Recent Race and Today's Run

Saturday I ran the Save the Light Half Marathon on Folly Beach, SC. It's considered a "no frills" race. They don't use timing chips, you tear of the bottom of your race bib when you cross the finish line, the amount of people running is pretty small. There just aren't a whole lot of extras.

To me that's OK because it's for a good cause and the scenery was pretty. Can't beat views of the ocean.

Two good friends of mine are trying to break into the running thing and wanted to do the 5k race. So we decided to get a room at the Tides Folly Beach Oceanfront Hotel.

They had a special rate for one or two nights so we decided to stay Friday night and wake up and be right at the starting line for the race.

(Rate for one night was $122, split 3 ways, about $41 a person. Not bad).

I admit I was worried that it would turn into a booze fest, three mommas away from their hubbies and kids. But to my amazement I was the last one asleep and that was at 9:30.

However there was the loud obnoxious drunk girl a few doors down talking on her phone, speaker phone, at 12:30 am and then I had trouble sleeping the rest of the night.

When we woke up it was warm, like 57 degrees warm. I don't like being hot when I run because I tend to dehydrate so easily and the heat just seems to zap my energy so I was getting a little nervous that it wasn't as cool as I thought it was going to be. Luckily I brought shorts and a tank so I was not overdressed.

Even though it was cloudy there was still a beautiful sunrise.

We walked all of 1 minute to the starting line waited about 10 minutes and then it was time for the race! Can't beat that.

Killing time:

Making fun of my fuel belt - Gatorade on one side and water/Nuun on the other.

Me (center) and the girls (Jill and Rachael)

Jill sporting her old school headphones.

Overall the race went well. I didn't expect a PR and it didn't happen. My legs felt sluggish and tired after 3 miles, and that's about when I was drenched with sweat and the sun came out.

For some reason the race felt long, maybe that's because we ran some of the same loops twice.

My Garmin time was 2:03:51, avg pace 9:28.

Not too shabby seeing as how the marathon was only 3 weeks ago and my legs have felt funky ever since.I am happy.

I took Sunday off to paint Sophie's soon to be "big girl" room, which took way longer than I anticipated so there was no time to go to the gym or running because then we went straight to a friends house to watch the Super Bowl.

I took Monday off because I was too darn tired from painting the day before and staying up late watching the Super Bowl to make it to the gym.

I made it up this morning and had a fantastic run so those 2 days must have done me some good. I'm trying to get my "speed" back because the last month or so I've felt very slow. Strong but slow.

Warmed up slow and then up'd my speed every mile. So I did 5 miles, avg pace about 8:26. I didn't have any leg or foot pain so I'm calling it a successful run! After the run I did circuit training.

I know I've talked a lot about trying for baby no. 2 after the marathon but it did not happen last month and that's because we weren't really trying. So it's a go this month!

I plan on running a 10k in March so even if I do wind up pregnant I will be very early on so I don't see it as a problem. Although I want to run fast so we'll see how that goes.

Edisto Island 2011

It's been a little busy here the last week or so. After my last post we were getting packed up and ready for a 3 day weekend at Edisto Island. My in-laws rented a house for a week but due to time off from work and such we opted to just do a three day weekend. I typically use up most of my vacation during the summer. I took a week back in June and wanted to save the rest of my days for the Holidays and in case Sophie or I get sick. That's bound to happen and we aren't in the heart of sick season yet. Fingers crossed that we make it through at least until after my marathon.

When I arrived Thursday evening after work it was sunny and warm out.

When I woke up Friday morning it was cloudy, windy and cool.

Still I managed to get my 3 mile run that I missed on Thursday. I was a little bummed that the weather was so crappy but still determined to make the best of it. I did not want to be trapped in a house all day. We bundled up and went for a stroll on the beach and collected shells. Sophie manages to find the tiniest broken shells and she's so proud of them.

Sophie and Addison looking for sea shells.

Ready for a walk on this fine and cloudy day.

The sun was trying desperately to shine later in the afternoon so we sat outside in the sand for a bit till it was time to get my little heathen child to take a nap and then get ready for dinner.

Saturday morning was not much better but I was fine with this since I had an 11 mile long run to do. My in-laws watched Sophie while Ricky and I set out on the Island (Ricky with his bike). It was cool and windy, perfect running conditions if you ask me.

I felt pretty good overall, I started out a little rough because I had not slept well the night before but once I got to mile 4 and 5 I started to feel better and I guess got my 2nd wind. I ate some Sharkies and really have no idea if they work or not. At one point my stomach started to hurt and I just don't feel like I can eat stuff like that when I'm running. I wonder if good old candy will do the trick. I'm just not sure.

So 11.04 miles later and almost getting hit by a car I was done!

Finally after lunch the sun started to peak out ever so slightly. It was warmer too so I grabbed my bathing suit and we were out on the sand.

