Running

February 11th

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I’ll hopefully be running this with my friend Daniela.

March 3rd

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This one I will also be running with Daniela. We want to run the half marathon and get a PR!! I want it….let’s do it

March 17th

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This seems like such a fun race and it would be cool to bring my green tutu back into the picture. I wanted to do this race last year but didn’t include it in the plans, this year I am because I would really like to do the 17k.

There MIGHT be a little Nevada hiking trip around this time (Yes Craig, I haven’t forgetten about this)

April 14th

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This run is at night with Craig and my sisters. This will be SO much fun. It looks like a big Rave

April 28th

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I will be doing this with Craig. He did it last year and I was too much of a chicken to try to do it plus I was injured. This year I’m doing it!! I want to jump over the fire and look hardcore. haha.

June 3rd

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This one is still a BIG maybe, I wish it was in the books for sure. I really want to do it and we haven’t been to San Diego in awhile so it would be a nice little trip. PLUS you get Sea World tickets with your registration!!! HELLO!!! So many good things about this race, I’m really pushing for it.

Hiking

July

July will be a lot of hiking, we are really considering in making Yosemite our “main” vacation this year which would be A LOT of hiking. If it’s anything like our Zion National Park trip then it’s going to be awesome!!

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We also want to hike the Grand Canyon, that would be more of a weekend trip since we live close by.

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August and September will be more hiking of our favorite summer hiking trails in Arizona plus I’ll be training for my next half.

November 4th

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I do this race with someone new every year, I don’t plan it that way but it just happens. Someone MIGHT be doing this race with me but we are waiting to see how their first race goes I’m really excited about it though.

At this point this is what’s planned but things can change. Last year I made a plan like this and I ended up doing every race so I hope this year it’s the same way. I didn’t plan on running a lot during Winter because I get sick so much and it’s such a pain but if I decide to do the P. F. Changs Full Marathon again in January 2013 then that means I will be training during Winter so we’ll shall see

I’m really looking forward to what this year is going to bring, new adventures for sure. I started the year pretty awesome and I plan on it staying awesome

Betty

I had mentioned that my sister and I were going to get tattoos and WE DID. I wasn’t nervous at all, I’ve been wanting this tattoo for so long.

This was my sisters first tattoo. She was so scared and nervous, it was pretty funny. I took a video of her freaking out while we waited. She was a trooper and was able to make it through over 4 hours of being tattooed.

She loves Hello Kitty and loves owls, her friend drew this for her and she loves how it came out.

Then it was my turn. I was so tired by this point, I just wanted it to be over so I could go home and rest. It was already after 4pm at this point and I had woken up at 4am because I was starving. hee hee.

Craig ended up showing up right before I got mine so he got to be there while I was being tattooed. I don’t know if it’s because I’m a HUGE wuss now or what but this one hurt bad. I would say it has been the most painful one so far.

I LOVE it!!

Another thing I was finally able to do…

Put up my 1st Full Marathon medal I need another medal hanger. haha We also got the Double Downer medal for doing Las Vegas RNR and Arizona RNR.

And this was in the morning before the tattoo. We woke up at 4am because I was starving. We were at the Good Egg by 6:45am. YUM. I guess the two slices of pizza the day before weren’t enough. I was starving and I ordered everything I wanted from the menu.

I was so excited to put my 26.2 sticker on my car. I already have the 13.1 sticker and I’ve been waiting patiently to be able to put this one on. Yes…I’m one of those people

Question: Do you like putting stickers on your car? Do you have any tattoos?

I’m done putting stickers on my car. I just wanted by 26.2 and 13.1.

And I have 4 tattoos. I have a tramp stamp…my sisters make fun of me. I was young and I don’t regret it. I like all my tattoos. I think I’m done now though, 4 is enough for me….for now

I’m about to jump in the shower, I’m meeting my friend for a movie and lunch date. I’m looking forward to it!!!

Have a fun day!!

Betty

Here are the professional pictures I did like.

I tried not to look like I was dying every time I saw the camera people. haha.

I plan on buying some, not sure which yet.

You guys are my peeps so this is why I’m about to show you this, I’m warning you now…it’s BAD!!

hahaha when I saw these I started laughing so hard. I think this definitely shows how I felt inside. hahaha. That camera man won this one. He totally caught me off guard. I will NOT be buying these. I had to share with you though.

Last thing I want to share today is the video Craig made for me of my first marathon I hope you like it.

http://vimeo.com/35318535

Have a great weekend!!

Betty

I almost didn’t take my camera. I usually always take one with me but I didn’t want to run 26.2 miles carrying my phone and camera but I’m glad my sister and Craig convinced. Even though they aren’t the best pictures, they still are important to me and I can totally remember what I was thinking in certain pictures.

