Double Rainbows in Geneva

Bruce and I are back in Geneva, Switzerland working with U of M Flint's Global Program. We were lucky enough to go through the first program. Now the second cohort is graduating and we are back to help with graduation (video/photography and general planning.)

It has been a lot of fun - because we met the new cohort last year - and this year we got to see the result of all of their hard work with their projects. It's interesting how the same program can result in such diversity among projects from the first group to the second and even among groups.

Today we introduced the group to the double rainbow video and song on youtube. If you haven't seen it - I embedded both below. And then tonight in Geneva a down pour came through just around dusk and you would never believe it - a double rainbow. Coincidence, I think not.





Tomorrow, Bruce and I will run 10 miles in Geneva for marathon training. We might also go to the farmers market across the border into France (if it isn't pouring rain.) However, I am not complaining about the rain - when we got here it was in the high 80's - today was a high of low 70's. Much more comfortable - especially when staying in a place without air conditioning.

On Sunday we leave Geneva for a week of travels. Our duties here have been split - so we are able to enjoy some traveling before getting back to work. On Sunday, we fly to Budapest, Hungry. I am very excited, because it is some place completely new for both of us. Many of our travels have been places one of us has been before and we want to share it with the other person. Hungry is totally new.

It's been a great summer of travel. I am still enjoying the memories of Prince Edward Island and my new love for Poutine. Now we are having totally different experiences on the other side of the pond.

13.1 Miles & Still Standing

The last time I had attempted a half-marathon on March 8th, I had run exactly .8 miles since October. This time I was by no means ready, but I had run a lot more. I even ran one 5 mile run. I can give a list of 1,001 excuses - but to be honest - I just didn't run. That is the reason I wasn't ready. So instead again - this would be another "training run." We met up with Robert and Heather (part of the Ohio contingency of the 7:11 running club.)

We woke up early on Saturday - caught the bus to the start. It was beautiful, high 50's and slightly overcast. I started running and felt great. We did the run a mile - walk a minute strategy that works well for me. Most of the miles were around 11 minutes. But again, this was training. Bruce is a great partner, but I always feel that I am holding him back. I made a deal with myself - I would at least get to 8 miles - that is what I got to in the Disney Princess half-marathon. But once we got to 8 and I was still feeling good we made it to 10. Then we walked two and ran the last 1.1 mile in. It was fun, at the end, I did not feel like death and the scenery was awesome. I would definitely run this 1/2 marathon again.

After the run - we took a short nap - then we headed to lunch at Sledders (a not so crowded bar close to downtown.) Then we did some shopping - I was a big fan of the shoe stores, because there was ample seating - though I did not die, I was still tired. We tried to find a decent cup of coffee in Traverse City - but we had no such luck. So entrepreneurs - here's a call - start a coffee place in TC - serve a decent cup of Joe and you will make a killing.

So what do tired runners do when they are well tired. See a movie off course at the local cinemas. What hot summer hit movie did we see? Drum Roll...... The Hannah Montana Movie. Oh that is right - we did surprise the ticket salesman - when he asked what we wanted to see and how many tickets and we said "Hannah Montana & two adults." But due to the fact that the 7:11 club - loves Hannah & Miley (playing many of the songs on repeat on our car rides to Interlaken.) It just made perfect sense. The theater consisted of 8 people - a father/daughter, a mother/daughter and well us. We sang, we clapped, we cried and we had a lot of fun, but now we are trying to learn the line dance - this quickly reveals that we are way above the target audience, because well I can do the first part slow - very slow - but once you get the music going at tempo - well that is were I faulter.

Yesterday, we enjoyed a trip to the Mission Point Lighthouse, a winer, dinner at Boone's (No not Boones farm - however, - "I hear that the snow peak peach flavor is the best flavor of Boones." - Juno) - Go Karting and then the pool. Frankly I am exhausted just thinking about it.

Today we were up early and on the road - because we stopped for lunch at the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth. Robert had never been and thought that today would be the perfect time. Then I came home and quickly took a long well deserved nap.

So you may or may not know that I spent none of this winter running. Yes, I the first part of the winter in a very attractive knee length boot and the second half in physical therapy. I feel that I needed to preface this blog with that fact.

Needless to say, I did not train for this run. This half-marathon which I signed up for in October after finishing Chicago somewhat disappointed. So I was like - I am in good shape, just because I had one bad race, doesn't mean I can't have a great half-marathon on my half-birthday, with my buddy (Meghan of the 7:11 running club) in Florida. Then exactly two days later, I am hurt playing rec league Volleyball and my winter running is over. 

So before the half-marathon on March 8th in Orlando, Florida, I trained for exactly 8 minutes on the treadmill, approximately three days before. So I went down thinking, I am going to walk this thing. I will have fun, but I will be walking.

Of course you have to start with the running, so I ran with Meghan - I thought the most I would make was possibly three miles. We ran a mile and walked a minute: 

Mile 1: it's early, there are lots of people (women,) we are having fun and I feel surprisingly good.

Mile 2: I am still running, still feeling surprisingly good.

Mile 3: still feeling good.

Mile 4: not feeling good, but not feeling bad.

Mile 5: Slowing down, but still running. Plus we are in the magic kingdom, so that's fun.

Mile 6: Still running.

Mile 7: Still running - but my legs are super tired.

Mile 8: I know this will be my last mile running. I send Meghan who had done a little more training than myself ahead.

Mile 9 - 12: walking, getting my pictures taken with the characters, enjoying Disney.

Mile 13 - Finish: Of course you have to run at the end, especially because you are running through Epcot and there are people cheering you on.

Finish: Oh my word, I may die. Good, I didn't die.

Oh I forgot to mention - that I ran the race in a running skirt. We bought them at the expo - both Meghan and I. And let me tell you, I totally dig the skirt. 

I find Meghan, however bad news, we didn't remember where we had parked and that is the last thing you want to do when your legs are out of shape and exhausted. But we eventually found the car! Then we vegged out the rest of the day, with a trip to the Cheesecake Factory. Then I got on the plane and headed back to Michigan.

