First Half Maraton

I completed my first half marathon this last Saturday in Trout Lake, Washington. It is about 3 hours from here, and right at the base of Mt. Adams. It was such a beautiful area! I would love to post pictures, but I forgot my camera. I know, silly me. I was a bit nervous about my race, so I was somewhat forgetful while I was packing. I did check, (several times) that I had remembered my running shoes. And then when we were about an hour into our drive, had a moment of panic that I had not packed matching running shoes! I checked, and was okay. I did realize after we arrived, (I traveled with my running partner) that I had forgotten not only the camera, but my toothbrush and body wash. I know, genius.

The morning of the race was chilly, but the forecast was for 65 degrees and sunny. We went out and picked up our race packets, and then drove the course. We took note of a few (seemingly) small hills, but nothing that should make much difference.

The race itself started off very well. The plan was to run about 8:30 min miles. The first 7 miles were just under that, so I was doing great. At mile 8 there was a long gradual uphill that we really hadn't noticed in the car driving the course, but could certainly feel at that point. So I slowed down a little to about a 9:15 mile. At mile 10 everything started to hurt. I was pushing through as best I could, and then my head started spinning too. Oh boy. To add to the enjoyment of this stretch, there was a rancid smell of some kind of animal poop. Since we were passing several farms including a llama farm, it was hard to know who to blame this awful smell on, (my bet is the llamas). Not that it matters. It did give me something else to mentally complain about besides my legs feeling like lead. So, here I am, legs hurting, head spinning, stomach churning, not sure if I was going to pass out, puke, or both. I finally decided to walk-just from one shadow to the next. I knew if I didn't put a limit on it, I wouldn't want to start back up. So just about 50 feet, and I started back up, dragging my legs. Miles 10-11 ended up being about 10:15 pace. At mile 12, I really pushed as hard as I could to the finish.

I wanted to finish under 2 hours. That was my big goal. I came in at 2:02:02, (seriously). I didn't quite make my goal, but it is still a good time for a first half. It works out to be a 9:15 mile average. I ended up placing 4th in my age group, and 13th overall for the women.

After the race I was pretty sure I didn't want to run another half, at least not for quite a while. Now, two days later, I am already thinking maybe I should try for the Rock 'n Roll Seattle in June.

Alana--isms

Some of the funny things Alana has been saying lately....because she doesn't stop talking.

"We are going to HannahMontana, Mom. It's not Montana. It's HannahMontana." (she has no idea who Hannah Montana is, she heard this from Bella when she told her we were going to Montana. Bella thought we were going to go see Hannah Montana)

Me-"Kale, hurry up and eat. Alana is almost done already."
Alana-"Yep, 'cause I'm a stinker. Right mom?"

"That's not disgusting. Deer poop in Hannah Montana is disgusting."

"Hey mom, just so you know-I am extraordinary."

Kale and Alana playing house
Kale-"hi honey, what did you learn at school today?"
Alana-"Well, I learned about simple machines, like the pulley." (launching into a long explanation of pulleys and how they lift heavy things)

"I don't want to wear that dress. It is dangerous"

"Big kids use the potty, and little kids like Jaylee use lots of diapers. Kaleb used to poop in diapers too. But I'm a big kid. The potty is just for big kids, and not a toy."

Montana Adventure

We spent this past long weekend in Montana visiting friends, and going to a wedding. It was so much fun! We were able to reconnect with friends from college in Bozeman, and attend a wedding.

The kids handled the trip very well, and loved having so many people to play with them.

Our friend Loren racing with Alana on his back.

We went to the park to play, and Jaylee found a puddle to get messy in. We were very fortunate to have beautiful spring weather, so we were able to play outside a lot.

Playing bocce ball. Alana was a little scary throwing those heavy balls. We are always a little unsure of which direction it would go.

Wes taking Jaylee and Alana down the slide

Loren, Kale, Wes, and Alana playing tag

Grandma and Grandpa Smith came up on Saturday night and babysat the kids for us while we went to the wedding. The kids were so excited to see them! And to play in Grandpa's new truck.

We did an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids before we headed home on Sunday. They were really into it. Jaylee did very well for her first egg hunt. She would shout out the color as soon as she saw an egg.

The girls were cramming in the candy as fast as they could.

Grandma with the kids

Jaylee was too into her eggs to look up at the camera.

Alana showcasing her musical talent, singing "Jesus Loves Me". Sorry it isn't really clear, it was taken with Dave's phone. Still very sweet. Both girls love to sing! Jaylee was singing along also, although you can't hear her. She can do most of the motions to the song also. So sweet!

Deep thoughts...or something

Alana (walking in to church): Mom! This wind is messing with my hair!

Kale: Knock Knock
me: Who's there?
Kale: Kaleb
me: Kaleb who?
Kale: Kaleb bear who's going to eat all of you!

Me: Jaylee, you need to take your nap.
Jaylee: Bear singing!
Me: Bear needs to be quiet and take a nap too, or bear will go in timeout.
Jaylee: Night night bear! shh shh shhhh

Alana: Does rain come out of black clouds?
Me: Yes, but not those white fluffy ones over there.
Alana: Oh. Why isn't the rain black?
Me: because rain is made of water and water isn't black.
Alana: Well, why don't they just call it water? Why do they call it rain?
Me: Uh...

Me: We are out of Goldfish (crackers).
Kaleb: No fish??? I will go to my room and DIE!!! (screaming)
Me: Okay, go die then. (I know, probably not the best response, but seriously!)
Kaleb: I will! I'm going to go die! On a cross!
(he has obviously been hearing a lot about Easter lately. Still disturbing)

Alana: I love little mermaid panties! I was a little worried that I didn't have any that fit me, because I am growing so big. I drink a lot of milk. But my bongos (bottom) look beautiful! Don't you think my bongos look beautiful?