Chicago Marathon 2010

First off, I want to thank everyone SOOOO much for the inspiration and the encouragement you gave me prior to my very first marathon!  I want to fill everyone in on the long-drawn out-drama that lead up to it...a few minor things happened Saturday and Sunday morning, but I don't have time now. 

I did want to let everyone know that I completed it with a time of 5:20:01.  Not under 5:00 like I hoped, but finished none the less, and I truly enjoyed it!!!  That was what I wanted...I wanted to look back at this momentous occasion and have happy thoughts about something soooo outrageously cool!  Something that in a million years I would never think I could possibly accomplish...and I did! 

I COMPLETED 26.2 MILES WITH A SMILE ON MY FACE!  I CAN CALL MYSELF A TRUE MARATHONER!  I AM SOOOO PROUD OF MYSELF!

We are the tutu girls!  I am on the far left...with a yellow tutu and bright yellow 26.2 visor!

Can't wait to fill you in on all of the details later this week!

26.2 MILES OR BUST!

XOXO,
Stephanie

Chicago Puking Butterflies plus a Runalicious Winner!

Yes, I apologize for not blogging much this past week.  I am gearing up for my very first marathon in Chicago this weekend, and I am utterly, pukifingly, butterfly swarming nervous!!!  I try not to think about it, but then someone else comes up to me and asks me if I am nervous...What the H-E-Double Hockey Sticks do you think???  Would you be nervous if you had to go run longer than you have ever had to run...in a different city where you are driving over 5 hrs to get to, with family coming with you to cheer you on, and with a crowd that I know will be amazing, but will make me that much more nervous...would you be nervous if you had to run

26.2 miles?!?!?

Yes freakin way I am nervous!  I'm so nervous it makes me want to cry to think about it.  I have sooo many doubts in my head about this, and it just SUCKS!!!  I want this to be fun, and I want to enjoy this, but I just keep thinking back to my 1/2 marathon in April, where I just knew I was ready, and then because of the nerves, and the excitement around me, and everything else, I blew it...I didn't run like I wanted to, and I doubted myself the whole way.  How the heck can I get over this before Sunday, so I can just relax...take it all in, and enjoy it!  All I want to do is enjoy it....I'm starting to cry as I type this....

So, you can see why I haven't blogged all week...I know everyone has such postive posts out there about all of their goals for their marathon...Goal A, Goal B, Goal C....and I feel I should be just as positive, but on a strong face and set MY goals, but right now, that is not what I want to do....right now I want to get over these stupid nerves and stupid self-doubts and enjoy this!!!  I want this to be an accomplishment I remember forever...but in a positive way!  This may be my only marathon I ever run, and I want it to be something I am proud of.
So, as I take the next day or so to figure out how to overcome all of my issues, I will announce the winner to the Runalicious shirt giveaway. 
This giveaway was one of my best, as far as responses.  It looks like the Runalicious girls should be proud...EVERYONE loves their stuff!  So, if your not the winner, out of the 108 enteries, don't fret...just hurry over to their website and order something...It can be an early Christmas present to yourself!

So, I used Random.org, and out of 108 enteries, it chose #75

#75 is Jill at Run For the Hills

Yea for you!!!  Please email me your mailing address, and I will get your shirt out to you soon!

Thank you for everyone who entered...and thank you to the Runalicious girls for hosting such a GREAT giveaway!
I hope to be back...in better spirits...with 26.2 miles under my belt....next week! 

XOXO,
Stephanie

Runalicious T-Shirt Giveaway

Yes, I mentioned some information about Runalicious a few posts back, and the wonderful girls at Runalicious were nice enough to send me a super cute long sleeved "Runalicious" shirt. I love it! The fabric is super soft and comfy, and it fits really good! I asked for a large, because of the length, and it fits just perfect. They have a whole line of women's wear in short sleeved, long sleeved and tank top options.  They also have options for all of your daughters out there.  How cute!!!

Runalicious was also nice enough to send me a t-shirt to giveaway.  It is a gray "Runalicious" t-shirt with pink writing in a size medium. 

Sooo super cute! 

To Enter:

1. Become a follower of my blog, or let me know you already are.

2. Check out the Runalicious website HERE and tell me what you Love!

3. Become a fan of Runalicious on Facebook HERE

4. Post a comment on the Runalicious facebook page letting them know that you found them from my contest

4. Link this giveaway to your blog, your facebook page, twitter etc, etc, etc

This contest will run through next Thursday morning, October 8th.  I will announce the winner later in the day!  Enter away!

