The Big 3-0

Post Marathon. I'm 30! 

It's true. I am no longer a "young" lady and have officially entered just being a lady. I am now 30. It really hit me when I was talking to my mom about the Tetanus shot I had received recently and said that I wouldn't have to get another one for ten more years, or until I was forty. Forty!? It's only ten years away! *gasp* I'm THIRTY!

I hadn't planned on doing anything huge until around Christmas 2011. I was tossing around ideas with my personal trainer and my husband as to what to do for my thirtieth birthday. I wanted to do something that represented how hard I worked to get to where I am today. 58 pounds lighter than I was two years ago, fitter than I have ever been in my life, and excited about new possibilities.

I decided to run a FULL marathon.

Crazy, I know. I had run four 1/2 marathons in the past year so I was fairly confident in myself. If you would have told me three years ago that I would run a full marathon on my thirtieth birthday I would have laughed at you. Ridiculous! What planet are you from!? But, despite what I would have thought three years ago, I decided to find a run that was somewhere near my birthday.

After spending a little time online, I discovered that my favorite marathon series (Rock 'N' Roll Marathons and 1/2 Marathons) was holding a marathon, one of the ONLY Saturday marathons they offer, in Seattle ON my birthday. It was meant to be. Most marathons are on Sundays, so it was a miracle in itself that I would get to run one ON my birthday. Before I could change my mind, my husband signed me up as a surprise. I was in it now! No time to change my mind. It was on!

Anxiously I awaited February 17th, the first day of my training. I started out slow, running only a few miles, but throughout the training I had time trials, tempo runs, intervals and LSD's (Long Slow Distances) to run, slowly gaining strength. I cannot thank my husband and loved ones enough for the tolerance and support they had for my schedule and my needs. Everyone was supportive of my goal. Dates with my husband, outings with friends, and any other social obligations.  were planned around my runs. It was going to be a long 18 weeks.

I would be out running sometimes up to 4 or 5 hours on a Saturday or Sunday, often starting around 3:30 or 4:00 AM. I was tired, but supported and encouraged every step of the way. The hardest runs were the ones that were over 13 miles. Once my long slow distances were above that, I would get discouraged, emotional and my mind would get in the way of my body's capabilities. Another difficulty was the weather. As my training progressed into those longer runs, my dehydration issues kicked in even harder. We bought a Camelback backpack, gatorade powder, energy gels, protein bars, protein powders and more. I still suffered at times, but my training was able to progress.

Once I hit some longer runs I had a friend talk to me and ask if I wanted someone to meet me in the last 10 miles or so of my long runs to finish them out with me. She had done a marathon in the past and understood how much it became a mental game toward the end. She was a godsend. I am not kidding. Without her, and the three other friends who joined me on my few remaining, long, tiring runs, I would not have made it through nearly as successfully. They brought laughter, support and distraction from the aches, pains and mental breakdowns. I will forever be thankful to the four AMAZING ladies who helped me pull through the hardest training miles.

As the weeks progressed and the race was only a few weeks away, I hit some setbacks with an achy foot. The pain would not go away. One day my hubby took a look at the bottom of my shoes and was shocked at how worn out they were. We realized I had run over 500 miles on them since mid-March! It was only the end of May! Three months and over 500 miles. I am still not sure today, but I believe that my foot problems stemmed from those shoes. Evidence:

Left: 500 mile shoes  Right: New shoes

The new shoes were like night and day. I was amazed at how much cushion and support had broken down in my old ones. My training runs felt so much better. I had heard a million times not to get new shoes so close to the race, but I had to. I did it anyway and I do not regret it for one second. It made my last runs bearable and I didn't once get a blister or ache from any of it.

The day arrived. We were in Seattle and my parents, my hubby's parents, my husband and I were all making sure I was in bed on time, proper dinner in my belly and all of my clothes and supplies prepared the night before. I think I was asleep by 9:30. I woke up at 4:30, took a shower (I know, weird, right?) and put a Lidocaine patch on my foot for the awkward pain, got dressed and choked down half a bagel with peanut butter and a bottle of water. I was as ready as I was ever going to get. I had everyone ready and out the door at 6:45 so that we could be at the start line, (1/10 of a mile from the hotel) and the waiting began. 

