Mission Skincare Review and Giveaway

Yes, I have a lot of giveaways that were supposed to happen in December, but things just kind of got put on the side-burner with the holidays.  But wait, it's still December, right???  So I'll slip this one in just under the wire, and it's a good one.

Have you heard of Mission Skincare?   From their website:

MISSION Skincare®, the first and only line of Athlete-Engineered® Skincare products, was founded in 2008 by a premier group of world-class athletes including Serena Williams, Steve Nash, David Wright, Mia Hamm, Amanda Beard, Sergio Garcia, and more.



We know that people who lead active lifestyles have different skincare needs -- before, during and after workouts. To meet these dynamic needs, the MISSION Lab Team is led by world-renowned dermatologists, skincare experts and elite athletes. Together, we have developed sophisticated formulas designed to protect, strengthen, and hydrate your skin.

From Lip Care to Sun Care, and Personal Care to Performance Care, we have you covered from head-to-toe.

We also have a dual MISSION: To deliver world-class innovations that meet the unique Personal Care needs of an active lifestyle AND to make the biggest impact along the way by supporting the important charitable causes of our athletes and retail partners.

Now that's a MISSION Statement! What's yours?

Their products are developed and tested by some amazing athletes.  You can see the full list HERE. 

That's not enough?  Their profits go to a large list of charities.

Sounds great, right?  But do the products actually work?

I was sent a variety of products to try... let me give you my thoughts on a few of them:

Anti-Sting Sunscreen SPF-30 Facestick:

I admit that I'm not the best about putting on sunscreen.  Shame on me.  After getting sunburnt during my 20-miler in November, though, it really made me re-think applying sunscreen pre-run.  Especially for slower runners, like me... I'm out there a long time.  I used this facestick during the White Rock Marathon where I spent over 5 hours in the sun!  (Eek!)  And I didn't wear a hat, like I usually do.  I don't know how to review this except to say that I didn't notice it was there, and I didn't end up sunburnt.  I guess that means it worked!  It didn't make me feel sticky or greasy or any of the other things that I usually hate about sunscreen.  This will definitely stay in my must-have drawer.

Serena Williams' Pomegranate Lip Balmer SPF 15 and Sergio Garcia's Mint Lip Balmer SPF 15:
One thing that I always have in my race belt is some sort of lip balm.  Often it is Burt's Bees.  But I wanted to give these a try.  I have used both these on many runs now, and absolutely love them.  They stay on for a long time (I don't have to re-apply every 2 miles... in fact, I don't think I had to reapply at all during the marathon... once before and once after).  The flavors are nice.  They aren't too overwhelming or greasy.  Just a nice light lip balm.  Exactly what I need.  Personally, I prefer the mint because, well, I'm just a minty kind of girl!  This may be my first winter that I haven't suffered from massively chapped lips. 


High-Performance Anti-Friction Cream:

I do not run over 6 miles in the summer or over 8 in the winter without a heavy application of some sort of anti-chafe (for me, Body Glide is the norm).  Though Mission Skincare also has the stick similar to Body Glide, I was particularly interested to try this cream.  And I even rolled the dice and used the cream for my marathon.  For 5 hours of thigh and bra rubbing, this stuff held up.  Not a single chafe mark.  Nada.  And I love the ease of application with the cream... I can just squirt some on and put it where it needs to go.  Which means when I get that special spot that likes to chafe (um, perhaps, between my butt cheeks), I can just dab some cream on it instead of figuring out how to get a deoderant-sized bar into no-man's land.  (Yes, TMI.)  I wish Sam's or Costco sold this stuff with a giant handcrank. 

I'm also loving their Muscle Rub and Foot Cream.  I cannot say enough great things about this product line.  They work, they are moderately priced, and the company is charitable. 

Want to try some out???  I have TWO prize packages for TWO lucky winners.

First is the Anti-Friction Cream, Muscle Rub, and Mint Lip Balm.

Second is the Anti-Chafe Bar, Foot Therapy Cream, and Pomegranate Lip Balm. 

Here's what you need to do...

(1) Mandatory Entry - Be or become a follower of my blog, leave me a comment.
(+1) Visit Mission Skincare and tell me what you learned or what product you think is awesome.
(+1) Like Mission Skincare on Facebook (and tell them I sent you!!!).
(+1) Share this giveaway on your blog.
(+1) Twitter or Facebook about this giveaway.

Giveaway ends on 1/7.  The winners will be randomly selected from the comments.

Note:  Mission Skincare provided the products for review and giveaway.  No other compensation was received.  The opinions expressed here are my own.

It was a Merry Run-mas!

I know many of us load up the Christmas list with Running Gear... so I thought I'd share the items added to my "Running Box" this Christmas:

First, a dangler from SportHooks.  Haven't decided if I'll keep it as an ornament or hang it from the rearview mirror.  I suggested to Marcey that she make these for every state, that way maybe someday I can fill my tree with 26.2s in the states I've run in! 