Needless to say, I was sore after the race, but not as sore as I would be for the next three days. I honestly don't think I have ever been that sore in my life. I literally had to slide down the stairs on my butt. I literally hobbled around school. Had it not been my last week at St. Clair TEC, I would have called in sick, but I couldn't so I suffered.

Overall, it was a great time - knowing what I know now and knowing how I felt after the run, I would definitely not run 8 miles without training. But I guess you only live once. Next run, (which I am already training for - I am up to 2 whole miles) is another Half-Marathon. The Bayshore Half Marathon in Traverse City over Memorial Day weekend. 

Oh, yeah that's me and Alice along with the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts.

I had time to hang out with Aladdin, Jasmine and Abu.

Yes, I think I have fairy potential.

The big Epcot Ball is in the distance, I am getting closer to the finish.

I am even closer now.

Yes, I am running backwards toward the finish line and I'm taking a photo of myself. This shows my natural athletic talent, and or dumb luck.

Meghan and I in our awesome running skirts and medals. 

Which by the way are in the shape of a tiara.

No Sleep - Sleep.....

Well I must say last weekend I was bracing for a weekend of ZERO sleep. My students had signed up to do the Insomnia film festival. It's a film festival that runs 24 hours 9 am - 9 am. The goal is to produce and edit a short film in 24 hours. However, it was postponed due to problems with Apple's website. At first I was really disappointed - because my team was PSYCHED - and I was wondering if they would still be as PSYCHED - a month later. But as it turns out they were pretty matter of fact about it - you can read their blog post. If you left them a comment - they would be thrilled - because they are pretty much convinced that I am the only one that reads it. I tell them otherwise - but none the less the don't believe me.

Instead Bruce and I used gift certificates to buy ROCK BAND 2. And our band "the next tuesdays" is back on World Tour. And let me say we are pretty freaking awesome. I think the best thing about the new game is well "Eye of the Tiger" is on it along with several Bon Jovi songs.

Other than that life has been busy with school. I am frustrated because I had a Volleyball accident the week after the marathon - when I was ummmm tackled by a teammate. Since that time I have not been able to run - I did something to my right ankle and it's driving me nuts. I want so badly to run - but then there is this throbbing pain that gets in the way. I actually bought a swimming suit and went swimming the other night - I am planning to go again tonight but I have to wait for open swim at 6:30 pm. I forgot how tiresome swimming can be - and well I miss my ipod - I think running is more my speed.

Also my cousin Babe made it into another commercial with her dog Teddy. When I was little she was featured in the Lands End catalog - now she is in a commercial for the Michigan Tech Credit Union. I am posting it here to spread her fame. Also many might see where my years of training to perfect the Palin accent come from.

Calling on All Running Princesses

So I figured since I am enjoying the post marathon runner's high. Well that is what I am attributing this too - I am ready to try again - ok maybe halfway ready to try again. I've signed up for the Disney Princess Half Marathon on March 8th. (Meghan will sign up as soon as she sees proof that I have and really since she lives in Orlando and I will be crashing at her place she really can't say no.)

It's the inaugural race and for the love of God the medal is in the shape of tiara - what could be better. The only bummer is that it is advertised for women - and Bruce is refusing to sign up. I told him that we will just put him in a pink shirt and tiara and call it a day. But he seems to think that won't work. So I am signing him up for the Royal Family 5k.

So to begin my newest training - on Saturday I was inspired - no not to run yet - but to buy new shoes. I had logged 400+ miles on my running shoes and it was time to buy new ones. We went to our favorite running store - Hanson's in Uttica. The guy working was the same one who was there last time we stopped in and on that trip we learned that he too was running Chicago. His goal time was somewhat faster than ours. He wanted to run a 2:14 (yes two hours and 14 minute marathon - we again were hoping for 4:45.) So of course on Saturday we asked him how he did - well he finished 7th - the first American to cross the line - the only American in the top 10 and his time was an amazing 2:16. Suddenly my 6 hour marathon became a way more embarassing story. However the coolest thing is - he was nice enough to pretend to listen.

Bruce and I left there even more amazed. Of course we don't even know his name - he's just our favorite guy at the running store. So I immediately looked up the marathon results. His name is Mike Reneau. Which of course only tonight did I "googled" him. And what is even more amazing is that he has only been running since 2004. Yes - it's crazy. I assumed he was one of those prodigy runners that ran all through high school and into college. No he got started in running marathons when he took a "marathon running" class as an "easy" elective his senior year at the University of Wisconsin. He ran his first marathon at 2hours 36 minutes. I wondering if I should sign up for this class. Here are links to two fascinating articles - one in the Washington Post and one in the Chicago Tribune.

However on Sunday - it was the Detroit marathon a perfect chilly temperature (I am only wondering where this weather was last week.) Bruce and I woke really early to head down to Detroit to cheer on Mary. She was running her first half-marathon and let's just say her training over the past couple weeks had not been easy. So as a fellow "seasoned (ha)" runner I wanted to show my support - by yelling foolishly from the sidewalk. I consider my work cheering best served at the back of the pack - I yell for anyone and everyone - sometimes I little too loudly for my husband's liking. However I tell him that if it embarasses him so much he can walk away and pretend he doesn't know me - there is no rule that he has to stand next to me. Because I won't stop yelling.

Needless to say my planning wasn't steller - I failed to ask Mary what she would be wearing - so we missed her at mile 1 and at mile 3. We tried the internet tracking device with a pitstop at channel 4 and well that didn't work at all. Then we headed to mile 12 - were we waited for her (and I spent most of that wait cheering for everyone and embarassing Bruce.) Just at the point - I was feeling really dumb that we came all that way and she wouldn't even know we were there - there she was! Of course I yelled cheered and screamed loudly for her! I ran out to catch her and run a couple hundred yards with her. She was amazing. I am so proud of her. It takes a lot to get out and run - so to power through like she did - is just awesome. And since I cannot do her story justice - she happened to write a long email to tell everyone about it because she lost her voice - so I will let you hear it from her in here own words. See the posting below.