My husband and I pre-race

My nerves were on high, but that is why it was so important I was there early because my nerves had settled by the time the gun fired. I was off. 43 minutes after the official first gun, my corral crossed the start line. I felt great, no foot pain, fresh legs, good mindset and support along the course. I had parents, in-laws and husband at mile 13.1, friends from the area at mile 17/18 and my family again at mile 23. The hardest moments? Miles 15-23, the best moments? Miles 6-10. The worst section? The hill at mile 5. The best part of the entire race? Crossing the finish line.

Mile 13.1 came and my mom and dad fueled me with orange slices and my entire family with cheers and support. Miles 17/18 my friends were there with signs and cheers, urging me to pick myself up and run again after a walking stint through a rather rough patch. They brought me out of my frustration to look like this: 

Between miles 16 and 17. Look at that smile! 

Mile 21 brought me out of a tunnel and into pouring rain, which lasted the rest of the run. Mile 23 hit and I was suffering. My husband ran up the hill at this point with me and encouraged me throughout the rest of the run, keeping me positive and uplifted. As I came around the final corner, I all but shouted at a poor lady "HOW MUCH FARTHER?" Her response was a quarter mile and you are done! I came around the corner, saw the horrible hill ahead of me at mile 26 (seriously!? Who plans these things?) and the finish line just beyond. The tears began. Crying ensued from that point on for about the next two hours. On the run up the hill I saw my husband running along the sidewalk. Thinking he wanted me to run it in, I sprinted (which means I ran a smidge faster than the previous shuffle-run) across the finish line. "Up next is Cory Flagg from Goodyear" the announcer proclaimed as I approached. Sobbing commenced. They handed me a foil blanket, which I wrapped around my quaking body. I was crying so hard I was hyperventilating and wheezing a little bit. I couldn't speak, and as I approached one of the ladies holding the medals, it took her a while to realize what I was doing. "Oh, you don't have a medal yet, do you?" All I could do was shake my head. She congratulated me and placed the medal around my neck. I headed to the exit to find Matt. I could barely speak as I hugged him. I was wet, cold, and could barely stand. I had to keep moving.

Done and barely standing. Proud and emotional moment!

We headed back to the hotel where I promptly took a hot shower. I was so cold that when the hot water hit me, it was cold by the time it hit my feet. Within an hour, I was dressed, warm, walking again and on my way to dinner with family and friends. 

I had done it. 

My once far-fetched dream was a reality. I was a marathon finisher. In a time of 5:54:05, I had run, walked, trotted, persevered, suffered, triumphed, inspired others, and finished a 26.2 mile marathon. 

Someone in my favorite running documentary "The Spirit of the Marathon" said, "Once you cross that finish line, your life has changed forever." Absolutely, without a doubt, 100% true.

I am in my prime. 30 feels good. Not just good, GREAT. Bring it, 30! 

Now, what am I going to do when I turn 40?

Why I am Rocking Seattle in June

Today I got an email from the Rock 'N' Roll marathon people asking their runners to share why they are running their upcoming races. If our stories "rocked" enough, they would possibly use it in a media piece. I had to put in my story. What did I say was my reason for rocking this race, you ask?

Rock ‘N’ Roll Seattle “Reason Why I Run” story: 

Three years ago, I weighed 216 pounds and couldn't climb a flight of stairs or run to the end of the driveway without having to double over for breath. I was also told that I would not be able to be healthy enough to get pregnant unless I lost weight. My husband and I had been trying for a family for four years with no luck. I didn't know what to do. I had been battling my weight my entire life. I had friends who were runners and I was finally ready to give it a try, no matter what. My knees were hurting and I could barely move, but I used the Couch to 5K program and ran my first 5K in 2009 with a time of 49 minutes. I continued to run, began to lose weight and was amazing my doctors at my progress. 

As of January of 2012, I have run four Rock 'N' Roll 1/2 marathons (AZ twice, Vegas and San Diego) and multiple 5K's. June 23, 2012, the Seattle marathon date, is my 30th birthday. I have lost 60 pounds and can run farther than I ever imagined. Running literally changed my life and I am ringing in my 30th year running my first FULL marathon, more fit than I have ever been in my life and healthy enough to have a family. 