Sophie went down for a long nap (girl was tired!) and I got a good 3 hours in the sun to read a book. Bliss! Still a little cool but comfortable and relaxing.

Right before dinner we set up the camera and did some family pictures.

Then Sunday it was time to pack up, clean and head home. Weather still wasn't 100%, sun came out for a little while here and there but by the time we were ready to go it was cloudy, cool, and windy again.

Morning sunrise

Wish the weather would have been better but we had a good time overall. Looking forward to next year!

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July from the Bell Family! We are getting ready to head over to our good friend's house for a pool party and cookout. Sophie is taking an early nap so just waiting for her to wake up....hopefully in a good mood!

Last week I was on vacation. A much needed vacation. The first part of the week was spent taking little bit to the beach and doing some shopping. Then Thursday we packed up kid and dogs and headed to Edisto Beach, SC. We found a small rental on the third row that had nightly rates, that weren't too shabby. It was nice to get away, if only for a few days. Yes money has been tight this past year but Ricky and I both work really hard and darn it, we earn a break too right?

A few pictures from the weekend:

Ready for the beach!





Our porch, great view of the road and a slight view of the ocean

Wylie people watching

Mommy and Sophie

Attempt at a family picture with the timer. Not too bad.

Me after a very hot morning run. No breeze but ran past a ton of pretty houses.



Daddy and his girl.

So tomorrow it'll be back to reality. Work and daycare but I think she'll actually enjoy being back with all her friends. Mommy and Daddy can only be so fun. She'll definitely need a sibling.

Last week I officially wrote out my Marathon Training Plan. It's Hal Higdon's novice 2. I chose this one because it coincides perfectly with the two half marathons that I have registered for in the fall. I have a few weeks at the end of December that will be sort of "open" so I might do another 20 miler or 22 miles but not sure. I'm planning on registering the end of July.

Hope everyone has a happy 4th. Eat and drink lots!

Happy Birthday Sophie!

Yesterday my baby turned two years old. This is very bittersweet because my baby is not a baby anymore, yet she will always be my baby. We are officially head first in the toddler world. Lord help me!

Saturday we went to the beach and met up with three other couples with kids. The day was perfect weather wise, hot and sunny but not scorching (until we got back to the car). Sophie had a blast as did Ricky and I. She even took a little 1.5 hour nap, which she never does, so we got some down time. 

I stole these from my friend's Facebook album. I haven't yet downloaded my pictures!

I like to take random pics of myself with someone else's camera. I'm a dork.

Sophie about ready to pass out. Yes, she still has her paci. We're working on it.

Sophie and her friends

Since we had such a fun and tiring day, we decided Sunday would be low-key and just the three of us since we'd already had her party the weekend before. We filled up the little inflatable pool and had it ready for when Sophie woke up from her nap. Little did I know she'd take almost a 3 hour nap! Played in the pool for about an hour and then I started dinner. Pork tenderloin with some mashed potatoes, salad, broccoli and birthday cake yum! Of course Sophie wanted nothing to do with dinner....she's starting her "I don't want to eat" thing again. I think it might be those pesky 2 year molars coming in but honestly I'm done trying to figure out why kids do some of the things they do. She sure did eat the heck out of her piece of cake though!

WARNING: I'm about to gush about my child. I just love that little girl. Sure she's going through her awful temper tantrum phase: screaming, crying, hitting (both herself and me), but she can be the most lovable and sweetest little girl. I love watching her play with other kids. She rarely takes toys away and shares....about 90% of the time. She gives us hugs and kisses and says "I wove you mama." Melts me! She is such a cute cross between me and Ricky with her beautiful brown eyes (me) and her fine blond "crazy" hair (Ricky). I am just so excited to see how much she's going to change in this next year. Maybe she'll mellow out some...I'm hoping. She's quite the drama queen. But all in all she's mine and I love her! Happy Birthday Sophie!

I'm seriously not meaning for this blog to turn into a running blog...maybe I'll start another one....but then that's two blogs I'd have to keep up with...a third if I decide to re-start my art blog....but I wanted to say that I'm now about 95% sure I'm going to do the Charleston Marathon in January.

See, the main issue I was having was training on my own - can't seem to find anyone to train with me..which is fine because I really do like to run alone most days...but I was starting to get worried about doing those really long runs by myself and being out there alone...you never know what could happen. Who or what is lurking in the woods....what if there's an emergency and I pass out on the side of the road...no one will know where I am. Yes, I'm a tad paranoid in my older age but I feel these are legit concerns.

So to solve this problem I came up and with a really good idea...just need my hubby on board (and no, he's NOT going to run with me). He's going to bike ride!! Eureka! See, Ricky does not like to run long distances. He's done 1 10k and I don't think he ever wants to do another one. So I proposed that we get him a bike and he can ride while I do my long runs. That way I won't be alone, he won't have to run, I will get to train, and he'll get exercise out of the deal. Everybody wins! Even thinking about getting one of those bike attachments that Sophie can ride in as long as we aren't in an area with a ton of traffic. Other days she might have to go to Gigi's house. 

