Monday, January 30, 2012

Chevron Houston Marathon 2012

I DID IT!!!!
26.2 miles
Give me a second to take this all in...
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Okay, lets start at the beginning. That would be January 2, 2012. One of the worst days of my entire life. You all know why. Did I feel like running?  Heck no. But I did anyway, and it wasn't fun. 
I'm not afraid to admit that I've struggled with depression before.  I know what it feels like and I can see it coming from a mile away.  Despite my awareness of this, it's still one hard S.O.B. to get rid of. While Tyler was home, I did next to nothing with my training.  My longest run in that ten day period was 4 miles. As soon as he left I felt nothing but anxiety about this race. I even let myself begin to ask questions like, "Am I still up for this?". This was very un-Jessica like of me. I have a strict no-giving up rule. There's no turning back now. I've worked too hard. 

So, like I said I continued running anyway.  The week before the race I'd come home from a short 2 miler completely gassed. I mean the works- red face, panting, cramps- everything! I'd make it to the driveway and start bawling.  I thought, "How in the world am I going to run 26 miles when 2 is giving me a hard time?" I was psyching myself out- big time. 
Running is all mental. Really, it is. It doesn't matter your age, weight, if you're blind or disabled- you've just got to have your mind right. If you think you can do it then you can. And man was I having some "stinkin thinkin"

So, I faked the best attitude I could muster. Then it came.  The day before the race.  I ate 2 breakfast burritos, a bowl of pasta, two powerbars, 6 bananas, another huge bowl of pasta, and about 5 liters of gatorade that day. I had to go to the bathroom all night long! haha, too much information? haha. I read a few emails from friends that reassured me that I was going to survive and talked strategy with my Dad. And of course, I got a pep-talk from my sweetie too.   

Finally night turned to day- It was time.  My Dad dropped me off downtown and I made my way to the Expo to start stretching.  I made lots of friends right before the race. Angels I tell ya!  I didn't feel alone at all. When people learned that this was my first marathon, they automatically began encouraging me and telling me I'd do great.  Someone even let me have some of their chapstick. haha! I was so grateful to be around so many friendly people.  I think everyone could tell I was nervous. I'm not very good at faking it.     
Here I am about to leave the house... Unfortunately the last pretty picture you'll see of me...Did I really expect to look good while running 26 miles? A girl can hope, right? haha!
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Waiting in the port-a-can lines... I used them 4 times before the race.  I didn't want to waste any time using the bathroom during the race so as soon as I was finished I headed to the back of the line again. haha. Here's my "what in the heck was I thinking" face, followed by my "fake it" face. 
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They blew the horn! See those bright lights up there? That is the real start line. It took me about 10 minutes just to begin! There were so many people! 7,637 Finishers total. I wasn't sure where to pace myself at first. I didn't want to overdo it and wear myself out too early, so I stayed with the 11 min. mile pacers for a while. 
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"HEY DAD!!! Look, I'm running!" This is at the 8 mile mark. It was about at this time that I realized I could definitely pick up the pace. All throughout the race there are pace teams that carry big signs with balloons attached to them.  On the sign would be your goal pace- I started with the 5:15 group and by about 12 miles I passed the 5 hour group. I think I had the goofiest smile on my face the whole time. The miles were just flying by!  Gosh, there were people everywhere! Live bands, Elvis impersonators, belly dancers, people handing out candy, bananas, oranges, and course the all the water stations!!! It was insane, and so much FUN. I was definitely overstimulated.  It was a stark difference compared to nothing but cows and stray dogs for entertainment.Photobucket
On my bib was a microchip that measured my average pace.  At 10k, half, 20k, and 30k a text message was sent out to my friends and family with my time.  I ran with my phone so that I could answer if Tyler called. This also allowed me to receive text messages. Every time someone texted me my arm would buzz. I think I ran a little faster every time I felt the buzz!  Thanks everyone- it helped so, so much! Tyler called me 3 times during the race to see how I was doing.  I'd just put the phone on speaker and we talked while I ran.  It was everything to get to talk to him. It felt like every time I started to feel the burn, someone would be there for me. My Dad was at mile 8, 12, 17, and 25.5, Grandpa and Wylie were at mile 10, Susan was at mile 22, and my Mom was at the finish line with the girls. I felt so blessed to see their faces during the race. I just can't describe the feeling of having someone be there for you in a moment of need. Sure, I would have been fine on my own, but that's not the point. The point is, I wasn't alone. I can't express my gratitude!  
Feeling strong at mile 17 and coming in for a big high-five! By this time I had caught up to the 4:45 pacers and decided my goal would be to stay in front of them...
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Here I am with only about a mile left... I was determined not to loose my pace... thank goodness for those people handing out oranges and bananas.  I sucked on that orange for a whole mile.  It was fun wearing an orange slice smile! Wish I had a picture of that one! I never stopped to walk. That really surprised me. I was feeling really beat up at mile 23 and decided to walk, but after about 5 steps I knew it was a bad idea.  I was getting stiff way too fast, so I decided to continue to stomp through the wall...
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I DID IT!!! At the finish line!!! I am very pleased with my time, however I feel like I could have done even better had I started out a little faster.  But that's okay, I did it. And I did good!

