Running with a Crew

There was just enough of a chill in the air to make my teeth chatter, had I not been running.  The wind was blowing pretty hard, too.  We were around mile 9 when I passed a couple of girls.  I heard one say to the other, "I could never run alone."  I'm not sure she was talking about me, but I did appear to be alone. 

"I'm not running alone, girl.  I've got a pack of folks running with me." 

See, while it may have appeared I was running 13.1 miles alone, that could not have been farther from the truth. 

• I had my friends at home who'd sent me texts and facebook messages and posts encouraging me, telling me they were praying for me and would be looking for me to text them when I crossed the finish line.
• My family had encouraged me all along, kept Molly when Tim and I ran our long runs together, kept Molly over the weekend while we ran this race.
• I had this star in my shoe that was a total God-send a few weeks before that reminded me my Daddy knows.

• I knew Tim was a mile or two ahead of me, and his words of encouragement and coaching all along the way echoed in my head over and over and over again. 
• I had my worship music blaring in my ears as I ran.  I'd prayed and prayed and prayed while I ran, and I knew my God was with me, too.  That was never more evident than when I crossed the finish line and the words, "oh no, you never let go" were singing in my ears. 

I crossed the finish line at 2:21, and I was pumped!  My goal was 2:30.  My pace was steady, and I felt great!  I was so esctatic!

Tim had crossed the finish line before me, with a time of 2:12.  Rockin' it!

I'm so very thankful for my family and friends who are my biggest cheerleaders and encouragers.  Y'all ran this half, too.  And I thank you!

I need you, too, 'cause this girl?  Is totally addicted!

Labor Day Road Race

There are a million and one things I love about Tim.  He's a hard worker.  He provides so well for our family.  He is a godly man.  He adores Molly.  I could go on and on.

I also love that he is the ultimate encourager when it comes to my running.  He always has been.  He's the one who got me running in the first place.  It's Tim who I always break down my runs with.  Tim's the one who tells me to lighten up when I get down about being s-l-o-w.

And I love that he ran with me yesterday for the Labor Day 10K.  God bless him.  When he could've run a lot faster and been done a lot sooner, he hung with me.  Slow-Joe-from-Kokomo.  And when my breathing got out of wack, it was him to got me back on track.  When I was struggling, he was the one who encouraged me.  When we finished running the hills, he high fived me.  Goodness knows I love that man!

This was at the half way mark.  I'm pretty sure he was giving me a pep talk!

And, thank the Good Lord, we made it to the finish line!  My goal was to finish in an hour, but by the midway point, I realized that was not going to happen.  So, my goal was 1:05.  I was a bit disappointed when the finish line came into view and I realized I missed that, too.  But not by much.

And that's a PR for me.  So I'll gladly take it!

Next up, continuing to train for the Rock n Roll Half Marathon in Savannah in November!



My New Running Coach

I went for a run Sunday afternoon with Ellie, and let me assure you, she is my newest running coach! It was the first time she'd been in her running stroller, and while she might look a little unsure of what's shakin' here, I assure you she loved it!

Sorry the quality is pretty bad; I took this on my phone and on the move! So, what makes this precious little girl my newest running coach? Because while running, she'd laugh and jabber away. But when her Aunt B slowed to a walk, Ellie was pushing her little head forward, moving her feet and grunting, "Uhh, uhh," doing whatever she could to get me to run again!

And if you know anything at all about this Aunt B, it's that I do whatever I can to make Ellie Grace smile. . . .

Probably why I'm still tired and sore two days later!

The Fall

I knew it would happen. In the three years I’ve been going to the gym, I have watched poor souls fall, trip, lose their rhythm on the treadmills. It’s always so embarrassing for the victim of the fall. Many times I’ve concentrated on my run or walk, just making sure I, Grace herself, do not fall.

Tuesday morning, while walking hills on the treadmill, I decided I wanted to move the fan more towards me. So, I hopped off of the treadmill, adjusted the fan, and hopped back on the treadmill. . . . only I momentarily forgot the treadmill was MOVING!!!

. . . And down she went. . . .

In a split second, I fell, grabbing the handle bar of the treadmill, only to be further stretched from the handle bar to the very edge of the treadmill. Because it’s still moving!!!

