On the way to work yesterday I saw a bumper sticker that said "Remember What you Wanted to Be". I remember exactly what I wanted to be! I wanted to be a cut throat business woman. An attorney. One that eventually shifted into Politics and wrote speeches that mattered and made a differance. In my spare time I wanted to do modeling but only for products I loved and I wanted to be choosy. I wanted to Summer in the Hamptons and write books because people would be beating down my door to hear what I had to say next. I can't remember not wanting to be that! In Kidergarten when all the other little girls were playing mom, I was playing Principal. When my friend Danny and I played house, I worked while he stayed home with the kids.
I always kind of lived between reality and fiction in some odd in between world. I wanted a grand life full of grand things and even if it was just in my imagination it was there! I started college majoring in Criminal Justice and somewhere between the boys the bars and the books I decided Public Relations was more my cup of tea. Maybe I wasn't supposed to be a cut throat attorney but I would still make a differance. After several sales positions and a chance encounter with my current employer I landed in Human Resources and it fits.
What's missing from the bumper sticker is the flip side of the coin, remembering what I didn't want to be. I didn't want to be a mom or a wife, I didn't want to be ordinary!
What I've learned is that everything I didn't want is exactly what I want to be when I grow up! I love being a mom and a wife and that doesn't make me ordinary it makes me extrodinary!! Sure I'm still waiting for someone to knock on my door and ask me to write a book but I'd end up being too busy playing in the fantasy world of 2 little boys I know helping them figure out what they want to be!!
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
Stumpjump 50K Recap
Preparation for this race started weeks and weeks ago when my friend Jill and I signed up with Fleet Feet for their Ultra Dirtbags training program. It was through this program that we met out kindred running spirits, Michael and Paul. In this program the 4 of us ran through rain, through sore legs, on mornings when we had no desire to run. We had prepared and reprepared. We knew what order we were running in, what food we would eat, how much water we would drink. What we would do when we crossed the finish line. We had spent hours upon hours out on the trails training for this. We knew enough about each others running styles that we knew when someone needed left alone to work it out on their own and when they needed a push to get through it. All this preparation could have never prepared us for the monster that is Stumpjump.
We arrived at the Start line at 6:30AM and it was raining. I was packed with plenty of food and water and ready for the race so after a quick trip to the porta potty I hung out in the car until 7:30 when it was time to get pictures with the Fleet Feet Nashville Ultra Dirt Bags. We got our last minute pep talks from our trainers and off we went. We knew the last 6 miles of this race would be the hardest and everything we did had to be with these last miles in mind. That being said we decided to start out in the back of the pack so we wouldn't feel pushed and we could just take it easy and run our own race. In the first mile we met Lynn, who was running the race by herself, she quickly realized we had the same running plan she had and she quickly fell perfectly into place as the 5th in our group. The first 4 miles were a wide jeep track with rolling hills and these flew by. I remember asking Paul, the only veteran in our 5 person group if the entire race was like this, he laughed. Before you knew it we were at Mushroom rock and the first aid station. We didn't need anything at this point and we were all in great spirits.
After mushroom rock we got a preview of the notorious hill we would have to run back up at mile 28, it was rocky and slippery because of the rain and we knew this was going to be a monster on the way back but for now it was really fun! This hill ended at a swinging bridge that kind of gave me motion sickness when I ran across it but it was still a really neat experience. The next few miles were a blur of hills, rocks, silly conversation and barely being able to keep my balance at times and then we were at mile 6.1 and Suck Creek Road and our Fleet Feet mentors were there taking pictures and talking to us. We discovered here that Paul had drank all his water and was left with ice so while Michael was helping him fill it back up the elite athletes slated to win this race came cruising by us. Turns out they accidentally split off with the 11 milers and wasted many precious mile. We would later see them coming towards us dropping out because they knew they would never catch up.
In no time we were off again for some of the prettiest views I've ever seen. There's no doubt this course is tough but it is also one of the prettiest places I've ever been. This portion of the trail was tough because most of the downhill wasn't even runnable. It was covered in rocks that moved or what we referred to as surfers. At some point during this portion of the trail our leader Jill hurt her knee because the terrain just wasn't easy and nothing we had prepared for. Other than her injury we were all in high spirits. I kind of lose track of what happened when at this point. I know at one of the aid stations we saw our Fleet Feet mentors and got smiley happy pictures and at another aid station Michael fashioned Jill a knee band and she was able to continue. Through the mile 16.8 aid station I was feeling amazing. I knew I had this. I did get disgusting water at one of the aid stations but I didn't think that mattered.
Somewhere between mile 18 and 19 we came to an area known as the "rock garden". It is rocks as far as the eye can see and you are basically jumping from one rock to another while looking for flags to direct you. It was misery. The only thing that kept me going was knowing that Rhonda, Matt and Jarrod (our Fleet Feet mentors) would be at the 19.5 aid station to pep us up. Also we had to make this aid station by the 6 hour mark to assure we would be able to stay in the race. We got there right about the 5:30 mark making the cut off and seeing our gang made me want to cry. They were amazing. They got our drop bags helped us throw away our trash and reload our food for the rest of the race, filled up our water bags, told us how amazing we were and assured us we were about to get a small break in the terrain. And within minutes we were off again.
This was the toughest part of the race for me both mentally and physically. I really thought that the weeks and weeks of my garmin mileage being wrong( because when you run in the woods the satellite drops some) would have prepared me but I started to feel lost and panicky like I never really knew where I was or when I would be to the next place. I noticed that because my water tasted so bad I hadn't been drinking much of it at all. I hadn't taken in enough salt and I didn't want to eat anything anymore even though I knew I had to. I was pretty sick to my stomach and was even seeing stars. I really wanted to throw up but I wasn't going to quit, that wasn't even an option so I just kept putting one foot in front of the other. I knew when I signed up for this it was going to be tough.