For first time on TiVo Changed My Life we have a guest writer:

My 1/2 Marathon
by Mary Lobbestael

Inspired by my dear friend Jennie (fabulous blogger and elite runner) and an acute case of laryngitis, I am putting pen to paper (well, fingers to keyboard as it turns out) to share my first 1/2 marathon story. Fittingly, the story is a bit lengthy.

For those of you who followed my training, you know that things didn't go so smoothly. And by not so smoothly I mean my main goal the week before the race was simply to stay out of the friggin’ hospital.

My boss commented last week that I am a linear thinker (which I, of course, took as a compliment at the time). So appropriately, I am going to tell this story chronologically – starting with the beginning of the best worst month of my life.
September 9, 2008 – Fractured thumb
I wish I had a remarkable tale to report for this, my first "in training” injury. But alas, I simply (and stupidly) slammed my thumb in a car door while in New York for work. Of course, post-injury I thought of scads of much more interesting NYC-based stories involving crime on the MTA blue line, drunken self defense in the Meatpacking District, or The Day After Tomorrow–type freak flood. But, as so often is the case in my life, reality is simply not that juicy. Did I mention the car was a Buick?
Runner Mary: 0, Injured Mary: 1

September 11, 2008 – Wisdom teeth extraction
Ok, I know what you are thinking... What joker schedules oral surgery the month before her first race? Well friends, no decision I make happens without thorough contemplation. Here's a peek into the mind of a linear over-thinker:

August – too busy enjoying the dwindling days of Michigan summer to schedule surgery. Plus I didn’t want to seem too anxious to have my impacted molars ripped from my skull.

October – race month, clearly not an option.

November – loads of work travel and my first and only, much needed vaca for the year -- Coasta Rica! (Note: I did seriously contemplate the strong “diet” value of dental surgery. Who wouldn’t want to shed a few pounds before…. gasp… getting into a bathing suit in November? Although a very strong case could be made for pre-vaca extraction, the thought of any complications or swollen cheeks impacting my booze-induced fun in the sun was much too daunting – November was out.)

December – let's be honest, waiting for December just seemed a bit risky given the state of the auto market (can you say pink slip?). No job, no dental, no dice.

Alas, I was left but with one month – coincidentally my favorite of the year – September. I wasn’t crazy about spending any part of my b-day month (yes, I celebrate the entire month) doped up and in pain, but my hands were tied. So, after eliminating work travel dates, my birthday weekend, and checking with Nurse Jenn’s schedule, I landed on September 11.

And although scheduling the abovementioned extraction was my own choice, the subsequent infection was not. Two total weeks with zero miles logged.
Runner Mary: 0, Injured Mary: 2

In an equally unplanned maneuver, I accidentally OD’d on Vicodin and Aleve during my recovery phase. (And for the record: Who knew that Aleve was not the same as Advil?!!?!) Sweet Jesus, my liver still hasn’t forgiven me.
Runner Mary: 0, Injured Mary: 3


September 29, 2008 – Shin splints
Those who have experienced them would undoubtedly agree that shin splints are the quintessential kiss of death for runners. They can end your training faster than wine disappears on Girls Night. For those of you lucky enough not to be unfamiliar with this sort of pain, it’s like a zillion little swords slashing at your shins every time your foot extends to the ground. And it doesn’t matter if you have taken the necessary precautions – anti inflammatories, icing, stretching, resting. Shin splints are selfish cruel little bastards who don’t care that you have done everything human to exclude them – all they care about is crashing your running party and staying until the beer is gone.
Runner Mary: 0, Injured Mary: 4

October 9, 2008 – Hit by truck
Seriously. While running at my customary (well lit) 6am time frame in Ferndale, I was plowed over by an old dude who was too friggin’ clueless to even realize there was a blonde girl in the intersection he was rolling through. Ok, technically I didn’t get plowed over – it was more like bumped into. Again, reality may not be as juicy as the headline, but candidly – getting hit by a 4,000 pound truck at the crack of dawn didn’t result in major physical injury, but it left quite a mark on my psyche.
Runner Mary: 0, Injured Mary: 5

October 13, 2008 – Upper respiratory infection
In the immortal words of Lt. Kaffee (A Few Good Men)... “And the hits just keeping on coming.” Waking up – unable to breathe or swallow properly – the Monday before the race was a relief. Seriously. This was the final straw. This tipped the scales. Whatever stubborn, harebrained thoughts of racing on Sunday that were still swimming around in my pea brain were quickly exterminated. How could one be expected to run 13 miles when one couldn’t make it to the bathroom without fainting?

And for those of you keeping track – our tally stands at:
Runner Mary: 0, Injured/Fractured/Infected/Hit/Sick Mary: 6


October 16, 2008 – D Day
Thanks to a few dear friends (and I am not talking about the blow sunshine up your a$ kinda friends; I’m talking about those motivational ones who’d just as soon kick your a$ than see you give up on yourself) – I realized that even with a few speed bumps in the road (who am I kidding - these were more like spike strips) sometimes you just have to try. Their motivating words resonated loudly in my head…

Forget about the race. It’s just a long run.
This is just your victory lap.
Just make it happen.

So with the imminent possibility of recording the worst 13 mile run in the history of the world and living with the subsequent embarrassment, I chose to run. Runner Mary down by 6 and I chose to run.

And in what can only be described as a runner’s Hail Mary pass, I scheduled my very first chiropractic appointment for the Friday before the race. I had reliable sources that said getting adjusted could help ease shin pain. To tell you the truth, I would have soaked my body in lime Jello if you told me it would help mitigate my shin pain.


October 19, 2008 – Race Day
Prerace: BENGAY, baby! I applied an entire tube. Shin splints be damned!