I LOVE LOVE to read people’s signs, these put a smile on my face and I think the girls knew it

For most of the race I felt AWESOME, I was even dancing with my arms as I ran. I made an awesome playlist and I’ll be sharing it with you once these recaps are done. I didn’t have to skip a song at all. I was really enjoying everything about the race. It did feel weird when I passed the 13.1 mark, for a quick second I thought about how I would’ve been done but I was excited to keep going.

But then mile 20 happened…it was completely out of the blue. One minute I was jammin’ to my music, having small talk with other runners, high fiving peeps and having the biggest smile on my face and the next minute….I felt like I couldn’t breathe. My chest hurt and EVERYTHING hurt. My hips, back, legs, back of my head and my FEET!! I noticed my pace decrease A LOT.( Not like I was going super fast) The last 6 miles were hard BUT not as hard as I had imagined. To be honest the months following the race, I kept imagining the worst in the last 6 miles and it wasn’t that bad. I think it helped that I imagined the worst in a way. Lol. Even though everything hurt I was still having fun. I was already thinking about wanting to run another one. I must like to be tortured. haha

This was a little after the 25 mile marker. I run by this bridge a lot and I work at one of those buildings so I was comfortable and I knew the end was close. I was doing everything possible not to stop and walk and also to NOT CRY. Not because I hurt but because I knew I had made it. Just writing that makes me want to cry.

It started to sprinkle at this point and I was happy I was almost done because I didn’t want to run in the rain

Meanwhile, my family was waiting for me for almost 6 hours!!! They are the best!! I love them!

My niece Jasmine, she is such a good girl.

My brother and sister and my other peeps were there too, waiting for me

My mom took this picture…I was totally fighting back the tears at this point. As soon as I saw Craig and all my family and friends the pain went away and my shuffle because a run.

Seeing my peeps and the finish line is a feeling and memory that I will NEVER forget. It was one of the best feelings to know that I did it.

My friend took this picture with her phone. When I crossed the finish line I went to take my pictures and grab some food and I was NOT crying. When I saw my family I could not fight the tears anymore. As soon as I hugged my mom, dad and Craig I started to cry and cry and cry. I was bawling. My mom asked if I was okay and I said yes and that I was just so happy.

At that point I still didn’t feel any pain. I felt awesome, unstoppable

I told them a few things about the race as tears still came down my face.

I didn’t eat the rest of that bagel. lol….too dry.

My niece and sister made us signs. My niece was so happy to see me run. She kept hugging me. Family is the best!!

After the race we went to Peter Piper Pizza for some cheap pizza. I thought I was going to eat a whole pizza alone but I only ended up eating 2 slices….lame!! I think I was still too excited.

We took these pictures outside…a lot of pictures

With my family..missing little Sienna, Jose and my love.

With Craig,  my #1 Fan!! I love him so much, he is my rock.

My parents, even though they think I’m crazy they still support me.

My sisters/ best friends, these are my girls.

My little brother, he is a crazy kid that takes care of his sisters.

And my baby…She makes me want to have kids

Craig with the family….these people are my world.

I’ll never forget running my first full marathon. I’m glad I did it and that I had a good experience because that left me wanting to do more. Crossing the finish line and having the people I love there was the best feeling in the world. I want to do it again!! haha

And thank you guys for your support, your comments really helped me stay motivated!!

Betty

We got to the expo at 9am, right when it opened and I’m glad we did. It was so nice to walk around without it being too crowded.

This was the courses. I had already printed my map a few weeks ago but seeing it big like this was a little scary. At that point I wished I was doing the half for a second.

When I got my full marathon bib# it all became more real. I joked with Craig saying that it wasn’t too late for me to switch to the half so I could run it with him. He wasn’t having it. haha. I was so excited and nervous to know that it was official.

Craig was excited to run his first half marathon alone, he wants to beat my PR.

We had a lot of fun at the expo. I was practicing my finishing pose.

We were done in about an hour. Later that evening we met my sister and a friend for our carb loading dinner. I had steak, salad and mashed potatoes. I’ve noticed when I eat this before a race my stomach isn’t all crazy, like when I eat pasta.

That night the nerves started to set in. They were good nerves though, excited and ready to finally accomplish one of the goals I’ve had for so long. I set out my gear that night before going to bed.

I was up at about 4am. I wanted to make sure I had enough time to “take care” of business before I left We had toast with peanut butter before leaving.

We posed for a few pictures before I left. Craig was leaving about 30 minutes later than I was since his start line was closer and there wasn’t going to be as much traffic. My friend Chris drove me to the start and my sister drove Craig. We each had our support people. I was a sad that Craig wasn’t going to be at my start or that I wasn’t going to be at his but I knew we would see each other after the finish and I was happy we were both doing something we were proud of.

