Do you love 80's music??

Rock of Ages performance was AMAZING and HYSTERICAL!  The best numbers were "I can't fight this feeling anymore" and the finale "Don't stop believing".  Not exactly my favorite kind of 80's music but the show was great.  It was a combination concert, comedy show and dance performance.  I highly recommend it...but if you want to see it in Chicago...It's not too late but...you have to HURRY...the last performance is on Sunday.

Bree and Gianna don't know what a mix tape is :)

Bree loved the show!  Her new look, auburn hair and red bangs...No more black hair.  Yeah :)

Thanks for joining us Shar and Gianna!  Rock on :)

Since I did not sport "big hair" to yesterday's performance...thought I would share a "big hair" photo instead.  Me and Kathy in 1980 at Eighth Grade Graduation Dance...notice the big hair :)

And yes, I know this post has absolutely nothing to do with running or training or inspiration.   But, I might run out of topics soon if I don't post random stuff too :)

Your friend Newbie

Please donate…it only takes a few minutes and the children of RMHC need your help

Link to my blog

http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page

http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

Tough training week ahead!

Because I asked my trainer to take off Friday and Saturday for Lollapalooza she said I could NOT take a day off on Monday.  Argggh...  why did I tell her so early in the week! :)



My schedule for this week

• Monday-6 mile FAST run
• Tues- One Hour Strength
• Wed- 60 min FAST bike ride
• Thurs- Speedwork! aka run my a_ _ off!   TWICE as many intervals as last week.   EIGHT 1/2 mile intervals...Yikes!!! I will have to pretend I am at the Olympics again
• Fri Day Lollapalooza
• Sat Day Lollapalooza
• Sunday LONG RUN on the lake 13 Miles

My LONG run the following weekend is scheduled for 16 miles.  Ooops...  I forgot to tell my coach I will be in Whistler the following weekend.  I don't think Canadians run 16 miles :)  When in Canada do as the Canadians do!  I will have to break the news to her soon but I am sure she will find a way I can "fit" it in.  She will probably have me running on the track from 3-6 am!

I am really enjoying my cross training bike rides.  So much EASIER than running!  Finally picked up our bikes again after our bike wreck.  I was nervous riding with my feet in the clips again since that was the cause of the CRASH.  And, since Jan is out of town, I don't have a soft landing pad if I fall again. :) After a few minutes of nervous caution...I picked up the pace and enjoyed the scenery.

Bike all repaired!

Even if you don't have any DESIRE to run a Marathon, consider a half marathon.  It's much easier to train for and to wrap your mind around.  :)  After this marathon, I think the HALF will be my preferred race.

Jimmy John's serves delicious sandwiches and BRILLIANT suggestions on how to LIVE your life :)

PS.  In trying to think about anyone else I might have offended...I confirmed my chiropractor did not find my blog about him offensive.  I will not use the word offensive in this blog again.  It has been banned from my vocabulary.  Bree is fining me $1 every time I say the word or even write it.  I am up to $13 already...Oops make that $16 :) 

PSS.  Going to see Rock of Ages with Bree, Gianna and Shar on Tuesday. Shockingly, both of our daughters love 80's music!  They both really wanted to see the play after seeing the movie (I haven't seen it yet).  So in honor of the 80's I am going with "big hair" to tonight's performance.  Review and most likely a collage coming tomorrow.


PSSS.   Reached $4,498. Almost half way there!  69 days left to Marathon and blog end.  Yikes!! the average I need per day has gone up!  Now at $80.91 per day needed.  So to everyone who says said they WILL donate...please take a few minutes today....And please donate.

One final PS for the day...one of my loyal readers and my research colleague informed me ...over 98% of my readers have NOT expressed dissatifaction with my blog.  Only a researcher would come up with this type of statistics :)  Thanks Brent!!

Please donate…it only takes a few minutes and the children of RMHC need your help

Link to my blog

http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page

http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

Another run in with the police :)

Another post that has nothing to do with running except I was wearing my compression socks :)  Bree thought this story was funny so I had to post it.

After a long day, Bree and I went to let out our dog.  Well, the garage door was open and since there was an attempted break in at the house recently I was afraid to go in alone.

