Five Things for Father's Day

It's Father's Day and in honor of my dad I want to share some things I have learned from him.  Stoic and often quiet unless he has an opinion (watch out) he had ways of influencing me.  Always guiding and loving.  So here are some things I have carried with me in my life because of my dad.

Road trip with mom and dad

Work Hard

My dad has always been a hard worker.  He left home and his first job was at age 14 setting chokers which is extremely dangerous, and living on his own.  Growing up I remember when there was a recession and he was out of work.   He went every day to the unemployment office and would take anything they would give him.  He claimed they were tired of seeing him show up every day.  At one point he worked at the VA, in his terms as a mop flopper.  My dad is a skilled tradesman, although he was not using his trained skill set, he believed in the importance of work, working hard and providing. He gained a different perspective and stated his strong opinions of the importance of respecting our elders and veterans, in which he did not feel was happening.  Work ethic is something that has been instilled me from his influence.

Friends are Important

Waiting for us to stop laughing - the salmon was heavy!

My dad has put up with Kelli and my antics for years!

Good friends are hard to come by.  

Relationships are important and often you must look at your friends like family....family that you may even actually like.  I am sure this can resonate with some of you.  My dad has few close relationships, which is very different from me. Whether you many friends or just a few, having them is important.

I have worked to cultivate my relationships.  My friends are an integral part of my community and identity.  

Pets are Pals

My dad is an animal lover.  If you were to meet him and have a your furry friend with you...he would most likely ignore you and pay attention to your pet.  The neighborhood dogs make a daily stop at my parent's home.  Some even have their own personal dog beds in his shop and will hang out with him when he is tinkering.  Every night he has to walk Josie, his neighbor's oldest springer spaniel back home, as she loves hanging out all day at their house.  At times, I think my parents intent to visit me, was actually to see Roms.  (ok maybe not but it is completely plausible)

My mom has a  No Pet Rule which she upholds.  However, she is the first to pick up dog toys and treats, dog food and bird feed at the store.  A random chicken adopted my parents and set up roost on top of their recycling bin.  Her name is Cuckoo (and my mom loves her just as much as the furry friends, don't let her fool you).   Since then she has had baby chicks and my dad has made a new roost for her. Upon meeting someone with any dog(s), there is an immediate offer to dog sit.  Which my mom scoffs in the background.

My dad told me today as he noticed the empty space where Roms things used to be - I sure miss that bum!

Go for your Dreams

My dad has always encouraged me to do what I love, commit and follow through on my word and strive to improve.  After my first half marathon I was telling him about the race and he said to me that's great, so when's the marathon? My response Dad, I just did a half marathon...I haven't even wrapped my head around a marathon.  This one of many talks we have had.  Often he will listen, if there is concern he will give me my opinion but more often I'm left with You will have to decide what you are going to do kid.  I used to get frustrated - what is that supposed to mean? I asked you for advice!  But I realize ultimately I have to make my a decision, go for it and the outcome, good or bad, will my own.  I appreciate this much more today than my younger years when I was a bit confused on what to do.

Family Time

Birthday stop at Joe's

Joe's Donuts - the best donuts EVER!

Over the years we gift giving has gone to the wayside and spending time together over a meal has been more of the focus.  We have had dinner at Timberline for my dad's birthday in the past.  For Father's Day, I called my dad and inquired where he would like to go to, so that I could make a reservation.

 

Me:  Would you like brunch, lunch or dinner?  

Dad:  I want to go the Vietnamese restaurant....the one you took us to.  

I paused because I couldn't remember a restaurant.  

Dad:  The sandwich place

Me:  Best Baguette???  

Dad: Yeah

Me:  That's where you want to go is to Best Baguette?

Dad:  Yeah they have good sandwiches.  

Me:  Ok, are you sure?  You can pick any place and you want to go there?

Dad:  It doesn't matter where we go as long as we are together

Well that sums it up doesn't it.  May you enjoy your Father's day with your dad, grandpa or whomever.  There may be some of you who have lost your father.  I can imagine that would be difficult today and may you have a moment to reflect on your memories

My parents have a sense of humor!