The marathon start line was in downtown Phoenix. It wasn’t as cold as I expected and I thought the weather was pretty perfect. I was happy with my outfit because I was ready for super cold weather or even if it got hot by the end of the race. I know in the past when I’ve run this half, towards the end I was hot so I planned accordingly. I decided on the 26.2 apparel shirt because of the obvious reason and everyone says how awesome the material is and it REALLY is!! I loved it. I bought the arm warmers a week before, I wanted to make sure I stayed warm but I wanted something cute and what is cuter than pink sparkly arm warmers? haha I decided on the skirt because it has pockets, as you can see in the picture, I had those babies packed with stuff. I wore longer shorts underneath because I didn’t want any chaffing action going on. Then I decided on the pink compression socks because I really like compression socks, I think they do help my muscles and they keep me warm.

It was pretty cloudy at the start. It was a chance of rain but a very small chance.

The start was delayed by 30 minutes because they were waiting for the light rail, it didn’t bother me. I wanted to get it started but it also gave me a little more time to prepare mentally.

As soon as I started I made sure I started off slower than I usually would’ve. I wanted to make sure to save some energy for the last miles. I also didn’t want my legs to be killing me by the 20th mile. Everything I read said to take it easy and I did. I was high fiving everyone and really enjoying the whole experience.

I really loved the course. I’ve never had a bad experience with the P.F.Changs race and the full marathon course and support did not disappoint.

I loved this. There was so many parts with writing in the street.

I also loved running next to Camelback Mountain. I thought the scenery was great. There was so many people outside their homes passing out oranges, pretzels, m&m’s and cheering us on, it felt so awesome to have people supporting us.

I was feeling really great. I was in a little shock that I was running the full marathon. I kept focusing on the mile I was doing and not how much longer I had to run. Throughout the race I was getting text messages from all my peeps and it really helped me. There was a few times when I would start to tear up just thinking about the finish line but I didn’t want to cry. I needed to stay focused.

To be continued….

Betty

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I’ve watched it a few times and every time I cry. In the past I have felt inspired and in awe of these people. Yesterday was different though. I was still inspired but it actually made me even more nervous than I already felt. I guess because this time I know that I’m doing it in a couple of days. This last week I’ve felt a lot of things. I’ve talked and talked about it with Craig, friends and family. I bet they are ready for the marathon talk to be over…well I am too, a little. It’s TWO DAYS away. This weeks shorter runs have gone well but it makes me feel like it’s not enough even though I know taper week is VERY important. I don’t know if I’ll get a chance to blog again before the race so I’m going to tell you my game plan……BE POSITIVE!!  I’ve put in the time for training and I know that I can do this. I don’t know how long it will take me to finish it, at this point I don’t have a goal time in mind. I will be so happy to say that I ran my first marathon

I have today off from work so at this point I’m working on my marathon playlist, setting my peeps up with the runner tracking and also catching up on blogs, I need to do my nails, to match my outfit of course. Also, I want to have a backpack ready for my sister to carry with a shirt to change into after the race and flip flops. I hate walking around my shoes after a race, my feet always hurt the worst. I think we might all go out to eat afterwards so I want to be comfortable and not as stinky

I leave you with this quote..

Anybody can do just about anything with himself that he really wants to and makes his mind to do. We are capable of greater than we realize.

Norman Vincent Peale, author

Have a GREAT weekend!! Also good luck to Deep South Runner who is also running her first marathon!! You are going to do awesome

 Betty
 

I was so excited and nervous. I saw her waiting in line for the porta potty. haha. I was too shy to go up to her but my friend convinced me to do it when we kept seeing her walking around. I am a HUGE Biggest Loser fan and I totally watched Ali’s season. I’m so glad I got to talk to her even if I sounded like a complete fool. She was really nice. I’m glad my friend made me be brave to ask her if I could take a picture with her. I was already having a great morning but that put the icing on the cake.

We ran/walked the 5k. Daniela which is my friend’s daughter ran her first 5k and she told my friend she wants to run more. I’m so glad that they let me share their first 5k with them. I had a lot of fun.

That evening Craig and I celebrated our 6 year anniversary. Pretty perfect.

Sunday morning we headed out for our last long run before the P.F. Changs Marathon. I have a few short runs this week, the longest being 2 miles. I don’t know how much work I’ll get done at work because my mind is seriously on the marathon.

The Monday after the marathon my sister and I have appointments to finally get our tattoos. It’s set, paid and no going back. I’m getting a running girl on my foot, not because of the marathon but because running is a part of me and will always be.

Betty

I guess I haven’t been trying so hard to keep it off my mind because on Wednesday I got this book on my kindle…

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It’s a lot of personal stories of people who ran their first marathon and their experience. It’s really cool and I keep getting teary eyed at work.

