The Journey to 2012 Miles in 2012

Back in January, Steve and I set 2 goals. (1) To qualify for the Boston Marathon, and (2) to run 2012 miles during 2012. We both achieved Goal #1 back on December 9th, but Goal #2 still is a work in progress.

For 2012, we planned a virtual 2012 mile race from the most southern point of the Continental United States at Key West, Florida to the easternmost point at West Quoddy Head, Maine.

We live on an island with a 140 mile circumference and aren't independently wealthy, so had to come up with something to make it interesting. Running, like life, is supposed to be about the journey, not the destination, right? In the beginning, we kept track of our virtual positions and had fun announcing our location, but once our mileage hit Georgia, we stopped tracking our location on Google Maps and just focused on distance. The destination, not the journey, had became our focus.

Or so it seemed. Running 2012 miles has been a big deal for us. Through the 1st half of the year, it was the top priority for both of us. But as I saw my speed and endurance increase, qualifying for Boston became a top priority. Knowing that we had the Napa Valley Marathon in March 2013 (a much faster course than the Honolulu Marathon) lingered in the back of my mind, but I REALLY wanted to qualify on one of the toughest marathon courses there is.

                                           Mile 500 - Lanikai Pillboxes                                                                

There's a pretty significant feeling of accomplishment that comes over you when you work hard at something for an entire year, fighting through illnesses, injuries, fatigue, and the calendar. The old saying "The steeper the mountain, the harder the climb, the better the view from the top." really is true. It's been a tough climb, but now that we're standing at the top, we can look back down and see the amazing journey that got us here. Before this year, Steve and I had run together, but not regularly. We're only on the same work schedule 4 months out of the year and I didn't have my SVT under control late in 2011, my pace was much slower than his. But we entered 2012 as training partners and the majority of our miles would be run together. The intent was for Steve to push me hard to drop 45 minutes from my previous marathon result and for me to keep Steve from skipping runs for the beach or gym. The husband/wife combo had the potential to become a dangerous situation, but instead of creating friction, it brought us closer together than we have ever been in 24 years.

                                        Mile 840 - Kailua Beach Sunrise 

The miles and the time we spent together logging them were incredible. Our journey took me through many states (Hawaii, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri) and 2 islands.....Steve had his race in Colorado so had more states than me.  We ran along the shores of the Pacific and through the Ozarks, through scorching heat, pouring rain, and near hurricane-force winds. But not a single mile was wasted. Each one either had a specific goal towards meeting our BQ time (tempo runs, intervals, hill repeats, long runs, etc) or experiencing the beauty around us, whether it be the calming sounds of a rainforest or the glory of a sunrise while running in the sand along the beach. We celebrated every mile. They've engraved 2012 memories that I hope will last forever.

                                              Mile 760- I said "yes"!!!

Probably my favorite run was on June 2nd, when we ran 9 miles on the Maunawili DemonstrationTrail. Besides having one of the most beautiful trails on the planet to ourselves all morning, Steve dropped to one knee halfway through the run and asked me if I would marry him again.  We reconfirmed our wedding vows on our 20th anniversary on Lanikai Beach a few weeks later.

                                                        The Ozarks

In August, we took our oldest daughter to college on the Mainland. We ran through North Texas, Oklahoma City, and Arkansas's Ozarks. We even made a quick side trip north to Missouri so we could log another run in another state. With daily high temperatures hovering around 113 degrees, it was challenging, but the views were beautiful. I had to go back to work after 10 days, so Steve  headed off to Colorado with his dad for the Pikes Peak Marathon.