.

A rare moment to catch him smiling!

Newport Marathon

My second marathon

I had intended on running my second marathon last year in Vancouver B.C. but due to a horrible ankle sprain I ran the last couple of miles with a friends who were doing the half and full marathon.  I set out to finish my second marathon with Newport in mind.  My training was set and I was more than ready.

Tragedy

The week of my marathon I came home from a trip to find out my dog, Roms suddenly had become ill. I rushed from the airport and took him to Dove Lewis. I had to make the difficult decision to put him down as his body was full of cancer.  I remember the comment he doctor made.  'We can do an ultrasound and if it looks like surgery is a possibility, it will give you 3 - 6 months more time with him.  There will hospital stay, stabilization and possibly chemotherapy'.   (At some point I will be writing about Roms but I just can't....just not yet).  Exactly a week ago today I lost Roms.

I was a wreck - emotionally.  I wasn't sleeping and I forced myself to eat just because I knew I had the marathon.  I did my runs scheduled for the week.  Not the best of circumstances but it would work out as I had my training in place.

Newport

Running buddies in the marathon - Justin, Maureen, Diana, Abbi, Megan, Brittany, Kari and some marathon maniac photo bomber

The marathon recap

The good:  I felt great and I ran under 10s or at 10 through mile 12.  Kari and Dave were on the course cheering us on and offering support.  I even stopped at the oyster station and threw back a raw oyster - I felt fantastic!!

The bad:  A gu exploded in my pack and I had stickiness to deal with around mile 9.  But really in the light of things a little stickiness is the least of my worries.

The ugly:  Around mile 12ish my pace slowed down due to the sharp shooting pain in the side of my right knee.  A couple of times my knee gave out on me.  I waved Abbi on to run her race and to not wait for me.  Every step felt like I had a knife in the side of my knee and it was being twisted with each step.  The cantilever course killed my IT band.  I stretched a couple of times and my pace slowed to 11s.  

The rest of the story:  I saw Kari around mile 13 and swapped out my water belt for a hand held, which got rid of my sticky mess issue.  I grabbed my Voltaren and slathered a bunch on my knees and leg.  Each aid station I added more Voltaren hoping the topical anti-inflammatory would help the pain subside.  Every time I walked I could barely begin running again.  I got to the turn around and saw K at mile 18.  I took a few minutes to roll out with a stick my leg and took 4 Advil.  

The spectator bus rolled past me and I saw Dave waved and I waved back.  Around mile 19 I saw Kari and she said 'I'm running with you'.   Kari had no plans of running and didn't even have water on her.  I started to cry....this was not supposed to happen.  I was not supposed to lose Roms, my body was not supposed to give out on me, I was not supposed to walk, I was not supposed to run 11-12 minute miles....I was angry - so very angry, I was emotional and I was hurting.

I saw three women holding signs and I said to Kari 'Is that our girls?'  Sure enough Kim, Karen and Trisha were there with signs made.  Honestly I didn't even read the signs I just was excited to see them and I hugged each one.   Trisha joined us.  Again, not intending to run she had on a sweater and pants.  Having Kari and Trisha there for support was huge for me.  Actually having everyone there was huge.  I am pretty lucky to have so many people in my life that are there for me.

Trisha and Kim holding signs

Change in plans

My original goal was to run the marathon in 4:30, this was not happening and I knew it.  I set a new goal to finish before 5 hours.  Which would still be a PR.

I finished the last two miles strong as far as running but I was sobbing.  Imagine the ugly cry. (Yes, I know not pretty).  The crowd was great they were cheering.  My strength has always been the final stretch.  I can pick up my pace and run in.  Honestly I'm built more like a short sprinter than a long distance runner.   I took the downhill as an advantage and passed runners.  As I rounded the corner I heard someone yell - 'Yeah you go girl!!!'  I saw the clock time 4:54. 