I know a lot of you have heard this story a lot, but it always makes me emotional to write it, talk about it, or even think about it. My life has changed so drastically over the past three years that it is unimaginable to believe what my life was like back then. I am so much happier and more fulfilled now than I ever believed I could be. 

To review:                              

Before (216 pounds or more)

(Still 15 pounds heavier than I currently am, but drastic difference!)

I seek health, I seek to inspire others to succeed in their goals and dreams. I run because God gave me the ability to do so and I am ever so thankful.

The Training Begins

Those that follow this blog know that I have decided to run the P.F. Chang's Seattle full marathon in June to celebrate my 30th birthday. Well... Training started this past Thursday!

It started out pretty simple. 3 miles at a moderate pace. I could do this! Due to an open house night at school I got home really late, so I headed to the gym and ran 3.2 miles on the treadmill. This is TORTURE for me. I hate treadmills! I feel like I am running nowhere, which, technically, is true. I hopped on and set the pace at my normal 5 mph and began. It felt too easy. I ramped it up to 6mph and felt great! I ran three miles at this pace and then decided I wanted to run across the "finish line" a bit faster, so I pushed it up to 7mph for the last 0.2 miles. What a great feeling! 31:50 was my time. I believe that is the fastest 5k I have ever run!

Friday was a 5 miler. After work I got together with my friend and we took off. It was much, much tougher than the treadmill. It was reality. Running outside is extremely different than running on the treadmill. Treadmills are smooth and consistent. Outside you have hills, uneven pavement, rock or dirt and you have the elements. The sun was brutal! AZ is a state where the sun does not go easy on you. My run took quite a bit longer than I was planning. About 1:10:00 or so. I was hoping for about one hour. You take what you can get, right? At least I ran the whole thing!

Today I went in for my 1-on-1 with my trainer and we sat down and planned out the rest of February and all of March. There will be Sundays where I will run 14 miles. Weeks where I will run over 30 miles! My longest week will be 38 miles! Am I intimidated? Yep! Absolutely! I am terrified. But, ultimately, I am excited.

If you want to follow my progress, take a look underneath the "about me" section to the right of this post and you will see a pretty nifty widget that tracks my miles and it says miles run in 2012, which I have run more than it says, but I am using it solely for my marathon training, so it will only have that recorded on it. Basically, it shows you how many miles I have run all together. Even if I don't post on here every day, I will be updating that widget on a daily basis when I run! So, if you are interested, stop by and take a look! The only days it most likely will stay stagnant are Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you are a member of dailymile.com, I am on there as well and if you 'friend' me you can see my runs as well.

Now it is all about nutrition! I need to make sure I am keeping away from sugars on all days except Saturdays and that my diet is 40% protein, 40% complex carbs, and 20% healthy fats. This is going to be hard! If you have any protein ideas that do not include pork or eggs, please let me know! I need some pretty amazing creative ideas in order for me to be interested. I even love tofu and soy, so those are great as well!

I will leave you with a yummy smoothie recipe:

2/3 C orange juice
1/2 to 1 C spinach
8 or 9 large strawberries
1/2 C blueberries
1/2 C grapes (I prefer red)
1/2 C mango
1/2 C peaches
1/4 C blackberries
1/2 C ice (water if your fruit is frozen)

Blend it all up in the blender and enjoy! You can't even taste the spinach. An alternative to spinach is kale. We have even used both and it still tastes yummy. You can add yogurt (greek is best and is delicious!) or protein powder (vanilla tastes yummiest) and/or banana. I can't stand bananas, so they generally don't enter the mix.

Well, wish me luck! I am going to rock my 30th birthday! Bring it on! 

Getting Back On The No-Sugar Wagon

Today's post is long, but I have a huge weight on me, telling me I need to share. Hopefully it speaks to you in the way it spoke to me! 

Now that the holidays are over, I need to refocus my life around what is truly important. I worked so hard, focused with all I had and lost thirty pounds and ran four 1/2 marathons in one year. Impressive? Sure, but I still have some major weaknesses when it comes to food. It will be haunting me forever. I love food. I desire it, I love to cook it, serve it, smell it, and EAT it! That will be with me forever, no matter what. Especially when it comes to sweet things. Sugar is my kryptonite. 