A couple things on my wishlist that showed up under the tree... CW-X stability capri's and a black pair of CEPs:

Obviously, I know I love my CEPs, but I can't wait to try out the capri's and report back.  I will say I was shocked when I took them out of the bag... they look like they could fit an American Girl doll, but with a lot of work, I was able to tuck all my bumps and jiggles into them.  I definitely think I'll be sporting some shorts over these babies.

Then, I was surprised by my step-mother with a shirt I had never seen before, and cannot WAIT to wear it while training for the Disney Princess half (yes, it's a technical shirt):

In case you can't read it, it says "The race is my ball, my running shoes are my glass slippers, the finish line is my prince charming, and the accomplishment is my happily ever after."  Love it.  Best gift!

And finally, I got a new cookbook that I'd never heard of from my uncle:

Looking forward to flipping through it and trying some stuff out.  I'll definitely be reporting back on this one!

Lastly, my husband finished setting up my little "Lesley space", as he likes to call it:

So, did you get what was on your running wishlist this year???

Did you get anything that you hadn't seen before???

Challenge YOU, Challenge ME!!!

Challenge YOU:

As some of you know, Sherry and I are hostessing the "Run for the Bling of it!" challenge.  Run 12 races in 12 months of 2011.  The races can happen at any point throughout the year, as long as there are 12 total.  Any distance counts!  This should allow everyone to participate equally.  Sherry and I will be gathering some prizes during the year and will do a few random drawings at the end of the year for participants that reached their goal.  Head on over to our challenge BLOG and read how to be involved.

Challenge ME:

I have a few goals in mind for 2011, but most of you have been following me for awhile, so I wanted to open the door to have YOU challenge ME.  No reasonable challenge will be refused.  And of those who make suggestions that I use in my 2011 goals list, I will do a random drawing and send out a little something fun!

To help you challenge me, let me give you my 2010 statistics.

Miles Ran:  1078

Highest Month:  September 150

Lowest Month:  June 37

Longest streak:  39 days, 182 miles

Races:

4 5Ks, PR: 26:54

1 10K, PR: 1:12:17 (Ugh, silly heat)

1 15K, PR 1:53:55 (Ugh, heat again)

6 Halves, PR 2:15:30

1 20-miler, PR  3:51:12

1 Full, PR 5:12:42

The floor is open, let's hear it!

Jingle Bell 5k Recap

I know you've all wondered what rock I crawled under, but it's the holidays.  I have no other excuses... and I still have one more event to hostess - my Sunday School Christmas party tonight.  But after tonight, things should get mostly back to normal... I hope!

I found out a couple weeks ago that my sister-in-law and my nephew (age 8) were going to run the Jingle Bell Run 5k, which was in downtown Dallas at 7pm on Wednesday the 22nd.  I didn't want to be left out, so obviously I begged to tag along. 

Pre-race conditions were anything but ideal.  I hadn't gotten much running in, as my body just doesn't feel back up to par post-marathon, and I figured it just needed rest.  It had been a week since I had ran at all.  There also wasn't much in the house to eat, and I had ordered pizza for the kids and babysitter, so you guessed it - my pre-race meal was two slices of pizza.  Seriously, I do not suggest this folks.  I was not feeling great, but whatever... I still wanted to push.  I felt like my confidence needed a good run, so I hoped to push, but keep my mind very aware of my body so that I didn't injure myself.

My brother, sister-in-law, and nephews picked me up at 5:30pm, and we were off.  It was already super-crowded when we arrived, and it was a maze to find packet pick-up, but I found it.  I got my chip and jingle bells on my shoe, and my bib onto my race belt, then took a quick run to the bathroom (where I saw Elaine, ever so briefly). 

Then off to the start.  Angelia (sister-in-law) and Julian (nephew) were untimed, so they held to the back of the pack.  I inched my way within 5 people-rows of the front, knowing that many were just doing this for fun.  It was a bit of a lonely wait (I'm used to starting with friends), but I was ready to go.  I was just slightly irritated that there were hoards of kids in the first 5 rows of people (and actually worried they would get run over), and a little more irritated that the couple that lined up in front of me had on jeans and backpacks.  Really?  You needed to be at the front, eh?  Not that I'm super-speedy, but I wanted a good clean start.  I knew if I was going to try for a good time, it would be very very close.  I was hoping to PR by a few seconds.

I got out of the gate pretty good, and didn't have to do a lot of weaving.  I was pushing hard, but also let a lot of people pass me.  I wasn't looking at my watch.  I just wanted to go.  I found a couple that was pushing about my pace, and I told them I was going to pace with them, but within a quarter of a mile, the guy fell back and said he couldn't keep up.  (Yes, I had a twinge of confidence boost.)  First mile ticked, and I was feeling winded, but wanted to keep moving.

