Running History

One year ago today I running history! No, I wasn't the fastest on the track. I didn't win anything. I surely didn't break a world record. What I did do though was make my own history. For the first time in my life, my legs carried me on a 26.2 mile journey that I will never forget. The medal is proudly hanging on my wall, and I think about this day often. Even though I have since run 2 more, this one will always have a special place in my running history. It was long, hilly, and hard. There was no food at the end, and I spit all over some runner. My IT Band was injured before I ever started, and I was in pain from mile 5 til the end. I choked on water while I was running, and gorged on oranges around mile 22. But, I finished nonetheless with a whole group of family and friends there to cheer me on! Yes, I looked like a chicken as I crossed the finish line with my arms flapping with exhaustion, but the finish line was Oh so sweet! If you are new to the blog or need to reminisce, you can read about it here.

Publix Georgia Marathon

Publix Georgia Marathon Part 2

All day today, I will be thinking about that long journey and eagerly anticipating the next. My mom and sister finally said they were ready to start training for a 5k. We are starting their training today on The Rail Trail. That's where it all begins... Start making your history today!

Go Green

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, here is a collection of green things.

Thursday Things

1. I won a prize today on Facebook from Carson Dellosa. They are every teacher's favorite educational supplier.

2. We had a very emotional afternoon in my class today as we said goodbye to a great student who is moving. Yes, I cried.

3. I went out to run 6 after school and ran 8.2 instead. Bonus miles are always good.

4. The faculty at my school is amazing. They have such giving hearts and love to help. They showed that today in a great way.

5. I had a completely vegetarian pizza tonight for dinner. Not sure what came over me. Those portobello mushrooms were just hitting the spot I guess.

6. Whenever I was shopping at Target tonight, I needed a buggy because I walked right by them at the door. I prayed for one. The next aisle past had 2 empty ones. It's the little things.

7. It's the night before a teacher work day, and I am almost giddy thinking about working in my classroom all day.

8. My house is hot, but I am stubborn and not turning the sir in yet. It's not time.

9. I mailed a stamped, self addressed envelope for the first time today. Can't wait for it to come back to me with my prize inside.

10. I'm going to bed at 9:20. It's been a great day!

"Surprise" Party

Tonight my friends Kati and Matt ventured to Kan Pai for our weekly Monday night dinner. This has quickly become my favorite time of the week. It is a laid back, chilled out way to start the week. Little did we know when we sat down at the table all the fun that awaited us!

I am not sure how it all began, but somehow our chef Jamie thought that he heard me say it was my birthday. I assured him that it wasn't but that it was coming soon on April 10th. He said, "why not celebrate early?" My response, "Well, we celebrate Jesus' birthday for 3 months now. I am sure He won't mind if I have a whole month." This sent the table of strangers into fits of laughter. Next thing I know, I had this birthday hat on me trying to change the water into wine!!!

So here we were at Kan Pai, a whole month out from my birthday, and I am having an impromptu "surprise" birthday party with 2 of my best friends and 5 strangers who thought I was a big ole idiot!! Before the whole shin dig started, I told Kati that I wanted to stand up behind the grill and cook with the chef. He was not even out there when I said that. Low and behold, as soon as it's my birthday, the chef asked me to come up and cook!!! I was soooo excited! He asked me to do some egg trick, which I failed miserably, but I got to cook for a second nonetheless. Below is a pic and a 12 second video of my cooking debut!

The chef asked me if I wanted a birthday cake for my party. Although I had a cupcake at dinner, I ran extra this week, and seeing how it was my birthday, I said of course! He asked me if I liked lemon cake... Below is what he got me! All 5 tables in the restaurant then sang to me! By this time, Matt and Kati were under the table with embarrassment, but I was laughing hysterically. Mind you, I kept reminding him that it was NOT my birthday. He kept referring to Jesus' 3 month celebration. Guess he liked my quick wit!

