keaveny fun...

Some pics from the Keaveny Christmas gathering:)...

This first one cracks me up...





Oh Brother...

Christmas photos...

As my mom says..." Look Adam gets a Ho in a bag!".






Ken is pointing out the amazing features to my mom's new, extra pink robe!




















Auntie Jeanne brings out the fine china...aka Subway napkins.

Adam and I receive liquor in our stockings...a first.






My beautiful cousins...

shopping...

Today was a very productive day for me...got to accomplish lots on my list.
1. sleep in!!...yes! Arose at 9am...a true gift!

2. use gift cards that I got for Christmas & take advantage of post-Christmas sales- yes! Old Navy, Apple store, Express, Target.

3. get a run in somehow. When I left the house this morning around 11am, I packed a bag with 2 outfits- outside running and inside mill running...not sure which one i would need when the time came. I managed to get to the gym and log 4 miles. Wanted to do 6, but the IT thought otherwise- thanks to not stretching in the garden yesterday, due to intense, rock-in-the-eye winds.

4. get groceries...well, at least enough to get by that is. Sweaters, and an external hard drive for the mac outweighed the finance dept today.

5. finally relax at home. Open and figure out new toys purchased today. My new bluetooth finally works with my iphone! Geez...it's about time!

blog it...

Ok...so workouts to mark in the log...:

12/20- Garden- 3.31 mi

12/21- El Pomar south- 17.81 mi (longest yet)/2 hr 57 min/9:59 pace (Beth and i loved the new scenery!)

12/23-MVP- 3.47mi/31:45/ 9:07pace

12/24- CRC to Bear Creek with Beth and Rich-6.5mi

12/25- Garden trails by myself, in the wind, surrounded by people- 4.07mi/ 40.52/ 10:01 pace

Overall, the past week has felt pretty good. Thanks to more rolling and stretching, the IT is still painful, but less than it's been. Because 2 sundays ago was a blizzard, i technically had two long runs this week...15mi on Tues, 18 mi on Sunday. Today's Christmas run in the Garden was nice- in shorts!! But, it was really windy and crowded there at the end! More to come later...speaking of rolling...

our friend Sherwood...we love him...

This is our friend Sherwood...He is a very special dog...a k9 companion. He is soft and cozy & we love him!

log it...

Runs for the week so far...
Haven't felt all that bad...that is when I am on top of the foam rolling. IT's still having a mind of their own and rebel when I need them to cooperate the most! Boo. Since Sunday was so f-ing cold, had to move long run to tuesday... This Sunday's 18miler should be nice- geez.

Sunday 12/14- 7.2mi/9:41 pace- on the stinking treadmill:)
Tues 12/16- 14.57mi/10:12pace- CRC to Mesa Rd to Flying W sign
Thurs 12/18- 5.79mi/9:40pace- Garden/Mesa Rd, with my friend the Q
Friday 12/19- 3.38mi/9:31pace- with the CRC special, friday crowd. Wooglins muffin followed.

Another long run consisting of a distance longer than i've ever gone before...11 degrees (the high for sunday) should help the quest.

fun stuff...

Just some fun pics to post....

Thanksgiving with the fam...CRC Holiday party...

Good fun all around.

Oh yeah...here's what's taken place running wise over the last few days...nothing exciting. However, I've been foam rolling like a maniac the last few days and I truly think it's starting to loosen up the IT's a bit...crossing the fingers! Two treadmill workouts this week really kicked my butt...I decided to stop mentally battling the stupid windy/cold/crap outside and just suck it up and mill-it-up!

Weds 12/10- 5mi/49:40/9:30 pace (mill)
Thurs 12/11- 6 mi/60 min/10 min pace (mill)
Fri 12/12- 3.83 mi/37:12min/ 9:41 pace (MVP loop)

Tomorrow is a 15 miler...most likely in the snow...grand.

A...

non -running log update this eve. No motivation to put together thoughts about my exciting treadmill (or "mill" as john calls it) workout this am.

Today is Beth's bday, so here are some shots form the CRC celebration after the social run. Her hubby arranged for a sweet cake to be made for her special day.

Then beth nocked over the chips and pretzels while we were closing up shop..."oh shit" is what I heard from the back room as I saw an empty plastic bowl rolling out on it's side.

Speaking of "oh shit"...on the top picture john is saying "say shit!"...that's why beth and I are laughing so hard.


I'm looking forward to the CRC Holiday party tomorrow night...should be a fun time! Can't wait to see what crazy things these runners end up doing. :)

let it snow...

Since JT called me out saying "this blog sucks"...I guess I better get on it with the posting. But, not because of you JT...you were the one getting called out regarding your blog last night at the CRC ! ha!