Steve's Side: "What Malia has lacked in speed, she's always made up for in endurance. I think this is true for most women - the time gaps between men and women shrink as the length of a race increases. And I've yet to meet another female runner who enjoys "chicking" a guy more than Malia. On more than one long run, I cruised at her training speed early on, only to have to hear her complaining that I couldn't keep up with her at the end. Not a case of kicking a dog when it's down. More like kicking a mule when it's down since I carry about 10 extra pounds of fuel and drinks (for both of us) on our long runs. Chivalry is not dead, but there have been times when I wanted to put it in a sleeper hold.  Then there was a 14.5 mile run on Peacock Flats Trail on July 21st. We were finishing the steep 2000' climb up a series of switchbacks in the first 1/2 of the loop when she started to drop me. Being the self-appointed "superior climber", my ego was already a bit bruised as I lost contact with her and started to walk. But to add insult to injury, she had the nerve to turn around and yell "if you're not puking, fainting, or dying, keep running!" I don't remember exactly what I replied under my wheezing, but I'm sure it was something to the extent of "thank you for the words of encouragement and I love you very, very much". But at the end of every run, no matter how hard or easy, fun or miserable, we always grabbed each others hand and said "good job". "

I have no idea what he is talking about. :)                                                                                          

                      Mile 1225: Kiss Up after insulting him at Peacock Flats

There were some special solo efforts as well. Besides runs that had to be done alone because of conflicting work schedules, we did several races in preparation for our BQ attempt, and they were all individual efforts. We both raced in 4 half marathons and a 25k (Hapalua Half, Hibiscus Half, Windward Half, Val Nolasco Half, and the Windward 25k). I set a PR in each race, with my 1/2 marathon PR dropping consistently from 1:42:07, 1:40:04, 1:38:24, and 1:33:37 between March and November.

I'm not running 2013 miles in 2013.  I'm going to run 3 Marathons and try to break 3:15, which I'm perfectly accepting of it happening on the mainland.

Although the 2012 miles was a "Steve and Malia" journey we met amazing and inspiring individuals along the way.  We see two incredible athletes in Kailua on our daily runs and have gotten to know them.  Although she is an elite woman runner, and he is crazy fast and usually wins the series races, they congratulate us after each race.  We've gotten to know some of the regular racers and there is one female in particular who pushes me as I've only beaten her once and she's got me twice.  I tell her it's her youth (she's 9 years younger than me!) but at the finish line there are hugs. :) After the marathon, a guy came up to me and said "you're the girl who killed the series this year!".  What me??!!!  The fact that a total stranger noticed my times was a huge boost of confidence.  Some of the most supportive group of athletes are via social media (Instagram).  Steve started following some runners and they followed him back.  One suggested he become part of the #furtherfasterforever family.  I joined Instagram and started following some of those same people.  Although we have only met one #f3 member in person, they are some of our biggest supporters and sources of encouragement. I hope to come face to face with more at our mainland races this year.

2012 Miles Stats:

Total Mileage: 1991.43 Miles (have 4 days to get to 2012 and WILL get them)

Total Days Run:  298

Longest Run Streak: 20 days

Highest Monthly Mileage: November (209.2)

Some Favorite Pictures from our runs:

Mile 268: Hapalua Half Marathon

Mile 653 -Running the Marsh

Somewhere in the 1900's-I qualified for Boston!

                                   

Christmas Eve Rambling

Just over 40 miles left until I reach 2012 miles this year.  Have only taken 2 days off this month and ran a marathon on the 9th.  I'm tired.  My legs are sore.  My foot hurts.

Yet a benefit to playing catch up with mileage is that I am able to enjoy Christmas goodies (A LOT of them!) and can still button my size 2 jeans. :)

Tried to ice my foot last night in an ice bath and holy moly it was excruciating! My foot throbbed for a good 10 seconds after I took it out of the ice.  I was moaning and groaning and received NO sympathy from Steve as he has been doing ice baths 2/3x day for months. 
1.  I don't know athletes emerge their entire bodies in ice.
2.  Reinforcement that I could never live and run in the snow as I'm certain my toes would fall off.  This is why I "like' my IG friend's running in the snow pictures. #badass

Ran 7.5 miles this morning.  Wore my blue Newton Distance verses my new hot pink Newtons and kept an easy pace as my hamstrings are sore from yesterday's 14 miler and hike up the mountain.  Had a cup of coffee and started baking.  Made chocolate chip cookies (only ate one bite of dough thank you very much) and Special K Bars (they do have Special K cereal and peanut butter) for Steve's troops who will standing watch on Christmas Day.  It's a small jester to stop by his work on Christmas day, but feel it's important his troops know that we are grateful they are protecting our Freedom while most of the world celebrates Christmas at home.

