In Honor of Kaelynn's 9th Birthday...

Yesterday was Kaelynn's 9th birthday and it also marked the 1/2 way point in my 18 weeks of training for the Columbus Marathon.  One of the many reasons I run is to set an example for my children.  I run to beam with pride when my daughter asks me to run a 5K with her.  I run to laugh when Kaelynn tells people it took me almost six hours to run the Cleveland Marathon and she had to wait in the cold at the finish line!  Rain or shine, slow or fast, she is my number one fan!

Kaelynn before her first 5K

Kaelynn finishing her first 5K

After Kaelynn's first 5K

Kaelynn's second 5K

Kaelynn after her second 5K

Kaelynn's third 5K

Kaelynn after her third 5K

So in honor of your birthday I ran all 12 of those miles for you yesterday!  I hope you enjoyed your day!  Happy birthday again sweet girl!  I love you to the moon and back!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Kaelynn YOU inspire ME to run for FUN!!

Mrytle Beach 2011

We arrived in Mrytle Beach yesterday afternoon.  We headed out to grab some groceries, went to dinner, and then walked down to the beach and the kids swam a bit in the pool.  First thing this morning I was up for my 5 mile marathon pace run.  As to be expected it was quite humid however the beautiful scenery during the run did make up for it.  In looking back at our last trip to Mrytle Beach in 2009 I realized what a difference two years can make.

Grant and Kaelynn Myrtle Beach 2009

Grant and Kaelynn Myrtle Beach 2011

Me with the kids Mrytle Beach 2009

Me with the kids Mrytle Beach 2011



It's amazing how quickly they grow.  It's also amazing to see my transformation.  All of the hard work and mileage has definitely been worth it!!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!

Running Partner Appreciation Day!!!

Amanda at 5 Miles Past Empty (here) has declared Saturday, June 25th as Running Partner Appreciation Day.  Today is a day to express your appreciation for all of your running partners.  Since our long runs take place on Sunday, I won't be hitting the pavement with any of my running partners until tomorrow morning so I am dedicating today's post to all of them!!

Nikki, Deb and Marilyn- my 1/2 marathon in all 50 states buddies!

Mellisa, Deb, Brigette, Kim, and Mellisa's son Matt- my Cleveland 10 Miler Girls (boy)

Darlene- my Hershey's Ice Cream and More and 5K buddy!!

Jenn- my 2011 Cleveland Marathon training buddy!!



Brenda- my neighbor and running and spinning buddy



Dave-  my guardian angel and the reason I was able to finish the 2011 Cleveland Marathon

Bobby- my brother that supports me 110% even if he likes to battle me for the family championship each year

Kaelynn- my daughter who reminds me to keep running fun!

Thank you to each and every single one of you for the amazing role you play in my life.  There isn't a day that goes by that I am not grateful to have all of you in my life!  So to all of you, Happy Running Partner Appreciation Day! 

Keep running, you're simply the best, and all of my running partner's inspire me!!!

Eagle Run 5K Race Report

This morning was the Eagle Run 5K.  Kaelynn and I headed to the local baseball stadium for the race.  Deb called and asked me to fill out registration forms for her and Ellie since they had decided to run today as well.  With forms filled out, Deb and Elli arrived at the stadium.  We took a few pictures and headed to the start line.

The girls showing off their Bondi Bands

All Smiles

Mothers and Daughters

The race started and I planned to run with the girls.  They were doing great the first mile.  Running when they felt like it and walking when they didn't.  As we approached the 1 mile mark, Ellie started running again while Kaelynn kept walking.  I knew Deb was up in front of us so I decided Ellie would be okay to go on her own and I stayed back with Kaelynn.  After we got to the turn around I could tell Kaelynn was frustrated.  I ask her why she was upset and she said she had a cramp and couldn't run and she was disappointed because all the other kids were passing her and she knew she could do better.  Yep, once again like mother, like daughter.  I'm pretty sure I said "I'm better than this" repeatedly at the marathon.  She was near tears and very frustrated.  At this point I walked with her and explained to her that it was okay because we all have bad days.  I reminded her that I have bad days too.  Afterall, it took me almost 6 hours to finish the marathon and I know I am perfectly capable of running a marathon in 4:30.  Of course her response to this made me laugh a bit because she said "yeah mom but a marathon is 26.2 miles".  I told her I realized this but what matters is that we finish what we started.  As we were walking I further confirmed that Dave has the patience of a saint.  He walked, ran, and encouraged me for almost six hours and here I was doing the same thing with my daughter.  The only difference was we weren't even out there for an hour.  We continued on and I kept reminding Kaelynn that this was supposed to be fun and if she wasn't having fun then we shouldn't be doing it.  She mentioned again that she was having fun but she just couldn't get rid of the cramp.  As we returned to the baseball stadium grounds Kaelynn started running some more.  I mentioned to her that we were almost done and she kept going.  As we approached the finish line she spotted her friend Olivia and took off sprinting.  Yep, like mother like daughter....remember my sprint at the end of the marathon when I spotted the clock?!?  As we ran to the finish line Jenn was holding up a sign, snapping pictures, and cheering for us.