It was a never-ending cycle! What seemed like an eternity probably only lasted 2 seconds, and I was soon back up and walking my hills like I’ve never tripped. Luckily, the only witness to this escapade was the old man I call Moses. Moses, who’s older than dirt and walks a brisk 2.0 mph on his treadmill each morning looked as startled as I was. But he never said a word. Just kept right on walking.

Three days later, I have slight strawberries on my leg as proof of this fall.

Due to feeling like poo because of sinus issues, Tuesday is my most recent visit to the gym. Tim told me this morning that Moses asked if I was okay. Poor man. He told Tim I was back up and walking before he could even stop his treadmill to check on me. Expected for someone who walks as slowly as Moses, I suppose. And Moses thought I’d hurt myself good, seeing as I’ve not been back since the fall. Sweet hubby assured him the only thing hurt from the fall is my pride.

My how true.

Random Thoughts on a Thursday

It’s been a busy week at work. . . . after spending two days compiling a list of forms for our loan platform, I realized at 4 yesterday afternoon, that I was not nearly as close to finished as I thought. After letting out a very exasperated “ughhhhhhhh”, my office neighbors were in here asking what was wrong. . . . low and behold, those computer nerds were able to generate my list in, oh, 3 minutes. Yeah, two days of work down the drain for me. . . but I now have my list!!!

Ellie Grace slept through the night last night, her mommy reports!

We’re celebrating Christmas tonight with the Kozee’s, and I’m so excited! Mark’s coming home for the weekend, so that’s why we’ve waited to celebrate Christmas! I haven’t seen Mark in almost 14 months, so I can’t wait to see the older little brother I never had!

There are men replacing the HVAC unit in our building today, and it smells like a musty ole burned out metal box in our breakroom, which is right beside my office. Lucky me! and it’s kinda cloudy and the air is nasty. Ah the joys of working in an old building. . . .

I have two and a half weeks until my second half marathon!?!?! And it looks like I’ll be running this one solo. Tim’s super duper stressed with work right now, and Brian decided after our run Sunday that long runs aren’t for him. I’m really looking forward to the challenge of running the race solo and knowing that my family will be there to cheer me on!

I don’t wash my hair every day, because it’s sooooooo dry as it is. Yesterday, I washed it and wore it curly, which typically means I’d wear it curly again today and wash it tomorrow. I wanted to wear it straight today, so I tried to straighten out dried curls. It didn’t quite work so well. . . . I feel like I have lumpy-straight hair today.

Randomness, I know! Happy Thursday!!

Ten Things. . . .

Yay! I’ve finally been tagged!!! Ally tagged me, and I am suppose to share ten things about myself that are "pretty interesting" and then tag seven bloggers to share their ten things.

Sadly, I am not sure I have seven bloggers who read my blog, so if you get tagged and you’re not a blogger, well, then, post it on your facebook or something!!!

1. I am a closet competitive person. I say I’m in the closet b/c I don’t like to admit how competitive I am because I think that might mean I lose some of the edge I might already have. I’m competitive with everything! If you know me at all, you know I’m not athletic, but for instance, if I’m running on a treadmill at the gym, and the person beside me is running faster than me, I tend to get all bent out of shape, angry, and decide I hate running and I’m fat and can’t do it. But, let someone jump on the treadmill beside me who’s slower than I am, and I am off to the races! I’m bound to have a great run, full of energy and pep!

2. If I wasn’t a banker, I honestly think I’d be a mortician. Okay, a funeral director sounds better, but it’s all the same really. Strange, I know. When my daddy died, the funeral home was so good to us and the guys really made an impact on me. It would be such an honor to be used by God to help those at their deepest time of need.

3. Speaking of my career, I’m kind of over being a banker. Tim, if you’re reading this, do not – I repeat, do not – flip out! I’m just saying I think it’s kind of mundane to help someone with financing and their money when I could be working in a greater ministry, like with Sav a Life or something that’s more likely to make an impact on someone’s life and on someone’s eternity.

4. I never had a Grandma or Granny or Grandpa growing up. I had grandparents, but I never called them that. My Mom’s parents were Gma and Gpa. My Dad’s parents were Memommie and Pepoppie. I remember being about 3 and running home from my neighbor’s house crying because I didn’t have a Granny like he did! My Memommie was much too hip to be happy with a name like Grandma, but she obliged while I tried it out. I think that last two hours. . . . and I quickly realized I was just fine with a Memommie and Pepoppie, Gma and Gpa. I wouldn’t trade them for the world. Not then and not now!