Mimosa toast with Diana and Abbi

I think the first person to hug me was Diana.  My heart sank and I felt like crumbling.  I was disappointed that my body gave out on me and did not meet my potential.  Or in some ways I think knowing what my potential is and seeing the gap was/is frustrating.  My finish time 4:54:31.  Under 5, more than 4:30.  

My medal

What did I learn -what do I know?

I learned that I can finish more than half a marathon in sheer and utter pain. I know that I am mentally strong even in my weakest moments.  I know that I cry and can express that emotion and not feel bad about it. I know that I have some of the best and most amazing people in life.  I know that I will need to be patched up but I will run again.

Post marathon relaxation on the deck

Post marathon icing - I was too lazy to go get ice - vodka from the freezer works!

Marathon Training

I'm in the midst of training for my second marathon and it feels completely different than my first go around.  The biggest change was my commitment to resistance cross training. I started with a reformer pilates class once a week and hitting the gym intermittently. My run plan is similar to what I have done in the past.  Much of my initiation to change was watching my friend, Kim transform not only physically but performance wise through the Metabolic Effect.  I couldn't find any time to get a weight work out in until, she told me she was only doing 30 minute strength workout.  I bought the book, read it from cover to cover and not only started doing resistance training but changed some eating patterns.  I dropped 8 lbs and noticed not only a change in my appearance, increased energy, increased speed and strength.

I bought a package of reformer sessions so I have been doing more reformer than weights recently.  My most recent training run was a 20 miler.  The day before I ran 5 in the morning and that evening did Pilates.  20.13 mile run - total time 3 hours 42 minutes and 49 seconds with only one major stop for the bathroom.  I felt stronger than ever.  I did have a foot cramp on mile 17 and felt like I was on fumes on mile 19, in part due to losing a gu.  My last nutrition was at mile 12....all things considered, I was rocked it.  I know that I will perform well at the marathon as I will have rest, appropriate nutrition and support on the course.

A & I before our 20 miler!

The day after our 20 miler I was worried as I had planned on going to Pilates.  I wasn't sure if my legs and abs would hold me, but I felt great throughout and after the class.  In some ways this is a true test of how ready I really am.   I have two more long runs before the marathon, a 12 and 8 miler.  As I taper,  my focus will be to continue my resistance training, stretching and rest, rest, rest and more rest.

Whirlwind April

April Recap

April was an amazing month. I had so many experiences.  My intent was to write about them but I came down with a cold.    Besides being in the height of marathon training, it knocked me down literally for a week so my good intentions went by the wayside.

Riverboat Series

The Mississippi behind us.

KY was rough - 1/2 of the loop was a trail and there were 10 loops.  Who's bad idea was this anyway? I had tweaked my ankle and so the trail aggravated it even more.  I took it easy and completed it.  The view of the Mississippi was breathtaking.  The southern hospitality had me mesmerized and the I was indulging in everything fried or in butter (rolls with strawberry butter, fried catfish with crawfish on top, fried chicken, fried green tomatoes and pickles....so much for ME).  I also got to meet some of Kim's fellow blog/racer friends.  MCMAMMARUNS was super awesome and was another friendly face on the course!  After the race we headed back to Memphis and we went to the National Civil Rights Museum which is part of Hotel Lorraine, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr spent his last hours.  The museum just re-opened and if it is not on your highlights of visits around the country, it should be.  Moving, interactive and informative.

Tennessee

TN - a much better race but still took it easy as I knew 7 am would roll around the next morning with another race in Arkansas.  I felt good and other runners commented on how smiley I was.  I also found that my favorite race food at the aid station was the spanish olives.  Just the right amount of fat and salt to keep me going.  I loved them so much I bought a jar and plan on having them on the marathon later this month.  We hit Sun Studios before heading out to Memphis and it was pretty amazing to hear all the stories. Our guide was fantastic.  