Finally we were at the Suck Creek Road Aid Station for the 2nd time. 6.1 miles to go! I also knew the next 2 miles were going to be the hardest of the day. I really had to build myself up at this aid station. I felt terrible. There was a road right beside me. Someone could come get me. My friends started running and so did I. Michael gave me a Powerade gu with some electrolytes and in about 10 minutes I felt much better. My stomach still ached but I knew I would make it. Michael told us from here on out we were only allowed to say positive things. We started climbing, we went back down a hill, we crossed the swinging bridge and then we tackled the hill of hills. It was bad but by this point it was just something we had to get through to get us to the end. Finally we saw Mushroom rock, we had 4.2 miles to go. We were within an hour of finishing and this was the easiest part of the run! We had this. I could already feel my family at the finish line. I wanted nothing more than to wrap my arms around Alfred. I have never in my life wanted to hold someone so bad in my entire life. I wanted something normal, I wanted something familiar. With 1/2 a mile to go we came out of the woods onto the final 1/2 mile of road and Lynn's family was there. I'd never met them, heck I'd only met Lynn 8 1/2 hours earlier, but they were just what I needed. They ran the last little bit with us telling us what was ahead and how awesome we were and how proud he was of Lynn and all of us. Then I saw my family and I lost it. I couldn't stop the tears! I was so proud of all of us for finishing even when it was tough. I was so happy to see the faces of my boys. Then there was the finish line. The 4 original training partners grabbed hands and crossed the finish line with Lynn right behind us (we wanted her to hold our hand but she said she wanted the original 4 together)! It felt beyond amazing!! I wouldn't have changed a thing. I will always remember my almost 9 hours in the woods with those 4 amazing people. It was a tough day with lots of highs and a few lows but it was worth every tough step we took.
We arrived at the Start line at 6:30AM and it was raining. I was packed with plenty of food and water and ready for the race so after a quick trip to the porta potty I hung out in the car until 7:30 when it was time to get pictures with the Fleet Feet Nashville Ultra Dirt Bags. We got our last minute pep talks from our trainers and off we went. We knew the last 6 miles of this race would be the hardest and everything we did had to be with these last miles in mind. That being said we decided to start out in the back of the pack so we wouldn't feel pushed and we could just take it easy and run our own race. In the first mile we met Lynn, who was running the race by herself, she quickly realized we had the same running plan she had and she quickly fell perfectly into place as the 5th in our group. The first 4 miles were a wide jeep track with rolling hills and these flew by. I remember asking Paul, the only veteran in our 5 person group if the entire race was like this, he laughed. Before you knew it we were at Mushroom rock and the first aid station. We didn't need anything at this point and we were all in great spirits.
After mushroom rock we got a preview of the notorious hill we would have to run back up at mile 28, it was rocky and slippery because of the rain and we knew this was going to be a monster on the way back but for now it was really fun! This hill ended at a swinging bridge that kind of gave me motion sickness when I ran across it but it was still a really neat experience. The next few miles were a blur of hills, rocks, silly conversation and barely being able to keep my balance at times and then we were at mile 6.1 and Suck Creek Road and our Fleet Feet mentors were there taking pictures and talking to us. We discovered here that Paul had drank all his water and was left with ice so while Michael was helping him fill it back up the elite athletes slated to win this race came cruising by us. Turns out they accidentally split off with the 11 milers and wasted many precious mile. We would later see them coming towards us dropping out because they knew they would never catch up.
In no time we were off again for some of the prettiest views I've ever seen. There's no doubt this course is tough but it is also one of the prettiest places I've ever been. This portion of the trail was tough because most of the downhill wasn't even runnable. It was covered in rocks that moved or what we referred to as surfers. At some point during this portion of the trail our leader Jill hurt her knee because the terrain just wasn't easy and nothing we had prepared for. Other than her injury we were all in high spirits. I kind of lose track of what happened when at this point. I know at one of the aid stations we saw our Fleet Feet mentors and got smiley happy pictures and at another aid station Michael fashioned Jill a knee band and she was able to continue. Through the mile 16.8 aid station I was feeling amazing. I knew I had this. I did get disgusting water at one of the aid stations but I didn't think that mattered.
Somewhere between mile 18 and 19 we came to an area known as the "rock garden". It is rocks as far as the eye can see and you are basically jumping from one rock to another while looking for flags to direct you. It was misery. The only thing that kept me going was knowing that Rhonda, Matt and Jarrod (our Fleet Feet mentors) would be at the 19.5 aid station to pep us up. Also we had to make this aid station by the 6 hour mark to assure we would be able to stay in the race. We got there right about the 5:30 mark making the cut off and seeing our gang made me want to cry. They were amazing. They got our drop bags helped us throw away our trash and reload our food for the rest of the race, filled up our water bags, told us how amazing we were and assured us we were about to get a small break in the terrain. And within minutes we were off again.
This was the toughest part of the race for me both mentally and physically. I really thought that the weeks and weeks of my garmin mileage being wrong( because when you run in the woods the satellite drops some) would have prepared me but I started to feel lost and panicky like I never really knew where I was or when I would be to the next place. I noticed that because my water tasted so bad I hadn't been drinking much of it at all. I hadn't taken in enough salt and I didn't want to eat anything anymore even though I knew I had to. I was pretty sick to my stomach and was even seeing stars. I really wanted to throw up but I wasn't going to quit, that wasn't even an option so I just kept putting one foot in front of the other. I knew when I signed up for this it was going to be tough.