Between August and December I had lost 30 pounds. After a year or so of a plateau, this is just what I needed. I was on a roll! Then the holidays hit. I didn't pay too much attention to what I was eating. I still didn't go hog-wild, but I did introduce sugars back into my diet. That was my first mistake. When I was home I still ran because I needed to train for the P.F. Chang's 1/2 in Phoenix, but once that was over, my exercise all but stopped. Why? I got sick. I have had three sinus problems in three months. Two of them knocked me out for a couple of weeks! When this last one hit meds weren't even working! 

What's the point to that story? I have gained back five pounds! FIVE! That is 1/6 of my weight loss that came back! I never thought I would be as upset about five pounds as I was when I stepped back on that scale. Immediately I told myself I needed to go back off of sugar. So, Monday, I did. Was it so bad? Monday through Thursday were torture. Today, however, wasn't so bad! I just need to work on finding more creative recipes that don't have nearly as many carbs within them. (If anyone has any suggestions, let me know!) My trainer tried to give me ideas, but he was talking to the pickiest girl on earth. My diet needs to be 40% protein, 40% complex carbs and 20% healthy fats. The problem with protein is that I don't really like meat. Some chicken, turkey or beef is good, but I would rather not. I don't like eggs and I really won't eat anything processed, so sandwich meats and all of that are out. Frustration central. 

If any of you have been keeping up with what is "hot" on the internet lately, you have seen that there is a website called Pinterest. This has been my recent addiction and savior at the same time. Pinterest not only lets me look at and 'pin' recipes, it has also given me a ton of ideas for my picky self. If you have not seen it before, take a look: www.pinterest.com Make sure that you ask a friend to give you an invite if you are not already involved! You have to be invited to join. Another reason it has been a savior to me is that I can look at all the yummy, sugary foods and pin them to my boards and it seems to satiate my need for sugar. And all I feasted on them with was my eyes! Totally worth it. 

Now that I am working toward a full marathon, my diet changes, my exercise patterns are changing and all kids of things are going to be different in the future. Right now my trainer and I are working on gaining muscle. When I stood on the scale after four days of no sugar, I had gained a couple of pounds. My first thought was "WHAT!?" Then I remembered, I am doing muscle BUILDING activities, which will make me weigh MORE. Relief flooded through me. I have to gain muscle first in order to prepare for my run. Muscle building can often cause you to gain weight before you lose it. Something not understood by many. 

On a similar note to the last thought, something that had to be burned into my brain was the fact that skinny doesn't necessarily mean healthy. By building muscle, I was adding weight, but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. I would rather weigh 135 pounds and be completely fit and healthy than 125 pounds and unhealthy. I want to be toned, in great health and prepared for anything. If that means that I have to cut sugar, pump up my workout methods and stay focused on the goal... I will do it! I have never in my life been more focused on a goal. I have always been focused on goals, but this one goes above and beyond any that I have ever done before. It means amazing things in my life, and I am willing to make the sacrifices I have to in order to get there. So, no-sugar wagon, wait for me! 

Before and After: Progress 2/3 of the Way There!

A couple of days ago Matt and I were looking at pictures from about five years ago, Christmas of 2006. He called me over to the computer because he wanted me to realize something amazing. When I looked at the computer I saw someone on the screen that I didn't recognize. Someone I had forgotten about. When you see yourself every day, everything seems normal, the same... unchanging.

Reality slaps when the past comes for a visit.

This is what I saw:

216 lbs. At least. 

When you are in the thick of it, you don't even realize what is going on. I was so unhealthy. Yes, I have a medical condition that helps me keep the weight on when I want to let it go, and I am working on reversing the condition through working out and eating right, but I can't deny that my eating habits and laziness at the time contributed to it. Running? I couldn't even run to the end of the block without feeling like I was going to die. I was bursting from the seams and in denial that I needed a larger pants size. Isn't that one of the stages of dealing with an issue? Denial? 

Another dramatic view of the past: 

2006 on a hike with friends

The shock when I saw these floored me. 

Then I looked at pictures now. 45 pounds down from my largest recorded weight. Not only 45 pounds down, but also about 25% body fat is gone with it. Four pants sizes since the days of the pictures above. Four 1/2 marathons under my belt, and training for a full marathon under way. 

After? 