Mile 1 - 8:35

What?  Woooo.  During my last PR 5k, my first mile was right around there, but then I drasticly fell off and dropped to 9:30ish.  So I wondered if I could really keep this up, but I was going to try.  Mile 2 was hard.  It was totally flat, I didn't have to do a lot of weaving, but it was just me and the road... in many portions it was pitch black darkness.  Keeping this pace was hard... so the self-chanting started - "You ran a marathon, this is 3.1 miles, just GO!"  "Come on Lesley, suck it up!"  "Just 15 more minutes of pain."  Constantly yelling at myself that surely I could push for 15 more minutes.

Mile 2 - 8:55

Wow.  I had never ever run two sub-9 miles in a row ever.  My legs weren't hurting, but they felt like bricks, but I didn't care.  Just one more mile.  Surely, surely, I could do this right?  Then I started doing the ridiculous calculations in my head.  I could run a 10 minute mile and still PR.  Yeah, I can slow down!  But wait, would that make me feel good about the PR?  Nah, keep pushing.  Seriously on the verge of puking this entire run.  Pre-race pizza, no bueno.  No running for a week prior, no bueno.  Pushing to the serious edge of my speed capibility, way cool, but very painful.  I was wheezing, my legs were bricks, and I wanted to puke.  (I remembered why I dislike 5ks.) 

Mile 3 - 8:48

I could see the finish, and I didn't have much left to sprint.  But I pushed a little bit harder with every ounce I had left (although it was very distracting because many untimed participants would just stop when they saw their family without ever crossing the finish line).  Then I looked up and saw the time clock.  It said 26:57.  In a split second, I had two thoughts - "WHAT?  How did I do that?" and "Oh no, that time clock will NOT flip to 27 before I cross."  Sucked it up, pushed in...

I crossed at 26:59.  Official chip time... 26:54.  Average pace 8:41.

Seriously?  My last PR was a 9:10 pace, and I thought I was going to die.  I haven't done any speedwork.  I've felt post-marathon sluggish all month.  Where in the world did I pull a full 29 second/mile improvement out of???  This definitely re-iterates my need for speedwork.  If I could do it on a normal basis, I know I could significantly improve my half-marathon times.  In fact, based on that 5k pace, the Runner's World SmartCoach thinks I should run a 2:05 half marathon.  Hmmmmm, maybe some day.  Really?

So just to be complete in my recap, I should let you know that afterwards, I could hardly see straight.  I had to lie down in the grass, and I could not stop coughing (I sounded like I had been smoking for 50 years).  I thought I was going to puke, but never did, thankfully.  And the next day, my right leg felt like it had been run over by an 18-wheeler.  But hey, it's the price we pay for a PR, right?  I was pretty proud of myself for tolerating the pain and not giving in.

The after-party had the potential to be really hopping, but we had my two young nephews, and I just didn't have the energy to enjoy it anyhow.  It was in the huge lobby area of the Anatole in Downtown Dallas.  There was pizza, a bar, a band, and a ton of other stuff.  But we just headed home.

Congrats also to my sister-in-law, Angelia, on her PR!

Jingle Bell PR!!!

Really?  Santa Bells and Sleigh Rides... not where you expect to PR.  For the first time in my life I ran sub-9 min/miles the entire time (I have never done more than 1 sub-9).  Wow, huge PR. 

Previous PR:
28:26 (avg pace - 9:10)

New PR:
26:54 (avg pace - 8:41)

Unbelievable.  Borderline puke-feeling the whole entire time.  I really really pushed and had nothing left.  Full report coming soon, but sorry folks, this is my blog, and I just needed to toot my own horn for just a minute.  Happy feelings!!!

Bad Blogger! and New Challenge!

Yeah, I know, I have continued to slack on blogging.  Shew!  I am keeping my head above water, but I haven't even mailed Christmas cards  yet.  OOPS!  I should've put a New Years message on those bad boys. 

But while I'm being a bad blogger, why don't you go check out the new challenge Sherry and I are putting together for 2011 - "Run for the Bling of it!"  The challenge - 12 races in 12 months.  The distance - ANY distance.  We wanted something that could be fun for everyone - 5k-runners and marathoners alike.

There probably won't be a ton of updates there between now and 1/1/11, but go ahead and start following!

Here's how to be involved:


• Send an e-mail and let us know you want in on the challenge. Include your name and a link to your blog (if you have one)!

• Follow the blog at http://www.runfortheblingofit.blogspot.com/

• Post a race report after each race so that we can link it on the blog, including a pic of your bling if you receive any. (If not a medal maybe a pic of the race shirt or anything else they give in your race swag.)

• Tell everyone else about the challenge!