Mile 0 - 3: Head down. Ipod on. And then only my thoughts to keep me company…. “Damn there are a lot of people here, here’s hoping I don’t trip on someone… sweet Jesus it’s too late to turn back now… run your own race, Mary…run your own race…run your own race…run your own race…”

Mile 4 - 5: Trek across the Ambassador Bridge wasn’t nearly as scary as I thought it would be. Looking back, I wish I would have enjoyed the view a bit more, but alas I was too busy trying not to step on any fellow runners to look at the Detroit River. Oh, plus, I got a bloody nose. This was actually a good thing – made me feel like Rocky. I looked and felt like a total bad ass! Also, this eventually scared other runners away, which meant I didn’t have to worry about tripping on anyone. ☺ Unfortunately, I used almost half of my 26-tissue Kleenex allotment during this stretch.

Mile 6 - 8: Solid running through Canada. Overall, these were my best miles. Very serene and I felt like I had found my rhythm. In a move that I would regret about a mile later, I had Gu (energy gel) at about Mile 7.5.

Mile 8 - 9: The Tunnel run back to the USA… You may have heard about this – it is touted as the world’s only international underwater mile. What you probably haven’t heard about – the tunnel is about 97 friggin degrees and there’s absolutely zero circulation. And what’s more, given the infamous nature of this mile, they actually print out your mile time on your race certificate. That's particularly unfortunate since I got sick at the end of the tunnel – here’s hoping that they don’t note that on my certificate.

Mile 10 - 11: This random run through Detroit was much harder than I anticipated. And some jerky race ops guy found the only friggin hill in Detroit and routed us up it… Urg. Shortly thereafter I hit my proverbial wall. My pace slowed and I really had to focus just to keep my legs moving. The waves of nausea were coming much more frequently. The sword party had started to intensify in my shins and I started the mental countdown in my head… only 30 minutes to go…only 30 minutes to go…only 30 minutes to go.

Mile 12: Thank the dear lord for Jennie and Bruce. Seeing them after Mile 12 marker was as euphoric as seeing a “Half Off” sign at the Saks designer shoe salon. Jennie ran with me just long enough to impart some words of inspiration that, I kid you not, were the only thing that helped me run my remaining mile.

Mile 13: Ok, my avid movie watching really came back to bite me here. Yup, I have watched one too many sports movies, my friends. You know how at the end of any given race or athletic endeavor there seems to be some miraculous second wind that hits the protagonists on the home stretch? A second wind that is so powerful the underdog seems to simply float across the finish line? Well that is all crap. The final mile was the hardest mile I have ever run. Ever.

On a brighter note, I did finish to much fanfare. Not necessarily for me, but rather for Tetyana Byelovol - the women's marathon winner who finished just steps ahead of me. Yeah that's right... this Ukrainian twinkie ran 26.2 miles in the time it took yours truly to struggle through half that. Bet that bitch didn’t have shin splits. ;)
Final tally:
Runner Mary: 13, Injured Mary: 6

Video
You can watch me cross the finish line at the following website:

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081020/MULTI/81020020

➢ Click on the 2:33 – 2:43 tab
➢ My gun time was 2:35:20 (clock in center with yellow numbers)
➢ I’m in yellow shirt, blue shorts on the left side of screen

Anatomy of a Runner Thanks to Bruce, here’s a picture of me at Mile 12.

Special thanks go to
Jenn & Seth
Jennie & Bruce
Robb
Missy
Mandy
Jen
Linda

Chicago Marathon - Check

I finished. That's pretty much all I can say. I know it's shocking but well let's just it wasn't quite the day I had dreamed about. What is the Chicago Marathon that I did dream about? Well it would be a cool crisp fall morning, where I was healthy. And well it was neither of those two things happened. Despite the near 6 months of training and 400+ miles (all over the world) I am still glad that both Bruce and I did it and finished it.

So here's the recap. Last week about this time, I started to feel something inside that said you are getting sick. I fought it - by coming home and going to be pronto and upping my vitamin c intake - with vitamins, orange juice and lots of fruit. However, I couldn't shake it, but I do have a new rule in my classroom - when students come up to my desk to get Kleenex - they must go somewhere else to blow their nose - instead of directly at me. By the time Saturday night hit - enough positive thinking could not hide the fact that I was sick.

We arrived in Chicago on Saturday. We promptly met up with Megan (my former Wunder Student - and now Columbia College Student.) It was her birthday - so we bought her lunch at Pot Belly Sandwich shop. Then we headed up Michigan Ave to met up with 7:11 member Robert and his wife Heather (who traveled all the way from Lima to cheer us on.) We hung out for a while then headed to Wicker Park to enjoy a fabulous dinner at the Handlebar. We were supposed to meet up at 6 pm but we were ten minutes late because well it's rare but this time I went the wrong way - nearly 1/2 mile the wrong direction down North St. Don't worry I ate crow on that.

We arrived to the Handlebar (finally) where we met up with my family. We celebrated my Dad's 29th birthday and Megan's 19th. I brought the kids pop-up books which I am proud to say were a hit, especially the Barbie Makeover book I gave Sophie. Then we headed home for an early evening - we needed to rest for the big run.

We were up early to head to the start - but to be honest I never slept. I think it was partly nerves and partly because I was really getting sick. We (Bruce, his Dad and I) headed down to the start with the 40K+ runners. This was Bruce's first marathon, my second and his dad's 19th. When we finally crossed the start line it was 20 minutes after the official start of the race. There were that many people running. At first we were crawling - then we started to move. The pace was too slow for Thomas (Bruce's dad) so he took off - Bruce and I ran slowly but it was fine.