Bree was in her PJs and I wearing my dress "uniform"  (a casual dress I wear often and Jan calls it my summer "uniform")  The dress would have been OK but I was also still wearing my black knee high compression socks and gym shoes from my long run earlier that day.  We both just rushed out of the house to take out the dog and I remember saying to Bree, "Don't worry that you are in your PJ's WHO will see you??"   "Only the dog will see you."


Because the garage door was open when we arrived, I decided to call the police to check out the house before we went in. (I later discovered my son "probably" left open the garage open when he left)

Although I called the non-emergency number the entire police force (all 4 cars) arrived quickly.   They made a thorough search of the house while Bree and I waited outside and I was thinking are my neighbors wondering "WHAT IS GOING ON???"

After the officers said the house was all clear, I asked the officer if he wanted to see my license for identification and he said nonchalantly "Yeah sure".   I guess I did not look very suspicious! 

I apologized to the officer for my odd appearance (dress with black knee socks and running shoes) and he shined the flashlight on me and jokingly said "It's a good look on you" :)  Bree thought that was absolutely hysterical!

Thank you officers for responding so quickly!!  

Lesson learned...you never know WHO will see you...so don't leave the house wearing a dress, black knee high compression socks and running shoes :)   Saturday was a "interesting" day....



Sunday was a huge improvement with a birthday lunch for me and my OLDER brother Ed.

Quote for Today

Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.
- Mark Twain

PS.  Thank your Shar for your comments on my last post!  It was a real pick me up when I needed it.

PSS.  No day off for me on Monday.  Asked for two days off this coming weekend and my coach took away my day off :)  6 FAST miles tomorrow (I hope!)

PSSS...  finished my 6 mile run!  I definitely did not feel like running AGAIN today but I did it anyway.  I made "friends" again with my favorite trail.  I decided the hills would not conquer ME...I would conquer the HILLS!  The hills definitely slow down my pace but it is good training and luckily there are no hills at the Chicago Marathon :)

PSSSS...Had lunch with my friend Janice at the Indian buffet.  Tired from my run and now completely overfed.  I wish I could take a nap!  Janice...don't forget to donate :)


Your friend Newbie

Please donate…it only takes a few minutes and the children of RMHC need your help

Link to my blog
http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page

http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

Improved my long run time this week!

I know my coach will be proud of me and so am I :).  I was RAN the entire 11 miles with only two stops for water refills and once to adjust my heart monitor.  My coach knows how much I struggled at the beginning of my training and how I always wanted to run/walk.  I did not "whistle while I ran" today but I did sing a bit (when no one was around of course!)

I had my Nano on random and some interesting songs were selected...

"There She Goes Again" by the La's...reminds me of my training and how I have to run almost everyday!

"Over My Head" by The Fray...made me wonder if I am in over my head training for a Marathon.  The answer is NO :)

"Na Na Na" by My Chemical Romance...Bree's music motivates me (OK--not all of it!)  and we saw MCR twice together

Quirky but true....sometimes I dictate my blog while running.  It takes my mind off the mileage for a few minutes :)

Quote for the Day
"Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'"
- Peter Maher, Canadian marathon runner

Love this quote and applies to how I felt today.   So to all you runners, walkers, bikers or fellow NewbieMarathoners be strong today!

Thank you for everything coach Mary Ann.  You are AWESOME!!!

As a reminder to my readers, the purpose of this blog is to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities.  The blog is a social media "experiment" to raise money for RMHC and my first effort at writing a blog.  I am not a coach or a trainer and this blog is my own personal account of my training (and some amusing stories about my life).

I was joking about running and marathon training being the dumbest sport/hobby ever. It is a great sport/hobby and did not mean to offend anyone. I hoped it was obvious I was joking with all the :)'s.

Until today, all the feedback I received about my blog has been very positive.   But, please let me know if any of my content has been offensive or if I am taking your picture and you would not like to be photographed for my blog.

I hope to motivate and inspire others to run or work toward any goal they have.  I am happy to say I helped inspire at least 5 people (their words not mine).  And, I am thrilled to mention I have raised $4,300 to date and hope to reach my goal of $10,000 over the next 71 days. 

Your friend Newbie

Please donate…it only takes a few minutes and the children of RMHC need your help

Link to my blog
http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page

http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

Pretended I was an Olympic athlete

To get myself thru my first real speedwork session I pretended I was at the Olympics...

Coach Mary Ann told me I had to do some REAL speedwork on Thursday.  Run one mile EASY... then 1/2 mile SPEED intervals.  Which means....run as fast as I can for 1/2 mile...90 seconds of rest and repeat 3 more times.  Are you kidding???