Sherry and I are looking forward to having a lot of you join us on this new challenge. 

(Off to run the Jingle Bell Run 5k!)

Hardy-Har-Har and other Randomness

While I would like to continue the belief that my husband put the TV on backwards, the truth is that he always intended to turn the treadmill around, but it looked so ridiculous when he got the TV up, that I had to snap a photo!!! 

Other random questions that I've been asked...

Lizzy asked me about the temperature at White Rock Marathon:
It was about 34 at the start and went up to about 44.
(If you don't already follow Lizzy's blog, you need to... I mean, her blog title is "Food to Run For".  Really?  C'mon.  A must read.)

Lizzy also asked me about doing the National Half in March:
I'd actually love to except it's too close to my week in Disney with the family so that I can run the Princess Half.

Lucy asked if we have a lego store in our area:
Oh, yes, but honestly, I do not like it.  It's so small and congested.  We usually get stuff online or at Target.  But we do occassionally venture to the store. 

Shelley commented once that about larger races vs. smaller races (which she prefers):
Considering I live 10 miles outside of Dallas and "everything is big in Texas", there aren't that many super small races in my area.  And to be honest,  unless I'm getting bling, I'm usually not up for a long drive.  I have done one local race that was somewhat smaller, but still not small enough for me to be cool enough to place!  My New Year's Day half is only 200 participants (due to the race director limiting the participation)... so between that and the half I did in Cleburne, those are probably my smallest events.

Andrew asked me which marathon I was going to choose:
I'm not.  I hope to do BOTH!  Rock n Roll San Diego and Marine Corps Marathon.  I wish MCM wasn't a sell-out marathon, because I hate registering in February.  So much can happen between now and then.  But I plan on it.

A couple of you have commented that you'll be at Rock n Roll Dallas:
Send me your info, I would love to plan a get together.

A couple of you have asked about my marathon training plan:
I did mine loosely based upon the Runner's World Smart Coach.  I put in all the miles, but I didn't do the speedwork (I just ran the miles).  This WILL change next cycle.  I planned around my races, so would occassionally swap which weeks were higher mileage and which were lower.  Would I change anything?  Honestly, yes.  I would shorten the training cycle.  I was already running half marathons on a regular basis and felt like I had a pretty good mileage base.  Twenty weeks of following a plan and feeling like I "had" to run a certain number of miles wore me out.  By week 16, I was really struggling mentally.  I think next cycle I will cut it down to 16 weeks, and the cycle after that, I might cut it down to 12 weeks, so long as I'm retaining a good base mileage in between. 

Sorry posts have been so sparse.  I'm struggling just to keep up with family and friend obligations for Christmas.  I'm betting, though, that I'm not alone in this, as I know a few fellow bloggers are posting a little less as well. 

Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la

Is that enough "la"s?  I love Christmas, but I am still completely exhausted!  Today, my dad offered to take my kids off my hands for the day, so I arranged to go shopping with my friend, Whitney.  I had stockings that still needed stuffing!  We spent the entire day going to Target, Toys R Us, Dicks (where I was extremely proud of myself for avoiding the Nike section for the wallet emptying abyss that it is), and Walmart.  And there may have been a brief stop at California Pizza Kitchen.  I am proud to proclaim though that everything is done - bought, wrapped, and waiting.  D-O-N-E. 

I came home to find my husband installing my birthday present (a TV for watching while on the treadmill).  This is what I found:

Hmmmmm, while I've seen people running backwards on a treadmill, I don't think it's for me.  And I don't plan to have eyeballs installed on my butt cheeks anytime soon.

Perhaps I can catch a glimpse while doing a backflip amidst my running.  Everyone does that, right?

Speaking of the treadmill, though, I'm sure you're all dying to know (right?) about my run the other night when I said I wanted to run instead of post.  I only had 30 minutes until hubby got home from out of town, so I knew if I was going to run, I had to get moving.  I had been dressed to run all day, but got sidetracked by various Christmas chores.  My legs still feel like lead post-marathon, but I wanted to get in at least 3 miles, which is a tough pace for me.  Then, of course, I decided to up it to 3.1 so that I'd get a full 5k in and see how I felt (I have a 5k scheduled next Wednesday).

I struggled.  I felt like losing my dinner afterwards.  But I did what I set out to do.  Peter got home at about 28 minutes, and scared me... which took every last bit of lung capacity.  Considering my PR 5k is 28:16, though, I think pushing a 30:59 on a treadmill (and not during a race) is pretty good for me, especially a week and a half after seriously struggling through 26.2.

Just in case you wonder what kind of other crazy stuff happens in this house... my 8-year-old, Patrick, saw a BB-gun he liked at Bass Pro Shop (while with my dad)... he came home and made it out of Legos - complete with stand, pellet box, and deer emblem on the butt of the gun.