After the party was over I had to get pics with some of my guests. I never got their names, but I felt like I knew them. I learned all about a favorite 4th grade teacher named Mrs. Silver. She sounded like a great lady. Used to teach at E.P. Todd. Anyone know her? Make sure she sees this! These people are adventurous eaters too. They had lots of sushi and the bean sprouts. I don't know anyone who likes those. Kudos to you guys. I gave them the blog address. Hopefully they will leave a message and tell me who they are.

This picture here is of some of the greatest friends you could ever have!!! Big thanks to Kati and Matt for a birthday celebration I will NEVER EVER forget!

Walking With BB

This afternoon I took a walk with my sister and nieces down to a little pond we used to fish at when we were little. As we walked, my sister and I talked about how much things had changed since we were younger, yet that little pond had stayed the same. It was so neat to see the girlies enjoy the same view that we had when we were little.

During the walk we introduced the girls to "cow patties," the girls practiced climbing the gate into the pasture, and they off their running skills to their BB. Ya'll know I was proud! My sister and I talked about how we didn't like litterbugs, Taylor gave me an environmental lesson on how cars are bad for the environment and we should only ride bikes, and Sophie kept asking us if we were proud because she wasn't whining.

Isn't it funny how we all plan these amazing family vacations, spend money on huge family dinners, and go in debt with presents around Christmas and birthdays, yet this walk was a great time of being together, and the cost was absolutely free! Hopefully there will be many more of these walks!

Word Vomit

It's no wonder that older folks say things like, "You catch more flies with honey than vinegar." There is so much wisdom and truth in that simple little phrase. What good ever comes from irrationally spewing hateful words with a harsh tone? Lord knows I have had my moments of word vomit...

That is a self coined phrase that describes the moment when your words come out in a projectile like manner. It is NOT a pretty sight. The mouth opens and the words force their way out like a raging river past flood stage. As you see the words exit, you know that disaster is soon to follow. Word vomit is usually proceeded by a period of remorse and regret, multiple apologies, and wishing you could take it all back. I am pretty sure most of you can relate. Even the quietest person I know has had a case of this disease a time or two.

Over the last year of so I have really worked hard on taking extra precautions against this dreaded illness. I pray a whole lot! I try to surround myself with people who invite happy speech. I attempt to counteract any word vomit that others may spew with a positive attitude and encouragement. Many times when I sense that others are about to hurl, I say something nice as an antidote to the poison. Almost always, it reverses the effects of their venom.

If you have been around the blog in the last few months then you know how I am working at staying positive, exuding happiness in an otherwise grumpy world, and being nice to those around me. I must say it taste a lot sweeter in my mouth than the wretched bitterness that arrives after the moment of word vomit. Next time you go to say something remember what the old folks say...

"You catch more flies with honey than vinegar."

Give It Away

When I was little we used to sing a song in Vacation Bible School about sharing. It said,

"Share with one another.

Share with one another.

This is the happy way to

share with one another."

The song could go on forever...Love one another. Care for one another. Bless one another. etc.

I catch myself singing this often throughout my school day. The life of a teacher is constant sharing. We share our knowledge with children. We share our time with parents before and after school...well beyond our "7:30-2:30" time frame that most people think we work. We share our plans and lessons with coworkers. It is a constant job of "giving it away."

I personally would not have it any other way. That's why I am a teacher. I want to "give away" whatever I have that will make the students, the parents, the profession be successful! I cannot imagine for the life of me being so greedy that I kept everything I had to myself. What good is that?

Every now and then you run across people who want to hoard it all up. It's kinda sad really. Just give it away. When you do it just makes room for more good to come in!

Turn It Around

This morning my student teacher and I changed all the seats around in the classroom. We were down right giddy as we waited for the students to come in. We both both recollected about times when we were in school that the teacher "rearranged" the seating chart. I always loved getting a new seat. It meant I was getting to move away from people who were starting to annoy me and hopefully get closer to someone who I liked.

Now that I am a teacher I realize that the main reason teachers rearrange is because there is too much chaos going on somewhere in the room and it needs to be busted up. Which was not necessarily the case in my room, (wink, wink) but they needed a fresh perspective.