At mile one we ran into our first spectators Robert & Heather. Then a mile or two later - we saw my mom, my sister Krista, Josh (her husband,) Sophie and Max. They were screaming our names it was so great to have fans. At this point, I was running on pure adrenaline and had forgotten I wasn't feeling well. However, by mile three it hit me that I was not up to my normal running style. I felt sluggish and was dragging. Then by mile six, I was not sure I could make much more. I pushed on for a couple more miles - until my body said - "ummmm, not today." Bruce was ready to call it quits with me but I said, NO. He had worked too hard this summer not to finish - just because I was crapping out, he should continue. Plus my dad was going to be up at the next mile or so and if I wanted to he could take me home.

I am not going to lie, after Bruce left, I got really emotional. I had worked so hard - and I so much wanted to finish the marathon - even if it wouldn't be close to my goal of 4:45. Believe it or not I was not the only one in tears. The weather was getting hotter and people where just starting to drop like flies. Once I reached my dad - he, a great sport - who had not expected to walk into town, walked the course with me to meet up with the rest of my family at 12 miles.

When I reached them they were all great. I got huge hugs. Max was so funny and matter of fact, he was like, "Ok Aunt Jennie, you are sick, so you should come home with us." Part of me wanted to, however there was this stubborn part of me who was going to finish this race no matter what. I stopped for a little while and got some more hugs and then my mom, dad and I continued on to the half-way point. On the way there we saw Megan. (It's a lot for a college student to wake up early on the weekend and come cheer me on, so needless to say I was touched.) By this time, I was feeling a little better and I decided to try running again. I ran about 2 miles and was feeling good - but decided walking was better for me.

It was about this time when I met Debbie from Atlanta. She too was walking and frustrated because she wanted to be running. She hurt her knee and thought that she wouldn't be able to finish the race, but then slowly began walking and decided that she would try. At this time we began to walk together and talk. We have a lot in common other than having a frustrating marathons - like she has a blog too. I am so glad I met Debbie, because it was so much easier passing the last 11+ miles with a friend. She is pictured down below with me - she's wearing pink and was not expecting to meet up with the paparazzi that was my family. :)

The next time my mom and dad saw me - I had a walking buddy/running buddy. Debbie and I even started giving ourselves goals and running a little. We were walking at quite a clip. As we got closer, it became more feasible that we were going to finish. At mile 25 - when we had made a plan to run to the next block - we ran into her running coach - Justin from Atlanta. And for some reason the next block became the finish line - he described the last 1/2 mile of the race and despite the face that it ended up hill - we ran in the entire way and crossed the line together. I had hoped to cross the line with Bruce - but I am glad I had a friend to cross with. It made it a little easier.

Somehow - not becauase it was planned - because we didn't think that far ahead. But we all managed to meet up after the race. Debbie let me borrow her phone and I called my dad, who happened to be not to far away. Then Megan called my dad and she was with Robert and Heather. And my dad called my mom and we all ended up in a little park - to rehash the day and take some photos.

On a side note - Bruce's dad crossed the finish line in 4hours 27minutes. Amazing - if you ask me!

Bruce and I met up at the end of the race. I am so proud of him. I am not sure if I will try a marathon again - this one proved to me that despite how hard you train - you can't control everything. For now, I think I will stick with half-marathons for a while - it's a much more doable race. However, I am not going to lie - there is a part of me that thinks - well maybe the New York Marathon would be better because it's in November. (Yes, I am nut case - that may need intense therapy.)I wore my medal proudly to school today - not a lot of people saw because I was hiding in my room with my sickness. Despite everything - I am proud to say that I finished the Chicago Marathon.

Max & Sophie giving Uncle Bruce a big hug on Sunday.

Sophie giving me lots of love on Sunday. It was just what the doctor ordered.

Bruce and I at mile 6 in Lincoln Park.

Meeting with the fam at mile 12.

Megan cheering me on in Chicago!

5 Days 14 hours 49 Minutes 17 Seconds Until Chicago
(as of this blog)

Ok - we are just six days until Bruce and I (and his dad - but he will finish long before us) run the marathon in Chicago. This is the third time I have signed up for the marathon and hopefully the first time I will finish. Between working in TV news and being well a natural born klutz - I have paid entrance fees, started training and well never finished the race. So let's hope that number three is a charm.

Now this question keeps coming up: "How far is the race?" So please for the moment let me get on high horse and say - a marathon is always 26.2 miles (or 42.195 Kilometers.) And has been 26.2 miles since 1924 - before that it varied by a mile or two. According to our friends at wikipedia. The event is named after the fabled run of the Greek soldier Pheidippides, a messenger from the Battle of Marathon to Athens. The legend states that he was sent from the town of Marathon to Athens to announce that the Persians had been defeated in the Battle of Marathon. It is said that he ran the entire distance without stopping and burst into the assembly, exclaiming "Νενικήκαμεν" (Nenikékamen, 'We have won.') before collapsing and dying. Which is well very possible for me on Sunday - however I have been training so let's hope that it is not probable.

Bruce and I will head to Chicago to not only run the marathon but celebrate my dad's 29th birthday and Megan's 19th birthday! Plus Robear and Heather are coming in from Lima to cheer us on. I am very lucky to have a built in cheering section in Chicago and two great friends that are willing to drive-in to cheer.

However, if you aren't coming to Chi-town - don't feel left out. You too can track my progress - electronically. You can sign-up online and the marathon will text or email you when I get to 4 locations on the route (one of which is the finish.) All you need is my bib number - which is 26822.

I will be running with Bruce - which has made this experience more rewarding no matter how well I do at the race on Sunday. We have had a great time running together all summer through Europe and back here in Michigan. So wish me luck - and when bring advil for the next time I see you because I have a feeling I might still be sore.

TiVo Changed My Life Hits 500

This is year three of the blog and the 500th post. I wish that I had an amazing story to post - however I've been very busy since school started with getting class ready and running.

Two weeks from Sunday, Bruce and I head to Chicago to run the marathon. It's been a long time training - however - I hope that I am ready. I am sure that Bruce will be. I have up and downs in during training. I am just hoping that when the day comes - that it won't be 90 degrees and I will be able to finish under 5 hours. My goal is 4:45 - but I feel like having a goal is taboo - because it just leads to disappointment when you don't make it. And finishing should just be enough. But until then tomorrow - we have a 10 mile run.