Finally we were at the Suck Creek Road Aid Station for the 2nd time. 6.1 miles to go! I also knew the next 2 miles were going to be the hardest of the day. I really had to build myself up at this aid station. I felt terrible. There was a road right beside me. Someone could come get me. My friends started running and so did I. Michael gave me a Powerade gu with some electrolytes and in about 10 minutes I felt much better. My stomach still ached but I knew I would make it. Michael told us from here on out we were only allowed to say positive things. We started climbing, we went back down a hill, we crossed the swinging bridge and then we tackled the hill of hills. It was bad but by this point it was just something we had to get through to get us to the end. Finally we saw Mushroom rock, we had 4.2 miles to go. We were within an hour of finishing and this was the easiest part of the run! We had this. I could already feel my family at the finish line. I wanted nothing more than to wrap my arms around Alfred. I have never in my life wanted to hold someone so bad in my entire life. I wanted something normal, I wanted something familiar. With 1/2 a mile to go we came out of the woods onto the final 1/2 mile of road and Lynn's family was there. I'd never met them, heck I'd only met Lynn 8 1/2 hours earlier, but they were just what I needed. They ran the last little bit with us telling us what was ahead and how awesome we were and how proud he was of Lynn and all of us. Then I saw my family and I lost it. I couldn't stop the tears! I was so proud of all of us for finishing even when it was tough. I was so happy to see the faces of my boys. Then there was the finish line. The 4 original training partners grabbed hands and crossed the finish line with Lynn right behind us (we wanted her to hold our hand but she said she wanted the original 4 together)! It felt beyond amazing!! I wouldn't have changed a thing. I will always remember my almost 9 hours in the woods with those 4 amazing people. It was a tough day with lots of highs and a few lows but it was worth every tough step we took.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
My Biggest Fan
When you decide you want to run a 50K you know it's going to be a lot of work. When you're married with 2 kids under the age of 5 you know it's going to take a very understanding spouse who will love you more even though you might be a little crazy :)!
I decided on the way home from my marathon when I was doubled over in the front seat sick to my stomach making Alfred pull over at every exit that I could run farther! That a marathon just wasn't enough. Most husbands after 5 hours of taking care of the boys in below freezing weather, chasing you around a unfamiliar city to hold signs up and give you support and now seeing how bad you felt would say no way, I'm not doing this again. My Alfred said "I think you could easily do it". And so the quest began.
My friend Jill and I decided to join Fleet Feet's training for the Stump Jump which meant Alfred would have to rearrange his entire work schedule so he could have Saturday mornings off so that I could get up at 4:30AM make lots and lots of noise and head to the woods for hours upon hours then come home and recover however I felt necessary. It might be a nap or party with the friends, really who knew from one week to the next! About 3 weeks in I reminded him that Kingston would be playing Soccer and he would have to take both boys to the ball field on Saturday mornings and I would try to meet them there...oh and he was going to coach!! He said "That's fine, I've always wanted to coach".
He reminded me on Friday's to give him my list of must have trail food for the weekend so he could go ahead and get it while he was at work. The times when I've doubted myself he's reminded me that I am strong that I am doing this for those that can't, that I run because in a family full of heart disease that takes the lives of those I love too early I (knock on wood) have shown no signs of heart disease. He has massaged my back and legs and made ice packs when I've needed them. He understands the need carb load and doesn't make fun when I go into super crazy food planning before long run or race mode. Most of all he hasn't made me feel bad for being a little crazy. He has made me feel supported and loved and through it all I've fallen even more in love with him and I didn't even think that was possible.
So as I embark on my journey Saturday morning I do so knowing that in a hotel in Chattanooga my husband will be there getting the boys ready for a fun day out on the town, coming to see mommy when possible and he will be there with our boys to watch as I cross the Finish line hand in hand with my training buddies and he will have Patrone!! Thanks for being you Alfred and for allowing me to be me! I love you from the bottom of my heart and I love the example you are setting for our boys, so they always know it is possible to have a family and follow your dreams.
I decided on the way home from my marathon when I was doubled over in the front seat sick to my stomach making Alfred pull over at every exit that I could run farther! That a marathon just wasn't enough. Most husbands after 5 hours of taking care of the boys in below freezing weather, chasing you around a unfamiliar city to hold signs up and give you support and now seeing how bad you felt would say no way, I'm not doing this again. My Alfred said "I think you could easily do it". And so the quest began.
My friend Jill and I decided to join Fleet Feet's training for the Stump Jump which meant Alfred would have to rearrange his entire work schedule so he could have Saturday mornings off so that I could get up at 4:30AM make lots and lots of noise and head to the woods for hours upon hours then come home and recover however I felt necessary. It might be a nap or party with the friends, really who knew from one week to the next! About 3 weeks in I reminded him that Kingston would be playing Soccer and he would have to take both boys to the ball field on Saturday mornings and I would try to meet them there...oh and he was going to coach!! He said "That's fine, I've always wanted to coach".
He reminded me on Friday's to give him my list of must have trail food for the weekend so he could go ahead and get it while he was at work. The times when I've doubted myself he's reminded me that I am strong that I am doing this for those that can't, that I run because in a family full of heart disease that takes the lives of those I love too early I (knock on wood) have shown no signs of heart disease. He has massaged my back and legs and made ice packs when I've needed them. He understands the need carb load and doesn't make fun when I go into super crazy food planning before long run or race mode. Most of all he hasn't made me feel bad for being a little crazy. He has made me feel supported and loved and through it all I've fallen even more in love with him and I didn't even think that was possible.