One student in particular was NOT happy with the seat that was assigned. Instantly disbelief, shock, and dismay took over. The usual smiling face that adorns this student turned as sour as freshly squeezed lemon! I was a bit surprised at this reaction. We gave each seat assignment a lot of thought and believed that everyone would be happy. Apparently we were dead wrong about this one.

I called the student over and we began to chat. I listened to the concerns because I like for ms students to feel that they have a voice. I want to validate them and their opinions early on in life so that when they are older they will not be afraid to speak up for themselves. That does not mean that they will always get what they want with me, but I will always listen.

As I listened to the concerns of this child, I realized they were valid, but for the next few weeks, toughing it out was gonna have to be the solution. I waved my magic teacher wand over the head of this frowning face and assured the worried soul that I would monitor the situation and adjust if needed. I tried really hard to get that frowny face flipped back upright so the day would go more pleasant, but I could not get it to budge.

For about two hours the bottom lip was out, the eyes were droopy, and the arms were folded in pure disgust. Then, as if my magic wand had somehow worked, the face brightened, the eyes sparkled like the stars and a fresh attitude set in. As I noticed the change take place right before my eyes, I had to applaud the effort I had seen. I must admit that I over did it just a bit as I poured out my praise at this attitude adjustment. "What an awesome job at turning it around!!!" I said in the most excited "teachery" voice I could. The face continued to beam and the famous dimples made an appearance. The day proceeded without a hitch; crisis diverted and peace abounded!

After I pondered on the incident a bit, I attempted to glean a lesson from my students as I often do. This time the lesson was clear... Don't stay in a funk, turn it around!

Happy Anniversary

On March 1st, 2010 when I took that first step down Cool Water Ct., I am confident that I had no idea what I was doing. I was wearing a pair of worn out New Balance sneakers that were scuffed on the sides to the point that the Chinese made foam which made the puffy rim of the shoe was exposed to all things America. My 100% cotton socks were already wet from sweat because I had worn them all day, and my legs wanted to hide their winter nakedness rather than be exposed to the warm spring sun. Yet, I went anyway...

The shirt was no microfiber, wicking, aerodynamic masterpiece. It was some .99 cent Goodwill special I pulled out of my "mission trip" clothing drawer because I didn't want to mess up my good clothes. The shorts were a pair of too tight, size 31 basketball shorts that I pillaged from my roommates bottom drawer. I was a size 36. I was no athlete. Never had been. Never wanted to be. This clothing was as foreign to me as a steak is to a vegan. Yet, I went anyway.

Something drove me out there in spite of my clothing inadequacies. I am not sure if it was the desire to look fit in my bathing suit that summer, the need for healthier habits, the desire to eat a Krispy Kreme without worrying over the calories, or a combination of all of those topped with a dose of curiosity. Curiosity of could I really do this; Could I really change the outward appearance of myself to match the fun, excited, out going person that lie beneath the pounds that hid me??? Fearful and full of self doubt... Yet, I went anyway.

2 years later as I type this blog and think about the wonderful journey that started as I trotted off down my street that day, I cannot help but be overwhelmed by the Amazing Grace that has carried me every step. I did indeed change that outward appearance, but more importantly the inside changed as well. Once insecure, unworthy, and defeated, I now feel empowered, victorious, and confident. It's almost surreal to think how this new person, that had been there all along, emerged as a result of that first mile on March 1, 2010. I'm so glad I went.

Happy Anniversary to me!!!

Reflective Vest

Tonight in the middle of nowhere in Aiken county, my old college buddy Chris and I did a six mile run around 9:15. The last mile greeted us with a downpour. It was a great run. The air was a bit muggy, but the atmosphere made for a perfect run. I honestly felt like I could have gone on forever.

Congrats to Chris for having his first 6 miles under 50 minutes. It could have been the dogs around mile 2 that sped him up. Or, it could have been that he was afraid the rain would melt him during mile 5. For all you worriers about night running, fear not. Chris was wearing his protective reflective vest for all 4 cars we passed out here in this abandoned land. The dogs and lightning were much more of a threat.

Dessert

Can you guess which one I had for dessert???

