The First Half

Hello! What a day yesterday was!!

Saturday night we headed to bed early and I was actually able to fall asleep by 10:30 (with the help of some Advil PM!). I slept straight through until my alarm went off at 5am! I debated with myself on what to wear, and ultimately went with the tank top and arm sleeves, which turned out to be the best decision, btw!

My friend, Beka, was running the 10k with her friend, Monica, so they met at our house at 6 to drive downtown together (me, Beka, Monica):





We got downtown at 6:30, met up with Jenay, and it was 6:50 already (race started at 7:00)! It was perfect timing since we didn't have to wait around too long. Jenay and I said our goodbyes, and headed out to join the mass of people running the half and full marathon. The 10kers were starting at 7:15 so Beka and Monica had a little time before they started.



We didn't have to wait long before the gun went off, and it only took about 3 minutes to cross the start line. It was crowded, but everyone seemed to be in good spirits so it was fun! We ran past the Science Center and Browns Stadium first and then up to West 6th Street. We were running a pretty steady 9:30 pace but I knew I wouldn't be able to keep that up if I didn't want to burn out early. I was feeling good, though, so I decided to stick with it for awhile. Jenay was running the half marathon, and trying to PR, so I didn't want to hold her back. We ran over the Carnegie Bridge and made our way towards Tremont. I knew my family was going to be there so I was in a great mood knowing I was going to see them around mile 4.







It was quick hello/goodbye and I was off again! After we left Tremont we had to run towards the westside of Cleveland on Lorain. Not the best area of Cleveland, but I was feeling great so I didn't mind. And the miles just seemed to be flying by. It was right around Mile 8 that I told Jen good luck, gave her a hug, and said I'd talk to her later. I knew I wouldn't be able to finish if I kept that pace.

Then I ran into Team Heatha at mile 9:



See me? I actually got teary a little bit at this point seeing C in front of me. I loved having him there cheering me on. Having family and friends there to support you really makes all the difference.

After a quick hug and kiss, we headed past Edgewater on the shoreway (I always find it funny to be running on the freeway, how bout you?) towards downtown. I desperately needed a bathroom break and stopped at mile 11 to use one of the porta pottys. I'd never stopped during a race like this and surprisingly didn't feel rushed! I stretched my hamstrings while waiting my turn and it felt so good!! I was trying to be smart this time around.

I got back into my groove and it was at mile 12 where the half marathoners split off. I actually laughed out loud to myself and shook my head in disbelief as to what I was doing. :)

I headed to the left as the halfers turned to the right and was still feeling positive. I knew I had a long stretch before I saw my family again (they were going to be at mile 17-18) so I turned up my music and kept on.

Second half coming later today -- stay tuned!!

Have a good Monday!

Today Was a Good Day

I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day.



THIS is the feeling I was looking to gain 2 weeks ago in Pittsburgh. I'm SO GLAD I decided to run today!

Gonna go relax and stretch. Hope everyone had as fulfilling of a day as I had!

Details tomorrow!

Hugs----  

Cleveland Rocks & Runs

OMGOMGOMGOMG -- it's here!!!



I would think that my mind would be so much more at ease about tomorrow since now I know what to expect. But, like I said before, I am so anxious for this race for some reason. And maybe it IS because I know what to expect?! All I know is that I'm a basket case right now (but what else is new).

In any case, we picked C up from school yesterday and headed straight downtown to the Expo at the Cleveland Convention Center to pick up my bib and such. I thought it would be fun to show C what all the hype is about and to get him involved. I think he found this the most amusing:



Must be a boy thing to find rows of porta pottys funny? Haha...

I think the back of the shirt is my favorite. I love that the slogan is "Cleveland Rocks and Runs"! The guitar is made up of all running related terms - it's cute.



Though, the loot we got isn't very impressive:



I mean, Reese's and Kit Kats? Oh well.

I did pick up some new socks to try (though I won't be wearing them tomorrow!). I've heard good things about these:



Is it bad I get excited about socks these days?? :)

Well, the plan is to have an early dinner at home tonight and get to bed early. I'm not sure what the outcome will be tomorrow, but I'm going to give it my all. As I tell C, "Try before you cry!". Who knows, I may just cry.........