So as I embark on my journey Saturday morning I do so knowing that in a hotel in Chattanooga my husband will be there getting the boys ready for a fun day out on the town, coming to see mommy when possible and he will be there with our boys to watch as I cross the Finish line hand in hand with my training buddies and he will have Patrone!! Thanks for being you Alfred and for allowing me to be me! I love you from the bottom of my heart and I love the example you are setting for our boys, so they always know it is possible to have a family and follow your dreams.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Happy 4 1/2 Birthday Kingston Homer!
Half birthdays have always been a big deal in our house. Why should you have to wait an entire year to celebrate the awesomeness that is you! So today as my first child celebrates another 1/2 year I want to take a moment to reflect on him. We always say he had a better plan for our family then Alfred and I ever could. He is the reason we are the Eller's!
Kingston you are one of a kind! You have never met a stranger. You work a room quicker than most anyone I know. People I don't even know recognize you at the most random places. Everyone is your friend! You never miss an opportunity to compliment anyone. You tell me everyday how beautiful I am. You love all beautiful things from painted toe nails to necklaces to rocks that you see something in that no one else does and call them happy rocks.
You love running with mommy and Bex, you are a great big brother, you love daddy days when you, Bex and daddy get to hang out at home all day and be lazy. You remind us all the time that paper towels are bad for the environment and you ask so many questions about God and Jesus and Church. You are good to your friends at school. Your best friend at school is Sarah and has been for the last few years, the 2 of you love playing dress up and pretending to cook. You play soccer and this year you have really matured in the sport. You know you have to be on the field and that your team needs you. You beg us to take karate and I hope to get you enrolled soon. You perform skits and puppet shows at home and at school all the time. You come up with the most random stuff and I could watch you for days. You love movies and funny music. You enjoy going out to eat with the running club on Wednesday and if you get in trouble and you have to miss you are very upset. You love your grandparents and I think you would live with them if we let you. You love vacation and staying in hotels!
You talk all the time!! People are usually floored by your vocabulary because you sound like a little adult. Sometimes this drives mommy crazy because you reason things out so well. You are a debater and every time you get in trouble you try to talk your way out of it before you will just take the punishment and I have to admit sometimes your arguments are good. You are a cuddle bug and I hope you remain this way forever! You are constantly giving daddy and I kisses and hugs and I just love it. Your favorite food is broccoli and any dessert, your favorite color is green, you hate tomatoes but finally after 4 years you love watermelon.
I could go on and on forever and still never convey what you mean to me! The last 4 1/2 years have been amazing. Sure at times my nerves are shot and I make many many mistakes but I wouldn't trade one day of time with you. The ups the downs and all the all the in betweens! So happy half Birthday Kingston Homer and thank you for choosing us!
Kingston you are one of a kind! You have never met a stranger. You work a room quicker than most anyone I know. People I don't even know recognize you at the most random places. Everyone is your friend! You never miss an opportunity to compliment anyone. You tell me everyday how beautiful I am. You love all beautiful things from painted toe nails to necklaces to rocks that you see something in that no one else does and call them happy rocks.
You love running with mommy and Bex, you are a great big brother, you love daddy days when you, Bex and daddy get to hang out at home all day and be lazy. You remind us all the time that paper towels are bad for the environment and you ask so many questions about God and Jesus and Church. You are good to your friends at school. Your best friend at school is Sarah and has been for the last few years, the 2 of you love playing dress up and pretending to cook. You play soccer and this year you have really matured in the sport. You know you have to be on the field and that your team needs you. You beg us to take karate and I hope to get you enrolled soon. You perform skits and puppet shows at home and at school all the time. You come up with the most random stuff and I could watch you for days. You love movies and funny music. You enjoy going out to eat with the running club on Wednesday and if you get in trouble and you have to miss you are very upset. You love your grandparents and I think you would live with them if we let you. You love vacation and staying in hotels!
You talk all the time!! People are usually floored by your vocabulary because you sound like a little adult. Sometimes this drives mommy crazy because you reason things out so well. You are a debater and every time you get in trouble you try to talk your way out of it before you will just take the punishment and I have to admit sometimes your arguments are good. You are a cuddle bug and I hope you remain this way forever! You are constantly giving daddy and I kisses and hugs and I just love it. Your favorite food is broccoli and any dessert, your favorite color is green, you hate tomatoes but finally after 4 years you love watermelon.
I could go on and on forever and still never convey what you mean to me! The last 4 1/2 years have been amazing. Sure at times my nerves are shot and I make many many mistakes but I wouldn't trade one day of time with you. The ups the downs and all the all the in betweens! So happy half Birthday Kingston Homer and thank you for choosing us!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
People and Fruit
Kingston's assignment in Pre-K this week was for us to pick a fruit and for him teach the class a characteristic based on that fruit. The kids were then going to mix all their fruit together to make a fruit salad for the parents at Open House. After much deliberation with my friend Jodi I decided a pineapple would be the best. So Alfred brought home a real pineapple uncut and some cubed pineapple. All morning on the way to school Kingston and I talked about how the Pineapple represented how we "Don't Judge a Book by it's Cover" the pineapple is ugly but on the inside it's sweet. I even wrote it down on paper so his teacher would know what lesson it was supposed to represent in case he forgot. When it was his turn he told the class exactly what I wrote but then a few minutes later he told Ms. Angela he actually wanted to say something else to the class so she said go ahead. Kingston stood up and said "People might be mean and prickly on the outside like a pineapple but everyone has a beautiful heart on the inside". It sounds so much better in his own words and shows me that I need to let him take more responsibility. He really is a sweet guy and he really does get it!! Lesson learned for mama too!
