1) I learned that living in La Crosse, WI isn't all bad (As AJ made it out to be). I have some great memories of our 6 months there. (June-Nov 2010)

2) I learned what it was like to be on the campaign trail - 24/7. I learned that there are parades to celebrate anything, especially in a small town.

3) I learned that you make friends fast (and in some cases for life) when you're throw together on the campaign trail everyday (and living together too!)

4) I learned that roommates (even when you're married) aren't all that bad and can bring some excitment into your life (Love you Ryan!)

5) We moved to Madison. Being closer to family has had it's perks, but I have missed my dear Minnesota friends and living in Badger land will get real interesting come football season!

7) I learned that dispite how much willpower you have (and how good your 4WD car is) you can't drive through a blizzard from Minneapolis to Madison and expect to make it in one day. I also learned that 24 hour grocery stores are still open, even in a Blizzard, and that Beer, cookies and cold medicine is really all you need.

8) I learned that relying on the Lord's timing takes a lot of prayer and a lot of patience. Something he continues to teach me as I learn to walk with him daily

9) I learned that my 4 years of college paid off and that I wasn't meant for a career as a designer - but in the design industry.

10) I started my first REAL adult job.

11) I learned that daily routinues that are consistent are a great thing, but there is something to be said for the carefree days of college living.

12) I learned that using your natural born talents in combination with what you studied in school is the best way to succeed and be happy in your job - and I know that I'm lucky for figuring that out so young. I have God to thank for that!

13) I learned that it is impossible to make a Siberian Husky cold - you can get close, but not to the point where they actually want to come inside and out of the snow.

14) I learned that throwing a surprise party for your husband is a lot of fun - and hard to keep a secret when you're used to telling him everything. It's even better when you get his mom to fly in from Florida as an added surprise.

15) I learned that weekends are more of a prized possession once those are truly the only days you have off

16) I learned that training and owning a dog is a rewarding and amazing priveldge.

17) I realized that I don't want to have kids for a few years (like 3 or 5). Mostly because I'm more interested in traveling and living life a bit before then.

18) I learned that the start of summer is somewhat less exciting when you're no longer in school (summer events and plans always make it exciting, but you still gotta work 5 days a week). On the flip side, the end of summer is also less saddening.

19) I learned that the first year of marriage goes by really fast. That it probably won't be the hardest and that it also won't be the best. I also learned that working to make your marriage the best it can be is a challenging and rewarding experience.

20) I learned that money is tight when you're young, but being on the right career path is worth the lack of funds. I also learned that budgeting and planning your finanices is a hassle, but also the best thing you can do if you want to stay on track and start to build wealth. (Thanks Dave Ramsey!)

21) I learned that it is possible to run 13.1 miles (in a row) when you train for it. And that my body is capable of things I never thought possible a few years ago.

22) I am constantly learning that when you put your mind to it you can truly be the most beautiful person you always dream of being - both inside and out.

I'm sure I learned much more than 22 things in the past year, and I sm so thankful for all that I learn and how I grow every year. I know the Lord has plans in store for me (and for us), but only time will tell what they will be. So here's to 22 years of life and many many more. :-)

It was a rough day, but I still finished and I stuck to at least one of my goals (under 2:30).

The weather: HOT and HUMID - heat index was in the high 90s. There was a nice breeze on the bridge but then Lincoln Memorial drive there was no shade and no breeze, it was like trudging along. Once we got into Lake park there was a nice breeze and lots of shade, but by that time I had so much energy sucked out of me I was struggling to keep running. I'm sure my pace slowed to more of an 11 min mile in the heat.

The course: Pretty good. There was lots of space for everyone to spread out and I never felt like I was stuck behind people or had to bob and weave my way to get around people walking or running slower. It was hard to run 5 mi up and over a bridge (twice) and then run another 8mi after that, but overall the course was pretty good. There were aid stations every 1.5 miles in the first 5 miles and then every mile after that. They were ill prepared for the hot weather and ran out of water at several stations - I was always in the group of people right when the stations were running out of water and I managed to get some at every stop. The 9 mile stop was in the middle of the biggest hill in the course - DUMB - and I ended up walking the second half of the hill because I was drained and had to stop for water. It would have been far better to place the station at the top of the hill - a nice incentive for running up the whole thing. 75-90% of the water I picked up went on my body and not in it, partially because of the heat, and partially because drinking too much water can cause issues (and actually kill you ... ekk). With all the roads closed I never felt unsafe or crowded, which was great. By the time some of the narrower parts (running through the park) came everyone was so spread out it didn't matter.

The people: lots and lots! The race numbers were in the 1000s for each race. I heard close to 8000 people registered for both races combined. The only area when I felt crowded was waiting in line to use the port-a-john at the start of the race and in the starting carroals. But we were already at a decent jog by the time we hit the starting mats for the chip timing and everyone spread out really fast. The view from the top of the Hoan Bridge down was awesome to see - thousands of runners spanning 2 lanes of freeway! I ended up settling in around a few key people that I saw throughout the whole race.