As always, I was impressed, although I still think the zoo monorail system he built last week was even better - complete with animals, restaurant, monorail car, and tracks.

While he was doing this, Lily (6), was supposed to be stuffing Christmas cards.  Paige (2) wanted to help, but I told her she was too little.  Imagine my surprise when I turned around and saw this:

I love towards the end where she says "I doing a great job!"  Yes, you are!

Back soon with that giveaway I keep promising... gotta get some photos and meet my brother for his birthday dinner.

Right now...

I could write a blog post and share a lovely giveaway, or I could quickly get in at least a little run on the treadmill (before hubby gets home from a week of travel) since I've been in my running clothes since 7am.  Sorry folks, right now, I choose to run... off to sweat!

Where is Lesley?

I know, I know.  I go through the marathon up and down, and then I go and disappear on you.  Bad blogger, bad, bad.  So what's up with Lesley...

On the running front, I took a full week off (not counting one very brief recovery run at a snail's pace mid-week last week.  Yesterday was really my first day back.  I ran 6 miles and felt great.  Like, really great.  Like, sent my confidence into marathon recovery overdrive and got stupidly ambitious thinking I would keep my game up and run 8 today.  And then I hit the gym today... and after 2.5 miles, my quads, you know, those lovely muscles that had zero mercy on me during the marathon, began to tighten.  And, for once, I was smart, slowed it down to a walk, and at 4 miles called it a day.  I'll probably take tomorrow off, and then see where my body allows me to go on Thursday.  This is sooooo different from training mode.

On the home front, I have spent this time off from running to catch up on the holiday "stuff".  Running a December marathon wasn't the best for my normal Christmas preparedness.  I was so behind.  Didn't own a tree, hadn't put it up... no stockings, no presents wrapped, only a few presents purchased.  Not to mention the non-holiday stuff that had piled up like my laundry pile that my 8-year-old equated to Mt. Everest (which the kids get to climb on a daily basis to find their school uniforms).  But I am happy to announce that I bought a tree (thank you Craigslist since the stores were all sold out of the decent trees), I decorated it, I hung the stockings, I wrapped presents, and last night, I even crafted some presents.  I would show you, but that would spoil it for the recipients.  Let's just say that I'm not as craft-impaired as I previously thought.

And that pretty much sums up this edition of "Where is Lesley?".  Hopefully the next post will be slightly more exciting... perhaps I hear a giveaway coming???  Maybe?  'Tis the season, ya know.

OH, but... I forgot to tell you what my brother and sis-in-law got me for my birthday... remember these ------>

Yeah, I own them now... be jealous!  ;-)

Picking the Next Marathon

There are 3 major factors in picking my next marathon(s)... Timing, Friends, and Location.

I think I am settled on choosing my next two marathons, even if I have to sell the sweater off my back to get there.

Marathon #2 - June 5, 2011 - Rock 'n Roll San Diego

Timing - There is a local marathon in April, but that means I would have to be back on the training horse immediately, and I know that I need a mental break.  I think early June is the perfect timing.  Late enough that I can take a short break and then get to the training.  Early enough that I'm not stuck training in the ridiculous Texas heat.  It'll be the perfect time for redemption round 1!

Friends - I want to be there for Jen's first marathon.  And I know that Julie is better go for round 2 there too (see how I called you out, Julie?  now you have to do it).  Not to mention I have a couple of local friends that might be up for taking on the challenge with me, including Monika, ready for her own marathon redemption... and I have a friend from long ago, Kelly, who said she would meet me there and take on the half while I did the full.  I haven't seen Kelly since... well... this photo on the right with the Mystery Machine (Kelly is on the left, I'm on the right).  That was taken at Mardi Gras in 2001.

Location - It's San Diego.  Come on.  Gorgeous weather, beaches, and Legoland!  Hopefully, I will make this trip with my kids in-tow.  The last time I went to San Diego, I was 8 months pregnant with Paige, and we made the trip by car for 22 hours for a little RnR (in THAT case it was Rest 'n Relaxation).  But if no kids come along, I will still enjoy the nice weather and sticking my legs in the water post-race. 


Marathon #3 - October 30, 2011 - Marine Corps Marathon

Timing - There's almost 5 months between San Diego and this one... enough time to take a mental month and then hit the training.  I like the thought of getting this one in before the holiday season so that I can relax a little more for the holidays.  BUT it's on my husband's birthday.  Because this one is during the school year, the likelihood that the whole family could travel is pretty low, but this marathon is important to me for many reasons which I'll go into in a second.

Friends - Remember my last post?  My original running inspiration, Joe (well, ok, Mr. Malinowski to me), will be travelling north for his 30th consecutive Marine Corps Marathon.  It would be an honor to start with him.  Not only that, but I'm hearing chatter from some other bloggers about this race, so I'm hoping to see lots of bloggie friends there as well.  I also still have several friends in the area who I know would come out and cheer me on.  Plus I know my high school friend, Brandi, would be running it too. I grew up 30 miles south of DC, so I know I'd be well-supported.  AND most important... the chance to see my mother at the finish line.  I know she wouldn't miss it!

