Little Rock 5K

We got up early and had time to warm up at the convention center and get our photos taken.


It was a chilly start-26 degrees. But it wasn't horrible.


The Capitol of Arkansas


Before I knew it we were done!


- Kat

Expo and Dinner

Blogger has been giving me troubles so this is kind of a test.
We briefly checked out the expo



Then headed to Cactus Jacks for supper and a well deserved margarita.


- Kat

What A Day!

Yesterday we traveled to Little Rock. Should have been a 7 hour trip with lunch. Instead it took 8.5 hours. We battled snowy conditions for 3 of those hours. I was exhausted by the time we got there. But we made it to the expo in time!

Kat

My Newest Obsession

Weather tracking for the marathon. I must look at the forecast no less than 10 times a day. Hoping, praying it will be nice. Not pouring down rain. Not too cold. Ahh!!!! It's driving me crazy. Because you never really know what it will be like until the race actually starts.



-Kat

30 Day Challenge for March

I have successfully completed a self imposed 30 day challenge to get 10K steps a day and then to log my calories every day.  I took a break for a couple weeks because let's face it, trying to mentally wrap my head in a marathon and do "one more thing" wasn't going to happen.

So for March my 30 day challenge is....

Stretch Every Day.

I do this 3-4 times a week which is better than nothing.  But it's not as good as I could do.  And I feel better and run better when I stretch daily.  I'm inherently lazy (I think I've posted that before too).  But I need to make this a focus to stay healthy so I can keep exercising and running.

One More Thing

I feel like we are so busy all of the time.  Doing this, doing that.  And at some point, I get tired of doing and going all the time.  I try to make sure I've addressed everyone's needs and wants but sometimes it that "one more thing" that makes me say, "nope.  I'm done".

For example, L wanted to join 4-H.  Now as a former 4-H member, I'm all for that.  I loved 4-H and learned a ton.  But you know what's even better?  It's only once a month (versus twice a month with girl scouts) and it's 2 minutes from home.  And when I'm at the meeting I can listen or read...whatever I choose.  Because sometimes this mama needs a mental health break.  So when she officially joined, I thought "yea!  We get to share 4-H together and I can streamline our time better!"

I hope to continue to work on this skill and learn how to say no, I don't want to do "one more thing".

I've Got the Twitches

Dear Taper Time,

I know you're important and I respect that. And you can't help the weather is so cold I can't walk outside. But I need a break. My mind keeps racing from what clothes to pack to the weather to the race course and back and forth. I am ready for this marathon. And I'm ready to RUN!!!

With all my running heart,

Kat

Weekly Chase #22!

Another week, another chase!

 

Here's a recap:

1. Stretch: I did this 5 days, which isn't bad for me.

2. Meditate: only twice.  I need to make this a 30 day challenge for me.

3. Exercise: 5 workouts.  I got my 8 mile long run in.

4. Clean the scrapbook room.  No.  I opted to read my book instead of working.

5. Log my workouts: yes, I did get this accomplished.

This week:

1. Exercise: goal is 2-3 short runs this week, 5K Saturday and marathon Sunday.

2. Stretch: gotta do this daily.

3. Meditate: event two minute a day will be my accepted meditation.  I feel better when I do this.

4. Pack for Little Rock: I am so excited to go this weekend.  I need to get my outfits together.

5. Plan for activities Sat and Sunday afternoon. 

Last Long Run

So I had 8 miles on the books for this weekend. All week Saturday looked rainy and 25 degrees and Sunday was cold and -1. I mentally prepared to complete this run on the treadmill.

This morning I woke up and walked outside and it was



Well. I HAD to go run outside with that. It was beautiful!!



I was thrilled to finish this run today. Tomorrow can be a chill out day. I can't wait until next week! Little Rock marathon here I come!
-Kat

Taper Time

So this week and last week I'm on taper time.  What does that mean?  Well, my long runs get shorter.  Last week was 12 miles (although I only did 5 since I had been ill) and this week is 8 miles.  But it also means I listen to my body a lot more.  I don't push myself hard in Shocker Fitness.  I sleep more.  I woke up Wednesday and normally would go work out at 5:30am.  But I was tired so I decided to sleep in and I was fine with it.

 It also means I think a lot about the race.  To keep myself from getting too much chatter in my mind, I've been working making a running mix and a name band.  I have a band which I have designated each mile to run for someone.  My family, my friends, some patients.  I know I will have many highs and lows during the race and this will help keep me grounded.  One mile at a time. 

I've been thinking about my fuel often.  I think I have it down to honey chews, granola bars and pretzels.  Hopefully my gut will appreciate all of this. 

And of course it's a time of reflection.  Houston was such a fun marathon (even with the rain).  I hope to have a consistent race and feel good while I'm out there. 

Newest 4-H Member

Last night L officially became an Achievers 4-H club member. She was excited! She and two other girls were inducted. Now the fun begins! Projects galore!


-Kat

Plum Worn Out

A day off from school is exhausting for the dogs. They don't get the same sleep all day. Oreo was so tired at the end of the day that when I put my book down to read with L, he konked out.


-Kat

Weekly Chase #21

Two weeks until Little Rock Marathon!!!  I am so excited.  I'm really hoping for good weather (since we got iced out last year).  I am trying to fill my time since it's taper time.  I spent last week ill with tonsillitis and feel like I've finally recovered. 

