My First Half-Marathon

I met one of my goals. I ran survived a half-marathon last Saturday called Rock the Parkway.

I have been training for this run for a while now. I definitely didn't run as much as I should some weeks. Couple weeks I got sick, I didn't run then either.

About two weeks before the race, I started to really step it up. I had to get new shoes too because I was getting bad shin splints! Two weeks before the race is too late to train for a half-marathon. I could run about 5 – 6 miles, but I’m not even half way there yet! The Sunday before the race, I ran up to 8 miles, not as long as I’d like, but the batteries on my phone were dying. I use my phone as my mp3 and gps system. I probably could have ran longer and just did without the mp3, but I always like to have a charged phone with me when I go out running for emergencies.

I got some tips from my friend Jason who is a marathon runner and triathloner (is that even a word? I’m using it now!). I stayed close to my pacer. My goal was to run 2:30, but I would be happy with 2:40 too.

The morning of the race, I parked a bit aways from the start line. If you know me, I will talk to just about anybody. I talked to a girl that was walking behind me, and this wasn’t her first half-marathon, like me. She gave me a recommendation to stop at every aid station, and alternate water and Gatorade and to stay close to the pacer.

If I was going to be running for over two hours, I had better take a quick potty break! I stood in line at the port-a-potties, and there was a lady that was about in her 70’s. She was so cute! We chatted for a little bit, she said that this was the easy half-marathon, start with uphill half way through, and downhill the rest of the way. That’s good, right? Work hard half way, and when you’re tired… let gravity help you.

I got with the running crowd and found the pace that I want to be in. I stood pretty close to my 2:30 pacer. The horn went off, and we started walking to the start line. As we were running, I was feeling pretty good. It wasn’t too bad, just stuck it out with the pacer. I thought I could totally do this, nothing to it, right?

A bit after mile 8, I was getting pretty tired. I was in front of the pace group, but I couldn’t anymore. I was getting tired. I’m not sure if I pushed myself too hard in the beginning, but it didn’t feel like I did. I got to the back of the group. I ran with a co-worker (who was also doing this race) the rest of the way to the finish line.

Many times I thought of what the 70 year old lady said about the rest was downhill. I had no idea what she was talking about! The race was a loop, but the whole time felt like uphill or no hill. It definitely felt like the downhill started at mile 13!

I definitely survived! It was not easy, but it was worth it. There were times when I wanted to just walk, but my co-worker was like, “come on Nicole!” This was her first half-marathon too. She really kept me motivated. My left pinky toe started to hurt around mile 11. It still hurts as of today, which I'm going to see a chiropractor later today for it.

The boys didn’t come because I know they can’t sit still for 2:30 hours. They also had music class, so S took them to that. By the time I was done with my run, they had just finished class.

All I wanted to do when I got home was take a nap! When the boys went down for their afternoon nap, I went and took an Epsom salt bath, and then a nice little nap! The Epsom salt bath really helped! My muscle pains were not as bad as they were when I came home.

You're probably asking, Are you going to do another half-marathon?

There were times during the race where I was thinking to myself, “Why did I even sign up for this?” “This is torture!”

Then after the race, the only thing on my mind was how tired I was.

And now, I have decided to sign up for another half-marathon in May. So yes, I am going to be doing another half-marathon.

I put this whole running race thing like child birthing. You ask yourself during the process and the pain on why you do this to yourself and how you’ll never do it again! … Then what happens?! You have another and another and another. Lol

Here is a picture of me running. It looks like I have a smile on my face, doesn’t it?

I am probably thinking "Downhill! Where have you been this whole time?!" 

Oh yes, I forgot to mention my results!  2:31:28 - I didn't make it at 2:30, but i think 2:31 is close enough for me. I'm happy with it.

Quilt of Valor part 3

I finally finished the back of the quilt. I made a mistake by not purchasing enough of the blue fabric. I went back to the store, and of course, they are sold out! bah!! I picked out the green fabric, and I think it turned out pretty well. I can't complain really. It's not ideal, but it's not bad.

Next week, I'll need pin the front side of the quilt, batting, and the back side.

I'm excited. I am not fully committed to the original idea of the v-shape stitching, because I'm not sure how it'll work with the stripe on the back. I was thinking of just 'stitch in ditch'. I'm going to keep thinking about this one. Do you have any thoughts?

Happy Friday

It's been a rough week. I haven't been getting very much sleep. ... and now, I have a sinus cold allergy and all that other gross stuff. I think it really hit me couple night ago. And now, I feel like it's dragging me down!

1. I finished my submission for Art Gallery January Project - Shoulder Heat Pillow with tutorial.  I just realized this could practically be one of my goals of started & completing a project every month.

2. Ran my first 10k!

3. I will have to thank God for this one. I went running couple night ago after work. I was in such a rush because it was getting cold, and I just wanted to get home. I was crossing the street, and I only looked at my left side, but not my right... it wasn't until I almost hit the sidewalk was when I felt a car coming. I am very frustrated with myself that I didn't look. Therefore, I am thankful to God for watching after me.

4. Snuggles. The boys have been in snuggling moods. So, I'm okay with that. :)

First 10k

I completed my first goal for 2012.

I ran my first 10k on Sunday at the TLC Groundhog Run.  FYI: 10 k = 6.2 miles

A picture of me and the groundhog :)

It was held in the caves, there are businesses in these caves. It's neat. the temperature is controlled.

I definitely didn't train as much as I wanted to. I only ran 4 some miles, but not more than that.  I actually really wanted to run 5 miles before the race. But... life happens, weather doesn't work out, I get lazy, or I rather eat some ice cream than go running.

I just thought I could "coast" the rest of the way after the 4 miles.