Today - Bruce and I headed to Lansing Community College for some professional development. We are into the fourth week at school - it's been a very busy year. Without grad school I thought I would have lots and lots of free time. But I managed to find a way to spend my time.

Ironically tonight - I am finally catching up on some TiVo. I got caught up with ANTM. And now Bruce and I are watching the 2 hour Grey's Anatomy season premiere before we switch over to the presidential debate.

It Wasn't Pretty - But I Finished

Today, I finished the 10 mile Crim Road Race. We started the run at 8 am and it was already 78 degrees. By the time I got to the 7th mile - I was so hot. This is when I am glad that I am a wimp and I listen to my body - because when I felt that I was going to pass out or blow chunks like many other people did - I just stopped and walked. I finished the race in 1:52 minutes, which isn't breaking any records, but I finished. I have been coming to the Crim Road Race as long as I can remember and this was the first time I ran the 10 miles (with Bruce.) It actually was the first for a lot of people in my family. My Aunt Janet ran her first 10 and my identical cousin Kellie (who came in from DC for the race) ran her first ten.

The 7:11 crew came in town for the big event (MIA Tony and Meghan.) We had fun hanging out and the next event is Urbana, OH for a football game. It should be fun. Well as much fun as you can have a high school football game. Actually we will have more - because that is just our style. It's only been a couple a weeks (2) but it was great to see our friends again. Joe brought Lori and Quinn Robert's fam was back in Ohio because his little one was sick. Karyn ran the 10 too she was our winner - however she couldn't stay for the festivities because she was celebrating her 10 year high school reunion tonight. However I cannot verify this and who knows she may just want to get home to jump on her new trampoline (which by the way sets her up perfectly to compete in the 2012 Olympics.)After the race, it's a tradition in my family to hang out for the big party. Bruce said to my cousin Kellie today that it's about the race not the party. Kellie quickly informed him that he was wrong, and this is a clear sign that he is a new comer to the family, because it is about the party, the race is just a nice event before it. Now when I say party think - huge tent with food and beverages, with live music (DJ at first but then a live band.) This year's high light was the Contours - the one orginal member in the band showed up with his three fill ins for a concert. Now Bruce had to work tonight - so when he left early - he wasn't shamed, not by me or the family. However, I was told that I need to start schooling him on the ways of the Crim. However if you have ever met my family - you would know that it is always about the party. We love to laugh and have a good time and if there is no party - we find a way to make one. Below is a picture with me an my youngest cousin Olivia - she will be 7 this year - which makes her 23 years younger than me - you do the math. She ran the Teddy Bear Trot which is a quarter of a mile - she said to me that when she grows up like me - she will run the 10 mile too - hopefully I will be able to still run it with her.

We stayed at the party until after 2pm. Then we headed back to Lapeer County. My dad and mom drove me (which was a good thing, because I was exhausted.) Plus they had to come get their dog which was at my house I just got out of a much needed shower - I am sure my parents probably appreciate it more than I do. Now I am helping my mom upload her first video to YouTube. Then it will be time for a well deserved nap! So another 10 miler done, however next week will be a big challenge, Bruce and I have an 18 miler on the training schedule. I am hoping for very cool weather, because as I said today - I am a cold weather runner!

Fish, Chips & 15 Miles

This morning we woke up in London and went running. Training for the marathon has been unique because we have been in Europe for a month of long runs and everyone weekend we have been in a different city. So the first weekend we ran 12 miles in Paris, then 8 miles in Nice, France, then 10 miles in Geneva, Switzerland and today we ran 15 miles in London. 

Bruce and I have been pretty good on sticking to our running schedule. I think last week was the only week that we decided to skip long day (six miles) and replace it with two smaller 3 milers. 

Today's run was through Trafalgar Square, by Westminster Abbey, by Buckingham Palace into Green Park around the park, then into Hyde Park and around the entire park and back to St. James Park. We ended up running around St. James park a couple times, but in the end it was a good, but thoroughly exhausting run. As I told Bruce, we crammed 8 hours of walking into 2.5 hours. 

Then we took a nap - because again we were exhausted. But when we woke up we headed out to walk around. We were famished so we enjoyed the British tradition of Fish & Chips. We bought tickets for Spam-a-lot tomorrow evening. We bought it from a half-priced booth, however we aren't certain we got the best price, but oh well. I think Tuesday night we will head to one of the smaller theaters in our neighborhood - which is advertising a funny play about teachers - which couldn't be more fitting.

We are now back in the hotel - we may go out again, but who knows we may call it a night. I will give a full review of our theatre experience right here later this week.

The Nice Adventure

Well I have given you a little taste of our time in Nice. I do have a happy update - Bruce made back in Geneva safe and sound. But I figure you are dying to hear the rest of our adventure - despite that it is Friday and we are headed for a new adventure tomorrow.

So travel back with me one week ago: we woke up very, very early to catch our 8 am Baboo flight. Of course it was delayed an hour, but we boarded and it wasn't what we expected. It was actually a Spanish airline that was flying the Baboo flight to Nice. We arrived in Nice and the weather was beautiful.

We headed to our hotel - Hotel Med (which from now on, I will refer to as Club Med.) Our rooms weren't ready but they let us stash our stuff. We then headed down to a cafe for a pizza lunch. We headed back to find that Club Med was ready for 7:11 - which meant we immediately got our bathing suits on and headed for the beach.

If you aren't aware the French Rivera does not have sandy beaches. It was full of rocks. And beaches in Nice are topless. However, none of the girls from the 7:11 club opted for that option. We enjoy how our bikinis look with tops. Plus when you think about it - that could be a really uncomfortable burn.

The first day we went to the free beach - where you lay on the rocks with your towel. Needless to say - the nap that I thought I was going to take on the beach did not happen. But we had fun in the water.

