - recap coming).  Otherwise there was at least one morning I would not have made it.  And she helped push me up the big hill!  And I feel like my pace is faster, so that's a bonus.
- My first really long run (8 miles) was this weekend.  Hubby needed to run 4.5 to get his 15/week in (Lent) so he went with me.  It was a family run.  We took turns pushing JW in the stroller.  Solid 10 minute miles for the whole run!  (And he says he'll do 9 with me this weekend!!)
- Hills are tough - but what's tougher - pushing a 25 pound stroller with a 25 pound kid up those hills.
- Music is key to a good run.  I need some new music - any suggestions?
- I got some training advice from my sister - who knew you needed to get some fuel during the big runs.  Good thing I signed up for the Brooks Run Happy University and they sent me a welcome packet (I have only run in Brooks Adrenaline for the last 8 years).  There were some Chump bites in there.  Pretty good, though hard to chew and run.  I need to run to Dick's or somewhere and try some other options.  But the Blueberry Pomegranate flavor was yummy.

I'm pretty happy with my running over the last few weeks.  I haven't set any time goals for the race (the course is pretty hilly).  I'd just like to finish my first one.  Maybe if I like it enough, I'll set some goals for the next one ;)

I've Done It

I signed up for this.

Wish me luck......

Funny

I was just telling myself that a burger and fries was totally justified after running 4.5 miles and playing a 3 hour tennis match yesterday. Then I remembered I am going to try on swim suits in a bit. Um, yea, that'll be fun, or better yet, funny!



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I have a favor to ask

I know it's probably rude to disappear for a couple weeks and only pop in to ask a favor, but it's a very special favor.

I have a friend, sorority sister actually, who's family is in need of prayers.  Her husband has pancreatic cancer.  Things are getting harder and he is in more pain.  So I ask that you please take just a minute to say a quick prayer for peace and strength to them.  Michelle has shown a great deal of faith in this situation and I admire her for that.  For more information on Craig's diagnosis and their story, go here.  But I recommend having some tissues handy.

Thank you!!!