I guess I haven't really been blogging much about the running because, thanks to my crappy body, every run has been painful and not worth remembering. I swear, one sore spot leads to the next due to the over-compensating for the current pain. Arg. Oh well, not here to complain, and it doesn't help fix the problems...however stretching and foam rolling more does...hopefully!

So, here's the current log...

Nov 28-4 mi- around neighborhood in snow
Nov 29- 4.64mi- MVP from CRC
Nov 30- 8.71mi- Memorial park in manitou, around outer loop, back to pikes peak, back to park....super cold, super snowy!
Dec 1 & 2- off, due to sore rt hip, IT and butt-rrrr.
Dec 3- 4 mi
Dec 4- 5.51mi- Manitou baseball fields-garden-up through middle trails- back down to fields. ...major snow in the face- but so pretty out!

Officially 10 weeks out from Austin this coming weekend...wow, seems pretty close...but in the trenches of training and all the aches and pains- it seems so far away.

section 16...

...was wonderful today. So pretty, and really makes me feel connected to the mountains. Tough stuff, but loved it!

7.25mi (did a bit up gold camp rd to ad some time on feet)- 1:23min

miscalculations...

...they lead to extra miles, and extra pain. Didn't mean to, but Sunday's long run turned out to be a little bit longer than originally planned. It was the farthest I've run so far and was absolutely beautiful!

Saturday 11/22- 4 mi from the store
Sunday 11/23- 16 mi, 2:41min, 10:04pace- monument/palmer lake/around greenland

Weekly milage:
11/2-11/8 = 24.25mi
11/9-11/15= 32.48mi
11/16-11/22 = 36.16mi

I've been meaning to...

...share this with everyone! It is freaking hilarious...An older lady named Gladys calls in to the Ellen Degeneres show and has a few things to say. :) What she has to say around the 3:55 min mark cracks me up every time! Ellen seems to find it pretty funny as well. And, best of all, this fine lady is calling from Austin, TX!:)

thoughts...

So far, running this week has been pretty pleasant. Considering all the aches and pains I've been having + the new found colder, more winter-like weather...this building week (mile wise) has been tolerable. :)

I don't know if it was the handful of older women I saw enjoying their walk on Santa Fe Trail yesterday, listening to my brother's music, or feeling like the holidays are finally somewhat near thanks to the chill in the air... but, yesterday's mid week 8mi run (something I haven't done 'til now) was a very fulfilling time for me. I let my mind wander and I was overwhelmed with thoughts of thankfulness, and excitement for fun times ahead.

So far for the week...

Monday 11/17- 3.36mi- recovery run 9:42pace
Tuesday 11/18- 5.76mi- 9:25pace- neighborhood pavement crap
Weds 11/19- rest
Thursday 11/20- 8.29mi- santa fe- 9:09pace
Friday 11/21- 4.25mi- 9:01pace

Anyone have any suggestions for a flat-like 14 mile route for my long run Sunday?

question...

I have a discussion question for everyone...and I'm truly interested in hearing your responses...so please comment!

*What is the best gift (s) you have received?

Now...I am talking tangible...not: my kids, feeling loved, etc.

Please share...I'd love to know! I'll have to get back to you on my response!

the struggle log...

Yes...today was a struggle! Up Old Gold Camp road for 5 miles...then downhill on the tight legs = painful! Great to be in wonderful company though!

The log...
Sunday 11/9- 13.07 mi at Falcon Loop on AFA base- 2hr 14min

Mon 11/10- 4.09mi in neighborhood- 40:06min

Tues 11/11- 3.5mi in Dallas...oh yeah, in dark pouring rain, escorted by dallas police on mtn bikes

Weds 11/12- 3.1mi/5k in Dallas...the Indie (Independent retailers) 5k...just jogged, had fun!

Thurs 11/13- 4.75mi Full Moon Run in Garden of the Gods...so pretty...60 degrees at night!

Sat 11/15- 4mi at Red Rock Canyon...with Herizons gals...a little cold in the face area:).

Sun 11/16- 10.25mi on Lower Gold Camp Rd...5 mi uphill...bugga. 5 mi downhill on sore legs:(

We shall see how the bod feels after this week. My little bodily imbalances are starting to create problems with the increased mileage:(...but hopefully with the help of my friend Christy and extra stretching/icing, my bod will be back on my side in this battle called training.

one hund...

One hundredth post! I seriously can't believe it. I thought for sure after the 2nd week or so I'd wimp out and quit writing. But hey, we all surprise ourselves every now and then!