That evening we headed to the pedestrian district of Nice. We had a great dinner with wine at a nice little restaurant that was tucked off the main streets. The best part was a salad, dinner and dessert only cost 18 Euro - which isn't bad for Europe.

We enjoyed the night in Nice. We saw some street performers - one which could have been the worst Michael Jackson impersonator ever. It was funny because we wanted around for his show because his costume was so impressive - but seriously my robot could have entertained more people than his impersonation.

We headed back to the hotel fairly early because Bruce, Karyn and I were waking up at 5:30 am to run 8 miles. Let me tell you it was hard to wake up - but I am glad we did because had we waited it would have been way too hot. However as we left the hotel, some drunk club goers - who were just ending their night stopped us and asked us if we knew of an open restaurant. We pointed them in the right direction. Then as we ran off - they yelled crazy Americans - they couldn't understand why we would get up so freaking early to go running - and at that moment I agreed with them.

Then on Saturday we headed to the pay beach. It was about 25 dollars a person to go, but it was worth every penny. Mainly because there was water with ice - which is not a common practice in Europe. We enjoyed the beach from chairs under umbrellas. And then there were nice bathrooms - instead of having to pay to use the crappy ones. It was a very enjoyable day.

That evening we took the train for 3 Euro to Monte Carlo - Monaco. It was ok - but we weren't dressed for the Casino and the stars weren't lining the streets like I expected. And to be honest once you have seen a huge yacht and a Ferrari - more of th same isn't that impressive.

We left on Sunday and you can read about that ordeal below. Overall I recommend Nice, but if you go to the beach in my opinion it's worth the money to hit the private beach.

Running & Research

We are almost through our first week and so far our days here in Geneva have been pretty intense with schoolwork. Our mornings are very typical – we meet at the rock in front of the John Knox Center at 7:11 am for our daily run. However, I feel that they hills maybe larger than last year. Most of our days and evenings are spent in the classroom in front of our computers - researching and writing our research papers on our Master’s Projects.

The good news is that despite all the hard work – we will play. Tomorrow morning we are leaving early in the morning for the city of Nice in the French Rivera. We are flying Baboo Airlines (insert giggle here), believe it or not it’s a Swiss discount airline. So far since we booked we have already had the flight times adjusted, Robert informed us that they literally have four planes in their fleet – however he did inform us that they were four new planes. From the historic streets of Paris to Geneva and now the 7:11 club is now hitting the beach, for a weekend of adventure, relaxation and of course fun. Stay tuned for the adventure.

12 Miles Through Paris

This morning, we (Bruce, Karyn, Joe & I) woke up very early (5:15 am) to go on our 12 mile scheduled run through Paris. We ran up to the the Arc' de Triumph. Then we ran down the Champs Elysees - which was probably one of the most interesting parts of the run. Why? Well it wasn't the scenery, it was the fact that all the clubs were closing down - yes it was close to 6 am. Bruce made the comment, "Four of us are not like the others." Yes, that would be the four that had slept that were wearing running clothes and weren't stumbling down the street. I must admit that time flew by as I was nervously watching the drunken club goers wondering just what they might do. Good news - nothing happened:)

Then we ran down to the Place de la Concorde - at that moment it was beautiful. The moon was out, the sky was beautiful. It was truly an amazing moment. Then we ran by the Louvre - that's were we hit 4 miles - that's also where Joe and Karyn called it quits. Bruce and I headed down to the Notre Dame.

Then we ran to the Eiffel Tower (which by the way was trashed - yes, the street cleaners in Paris could be the hardest working men in Europe. That is one of the things we noticed - Paris in the morning especially a Sunday morning is trashed. The area right near the Eiffel Tower was just littered with paper and crap. As we ran by the started to pick up all the trash.

Finally we ended our run right by the Arc de Triumph. To be honest I am surprised we made it the entire 12 miles because we have done so much walking - and of course walking up the endless amount of stairs. It was probably one of the most spectacular runs I have ever done - I didn't have a great time per say but it was beautiful. I will write more about the rest of the trip in the next post.

My New iPhone... well sort of...

We woke up bright and early this morning ran 8 miles and then headed to the At&t store to make the plunge from verizon to at&t. Now that Krista and Josh are converting - alway we have to do is talk my mom and dad (who we talked into verizon) to switch - that could be a tough sell. None-the-less we headed to the Grand Blanc store first to only find that they were out - then we went to the Flint store. They were of course out too, however we got on the direct connect (or something like that) where they will ship our iPhone with our name on it to the store. Considering that the wait time could be 2 months and I am leaving for Europe today I am not in a hurry. But you know you had to buy the new stuff on i-Day as the sign in front of the store proclaimed. Now we probably could have gotten on had we skipped the run and went right to the store, but that shows you how committed we are to running. Now I must shower so I can enjoy a very very long plane ride. Aufwiedersehen. :)

The Rest of the Trip

On Tuesday when we arrived, we made our annual trip to Shute's (pronounced up there Club Shoo-tay's) for karaoke. We had such fun last year that we didn't want to miss out. However to Krista's surprise we made sure to go on Karaoke night - she didn't enjoy the beautiful singing as much as we did. I hear that I got up and sang a song (however that is rumor) and I cannot confirm or deny that.)

We also celebrated Krista's birthday at the Shaft again this year. As a July birthday, we always end up celebrating it this week - with cake and ice cream. I think her children may have enjoyed it a little more than she did. Because we had left over cake and of course that meant for breakfast the next day we all had to have a piece of cake in order to make sure it didn't go bad.

On the fourth of July we headed to the annual Ahmeek picnic. It was a great time of family bonding. Babe was a riot per usual. We also went tore up the dance floor with the band. My 79 Aunt Shirley had some of the tightest moves of all of us. But my mom and dad are excellent dancers too - there is a girl that may or may not be me in the video but again, my memory is a little fogging - so I cannot say for sure that is me. I am uploading the video as I write this. Hopefully, it will upload before dawn - for some reason it is slow.