Monday, July 2, 2012
Kingston Answers Deep Questions :)
I love to play around on Pinterest and once in awhile I even try things! I came across some discussion questions to ask your children. I've done this with Kingston before and we had such a great time. This time over the course of several weeks Alfred and I took turns asking him these on the way to school, on the way home, when we were cuddeling on the couch. A few were obviosuly above his head but it opened up a door for some wonderful discussions and even better questions!
• What do you like to dream about?
Fairytales where you turn people into monsters or Mickey Mouse
• What is your best memory this school year?
Water Day (As he shakes his head in pure excitement)
• Who is your hero? Why?
Daddy because he fixes all kinds of stuff and I help him (right after they got finished fixing the toilet kit)
• How would you describe your family?
Mommy like flowers, Laney likes to lick and smell people, Daddy hugs me and Bex cuddles me
• If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?
I would be a monster or a Super Hero
• What are you most proud of yourself for?
That I went to Camden park and rode the Little Dipper with Uncle Scott, mom it's this awesome roller coaster
• Who is the kindest person you know? Why?
Daddy because I love him, no, Beckett because he plays with me, no mommy because she's pretty (obviosuly he doesn't want to leave anyone out)
• What do you like most about your best friend?
That she likes flowers and horses
• What is one thing you would like to learn to do well?
To speak Spanish
• If you were an animal what one would you be and why?
A Giraffe becase they are big and eat leaves
• When is the last time someone hurt your feelings? How did you react?
You (Mommy) when you were chasing me around the house pretending to be a monster and you wouldn't quit and I cried. That was really mean. ( In my defense it was hilarious)
• Do you know someone who is going though a hard time? How can you help them?
Yes me because I want a pool at my house (My sister just bought a house with a pool and someone is a little jealous)
• What is the scariest thing that happened this year?
When I went to the Haunted House at Camden Park
• If you could keep only one thing, out of everything you have, what would it be?
Camo (his stuffed teddy bear that was Alfred's when he was small)
• Who do you think is really successful? Why?
me because I love me ( Great answer buddy)
• What’s the best thing about your teacher this year?
that she gives me lots and lots of hugs
• When do you feel misunderstood by grown-ups?
When I tell you how bad I want food and you won't listen (by food he means chocolate)
• What three words best describe you?
a person, a neighbor, a boy
• What’s something that makes you angry?
when the sun or lights are very bright and hurt my eyes
• What do you like to dream about?
Fairytales where you turn people into monsters or Mickey Mouse
• What is your best memory this school year?
Water Day (As he shakes his head in pure excitement)
• Who is your hero? Why?
Daddy because he fixes all kinds of stuff and I help him (right after they got finished fixing the toilet kit)
• How would you describe your family?
Mommy like flowers, Laney likes to lick and smell people, Daddy hugs me and Bex cuddles me
• If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?
I would be a monster or a Super Hero
• What are you most proud of yourself for?
That I went to Camden park and rode the Little Dipper with Uncle Scott, mom it's this awesome roller coaster
• Who is the kindest person you know? Why?
Daddy because I love him, no, Beckett because he plays with me, no mommy because she's pretty (obviosuly he doesn't want to leave anyone out)
• What do you like most about your best friend?
That she likes flowers and horses
• What is one thing you would like to learn to do well?
To speak Spanish
• If you were an animal what one would you be and why?
A Giraffe becase they are big and eat leaves
• When is the last time someone hurt your feelings? How did you react?
You (Mommy) when you were chasing me around the house pretending to be a monster and you wouldn't quit and I cried. That was really mean. ( In my defense it was hilarious)
• Do you know someone who is going though a hard time? How can you help them?
Yes me because I want a pool at my house (My sister just bought a house with a pool and someone is a little jealous)
• What is the scariest thing that happened this year?
When I went to the Haunted House at Camden Park
• If you could keep only one thing, out of everything you have, what would it be?
Camo (his stuffed teddy bear that was Alfred's when he was small)
• Who do you think is really successful? Why?
me because I love me ( Great answer buddy)
• What’s the best thing about your teacher this year?
that she gives me lots and lots of hugs
• When do you feel misunderstood by grown-ups?
When I tell you how bad I want food and you won't listen (by food he means chocolate)
• What three words best describe you?
a person, a neighbor, a boy
• What’s something that makes you angry?
when the sun or lights are very bright and hurt my eyes
Friday, April 27, 2012
Carmel Indiana Half Marathon Recap
Several months ago I joined the Nolensville Running Club after months and months of stalking them because they were close to my house, little did I know what an impact this group of people would have in my life. Shortly after joining the group began talking about a race they were traveling to in Carmel Indiana. Several people were going to be trying to qualify for Boston, others were going to be trying for PR's in either the Full or half, some would be running a half or full for the first time and others were going to hang out with friends, have a good time and support their team mates. If you know me, you know when I join something I am all t in so it took me all of 10 seconds to let them know Alfred and I would be going along.