I haven't written in a while because I've been traveling along at mach-100 speed the last week! Flew out on Dallas to join John in Dallas for the IRRA (Independent Running Retailers Association) Running Event. It was such a great experience. Got to visit and spend time with people that have owned a store for 30 + years...saw way neat stuff coming out in the near future...network with numerous people...and get to meet, face to face, vendors I talk to every week! I also got to have lunch with my uncle James...so great to see and catch up with him. :)

Flew back on Weds night and got in to colorado springs 4 hours later than planned...thanks to american airlines. :) The $100 voucher they offered me today helped me feel a bit better about the situation- 5 gate changes, on and off 2 planes, 4 hrs later!! Arg.

This weekend is jammed packed...early am Herizons run, work, Herizons wine and cheese party, sleep...then, long run + volunteering at Fall Series race on Sunday...oh yeah, and a short live tv, Fox segment that I have to do Monday morning...geez!

Will update on the Austin training log for this week later....:)

just to report...

No real desire to post anything special today...just the running log over the past few days. Dealing with some tightness in my posterior tibialis tendon...just trying to stretch er' as much as I can.

John's blog is cracking me up...I believe he used the phrase "dry as a popcorn fart" to describe the dryness in his lungs due to the weather. Hilarious.

Sunday: 7mi/1:07min/9:49pace ... Santa Fe trail
Tuesday: 5.14mi/51:12min/9:57pace... MVP...speed work...owie.
Weds: 4.33mi/41:02min/9:27pace... Neighborhood loop

Well, I better be off to get a run in. A massage and sushi to look forward to later.:)

this is...

...hilarious...It's JT's post from today...

"John O, of Colorado Running Company fame, has started a new blog. Check it out here. Interestingly enough, he named his blog after my sister. But, since he gives me free beer on Wednesdays and only hires girls with big jugs (see below), he's OK in my book."


JT- you crack me up. Also...trying to get the youngsters not to be wimps and run on the dirt rather than the sidewalk- good work.

sunday long run...

...of 7 miles...was perfect for this weekend. Full of activites, fun, not enough sleep, work, and volunteering- this Sunday's "backoff" long run was just what I needed.

Distance: 7mi
Time: 1:07 min
Pace: 9:49/mile
Place: Woodmen north to Air Force Academy bridge and back.

I had such a great time this weekend...lots o' fun forsure! Ready to get some good/restful sleep tonight in order to start the week off right! :)

Some pictures of this weekend...

my creative mother...

...always goes above and beyond.
Her dept always wins most creative at AAHS's Halloween costume contest! :)

I was lost...

Not really. But, I was staying in a place with no internet since Sunday. Well..I take that back...it did have internet, but it did not like communicating with my friendly macbook. :( Oh yeah, and I worked three 10-hr days in a row. So...point of the story...the explanation as to why no blogging for the past couple of days. Here's a recap of what you missed...

Running recap: The log...

Sunday 10/26- 12 mi (Baptist Rd to Woodmen + some change)- hot, got a humongous chafe on my arm...rrr flabbiness!

Monday 10/27- 2.5 mi easy in MVP

Tuesday 10/28- off...rest, work 10 hrs.

Wed 10/29- 5 mi in the Garden of the Gods- sortof got lost there in the end...but fun exploring!

Thurs 10/30- 6 mi around Manitou- ran up Ruxton to Hydro street....haven't done that in a couple months...made me feel totally out of shape-crap!

Friday 10/31- 3.5mi slow (roughly- enjoying red light breaks)...had a fun Halloween run with the CRC crew...did the downtown loop...got lots of honks and stares...we were all dressed up. I think the sponge bob and cereal killer we were with were the cause of the attention. :)

Life recap...
*Found that I am now, officially addicted to Boba! The little tapioca balls o'fun at the bottom of my drink!:) Makes me feel 10 again. Go to the Coffee and Tea Zone downtown to see what all the fuss is about...or go to bobafinder.com if you aren't in c. springs.

*I can't wait for such a fun night tonight...two costumes...fun times to be had.

*Maili's parents are visiting from California and I have so enjoyed them. Yesterday, the four of us drove up to Rampart for a little stroll in the mountains...it was so pretty and totally peaceful! On the way back we stopped for popcorn balls at the top of ute pass and marg's at Amanda's Fonda!

More to come later...off to a busy weekend!
Agenda...
Friday- Halloween party and fun! Spend the night with Beth at Meg's!
Sat- Work til close...early bedtime i'm suspecting!
Sunday- Long run with the gals...then off to volunteer (in costume) with Beth at the Fall Series!

Man...can I get a nap in before all of this!?

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

pooo-stick....

Rrrrrr....I am so annoyed! Usually after a run I feel refreshed, full of clarity, and ready for the day! Not today. I did the same route around the neighborhood that I did last thursday, but this time in the opposite direction (This route is a good one for me as it challenges me with Austin-like, long gradual uphills).