Plankin' WIth Sophie

Name That Toe

A great friend of mine has told me more than once that I am the happiest person she knows. When she says it, I take it as the best compliment. I then chuckle inside because I know how "un" happy I can get sometimes... I get made when the underdog is mistreated... Lord help me if there is an injustice occurring and I am nearby... And just forget it if someone is being disrespectful to a service employee at a restaurant.

That said though, most of the time I am a happy person. I enjoy life. I am alive, life is short, and I don't want to waste one moment of it in a toxic waste dump. I am learning more and more everyday how to take the lemons and squeeeeeeze the heck out of them to make that ever so sweet lemonade! It hasn't always been that way for me, but the older I get the easier and much more necessary it becomes.

Take this toe for example...

To you this may look like the toe of someone who is a few fries short of a happy meal. It may appear that I was entertaining myself in the Podiatrist office. It may even seem like I was creating friend for conversation. Regretfully, these stories are not the truth.

True story... I am trying to make the best of a bad situation. As a result of the marathon on Saturday I experienced what is known as a Subungual Hematoma... AKA: Runner's Toe. Calm down. It's nothing major. It sounds horrific, but it is basically just a bruise under the toenail from the constant pounding while running. They usually heal on their own, but often times the toenail is lost. You can't really tell from this picture because he just got out of an hour long Epsom Salt bath, but the nail is very dark in color; a brownish blackish color.

It wasn't hurting too badly, until a kid slammed his foot down on it today at recess. He didn't mean to, but it hurt so bad it brought tears to my eyes. I have never had to restrain my words quite like I did at that moment. Thankfully the salt bath did him well, but he is still a goner in a few days.

To make the best of this bad situation, and to continue to be a happy person, I decided to draw a face on the toenail for his last few days with me... The only thing is... I needed help naming him. Any ideas?

Here's to lemonade!

Recovery

When you run 26.2 miles your body needs time to heal. The muscles tear, the glycogen is depleted, and energy is zapped. Most people take anywhere from a few days to several weeks off before hitting the pavement again. After marathon number 2 in November I waited 2 days before getting back out there, and I seemed to do pretty well. I am debating even as I type if I will head out tomorrow after school. The drive and motivation to run will most likely win tomorrow about 3:30ish.

Once you get in the routine of running it so hard to respect and observe the recovery time needed for your body to heal, yet it is so crucial to the next race. I always make sure to have a massage within a day or two of the race. I went today for my normal post marathon hour, and let me say... OUCH! It was more like an hour in a medieval torture chamber than a healing massage. My muscles were a mess! More than once I screamed...ok, maybe not a scream, but it was a definite bellow of extreme discomfort. The only thing that made me enjoy it was that I knew it was helping me for my next run. Of course this was expected after 26.2 miles, but that did not diminish the pain any less. Regardless of the pain, I remained in that euphoric state of happiness with my accomplishment Saturday.

The recovery just adds to the high. It let's me know that I worked hard, achieved an amazing feat, and helps me to look forward to the next big run! Maybe a 50K or 50 miler is in my future yet....who knows?

Myrtle Beach Marthon Moments

I still can't believe I ran my 3rd marathon yesterday. The feeling of completing the first one was amazing, but the third was equally awesome! I cannot imagine this ever getting old. The thrill of the race morning, waking at 4:30AM to shove down bagels and peanut butter, being surrounded by runners who are experiencing the same grueling task and pain as you, hearing cow bell after cow bell as you pass by cheering onlookers...there is just nothing like it! Yesterday's race was just a thrill from the beginning. Here is recap as best I remember.

Start line: The announcers blew a fuse and the mics went dead about 1 minute before the start. We were all awaiting a count down when all of a sudden a loud cannon fired. In the blink of an eye the race was under way!

Mile 1-4 was kind of a blur... It usually is when I am running a longer race. It is during this time that I am trying to get my pace settled in and smooth out the breathing. I do remember lots of people on the streets saying, "looking good." My only thought to them was, "Duh, we just started...check me out at mile 23!"