The Wednesday before the race we all met for our weekly running night and ate at Amico's (an Italian restaurant in Nolensville) so we could get in some extra carbo loading (seriously my favorite part of running :) and so those not making the trip could wish us all good luck! Friday morning Alfred and I left the house at 7AM headed to Louisville to meet my parents so we could drop off the boys before heading on to Carmel. The road trip was so much fun, even though the group wasn't in the same car and we were in various locations along the route we were all talking back and forth on facebook, detailing where the cops were, how many potty breaks each car was stopping for etc. When we all arrived in Carmel it was rainy and gross but our spirits couldn't be dampened we had an expo to attend,dinner to eat and a race to get ready for!! We all met up at the Expo, did a little shopping then headed to the hotel to get ready for our Team dinner at Buca De Beppo! Who knew there would be 3 Buca's in a 15 mile radius. As we all set out headed to the wrong one I realized something was wrong, called the restaurant sent out fb messages, Amy O started making calls and then we were once again headed in the right direction. At dinner I met 2 NRCers I'd never met before (I run on Wednesday's they run with the Saturday group) and we had a great time getting to know each other. Erin had the forethought to suggest we all write down the time we expected to finish so that we would know when to start looking for people at the finish line. Although this was a great idea it was scary because as Danielle said writing it down makes it real!! I wrote down 2:15 because my current PR was 2:20. Although I wanted 2:15 in every bone of my body and I felt trained for it I honestly thought there was no way I was going to get it but I put it on paper and decided I would give it my all!! After gorging ourselves on pasta, cake and home made strawberry cupcakes that Erin and John's old neighbor made we made our way back to the hotel. We were all giggles and nervous energy. We all had goals in mind, we had trained for this race, there was nothing more we could do except get a good nights rest and leave it all on the course the next day.
I woke up at 5:45. Alfred was already in the shower so I went ahead and read my devotion for the day so I which explained how seize the day wasn't written in the Bible anywhere but every day is a gift and we should treat it as such and give to God our full potential. I closed my book, got out of bed, put on my outfit, ate my honey stinger waffle, laced up my shoes, helped Alfred get his chip on his shoe, pulled my hair back and headed downstairs to meet the rest of the gang in the lobby. We caught a shuttle over to the start line, it was chilly, so we huddled together under a tent where I talked to Marie, a fellow NRCer who told me she was still doing the full even though she had a torn calf muscle! Talk about giving your full potential!! With about 3 minutes left until race time I set my watch for 3/1 intervals. My plan was to run the first 3 to 4 miles then use the intervals (my crutch). I could hear Lauren and Jen in my head telling me they ran all of Tom King and didn't need the crutch but I was worried so I set my watch for it! I headed to the start line and lined up with the 10 minute pace group. The Star Spangled Banner was sang, I kissed Alfred and told him I would cheer him across the finish line and we were off. I felt good!! I felt really good! I found myself running with the 4:10 marathon pacer. I wanted to get enough ahead that when I walked I would still be able to stay in the 10:15 average pace range, which I knew would get me my 2:15 finish. At mile 3 I passed my friend Steve, he said 'Hey I thought you were shooting for 2:15" I said "I am but I feel really good right now!!" The marathoners split from the half marathoners shortly after that and the half marathoners did a little bit of an out an back. Running on there way back I saw Erin and John and John cheered me on. Right after them I saw Julie right who was already on her way back and we cheered for each other. I turned and started on my way back and saw Steve again and we cheered, then I saw Alfred and gave him a high five and told him I was holding a 9:22 pace. I was so pumped to have seen my friends, my adrenaline was flowing, I looked at my watch and I was 5 miles in...what 5 miles, I surely needed to start walking but I felt great, I decided I I would start my intervals at mile 6. During mile 5 as I was winding through a neighborhood I thought of my devotion from earlier. This day was my gift. There are so many people who don't have this opportunity. I thought of my Uncle that passed away in a car accident in December. I thought of my Uncle who is awaiting a heart transplant. I have a gift! I decided then and there I was going to run as long as I could and if at some point I needed to walk then I was but if i didn't then I was using this day to it's full potential..today I was going to be amazing!! Yes there were times along the way that were tough, I've never ran more than 6 miles under a 10:00 pace...ever!! But here I was holding steady at a 9:22 pace. I talked to many people along the way, a 69 year old man who wanted to qualify for Boston in October, a boy who thought he had food poisoning and a father and daughter who were running their 4th half together. With 4 miles to go I was pretty sure I was going to do this!! I thought of my NRC running buddy Tommy because we often run 4 miles together on Wednesday nights. I am terrible with baseball teams and the cities they play in and since Tommy is a former professional baseball player he has to correct me often when we are talking about baseball so I tried to name all the teams I knew and the cities they played in. I'm sure I still got a lot of them wrong :)! I thought of Jen and Lauren and how we spend the 4 mile runs talking about work and our kids and our college days and what we're eating after the run! Before I knew it I was in the last half mile and I was still at a 9:22 pace!! I had ran through neighborhoods, on Greenways and now I was running through a beautiful street in downtown Carrmel Indiana and I could hear the people at the finish line. I looked at my Garmin and for the first time realized I was going to finish in under 2:05!! I picked up the pace and just as I rounded the corner at the finish line I heard Erin and John yelling "Go Rachel"... I picked up the pace even more...I could see them out of the corner of my eye, I saw the finish line straight ahead, my foot hit the line at 2:03:06!! Woo Hoo!! I did it!! I had a new PR and it felt amazing!! Luckily Joe and Lisa were at the finish line right after I crossed so I had them to lean on and catch my breath with. I couldn't have given much more on the course that day but I still had a lot more to give as a cheerleader!!
I went over and took my spot by Erin and John and Andrea, my new best friend since her and her children brought a blanket and snacks and we spent the next 3 hours cheering in the rest of our NRC family! We had 5 people qualify for Boston, so many PR's, 1st Time half marathoners and Full marathoners, people who ran their heart out injured. We laughed and cried and ate and cheered!! It was an awesome day that we were given! And in some way or another every single one of us lived up to our full potential!
