Give Me My Cake....And a Fork Too!

Well this isn't the race report that I want to be writing...I want to write to say YAHOOO I made it but I did not! This post is going to be my thoughts on my race though as I composed them on this morning's run with Emma...in between rescuing Elmo from the sidewalk!

Yesterday was a beautiful day..a little hot towards the end but just beautiful. The course started in Hyannis, MA on Cape Cod and wound along beaches and beautiful scenery. The plan for the day was to stay with my good friend Jill until I felt I could kick it to the end. Jill helps me pace myself, something I struggle with. I just love running fast! I had a great race with Jill taking in the scenes and the sun. I felt like a million bucks! Mile 9 came and I began to pick up the pace and proceeded to do negative splits the rest of the way. I even ran my last mile in 7 minutes! I felt so good coming into the shoot and passing people with ease! I felt great and had had a great time....but not my time time.

This leads to my question....Can we have fun and also have a great time?

My last half in Hyannis I ran too fast in the beginning and barely crossed the finish line just missing my sub-2hour time by 2 minutes. This race I felt great the whole time but also missed my sub-2 hour time but more than 2 minutes. I have my next half maybe next month but definitely in October and I am going to try to blend the two but am unsure how. Can I have my cake of a sub-2 hour time and enjoy it? I hope so and would love any suggestions!

Here are a few pics from the race...My hubby took the action ones as I kicked it to the end. He did awesome! Funny story...my Mom, Dad, Aunt, and Uncle were there to surprise me at the finish...I must have run RIGHT by them and never saw them!!! I guess I was just too fast! I'm so thankful for them and their support!!!! I am such a lucky girl! Also my in-laws made sure I had a pasta dinner the night before and came out to cheer me on too! Definitely blessed!!! Thanks to everyone for their support!!!

Holy Hell It's Hot!

These past two days I have a new respect for people living in the south that actually go outside! We have had a neat little heat wave these past two days that have pushed the temp above 90 both days! Great if I could go to the beach...not so great to have to be in a school teaching...Needless to say I was glad a few minutes ago when I heard a clap of thunder. A sure sign that cool weather is on its way!

I did venture out yesterday for a run with Emma in the Bob. We have been loving our route that starts at the beach parking lot and goes along the boardwalk along the beach. Normally it is nice and quiet and I can run anywhere from 3-7 miles depending on what she's doing and how hard the wind is blowing! Well I must have had a duh moment because I was actually shocked to see the normally quiet beach swarming with teenagers and people! I was not going to let it stop me and headed out. Well I found a sure fire way to speed up your time during this run...A guy in cut off jeans and rollerblades let me pass him. This should have been a sign...I pass him only to hear from behind me, "You're lookin good!" Now while I don't bark at any compliment, a skeevy guy telling me how good I look definitely is motivation to pick up the pace!

Just one more day of running and then it's race time! I'm really looking forward to it but am going to need to get in some shopping cause it's going to be 80 and I want some cute running clothes!

Hope you all are staying cool tonight!

Yay Kara!

Seriously though...could she be any cuter?!

I promise that I am not dead...although some days I felt that I was going to die...I have been super busy finishing up school but I am proud to say that I finished!!! Here is the picture to prove it!gotta love all the fancy stuff...two cords, a hood, a shawl, and a funny velvet hat!

This weekend I have my second half marathon in the three race series. I didn't know if I would be ready for this one since I decided to do it just 4 weeks ago! With all that I needed to do to finish up my CAGS I didn't know if mentally I could put that pressure on myself. Fortunately My buddy Jill and I have kept up with our long runs so it wasn't bad. I just had to add in some speed work. I am still hoping for my sub-two hour record but I know that I have to be realistic. My goal has been lately is to fall in love with running again. It has been my obsession for a while as an effort to distract from other stressers. Now it is time to find the joy again...

Does this ever happen to anyone else?

What else have I been doing besides blogging....hanging with this girly...I just love being her mommy!

My Mom....my hero!

Don't you just want to squeeze her? I promise to post more about me and running tomorrow but tonight I want to tell you about how blessed I am to call this woman Mom! I know I have spoken about my Mom before...probably last Mother's Day but I could talk about her every day and still be amazed by her! She is 100% for her family and it shows! She knows just what to say and do to make me feel like I am supported no matter what I do! I get my daily pep talk from her every morning on my way to school! I can't imagine starting my day any differently! My Mom is my biggest cheerleader and a source of guidance that I could not live without!

But her efforts don't just sit with my sister and I...to know my Mom is to love her. She brings everyone into "the fold" every day! She practically grabs people off the street every Thanksgiving because she wants to make sure that everyone has a place to go...even the lady who no one can stand! She always put a note in my lunch box for school to encourage me and in high school she used to include ones for my friends too! She has shown me how to love people the way that we all should...with an open mind and heart! Life has not always been a walk in the park for my Mom but you would be hard pressed to hear her complain...ever!

She lives for her family and pours out love every day! I could go on and on forever about just how amazing my Mom is...at the end of the day she is my friend, my Mom, and my hero! Emma and her cousins are blessed to have her for a grandmother and we are all blessed to have her in our lives! I pray each day that I can be as good as a mom as she has been to me!

I love you Mom!!! Happy Mother's Day!