Alive but not kicking Part Deux....

To all my loyal followers, readers, bloggy friends and those who I am lucky enough to know in person...

I am alive and still not kicking. I wish I had some exciting story about alien abduction or a sweet surprise month-long romantic trip to Paris...but alas I have only a story of a medical problem that has me sidelined. I am not sure how long I will be out but I think at least a couple more weeks, hopefully. Thank you all for your well-wishes, I am sure they have helped. Keep them coming and hopefully I will be back to my old hill-running self again!

Happy holidays and Happy New Year!!

Still Alive

but not kickin'.

Thanks to all of you who have sent well-wishes my way...they may be working but keep them coming. I feel a bit better but I still have a pounding headache that will not go away. I am sure it is only partially due to illness though....stress among other things always wears me down.

I need to run. I need to run for 100 miles....it very well may kill me if I did that but it would be a cool way to go. But really, I have not been able to clear my mind and hit the pavement since Tuesday. I can feel things piling on, the way they do when I don't get to run them off. It's like missing therapy and that is no bueno! I need to charge myself a no-show fee and enforce a strict no cancellation policy. It would be for my own good...

Today I am Grateful for:

people who notice and make a point give a smile.

Easy return policies.

Sick and Tired

Nothing like being sick to make you remember how awesome it is to not be sick. Ugh...I feel like roadkill, like death warmed over, like swine flu x 10. I must have Ebola or something. It hit hard it hit fast. I went to the YMCA yesterday for a 3 mile run (at 8:30/mile pace). I felt fine. Nothing to warn me of my impending illness. That was at 1:30. I went about the rest of my day and by 9 PM I was achy and icky. So here I am, a day on the couch with three blankets, chicken noodle soup, chocolate milk, OJ, and drugs.....Hopefully I will wake up and feel fine tomorrow! After all I have a 12K coming up in 12 days and I need to do some running!

I am done whining and feeling sorry for myself, for now.

Today I am grateful for:
Our law enforcement and their commitment to keeping our communities safe.
Tylenol.
Preschool.

Happy Running Friends! Stay warm and stay healthy!

And the Winner Is.....

As promised this morning I am announcing the winner of the awesome Asics Visor!



And the lucky winner is.....comment number 29 generated from random.org:

Oz Runner!!

Yay! His winning comment said, "Super hero? Probably Flash, because he is the fastest and I am super slow..." I love it!!!

Now, about my new plan! I have decided on the Oklahoma City Marathon! Now I just have to register, train, and buy some plane tickets! In the interim I will be running the Mercer Island Half which is only 15 weeks away! So training for this officially begins tomorrow! The only problem is...training? Um, I guess I am actually training for a full marathon with a half only a month before. So how the heck do I train for a half in the midst of marathon training (and I still want that sub 2, seriously)? Marathon training is uncharted waters for me. All I know is all you marathon crazies are out there running 15, 18, 20, 22, 24 mile long runs. That is all I know. I am still considering the Bonney Lake Fleet Marathon Training Group, but um, that might be hard. :) Ok, marathons are hard, I get it, but I feel intimidated by an official training group. I know that this will be the best choice for me and the most effective way to ensure that I actually follow through and make it to the starting line of the marathon. Accountability. That is what I need.

Today I am grateful for:

My Christmas tree,crooked and all with lights and decorations!

Sleeping in until 7 AM!

The excitement on my Little Buddy's face when he saw the tree all lit up in the dark living room. Priceless!

All my new bloggy followers! Welcome!

A New Plan

Is today Wednesday? Oh man! I have done absolutely NOTHING since Sunday! I was only a little bit sore after Sunday's half, my ankles the most. That was strange. But really there is no excuse for not running except that I have been resting. Monday left me feeling a little lost not being in the throes of a training plan. I kept thinking, "Now what?". I want to do a marathon, a full 26.2. For some reason I am hesitant to commit. I think I am just scared. Shhhhhh! Don't tell anyone! But after three days of thinking (and my brain is smokin') I have decided on a plan.

-3/21 Mercer Island Half Marathon with some local bloggers and buddies! Yay!!!! This MUST be my sub 2. AND this is my 31st birthday! Again....SHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! That my friends stays HERE on my blog.

-4/25 or 5/2 Full Marathon. The particular one is to be decided. I have wanted to do the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon (4/25) for years. I want this to be my first marathon. I am from Oklahoma and the OKC Bombing is an event that I remember well. I was sitting in Physiology class with Mr. Hula when the news came. So this marathon has special meaning to me. Not to mention I will have an excuse to travel home to see my fam, AND have a cheering squad, always a bonus. The other one that I could do is the Tacoma City Marathon. This one starts about 2 miles from my front door. They are one week apart. What are the chances I could pull off both? Hmmm.....could be possible!

And to all my new followers....WOW! Welcome!! If you haven't entered my Asics Visor giveaway you can do so HERE. I wore this visor (well not THE one I am giving away but its twin) during my half on Sunday and it was awesome! It kept the hair out of my eyes. It wasn't too hot! Sometimes when I wear my regular baseball type hat my head gets hot. The visor allowed my head to breath. It also worked to keep the sweat from running into my eyes, ouch! And the best thing about it....for one of my bloggy followers it will be FREE! :) Can't beat that! You have until Sunday Dec. 5.

Today I am grateful for:
Fluffy pillows.
My down comforter.
Zoo lights!