Reasons for the annoyance...1. major WIND! Had to run facing the wind, uphill the last 25 min....big, fat arg. 2. My stupid Nike Sportband told me I did 4.5 mi...not the 5.31 I did on the same route, opposite direction, last thursday...what the? It took me exactly the same amnt of time as last week- 53 min...but shows less miles and a slower pace...rrrrrr. I WANT A STINKIN GARMIN!

One good part of the run...I loved running in my new Saucony Hurricanes! Nicki- our Saucony tech rep brought them down from Denver for me...and they are soft and comfy! Very pleased!

Distance: 4.5 mi (rrrr....)
Time: 53:07 min
Pace: 11:47/mi (not the 9:59 pace from last thurs...grrrr again)
Place: Neighborhood route in Kansas

speed what?

Tonight's workout was the first time I've done a speed-type workout in oh, about 3 months or so...and it was tough stuff! The fierce wind and blowing debris didn't help the situation...but with the company of the Dutchess (Beth), I got through it. She always pushes an inspires me :). Sushi at Jun's was a great reward...enjoyed my first spicy tuna hand roll...totally recommend! :) Tomorrow is a day of rest...good thing because thurs-sunday will be tough on the ol' bod. Stretch some more...then bed for me!

Distance: 5.56mi
Time: 54:09 min
Pace: 9:44/mile (doesn't really mean that much on this workout)
Place: Monument Valley Park...in a freaking windstorm...owie-crapola in the eyeballs!
Workout: warm up (1mi) + 2x1 mile repeats in Monument Valley Park+ warm down (2.5mi).

sympathy carb-recovery-eating...ha!

Had such a great weekend! I traveled up to denver to watch some friends run the Denver 1/2 Marathon. It was great to be a spectator and soak the experience in from afar. However...at the end of the race...seeing all those tired/sweaty/drained people made me like the best thing to do at the time was to circle around all the booths with my friends that did run, and enjoy every bit of guilt-filled carbs I could lay my hands on! :) The experience did get me a little bit pumped up for Austin thought...18 weeks out from today! :)

Thanks friends, for such a great time! :)

numb leggos...

Because my phone said the high was supposed to be 78 today...I put on shorts at 6am this morning thinking I would be a hot box at the end of my run. This did end up being true, but my legs were completely numb for the first 50 min of it! Burr! Had a nice 3.5 mi out of 10 with the Herizons gals this morning...made the run not seem so long...thanks ladies! No problems with the injured leg...but both just felt tired...which is to be expected as I build back up the mileage.

I think something was messed up in my Nike Sportband last long run with Dani on Sunday, because today I went to close to the same area before I turned back around and the numbers this time were way different. Today's numbers were much more realistic for me running on that trail for a longer one.

I'm off to go up to Denver to watch friends run in the Denver 1/2 and full Marathon! I'm so excited for them! Because I'm still somewhat new to the running/racing scene, I've never gone to a race and not run it! I'm sort of excited to really get to just watch! Pics to come...


Distance: 9.82mi
Time: 1:41min
Pace: 10:18/mi
Place: North on Santa Fe Trail from Woodmen

TGIF...

Yay, it's friday and I actually get to experience a weekend...yes, 2 days off in a row, it's a miracle! This morning's run was the perfect start to a great weekend. Slow, downtown, fun friends, Wooglins after...can't get any better than that! :) Thanks to Traci, Gordon, and Rich...my Friday started out just right

Distance: 3.34mi
Time: 35:49min
Pace: 10:41/mi
Place: Downtown/Monument Valley Trail

Tomorrow I will be doing my long run on santa fe trail since on Sunday, I will be up in Denver watching some good friends run the Denver 1/2 and full marathon! :)

winter is here...

Had a great run this am...accompanied with frost on the ground, a visible breath traveling with me. My legs still don't feel quite right. No bad pain...just kinda feel like I'm running on the legs of somebody else! Anyone ever feel this way before? It was so beautiful though...a great way to start the day! :)

Distance: 5.31
Time: 53:04 min
Pace: 9:59/mi
Place: neighborhood loop

full moon run...

Had an amazing run in the Garden of the Gods tonight, accompanied by a full moon! The Pikes Peak Road Runners were great companions this eve as I headed out on my first run + headlamp! It was a great experience and I can't wait to do it again...I'm on board for next month forsure! :) The guys in the 5mi group ditched us so us girls had to fend for ourselves in the dark garden...so, ended up not at 5mi...but oh well! :)

Girls day at the store, with just Beth and I, was great fun. Munched on Beth's pumpkin/cheesecake bars...watched the sun try and break free from the gloomy clouds.

More fun to be had at the social run tomorrow. Gnight for now...:).

Distance: 3.55
Time: 36:23min
Pace: 10:14/mile
Place: Garden of the Gods.

family fun...

Pics from today...yummy brunch at Adam's Mtn Cafe. Happy Bday to Mom...Happy Anniversary to Tom and Jeanne!:)