How I felt: The first 5 miles were great. I really enjoyed running over the Hoan Bridge - the view was nice and it was a great distraction to watch for all the people I knew running the 10k heading south on the bridge while I was headed back north. There was a nice breeze and it wasn't too hot yet. We even got to see the top finishers go back past us while running the bridge. Once we spearated from the 10k course there were less distractions, but the next couple miles were ok. There was no breeze and no shade for almost all of miles 6, 7 and 8. I started to hit a wall around mile 8 and by the time I reached mile 9 (in the middle of a big hill) I had to walk for more than just a breif stop to get water. I went back to running around mile 9.25 or so and ran to mile 10. I then walked for about another quarter or half mile. By this point I was not only hot but my heart rate was higher than it normally was when I was running in training and my muscles were getting very tired. I ran off and on between mile 10.5 and 12. If my memory is serving me correctly, I walked a lot of mile 11.5 to 12.5. At the aid station for mile 12 they had a "red flag" up which meant stop running unless you are elite - because the heat index was so high. Of course a lot of people were already walking at this point and kept doing so. I think because so many other people were walking in those last few miles it made it easier to let my mind give me reasons to walk. But I'm ok with it. I walked with brief stints of running up until about the last half to quarter mile (at that point I had no clue how much further I had to go). It was taking all the energy I thought I had left just to be jogging into the finish chute and toward the finish line. Then I heard and saw my mom cheering and then my dad, mother-in-law, husband and lots of friends (most of which had run the 10K) cheering me on. It gave me that last burst of energy to pick up speed toward the finish line.

After: As soon as I crossed the finish line I kept walking, trying to figure out where to go/what to grab. I got my medal and wrist band (for free beer and entrance to summerfest) and then someone handed me a glass of ice water. Now I know that body tempurature water is actually better for you, but it tasted so good that by the time I made it to where my friends and family were I had finished it. I then proceeded to fill it with gatorade and drink a glass and a half of that. Big mistake! My body was not happy with the sudden influx of fluids and within about a 45 min of finishing I was throwing up everything I had drank. Eventually, after slowly drinking water, throwing up again and then getting out of the heat my body started to take in food and water. It took me over an hour to drink about 20 oz of water and eat one granola bar. Lesson learned: don't eat or drink too much, too fast after a long hard run.

The Next Day: Today I feel pretty good. My muscles are for sure sore, but it isn't hard to get up out of my chair or walk around - just sore. I can see myself doing more half marathons in the future, but probably more low key - purposeful run/walk pace and no major time goals. Altought who knows, if it wasn't for the heat I was confident in being able to hit closer to a consistent 10 mi mile goal (around 2:10 time), so maybe I'll try again someday. I am considering the Disney half in Janurary, I think that would be fun!

Here's the breakdowns:

Official time: 2:26:06
1746 out of 2952 overall participates in the half marathon
816 out of 1614 females in the half marathon
99 out of 213 in my age group of the half marathon (females 20-24)

I can't believe that my half marathon is 3 days away! It seems like I started my training not that long ago and now I am in the final stages of preparing to run 13.1 miles.

The last 2 weeks I was much better about my training and got in everyday I needed, including some bike riding as cross training. I did my last long training run (10 mi) in downtown Milwaukee and I had a chance to run part of the course, which was nice. I was right on pace and although my muscles were getting really tired and a little sore by the end I felt pretty good. I am actually getting more excited than nervous. I know I can do it and I know I have a huge support team both on the course (running the half or 10k) and off.

Today was the last training day and I only had to run 2 miles. My goal is to keep limber with some light walks and LOTS of stretching the next two days. Race day will be here before I know it!

This weekend started off a better week and hopefully a strong finish to the next two weeks. I rode my bike for cross training on Saturday (and have a sore butt still!) which was a huge deal because I haven't truly done my Saturday cross training in weeks. Yesterday I ran 9 miles - 9 MILES! It was a beautiful weather day - on the warm side (mid 70s), but a slight breeze. My muscles were really feeling it by about mile 7, but I made it! I'm not totally sure what my pacing or timing was since I wasn't tracking. 

Today I got up and did a lot of stretching and some strength exercises. This week is suppose to be on the hot side (80s and 90s) but at least sunny and not rainy - and I usually run in the morning, so the heat shouldn't be too bad. Race day is officially less than 2 weeks away. I am getting excited and hope that I can finish out these last two weeks of training strong and have a great race day!

I am now a month away from race day, and I am getting anxious and ready for it to arrive. Next week I tackle a 10K and then 9mi and 10mi. After today, it no longer seems impossible to achieve those distances or be successful on race day ... although heat, wind and humidity throws a wrench in that no matter what!

Sunday was the first day (ever!) that I ran 7mi - more than a 10k. I was a little nervous but headed out in the 80s and humidity to tackle it the best I could. I had the opportunity to borrow my mother-in-law's Garmin watch and it was awesome! It was too hot to run with the dog, so I was out by myself. After mile 1 I felt good, mile 2 still feeling pretty great. By mile 3 I was hot, but still felt on the better side of good. By the time I turned around (3.66 mi) I was tired, but happy to know I was half done. Around mile 4 I started to get "I have to pee" sensations and as silly as it seems, I did a lot of praying that it wouldn't turn into "find a bathroom now" sensations! lol. About mile 5 my ipod died. That made me realize how much I do appreciate having music when I run (even when I don't feel like it distracts me, it does). I managed to hit mile 7 before having to go back up the big hill I run down in the beginning. Walking up it made me happy - happier than running up it! By the time I walked back to the car, stretched a little and drove home I was hot, sweaty, tired and glad to be done. But I felt good the rest of the day. 