But still! I think it's a great plan and now I'm eager to put together my training plan to start sometime around September. I've been reading and gathering information but I'm still not 100% sure what I should be doing what plan is going to work for me. Also tried GU for the first time yesterday and.....YUCK!!!!!!!!! How in the world do people choke that down when they're running marathons? I wanted to vomit at the first taste. I had to squirt it in my mouth and chug water. Then after I ran I felt really yucky. I had to lay down and take a nap! So I'm thinking GU may not be for me. I have a power bar gel I'm going to try and then I'll look into the jelly beans or shot bloks. I had a few shot bloks before I ran my half marathon in April and I honestly don't know if they helped. I didn't eat any during the race, but I cramped up really bad after I crossed the finish line (all those darn hills) so maybe I will need something to help me along the way. I ran 4 days in a row and I think my legs are telling me to take a break so tomorrow I will attempt to sleep in. And by sleep in I mean 6:00 :)

Happy Monday!

Memorial Day Weekend

It's Tuesday and sadly I'm back at work. We had an awesome long weekend and wish that I had more time off but vacation is a month away!!

Saturday we didn't do much. I ran on Folly Beach that morning, 9.25 miles. My goal was 12 but I got there a little later than I wanted to and it was HOT. Luckily there was a breeze but still hot and humid and the sun was shining bright as can be. So I decided to cut the run short...which is ok because it's almost Summer and it's just getting too hot for me to do long runs unless I wake up before the sun comes and even then it's still hot and humid. I'll just do what I can. Anyway, I ran errands for Sophie's birthday party that's this coming weekend. Started cleaning the house, washing sheets, towels, planning food for the weekend. 

Sunday we went with our friend Rachael, Phillip and their daughter Kinsey to Seabrook Island, a private island. A beautiful island. I want to live there. Ricky says I either need to win the lottery or get a sugar daddy. We had a blast! We were there for about 4 hours, which we wanted to stay longer but kids were getting tired and to the point of no return. Major meltdowns have potential to happen when we get to that point. Here are some pictures from Sunday. 

Seabrook Beach Club. We were guests of Rachael's client, Betsy, who lives here. 

Sophie and Kinsey. That's my girl, eating chips just like her Momma like to do

Me and my little beach bum. 

LOVES the beach!

Monday was pretty low key. I had to run some more errands, pick up a few more things for her party. Went to the gym and then made sure she had a good nap. Then we went to my in-laws for a cookout. Sophie got to play with her cousin Addison and I got to hold my nephew Lawson who will be 2 weeks old tomorrow.

Summer is coming! In fact it's pretty much here even though it's not officially Summer. Hot as hell out there and it's gonna get worse. 

Oh and I ran a 10k on the treadmill in 49:25! That is my goal for the Fall. I want to break 50 minutes for my 10k and break 2 hours for my half marathon. I'm getting faster and that makes me happy. Let's see if I can do that pace on the pavement.

Hope everyone had a fun Memorial Day Weekend!

Two Posts in One Month!

Can it be? I've actually posted more than once this month! Wow! Actually I'm sitting at my desk at work while on my lunch break, but it's gotta be quick because I'm busy busy and sales reps need their quotes.

Updates: Not much is going on, we're pretty boring here. Ricky starts a new job tomorrow. This is good, should be a more stable income and better health benefits. We definitely need this for there ever to be a possibility for me to stay home or work part time. This commute is KILLING me! Summer is usually a tad better....school is out so I don't sit in as much traffic in the morning. However, with th influx of tourists, the afternoons are still kind of hell. So ultimately we're hoping this job change puts us in good position for things to come.

Sophie is going to be two soon! I still can't believe how fast time has gone by. Although I have to admit as much as I miss her as a newborn, where I could just sit and hold her for hours, I love this age (minus the tantrums). She's almost saying two or three words combined, gives me hugs and kisses and says "I wove you momma." So sweet! We play and color (her favorite thing - along with watching Finding Nemo over and over and over again).

Saturday we went to Kiawah Island. I went a little early to run on the beach. I did 8 miles. First 4 the sun was hot and shinning right in my face so I sweated my arse off. I turned around and the last 4 the wind was really blowing and was bitch smacking me in the face. So it was a slow 4 back. All in all I felt good. My right calf has been bothering me lately but running wet sand felt like a cushion and was kind of nice.

Then Sophie and Ricky met up with me and she played for a few hours, until it looked like it might start raining, we packed it up and headed home.

Sunday Ricky and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary with a day out on the boat. You know we are no frills kind of people. I don't need fancy and expensive dinner or anything. Just a few hours of fun in the sun is exactly what we needed.

So that's all! I must get back to work now....

A few pictures from Saturday:

Clearly this one is not at the beach. She is sitting in the desk chair and looks so grown up.