I'm a middle aged woman not an elite athlete... but I said WHY NOT I will give it a try.  Actually, it was kind of fun!  While I was pushing myself to run FAST during the 1/2 mile intervals on the high school track I pretended I was at the Olympics.  Yes...the crowd was cheering for me and I finished in first place :)


So to Gail, Danna, Shaukat, Doug, Philip, Naples Jen and Canadian Jen...and anyone else who is training for their first 5K or other race...PRETEND you are in the Olympics.  Kind of feel like a SILLY GOOSE but motivating.


Quote for the day
No man for any considerable period can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be the true.
~Nathaniel Hawthorne



Despite being tired from my speedwork, ended the day at Uniquely Thursday in Hinsdale.  Matt (Bree's guitar teacher) played drums for a few songs.  He sounded great and looked like he was having a blast!   Had a wonderful night with Danielle's mom, sister, nieces and nephews, and of course my fav baby, Madison.   Looking foward to going again soon.

Thank you Alyssa!  You were a great photograhper!

It doesn't look like it in this pic, but Madison had as much fun as her mommy Danielle!

Your Speedy friend Newbie


PS.  Today is a day of rest to gear up for my next 11 mile run on Saturday morning.  Hope it's cooler and I will run faster than the Rock and Roll Half!

Please donate…it only takes a few minutes and the children of RMHC need your help

Link to my blog

http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page

http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

Will my chiropractor break my neck?

It was my biggest fear and concern when I first visited Dr. Bowers.  I'm over that fear...OK almost over that fear.  He assures me he has NEVER broken a patients neck.   Of course..."Question Girl" had to ask!

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Many might think chiropractic care is quackery and I have to admit that is what I thought too.   I visited Dr. Bowers for awhile over a year ago. I've been meaning to go back to continue to treat the pain in my arm. I've been told it's compressed disks and "tight" nerves. Still not sure what a tight nerve is but OK I guess I have them...

I went back after much procrastinating and in one visit, my arm feels great!!!  He is a perfect chiropractor for me because he is a runner and sports medicine guy.  Not only has he completed many marathons and run across the Grand Canyon (yes, down...across...and back up!), he is also an ultra marathon runner...that is 50 miles plus of running! Sorry Dr. Bowers but that is crazy. But if you can do it, more power to you!!

If you live in the Chicago area and are interested in Dr. Bowers snapping your neck...Ooops...I mean healing you...  See the link to his website.
http://www.bowerschiropractic.com/

He is always smiling while he is twisting your neck!

Speaking of injuries...today I wore a new pair of shoes to work.  (I know...really interesting!)  I twisted my ankle and had to ice it during my team meeting.  There is not one runner in the group...so I'm sure they all thought I was a little odd putting an ice pack on my ankle during a team meeting :)  Anyway...the lesson learned...clumsy NewbieMarathoners should not wear platform shoes! 

I know Dr Bowers would not approve of my fashion choice.  He would tell me to choose flats until after the Marathon....let me think about that.... UM NO!  :)

A fashion DO and runners DON'T :)

All kidding aside...thank you Dr. Bowers!!!!



On a somewhat related topic...one of my out of town colleagues who visited to attend the team meeting said..."I look forward to receiving your blog email everyday".  Thank you Dana!  What a wonderful compliment!  I guess I have to continue writing until Marathon Day.



PS.  Looking forward to going to Uniquely Thursdays in Hinsdale this week.  My friend Danielle's husband is playing in a band there.  She invited me to go with a group of her friends and of course my favorite baby, her daughter Madison.  Luckily, Friday is my day off of running so I can enjoy my other "hobby"--eating and drinking!  I think there might be another collage coming tomorrow :)



Your well adjusted friend Newbie

“Let your heart feel for the afflictions and distress of everyone, and let your hand give in proportion to your purse.”

-George Washington

Please donate…it only takes a few minutes and the children of RMHC need your help

Link to my blog
http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page

http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

Heart of a Runner

Hello everyone,

If you live in the area, please come out and support K9 Fit Club at Uniquely Thursday in Hinsdale this week.  I will be there with my friend Danielle in support of K9 Fit Club and to watch her husband Matt play in a band.  Should be a FUN night!