Location - It's in DC.  I grew up in the area.  Did I mention that my father was a Marine for 26 years?  And *I* went to USMC Officer Candidate School.  It's Marines in DC.  It's home.  I have a place to stay.  Is there really anything more needed???  This is THE marathon that is on my bucket list.

So what big races are you thinking of for 2011???

Getting to Know Me...

My favorite RR tagged me in a "Getting to Know You Post"... so here goes... (but sorry RR, I don't have many interesting answers).

1. Who inspires you with regard to running?
Originally, Joe Malinowski.  He was the only one, at the time, that I really knew that ran marathons.  (He is a family friend, was my mother's boss for awhile, and I even briefly dated his son in my early teens.)  He has always believed in testing his physical boundaries.  I cannot even count the number of times I have called him crazy.  At age 62, he just ran his 75th marathon, including 29 consecutive years at the Marine Corps Marathon.  And that doesn't count the ultra-marathons he has run.  I don't know how many, but I think over 20, including the Keys100.  His daughter, Jodi, is also a marathoner (and an ultra-marathoner), and was a real encouragement when I was training for my first half marathon.  For his 30th run of the Marine Corps Marathon, I hope to cross that starting line with him... who's crazy now?

2. Running with music? Running without music?
No music.  But a good conversation, if I can find it!!! 

3. Do you have any fantasy race/event that you are longing to participate in someday?
The Marine Corps Marathon.  See ya in 2011!  (To be detailed in my next post.)

4. Think back to grade school ... who was your celebrity crush?

Really?  I have to admit this?  Probably the most memorable is Andrew McCarthy.  Yes, I was in love with Andrew McCarthy.  I admitted it.  You know... "Weekend at Bernie's", "Pretty in Pink", "Mannequin"... totally cheesy 80s flicks. 

5. You finally meet your grade school celebrity crush .... what do you do? What do you say?

Um, have you seen him now???  Not sure I'd have much more to say than "I loved you when I was a kid."  He looks emaciated.  Maybe I would cook him my creamy chicken enchiladas so he wouldn't look so hungry!
6. We don't hear about these guys enough .... Pets! Do you have any? Names? Type? Do they sleep in your bed? Are they in the family Christmas card??
Sorry, no pets here.  I have enough trouble cleaning after myself and my four kids... oh excuse me, three kids and a husband.  ;-)

Marathon - The Good Side

(0) The number of aching muscles I have remaining.
(1) The number of medals I added to my collection.
(2) The number of times I plan to redeem myself in 2011.

Some advice as I reflect on my marathon...
- Test run nutrition with a later run.  I can run at 5am without much on my stomach.  A run at 8:30am, however, requires something a little more substantial in the early hours.
- Wear something that makes you stand out.  It could be your name on your shirt - I still remember cheering "Linda" in the purple shirt across the finish.  Or it could be something bright - like my lime skirt and socks.  I got a TON of cheers for "Go Green Skirt" or "Go Green Socks", and I always felt like I had to pull myself together when I heard those words.
- If you have cheerleaders and they aren't going to travel the course, ask them to pick a point towards the end of the race (but not the finish).  It's those last 6-8 miles where you are desperate for a friendly face and some encouragement.  Usually at the finish, you are focused on getting to that line and then you're shuffled off for your medal or photos or whatever and you don't really get to see people that much.
- Bring a water bottle, even if you throw it away after 1 mile.  You never know how delayed the start might be and/or how long it might take you to get across the start and to the first station.

Something I think I did right was not expend too much energy getting around people.  I wasn't going for landspeed records, so I was ok with being a little patient until there was an easy path around.  And I was really really focused on running the tangents and considering my Garmin only read 26.35, I think I did a good job of it (especially since they said upfront that the course was 26.3).

Even though I have a half-marathon on 1/1/11, I am officially on a mental break from "training".  I'm going to run based on how I feel and leave it at that... for at least the next month.  I'm looking forward to it.  Although I already got the "where have YOU been" at the gym today from the staff.

Because my last post wasn't long enough...

... I wanted to share some more of my dad's awesome photos from the race.  (Seriously, SportPhoto should take note... I think this is his niche... sport action photography... he needs to start a sport photography company.)  These were all taken at mile 11.5.  Right before we hit the lake (which you can see in the background on the first photo, which I absolutely love).

And for the record... wearing a bright green skirt and bright green socks was an excellent decision... I got TONS of cheers for "Green Skirt Girl" or "Green Sock Girl".  And when you're out there 5+ hours, ANY extra motivation helps!  When I was at my worst, I got one of those cheers and it made me run!