Sun Studios

AR - Hmmmm Thunder, lightening and torrential downpour.  Not to mention that in the first 4 miles I had to run to the bathroom and my calves cramped up so I headed to the car around mile 5 tore off my compressions socks, slathered my calves and ankle in Voltaren (best product ever available in Canada for $16, here you need a prescription, which is not covered and they charge you $70) and had a small pep talk and major attitude adjustment.  I decided for a negative split which I had 17 minute difference. Around mile 10ish the rains came and lightening was striking.  Runners were advised that they could stay in their cars.  Seriously...I'm over it.   My shoes were so waterlogged they felt like 10 lb weights on each foot.  I borrowed Kim's hat because there was so much water it was like a semi came and splashed water everywhere I couldn't see.  For fun, I stomped in three puddles like a 5 year old and ran the rest of my race.  One of my personal worsts, but strong finish and felt happy that the last half was unlike the second half.

Soaked in Arkansas

Brings back childhood memories

Other tourist highlights - The birthplace of Kermit the Frog (it's free and the size of one room) in Leland, MS - Beale Street and Graceland.

Kim and Trisha flew home and I headed to NOLA.

NOLA

I met Hannah, Sean and Lauren in New Orleans.  The food is amazing, the people watching is even better and there is live music and partying everywhere. I also loved the architecture of the city. Food highlights are Cafe du Monde for beignets and cafe au lait and BBQ shrimp...they are both must haves.   

On our way to the swamp tour I saw a sign for Crescent City Classic 10K.  I searched for information and the next day hit the expo and signed up on the spot.  I had just run 39.3 miles in 3 days.  It was the best race experience ever - they had a Marine Corp and Navy jazz band, neighbors came out with music, beer/sausage and mimosa stops.  Plus I fared well 101 out of 1083 women in my age group.  I can deal with that.  After the race we walked through the Besthoff Sculpture Garden and Botanical Gardens.

Hannah, Lauren, Sean, Dad & me - Cafe du Monde

Jackson Square

Architecture - Spanish and French balconies

Cornstalk fence

Las minute sign up!

Jazz at Fritzzels

Besthoff Sculpture Garden

10% :) <3

Taste of the Nation

Taste of the Nation is part of Share our Strength and No Kid Hungry which started 27 years ago in a collaborative effort to help hungry children.  The impact has made a difference by offering food and meals to children not only during the school year but in the summer.  Some of the beneficiaries are Partners for Hunger-free Oregon, the Oregon Food Bank, St Vincent de Paul Society and Klamath/Lake Counties Food Bank.  Kim and I were able to taste the best of the best in food and drink.  Tickets were sold out and it showed there were so many people.  If you attend in the future, I recommend sharing food with someone so you can have more tastes.  For an attendee paying for a ticket you get more than what you paid for and everything goes towards a great cause.

Taste of the Nation

Crystal Ballroom

Kim and I should be on their ad!?!

 It's been a whirlwind of a month.  But it is not the place, the food or the race.  It's the experiences I have had with the people in my life.  That is what makes my life so rich.

Taste of the Taste

I was invited to a PR event for Taste of the Taste - an effort to get the word out about Taste of the Nation.  Taste of the Nation is part of Share our Strength and No Kid Hungry which started 27 years ago in a collaborative effort to help hungry children.  The impact has made a difference by offering food and meals to children not only during the school year but in the summer.  Some of the beneficiaries are Partners for Hunger-free Oregon, the Oregon Food Bank, St Vincent de Paul Society and Klamath/Lake Counties Food Bank.

The focus of the event was to give social media enthusiasts and bloggers a chance to have a taste and to inspire others reading our social media outlets to purchase tickets to the event at McMenamins Crystal Hotel & Ballroom on April 29th.  Tickets are $85 ($150 for  VIP admission).  I reviewed the line up and it looks pretty amazing.  Here are more details: http://ce.strength.org/events/taste-nation-portland-or

Tonight I was able to sample food, wine and spirits, which will be present at Taste of the Nation.