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I finally made it to my babies!!! So good to see those beautiful faces.
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I love this picture.  Maggie is as cute as can be, and Rachel is telling me that her tummy is growling. Believe me, mine was too.  This was where I began to wonder how I was going to chase these girls around for the next few days, not to mention just standing back up. After a steak, some Dr. Pepper, and a long bubble bath I was as good as new! Those things work wonders for this girl! haha. ;)
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I am now going to share my testimony with all of you.  
I know without of shadow of a doubt that my Redeemer lives!  I know that Jesus is the Christ and that he came to this earth to take upon himself the sins of this world.  Not just sins, but weaknesses, heartache, and sorrow. He has felt it all.  He knows each of us, and loves us more than we will ever know.  I have felt His love as I have struggled with my own sins, weaknesses, heartache, and sorrow.  And He has never abandoned me. I know working towards good goals can bring us closer to Him. Faith is action. This was definitely true for me while preparing for this marathon. I never knew that I could do something like this. But He did. He knew all along. 
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Sunday, January 29, 2012

Where I Come From- My Insane Family

I have always wanted to run a marathon. Seriously, no joke. I've always wanted to! Most people think it's insane to run 26.2 miles- some even find it dumb.
That's okay though.  I come from a family full of insane marathon-running, triathlon-doing people.  I guess I'm starting to fit right in. haha!
Every time I need a boost, a little inspiration I think of them.  I think all the marathons Tricia ran while raising her beautiful family. I think of my Uncles and their insanely long weekend bike rides. I think of the all the Boston Marathons Uncle Wylie has ran.  I think of my own Daddy and the stud of a runner he was (he rides a Harley now! haha).  I think of my Aunt Susan and all the hard work and determination she had to prepare for and DO an IronMan. Oh, and there are so many more!!! They have always been an inspiration to me- in more ways than one!  



   Here's my Dad in the glory days! Look at that air-time! And there's Susan eating a sandwich during that 15 hour long IRONMAN. Incredible.
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Some of my generation.  Look at Caitlin... wow, I mean- WOW! A picture really shouldn't make you this jealous! haha! And Niki under there... do you see that time?  11 minutes and 23 second 2 MILE! The girl is a gazelle. 
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Hi Susan! Who knew being insane made you so happy? haha.
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Cross Country Derek and Ken, Susan, and Wylie after a race...
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Hot Mama Tricia during the St. George Marathon! Oow OoW! And Susan, Ken, and Diane after their Fourth of July run...
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I wish I had even more pictures.  But then this blog post would never end.  Thank you everyone for sending me your pictures and letting me share them! And even more thank you for all the advice and all the pep-talks. Ya'll are the best. 

P.S- My marathon post is coming soon! I'm having difficulties with a picture I ordered. So annoying! just a little fyi.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Scrub-a-dub-dub

While I was pregnant with Maggie my Mom frequently bathed Rachel for me at night.  We would swap- she'd do bath time and I'd do the dishes.  It was a nice break for me. Plus bending over the tub with my big pregnant belly wasn't pleasant. Since then it is something that she always does when we visit.  It is fun to watch her play with the girls- She is much more fun than me.  Most of the time bath time is my "catch up" time.  I put the kiddos in and try to pick up the house before bedtime.  I know- boring! 
This time though, I peeked in and listened...

Rachel: "Don't wash my hair Nana!"
Maggie: "giggle" 
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Rachel: "No! No! No! washing my hair!" {she ain't kidding}
Maggie: "dadaa, maammaa, aaaaaahhh!"  
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Rachel:"{water muffled screams}"
Maggie: silence
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Rachel: "full blown screams"
Maggie: "gotta cry if sister cries"
sidenote: I've got to admit that it's quite refreshing to know that she doesn't just do this with me. Look at that face! Oh the horror! Sometimes I tell her to imagine shes a mermaid and that mermaids love water in their eyes! haha, sometimes it works too! Obviously not this time... 
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Things started looking up once they noticed the stack-able cups! All better now.
 When Nana bathes the girls they aren't the only ones who are all wet- Nana is too! There's always lots of splashing going on!  
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Thanks Mom.
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Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Lunch Date with Nana-Nana

It was a chilly day, so instead of going the park we went to the Woodlands Mall.  Very very dangerous place- for me anyway.  Living out in the country can make you go a little crazy when you step into a place with a Jamba Juice and a baby Gap.  My two vices in the Woodlands! Luckily, I wasn't alone! We played at the "playground area", ate lunch, and then rode the carousel. That's the one thing about the Woodlands mall that hasn't changed since I was little- they still have that same carousel. good times.  

she enjoyed climbing on the turtle the best...
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Where did Maggie go? Ha! There she is!
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These two boogers spent most of their time sitting at the top of the slide causing traffic jams than actually sliding! Like I said- boogers!
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I think it was a hit! I'll have to remember this when it's 100 something degrees outside this summer...
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finally! There she goes!
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All babies love Nana-Nana...
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She's such a beautiful lady- even toddlers notice...
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hehe, I like this one. They love playing with her jewelry and asking for lip gloss. ;)
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Carousel ride! And the Zebra is still my favorite!
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Until next time! 