Now, a much needed break from my quirky stories and what I hope are somewhat inspiring messages. 
I read this post on the RMHC blog yesterday and it really touched me.  There IS a reason I have been rambling on for  almost 80 days...My primary goal is to raise $10k for RMHC.  Brandon's story is unfortunately not unique.  There are many children and families who need your help via a donation...large or small...so PLEASE donate today.


TEAM RMHC Blog
Posted on July 19, 2012by teamrmhc

Right now, there are 364 runners on Team RMHC. And if you browse through our fundraising site, you’ll see that everyone has a different story – a different reason for going the distance for Ronald McDonald House Charities. Although everyone’s story is special, there are some that are downright remarkable. Personal statements that have inspired us to run a little harder, raise a little more, and dig a little deeper.

Brandon has one of those stories, and the before and after photos that make his journey from the hospital to the finish line incredible. He agreed to share it on our blog to help inspire you too today. So Brandon, the page is all yours.


When I was 3 months old, I had severe heart problems. I was sent to Riley’s Childrens Hospital where I had multiple surgeries. The surgeries included: coarctation of the aorta, VSD repair for the holes in my heart, and a pacemaker implant. While I was in the hospital my family spent a week at the Indianapolis Ronald McDonald House. That week just happened to coincide with Christmas, but my family was able to celebrate with other families at the House. They not only had a warm, comfortable, and relaxing place to stay, the staff and volunteers at the House gave gifts to everyone who was there over the holiday.





Since then I have had to return to Riley every year for checkups. I would check-out as healthy, but there was always uncertainty. I started running when I was in seventh grade. I fell in love with the sport and in high school I joined the cross-country and track teams. In college though, the rigor of being a full-time student and balancing work inhibited my activity and I stopped running. I started gaining weight and got more and more out of shape.

In 2010 though, I told myself that I was sick of being unhealthy. So I started to run during the winter and spring again. As the year went on I decided to talk to my cardiologist about running more – about running a marathon. After some testing we decided that I could do it. I chose the Indianapolis Marathon because it was close to the doctors that knew the history of my conditions. The feeling of crossing the finish line was overwhelming – going from a baby who was struggling with heart complications to running a marathon was unbelievable. Since then, I have run two marathons and Chicago will be my fourth.

What makes this race so special is that I chose to run for RMHC – I couldn’t think of running for a better cause. RMHC and in particular, the Ronald McDonald House in Indianapolis helped me and my family tremendously. And over the years, I’ve come to know so many others who have benefited from RMHC and its Chapters. I feel like it is time for me to give back to the Charity that helped me and millions more.





As Charles so frequently says, running a marathon requires a lot of heart. Brandon, I think we can safely say that you’ve got the heart it takes to meet your goals. Thank you for inspiring us.
Your Team RMHC Support Crew


Your Friend Newbie

 “Joy is of the will which labours, which overcomes obstacles, which knows triumph.”

-William Butler Yeats




Please donate…it only takes a few minutes and the children of RMHC need your help

Link to my blog

http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page

http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

Rock and Roll Race Day- Part 2

Race report:  My shin started hurting at Mile one and kept hurting thru Mile Five!  Then my left toes went numb...and my sides ached!  Hot, sweaty and so glamorous!  Um...No!  Again, this is the dumbest sport/hobby EVER :) 

But looking at the pictures now, makes me SMILE...and I rarely SMILE :)

I have to admit, I feel better after this "race" than I have after other Halfs.  Maybe it was because I was sloooooooow or because I wore my nerdy black compression socks for hours after the race (see previous post for a lovely photo of my compression socks.

The Rock and Roll events are always fun.  A band every few miles and a big after party with Cobra Starship.  If you are not motivated to sign up for a Half Marathon, a 5k is usually offered too.
For some inspiration, watch the video.  The end of the race is always inspiring!  People cheering and the thrill that comes with knowing you finished and it is OVER!

So true!  By the way, I "stole" this from my Canadian NewbieMarathoner friend.  Thanks Jen!

PS.  I hit $4,273 in fundraising!!!  But I only have 77 days to hit $10K.  If you don't feel like doing the math...that is $74.37 per day. 

PSS.  Had my best run to date early this morning! I was scheduled to run 5 miles...so I had a difficult decision to make...run in the morning while it was raining...or cancel my dinner with my friend Gail and run in the evening... Can you guess which one I choose???

Your inspirational friend (I hope!)