Enjoying time with all 3 kids, since the oldest is home from college for the holidays.  After 2 weeks of wind and rain (Hawaiian winter) we were able to enjoy a picture perfect beach day yesterday.  Even managed to make a Sandman complete with coconut hat!

Celebrating the true reason for the season.  Church tonight followed by Jammie exchange with my parents.  Tomorrow morning will rise early with the kids and let them go through their stockings before sneaking out of the house to hit the pavement with Steve before breakfast.  Feeling blessed.

Mele Kalikimaka!

Run 26 for the 26 lives taken at Sandy Hook Elementary

To Register:

http://www.active.com/running/las-vegas-nv/sandy-hook-elementary-school-memorial-run-and-ride-2013

There can be no greater pain in your legs or lungs than what the parents and family members of the victims are feeling right now.  Register, get out there, remember the victims, and pray for their families!

1. Charlotte Bacon, age 6
2. Daniel Barden, age 7
3. Olivia Engel, age 6
4. Josephine Gay, age 7
5. Ana Marquez-Greene, age 6
6. Dylan Hockley, age 6
7. Madeleine Hsu, age 6
8. Catherine Hubbard, age 6
9. Chase Kowalski, age 7
10. Jesse Lewis, age 6
11. James Mattioli, age 6
12. Grace McDonnell, age 7
13. Emilie Parker, age 6
14. Jack Pinto, age 6
15. Noah Pozner, age 6
16. Caroline Previdi, age 6
17. Jessica Rekos, age 6
18. Avielle Richman, age 6
19. Benjamin Wheeler, age 6
20. Allison Wyatt, age 6
21. Rachel Davino, a Teacher
22. Dawn Hochsprung, the School Principal
23. Anne Marie Murphy, a Teacher
24. Lauren Rousseau, a Teacher
25. Mary Sherlach, the School Psychologist
26. Victoria Soto, a Teacher

Hot Pink Newtons

Have had two runs in my hot pink Newtons!  I was coal mining so no one could see how awesome they are.  But I know.  And I think Newton had me in mind when they made them.  

The running community FurtherFasterForever did a weeklong feature about our Ohana.  Today was my day.  Although I am humbled and know there are many others with greater challenges that lie before/behind them, writing and reading about what I have overcome has brought back emotions I didn't expect.  Running is my safe place.  It is what calms me.  When I pray.  I always feel better after lacing up my shoes and heading out the door.  I am so fortunate that I am able to run and live in a place where the only climate challenges are the wind and rain.  So although this year has been a year of PR's, the groundwork was laid in the previous years when I just ran.....  that in itself was enough.   

Merry Running!

F3 Athlete of the Week

The Honolulu Marathon Recap

STATS:
3:25:37
37th Female
Age Group: 3rd
Overall: 295 (over 24,000 participants)


Before I write about my experience I will update you on Makai (aka The "Miracle" Child):

I passed him before mile 13.  One of the hardest things I've done is leave him on the course to fight the conditions on his own.  He wasn't on his own.  Fellow runners encouraged him and even gave him fuel when he ran out and needed more than gatorade and water.  Although he wanted to finish in under 4 hours, I didn't think it was possible, given the pain he was in when I left him, so expected him closer to the 5 hour mark.  After grabbing some food, Steve and I headed over to watch the finish, and before we made it there, he came flying (7 min/mile his last mile) across the finish line.  The kid finished in 3:51:09.  Not bad for a 16 year old who has never ran more than 13.1 miles.  To say I'm proud would be an understatement.  To say he pushed himself to a place he didn't know existed within him is accurate.