Mile 5 I was very humbled. I past by one of the crank chair participants. Those men and women are amazing athletes. They complete the entire race from a bike/chair that is propelled by cranking pedals with the hands. I cannot imagine how difficult this is, yet they make it look so easy.

Mile 6 I had my first family sighting. It is so good to have fans to cheer you on. It gives your brain something to look forward to each mile because you never know where and when they will be waiting to cheer.

Mile 7 I was headed towards the Grand Strand, and I passed a friend of mine who was back at mile 5.5. It was neat to actually see someone else I knew running during the middle of the race.

Mile 8 started on the main drag at Myrtle Beach known as the Grand Strand. It was so cool to be able to run right down the middle of that street. Lord knows I have driven up and down it a 1,000 times. It was a whole new perspective.


Mile 10- I felt a nasty blister forming on the front arch of my left foot. I immediately began kicking myself for not getting the new shoes I needed 3 weeks prior to run. I just got busy and didn't do it.

Mile 11- Some lady yelled out that she liked my red shoes. It got my mind off the blister.

Mile 12 The dreaded split... This is the moment that has been the hardest for me in all 3 marathons. It is the split where all those running the half marathon turn to go to the finish and you realize you are not even half way through. There is a huge mental battle that takes place with me right there. To make it even worse, the volunteers at this point always say... "You're half way there. Keep going! What made this spot special though was that this was family sighting number 2!!! They must have know I would need them there!

Mile 13.1 Half way point... Time was 1:30:40. I was feeling good, but knew that I had to focus to to get to the finish. I still had a ways to go.

Mile 15 Some lady had a poster that said "Chuck Norris never ran a marathon!" I loved it! If you ever go to a marathon, make a sign. They really do entertain us while we are running.

Mile 16-19 I started to hear a group of feet behind me. At this point in the race it's not normal to hear a group. Runners have usually spread out by this point. I knew that this must be the 3:05 pace group. I originally signed up to run with this group but didn't. Sure enough, it was them. I held my own with them until mile 19ish, but just couldn't hang. It was here that I started to really fight that mental battle... Had I gone out too fast? Could I make it the last 7.2 miles without falling on my face? The worries quickly faded though as I saw my mom and Chuck jumping up and down in the street. Family sighting number 3 was perfectly timed! I finally took off my gloves and toboggan and hurled them their way as they cheered me on.

Mile 20 it was starting to get warm. Temperatures had to be in the 60's and the sun was warming me up pretty good. As I approached the water station, I yelled to to the first volunteer to throw the water in my face. His face lit up with excitement. He seemed more than happy to oblige; He, and every other volunteer in that tunnel of workers. When I emerged from that station I was SOAKED!!!!!! I panicked a bit that the water weighted shirt was gonna slow me down so I immediately pulled it off. I rung it out really good and decided to keep it off for a bit. Most people do not run a marathon shirtless, but I figured it was the best thing to do in the moment.

Mile 22 I heard a familiar sound. It was church praise band set up along the route encouraging runners as the forged ahead. They were singing the song Everlasting God. We have sung it many times at church. I had a moment as I ran by there. At mile 22 you are starting to just be slap worn out and with me, emotions abound. I burst into tears for at least the next half mile. It was a good soul cleansing cry though. No worries.

Mile 23 I got rejuvenated and had a little spurt of energy. I managed to get my shirt back on. I passed a couple of runners that I remember had passed me when the 3:05 pace group went by. I felt pretty good about that and tried to start pushing.

Mile 24 I realized there was not a lot left to push. I wanted to so badly. I tried...but the legs just wouldn't go.

Mile 25-26 I was able to hold a respectable 8:30ish pace as I entered the last stretch. During this time you start to pass other finished racers along the sides. They are proudly wearing their medals and eating bananas and doughnuts. They are walking back to their cars, cheering you on, basking in their finish of the half marathon, and you simply want to smack that doughnut out of their hands. While you appreciate their cheers, you are just ready to be done!