XOXO,

Stephanie

20 Solo Miles

Yes, I did run 20 solo miles last Saturday...not only was this the longest run I have EVER ran, but it is also by far the most I have ever ran by myself!
I got up around 5am on Saturday to get ready.  I ate my breakfast slowly and felt really good!  I was excited to get going!  I got all "geared" up and stepped outside.  There was a nice chill in the air!  I started up my Garmin....

Well, attempted to start up my Garmin watch...and the darn thing didn't do ANYTHING!  I had charged it overnight, so I knew it wasn't that...It was like it was frozen!  I started panicking...there was no way I wanted to attempt my longest run, BY MYSELF, and without my watch.  I was looking forward to keeping track of my miles with it, and knowing my exact time. 
I ran back inside and found the manuel.  By this time I was almost in tears...I read the manuel, and it told me if it froze up, to hold these two buttons, and it would turn it off and restart it.  I did it...AND IT WORKED!!!  Thank the lord!!!
So, I stepped back outside, stretched and took off! 
Mile 1-4: It was a beautiful morning and I just took those first 4 miles to enjoy running!  It was neat to run by myself for once, and I was able to really relax, enjoy my surroundings and think!  At mile 4 I stopped to walk, drink some water and down a GU.
Mile 4-8: I was still feeling pretty strong!  I did get passed by a really fast guy running...He flew by me!  Again, nothing to eventful happened!  I continued to enjoy my run.  At mile 8 I stopped to walk again and drank some more water and downed another GU.
Mile 9-13.1: I got to mile 9 and then had to run another mile out before I could turn around (I was running the same route we had ran our 18miler...except now I had to run an additional mile out)  This took me into the parking lot of a middle school and I took a path that led me into a subdivision.  I decided to stay straight on that road, so I wouldn't get lost...except I came to an end in the road and I was only at 9.5 miles so I had to turn right or left.  I made a left and kept going...so hoping I wouldn't get lost.  This subdivision was HILLY and I started to get a little tired.  I finally made it to Mile 10, and turned around.  I decided to walk up one of the BIG hills, and once up it, ran again.  I finally made it out of the subdivision and back on my route home!  Yea...over halfway there!  I finished the 13.1 in approx. 2hrs and 20min.  I felt I was going at a fairly good pace even with taking a few short walking breaks.  At mile 13.1 I walked and drank some gaterade and fueled with some energy jelly beans.
Mile 13.1-16: Right around Mile 14 I came to a McDonalds and ran inside and refilled my water bottles and ran to the bathroom.  I continued at a fairly good pace to 16, but I could feel I was starting to slow down.  This was where mentally it was getting difficult!  At mile 16 I stopped again to walk and told myself I could do this...I only had 4 more miles to go!
Mile 16-20: I started up again and told myself if I could run to 18 that I could walk again before I hit the home stretch.  During these two miles I did stop once to stretch my legs on the side of the road.  They were starting to tighten up a bit, and my back was hurting from the continuous motion of my arms.  After I stretched I ran to right around 18.5.  I did walk again, to drink some water...plus there were a million garage sales going on, and the cars were taking up my shoulder, so I had to walk to get around them.  
The last 1.5 miles, I kicked it in gear.  I was tired, hurting a little bit, and my mental attitude was shot.  I was sooo ready to be done!!!  Those last 5-6 miles was when I soooo wish Beck and Kris would have been there to help push me on!  
I came around the corner, and my dad, my husband and my father-in-law where outside working on a swing set for my son's 2nd b-day.  My dad let out a yell, and they cheered as I ran to the driveway...20 FREAKIN MILES DONE...SOLO BABY!!!!

I finished right around 3hrs. 40min.  I was happy with my time...I think I wouldn't have stopped quite as much had Kris and Beck been there, but I was still happy to have done it!
Since then, I actually haven't been nearly as tired or sore as I was from my 18 miles...which is a good thing!
I ran another 5 miles on Tuesday, and last night did a Body Combat class.  I'm feeling good!!!

Only a few more weeks until Chicago....

XOXO,
Stephanie 

Stay Tuned.....