Kim & I starting with a toast of Moet & Chandon 

Even the Chefs were posting

Chapter 24 Wines - Fire & Flood

Irving Street Kitchen 

Lardo

Bull Run Distillery - American Whiskey

Pamplin Family Winery

Renata - Rabbit Terrine

Boke Bowl

Potato Latkes with Lox, Dill

(Other beverages served were Newton Wines & Volcanic Mineral Refresher)

Best drink of the night was the American Whiskey by Bull Run Distillery - smooth and refreshing.  Just to note I don't usually drink whiskey ever but I have to say I was impressed.  Delish dish was Boke Bowl's Crawfish & Pork in Spicy Black Bean Sauce over Rice Tots.  The flavor with added spice and texture was wonderful.  My next favorite food served was Irving Street Kitchen's Green Garlic with Parmesan and Smoked Halibut Soup.  The color of the soup was appealing which only was exponential in taste.

I had a great time, talking food and wine with bloggers.  Met some really great people and was given some great restaurant recommendations.  Brunch - Sweedeedee and Broder, best bakery - Mt Tabor Bakery.  I will have to add these to the list of places to go.  The best part was spending time with Kim (outside of running and in normal clothes with make-up...who knew we could clean up so good).  We even have something in the works for a tasting and tour of Bull Run Distillery.

The concept was a great way to get the word out about the event and to help raise not only awareness but funds to support those in need in our community.  I look forward to seeing you at the event!

Upcoming Races

My good friend K is completing a half marathon in every state.  I admire her goal and think it is a great way to travel the US.  (I wonder after she has completed the States if she will try to run a half marathon in every continent???)  I have only run a race in 4 States (AZ, CA, OR & WA).

Anyhow, she has asked me on a number of times to go on a trip for a race.  The first was for a back to back race in Hartford, CT and Providence RI in the fall.  I excitedly told her to take Hwy 2 to see the changing fall colors and gave her a list of places to eat in Boston.  I declined the invite.  Next was Kansas and I had been to Witchita.....and have no desire to ever go back.  Then she mentioned the Riverboat series.  5 races in 5 days (either half or full marathons) in KY, TN, AR, MI & LA.  She only needed to do the first three states and when she said Memphis....I responded with "I will go on the following condition we go to Graceland, Sun Records, hit Beale St for some Blues and eat BBQ!"  She agreed and in the next month I will be running 3 half marathons in a row.  Then I was informed about the walking of the ducks at the Peabody hotel.  So that has been added to the list.

If you haven't noticed by the first two references I am HUGE Elvis fan.  I would make my mother buy tapes (yes tapes) from Columbia Record Club (I would tear out the stickers, lick and affix them to the page).  In the car, we played Elvis until the tapes became warped and the sound was off.  This will be a momentous event for me.   Post races I'm meeting up with friends in New Orleans.  I have never been to this area of the country so everything will be a first and an adventure.  I'm so excited!!!

Needless to say with all this excitement, running 3 half marathons is a whole new game for me.  (What did I sign up for???) The first thing I did was pick my PT's brain.  His suggestion was ~ build up to three long runs in a row, starting with lower mileage.  The only caveat is I'm also training for a marathon.  So I started running 5-5-6 (plus a 4 miler and track) and worked my way up to 10 - 17 - 10 last weekend.  And I survived.  I have a week and a half until we leave and my goal is to keep training for the marathon and taper back.  I have 18 miler planned next weekend, but I will only do two runs instead of three.

I am looking forward to this adventure and if anything it has prepared me for my upcoming marathon.

Inspired???

I have been through a hiatus from blogging. In part, I lost the spark and really something to write about.  How was I to top 39+ things in one year?

Well I guess in some ways I'm renewed the spark to write...maybe zero in on an area.  My running for example, it is something I'm doing weekly and I've got some great things coming up.  Blog worthy to write about!

I'm back, healthy and more ready than ever for the upcoming spring/summer races and just running with my community. I think in part that is why I enjoy running so much....my community of runners who are friends and some are like family.

So be on the look out for a blog here and there.