5. I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that God created me to be a wife and a mother. Being a wife has been so fulfilling, and I look forward to being a mother to my husband’s children with much anticipation and excitement!

6. No, that is not my way of telling the blogosphere I’m pregnant. I’m not preggers!

7. I used to pride myself on being a girl who knew football. I mean knew it. not just, “oh, those are my dawgs in their silver britches” but the kind of girl who on more than one occasion lost her voice during a football game from screaming and hollering at the boys, because I was certain my coaching was being heard and obeyed! But now, I’m not so sure. I still don’t understand plays well and certainly can’t tell you what I think might happen next based on how the line looks.

8. Like Ally, I struggle with abstaining from sweets. I love them! And, also like Ally, I have little to no self control with them. Thank Heavens my hubby is health-conscious, too, so we rarely have anything sweet in the house.

9. Which leads me to my argument that after our 9 mile run yesterday, some extreme moose tracks would’ve been perfectly legit for dinner. Hubby nixed that one. Which I’m thankful for!

10. I’ve never been skiing out west. I’ve really only skied twice in my life. The first time, I was in high school and went to Boone with my friend, Jennifer. We didn’t think we needed school, so we just went straight for the slopes, but I pretty much slid on my bottom the entire way down b/c I was clueless! I peed my pants more that trip than I ever imagined possible from laughing so much! Most recently, 4 or 5 years ago, Jodi, Brad and I went to Ashley’s in NC and went with her youth group to West Virginia. We had the forethought to attend ski school; only, Jodi dropped out. So Brad and I spent the night skiing. Or, he spent the night skiing, waiting for B, skiing, waiting for B. Because I would get to going too fast for my liking and just plop down on my big bottom and slide to a stop. Scardy Cat I am.

Hey, that’s the 11th thing. A Bonus! I’m a big ole’ Scardy Cat!

And with that fun, I’ll tag Jennifer, Jodi, Melissa, and Ashley in the blogosphere. Mom, Jennifer McMen, and Karen, you’ve been tagged in the world of Facebook! C’mon, y’all, play along!!!

Another Blogosphere Game!

Okay, so I’ve told you that I’ve recently gotten really into this blogosphere world, and I’m loving it! I’m participating in an interview, which SoMi recently participated in. Here are the rules:

1. I must refer you to SoMi’s post where I got this idea

2. If you want to participate, leave me a comment saying, “Interview me.” (And your e-mail address, please.)
3. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions!
4. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
5. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
6. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

So, here were SoMi’s questions for me:

(1) Name only one blogger you really respect and tell me why. Just one? Gee whiz. . . . I respect all of y’all. I’ll tell you why I respect Jennifer. Sometimes the best friendships are ones that kind of happen in random ways, you know? I have gotten to know Jennifer through a mutual friend, and in recent years, Jennifer’s been crushed, her world’s been turned upside down, and she has been heart broken beyond explanation. The beautiful thing, though, is Jennifer is today, one of the most amazing Godly women I know. She has faced her battles with faith like a child, she has embraced the new life God’s given her with such gusto and enthusiasm! I’m one of many, many friends Jennifer has, and it’s so easy to be her friend because she’s so full of life, excitement, warmth, and grace. She’s the true epitome of a Christian Southern Lady, and I’m proud to call her my friend.

(2) If you had to pick a non-urban, U.S. destination in which to vacation for a week, where would you go?

White Salmon, Washington!

Tim’s aunt and uncle live there, and the pictures I’ve seen are beautiful! With a population of just over 2,200, this is definitely a non-urban destination!!!

(3) If you had $500 to spend on housing, food and entertainment for the trip mentioned in (2), how would you spend it? Since we’d stay with Cindy and George, I’d spend $500 on food for the fam and fun times from hiking Dog Mountain to touring wineries and anything inbetween!