Just wanted to let you know that I will be gone from bloggy world until probaby Monday.  I have an out-of-town conference for work...a leadership conference....to go to Thursday and Friday, and then Saturday is my.......
20 Mile Solo Run!

So, stay tuned until next week to hear my recap...I'm sure it will be a doozy!

Until then...run on!!!
XOXO,
Stephanie

My Birthday...or Belated Birthday!!

Yep, this past Saturday was my birthday!!  I turned the big-ole 29!  I have been sick (sore throat, stuffy nose etc) since my 18 mile run, so I was hoping I would feel better by Saturday.  Of course my mom and husband have been pushing me to go to the doctor, but stubborn me just doesn't want to go (even though I work in a hospital and my doctor's office is 2 floors down from where my office is...crazy I know!!)
Anyways, Saturday morning I was scheduled to run a 10 mile run with Beck and Kris.  We were going to meet at 6am to get it in, before the birthday celebration began!
I woke up at 4:45am on Saturday morning and looked at the weather channel...90% chance of rain between 6-8am.  I just didn't know what to do...Did I chance running outside, in the rain with the chance of getting sicker, or do I suck it up and run my 10 miles on the treadmill...Well, I opted for the treadmill!
So, I laid back down in bed until 6:15am (the gym doesn't open until 7am on Saturdays, and I did not want to run on my treadmill in the boring basement)  So, I got up at 6:15, got dressed, ate my whole wheat bagel thin with a little butter and some peanut butter, drank my cup of coffee and some water, and headed to the gym.
Got there right at 7am, and got my two bottles of water, my GU and some fueling jelly beans, and hopped on the treadmill in the media room at Gold's Gym. (If anyone isn't familiar with the media run at Gold's, it is basically a movie theater with treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes in it.  They play different movies throughout the week, and is a great place to go if your worried about people watching you, or if you just need the distraction of a movie to get you through your workout)  So, I hopped on the treadmill and did a warm up walk.  "Liar, Liar" was playing on the screen, so I got to see the very end of it when Jim Carrey is fighting his case, while not being able to lie.
I then began my 10 mile run.  I decided to run 4 miles, and then walk for a few while I did a GU, and then run for another 4 miles, and walk to fuel, and then finish up with only 2 miles to go.
The first 4 miles were OK...I was feeling a little yucky (with the sore throat), but pushed through it.  They did go by really slow.  I was the only one in the media room, so I just watched the movie.
The next 3.5 miles were better (the reason it was 3.5, is that the treadmill shut down on me, and I had to restart it and finish up the last 2.5 miles) 
The last 2.5 miles were really good!  I felt great, was excited that my run was almost over, and that I had my b-day to celebrate that day!  At this point, I had watched all of "Liar, liar", plus the beginning again...a few other people had joined me as well.
I can tell you...anytime I run inside on a treadmill, I sweat like crazy!  I was drenched when I was done.  My shirt was completely soaking, and my hat was all a darker red than it had started out at.  I did feel amazing though!
The rest of the day was spent with family and friends.  We went to a winery...had way to much wine...danced my butt off, and then headed to a piano bar that night where I was on stage...not once, not twice, but 3 times!!!  So fun!
Needless to say, yesterday was spent at home resting and spending time with my little one!

I can tell you this...It was awesome getting my run done Saturday morning..made the rest of the weekend that much sweeter!!!

Here are some pics from the birthday fun!

XOXO,
Stephanie

Runalicious Baby...Plus Your Winner!

First off, I want to thank everyone for such awesome support and encouragement on my 18 mile run!  Yes, it was a good one, but I know there will be more runs that aren't as good, and I will keep your nice comments in the back of my mind when I have to push through those tough runs!
Also, one person mentioned that they are new to training, and was going to use some of my tips in their training.  How cool is that!!!  Thank you to all who follow...It is awesome to have sooo many bloggy friends!!

Now, I was recently introduced to a new company...with T.H.E coolest name...Runalicious
I just had to check them out HERE.  They have a line of women's apparel that is "casual, stylish and yes, a bit flaunting!" 
Here is what Nicole and Marcia have to say about how Runalicious came about:
"Runalicious was born from two women who decided to start running together.  Mile after mile, minute after minute, hour after hour, you learn a lot about another person.  Where we were once just friends, we quickly became great friends, best friends, and each others support systems."
The goal at Runalicious is to help women and young girls show the world around them that they are  passionate and proud about running.
I can tell you, I checked out their site, and their items are really cute!  You have to check it out HERE!