Newbie

Please donate…it only takes a few minutes and the children of RMHC need your help

Link to my blog

http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page

http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

Rock and Roll Half Marathon Was HOT! and FUN! Part 1

Finished my 4th Half Marathon in a little over 1 year.  Not bad, if I do say so myself, for someone who ran her first Half last May and didn't run one step until she turned 40.  This was not my fastest but it wasn't my slowest!  (close but not my slowest :)) 

Ran 2:25 for my first HALF (it was freezing and raining) and 3:02 for my slowest (Chicago Half Marathon--it was HOT and SUNNY!)

Today was HOT but not as sunny as I feared it would be.  I have a long way to go if I have any HOPE of finishing the Chicago Marathon in 4:55.  I only have a little over 70 days still to train!

As I usually do about half way into the race I think...what a dumb sport/hobby this is!!  Why don't I have a more enjoyable hobby.  :)

After the race there is nothing that feels as good as putting on dry clothes.   OK...there are some things that are better :)

Training up to this point has been difficult but now it's going to become GRUELING!  The number of miles will increase EVERY week...  This is uncharted territory for me.

Thanks for coming out to support me Shar!!!  And taking this action photo :)

My 2nd Rock and Roll Medal :)

PS.  The Newbie 5kr's I inspired (Philip, Shaukat and Doug) finally committed to a date and signed up for a Race on 9/23.  I am so excited for them!


Your sore friend Newbie

Please donate…it only takes a few minutes and the children of RMHC need your help

Link to my blog

http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page

http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

Rock and Roll Weekend!- The Fun Part- Part 1A

Stopped by my coach's house for a pre-race pep talk...actually...I forgot my purse in her car last night after the party...I am forgetting lots of things lately!  Another sign of old age :)

Her plan for me tomorrow...AT LEAST THIS IS WHAT I HEARD :)

Run, run, run,  run some more, run, run, That's it you can do it, run, run run :)

She wants me to run all 13 miles tomorrow!!

So I told her...here is what I want to do...It will be HOT!  I want to walk a little too.  After some "arguing" we decided I could walk the water stops ONLY.  She knows me so well...I need to be pushed...still don't LOVE running...she keeps telling me I will...but still not feeling it :)

I am just kidding, she really did give me some pointers and a plan for tomorrow.  She is a wonderful coach and a great motivator.

Early bedtime and early morning tomorrow.  Setting my alarm for 4am!

To finish my early post:
Johnny Resnick from the Goo Goo Dolls was awesome!  I was standing about 5 feet from him and later took a picture together.

The best part of the Rock and Roll Weekend!

Thank you Jan for inviting me to VIP party!!  And to Scott Dickey and John Smith (and all the other FUN people I met from the Competitor Group) for hosting such a PERFECT event!

“All endeavor calls for the ability to tramp the last mile, shape the last plan, endure the last hours toil. The fight to the finish spirit is the one characteristic we must possess if we are to face the future as finishers.”

-Henry David Thoreau

(I will try to keep this in mind when I am tired and HOT! tomorrow)

Your friend Newbie

Please donate…it only takes a few minutes and the children of RMHC need your help

 Link to my blog

http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page

http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

Rock and Roll Weekend! Part 1-The Fun Part!

The Rock and Roll Half Marathon is Sunday!  Attended a VIP party at the rooftop of Wit Hotel last night and still recovering :)  It was a blast!  I really felt like a VIP :)

Johnny Reznick of the Goo Goo Dolls played. 

Just realized I forgot to register for the race so heading down to the Expo for a last minute registration.  Collage and video will be posted later.

This is the fun part of all my training!

Guess it says alot about me...I prefer listening to music and drinking than running and sweating!!! 

Having fun with Coach MaryAnn is better than running with her!  :)

Your friend Newbie

Please donate…it only takes a few minutes and the children of RMHC need your help

Link to my blog

http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page

http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

Hot! Muggy! Buggy!!

Perfectly describes my runs this week.   Needless to say, less than pleasant!   Did I mention how much I LOVE ...um...no... running in HOT weather!!!  94 degrees is forecast for Sunday's Rock and Roll Half Marathon, with a low of 72.  The 72 will probably be at 3am.  Yikes!!  I heard last year it was overcast and rained a bit.  I can only hope :)

On to a totally unrelated topic...  Remember having your wisdom teeth extracted???  If you had them removed...I am sure you remember it.