November, 2011, Las Vegas Rock 'N' Roll 1/2 Marathon

Personal best time: 2:46:34

Me on the far left, January 15th, P.F. Chang's Rock 'N' Roll Arizona

Personal best time: 2:39:55

I was astounded. Sometimes you need to take a trip down memory lane to really tell where you have traveled. Hard work, healthy habits and strong support from those you love and trust get you a long way. I am forever grateful for everyone who has been so encouraging to me on my long journey. I am not done yet. I still have about 35-40 pounds to go, but I am proud of myself.

I am headed for Seattle on June 23 for the Seattle Rock 'N' Roll FULL marathon this year. For those who know me well, you know that this is a VERY significant date to me. This is my 30th birthday. On this day,  plan to not only be at my goal weight and clothing size, I plan to complete my first ever full marathon. Crazy? Maybe. Exciting? Absolutely. A fitting celebration for ringing in the big Three-oh? ABSOLUTELY! I am going to dress up in a tutu, wear a funny tiara and strut my stuff up and down the insane hills of the Seattle marathon. I am eagerly anticipating it, looking forward to waving to my amazing friends and family who will be there to support me along the way, and coming home with the bling I will pick up at the end. I will go into my 30th year of life healthier, stronger and even better than I have ever been. It is a great feeling knowing that I will check into the next chapter of my life as who I truly want to be. 

Is my running journey over after this? NO! Once I have met my Rock 'N' Roll goals, I am going to take on DISNEY! Tinkerbell Run, Disney World 1/2 (or full!), Disneyland 1/2, Princess Run and MORE! Bring it on. My running journey has just begun, but it is important to stop and celebrate the milestones as they come up. 

Thank you to my husband, family and friends. I could not have made it to where I am without any of you. I love you. 

Meeting Personal Goals

I am working toward running the Las Vegas Rock 'N' Roll 1/2 marathon in under 3 hours. The first time I ran in January my time was 3:06:29. The second 1/2 in San Diego was 3:02:05. I was so disappointed that I was so close but yet so, so far away! I am still kicking myself for not running five more minutes, or one more mile.

I have been through some pretty huge ups and downs in the past four months. I ran the San Diego 1/2 in June and was in my peak of performance. I then spent 16 days in the Biosphere and then three weeks traveling to visit family. My exercise was sporadic at best. Not only was my exercise sporadic, my weight that I had worked so hard to take off decided half of it wanted to come back.

One morning I flipped. I put on a dress from the spring before when I had lost a ton of weight and it was tight on my hips. I then stood on the scale and realized I was half a pound away from a point I said I would NEVER reach again. I lost it. My poor husband didn't know who he was looking at as I stomped around the house fuming and raging about my weight and how I felt about myself. I was a crazy woman. Absolutely nuts!

I went to my trainer at the gym and nearly had an emotional breakdown asking him what I needed to do. He said that I needed to cut out all sugars and to not have any carbs whatsoever after 3 PM. Top that off with some pretty intense 1/2 marathon training and I had a recipe for success. In my first week I lost 8 pounds! Now, 10 weeks into the thick of it, I have lost a total of 21 pounds. It is so incredibly worth it.

I spoke to my trainer about my training and he has set me up with a pretty intense program that I am LOVING. In general, it looks something like this:

Sunday: Long, Slow Distance for 3 hours
Monday: Off or Boot Camp at the gym
Tuesday: Run (Usually 4-6 miles easy, meaning I feel great at the end and am not breathless at all)
Wednesday: Intervals (For example, this week)
1/4 mile 2 minutes 30 seconds
1/4 mile 2 minutes 30 seconds
1/2 mile 5 minutes
1/2 mile 5 minutes
1 mile 10 minutes
1/2 mile 5 minutes
1/2 mile 5 minutes
1/4 mile 2 minutes 30 seconds
1/4 mile 2 minutes 30 seconds
Thursday: Off or light run
Friday: Run
Saturday: Run and see trainer

It kicks my butt and makes me feel good when I meet the goals set out for me. To be honest, I was terrified of the three hour run he wanted me to do today. The longest I had run in a very, very long time was a two hour run two weeks ago. I ran nine miles at a 4.5 mile per hour pace. I was fine cardiovascularly, but exhausted bodily. Would I be able to do three hours? I had taken a light week to recover this past week and had run 3-6 miles easy four times with no intervals or longer runs throughout the week. I was completely recovered and felt wonderful.