Today I gained a new appreciation for my running spandex and learned an important lesson - don't run without them! This morning they were still damp from washing them when I was ready for my run (and since you shouldn't put them in the dryer) I opted to run without them. It was too hot to put on even my shortest pair of capri tights and I figured it was only 4.5 miles, I shouldn't have a problem. Well the last 1-2 miles were a little rough on my inner thighs. I learned my lesson and I won't run without them again. 

Even though I feel like heck while running sometimes, I know that how I feel at the end is the real key to how successful I will be on race day. While I am getting sick of running 3-4 times a week and am getting anxious for race day - I am excited as well. More than half way through my training. 7 weeks down, 5 to go - and it will be here before I know it!

Overall I am just starting to get tired of running 3-4 days a week. Even after a week of slightly less, it is still a lot of work. I am gaining a new appreciation for people who run marathons!

Here are my thoughts on last week: 6 miles and still going strong(ish). A week ago from Sunday I ran 6 miles for the first time ever. It was hot and I was thirsty about 1 mile in (and not carrying any water). About half way through I was able to get some water at a small rest stop on the bike path I was running on. Once I got into the groove I was able to just truck along and finish in an hour. Then last week I ran 4mi on my Tues/Thurs runs and felt pretty good most days. This week might be one of those hard weeks ... 6 weeks down, 6 to go!

Last week was the first time that I had really ever run 5 miles in a row in my life. It went pretty well actually. I did have to stop for a little to get Nakita some water because it was rather warm and she slowed down a lot - I was worried she was going to over heat. This weekend I will be at home in Brookfield for my Saturday cross training and my Sunday long run. It will be nice to have a new route and some different scenery. I am starting to get to a point in my runs where I have to switch into that mental place and can't 100% rely on my muscles to get me to the finish, but its mostly near the end and I still feel pretty good once I am done. Good practice to work the mental part of running that many miles in a row though.

The weather for sure has been better, although the last few days its been in the 80s and humid ... from one extreme to the other. I'll take that over the cold and rain. 

Well its late and it has been a long and busy week that is still not over. I'm going to try to check in every week or so ... I figure its my first half marathon, might be nice to document the journey :-)

First of all, the weather around here just plain sucks for this time of year. We have only had a few days in the 60s and a lot of rain - which most often seems to hit on the days that I have to get a longer run in between certain times of the day due to my schedule. Normally this is the perfect time of year to be running outdoors - 50s-70s, sun, the occasional light breeze. Although I suppose thos conditions are any runners ideal.

Second, running the distances I need to cover around our apartment are getting complicated. There are lots of turn left here, turn right there, loop around this way. I enjoy living in an area where the streets aren't all in a grid format, but it sure makes running specific distances hard. Plus, the app I use to track my distance/timing/pace gets messed up running up and down the big valleys by us and it totally throws off my training stats. (Cause I sure as heck ain't running a 3 and 4 minute mile like it sometimes thinks!)

Mostly I'm just looking for things to complain about because this weather is so annoying. All-in-all the training is going rather well and I have been impressed with the ease that I have run my 3 and 4 mile distances with being so out of running shape. I can't beleive its less than 10 weeks away. And I can't beleive that I am going to run 13.1 miles ...all at once ... in a row ... without stopping (or at least that's the plan).

Here's to the next 10 weeks and accomplishing something on my bucket list! (even with some grumbling along the way ...)

For example, a teacher (as a state employee) would most likely be against the bill because it will cost them more money to pay for health insurance and put more into their retirement each month. A superintendent (also a state employee) is for the bill because they know that something needs to be done or they will have to cut jobs to get the money needed. All the teacher can see is not having as much money in their pocket every month, but I bet they would rather have that than no job at all.

We as a family are on both sides of the issue, which gives us an interesting view point. AJ being a state employee will take the same hits, and his (low) income is supporting two people. It could cost us up to $250 a month - which is money we desperately need. However, we understand sacrifices must be made so people can KEEP jobs and Wisconsin can get back on track.

It always amazes me how close minded people become around politics. And not only that, but how rumors fly and facts are misinterpreted almost before they are even out of someone's mouth. The I'm right, your wrong mentality combined with tunnel vision about yourself is a dangerous combination. But it's the world of politics.

Lately I have been reading the book of Esther in the Old Testament of the Bible and Esther risks her own life to go before the king and request for him to save her people (the Jews). I think if we all took a moment to think beyond ourselves and to the other people of Wisconsin the landscape of this state might change a little. Your job might be safe if they chose to cut jobs instead, but what about your neighbor down the street who gets laid off? Paying a little more into insurance and retirement each month is not the end of the world, especially if I means turning the state around and getting back on track so some day we can have more jobs and a better economy as a whole.

Just my food for thought...