26.1-26.2 I entered the finish corral and made the last turn. The finish line was in sight, and so was family. This was the first of the 3 marathons that I actually saw them as I finished. I ran over to the boundary and high fived my my mom. The clock said 3:10:45. I knew I had to hurry to keep it in the 3:10 time. Somehow... I did, 3:10:53!

As I have at every finish, I found the medal passer outter and told her that I had been looking for her for 26.2 miles. Even though I am sure they heard it a bazillion times, they laughed at me like I was the first one to say it. I quickly found the Krispy Kreme doughnuts and inhaled one, along with 2 pints of chocolate milk, 2 bottles of water, an orange, and a bagel.

We took some photos. Then, just as quickly as we started, it was over and the Waffle House and the All-Star Special was before me as I settled into the euphoric afterglow that follows a wonderfully awesome, painfully grueling 26.2 miles! I can hardly wait til the next one!

Myrtle Beach Marathon

My "Love" Of Running

In honor of the big day Tuesday a running blog I follow is having a contest for runners who blog. The entry form? A simple blog with 10 things that I love about running.

1. It keeps me healthy. Who knows how big I would have gotten by now if my feet hadn't met the pavement?

2. It is focus time. Helps me reflect on my day and spend some time getting things straight!

3. It has helped me meet lots of amazing people!

4. I have been places I would have never been other wise. There are roads I have passed a 100 times in a car that I have never been down. My feet love those roads!

5. It is contagious. I have many friends who were nonrunners before I started who are now runners!

6. It gives me a reason to buy shoes. I love the crazy colored ones!

7. Pizza!

8. The soreness. I know this is weird to most of you, but the soreness lets me know that I worked hard and my body is reaping the healthy benefits.

9. I like the attention. Who doesn't? People think I am crazy when I tell them I run 26.2 miles for fun. I love to watch their reactions. Makes me want that ultra all the more. (An ultra is anything past 26.2)

10. It reminds me every time I go how blessed I am and how thankful I am to have my health and the ability to be active. Lots of people would love to run!

Before You Speak

... imagine yourself in their shoes.

... imagine you have their problems.

... think of what the Lord has done for you.

... think about how you didn't deserve His grace.

... think about how He loves/loved/will always love you in spite of yourself.

... think of what He would say.

James 1:19 says to "Be quick to listen and slow to speak."

Whitney Houston

I do not post about anything pop "culturey" here, but I just felt compelled to post these tonight.I cannot judge anyone, because I have never walked in their shoes. As the news broke about her death, I immediately saw some harsh tweets and outrageous statuses that shocked me. She is now free from all the mess. RIP Whitney Houston.

Modern Marathoner

Marathons

No, I am not talking about the 26.2 kind tonight. That will be next week as I gear up for the Myrtle Beach Full. I am talking about a TV marathon. I don't remember these growing up, but it seems that they have really become common place over the last few years.

I must admit that I LOVE a TV marathon. It really doesn't matter what the show is; if I get hooked, I am there as long as I can stand it. I ashamed to tell you the list of marathons that I have gotten sucked into lately. It usually happens on a Saturday after a long run when I am tired and in a lazy mood. I know that is not an excuse that would justify me watching 5 hours of the Kardashians, but it has happened. Doggone... I told you that. I wasn't supposed to.

I live in the real world... I know there are others of you who get sucked into these just like me. You are most likely just as ashamed to tell that you watched 7 episodes of Hoarders in a row! That is one of my favorite marathons to waste a day with. Others I like are:

1. Law & Order (Any of the 500 they have.)

2. Deadliest Catch

3. Clean House

4. Cake Boss

5. America's Next Top Model (LOL!!!!! NOT... Just seeing if you are reading!)

What are some TV marathons that you have been sucked into?

It's Not How You Finish, It's How You Start!

Go ahead and read that title again... It doesn't say what you think.

Today as I was running, I was thinking about finishing as I often do when running after a long hard day of work. I do love to finish a race strong. There is nothing like finishing a run in a full sprint. It tells me that even when I am tired and dragging that I can still find some strength within to step it up for one final push. The only way that I can finish the race strong though, is directly related to how I started. If I start out in a full sprint, running a 5 minute mile, there is no way that I can hold that pace for many miles. I would grow weary, my muscles would be beat, and my lungs would be on fire. I would not have the stamina to finish the race that still laid ahead of me. The start of the race is indeed just as important as the finish.