This morning at 5:30 I set out on my three hour run.

I ran 13 miles in just under 3 hours.

I did it. It was a complete breakthrough. The only thought I had was "Las Vegas, you are going DOWN!" I knew that if I could run 13 in the time I had set as a goal a month and a half before the actual run, I could totally blow that time out of the water and beat it. I am going to push hard, run those intervals and my 3 hour Sunday runs and love every minute of it.

I have even set a new goal. I set it before I have even finished my current one. I am going to run the San Diego FULL marathon in June of 2012. This will be my birthday gift to myself. My trainer is putting me on a now adjusted training program so that I will be ready. I figure I have eight months. Anything is possible in eight months! A year ago I would have laughed at you if you suggested I run a full marathon. Now, today, I feel anything is possible.

Adventures, Home and Away

This summer I had the blessing of being able to fly home to Oregon and then drive down to Tahoe and then back up to Oregon and once again through California on my way back home. In a total of three weeks I saw and did more than I had done in the past six months combined.

The first thing I did when I got to my parents house in Oregon was raid their kitchen. Why, you ask? My mom had purchased a flat of Oregon strawberries. If you have ever bought strawberries at the store, you know that it is a 50/50 chance that they are going to taste any good. Most of the time the centers are pure white and sickeningly bland. Well... These particular strawberries that my mom had picked up were from a little farm a few miles away where I picked berries as a kid. I was ecstatic. Each berry is like a small ball of sugar that bursts in your mouth, flooding your senses with a more pure strawberry taste than you have ever had before. Especially if you had only eaten store-bought berries before. I sliced a handful up and placed them over some Nancy's low fat yogurt (another hometown treat) and dug in.

Now, doesn't that look delicious? The berries are red all the way through and just dripped juice and sugar. Nothing is better than this treat.

The next thing I did was take a picture of my parents back yard in its full glory. This is only a fraction of the beauty that surrounds their home, but this particular part holds a special place in my heart because I designed the rose garden and helped my parents build it. Bless them for putting up with my stubbornness when it came to the way it was laid out!

It is definitely a little slice of paradise! The roses were in full bloom and the hops were crawling over the archway and the boxwood is finally all connected and a lovely hedge. I spent quite a bit of time wandering among the flowers taking pictures. It is so peaceful out there. And green! A far cry from the brown where I am now!

My parents and I always like to go on adventures. This time we hit the river in my dad's raft and drifted the river where my dad taught me how to row. After a few panicky moments I did pretty well!

 My amazing parents on the river! Dad was currently rowing. 

A view of the river from behind the boat. So beautiful! Look at the gorgeous clear sky! 

We had a blast! Some of us got a little wet (Dad more than anyone!) and the warm sun kept us drying off faster than I would have thought. 

I then headed up to my old stomping grounds: Oregon State University! Go Beavs! Where I visited some favorite places and some of my favorite people. 

 This is the quad in front of the Student Union building. I had just stepped off the cafe's balcony and out into the square. How I miss the hubbub of this school! 

Now this... This is a picture I sent to my hubby to make him jealous. I am getting ready to bite into the free slice of Cinnamon Chip bread from Great Harvest Bread Co. We used to get this as a special treat in college. Warm with a little butter makes this a sinful dessert. Or breakfast. Or whenever... Yum! Being without sugar for four weeks makes this look really really good right now! 

When I got home, and before we went to Lake Tahoe, my parents and I went on an evening hike of some local falls. The first one was pretty stunning: 

 I was taken with the height and beauty! 

The pathway leading to it was pretty lovely too! 

The second falls were a complete coincidence. We were looking for another location, but happened upon a sign for this one and decided to give it a chance. Boy were we in luck! 

 It was like a scene from a movie where they find a waterfall with the blue pool at the bottom, perfect for a swim! Unfortunately, the water here was quite chilly, so no swimming was going to take place! 

 Dad admiring the falls. This gives you an idea of the sheer size. I couldn't even get the entire waterfall in the picture! 

 Mom taking pics! 

 My dad and I at the base. 

 Mom and I at the base. 