Dallas White Rock Marathon Race Recap

I'm going to start by saying that this is a very difficult race recap to write.  I have never been so disappointed at a race.  The marathon high that everyone talks about, I don't have.  I am surrounded by amazing people (especially all of you) that have given me support, encouragement, congrats, and accolades, but unfortunately I cannot change how I'm currently feeling.  Give me a few days, hopefully it'll all sink in.

The night before, I set everything out for my kids so that they could cheer me on...

I wish you could see the shirts better, but they are embroidered with "Run Mom Run".  My friend, Chrystyna, made them for the kiddos.  If you want to order some, visit her HERE.

I couldn't sleep and woke up way too early... around 3:30am.  I took a short shower (which I rarely do).  I ate my normal Chocolate and Oat Clif Bar (mistake #1 - I should have eaten something way more significant considering it was still 4 hours until race time).  It was cold outside - low 30s with windchills in the upper 20s.  But I still slipped on my lime green socks and skirt.  I layered my black tee with my pink jacket and a thowaway black sweatshirt.  I put on my favorite TMB Endurance Band, but since it was so cold, I layered another headband over it that would cover my ears until it warmed up. 

At 5:45am, I got in the car and circled around to the front of my house.  Robin, and her friend Jason, showed up first and hopped in.  Then Emily arrived and was ready to go.  And then Elaine showed up, and we were ready to go.  It was a quick drive and super easy to park.  We went right into the Coliseum where we waited and waited for the big race.

And I even convinced photo-shy Robin to pose with me...

Let me take a second here to say Robin is way speedier than me.  Like 2-3 min/mile faster.  But being the awesome and kind person she is, she agreed to pace me for my first marathon so I didn't have to run by myself for 5 looooong  hours.  I don't think I will ever be able to express how thankful I was for her presence with me that day.

We got in the extremely long potty line, and I was starting to worry... because it was the 3rd time, pre-race, that I needed to go.  That never happens.  I usually take care of that at home, and I'm done.  So I was really worried about what my intestines were going to do during the race.  While waiting in this line at about 7:15am, I went ahead and ate some sport beans to prepare for the 8am start.  Stupid mistake #2 - I left my water bottle in the car at 6:30am.  I managed to get a small sip from a water fountain at 7:30am, but I was thirsty.

Quickly we detoured to bag check... while waiting in the line, I spotted a tall, slender blonde, and I knew it was Marathon Maiden.  I got to say hi for about 10 seconds.  I wish we weren't so rushed, because we really should've taken a photo with one another... it would've finally have been a photo where I didn't feel the need to lean down!

We get out to the start and find our way to Corral K.   

22,000 runners lined up for the start.  7,000 marathoners.  10,000 half-marathoners.  5,000 5-person relayers.

The gun went off at about 8:12am.  But it was 34 more minutes before our corral actually started.  By time I crossed the start line at 8:46am, I was seriously thirsty and hungry.  Are you starting to see the start of something bad here?  I should've known that our corral would start significantly later, and I should've planned for it. 

We crossed the start line, and our goal was to stay right at 11 min/mile.  I knew that wouldn't be easy, but was totally doable.  I trained hard for this day, and I was ready to claim it. 

Miles 1-7:  11:01, 10:41, 10:52, 10:54, 10:45, 11:03, 10:47

Somewhere in here, I saw Corina cheering her heart out in an orange tutu!!!  Thanks Corina.

I kept waiting to find the groove.  Kept waiting for things to feel easier.  They never did.  I never found my groove.  Robin knew I wasn't myself because I wasn't talking much (I usually talk incessantly while I run).  My stomach never felt upset enough to stop me, but it never felt right either.  Off and on minor stomach cramps.  At mile 8, Robin needed a quick pee break, so being the awesome pacer that she was, she ran ahead to get in line.  When I caught up, she was still in line.  We agreed I should keep going, but slow down.  So I slowed down and that speed demon caught up to me in no time. 
Mile 8-12:  11:26, 11:00, 10:48, 10:46, 10:54

I knew to expect my dad around here...  He had his tripod and camera all set up ready to go.  I was still feeling semi-okay here.

Right about the half marathon mark, my stomach was starting to bother me again a lot.  Just past mile 15, I decided to try and go to the bathroom to see if it would make me feel better, but no go...  Right about here I saw my brother, sister-in-law, and two nephews.  Angelia, Julian, and Connor ran with me for about half a minute, and it was great to see familiar faces.  Not long after that, my right quad cramped, and I asked Robin to walk for just one minute.  We did, and then took off again.  The cramp came back with a vengence.  My quad was so tight that I thought the bone was going to snap.  After struggling through it for a bit with Robin, between mile 17 and 18, I asked Robin to go on.