When I was growing up it seemed that I heard this phrase often; "It's not how you start, but how you finish that counts." It is a great statement that encourages us to forget our past mistakes and press on towards the finish without any hindrance. While I understand the statement, and agree with its meaning, I am convinced since becoming a teacher, and now a runner, that the beginning of anything is directly related to the finish.

If the foundation of training for a race or the lifelong journey of education is missing key cornerstone pieces, the finish is sure to be miserable. Try learning algebra without first learning addition...Try learning to write a thesis without first learning to read... Try to explain world history without first learning that you live on planet Earth... Try running a marathon without first putting in the hard work and building up those legs. All of these things would surely end in a horrible mess regardless of how strong you finished them.

A good start is crucial and vital to a strong finish. Next time you blaze a new trail or begin a new adventure, think about that start. It does matter. A good foundation will help make your strong finish all the better.

iPad Blogging

About 2 months I go I received an iPad from some very generous donors at DonorsChoose.org for my classroom. I was ecstatic to get it, and now I am hooked. I want a whole class set of them. Hopefully that is gonna happen soon. We will see.

I have had to spend a lot of time getting apps downloaded for the class. There are some great apps out there, but I want to learn how to create my own. I am currently enrolled in an email class where I learn how to write HTML code and maybe I can teach myself how to create an app.

I am actually using the iPad to blog tonight. It is different, but it's like anything else...it takes time and practice to get used to. Just in the time that I have been typing this blog my typing has gotten faster. I was just exiling away with one finger and now I am going like faster like on a regular keyboard. The only thing I don't like about it is this particular blogging app I downloaded. I think I am going to find another one.

See y'all tomorrow!

Super Bowl

In honor of the big game, here are my favorite things to put in a bowl!

1. Honey Nut Cheerios- I have a had at least one bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios everyday since November of 2009. I am addicted. I have driven to the store at 6 in the morning to get some more when I realize that I am out.

2. My favorite meal at the daycare I used to go to was Tomato soup with saltines and burnt cheese toast. I had this for dinner just yesterday!

3. Since I became a runner, I love all things pasta. My favorite is ice cold pasta salad with salami. My friend Pam Ray makes the best!

4. My favorite flavor right now is blueberry followed closely by strawberry. I could go for a bowl right now!!!

5. A few years ago my friend Kim Lord made Chicken Chili for dinner. She invited me over, and I have been a huge fan since. I can't make it like she does though. I think she puts her foot in it! Doggone it is GOOD!

Number 3

2 weeks from today I will run my third marathon in Myrtle Beach. I am beyond excited to run another one. It seems like yesterday that I was running number 2 in Savannah. I had my last 20 mile training run today in preparation of the big day. Below are a few random things that happened today as I pressed on through the 20 miles.

Mile 1- Some homeless man yelled at me that my form wasn't right. He said I needed to get my legs up.

Mile 4- I accidentally lost my gum. I was breathing through my mouth and out came the gum. I juggled it around a bit but ultimately it hit the ground.

Mile 8- It started to mist pretty heavily and my glasses got all blurry.

Mile 10- I shouted out loud that I was half way through and some lady in her yard looked at me like I was crazy. She should have heard me having a conversation with myself at mile 11!

Mile 12- I had a bit of a coughing fit when I swallowed funny. You don't realize how many muscles you use to cough until they are all hurting from a long run. OUCH!

Mile 13- I ran through a special event in the YMCA parking lot. I felt like I was not supposed to be there. GladI was moving on.

Mile 15- Someone who knew me passed by and was just waving away, but I had no idea who it was because it was raining pretty good by that time. If it was you, tell me!

Mile 18- I jay"ran" for the humpteenth time. I just don't see standing there waiting if nothing is coming.

Mile 20.1- Finished in the Krispy Kreme parking lot where I started. The smell was fantastic, the light was on, but I stretched and went home!