Bree (formerly Gabi :)) had 4 wisdom teeth out. Ouch!! 

Because she has a small mouth opening she had to have general anesthesia.  It was scary for her and me!!!  IV in her hand, monitor hooked up to her heart, fingers and brain.  It was scary to watch her going under and when she was "asleep" with her eyes open.  It freaked me out so the doctor closed her eyes...and that was weird too.  It's been a long week for her with swollen cheeks and lots of pain.  Every parent knows how difficult it is to watch their child in pain and be almost completely helpless to ease their suffering.

Shared this with Bree to cheer her up!  Thought you might enjoy it too :)

While Bree was being put under general anesthesia and all this week,  I thought about the children and families of RMHC.  How anxious and scared those children and parents must feel.   And, how relieved they must be to have a place of comfort and solace in their time of need.  In a week or so Bree will be fine, and not to minimize her ordeal, but I'm sure it is nothing compared to challenges faced by the sick children of RMHC. 

I finally filled out my volunteer form for the the Ronald McDonald House and Bree and I will be volunteering soon. 

Your friend Newbie

Please donate…it only takes a few minutes and the children of RMHC need your help

Link to my blog
http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page

http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

Our own Taste of Chicago

Sharlene, Gianna, Bree (formerly Gabi) and I have been meeting for dinner and exploring different types of food.  During our last dinner Gianna recommended Ethiopian so we all said "why not!"


Will Ethiopian Food become the next popular ethnic food? 


Not sure about that but it was "interesting".  The actual food was good but I was not a fan of the Injera, their "bread".  Gabi described it as cold human flesh.  Had the right texture, color and sponginess...  They don't use utensils and the bread is used to scoop up the food.  Since I was not a fan of the bread and there were no utensils....I would eat Ethiopian food again but next time I will bring a fork! :)

The brown stuff that looks like a folded napkin is actually bread! 

Not sure which world region is scheduled for our next outing

Speaking of Taste of Chicago, I made a short visit to the Taste last week.  Not a huge fan of the Taste but I heard some good music.  Took a pic of this corner because it was near the Shamrock Shuffle starting line and will be part of the Marathon course.  On Marathon day there will be as many people at this corner but instead of eating huge ears of corn on the cob and drinking beer...they will be eating GU and drinking Gatorade :)

Near Buckingham Fountain

Even while drinking wine, listening to music and people watching...I'm thinking of the Marathon!  :)

"Marathoning...the triumph of DESIRE over REASON" 

Your friend Newbie,

Please donate…it only takes a few minutes and the children of RMHC need your help

 Link to my blog

http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page

http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

Another NewbieMarathoner as a guest blogger

My new friend Jen also wrote a guest blog.  My friends are making my blogging project simple, less blogs for me to write.   I think I only have about 82 left to write! 

Jen's Guest Blog

Hello there! I am the newest guest-bloggie friend, my name is Jen!

This, like Sue, is my first marathon! I am having the time of my life training. This last week, I had the extraordinary opportunity to meet a new friend! I will add that I love meeting new friends! And Sue is definitely a person whom I will be friends with for a very long time! She is such an infectiously sweet person! From the second I met her I knew she was one of the good ones! And what's even better, she too is running in the Marathon and also for the Ronald McDonald House! Thanks to Jan, my life keeps getting fuller all the time!

While she was in Florida, which was only about 2 1/2 days, the three of us talked about our running styles. How many days, what our pace is like, what do you wear and many other things that will help us be better runners. We went to the beach, on an airboat ride, tried to see the sunset twice, went out on the boat and watched a dolphin play in the wake of our boat, laughed and generally speaking just had a fabulous time! I can't wait to get to Chicago and share the experience with these two amazing women!

Sue also brought her daughter Gabi to Florida. Gabi is quite a girl and it was pretty cool getting to meet her as well. I can tell those two are very close. It is a lot like the relationship I have with my kids! Did I mention our kids are the same age? They are.

I believe that people meet each other for a reason, some people come and go in your life because they are needed for a moment in time to help each other become better people. I believe I met Sue for that very reason!

Thanks Jan and Sue for a great week! I'm looking forward to many more great moments to come!

Thank you for your guest blog Jen and I too believe we meet people for a reason.  And, I am definitely glad I met you!  Thank you for the sweet post!