The Wednesday before the race we all met for our weekly running night and ate at Amico's (an Italian restaurant in Nolensville) so we could get in some extra carbo loading (seriously my favorite part of running :) and so those not making the trip could wish us all good luck! Friday morning Alfred and I left the house at 7AM headed to Louisville to meet my parents so we could drop off the boys before heading on to Carmel. The road trip was so much fun, even though the group wasn't in the same car and we were in various locations along the route we were all talking back and forth on facebook, detailing where the cops were, how many potty breaks each car was stopping for etc. When we all arrived in Carmel it was rainy and gross but our spirits couldn't be dampened we had an expo to attend,dinner to eat and a race to get ready for!! We all met up at the Expo, did a little shopping then headed to the hotel to get ready for our Team dinner at Buca De Beppo! Who knew there would be 3 Buca's in a 15 mile radius. As we all set out headed to the wrong one I realized something was wrong, called the restaurant sent out fb messages, Amy O started making calls and then we were once again headed in the right direction. At dinner I met 2 NRCers I'd never met before (I run on Wednesday's they run with the Saturday group) and we had a great time getting to know each other. Erin had the forethought to suggest we all write down the time we expected to finish so that we would know when to start looking for people at the finish line. Although this was a great idea it was scary because as Danielle said writing it down makes it real!! I wrote down 2:15 because my current PR was 2:20. Although I wanted 2:15 in every bone of my body and I felt trained for it I honestly thought there was no way I was going to get it but I put it on paper and decided I would give it my all!! After gorging ourselves on pasta, cake and home made strawberry cupcakes that Erin and John's old neighbor made we made our way back to the hotel. We were all giggles and nervous energy. We all had goals in mind, we had trained for this race, there was nothing more we could do except get a good nights rest and leave it all on the course the next day.
I woke up at 5:45. Alfred was already in the shower so I went ahead and read my devotion for the day so I which explained how seize the day wasn't written in the Bible anywhere but every day is a gift and we should treat it as such and give to God our full potential. I closed my book, got out of bed, put on my outfit, ate my honey stinger waffle, laced up my shoes, helped Alfred get his chip on his shoe, pulled my hair back and headed downstairs to meet the rest of the gang in the lobby. We caught a shuttle over to the start line, it was chilly, so we huddled together under a tent where I talked to Marie, a fellow NRCer who told me she was still doing the full even though she had a torn calf muscle! Talk about giving your full potential!! With about 3 minutes left until race time I set my watch for 3/1 intervals. My plan was to run the first 3 to 4 miles then use the intervals (my crutch). I could hear Lauren and Jen in my head telling me they ran all of Tom King and didn't need the crutch but I was worried so I set my watch for it! I headed to the start line and lined up with the 10 minute pace group. The Star Spangled Banner was sang, I kissed Alfred and told him I would cheer him across the finish line and we were off. I felt good!! I felt really good! I found myself running with the 4:10 marathon pacer. I wanted to get enough ahead that when I walked I would still be able to stay in the 10:15 average pace range, which I knew would get me my 2:15 finish. At mile 3 I passed my friend Steve, he said 'Hey I thought you were shooting for 2:15" I said "I am but I feel really good right now!!" The marathoners split from the half marathoners shortly after that and the half marathoners did a little bit of an out an back. Running on there way back I saw Erin and John and John cheered me on. Right after them I saw Julie right who was already on her way back and we cheered for each other. I turned and started on my way back and saw Steve again and we cheered, then I saw Alfred and gave him a high five and told him I was holding a 9:22 pace. I was so pumped to have seen my friends, my adrenaline was flowing, I looked at my watch and I was 5 miles in...what 5 miles, I surely needed to start walking but I felt great, I decided I I would start my intervals at mile 6. During mile 5 as I was winding through a neighborhood I thought of my devotion from earlier. This day was my gift. There are so many people who don't have this opportunity. I thought of my Uncle that passed away in a car accident in December. I thought of my Uncle who is awaiting a heart transplant. I have a gift! I decided then and there I was going to run as long as I could and if at some point I needed to walk then I was but if i didn't then I was using this day to it's full potential..today I was going to be amazing!! Yes there were times along the way that were tough, I've never ran more than 6 miles under a 10:00 pace...ever!! But here I was holding steady at a 9:22 pace. I talked to many people along the way, a 69 year old man who wanted to qualify for Boston in October, a boy who thought he had food poisoning and a father and daughter who were running their 4th half together. With 4 miles to go I was pretty sure I was going to do this!! I thought of my NRC running buddy Tommy because we often run 4 miles together on Wednesday nights. I am terrible with baseball teams and the cities they play in and since Tommy is a former professional baseball player he has to correct me often when we are talking about baseball so I tried to name all the teams I knew and the cities they played in. I'm sure I still got a lot of them wrong :)! I thought of Jen and Lauren and how we spend the 4 mile runs talking about work and our kids and our college days and what we're eating after the run! Before I knew it I was in the last half mile and I was still at a 9:22 pace!! I had ran through neighborhoods, on Greenways and now I was running through a beautiful street in downtown Carrmel Indiana and I could hear the people at the finish line. I looked at my Garmin and for the first time realized I was going to finish in under 2:05!! I picked up the pace and just as I rounded the corner at the finish line I heard Erin and John yelling "Go Rachel"... I picked up the pace even more...I could see them out of the corner of my eye, I saw the finish line straight ahead, my foot hit the line at 2:03:06!! Woo Hoo!! I did it!! I had a new PR and it felt amazing!! Luckily Joe and Lisa were at the finish line right after I crossed so I had them to lean on and catch my breath with. I couldn't have given much more on the course that day but I still had a lot more to give as a cheerleader!!