Now, on to the winner of my "Picture Perfect Giveaway"....I want to thank Rachel for hosting such an awesome giveaway!  Whoever wins just has to blog about what they receive from Rachel when they get it.  I can't wait to see what Rachel creates for them!

So...on to the winner....I had 77 entries into the giveaway, and using Random.org, it chose.....

#26: Andrea @ Wife, Mother, Runner

Yea to Andrea...Please send me your email address to: stephanie_walter0409@hotmail.com  I will pass it on to Rachel so you can work with her on designing your frame.  To all of my other followers out there, please check out Rachel's designs HERE, and order something...for yourself, your running friend, as a housewarming gift, or for the holidays. 

I hope everyone has a great "running" day!
XOXO
Stephanie

18 Mile Success

Yes, my 18 mile run on Saturday was a HUGE success, plus a huge pick-me-up from the struggles I have been having!!
On Friday night my friend Becki, her husband Ryan and daughter Libby came and stayed with us.  Our husbands were going to tile our sunroom, plus for the first time, we were going to run in my neck of the woods!  I was super excited, and had picked out a 18 mile route that I couldn't wait to show them.
Me and Beck ate a good Mexican meal on Friday...a huge taco salad for me, and we drank tons and tons of water!
We went to bed around 10pm so that we could get a good nights sleep for our run the next morning.
I got up around 4:45am on Saturday, got ready and met Beck downstairs in the kitchen.  We both ate a banana and I had a whole wheat bagel thin with a little spray butter, and some peanut butter!  I also drank a cup of coffee, and some water.
Kris got to my house around 5:20am, and we all "suited up"...fuel belts filled with water and gatorade, GU, Garmin watch, Road ID and I-Pod.
When we stepped outside it was a crisp 55 degrees, and we were all freezin our little booties off, but after we got going, it warmed up!!!  We started out and decided to stop every 4 miles to walk, fuel and get a drink. 
Mile 1-4: Went really good and fast!  We talked, and I got to show them some of the local sites around me...where my son goes to daycare, where my son goes to the pediatrician etc. 
At mile 4 we stopped and walked for a short time...I decided to go back to my "roots" and try GU again. (I had used GU the whole time prior to marathon training, and since then have been trying a lot of different things...that I don't think were working)  I did a GU at mile 4, as did Beck, and Kris took a few swigs of her GU-tini!
Mile 5-9: The next 4 miles were a slight incline for part of the way, and lead us in to the next town.  At 6.5 we were running by a McDonald's, and Beck needed a potty break, so we all stopped.  I filled up my water bottle.
Then we headed back off and finished our 9 miles in great time.  We had about a 10:15 pace going...which we all felt good about.  At mile 9 I drank some water and did another GU.
The girls kept asking me how I felt, and I would tell them a quick..."good"....at mile 9, I said..."not to ginx myself, but I fell really good!"
We then turned around to run back....(I actually really enjoy out and backs.  The out makes me feel like that is the distance I need to complete...and the back makes me fell like that is the distance I need to get back to my house/car/etc.)
Mile 9-13: Again, a pretty good period...nothing much happened...Beck broke away from us a little, but not too far, and I held a good pace with Kris.  We again stopped to fuel at mile 13.  I drank some gaterade and water.
Mile 13-16: We decided to run 3 miles and fuel, and then only have 2 more miles to go before we were done.  The next 3 miles got a little tougher...my legs were getting tired, and then wind was blowing towards us, so it slowed me down a bit.  At mile 16 I was happy to walk and drink some water and I downed my last GU.  We then only had 2 miles to go....
Mile 16-18: When we started up again, they took off, and for some reason I couldn't get going, and they got ahead of me.  With the wind blowing at me, and my tired legs, I dropped down and was going around a 11:00 min/mile pace.  I just told myself that I didn't want to walk, that I could keep going, and it didn't matter that I was doing this alone...I could finish!!!
After about .5 mile I turned onto another road where the wind was blowing so hard, and I was able to pick up the pace.  I kept Beck and Kris in eye sight most of the time.
With only 1/2 a mile to go, I turned into my subdivision, and knew that I was going to finish this thing with great time!!!  I ran into my cul-de-sac with Beck and Kris cheering me on, and finished 18 miles in 3hrs 11min.  This was the same exact time I had run/walked my 16 miler in a couple of weeks ago.
I was super excited!!!  I had ran further than I had ever ran before, and had a great time (even with a few walking breaks)...Beck and Kris finished only 3 minutes ahead of me.