Have you met someone recently who inspired/motivated/touched you?  Reach out to them and let them know.

Please donate…it only takes a few minutes and the children of RMHC need your help

Link to my blog

http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page

http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

Did I really sign up to run 26.2 miles???

After a looooong weekend of training in extremely hot weather and a bike wreck, I kept thinking "WHY"???



Why did I sign up for a MARATHON?
Why am I running in this HEAT?
Why didn't I unclip from my PEDALS?
Why did I sign up to raise $10K?

Looking at the course map...REALLY SCARES ME!

Wearing my new Tulane University shirt for inspiration during my weekend run.  I will miss Will when he leaves in August!!

The answer is because I CAN.    And SHOULD.    No time like the present. :)

I can do it...it will be DIFFICULT but I CAN DO IT.   Armed only with my coach's voice in my head "That's it...you can do it" and sheer determination.

My challenge is NOTHING compared to the challenges the children and families of RMHC are facing everyday.  If you are planning on donating...PLEASE DONATE TODAY :)

What can you/should you do???

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

Eleanor Roosevelt

PS.  A women is finally in the top 5 fundraisers for the RMHC team.    And.... it's me :)


PSS.  If you are following my blog via daily email updates, for some reason the email was not sent out yesterday.  If you are interested in my rebuttal to Jan's guest blog please visit my blog.

Your friend Newbie,

Please donate…it only takes a few minutes and the children of RMHC need your help

Link to my blog
http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page
http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

Rebuttal to NewbieMarathoner Roast

I hope you enjoyed Jan's guest blog.  I did!  I was with Jan when she started putting her ideas together and we both laughed so hard I cried.   Not only do I shed water when I sweat but also when I "cry".  I hadn't laughed that long and hard in awhile.

"A day without laughter is a day wasted"
Charlie Chaplin

About the whistling...I know I do it...but didn't realize how often.   Until somewhat recently, I could not whistle and was envious of people who could (I have no idea why!).   Well, after years of practice...and I'm still practicing...I can finally whistle...well kind of..sort of...  Hence my "off pitch" whistling :)

Jan said she never met a woman who whistles.  Really???  I can't be the ONLY one :)  If you are a closet whistler feel free to comment.  Gabi also mentioned that I have been whistling for years...and it is one of my "annoying" habits.  Again I said Really???  Why didn't you ever mention it to me before? 

We laughed that I was like one of the 7 dwarfs...whistling while I "run".  They suggested I should wear my black compression socks and buy a "water" backpack.  What I site I would be!  All I need is my thick glasses from 7th grade to complete the ensemble :)

About Jan's nickname...she is smutty because I have to remind her what is appropriate and NOT appropriate for the audience occasionally.  She is always hysterical and it is in good fun...not actually smutty.  Gabi thinks she is hysterical too and thinks I am being overprotective :)  I hear...OH Mom... often!

Jan is a great mother too.  She talks to her daughter multiple times a day and always sends her daughter a text first thing in the morning that says "Good morning Sunshine."  How sweet!

Enough about me...this blog is supposed to be about running, inspiration and fundraising!  But all the feedback I've received to date..unsolicited feedback :) indicates that you are enjoying my quirky and sometimes odd stories.  So...if you are enjoying my stories...please keep reading...donate...guest blog...and pass this blog on to a friend. 

Your friend Newbie

Please donate…it only takes a few minutes and the children of RMHC need your help

Link to my blog
http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page

http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

Bike Wreck!!!

I almost killed my friend Jan today! 

We went for our cross training bike ride on Saturday morning.  We rode the first 6 miles pretty fast and uneventfully.  Just past the 6 mile point there is a place to turn around and stop for a drink.  Well...I was distracted (and no... I was not using my phone or videotaping or taking a picture) and forgot to clip out of my pedals.  I am still a newbie biker!  I tried to put down my foot to stop but it was clipped in...so down I went...and at that precise moment Jan decided to ride up next to me...luckily for me she broke my fall and I had a nice soft place to land :)

But Jan was not so fortunate.  She hit the ground hard!  Luckily she was wearing a helmet or she would have cracked her skull open.  Her helmet has a big dent and she has many scrapes, bruises and possibly a broken finger.  Also, one of her handle bars is completely twisted the wrong way.  She bore the impact of not only falling but the impact of me and my bike falling on top of her!  Jan is a tough cookie and refused to go to the hospital but her bike is not rideable.