Entering the field

Rounding the corner

Down the homestretch

Nothing but air

Almost there

Finishing what we started

We grab some pizza and gatorade and walked to the car to head home.  Once we got in the car I took the opportunity to talk to Kaelynn.

Me:  Did you have fun today Kaelynn? 
Kaelynn:  I was just frustrated because I had a cramp.
Me:  You did your best and I am proud of you.  What matters most is that you had fun because if it isn't fun anymore than you shouldn't do it. 
Kaelynn:  I did have fun mom, can we do it again next year?
Me:  Absolutely, I would do it again in a heartbeat!

It's amazing what you can learn about yourself through the eyes of a child.  I had flashbacks to the marathon today and realized I CAN do it.  There is a lot to be said for an unplanned teaching lesson and I will say it again...like mother, like daughter.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  I love you to the moon and back Kaelynn!  Thank you for helping me to realize I CAN and I WILL!!

I love you to the moon and back

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Kaelynn you inspire me to keep running fun!

Twenty Miles And An Ice Show

This weekend was crazy and busy but it was a great time!! Kaelynn has been practicing for her ice show for months on end. Once I had developed my training schedule, I looked at what type of mileage I would have to run the weekend of the show and sure enough it would be our first 20 mile run of the training cycle! Friday night I dropped Kaelynn and her two friends off for Dress Rehearsal and then headed to a friend's house for a Premiere Jewelry/Dove Chocolate/Simply Said party where I enjoyed the company and products. Saturday morning it was back to the ice rink for Kaelynn's final ice skating lesson of the session. After lessons, we headed home and my mom and step dad and one of my best friend's from PA and her family got into town. We had an early dinner, took a quick picture of the kids and then headed off to night one of the ice show. The theme of the show was "Let's Go To The Movies". Kaelynn was in Annie and she did a really good job! Since the show didn't start until 7PM, we didn't get back home until close to 10:30PM. All of the family and friends from PA headed home and we finally got the kids to bed around 11:00PM. I of course knew I needed to get to bed since I would be getting up at 4:30AM to meet Jenn for our long run. I slept pretty good and was thankful for that. I was up and at it by 4:45AM and getting ready for the long run. The 20 miler would be Jenn's farthest run to date. She didn't have her Garmin so I was in charge of distance and pace. When we first started out we had discussed running out 5 miles and back and repeating it but in the end I ran us out 10 miles. Jenn was quite surprised when I told her we were half way done at our turn around. There were a few times when I could really see the fatigue setting in for Jenn. Around mile 15.5 we needed to refuel again. Jenn mentioned that she would need to walk for her fueling this time because she was going to take sports beans. I told her at that point that we were going to stop and stretch while she ate them because I was proving a point to her. I knew for a fact she could run 20 miles without stopping and that is exactly what she did! I was so proud of her! There wasn't much talking on the run but I am sure parts of the marathon are going to be like that so it was good practice. Once we had 1/4 of a mile left I asked Jenn to show me what her legs could do after 19+ miles. We brought in mile 20 at 10:35. Not too shabby...not too shabby at all!! Our final time for the run was 3:34:09 which is an overall pace of 10:42/mile and we were still smiling at the end!! After a few stretches, hugs, and good jobs Jenn and I went our separate ways. I stopped and grabbed ice and then headed home for an ice bath. I knew I definitely had to fit one into my day since yesterday afternoon was day 2 of the ice show and I would be sitting in bleachers for 2 1/2 hours which is not always the best thing after a long run! Kaelynn did a great job again yesterday as well! As crazy busy as this weekend was I wouldn't change it for the world. I managed to successfully get my long run in and got to watch my daughter do something that she truly loves and adores. Keep running, you're simply the best, and Kaelynn your passion for ice skating inspires me!!

Reindeer Run 5K Race Report

Woke up Saturday morning and put on the cold weather running gear and then went into Kaelynn's room to help her and the following conversation took place.
Me: Make sure you put your long johns underneath your running outfit.
Kaelynn: Mom, it's just not comfortable. It hurts me. It doesn't feel right.
Me: Kaelynn it is cold out you have to wear your long johns.
Kaelynn: But mom it's not fair, you don't have to wear anything under your running outfit.
Me: Actually I have my Underarmour tights on underneath these pants.
Kaelynn: But mom yours are comfortable and cool. Mine aren't cool.
Me: Just put them on we need to get to the race.
Kaelynn: Fine!