Have a good weekend, Friends!!

Best Gift Ever

LOVE:



Ummmm, please don't mind my double chin!

Here's a closeup:



My mom helps out a friend of the family and works at his jewelry store on the weekends and once during the week. His store is located in the quaint, downtown Willoughby area, and is called W Brown Custom Jewelry and Design. He specializes in custom orders, and even made my engagement ring (check out the "Heather" here)! If you're ever in the market for something special I highly recommend you check him out, Bill's such a great guy and works to create just what you want. How cool is it knowing you have a piece of jewelry that NO ONE else will ever have?

So, earlier this week I was telling the hubby that I wanted a necklace similar to this and he told me I should call Bill to have something made and then my mom showed up with this tonight!! I'm still super excited:



Can you tell??

THANKS MOM!! LOVE YOU.  

Get My Head In The Game

Did anyone else have a horrible storm this past weekend? Cleveland got hit pretty hard, and the winds got up to 50-60 mph! It was intense. Luckily we never lost power, but most of Lakewood did. Are you asking yourself yet where I'm going with this?

Well, today I went out for a short 3 mile run and ran down to the park and back. While running around the park (which is right on the lake), this is what I saw:

Holy crap! And those are only a few of the trees that were down.

I also saw these guys on my run:





It's that time of year again! Let's hope it warms up before their first game in 2 weeks.....

A great thing about Lakewood Park is that dogs are welcome now!



I always thought it was weird they didn't allow dogs. So now we can bring this guy:



Awwwww.........did you just fall in love?? Sorry, he's mine. :)

My legs felt a little heavy tonight, so I'm going to take it easy the next few days since the Cleveland marathon is this Sunday!! I'm totally freaking out. I explained to my friend today that I haven't forgotten about the pain and struggle I faced in Pittsburgh yet. It's like when you have a baby or drink til your sick and vow never to do it again, and then some time passes, you forget the pain, and think to yourself it would be a fun thing to do all over again. Well, I'm not to that point yet and can't stop thinking about it. I need to get my head in the game. I can't go into this race on Sunday with a negative attitude, I'll be screwed from the beginning if I do that.

Anyone have any advice for me??

Good to be Wrong?

How was everyone's Mothers Day? Good, I hope?!

Mine was fantastico!

I even got a present:



Do you love it?





It's a HORRIBLE picture of me considering this was at mile 26, and I was completely DYING. But, it was also a great moment, and I love the date and time at the bottom! J made me one of these for my 1st half marathon, so they are now side by side in our living room.

We met my folks for a late lunch at the Waterstreet Grille downtown. It was ok, the food was nothing spectacular, but it was nice to hang with my parents.

Serious:





Silly:

  



I love my little guy.....

When we got home I relaxed and rotted my brain by watched a Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane marathon (love her!) while J and C put this together:





I think Diddy wanted to play!!

Baseball season starts in 2 weeks - time to practice, as C is "playing up" this year. I'm still on the fence about this, but J is convinced he's ready. Hmmmmm, I'm not so sure. And for one time in my life I really think it would be good if I were wrong......

Have you ever wished you were wrong?

How Far She's Come

This post is dedicated to my Mom.



Doesn't she look so young?

I can't say that we have always had the perfect relationship, or were best friends as I was growing up, but today we are probably the closest we have ever been. I'm so proud of her for how far she has come the past few years.

Here is a picture of us from 2005:



And 2006:



Now, check us both out in 2007:



And I'm sure you can see the difference in the picture above from my wedding in 2008!!

What a journey she has had. She lost 100 pounds, and did it without any gimmicks, pills, shakes, etc. Pure will power and determination. Though, I think a lot of it had to do with this guy:



She is 100%, without a doubt, the BEST grandmother a kid could ask for. Now that she is healthy, and taking care of herself, she is the most active grandma, too!

I mean, I love my grandparents, but I never had the relationship that C has with my mom. He is the luckiest kid in the world. She is there for every concert, school event, soccer game, baseball game, and basketball game. They go to cooking classes, movies, you name it, they do it. It's pretty cool, actually.

She's an inspiration, and I'm proud to call her my mom!!

Love you, Kath!

Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there. Take the day to do something for yourself - you deserve it!