I walked away without a scratch...thanks for breaking my fall Jan. That will teach her to write less than flattering guest blogs about me!  It's not always easy (or safe) to be my friend :)

I am thankful Jan is OK and I still have a friend and a training partner!!!

Your friend Newbie

Please donate…it only takes a few minutes and the children of RMHC need your help

Link to my blog
http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page

http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

NewbieMarathoner Roast

Hello everyone,

After spending almost a week with Jan she felt compelled to blog about me again.  Hope you have a great laugh...at my expense :) 


Jan's Guest Blog #2

Well it’s me again….Guest blogger, running friend, laughing buddy and loyal critic.

So let’s get right to that last role.  When I first wrote I talked about Sue’s repeated references about death.  Well…she is not doing that as of late.  In fact, as I have run with her more and this past week vacationed with her….I feel I know and understand her much more.

 So here are a few updates from a guest bloggers point of view.

Sue is an eternal optimist….very refreshing to see.  She is a peppy and positive person.  She is such a peppy person that I now have caught something that she does….and she didn’t even realize she did it.  She is a Whistler!!!!!  Yes, you heard it….a Whistler.  No not Whistler’s mother….actually THE whistler.  I think it is her way of sharing a positive aura for those around her.  I am thinking if her other friends have noted this “habit” of hers, and you feel the same as I do about “it’s nice but I wish her pitch were more on key” then maybe you can help as I stage an intervention. 

Another thing I have learned about Sue and her running.  She is very focused…..while she may complain about her coach…she is truly following her advice.  She is very fast….in fact so fast…that she breaks into a sweat.  Seriously….she is a great Sweater.  No…not the kind that keeps you warm…the kind that drips water.  I have never seen anyone perspire like her.  I am so jealous as sweating is one of the more healthy things one can do. I do know that this sweating is a result of the enormous amount of water she drinks when running.  She got a new water belt to wear when running and it has 3 bottles attached.  (mine only has 2)  Anyway…she sucks down the 3 bottles within her first few miles.  I had a suggestion that I think she may adopt and that is to tie a gallon jug on each side of her waist and run with that.  Picture Sue….smiling, whistling and SWEATING.  She definitely gets lots of attention on the lakefront trail.

I have a new nickname for her…..Sweaty.  Maybe she will tell you what my nickname is…..

And the last thing I will say I have learned about Sue….is what a good mother she is.  Gabrielle is the best daughter ever and I love to see how close the two of them are.  The two of them were guests of ours in Naples this past week and Doug and I thoroughly enjoyed having them.  We hope they will come back.

OOPs…one other thing I learned about Sue….she desperately needs donations to reach her goal for the RMHC Marathon.  She set a lofty goal (so Sue!) and is working hard to achieve it…..won’t you help her?????

The RMHC runners...or as we decided 3 new dwarfs to add to the existing 7.  Sweaty, Smutty and Speedy.  They promised they would whistle with me while we run the Marathon :)

Thank you Jan!  Rebuttal coming tomorrow...

 

Please donate…it only takes a few minutes and the children of RMHC need your help

Link to my blog

http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page

http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020

Vacation is over!

Had a great vacation but it's over and time for some serious training!  10 mile run on lakefront Friday am and a weekend full of training planned.  Yes...planned...doesn't mean I will actually stick to the plan.  :)  And yes I know Coach Mary Ann... no more changes to YOUR PLAN!

10 Mile run was tough!!  Very hot and wiped out after my run.  Lack of training during vacation week really took it's toll today.

RMHC team runners.  I know we will not look like this AFTER the race :)

Invited to spend the day on a beautiful 48 ft boat during my Naples vacation.   The owners are the nicest couple.  They their first boat a few years ago but are now experienced sailors now.  During our trip we almost bottomed out and spent a bit stuck in one spot.  But the couple worked together, kept their cool and got us out of the jam.  Thank you Jen and Bob for a wonderful day!

I'm looking forward to seeing Jen at the finish line...she is much faster than I am! 

A dolphin played in our wake and I captured it on video.  Gabi loved it!!

"Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love.  It will not lead you astray"
-Rumi


Your friend Newbie

Please donate…it only takes a few minutes and the children of RMHC need your help

Link to my blog

http://newbiemarathoner.blogspot.com/

Link directly to donation page

http://teamrmhc.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1008711&supid=359448020