running

Yes, I have been running at quite a pace. And what I am running is the Race of Life! Things have hummed along the last few months. The big news on the block is that we are expecting another Baby Guilford in May 2010! We are very excited and somewhat nervous about the big change...we've had a good amount of time with our little Samuel, you know.

So I said that I would talk about running if anyone out there cares to talk about it...

First things first. If you want to try out running, then you have to make two commitments.

1. I repeat. Be committed! Treat it like your job, a have to do. You have to give it a chance.


2. Buy running shoes! Go to a running store and get fitted for shoes that work for your feet. The sales person should watch you walk bare foot and then recommend a shoe. Too expensive, you say? I bet those medical bills will cost even more after attempting to run in shoes that are old and worn out! Believe me, I know. Shoes have to be replaced and I've hurt myself pretty good running in worn out shoes. My favorite shoe is Adidas Supernovas - and I stick to them. Who cares what color they are...can you feel good in them? That's what matters.

So there...first piece of info to work with. Think on that...

Running along...

Hi Everyone!
I am back from Chicago and trying to ease back into the routine here at home. It's so good to be home back in our own beds!

As you know, I ran the Chicago Half Marathon this last Sunday and I promised to write about it. :) If you know the story from last year, you will know why I am telling people that the Chicago Half Marathon hates me!

Have you heard about the record rain fall this last weekend? When I arrived in Chicago on Thursday evening it was raining...and it never stopped until Monday!!! I was born and raised in Chicago and have never seen anything like it.

Me and my running crew have a philosophy about rain. If it's raining, we don't run in it. I mean, you might think I am crazy for enjoying running anyway. But running in the rain? That is just crazy. I just don't like the rain. And who gets out of bed early in the morning on weekends to run in it?

So I wished and hoped that it would stop on Sunday morning. It didn't.

I decided that I would run for Matt and I this race. Matt has been such a supportive partner and friend. He helps with Sam all the time - especially on my running mornings, and has never once complained about me going out to run. He has loved me through a lot. Not just running like a madwoman.

What can I say? It was wet. Some interesting tid bits:

• I loved the start of the race where I was able to easily pass up where I had to stop last year.
• I was inspired by seeing a lady with an amputated leg running the race - reminds you that you can do anything you set your heart and mind to do.
• I learned that a lot of runners bleach their underwear. I know. There was a lot of tie-dye running gear on the course.
• Race entertainment gets really thin when there's lots of rain - but I am thankful for the few guys that showed up!
• I am so grateful for my family that came to the race: Benj, Marissa and Titi Cucha (mom stayed home to keep Sam dry).
  

My finishing time was 2:21:55 -nowhere near my best time, but better than last year! Plus, I learned that I am capable of running in the rain. Not that I ever would by choice. Only if I paid my race fee and refuse to lose my money. Ha!

I am so grateful for the ability to run. Do you know that I never thought I could run? I was the girl who walked around summer camp with an inhaler in my pocket at all times. When I was in college I would watch other girls run around campus and wish I could run like them! It's been such an awesome thing to learn that I could do the same.

I thank God for graciously giving me legs to use. Thank you Matt for supporting me. Thank you girlfriends (you know who you are) for being partners and motivators!

So that's my story. I hope to share more about what I have learned about running - maybe if I share what I have learned I can inspire you to try it!

Love,
ariana

Knoxville Marathon

What a weekend!

As I mentioned before, last weekend was Knoxville Marathon weekend. Before the actual running started, though, my friends and I threw a Baby Shower for Paige. Paige's due date was April 29th and we all got together at Kristie's house for cake, food and presents. We had a lot of fun talking about babies and labor and delivery that night - interesting topics for moms only. ;) I know. I was not so interested before I had Sam...

Paige planned to come to my place and pick up some more baby gear on Sunday afternoon after my race. Saturday was a day of errands and getting ready for the race. I got into bed at 9:30 p.m. and planned to get up at 5:30 a.m. The race started at 7 a.m.

At about 10:30 pm. my phone rang and I groggily noticed that Paige was calling me. I figured she was calling to wish me luck and put my head back down on the pillow. My phone rang again. Uh oh. Something is wrong. She wouldn't just call me over again like that.