I definitely have running on my mind. Today after work I’m going to pick up my packet for this 5k.

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First race of 2012!! yay! I’m running/walking it with my friend Daniela and her daughter. I’m pretty excited, it’s her daughters first event and she is way excited.

After picking up my packet I’m meeting Craig for a night run at Tempe Town Lake then dinner. Tomorrow morning is the 5k and it’s also mine and Craig’s 6 year anniversary

We will be celebrating with dinner and haven’t decided on the second part of the night. We have a few ideas floating around. It honestly doesn’t feel like 6 years, it has flown by. I love him so much, I can’t even put it into words how happy he makes me.

Sunday morning is our last long run. I’m running 10 miles and I think Craig is doing 8-10. One week until the BIG day!! I can’t believe it’s here. All that training…let’s see how it goes. Craig is running the P.F. Changs half marathon and I’m running my first full. Wow!! I can’t even imagine how I’m going to feel next week or the night before….CRAZINESS!

After the marathon is over I’ll post my goals for 2012…I already have a few races in mind but right now I just want to focus on the marathon.

Question: Any good running books you recommend?

Have a GREAT weekend!!

Betty

So I’m going to try to break it down to the most memorable things each month, it’s hard because looking back there are SO many things. I love looking back, I had a huge smile on my face the whole time I was going through my picture folders

January

Craig took me away for my birthday. We went to Flagstaff for the weekend and it was so nice. We might do it again next year

February

There was some hiking and very little running in February. I was going through Physical Therapy for my IT Band Injury.

March

My 1st race after finishing with my PT. Our 1st 10k

My 1st time “Mtn. Biking” I haven’t been back since. lol

We also went on our 1st cruise this year. Another 1st…we went to Mexico for the first time together. It was a fun trip and even though we thought it would be a few years before we did another cruise, it might be sooner than we planned.

April

Hiking in Sedona, Arizona. More hiking trips planned in Sedona next year for sure.

1st time running Pat’s Run, plan on doing it again next year.

Craig did Warrior Dash for the 1st time and now I want to do it….I plan on doing it with him next year too

May

New Trail…Tunnel Trail.

Camping with friends.

June

Vegas weekend trip to see Britney Spears for the 1st time!!

July

Utah/Colorado road trip!!! One of best trips yet…first stop Moab, hiked so many trails at Arches National Park.

Visited friends in Salt Lake City and had so much fun. Hiked Timpanogos Cave, visited Park City and ate at our 1st Brazilian Restaurant.

Drove to Dinosaur National Monument then to Ouray, Colorado. Fell in love with Ouray!!

Then I was in 4 states at once

August

Took my sister to Fossil Creek, 9 mile hike and we almost died…just kidding.

Everytime we did this trail in the past I would watch people swing on that rope, this time I swung on it too.

Got my 1st Garmin!! I LOVE IT!

September

Went do Disneyland and saw World of Colors and got on the Little Mermaid Ride I cried.

Ran my 8th Half Marathon and finished in 2:30 Ran for the 1st time in a tutu and it was really fun.

October

Susan G. Komen Race #3

Tried Indoor Rock Climbing for the 1st time.

Went to my 1st NFL game.

I was the Evil Queen for Halloween.

November

Ran my 9th Half Marathon with my friend in a sparkle skirt Love them!! This was my friend’s first half marathon and it was awesome running it with her.

Our friends from Salt Lake City came to visit and we took them hiking.

December

#10 in Las Vegas with my love. This was Craig’s 2nd half marathon and we were super excited to run it at night.

New hiking trail…Tom’s Thumb. We will be back

And these are some of the pictures from Craig’s Birthday Drunkfest!! This was our 1st time getting a party bus and we had a blast.

I’m so ready for 2012!! I don’t do New Year’s Resolutions but I’m ready to have more 1st times, adventures and another great year!! Only thing I do ask…is to have a HEALTHIER year

Happy New Year’s Eve!!!! Hope you all have a great time, be safe

Betty

I’m extra excited for this weekend because we are celebrating Craig’s birthday. His birthday is on December 21st but we are celebrating with our friends tomorrow night. I got a party bus so we don’t have to worry about driving and we can party in between partying.

I’ll make sure to take lots of appropriate pictures to share too.

Before I party I have a long run planned. There’s no time to skip my runs anymore. My marathon is less than a month away!!!!!!! So I gotta get it done early morning because I know that on Sunday my booty will not be going. I don’t usually drink and when I do, it’s not pretty so I didn’t make any plans for Sunday except to recover

I want to post about my long run tomorrow, I hope  get a chance. I have lots to get ready for the party…including Jello-shots I’ve only made them 1 other time and they came out delicious and dangerous. Hope you all have a great weekend! (incase I don’t get a chance to blog until Monday)

Betty