(4) Tell me about one person with whom you've lost touch. If you hope for a reunion, how would you like that reunion to take place? It would have to be Kristin, a friend from high school. Actually, Kristin went to school with me in kindergarten, too, but moved to California. She returned for her senior year, and we were instantly close friends. We remained close through college, even living together for a few months. When I graduated and returned to Macon, Kristin and I were roommates in a guest house together. Let’s just say I ended up moving out, losing money and a friend. She moved for work, and we really haven’t spoken since. . . . then the wonderful world of Facebook intervened, and I found her mother (or did she find me?) and Kristin. We’ve chatted briefly via Facebook, and while I miss her friendship dearly, I know I always will. It seems as though she’s happy now, and that’s really all that matters. We both grew up and are different people, I suppose. . . . Ah, thus is life. Reunion? Doubtful. . . .

(5) In 2008, what was your biggest achievement and your biggest failure/disappointment? Would becoming an aunt be an achievement?!?! Probably not so much since I really did nothing except cheer on my sister through labor and dote on Ellie ever since! So, my biggest achievement of ‘08 would definitely be running my first half marathon. What an experience! I’m especially proud since I really have only been running for less than a year! 2008 was such a great year for me, being a newlywed, watching my sister and brother in law become parents. . . but the disappointments would be losing a dear friend to cancer and losing my Pepoppie to stroke. Amy was just too young, and Pepoppie’s illness was so brief that I’m not sure it’s hit me yet that he’s really gone. Life is so fragile.

So, there you have it, friends! Hit me up, and I'll send you questions so you can play along, too! Happy New Year! Stay safe!

I’m new to google reader, and I’m really liking it. Only I find myself reading too many blogs during the day while I should be working. . . . oops! Skinkering Hearts is one of a handful of blogs I love reading just b/c she’s such a great writer. SH recently posted on contradictions in her life, and I couldn’t help but smile while reading it. I, too, am full of contradictions in my life and in my preferences. . .

- I’m the first to jump at a chance to eat whatever I please but also the first to complain about being overweight.

- Like SH, I like raw carrots but cannot stand them cooked. Something about the texture just turns my insides out.

- I like ketchup. . . . sometimes. Not always and not only at certain restaurants. Today I might want ketchup for my fries at Chick fil A, but tomorrow I might not. Totally depends on my mood
- I never have played rec sports or school sports, but I am extremely competitive all the same.

- I love to tuck my toes under Tim’s legs when we go to bed, and my hands are always also tucked under my pillow, but I cannot begin to imagine falling asleep with my head tucked under the covers.

- I am sure I’m claustrophobic but I oftentimes wake up with my entire body, head included, under the covers. So if I end up that way in my sleep, does that mean it’s all in my head?

- I love to eat shrimp, crab, and lobster. Tuna, most salmon, and any other fishy-fish grosses me out.

- I really want to be a faster runner, but I really hate getting up early in the morning for the gym.

- I’ve been known to only like “real” plots for movies and books. You know, no science fiction or the like, please. But I’ve become totally engrossed in the Twilight series. Tell me when vampires and werewolves became “real”?

- I love watching medical shows that show surgeries, blood, guts, and all the gory stuff. I often wonder if I should be a nurse. But I almost fainted twice during my niece’s birth a couple of weeks ago!

- I can talk to anyone until I’m blue in the face, but I could never sell a coat to an Eskimo.

- I listen to songs like “Walkin on Sunshine” and “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” while running, but my running hero – Amber, that’s you! – prefers techno and can’t imagine running to my music!

- I can’t stand cleaning a tub but I’ll clean a toilet any day of the week.

Ha! After reading this, I’m sure I’ve only skimmed the surface, and to think. . . . a couple of years ago, I honestly asked Tim, “Am I high maintenance?” No wonder he just smiled and kept quiet. God bless my husband's heart. . . .

13.1 ~ Done!

Well, we did it! My first half marathon is officially under my belt! It was cold – 27 degree wind chill – and windy. The race had its fair share of hills, and then some! But we did it! What an amazing feeling! Tim ran with me the entire time, and I can’t begin to explain how that encouraged me along the way. I wish I could recount mile by mile how I felt, what I was thinking, etc., but it all kind of runs together now. Here’s what I do remember:

The first 3 miles were a breeze. We were prepared for the cold weather with my Nike fleece head band covering my ears, my long sleeve top, long dry wick pants, gloves, the works! Tim had his cold gear on, too, head to toe. So it felt good to start running; honestly, my lungs never bothered me. That was one thing I was worried about was the cold air in my lungs, but it wasn’t ever an issue!

