Saturday, May 29, 2010

Angie's First 5K



Today was my first 5K and it was a huge rush. It was held at a gorgeous state park about 40 min from our house. I woke up this morning with a sour stomach and pre-race jitters, but was luckially able to kick it with Pepto and a nice half hour walk around the neighborhood with Max in the jogging stroller. :)

I registered about an hour before the race and then warmed up & stretched on a little dock on the water. It was so peaceful. I'm not sure of how many runners there were, but it was a lot. As we were waiting to start people around me were commenting on how there were so many more than in the past. A totally buff wheelchair cyclist started 5 min ahead of us and then we were off.

I specifically stayed at the back of the pack, knowing that I'd probably finish there and so as not to get too caught up in the adrenaline and start off too fast. There were three other women who seemed to be in the same boat, which was (honestly) a relief. I was literally last at this point though. I felt a little blah about it, but kept telling myself "Slow and steady wins the race".

At 1.75 mi or so there was a turnaround. As people started running past us (on their way back already) I noticed that some were walking and panting like dogs. It worried me because I didn't know what was ahead, yet energized me to keep my pace so I could run the whole thing. I decided to try to pass the woman in front of me at the turnaround and ended up passing four people before the race was over.

Shortly after the 2 mi mark, a little boy's mom & grandma were waiting for him. (He was running in front of me.) The mom asked him how he was doing and he collapsed in her arms and started bawling. I about lost it! The little chugger was so so tired. I kept going and a few minutes later heard him behind me again. =)

Michael & Max were waiting for me at about the 2.25-35 mi mark and seeing them was JUST what I needed! Michael had his camera and new lens ready and Max was waving and grinning from ear to ear. As I told Michael, seeing them during a race is one of my favorite sights! Their support means so much to me.

The rest of the race was tough, as my adrenaline after seeing them started to wear down. The final part of the course included a huge hill. I thought for sure I'd have to walk, but pushed myself to kind of leap up it- just enough movement that it wasn't considered walking. ;) The final stretch was all downhill, which was actually such a tease because it was down and my legs just wanted to stop and give out.

I sprinted the last leg though and just prayed that I wouldn't fall on my face in front of everyone. People were cheering and it was a feeling like no other! I finished in 41:06 (I'm pretty sure that's what the clock said), which was just a minute/6 sec over my goal of 40 min or under. All things considered, I'm thrilled! I honestly didn't feel 100% ready to go for a 5K yet, but decided to just go for it. Life's too short to sit on the bench.

I'm glad I did. The July 4th 4K will be a breeze now!

UPDATE: Just got my race results- I placed 230th out of 234 male/female runners and I'm thrilled! Who'da freakin' thunk I'd ever be able to run 3.1 mi non-stop and without getting stitches/cramps in my side?!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

The Latest From the Homefront

First and foremost, Michael got a 4.0 this semester! We're so proud of him- he's such a hard worker! He enjoyed his first relaxing day of fishing at the state park this past Sunday. Lots 'o carp, but hopefully better luck next time!

I booked a gig music directing/playing [title of show] this summer. It's a hilarious show that played both off & on Broadway. My friend Benjamin was the male cover for both incarnations. I'm so excited to finally work with Rich of Singing Onstage! He's a newly MFA'ed director from Penn State.

My 'other' summer project is training to run the 4th of July Fireworks 4K here in town. The course is all around the PSU campus (hello, hills) and is open to both runners & walkers. My goal is to run at least half of the race, if not more.

Sir Maxwell seems to have hit the 'Terrible Twos' a few months early. We have good days and bad days and it's all very Jekyll & Hyde-ish. He can go from being the happiest cheeriest boy in the world to a feisty & growly little guy within minutes. I've heard rumors that patience is a virtue... ;)

We're looking forward to walking the Survivors Lap at the Relay for Life this coming weekend. Michael, Max, Nana & Me- we're a team! We'll also be celebrating Uncle Dave's birthday as well. Hoping for sunny weather!

Have a great week, everyone!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

The Day We Lost the Phunk


Max and I headed to Sam's Club this afternoon to pick up a few things. As usual, Elephunk joined us on the excursion. Given to Max by my friend Calley, Elephunk is his #1 comfort toy and a constant companion. (Note his presence on the right hand side of the table at our Mother's Day brunch!)

Although we didn't have a long list, we walked all over the store. Max loves the high ceilings, lights and flirting with the sample ladies. Before we were getting ready to check out, I decided to stop by the restroom. I picked up Max, his diaper bag and...

The Phunk was missing?!?!

I panicked. We backtracked through every aisle at top speed. (Literally, sprinting!) He'd dropped it once before, so it didn't even cross my mind to stop by the service desk. I half expected to just see the random grey stuffed elephant lying on an aisle floor.

Distraught, I finally headed to customer service. There were three people in front of us and I was freaking out. My heart was racing and all I could think was "What are we going to do?! He needs him to go to sleep!"

I turned my head and caught a glimpse of The Phunk on the back counter. WHEW!

When we made our way to the front of the line, I said "I'm here to claim that stuffed elephant." The customer service lady said "I was wondering whose this was! Someone brought it to us and the first thing I thought was "Some little kid is going to be VERY upset!""

No kidding. And don't even get me started on his mom!

Monday, May 10, 2010

Angie's 1st Race


Three months ago when we joined the Y, I couldn't even run three minutes on the treadmill without getting winded. I can now run over an hour non-stop and this weekend I ran my first race- a 1.5K.


Humans and dogs getting ready for the 1.5K part of the day. (The 5K was an hour earlier.)


And we're off! A gust of wind caught my earphones. Please notice (as noted by Michael) that the woman & dog on the right hand side of the picture look oddly similar! Jolly good fun!


The homestretch!


Cue 'Chariots of Fire'!

I finished 7th out of thirtysome humans/dogs! My goal had been to run non-stop and miraculously, I achieved it. (As I shouted over and over to Michael as I passed him at the end of the course- "I didn't stop! I didn't stop!") It was very windy and wow, I felt it on 3/4 of the race, as it was around a huge open field! Wind aside though, it turned out to be a great day (it was supposed to be cloudy & rainy) and I hope to run the 5K next year!

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Happy Mother's Day

"Happy Mother's Day" means more
Than have a happy day.
Within those words lie lots of things
We never get to say.
It means I love you first of all,
Then thanks for all you do.
It means you mean a lot to me,
And that I honor you.

But most of all, I guess it means
That I am thinking of
Your happiness on this, your day,
With pleasure and with love.

- Unknown

Happy Mother's Day to all Moms- past, present & future. Especially ours!

P.S. And thanks to Michael & Max for making me a mom!