MARATHON 2010

WE DID IT!!!!!!!!














Heading to the Start








This is my official marathon post, I started running more often about 4 years ago after we moved to The Woodlands. It is such a beautiful area with gorgeous paths and trails that I got the bug to increase mileage and enter some races. Well, it doesn't take long to become addicted to running, it is so nice to enjoy the outdoors and it is such a great stress reliever. So, after Greg and I ran a half marathon 2 years ago, I had to do a full. It was just something that I always wanted to accomplish. Last year we trained for the Austin marathon and got through most of the training until a knee problem shut me down. I was so disappointed, all that hard work and hours and hours of training and no marathon. So, we tried again and registered for the Houston Marathon this past July.

So, here is a quick rundown of our training the past 41/2 months.

18 Weeks Training
193 Miles of Long Runs
238 Miles Weekly Runs
1 day a week at least of Cross Training
2 Pairs of running shoes
Too much Goo to think about (gross)

All that equals One Marathon.


The marathon was amazing, the weather was perfect and it could not have been a prettier day. It was harder that I even imagined especially as mile 21 rolled around. I was done and everything hurt. That's when the crowds are amazing and they really keep you going. It was amazing and I can't wait to do it again. So, all of my children and family start running and do a race with us. The best part of the past few months is all the time that Greg and I got to spend together. He wasn't planning on doing the full but as time went by he just kept training with me and we did it together. Thanks, honey!!!!

Piggy Flu

Well, H1N1 has made it to our house, or as Sammy likes to call it Piggy Flu. Samantha's never ending love of animals (I know how could she be my child) has renamed swine flu to piggy flu. So, just a little fyi, for all those who haven't had it yet. It does not last only two days, try 8 or so. She was tested last Saturday and the doctor walks back in to the room with a mask on and proceeds to mask up Samantha and tells her not to lose the mask for 7 days. Just a bit unrealistic. Oh, did I also mention that of course the pharmacy's are out of Tamiflu, so they have to compound it and of course if it is compounded the insurance company won't pay for it! Why do we have insurance they don't pay for one thing. So, we left the pharmacy with a little smorgasbord of medicines and some Tamiflu for Gregory in hopes that he won't get sick. So far so good, no else has been sick. What a long week, she was miserable and her cough sounds like a freight train. Last Friday in her school class there were only 7 students attending. I guess Samantha won't be needing the H1N1 vaccine. Good luck to all and stay well.

The Happiest Place On Earth

I love Disneyland, I grew up in California and we went all the time. I have always loved it and it never gets old. The grounds are immaculate and every kid there is in heaven. Yes, the lines are long, but it is always worth it. Especially now that there is Ride Max. Quite a timesaver. This was Indie's first time at Disneyland and she loved every minute. I don't think she would have left but her mom and dad were done. It was a great way to spend a day.

Indie got her first princess dress from the Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique, (totally adorable) she went with Sleeping Beauty after much deliberation and stress over choosing. She was so adorable we were dying. I bought her costume and then we went right outside and put it on. Meanwhile Brittanie was buying her shoes and a purse. So, I got her costume on and then she looks up and pulls out her bows and says, "Bows out, crown in."

She is only two and the complete Disney indoctrination is complete. So, we promptly went back in and bought the crown, of course. How can you say no to that face?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAMANTHA

We were in California for Samantha's 11 th birthday and we spent it at Disneyland. It was a great day because all of our family was together. Mandy came from Utah for two days and Britt and Marki and Indie loo was there too. We all loved it and Sammy had a great day at Disneyland. She wore a birthday sticker and small hat ( ha ha) all day and every disney employee told her Happy Birthday. She has never had so many birthday wishes.

Happy Anniversary

Greg and I celebrated our anniversary when we were in Utah. We rented a Harley and drove through the Uintah mountains and went to Park City. It was breathtakingly gorgeous and the weather could not have been more perfect. One of our best anniversary's ever. Greg would say any day on a motorcycle is perfect and it was. Happy Anniversary, Love ya more.

July 4th

We spent the sizzling fourth of July, at the parade and the water park and then the fireworks show at Market street. The pictures speak for themselves, sweaty and oppressive but fun.

Finally an Update

Wow, summer 2009 has been a crazy one. Sorry for the lengthy absence. We just got home from being gone for a month, it was great but we are all very happy to be home. To recap the summer, Greg and I spent all of June and I do mean all of it working on our Stake Youth Conference. We planned and executed 2 1/2 days worth of events for 200 teenagers. It was great and generally it all turned out well. Thanks to all of our many friends who didn't ignore my phone calls and pleas for help.

Here are a few of the highlights, yes everyone is sweating profusely the whole time. It was a record breaking June in Houston, lucky for us!! Our weekend included two dances, the first one was at our church but the a/c was broken. Hot but we survived on the chapels a/c blowing into our gym. We worked at the Houston Food Bank, it was great! The last day we had awesome speakers and our "Night In Galilee" It was worth all of the planning and efforts. Thanks everyone!!!