After she finally gets dressed and ready we head out to drop off Grant at a friend's house. I get on the highway with my directions in hand and follow them exactly. Only problem is the road I need to get on is closed. I call Jenn (here) in a panic explaining to her that I am lost. She is using the GPS in her van to help me as well as her I-phone. I am feeling terrible because I have her bib and jingle bells with me because I did packet pick up for everyone on Friday night. I end up getting lost two more times and making two loops in the same area while apologizing to Jenn over and over again. Once we finally park and Kaelynn and I start running to the start line we see the race has already started. We catch up to Jenn and we all run back to the start line to register our shoe tags. I apologize to Jenn yet again and she tells me not to worry about it. I also tell Jenn to feel free to run ahead of Kaelynn and I and we will see her at the finish but she decides she is going to stay with us! Awesome! This is going to be a fun run/walk today! Jenn and I also had a chance to talk a little bit about our upcoming marathon training as well!

In true Kaelynn form she sprints for awhile then stops and walks for a bit. She pretty much does this most of the race. Jenn attempts to get a picture of Kaelynn and I running together and after many tries she finally succeeds!

After this photo I decide I am going to attempt to get a few pictures of Kaelynn running. Only problem was that I would run ahead and then Kaelynn would sprint up on me before I could snap the picture. I was successful eventually.

Shortly after these photos are taken I point out to Kaelynn that the lead runner is heading back on the course. She seems less than impressed by his speed. Although, I give her credit for her intelligence because she is quick to come up with the following statement: "Hey mom, can we just cut over and head back to the finish". Of course I said no. I reminded her that would be cheating and her response was: "I know mom". We finally hit the 1 mile marker. Jenn points out to Kaelynn that we only have 2 miles to go. Ironically at that very moment Kaelynn points to the ground and says: "I wish the finish line was right here".

Two seconds after this she decides she is thirsty and starts asking if there is water on the course. We see it up ahead and she is very happy. She grabs a cup of water and acts like she is going to dump it on her head and Jenn and I yell no in unison! Kaelynn was just kidding of course, phew! See how happy water makes her?

Right after I took this picture, the water stop volunteer offered to take a picture of all of us.

During the last mile of the race Kaelynn kept asking for a popsicle. Jenn and I found it very comical since it was really cold out! I told her she was crazy and that perhaps hot chocolate would be the better choice. We finally got to three tenths of a mile left to go and Kaelynn started jogging again. She was slowing down and wanted to stop but Jenn and I encouraged her to run it through to the finish and we all crossed the line running together in 44:27.

Kaelynn and I went into the pavilion after the race while Jenn used the restroom. I ran into Connie (here) so I took a minute to introduce Kaelynn to her. Connie did a great job and took home second place in her age group! Way to go Connie. Kaelynn and I headed back out to talk to Jenn and this is when we discovered she had lost her key fab to her van. Unfortunately, the porta-potty found it. Jenn called her hubby to rescue her. In the meantime Jenn walked back to the truck with Kaelynn and I so she could grab her race t-shirt. As we are walking Kaelynn decides she is going to wait for the bus to take her to the truck because her legs hurt and it's just to far to walk.

We finally get back to the truck so Jenn can grab her shirt and we head our separate ways. Of course in true Jodi fashion I get lost yet again! I sent Jenn a message about that one and she had a good laugh! Finally heading in the right direction Kaelynn starts yet another conversation with me.

Kaelynn: Mom, are you upset that I didn't run the whole way?

Me: Not at all Kaelynn. What matters is that you finished it.

Kaelynn: I couldn't run the whole time because I had to go to the restroom.

Me: Why didn't you tell me?

Kaelynn: Mom, there were no restrooms out there!

Me: Good point. Did you have fun?

Kaelynn: Yes!

Me: Did this make up for the Gobble Wobble?

Kaelynn: Yep! Can I have hot chocolate AND Subway?

Me: Why don't you pick one? We only have a little bit of time because you have ice skating lessons.

Kaelynn: But mom, it's such a hard decision because I love Caribou's hot chocolate and I really like the subs at Subway.

Me: Okay, we can do both quickly but we will have to leave free skate early.

Kaelynn: Ok, thank you.

It was definitely a FUN run!!

Oh, I bet you are all wondering if she ever got her popsicle.....she did not have a popsicle but she did have a slushie at the ice skating rink.

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Kaelynn you certainly inspire me to RUN FOR FUN!!