Monday, January 23, 2012

I'm used to it.

The girls and I drove up a week early before the marathon to catch the big game- LSU vs. Alabama.  I wasn't going to let anything come between me and my Dad and Grandma's Gumbo (yep, I capitalized gumbo).  Not to mention the shrimp cocktail and hush puppies. {heaven} 
Unfortunately, the food and the company was all that was good that evening. And unfortunately considering A&Ms season, I'm used to this sort of thing. {sigh}

gotta love it... 
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I thought my brother would get a kick out of this- Taylor and his white LSU shirts.  Taylor and Mike have been best friends since like... FOREVER.  We love the Thomas family.  Anyway, they are die-hard Tennessee fans and Mr. Terry watches just about as much football as my Dad.  They have attended several LSU vs. Tennessee games together. And everytime LSU goes to the National Championship Taylor wears one of these shirts--  
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Geaux Tigers!
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The girl yelled her head off! I caught one of the tail end of a yell- I love it!
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After 5 hours in the car and about 30 people over at the house, Rachel got to stay up super late. I think its one of the only times Rachel has actually slept in. She ate a lot of cookie cake. Look at them purple teeth, haha....
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I can't wait until A&M plays LSU next year! We are going to have a good time.  
SEC here we come! 

A Knight to Remember

Before Tyler left we took the kiddos to Medieval Times!  We had so much fun! I was a little concerned about having to hold the kids in our laps the entire time, but it actually wasn't so bad.  They loved it! Especially "Princess Rachel". 

She was sooooo excited to get to go to a castle!!! She talked about it for days afterwards.   
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Oh my this picture! Can you tell Rachel is a bit worried?  I'll admit the bird dude made me nervous too! She loved wearing her new princess dress to the castle. I was hoping to curl her hair and put on a little crown, but we had to wake her up from her nap to get there on time.  And you don't want to mess with Rachel right after naptime- trust me, it's not a pretty sight. ;)   
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Remember how I mentioned we had to hold them in our laps the whole time?  Hence only one picture from the show.  I'm telling you- they loved it, I mean look at Rachel's face!
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Saturday, January 21, 2012

One Year Older

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!
these pictures are just for you... 
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(thought that'd make you smile!) 
xoxoxoxo

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Fuzzy Halos and Guardian Angels

The girls and I had a great day today- nothing but blue skies and chilly weather. But that's not the only reason why it was so great!  We got to play with our friends- Mommy included!  
  
Maggie and her fuzzy halo... I always knew she was an angel. 
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Maggie's hair is so wild! I've dubbed it un-tameable. The worst part about it is that she won't keep a dadgum bow in her hair to save her life. Goodness gracious, I guess we'll just have to hang in there until I have myself another ponytail girl... But I have to admit that I love her crazy hair especially on days like this.  It's just so darn cute!      
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Feathers! Softy fluffy feathers! Like a baby chick. I love it when the sun shines through it like that.
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I believe in angels. Always have. Not just the ones looking out for us above, but all the ones alive and living among us. This girl always comes into my life when I could so use a guardian angel.  Funny thing is- we met in high school, but never really hit it off until college (how did I get so jipped in high school? sheesh!).  We wound up in the same Genetics class and lab at Texas A&M.  It just happened to be my last semester and I was pregnant and taking 19 hours. Talk about a long and crazy semester. We'd study together and look at dumb fruit flies under a microscope together until finally that long semester was over. Whew!!! Then while Tyler was at Ranger School and I was 9 months pregnant she happened to only live 5 minutes away.  And now, Tyler just left on deployment.  And guess who happens to be there to hang out before my big marathon day?  
That would be Denise... 
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I so needed a day like this.  Really though, you have no idea.
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My little roo... always on my hip, in my arms, or in this case- in my lap.  Hi there little Momma...
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Rachel needed a day like this too...
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Look Denise!  Look at this picture you took! Incredible.
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Yep, a natural.
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Us plus Maggie... haha... its been a "teething day".
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BOO!
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   Such pretty colors... 
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Another fuzzy halo!!! hahaha!
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The boys and Rachel dug for worms for a good long time.  We got home today and all Rachel wanted to do is go outside and look for worms.  I really liked it!  We should hang out with boys more often! 
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Someone liked the trampoline...
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I hardly ever get pictures with ME in them! My dream is to get all three of us in a picture one of these days! I'm talking about all smiling and looking at the camera picture! Rachel was too busy playing.  But Maggie was more than willing, I mean she was already in my lap! haha. Thank you Denise for the amazing pictures!
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I love being a Mom, in case you couldn't tell...
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It was fun.  I'm ready to do it again! haha!
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I'm so grateful for all the guardian angels in my life.  Seen and Unseen.