Miles 13-18:  11:28, 11:23, 11:53, 12:34, 11:52, 13:33

At this point it's all a blur... I alternated between chanting Jason's "Suck it up, Buttercup" and attempting to run and having my quad cramp so badly that even walking was excruciating.  At one point I even stopped to stretch (something I've never done during a race).  When I went to grab my foot to stretch my quad, I seriously thought my quad was going to tear in half.  I was taking water and gatorade at every stop trying to hydrate with no noticeable benefit.  Around mile 20, I got hot and took off my top headband to find out that my TMB band had slipped out from underneath at some point... I hope someone is enjoying their new headband (and that was my favorite one, ugh).  Saw my dad again near 21 and by this point tears were streaming down my face.  I was hurting and guess what... time for hills!  Yee-haw.

(I was walking right before this shot, and picked it up for my dad...)

(Seriously in pain, puffing it out.)

The double-hills between 20 and 21 were nicknamed the Dolly Parton hills... so the water stop was appropriate...

Yes, I took my water off the top of his left boob.  At this point, I was willing to accept ANY comic relief.

Miles 22 & 23, the cramps from my quads started extending down my legs... my shins were cramping and then I could feel my toes cramping... they were curled up and wouldn't release.  For the record, I have never cramped during a race, so this was all very new to me.

Miles 19-25:  13:10, 12:41, 13:09, 14:26, 14:08, 12:08, 13:25

Somewhere around here, I saw Corina again... and it was what I needed... I started thinking back to her knee and how she finished NYC.  And I thought, per my usual... I can suck up ANYTHING for one mile.  So it was a slow mile, but I ran it.

Mile 26: 12:11

Right about here, I finally saw my children.  I had been waiting all day to see their faces.  I didn't care that the finish was just around the corner... I stopped and kissed each one of them... then I took off.  I would run it in... I saw my brother and his family again right near the finish.  I waved and maybe even managed a smile and pushed it in.

Last 0.35: 3:34 (10:19 pace - which was my version of a sprint at that point)

Final time 5:12 (26.35 miles)

All I felt at the finish line was relief.  I was choked up when the man put the medal around my neck.  And I don't know how many volunteers stopped to congratulate me on my first marathon (first timers get a different color bib), but I couldn't respond to any of them.  I couldn't eek out any words.  I briefly saw Sherry and gave her a hug and then promptly found a place to sit... barely made it to the floor and just sat there staring at the wall.  I eventually got up... couldn't find any food except a stale bagel.  I found Robin (who managed a 4:38... considering she stayed with me for 18 miles, she was pushing an 8:30 pace all the way to the finish after I told her to go ahead).  Yeah, she's a super hero.

Soon I headed back out with Robin to wait for Elaine to finish.  I questioned whether or not I could handle standing there... my quads were still screaming and cramping.  But I have never missed her finish at any of the races we have done together.  She and I decided to do a marathon about 8 months ago... and I was going to see it through.  I found some bleachers near the finish (thank God).  I waited and worried.  Finally, her husband showed up right next to me.  You cannot imagine how happy I was to see Joe.  He said she was within a mile or two and that her dad was with her, helping her run in.  We kept waiting and worrying, and then she came.  For about 60 seconds, my legs didn't hurt and I ran down the lane screaming what I could eek out to her (I was an emotional basketcase)... I ran down the fence as she crossed the finish.  I was elated for her.  I know what an important and big accomplishment this is for Elaine! 

Somehow the marathon wasn't complete without her finish, so I was so glad that I stayed to watch it! 

I won't whine about the 2 mile walk to the car where I almost had another mental breakdown... oh yes I will... it was awful!!!  And then I remembered the car was out of gas... and... and... and... well, it just wasn't my day.

Yes, I am a marathoner.  Yes, I completed 26.2 miles and have the medal to prove it.  I am not disappointed in my time of 5:12.  While I had goals, they were never a make or break deal for me.  What I was disappointed in was that I know I am capable of so much more.  I trained too much for my body to break down as early as mile 15.  I could've handled it mentally if I hit a wall at 20, but 15 was entirely too early.  11 miles of a marathon where I walked almost as much as I ran was just gut-wrenching for me.  I put in the miles and the hours, and I wanted more from my body, and it just didn't participate.

But ultimately, just like the rest of you crazy runners, you know what that means, right???  I have to redeem myself... which means I need to pick another marathon... San Diego RnR?  Seattle RnR?  Marine Corps?  I can't decide.

Maybe at the next one, I'll run with these guys:

(This is the actual pack of Elites, mostly Kenyans, of course, from Sunday's race at mile 11.5.  Photography courtesy of Dad. )

This might be the longest post ever.  If you got to this point, give yourself a gold star... cause even I'm drained just looking at it...

But one last thing... look what arrived in Monday's mail... my sleeves and the pink and green TMB band I wanted to wear... go figure...