Well we never made it to Copper Harbor for the fireworks - it just wasn't in the cards this year. We were leaving early this morning (on top of the fact that Bruce and I needed to run 10 miles before we left) and the fireworks in Copper Harbor don't usually start until after 11 pm - because it takes so long for it to get dark up there. Copper Harbor is not far from Calumet but there is no major express way to get there so it's about a 40 minute trip. So the thought of getting back near 1 am and leaving the next day - made us all chicken out. However Sophie was very very very disappointed - but don't worry Uncle Bruce to the rescue (and about $20 of gas station fireworks.) We had a small display in front of the Shaft which Sophie loved and well let's just say half way through Max asked to go inside and didn't care that he would have to sit by himself on the coach (yes this 3 year-old is not a big fan of fireworks.)

This morning Bruce and I woke up at 5:30 am for our 10 mile run to Lake Superior. We planned it perfectly - Calumet is on a hill which mean if we ran to the lake there would be a very large up hill on the way back (2.5 miles of an up hill) and well we can handle hills but that's just ridiculous. So we ran downhill for a long time (there were a couple inclines, but nothing major.) Then my dad generously picked us up - therefore avoiding the 2.5 mile steep incline.

Happy 4th from the North

We are celebrating the fourth of July in Calumet this year. It has become a tradition (thank you Aunt Janet & Uncle Jack - who let us use the Shaft this week every year.) Calumet is on the tip of the Michigan's Upper Peninsula in the Keeweenaw Peninsula- aka Copper Country. We are having a good time relaxing - hanging out with my niece and nephew (who by the way are hilarious.) Today we will head to Ahmeek - for the 4th of July Picnic. Where we will meet the Ceno Clan (Babe pictured with Teddy above.)

Yesterday we helped Uncle Bert pick up his new to him Ford F150 Club Cab pick-up truck. Before we headed back to the Shaft, Dad, Bruce and I ate at the Ambassador for lunch. The Ambassador is know for it's Pizza and Beer. I must say it was delicious. Then last night we headed to the Pic in Hancock for a movie with the kids. We went and saw Wall-E. It was ok - I could have used a little more dialogue. But Max enjoyed, Sophie wanted more princesses. Believe it or not Sophie and Max nearly devoured this entire tub of popcorn by themselves. Yes we did eat a little but those two though they are small when it comes to popcorn they can pack it away.

Tonight after Ahmeek we will head to Copper Harbor - the tip of the Upper Peninsula for the Fireworks. The only problem is that because we are so far east and north it takes a long time for it to get dark so it's a late night - but Bruce and I have to wake up pretty early because we have to run a 10 miler in the morning. (we have to stick with this marathon training if I expect to make it the whole way.) Then we head back downstate.

I'm in Love -- with my Nike+

Screen Porch Loungin'

For those of you who are G. Love Fans, I am sure you see the reference. Tonight I am on the screened in porch enjoying a little out doors, but not too much hence the screen, with the cats and dog. After a couple days of big storms with lots of rains the temperature is a lovely 65 with a breeze and no humidity.

Today, was the last day I had students reporting for the 2007-2008 school year. I still work until the end of June, but I will bide my time with working on my curriculum for next year. You know inventing new things to ruin my students lives, most adults would call it work/projects/tools to help them learn. But remember here I teach high schoolers who tend to have an eye for the dramatic.

When I got home today, Bruce and I headed to the park for a run. We have been pretty good keeping on track for our marathon training. Since May 5 - I have run 62 miles. I am sure all of you avid runners know that isn't a huge accomplishment, but for me it is. So far, I am injury free and feeling good. However, I am knocking on wood, because we all know that I don't have the best injury free record.

The Best High School Production

(I've Ever Seen)

So I am going to level with you, when my students asked me to go see the play they were in this weekend at their "home school," I said yes. (My rule is if they ask, and I am not busy I will make an effort to go, that goes with plays, band concerts, sporting events and graduations.) But despite saying yes, I wasn't what you would call excited at the prospect of sitting through a high school production of Andrew Lloyd Weber's Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat.

Bruce is working tonight. So I got myself ready and drove the hour to the East China PAC (Performing Arts Center) to see Marine City's High School's Production. I arrived at the PAC - just in time. I paid my $8 admission and got my seat "just in time" to listen to the director give his thank yous before the play started.

Then it started with a very long intro song. At that moment, I was like ok this is good, but what did I get myself into - let's get this party started, I have a long drive home. But then it started and turns out these kids can sing. I have never seen this production before - though I am a big fan of most musicals - I wasn't sure what to expect. I was able to pick out my student right away - yeah go Matt. Then I heard my other students - she was rockin' the drums in the pit band. Yeah go Kate. I have included a picture of us above after the show.( which I will post tomorrow 5/4) Please enjoy Matt's stage make-up, don't worry, I gave him a hard time.

Overall I had a very nice time. And I am not going to lie, I do like it when my students ask me to come to things. I think that means they like me a little, even though I am their teacher - and I have my moments as Mean Mrs. Holladay. Just ask them.

The early part of my day was spent at Karyn's school running the First Annual Nellie Reed 5k. (Her school is called Nellie Reed.) I ran this race as a run, not a race. And it turns out that I was the only one in our group that did not get a medal. Karyn - the speed demon - was first in our age group, her boyfriend Rodney was first in his - her mom was first in hers and Bruce was third in his. Had I been 30 today - I too would have been first. Oh well, it was fun. We got to see Karyn's school and her room. It was nice event. So way to go Nellie Reed Elementary school in Vernon, Michigan.

I guess you could say it was a public school day for me. I woke up this morning to support a elementary school and finished my day supporting a high school. Yes, I support public education in Michigan. Tomorrow, I will be enjoying a day of laundry which give me many hours to watch TiVo - I've got a lot to catch up on. Hopefully - I am not too far behind and all my shows are still there for me to enjoy - like the new Grey's Anatomy, the Hills, and ANTM.