We stretched and talked about the run, and how it was a really good run for us all!  We all felt really good about it! 
I was super sore the rest of the day...and really worn out, but I was on a runner's high...I can tell you....I.NEEDED.THAT.RUN!  I hope that run will push me through my solo 20 miler in a couple of weeks, and through the finish line at Chicago!


Thank you for all of the encouraging words prior to my 18 mile run, and for all of my followers!  You help me out more than you will ever know!!!  (don't forget my giveaway HERE...It ends tomorrow!)


XOXO,
Stephanie

Happy 90210 Day!

Yes, you heard me right...Happy 9-02-10 Day!  I heard this on the radio this morning and was super excited!  I loved 90210 when I was younger (always wanted to be Kelly) and now I love the new updated 90210 on TV.  I think it is so cool that the date matches!!  I'm a dork...I know.

Anyways, last night I met my sister at the gym for Body Combat and had a GREAT workout!  This morning I got up at 4am to get in a 5 mile run, and just couldn't get movin.  My body was super tired!!!  I have worked out the last 3 days, and for some reason this 4th day (early in the morning) my body was telling me NO!  I ended up getting in close to 3 miles (run/walk combo) and I did some abs.  I sooo hope I can kick this 18 mile run's butt this weekend.  Super scared!

Hope you have a great 90210 day, and please don't forget to enter into my contest going on HERE!

XOXO,
Stephanie

Picture Perfect Giveaway!

Yes, another fun giveaway brought to us by The Peek-A-Bootique.  Rachel is the owner of this wonderful blog and company and is just sooo wonderful to work with!  She has great customer service, and is so detail-oriented on making sure she is making something that you will love!
She was nice enough to make me a beautiful 4x6 picture frame customized for my Chicago Marathon coming up in October.  Here is a picture of her work:

Let me tell you this...the picture does not do it justice!  The picture frame is gorgeous!  It is a HUGE frame with a 4x6 opening.  It has Chicago Marathon hand painted on it, along with 10-10-10.  And the best part is, Rachel sells 4x6 frames for only $18.

I can't wait to get a memorable picture from Chi-Town to put in it.  I am also thinking about having ones made up to give to my two friends who are running with me.  Wouldn't that be a fun gift!?!?

Rachel at The Peek-A-Bootique (she came up with the name, because she was called "Boo" for many years by family and friends) offers many hand painted, personalized gifts & decor.  You can check them out HERE.

Look at this super cute canvas and matching bow holder.

Or this wonderful teacher sign...perfect for back-to-school.

And here are a few other options I could just die for...sooo freakin cute!!!

And let me tell you, that most of these are made to match children's bedding to a tee!  You have to check out Rachel's blog HERE to see exactly how cute these items will go with the coordinating bedding!  How creative!

So, how does this pertain to you...well, Rachel has sooo generously offered to give one of my followers a FREE customized 4x6 picture frame.  You can have it made up for a specific race, or your blog name, or your kids names, or etc, etc, etc.  Rachel will work with you on making it one-of-a-kind just for little ole' YOU!

So, how do you enter...well, here are the rules:
1. Go to Rachel's blog HERE and become a follower. (1 entry)
2. Become a follower of my blog, or let me know you already are. (1 entry)
3. Let me know what you would want your frame to say if you won. (1 entry)
4. Become a fan of The Peek-A-Bootique HERE on facebook. (1 entry)
5. Post this giveaway on your blog, facebook, twitter etc, etc, etc. (1 entry for each)

So, enter away...This contest will run through next Wednesday September 8th.  I will announce the winner on Thursday!

XOXO,

Stephanie

I Won!!!

Just wanted to update everyone really quick...thanks for the great support on the etsy contest I entered.  I found out today....that I won!!!  Sooo fun!
Because I won, I get to recieve my 3 items!  I just can't wait!