At the race, super crowded! It was sold out! I convinced Steve and the kids to come. The kids didn't have much of a say, but I'm sure they were thrilled to sit in a stroller for an hour in a crowded space!

My run started out slow, I wanted to pace myself. I thought things were going well. I had my headphones on with my favorite pop music. I didn't push myself too much, like I would for 5ks. Around 3 miles, I ran over some water, and splattered it on the back of my legs. I don't like things on me when I run, I don't even like the ear buds, but I keep them in to keep myself motivated with music. So, all I could think about was this water that splashed on me and where the water have been, who has run over it with their shoes, am I going to have water marks on my pants, etc... useless thoughts, but I think it kept my mind off of being tired.
As I got to 4 miles, I was thinking, oh, this isn't too bad. I'm surviving, I just need to "coast". 
I think at 5 miles, they didn't have a marker (or at least I didn't see it) I was thinking, This is IT!!! Speed like the wind!!! It's your last mile and .2!!! Don't give up Nicole!
At 5.5 miles (I think), OMG, is this over yet!? I think I walk faster than my limpy hands and arms slow semi-jog.
6 miles, When is this mile ever going to end?! Am I just continuously running and the miles are getting longer?!
6.1 miles... The light at the end of the tunnel is coming! I can hear the crowd... I can do this... I can do this...


I sprinted the last bit so I can make it to the finish line! ... I was so glad it was over, but when it was over... I was thinking, that wasn't too bad, right?  hahaha.
 

Met half of my goals. I did run the whole way, but I did not run it in an hour or less.
My results: 1:04:41

I survived... and now.... on to the half-marathon training!!!

Quilt of Valor Part 2

I'm making progress on my quilt.

I just stitched the pieces together last three nights.

The picture does not show all the pieces, I'm just showing you what the general layout looks like. ;)

I cut all the blocks at 6" and stitched scant quarter inch. I'm going to cut the border at 6" stripes..... You know, I totally forgot about the binding. I might use the rest of a light color for the binding since the border is darker. What do you think?




Refresher:
part 1 (fabric selection)
email (intro of goal)

Quilt of Valor Part 1

Goal for Jan and Feb.

I bought my fabric yesterday! Pretty excited to start cutting and piecing it together.

The fabric on the far right will be the border and backing.

They are currently in the washer. After drying and ironing... these lovelies will be ready to cut!

As for the layout...
I had a general idea of how I wanted the quilt layout to be.
I wanted to mimic the Army ranks:

So, I did a quick sketch to either stitch the symbols or to actually cut each block.

After the quick sketch, I decided that the stitching will be much better for a beginner quilter like me.

I'm pretty excited :)

Quilts of Valor

I think I found my project for January and February (one of my 12 goals for 2012 - start & complete a project a month). This may take longer than a month, that's why I am going do it for 2 months for this.

This is the goal -- I received this e-mail today from one of the shops that I enjoy buying fabrics from:

Many Quilters have asked about this cause. Robin Reich, one of our students and friend of Harper’s, is heading up this effort for those coming home from their assignments in the military based in Fort Riley, KS. Harper’s and our staff want to help in this effort and ask you to donate in any way you can. Harper’s will also have sewing space and time for anyone’s effort. Just call and schedule our classroom.


The following is information on how to help and let us know if you can help.


By March 1, 2012 we need a total of 400 quilts with presentation pillow cases for the wounded from Fort Riley, Kansas. I am trying to help coordinate this effort with some of the Kansas coordinators.


Quilts need to be 100% cotton quality fabric
Size of quilt: Width 55” min. to 72” max; Length 65” min. to 90” max.


Batting: Low-loft quality batting. (Cotton, 80/20, or poly from Pellon, Warm Company; Quilter's Dream; Hobbs)


Label: Put on a label with quilters name; quilt name; piecers name if different from quilters name. You can also include a note with your wishes for the soldier who receives it. I usually put little note about the quilt, and my name and address.


Presentation case: You can make a case out of coordinating fabric or other fabric. It should be a standard size pillowcase.


You do NOT have to use red/white/blue fabrics. The fabrics are your choice, just use quality fabrics.

Thank you so much for your help in this great project.


Robin Reich
QOV coordinator for Missouri
If you have any questions, please call.

I think this is great! The people in the military sacrifice so much for my family and myself. This is the least I could do.

After the birthday party this weekend, I'm going to go shopping for fabrics!

12 Goals for 2012

Here is my list of 12 goals for 2012.
(I wasn't sure how I felt about 13 goals before 2013. I'm not superstitious or anything, I just thought it sounded funny.)

1. Complete a 10k (completed: 01/29/2012 - 1:04) and half marathon. (completed: 04/14/2012 - 2:31)

2. Complete craft room decor. (goal date by March 2012)
3. Pay off half of student loans. (goal date by Dec 2012)
4. Pick up after myself/be better organized.
5. Make quilts for the boys. (goal date by August 2012)
6. Make an "I Spy" Quilt. (goal date by June 2012)
7. Start and complete a new project every month.
8. Clean out a bucket of fabrics. (goal date by November 2012)
9. Be a better blogger. (now?)
10. Take a family vacation. (planning in March)
11. Date night/day once a month.
12. Clean up and update ni-chern designs website.

I'm going to bold them as I complete them with a date.

I think some of them are going to be really big/difficult tasks, so, I am really hoping that I'll be able to do it.

01/18/12 edit: I revised #3 to half because we're also paying on my parents' loans that they took out for me. So, it's double the loans, and it seems a bit unachievable. Paying it off in a year seems super nice, but we have to realistic...




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For #7. Start and complete a new project every month:
January and February: Quilts of Valor: part 1; part 2; part 3;