I went over and took my spot by Erin and John and Andrea, my new best friend since her and her children brought a blanket and snacks and we spent the next 3 hours cheering in the rest of our NRC family! We had 5 people qualify for Boston, so many PR's, 1st Time half marathoners and Full marathoners, people who ran their heart out injured. We laughed and cried and ate and cheered!! It was an awesome day that we were given! And in some way or another every single one of us lived up to our full potential!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Mental Games
As I'm about to embark on the longest run of my life I've been thinking a lot about... well thinking! I'm a little nervous about the last half of the marathon. The first half I'll have Jenn to talk to and to pick me up in the beginning when I always need the most encouragement and just hang out with. I've also ran a half by myself with no one to talk to and I found people along the way and loved it. However, I've never ran a half after running a half with no one to talk to or push me. This reminded me of Shelly during the Ragnar Florida Keys. She got back in the van after a super hot run and said her mind just wasn't cooperating so she starting reciting the ABC's just so she had something to think about other than running in the heat! All runners play these mental games! When you start running you quickly realize it isn't just the body that has to be trained it's the mind. I'm a list runner. I do running stats over and over in my head. If I continue at this pace, I'll finish here, If I have to add a few seconds I'll finish here, I have to do this pace to hit this goal etc. When on the treadmill I count foot strikes in quarter miles or eighths! I don't always listen to music and even when I do most of the time it isn't enough to keep my focus off the task at hand. I've planned elaborate parties that I will never throw. Arranged and rearranged every room in my house. Thought about pretty much every friend I've ever had. At some point in every great run though I think about why I'm here. I vow to write thank you notes to every person whose ever said hi to me when I needed it. I become thankful for every decision I've ever made. I get sentimental and I vow to be a better mom, spouse, daughter, sister, friend. I think of those people I've lost and I wish I would have said I love you more and hugged them tighter. I think of the boys laughing and of Alfred's hugs and of every little thing everybody did to get me to that moment. I think about what it will feel like when I'm finished. What my facebook status will be, what I'll talk about, what I'll remember. I tell myself to remember certain moments but most of the time I forget those. I add them to an every growing list of experiences. I vow to blog about every feeling along the way and most of the time I don't. For those miles while I'm out there by myself it's all about me. I spend that time building dreams, reliving wonderful moments, coming to terms with no so great ones. I relive, I plan, I look forward. So when I cross the finish line on Sunday (Assuming I do and nothing goes wrong) if I burst into tears ( which is possible since I've cried after both of my half's) it's because for 26.2 miles I was amazing!! This is the heart of why I run!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
A Time of Reflection
Since Alfred and I met in 2007 this is the first New Year's Day that we aren't either expecting a baby in the near future or just had a baby in the past year. It's the first time I sit down to reflect on the past year and it isn't about major life changes! We haven't had to spend any time this year getting into the routine of adding a new person to our life or anticipating how our life would change when the new baby arrives. This makes part of me very sad but it makes another part of me very happy because although we didn't add to our family in size and the changes within our family this year are something an outsider wouldn't even consider, I, as an insider know we grew in comfort and love.
Sometimes it's all about the small things. It's about waiting to cross the finish line at your first half marathon because your husband is injured and it's more important to run it together than to get a time you've been training for. It's about cheering your 18 month old on at his big brother's first soccer game because that's when he decides to take his first steps. It's getting tons and tons of bad news in one week and your husband packing up the family for an impromptu camping trip because he knows you just need to be away from it all. It's the wisdom I am given daily from a 3 and a half year old that reminds me how simple it really can be.
A lot of great accomplishments were made this past year. Alfred and I ran our first half marathon together and completed another Ragnar Relay in Chicago. I finally allowed someone other than my mom or mother in law keep both boys so that Alfred and I can actually go on dates. Beckett finally took his first steps after months and months of anticipation. Kingston played T-Ball and Soccer for the first time time this year. And yes all of these things are amazing and make it into my journal at night but things that don't seem to make it in there are the things that have been on my mind a lot lately. The things that occur everyday without me even realizing it. The growth of a family. Becoming comfortable with the everyday.
I don't necessarily do good at keeping so called resolutions but in 2012 I want to enjoy the little things more. I want to appreciate my husband more for all that he does for us. I want to breathe in every minute with my boys and not take one second for granted. I want to tell those that mean the world to me just that, often. I want to say thank you more. I want to be better at living in the moment and not wishing them away. As I very tragically learned this year we never know when this is the last moment we will get. I want to make sure that I make as many moments count as I can! Happy New Year!! It really is great to be an Eller!
Sometimes it's all about the small things. It's about waiting to cross the finish line at your first half marathon because your husband is injured and it's more important to run it together than to get a time you've been training for. It's about cheering your 18 month old on at his big brother's first soccer game because that's when he decides to take his first steps. It's getting tons and tons of bad news in one week and your husband packing up the family for an impromptu camping trip because he knows you just need to be away from it all. It's the wisdom I am given daily from a 3 and a half year old that reminds me how simple it really can be.
A lot of great accomplishments were made this past year. Alfred and I ran our first half marathon together and completed another Ragnar Relay in Chicago. I finally allowed someone other than my mom or mother in law keep both boys so that Alfred and I can actually go on dates. Beckett finally took his first steps after months and months of anticipation. Kingston played T-Ball and Soccer for the first time time this year. And yes all of these things are amazing and make it into my journal at night but things that don't seem to make it in there are the things that have been on my mind a lot lately. The things that occur everyday without me even realizing it. The growth of a family. Becoming comfortable with the everyday.
I don't necessarily do good at keeping so called resolutions but in 2012 I want to enjoy the little things more. I want to appreciate my husband more for all that he does for us. I want to breathe in every minute with my boys and not take one second for granted. I want to tell those that mean the world to me just that, often. I want to say thank you more. I want to be better at living in the moment and not wishing them away. As I very tragically learned this year we never know when this is the last moment we will get. I want to make sure that I make as many moments count as I can! Happy New Year!! It really is great to be an Eller!
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