Reindeer Run for Fun Preview

If you recall, I had to tell Kaelynn that we wouldn't be running the Gobble Wobble 5k on Thanksgiving morning. She was very upset and asked me to see if there were any other races we could run soon. Luckily the Reindeer Run 5k takes places the first weekend in December each year. Fast forward to this past Wednesday and I had the following conversation with Kaelynn.
Me: Kaelynn are you absolutely positive you want to run on Saturday?
Kaelynn: Yes.
Me: Okay but just so you know the temperature is going to "feel like" 20 degrees.
Kaelynn: I still want to run it.

At this point I let it go and asked her dad to talk to her when he took her to school on Thursday morning to make sure she really wanted to run it before I registered us. So, he did just that and then he called me with her decision and shared with me the conversation that took place between the two of them.
Dad: Kaelynn are you sure you want to run Saturday?
Kaelynn: Yes dad.
Dad: You know the temperature is going to "feel like" 20 degrees.
Kaelynn: Yes dad I know mommy told me and I have gear for that.

So tomorrow morning Kaelynn and I will run a 5k together to make up for our punt on Thanksgiving morning. We may be slow moving but what matters is that we are out there having fun and exercising and we got a really cool shirt in the process!

We also got jingle bells for our shoes. Who doesn't love jingle bells?

And on a side note, it's official. I have paid off my elliptical and treadmill in full in less than a year and I did not pay one penny in interest! You have to love 12 months same as cash as long as you discipline yourself to make the proper payments each month!!

Stay tuned for a full race report including lots of pictures tomorrow!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!

Tomorrow is my one year blogiversary...Funfilled post to come tomorrow!

For now I will leave you with some fun pictures.....

Brenda and I at last year's Skeleton 5k. You will have to tune in tomorrow to see how this year's Skeleton 5k goes.

Kaelynn sporting her Halloween Outfit

Grant eating a donut for the first time. The things we take for granted...he outgrew his egg allergy this week and he can't stop asking for anything and everything that has eggs in it!!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inpsire me!!

8 Years Ago Today, I Became A Mother...

To this beautiful young lady!!

We are in PA for our annual Family Reunion. Here is the conversation that took place between Kaelynn and I this morning.

Kaelynn: (tapping me on the shoulder over and over again) "Mom, wake up, I want to open my presents from Grammy and she said I had to wait for you to get up."

Me: "Give me five minutes Kaelynn."

Kaelynn: "1, 2, 3, 4, 5".

Me: "That was five seconds Kaelynn."

Kaelynn: "I know mom, please get up."

Me: "Okay, I'm up."

We went upstairs and she opened her gifts. She was very excited to get the next volume in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. She also got some money from Grandma Great and a few American Girl books from me (purchased while I was in Chicago for the 1/2 marathon).

Fast forward about three minutes, as she sits at the kitchen table eating breakfast, and she begins yet another conversation with me.

Kaelynn: "Mom, do you run to lose weight or because it is fun"

Me: (Choosing my words wisely) "I run because it is fun."

This picture of us before Kaelynn's first 5k is proof that running is fun!!

See, I have been sick this week and I haven't been able to get out there and run since Tuesday. I really miss it. I miss the FUN!! So, in honor of Kaelynn's birthday, get out there and "run for fun" today. I will be doing my "fun run" tomorrow since today is filled with family reunion fun. I will be running with my brother and I can't wait.

Happy Birthday Kaelynn!! I love you to the moon and back!!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Kaelynn YOU inspire ME to run for FUN!!

Eagle Run 5K with my daughter Race Report

Today I ran a 5K for fun with my daughter, Kaelynn! I pretty much let her lead the way. We walked and ran but we got it done and had a great time doing it. I even took some action photos while we were out there! Since I took them on my blackberry, I just uploaded them to Facebook so stop on over and check them out! When she decided she wanted to run she would pretty much sprint from one mailbox to the next. I decided it would count as interval training for me since I really had to move to keep up with her during those mailbox repeats! She was thrilled when she got to run through a hose that a spectator had on during the race. She got to do that twice since it was an out and back course! I also let her dump one of the water stop cups of water on her head and she thought that was really cool. It was hot so I wasn't going to tell her no! When we got near the finish line she took off sprinting and of course she beat me. Truth be told, I asked her if she wanted to finish before me and she said yes so I let her outsprint me. Overall, it was a fun experience and we finished in 41:16. Not too bad for a 7 year old. I must mention that I actually didn't mind the running skirt Kaelynn insisted I wear. It was actually quite comfortable and looked good in pictures!! I leave you with pictures from today's "fun run".
Kaelynn before the race

The moms and their girls (and Grant)

Kaelynn, Grant, and I before the race

Kaelynn and I sprinting to the finish line

Kaelynn's "air" race photo

Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!