Recap of last week:

1. Exercise: 2 workouts last week.  I was sick and then so fatigued.  I only ran 4 this weekend.

2. Stretch: since I didn't workout, not much.  2-3 times.

3. Get V day stuff together: Yes! Jeff and L loved the homemade scrapbooks and gifts.  I was gifted with new workout shirts, jewelry and we went to dinner (on Friday-my girl can't wait ;))

4. Finish Unbroken.  YES!!  It was such a good book.  There was so much information it took me awhile to plug through it.  I will think of Louie whenever I run.  It's amazing what a body can endure.

5. Meditate 5 minutes a day.  Maybe did this 1-2 times this week.

6. Log my exercises.  Yes, but there were only 2. 


This week's goals in order of importance.

1. Stretch every day.  See the blog post soon about my next 30 day challenge. 

2. Meditate 5 minutes a day. 

3 Exercise, including my last long run of 8 miles.

4. Clean up my craft room.  It looks like a F4 tornado ran through it.

5. Log my workouts. 

Technology is Great

I know we as a society are too hooked into our phones but there is a part of technology I love. I'm watching the WSU basketball game on TV, when I get this text from my uncle. We live 3+ hours apart but for the last few minutes we were sitting in the same room (figuratively). It was pretty cool!


My Uncle Charlie cracks me up. He may be a priest but he has one hellva sense of humor!
-Kat

What a Tough Card Game

It's 20 degrees outside so we decided to play a card game. L got a game called Dutch Blitz for Christmas. It took a few hands for her to get the hang of it.



Jeff and I really liked it. L was gun shy at first which makes it hard to win. But she won a few hands and was proud of herself. I won both games.


-Kat

Thanks for The Flowers Dad

I walked into work today to find this:


Yea! It's Valentine's Day from my dad. The big arrangement is mine and the little one is L's. She was so excited to see them at her dinner place tonight!


I absolutely love Gerber daisies.





Thanks again dad! love you!!


-Kat

Hoarder

I accidentally dropped L's dance shorts on the floor and within 1.2 minutes, Reggie claimed them as her own. Not to wear but something soft to place her head.





It's so hard to say no to that soft belly.


-Kat

A Clean House!!

We had our second house cleaning today. I'm loving it!! This time I asked for a general cleaning. Between a crazy week and not feeling well, I just wanted the floors and bathrooms cleaned so I wouldn't have to do it.

I was so pleased with the results. Now I can sit back and relax!


-Kat

Valentine Day Boxes

We worked on L's Valentine Day box tonight. We had fun planning out what to do.



The finished product: I ❤️ Hoo!


-Kat

Sick Day #2

I'm feeling better (thank you Augmentin) and L is a little better. She took it easy at the office today.



-Kat

Bleh Day

So I have tonsillitis and L went to work with me after having a fever this morning. Hopefully some tea and mama noodles will help.





-Kat

Sunday's Tough 20

I just got home from Vegas on Saturday night knowing I had 20 miles on the schedule. I was tempted to blow it off until I saw the forecast was no wind. Can't beat that. I headed out a little after 7:30 and did the same route as the previous week but added two miles in the middle.
I did well. There were lots of hills and my body got tired. I hit the wall at mile 17 and quickly texted a friend to text me something helpful and it worked. Before I knew it I was done!


Under my 13:00 min/mile goal again!!


I overdressed on top and got hot and I should have worn a hat but otherwise the day was perfect.

Kat

Weekly Chase #20!

Sorry-I'm a day late and still running short on time! LOL!

Recap last week:
1. Exercise: yes, 5 days and on Sunday I got my 20 miles in.  Yea!!!

2. Stretch: I think 4-5 days, but it was pitiful.

3. Get ready for Vegas.  Yes! And I had a good time despite not feeling great and it being a short trip.

4. Finish Unbroken.  No, But I did finish another book (which I will discuss later).

5. Paint my toenails.  Yes! They are a beautiful blue!

This week:

1. Exercise
2. Stretch-man I need to get better at this.
3. Log my exercises in my Galloway book.
4. Get stuff ready for V Day
5. Finish Unbroken
6. Spend 5 minutes a day meditating. 

Vegas!!!

I spent a quick 24 hours in...


It cracks me up that Vegas is listed as paradise. It was nice though.


My view from the 48th floor room.


Lunch was yummy today. I learned a lot so it was worth it.


-Kat

Jazz Time!

L had a great time at dance. Thursdays are her favorite days: modern and jazz.











-Kat

New Furniture!!

We got new living room furniture last week. I love it!!! Three recliners which are oversized so I can sit on it and L/Oreo/Lucy can join me and I don't feel squeezed out.



It's sooooo comfy. Last week after my 18 miler, I napped on it for two hours.


-Kat

Weekly Chase #19

Okay, so I've taken a couple weeks off and I am ready to get back on this weekly chase!

My goals for this week:

1. Exercise 6 days this week (2 short runs, 3 Shocker Fitness (boot camp), and one 20 mile run!

2. Stretch 5 days a week

3. Get ready for Vegas!  I'm going to give a presentation Saturday so I need to get my talk done and pack. And find a suitcase

4. Finish a book.  I have been reading Unbroken for the past three weeks.  It's good, but I haven't put much time into reading. I have been so wiped out by the end of the day.  But with this trip, I should have some time to read.

5. Paint my toenails.  They are looking shabby (last done at Christmas).  Need to update. 

Super Bowl Time!!

Last night we went to our friend's to watch the game. The game was good until the last couple plays.

We had lots of good eats:
Dan's homemade chili:


Lots of sides. Yum!


-Kat