Paige was in labor and on her way to the hospital! I couldn't believe it!! It was like a movie or something. I told her to call me no matter what time it was...

When my alarm went of at 5:30, I had no word. I was so worried and wanted everything to be OK with the baby! I called her on the way to the race and by then she had a baby girl in her arms.

Reese Olivia Law was born at about 3:30 a.m. and for those keeping track, it was the morning of the Knoxville Marathon that took place on March 30, 2008. The same Knoxville Marathon that her mom ran a year earlier (while I jealously watched in my pregnant state)!

Of course I visited after I ran my race. And OF COURSE, Reese received the medal I got at the race - for her scrapbook.

My results? I ran the race in 2:11:18. Nowhere near my goal of 2:07, but I am happy, nonetheless. I am ALWAYS thankful for 2 legs that move me forward through the day and through a run. And really. The best thing that happened that day was a healthy baby girl who was just itching to take off in the race we call life.

P.S. If you would like to see some hideous photos of me at the race, click here. Now you know that I don't take myself too seriously because they are pretty bad. I will say this: I was sprinting and trying to beat the clock for my time. ;)

Running along...

Hi All!

Gosh it has been a while! I have been quite busy with family and life, I guess.

One of the things that I have been meaning to share is my recent half marathon! I ran the Strawberry Plains Half Marathon in Strawberry Plains, TN on February 16, 2008.

That date happens to be my dad's birthday and it ends up that his birthday this year was pretty special too. You see, my dad got into a pretty bad accident on January 11, 2008. We weren't sure if Dad was going to make it and we drove all night from Knoxville to Chicago (picking up my sis, Maris on the way) to join the family.

It was quite the emotional roller coaster, but in the end, only by the Grace of God did he not only survive, he is thriving! *Disclaimer: there are some aches and pains. :)

So speaking of aches and pains, when I was considering the race that day and what aches I may have during the race, I realized that this one's for Pop. It was his birthday, after all...

I dedicated my race that day to Dad and ran it in 2:09:18. It was a great race and it was definitely more challenging towards the end - lots of hills and no straight finish for quite a number of turns.

Dad was really excited for me and touched by my dedication. I couldn't think of a better person to run for that day.

Now the Knoxville Marathon is on Sunday and I am up for another Half. Can't wait to share the news of my results!

Oh, and thanks for listening to me babble about running. I have really grown to love the challenge and the achievement that comes from running a race - no matter what my time is at the end.

And I must say, you ought to try it out! You just might like it...

Babies...

These babies keep coming...

Here's a nursing blanket for Shawna. She will be having Cameron this week for sure!

Oh. Then she will start training in 4 weeks for the Knoxville Marathon relay race. What a trooper.

I will start training this week for both the Knoxville and Nashville 1/2 Marathon too...Remind me that I said 1/2 and not whole!

amazing.

I had to share this with you.

Did you know that the New York Marathon was this last weekend?

Did you know that Paula Radcliffe was the female winner with a time of 2:23:09? (For those taking note that is a pace of 5:27 per mile over the course of 26.2 miles)

Did you know that she had a baby 9 months ago??? No kidding. 9 months ago.

Hmm. Puts things in perspective. I gave birth nine months ago!! She is awesome.

shoes

Those who know me well know that I love shoes...I have way too many and, no, I will not count them and give you an exact number. ;)

While some may argue that too many pairs are unnecessary, I must make an argument to the contrary. There are flats, heels, wedges...boots, pumps, slip-ons, sandals... to wear with casual attire, formal attire, semi-casual, athletic...You see my point?

But really, what I am trying to say is that shoes are so important. Remember my foot that hurt so bad that I thought it was broken because I was limping around for days? Well, I now believe that my injury was due to wearing worn out running shoes! I replaced my shoes after "the incident" and ran a looong distance yesterday with no negative repercussion to my foot. NO LIMPING!

So, you see?!? Shoes are wonderful and can make a positive contribution to your overall health. And those beauties you see up there are the pair that make me feel good.