Team Holt

This morning 25+ runners and many more volunteers gathered at the Omaha Marathon. The runners ran for Team Holt and the others helped at the Holt Aid Station to give out water and gatorade to all the runners flying by. I ran the half marathon, and since I needed to do a 12 mile training run today anyway - it worked out great. The weather was gorgeous and the run went very well. I was able to shave 8 or 9 minutes off my best half marathon time (not sure of my official time yet). I am sooooo ready to take this thing on the road and get to Chicago!

Thanks to those of you who donated to support my run today - it was a fun day! Above is a photo of all the Holt runners. A lovely bunch, and the porta potties seem to add a little something, dont you think?

I did it!

Completed 20 miles on Sunday morning. I had to delay it a day due to rain, so that was sort of a bummer, but Sunday was 50 degrees with clouds and a light drizzle. Great weather for running. I went out with my neighbors (who are also training for Chicago) and we ran and ran and ran. I was surprised at how good I felt when it was done - it was easier for me than some of the shorter 13, 14, 15 mile runs I had been doing before. I hope that means my training is working and I will be ready! After Sunday's successful run, I am even more excited about the marathon!

I like to Run

Tomorrow I am going to run 20 miles.

I am training for the Chicago Marathon on Oct. 10th and its my last really long training run. So far during my training, I have run 358 miles. Left, right, left, right, left, right (thats what I say to myself when I am getting so tired and my legs dont want to move anymore... ).

Here's the kicker - I'm EXCITED about it! I can't wait to run 20 miles. This is the big run, the last hurdle before I start my 3-week rest before the race. Its the farthest I have ever run and when I finish it, I will know that 26.2 is within my reach.

You are probably thinking one of two things....

1) Good for you! Thats so exciting! or

2) You are insane, why would you do that to yourself. What about your knees?

I think there is a little truth in both of these thoughts. The idea of running 26.2 miles is exciting and challenging and something that I've wanted to do since I started running 3 years ago. My 40th birthday is looming (ok, ok, its 2 years away, but its still looming) and I wanted to do it before then. I love the idea of working hard on a goal and achieving it. And yes, it is a bit insane, but I find comfort in the fact that there are 40,000 other insane people running it with me. And my knees feel fine!

Ok, to be honest, I am tired and the time commitment has been huge. I am lucky to have such a great family to support me and Tim to take the kids away while I put my feet up. But, I wouldn't give up this experience for anything. I've learned about myself, my body, my mind, and pushed myself farther than ever. I feel strong and the long hours by myself while running has given me the time to think, chat with running partners, listen to music and sing (yes, I sing sometimes... hey - I have to pass the time somehow!) Did you know that during an average length long run, I can sometimes listen to 3 or more broadway musical soundtracks?! If you happened to run by me while I was singing and jamming out to Dancing Queen, I'm sorry!

The downside? I seem to want to EAT everything in sight! The one side effect I was hoping for was weight loss - oops... I think after the marathon, I will need to diet!

So tomorrow I will run 20 miles. It will take me 4 hours. Afterwards I will have a great sense of accomplishment and a giant burrito bowl from Chipotle! :o) (see previous paragraph on dieting).

Bring it on Chicago 10-10-10!

Adam "Speedy" Brown

Adam ran in a kids 1/2 mile race today. He has seen me run a few races and has asked me over and over if he can run one too. So, this was a good one for him to do (there was a 5K for me, but I decided to sit this one out!). I love that he's excited to run and to just be outdoors and active.

The run took place on a bike trail near our house and there were 20-25 other kids who ran. Adam started in the back of the pack and by the time they turned around for the finish, he was one of the top 10. He was very tired when he finished and excited to get a ribbon. After the race, we all had some pancakes!

Adam and his friends Samuel and Sophie who also ran the race.

The competition.... Adam is in back somewhere.

RUN adam RUN!

You can see the determination in Adam's face to try to pass this kid - he was not happy that the kid passed him near the finish!

Welcome Home Wachners!

Last week we had the pleasure of greeting our friends, Trent and Susan Wachner, who just arrived from China with their new little girl, Rachel. She's cute as a button. Oh how I love these airport arrivals - such a magical thing to see a family joined together for the first time.