Dinner with the Girls

Last night several of us girls that run together went to dinner.  We went to Market Beer Restaurant (here).

It is a very cute restaurant and the food was very good!  Since we normally are in running clothes we decided to take a group picture.  See we do wear regular clothes and do our hair and makeup from time to time!!

Jenn, Bonnie, Deb, Me, Bick, Missi, Brigette

After we spending a good two plus hours chatting about everything from running to kids to vacations, we headed out to have some gelato.  We went to a very cute new place called The Sweet Spot (here).  We thoroughly enjoyed our flavor choices and of course had to get another photo.

Front Row- Brigette, Bick, Missi
Back Row- Me, Jenn, Deb

After about three hours we called it a night and decided we definitely have to get together more often! 

And even though none of us are in our running clothes:
Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!

Columbus Shopping Trip

Sunday afternoon Deb and I headed to Columbus for our annual shopping trip.  It's nice to get away and relax, shop, and of course eat way too much.  Once in town we headed to The Container Store.  This year's trip was a lot gentler on our pocketbooks as we didn't buy nearly as much as we did last year.  Of course last year Deb was buying a shelving system for her daughter's bedroom and I was buying all kinds of "must have" gadgets of course!  This year I walked out with a new trash can for my daughter's bedroom and a nice shower caddy for the bathroom.  Since Dave lives in Columbus we had the chance to have dinner with him on Sunday evening.  We decided on McCormick and Schmick's so I went ahead and called to make a 7:45 reservation.  We made a wrong turn on our way there and didn't get to the restaurant until 8:00.  Imagine our surprise when there was a sign on the door saying that the restaurant was closing at 8:00.  One of the staff came to the door and apologized for the fact that they closed early.  Fortunately Dave was thinking on his toes and commented that I guess that reservation didn't mean anything.  The staff member said you're our last reservation tonight, come on in.  The food was great.  I don't generally like fish but I tried Deb's sole and it was actually very good.  The shrimp I ordered may just have been the best shrimp I have ever eaten.  Now the dessert however was THE BEST part of the meal.  All three of us were in awe of the deliciousness of the peanut butter pie.  We were trying to figure out how they made it.  We spent the next two hours chatting and catching up with Dave which was great.  He has such a great sense of humor and always has the best stories.  Finally we were the last ones left in the restaurant and the manager made his way to our table to politely tell us to "get the heck out" since they were closed.

Monday morning Deb and I slept in for a bit and then headed to the Jeffersonville Outlets.  We had a great time shopping and found some great deals.  There was of course a lot of credit/debit card swiping at the check out counters!  We finished up at the outlets and headed back to the hotel to freshen up.  Last night we headed to Easton and had dinner at Abuelo's Mexican Food Embassy.  Once again the food was fantastic and we ended up eating too much once again.  Following dinner we did a little shopping and then headed back to the hotel.

Today we had to come home.  So sad I know!  We had some breakfast at Panera and then stopped by a store at Polaris so Deb could find a dress for a wedding she has coming up in August.  Oh and yes, I did manage to fit my 5 mile marathon pace run in today!

All in all it was a great girl's trip!  I can't wait for next year Deb!!

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

Thumbs Up Thursday...Megan

This week's spotlight is on Megan of WatchMeGoRun (here).  Once you read her interview, head on over and check out her blog!!

Jodi:  How long have you been running?
Megan:  I've had an on again/off again relationship since high school. I ran track for 2 years, then gave it up. Started back up in college and did a 5k without really trying. It wasn't until this past summer I started to take it seriously and got into racing.


Jodi:  Why did you start running?
Megan:  Last year, when I decided to stick with it, I had just had my gall bladder removed a few months before. I felt sick all the time and exercising definitely helped. Plus, it also helped keep me sane(ish)!

Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?
Megan:  I did my first 5k about 4 years ago, but this is my first year of doing races continuously.

Jodi:  What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Megan:  I haven't done a ton of distances, but so far, I really love the 10k. I think I hold it closest to my heart because it was my first real accomplishment in running. Everyone I knew had done a 5k, a 10k felt like so much more!

Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?
Megan:  Bay to Breakers - It was the 100th year so it was one big celebration and running in San Francisco was breath-taking. I absolutely want to do it again!

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?
Megan:  Warning - TMI: feeling like I was going to poop my pants near the end of one 10k race - luckily I didn't, but clenching your butt muscles is NOT fun.

Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?
Megan:  Placing in my age group once in a 5k and in two different 10ks.

Run Against Drugs 10K- 3rd place in age group

Run With the Cops, Not From Them 5K- 3rd in age group- Megan's first medal!!

Jodi:  What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Megan:  My garmin - it's my life support.

Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Megan:  I usually only do the water thus far - GU and I don't typically get along. I can handle chomps though.

Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Megan:  Froyo and slurpees!

Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Megan:  Desiree Davila - Gotta support another Michigander, especially one that rocked it at Boston!

Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
 Megan:  "That's the thing about running: your greatest runs are rarely measured by your racing success. They are moments in time when running allows you to see how wonderful your life is"- Kara Goucher.

Jodi:  Finish this statement, when I run I feel_________.
Megan:  Alive and exhilerated! (most days)

Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Megan:  Run strong on Hood to Coast Relay team (sponsored by Nuun) and to run a sub 2 hour half in October!

Megan's Hood to Coast application picture

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Megan!  Best of luck achieving your current goals!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Megan YOU inspire ME!!