I just wanted to let everyone out there, that possibly hesitates to enter a contest, thinking "It won't be me...I never win anything"  that you can and do win on blogs!  I know people that play the lottery every single day, and never win, or call and call and call into radio stations to try to win concert tickets etc, and never win, but I can tell you....if you enter into fellow bloggers giveaways, you have such a good chance of winning!!!
I just entered the etsy contest yesterday, with already over 120 entries, and I still won!!!  So, next time you see a fun giveaway, take a little bit of time, and enter...you just never know!!!

I can't wait to receive my items, and do a review on them....soon to come!

XOXO,
Stephanie

Wishin and Hopin and Prayin....

I ran across this really great giveaway for $100 in etsy products!  Boy do I love etsy!!!  I have purchased a lot of things from there including my son's 1st birthday party hat, his 1st birthday party banner, and now this year labels for his 2nd birthday party.  It is such a fun site to look around on!!! 

So, for the fun giveaway going on HERE, I have to make a wish list of etsy products and what I would purchase if I won.  It has to be less than or equal to $100.  So here we go:

1. I would order this super cute tank HERE with the saying "Twenty Six point Two" to help motivate me to finish this darn marathon training I am struggling with!!! $29.00

2. I also love this comfy looking off the shoulder sweat shirt HERE that says "Work It Out".  It looks like something I would love to chill with on a cold day, but still look super stylish! $38.00

3. I would also get this necklace HERE with my son's name on it.  Just love the writing! $28.95

So, that comprises my list.  Sooo hard to narrow down what I want...cause I want it ALLLLLLLLLLLL!!!

XOXO,
Stephanie

Cherry on Top Award From My Favorite Running Diva!

So, I got an award...please hold the applause!  It did come from one of my very most favorite bloggers...Jamie at Running Diva Mom!  (She is the very first blog I started following, and one of my favorites to stalk!)

So, this is how the award works:

#1. Answer this question: If you had the chance to go back and change one thing in your life, would you and what would it be?
#2. The second thing you have to do is, pick 6 people and give them this award. You then have to inform the person that they have gotten this award.
#3. The third and final thing is, thank the person who gave you the award.

1. I would have been more self confident about myself when I was younger.  I have always be self conscious about my weight from a very young age.  I remember doing Weight Watchers with my mom when I was in grade school/high school.  I have always dieted, and have always had to watch what I eat.  I was always very active in high school, playing both basketball and softball, but I never felt happy with myself.
In college I gained some weight freshman year, but by junior year I had lost A LOT of weight.  I did start working out a lot, which was good, but I wasn't being healthy about my eating (a lot of times not eating)  I still was not completely happy with myself.  I think I pushed a lot of people away because of my attitude about myself.
To this day I still struggle with all of my body issues and concerns, but I do know that I am living a healthier lifestyle.  I think I will always have to watch what I eat, work out and be conscious of these things, but I do think I am beginning to accept myself more, and realizing that no matter what I am a good person, and an awesome mommy and wife!  I will still strive to be skinner and more fit, but I am going to be happier in the process!

2. My 6 picks are:
Caution RedHead Running

Melissa's Adventure's in Living Life

Mom vs Marathon

Run Zoe Run

Running Through Life

Tri-ing My Hardest

3. Thanks Jamie for the tag!!!  You are a great inspiration and a great Mommy!  Anyone who hasn't checked out Jamie's blog HERE....go do it!  You won't be disappointed!

XOXO,
Stephanie

Training Funk with a Winner!

So, I haven't posted in about a week...partically because I have skipped a few runs and am ashamed!!!:(
I did two 5 mile runs last week, and then we left on vacation to the Lake of the Ozarks, and I was suppose to get my two other runs in...and I didn't!
So far this week I did Body Combat last night, but still no running....so, I have to kick my butt in gear and get some runs in before our 18 mile run this weekend. 
I think I am in the "burn-out" stage of marathon training...I know I need to push through it, but I sooo miss just being able to go to the gym and do my workout classes, and maybe get in a couple 3-5 mile runs.  Nope, I HAVE to get in 4 runs a week with one being a super long one...oh marathon training...why do you torment me so!?!?!
I am still excited about the Chicago marathon coming up, but I am too also doubting myself more and more.  I know I can finish it, but I'm not sure I have the same desire I had week 1...where I was going to run the whole thing...with my friends!  Now I think because I have had to walk some of my longer runs, it has gotten me down and now all I can picture is being lost in a sea of people on race day mentally and physically pushing myself through 26.2 long miles....ALL.BY.MYSELF!  Kinda depressing...dontcha think???
I know I will come out of this funk....I am going to try to incorporate some more cross-training into my weeks...I hope this helps break up the running, and on occasion, I might even replace a running day with cross-training...I have to do something to make sure I get motivated again to complete this sucker!!!
Does anyone else ever fall into the "training funk"?  What do you do to overcome it?