Twilight lovers? Look familiar? It isn't the same one, but it made me think of Edward's meadow. SO pretty! 

My parents helped me have the full experience of being home while I was there. We partook in many activities that reminded me of my childhood and brought comforts only home could offer. Even some of the chores I used to do as a kid, but with cooler toys that made it way easier to get the job done. 

 Homemade strawberry rhubarb jam at 10:30 at night! Yum! 

 Moving bark, but this time using the tractor and not a shovel and wheelbarrow. Man, I wish we had one of these when I was a kid! 

Genesis Juice.... Life can't get any sweeter (or actually kinda mouth-puckering) than this! I remember when these came in glass bottles and had to be consumed within five days of arrival due to the fact that there are no preservatives in it whatsoever. Now they package them with airtight seals, so they last longer unless you open them. They are so incredibly yummy! 

The night before we left for Tahoe my parents treated me to an amazing dinner at my favorite winery: King Estates in little ol' Lorane, Oregon. Technically it is in Eugene, but it is only about two or three miles outside Lorane's 'downtown' area. We sat on the patio with a gorgeous view and enjoyed a nice glass of wine and a succulent dinner. I felt pretty spoiled. 

When we got to Tahoe (I have better pics that I will post another time, but for now the sweets will have to do!) my cousin who is a stellar camp cook, made a strawberry 'dump' cake. It sounds pretty weird, but oh boy was it amazing! All it was was strawberries, peaches, butter and white cake mix. He put it in the dutch oven and it turned out beautifully! (With all the sweets I ate on vacation, can you see why I am now cutting out sugar from my diet?)

When I got back to Oregon with Matt, we visited REI and I picked up a pair of Vibram Five Fingers. They are incredibly comfy, but I don't think they are going to be my running shoes any time soon. They gave me huge blisters! I do, however, love to wear them for everyday use. They are definitely like wearing a glove on your feet and I can't get enough of them! I wish they matched every outfit!

I have more pictures from my trip to Oregon with Matt that I will also post later, but they are currently still on my camera, waiting to be put on my computer. I am a little slow in that department!

When we left Oregon, we visited my aunt in San Francisco and took a day to wander the waterfront. I insisted on stopping by Ghirradelli Square and getting some ice cream. This sundae was so huge I couldn't even come close to finishing it, but boy was it delish!

 I was in a sugar coma for a while! 

The previous sundae, however, does not even come close to holding a candle to my true favorite ice cream. This ice cream is to DIE for. It is something that my family holds near and dear to our hearts and will travel out of our ways to make sure we get it! (If I were driving by this parlor, I would say 'to heck with my sugar free lifestyle! Give me some of this!') Hanford, CA's very own Superior Dairy. Heaven in a bowl... sugar coma bliss, chocolate chip divinity, death to any diet. It is so delicious the Matt and I have even made a point to pack some in dry ice and deliver it to my parents for Christmas and then this past trip take home six half-gallons in an ice chest to savor for months to come. (I am counting down the days until I can allow myself a little taste!) ONE scoop at this place is like a four or five scoop sundae at a normal ice cream parlor. It is colossal! 

 Yes, this is one scoop. One scoop with marshmallow cream. Nothing beats this delectable morsel of divine death by ice cream. If I could eat it every day with the promise I would never gain a pound... I would! If you are ever even close to the area (close being 100 miles) GO there! Seriously. 

One of the big kickers for me this summer was the expected surprise I received in the mail a few days after we returned. I went from not being able to run down the block to running two half marathons in one year. Both marathons were Rock 'n' Roll marathons and they have this wonderful little thing called the "Heavy Medal Series" where if you run two or more marathons in one year they send you medals to commemorate each step. I ran both eh Phoenix 1/2 and the San Diego 1/2 and the medal pictured below graced my mailbox. I have it hung with pride on the wall in my room. 

I am now looking forward to running the Las Vegas 1/2 marathon in December and will receive the "Triple Crown" medal. By December 2012, I hope to run my first FULL marathon. 26.2 miles! For now, however... I plan to stick to my 1/2's and just enjoy the ride. 

The summer has ended and the school year has begun. We are now into week five and I am loving every minute. Next summer is going to be even better than this one. How? I am not sure since this past summer will be VERY hard to beat, but it will!