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!!

June In Review

Yesterday I ran 5 miles with four .30 mile hill repeats thrown in the middle.  This tough workout brought my June training to an end. 

June started off quite nicely when I ran the LULA 5k with strep throat and managed to pull off a third place age group finish.

It turns out that I had more than strep throat.  In fact I was quite ill according to my doctor's findings.  I not only had strep but I also had an abscess on my throat.  I received this diagnosis the Monday after the 5K and was given strict orders not to run until Sunday.  I also left with some pretty hardcore antibiotics.  I was also advised to take probiotics and eat plenty of yogurt while on the meds.  I can honestly say I am still sick of yogurt and haven't eaten it since day 10 of my antibiotic.  The good news is that all of this rest turned out to be a blessing because, come Monday, June 13, I was more than ready to begin my Columbus Marathon training.

I will be finishing up week 3 of training on Sunday and so far things are going very well.  I also didn't hit 100 miles run in June; however I came pretty close even with taking a week off to get better.  I would call that a success.

June Stats

90.1-- running miles
0-- elliptical miles
0-- bike miles
55.8--  spinning class miles
145.9-- total miles
0 minutes-- rope skipping
156.8-- weight as of June 30, 2011
Current 2011 Stats
639.21-- running miles
17.8-- elliptical miles
.86-- bike miles
55.8--  spinning  class miles
713.67-- total miles
1 hour and 55 minutes-- rope skipping

Overall June was a good month and I'm looking forward to continuing my marathon training!!

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

Thumbs Up Thursday...Jessica

This week's spotlight is on Jessica of Mojamala2 (here).  Once you read her interview head on over to her blog and say hello!!

Jodi:  How long have you been running?

Jessica:  Started running in track in 7th grade and continued to run track in high school and then ran to stay in shape so umm, 11 years.

Jodi:  Why did you start running?

Jessica:  When I was younger it was just for fun and I enjoyed. Now I continue to run so I can live a happy healthy lifestyle…and I still enjoy it.

Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?

Jessica:  Started road racing after college to continue to stay in shape, first race was in the spring of 2007, so I have been racing for 4 years now.

Jodi:  What is your favorite distance to race and why?

Jessica:  The 10K is my favorite. They are hard to find around here, there are usually only a couple a year but I love them. It’s a tough distance to actually race and you really have to push yourself at this distance.  It’s slower than a 5K pace and faster than a 10 mile or ½ marathon pace.

Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?

Jessica:  Favorite race memory is qualifying for Boston at the Cleveland Marathon in 2009.  I worked my butt off in training and it paid off! I have never trained so hard for anything in my life and I will never forget crossing the finish line and knowing I had qualified.

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?

Jessica:  My least favorite race memory is the Akron Marathon in 2008, my first marathon. I am one of the clumsiest people in the world and around mile 10 I tripped, not over an untied shoe or a rock or something

reasonable but over my own two feet. I crashed into the ground at full speed and was embarrassed and in pain. The fall caused my legs and butt to cramp up. The medical tent was close enough to hear me screaming in pain and came to my rescue. Nothing like a total stranger massaging your goods while other racers watch. But they did a good job and got me up and running again and I finished. I was in a lot of pain during the race but I finished.

2008 Akron Marathon

Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?

Jessica:  Running the Boston Marathon. The journey to get there is amazing but once you are there the experience in unbelievable. Running the Boston Marathon is a race I will never forget and will always hold a special place in my heart. How can you not feel proud saying that you ran the most prestigious race?

Jodi:  What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?

Jessica:  A clothing item with a pocket. Whether it be in my shorts, capris, jacket or top I must have a pocket.

Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?

Jessica:  Vanilla Bean Gu. I have tried a bazillion different flavors and brands and Vanilla Bean Gu is my favorite. Espresso Gu is a close second, I take it for my early training runs to trick myself into thinking I am having actual coffee.

Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Jessica:  Chocolate Milk! I love chocolate milk in general but after a long run or marathon it is a must have.

Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Jessica:  Running Moms. I seriously do not know how they do it, must be some kind of superpower to be able to run and raise kids. I have no kids or even pets and sometimes I have a hard time finding time to run.

Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
Jessica:  “Dig Deep” I saw it on a sign while running the Chicago Marathon and it’s been my favorite quote ever since. When running these long distance races you really do have to “Dig Deep” to finish.

Jodi:  Finish this statement, when I run I feel___________.
Jessica:  Happy, whether I have a good run or a bad run I always feel happy after my run. I could have the worst day in the world and a run will put me right back on track.

Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Jessica:  I would really like to PR this year in any race at any distance. I have come close a couple times but have not had a PR in almost 2 years. I have changed up some of my training and am working hard to reach this goal. I also want to qualify for Boston again. Once was just not enough. Perhaps the Vegas Marathon in December will be my chance!

Jodi:  Feel free to add anything else you feel will help people lace up their shoes and get out there.
Jessica:  Anyone can run, it’s as simple as getting out there and putting one step in front of the other.


Of course no Thumbs Up Thursday is complete without running pictures!! 

2011 Buffalo Marathon

2010 Stomp The Grapes 1/2 Marathon

2009 River Run 1/2 Marathon

2008 St. Malachi 5 Miler

2011 Hyland Software 5K

Mile 25 of the 2011 Cleveland Marathon

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Jessica!  Best of luck achieving your curent goals!!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Jessica 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!!!