Now onto the winner of my CSN gift card giveaway.....
There were 55 entries into my CSN gift card giveaway.  Using random.org, it drew the #7.....
So, the winner of the $35 CSN Gift Card is...DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sTyliSH1 at Fork you!  No, fork you!

sTyliSH, please send me your email address to me at stephanie_walter0409@hotmail.com  and I will forward it over to CSN so they can send you your gift card...hope you get something fun with it!!!

XOXO,

Stephanie

CSN Gift Card Giveaway FOR YOU!

Yes, the nice people at CSN have offered to give one of my loyal followers a $35 giftcard to their CSN store!  How nice is that!!!
I can tell you that I have actually recieved a few items from CSN, and they are awesome!  And shipping is SUPER DUPER fast!
The thing with CSN Stores is they have sooo many things to choose from.  I am in the market for new kitchen dishes, and I just love their Corelle Dinnerware Line.  They have so many options to choose from...and tons that would look awesome in my kitchen!

 I also will give you insight into what I have already ordered.  There will be pictures to come on one of the items, because it was purchased for my son's 2nd birthday party in September, but I just love it!  It is a super cute circus tent.  My son is going to love it!  It is a circus theme, and I think this will fit in perfectly.

I also recently purchased some play food for my son from CSN Stores.  He LOVES them!  They have velcro holding them together and then you use the knife to cut them.

So, I have a $35 gift certificate for one of YOU!  Here are the ways you can enter:

1. Become a follower, or let me know you already are.
2. Visit CSN Stores HERE and browse around.  Let me know what you would buy with your gift card.
3. Post this giveaway on your blog, facebook, twitter, etc, etc, etc.

This giveaway will run through August 30th.  The winner will be announced on August 31st. 

 HAPPY SHOPPING!

XOXO
Stephanie

Walking....A Crime???

So, I had a 16 mile run this past weekend....CRAZY to even think I am attempting this distance.  I mean just a little over a year ago, I couldn't run half a mile, and now I am running or attempting to run (well, more on this later)16 miles!?!?
We started out at 5:30am on Saturday morning...I had to drive an hour to meet up with the girls, so I got up around 4:00am and left my house at 4:30am.  I was tired by the time I got there....and I still had 16 long miles ahead of me!
I did have my new shoes...which was fun!!!  I had ran 5 miles in them on Thursday night, so I knew they would do pretty good.
We started out and of course...like always, the first half went great!  We chatted, held a steady pace and stopped to walk and fuel every 4 miles.  Once we hit approx. 9 miles, I just got TIRED!  I didn't feel like running anymore, and I was thirsty!  So, I WALKED...Yep, WALKED!  No, not the remaining 7 miles, but I broke from my running girls, and walked some while sipping my water.  I then started running again, and did approx. another 4 miles or so, and then I just didn't want to run anymore.  I decided at that point I was not going to get down on myself, and I was not going to worry that Kris and Becki were way ahead of me, so I did a .25 walk and then a .25 run for the remaining 3 miles.  This made the miles go by faster and I didn't have to do that same running motion the whole time. 
I just feel like when I run for so long, that my body just gets sooo tired of doing the same motion over and over and over and over again!  Does anybody else ever feel this way?
I finished in 3hrs 11min.  Becki and Kris finished in 3hrs, so I was only approx. 1 mile behind, which isn't too bad...I don't think???
So, my question is....Is it bad to WALK while training for a marathon?
I had always thought I should run all of my training runs...but, as the miles creep up there, I just don't know if I am really a long distance runner.  I mean, I love about 8 miles, and then I just don't like it much after that.  I am obviously doing a marathon in October, so I have no choice but to push through this, but I just want to see if others feel this same way?
I read sooo many running blogs where everyone is such a SUPER STAR, and no matter how they feel, or where they think they might end at the end of the race, they ALWAYS pull it out and finish like in first place, or PR a race when they were puking etc.  Are there runners out there that just struggle with running?  Sometimes I start to feel like I am doing something wrong....Even the girls I train with make it look easy...well, for me it's not easy.  I have to push myself every time to finish!  I am sooo happy when I do, and I always do finish (never give up) but I just never hear stories of people fully struggling...Everyone else's stories seem like happy endings!