After the novelty of running wore off, there were hills to be conquered! Lots of hills! And I’ll be the first to admit hills are my weakness! They always beat me! I must pat myself on the back and say I did better on these hills than I’ve ever done before. It’s all in the glutes, I say. Push with your butt, not your knees! It’s workin’ for me!!

By mile 7ish, we were at Turner Field. That was pretty fun and pretty easy to run around. Tim has always wanted to run under the Olympic rings that are at the entrance, and we did! He even said, “I know I’m a nerd, but I’ve always wanted to run under those!” when we were heading that way. I told him he was about to have his chance!

Mile 8 brought more water and Gatorade and some protein chews that helped a lot! But after that, I struggled. Miles 9, 10, and 11 were just flat out boring. You know you’re on the downhill slide to being finished, but you also know you’ve got 4 miles left to run. Prior to the race, I’d collected all these warm fuzzy running quotes and sent them out to Tim and our friends who also ran. You know, things like, “All it takes is all you got!” and “Learn to run when feeling the pain: then push harder.” Well, the only quote I could think of was “run like hell and get it over with!” I know, right? Forget the warm fuzzy thoughts. Just get it done! But it worked!

Our time was 2 hours 44 minutes. I’d loved to have done it in 2:30, but that’s just not realistic given my current running pace. When I was honest with myself, I was hoping to do it in less than 2:45, and I did! The cool thing about running in a big race like this was that as we crossed the finish line, they announced our names over this loud speaker! Crazy! I am still amazed at that!! Here we are with our friends, David and Lisa Lee, shortly after we finished!

So, it’s over, said and done. We’re sore but not terribly sore. I’m 3 pounds lighter than I was Friday, and I was stoked about that until a friend informed me that’s not good; it’s severe dehydration!?!!? Nevertheless, we’re proud! We did it! I honestly can’t believe it! The most amazing part of all? We weren’t even out of the Zooma parking lot before we were all talking about our next half marathon. . . . ah, the running bug has bitten us good!

Did I really sign us up for this?

It's here. . . tomorrow morning, 7am. Atlantic Station. We're running a half marathon. Yep, 13.1 miles. Scary, huh!?!?! Scarier: I signed us up for this! What was I thinking? Seriously, we're excited about it. We're running with three of our friends, and we know it'll be an experience we'll never forget.

So, Tim and I had our bibs and shirts mailed to us. Here's the shirt: Look closely. It says it was a half marathon and a 5K. Sooo, I might've run the half but I might've run a 5K? Seriously? I want my shirt to specifically say I ran the half marathon. Gee Whiz, people!?!? Alas, I will get over it. . .

So, wish us luck! Say some prayers for both of us and our friends. Rumor is it's a hilly course; add that with the wind chill of 27, and we're sure to have a grand ole' time.

Runner's Retirement

I, Buddy Ro Miller Slocum, do hereby announce my retirement from running.

Until recently, I have always gotten so excited when I see my mom or daddy pull out my leash. I usually run in circles, jump up and down and all around, and dash like lightning out the door! Belle, my sister, is usually rushing ahead of me; she’s super competitive and believes she must be in front of me. I let her have that satisfaction. . . We love running!

As my mom has improved her running – she thinks she has mad running skills – I’ve gotten slower and slower to her. The last time I ran with her, she was being pulled by Belle while she was pretty much pulling me. I can’t help myself, but I am sure I’m to stop at every possible bush, plant, mailbox, and fire hydrant to mark my territory. We men must do these things, you know? It drives mom nuts! So, she’s begun ignoring my stops, pulling me until I give up. My final run even included my pottying in the middle of the road because the mean ole’ lady wouldn’t let me stop to pooh!

So, I turn over all running responsibilities to my younger and much more hyper sister Belle. Belle, she’s all yours. Run with her like you always do – pull her all around the neighborhood. But by all means, when you return home, there’s no need to rub it in my face. No, just sit yourself down spread eagle on the floor and cool yourself down. That’s how runners do it, Belle.

It's been fun, y'all. . .

Buddy Ro Miller Slocum“Grandpa” to my biggest fans