So, there is my story...I am still pushing on, and of course this story won't be over until 10/10/10, when I attempt and conquer this here marathon!  But, while training for it, am I committing a "RUNNER'S CRIME" by walking???  I need your help!

And now I will leave you with a few pictures from our 14 mile run a few weeks ago(Please notice my SUPER CUTE "pink" fuel belt!!!  Love it!!!  If you don't have one...go get one...you won't be sorry!)....

XOXO,
Stephanie

Lane & Lila Giveaway Winner

Thank you for everyone who entered my Lane & Lila giveaway.  There were 25 entries, and there will be 2 winners. 
I used random.org....the first number that was chosen was #24, which is:

 CHARLENE @ THE TANGUAY FAMILY 

The second number that was chosen was #1, which is:

DAWN @ RACING DAWN

Both of you will be able to choose from one of the three choices below on what you would like.  Please email me your email address, and I will forward it over to Anna.

1. a children's "Mom's Running Partner" T-Shirt

2. a children's "Dad's Running Partner" T-Shirt

3. or a childrens "That's How I Roll" T-Shirt

Thank you to everyone who entered, and thank you a bunch to Anna for hosting such a fun giveaway!!!  Please check out her site HERE...sooo cute!

For All You Running Mommies.....GIVEAWAY!

I am so excited about my next giveaway.  I ran across a cute shop on etsy called Lane & Lila.  They have T.H.E C.U.T.E.S.T children's apparel.  Lane & Lila is ran by Anna who came up with the name by using her grandmother's name, Elaine and her twin sister's name, Lila.  She started dreaming about a beautiful, little boutique about six years ago.  Her inspiration for her shop comes from her grandmother's sense of style and her incredible class.  Her grandmother was always put together beauifully, the way Anna would like to have her store one day.  For now she is loving her tiny corner of the internet to sell Lane & Lila products...in doing so, she is able to carry on her Granny's legacy.
You can find Lane & Lila products on both her etsy site HERE and on her main website http://www.laneandlila.com/.
When I asked Anna what her favorite Lane & Lila product was she said the month by month onesies...and I couldn't disagree more.  They are just adorable!

 Anna also mentioned that she loves to make hair clips and bands for adult women (they are also made for children)  She states, "It's amazing what a pretty little clip can do for a messy ponytail" 
Take a look at this cute thing....

As for how this connects with running, Anna began running in college and a few years ago completed her first half marathon!  Anna has a 16 month old son named Neil and has given me some advice to share with all the mommies out there on how to get back into running after having children:
"Running after having a baby is hard, because you have to make sure your child's taken care of, or you have to get up at the crack of dawn to run. Honestly, what new mom wouldn't rather be sleeping? Ha! Running strollers are great! Commitment is key, though, with any routine. It takes dedication and grace to get over it when you miss a day. Or week. My encouragement for moms with little ones is to start small. Walk. Walk more the next day. Eventually, challenge yourself to a few minutes of jogging. And take it from there! And, yes, I am following my own advice, for I'm in the process of working back to being a runner myself."
Great advice Anna!


Now, onto the giveaway...Anna has sooo graciously offered to have not one, but two winners.  You will have the chance to win one of Anna's Lane & Lila items below (You will pick one of the below, if you win):


1. a children's "Mom's Running Partner" T-Shirt

2. a children's "Dad's Running Partner" T-Shirt

3. or a childrens "That's How I Roll" T-Shirt

.

So, to enter the giveaway, you have options....

MANDATORY:

***Go to the Lane & Lila's etsy shop HERE and favorite Anna's site

OTHER WAYS TO ENTER:

1. Become a Follower of my blog, or let me know you already are

2. Visit the Lane & Lila's etsy shop HERE and let me know what you like

3. Visit Anna's personal blog HERE and become a follower
4. Let me know which shirt you would choose if you won!

This giveaway will run through Monday August 23rd. 

The winners will be announced on Tuesday August 24th.

XOXO,

Stephanie

{If you would like YOUR product or website featured on "Girls Just Wanna Go Run" please email me at stephanie_walter0409@hotmail.com}