I had a great sleep before the marathon!  Lined up at the start with 30,000 of my closest friends next to Steve and Makai,  although we knew once the fireworks went off, they would take off at their pace and I would follow my plan.  As anticipated, I darted in and out of people the first 2 miles and then settled into my planned race pace.  The bands were playing and Christmas lights shining and I felt confident about the day ahead of me.

I was on schedule, running right on target pace which would give me a 3:19 finish and feeling great, until I turned up onto Kalanianiole Hwy which is mile 11.  The wind.  It gusted so hard at times that my visor flew off my head.  I tried to tuck behind other runners but they were either going too fast or too slow so I spent from mile 11-16 alone heading into the wind.  I could hardly maintain a 7:30 pace, and was suppose to be running 7:22's.  As I got further along the Hwy, my pace was dropping to almost 8 minute miles, and no matter how hard I tried, I could not speed up.

I started freaking out.  What was going on?  In my races this year, I had never had to struggle to maintain anything more than a 7:30 pace for a long distance and the last race I did I was running sub 7's after mile 11.  So I concentrated on my fuel plan and was sure that when I headed back out of Hawai'i Kai the wind would be at my back and I would make up some time.

As I ran out of the housing area in Hawai'i Kai at mile 17, I started to feel dizzy and my legs heavy.  I was only running a 7:45 mile.  I drank gatorade at the next aid station and concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other.  I tried to look for Makai running into Hawai'i Kai but couldn't find him.  I heard my name twice from friends and managed a hello but kept on running and knew I had my game face on (which looks I'm pissed).  I smile when I run, but there were no smiles.  After 3 miles back on Kalanianiole Hwy I started feeling better and had passed a runner who is younger and much stronger (faster!) than I, so the discouragement started to fade in my own training plan with the reality that the conditions sucked and I was not the only one feeling the pain.  I think the wind took the life out of me and even though I was not fighting it anymore, it had taken it's toll on me.  My only goal at this point was to not let my Garmin read anything more than 7:50's.  I resolved that breaking 3:30 was not likely but I could still break 3:45 and qualify for Boston.

Getting closer to Kahala I started feeling stronger with my pace picking up.  Coming off the freeway to the cheers and the band playing gave me a kickstart I needed and I started moving faster.  I thought I heard my name but was in the zone, and then heard it again and it was clearer.  A good friend who had escorted the wheel chair racers on his bike had come back on the course to cheer me on.  Hearing your name being called on the course is an awesome feeling.  I think I told him I felt like crap (not really the word I used) and he told me to keep going.  Let me know Steve was ahead of me which was a relief because at this point I started believing I could break 3:30.  Steve needed a 3:25 to qualify for Boston.

Diamond Head wasn't as painful as I expected and I even passed some girls (YES!).  Took in some gatorade at the aid station halfway up the hill and knew once I crested it, I was home free.  I tried to let loose down the hill towards Kapiolani Park but my legs wouldn't go any faster.  I heard my name again from my friend and ran down the homestretch with less than a mile to go.   Tons of people line the park cheering you on and when you are a girl, I think you get some extra cheers.  Especially when you are wearing a Lululemon skirt  with ruffles on your ass (yes, I was told my skirt was cute by spectators which did make me smile)!

I was going to break 3:30 yet knew if I worked hard I would make it in 3:25, which sounds a lot better than 3:26.  So with game face on I ran toward the finish line trying to catch a glimpse of my parents and son.  I heard my dad give a great loud cheer with 200 yards left yet was determined to cross in 3:25 so didn't even look up.  As I passed under the last banner I heard the announcer say my name and told me to smile so with both hands raised in the air and a huge smile I crossed the finish line!

The volunteers were awesome and I went straight into the mister shower.  One other female was there and gave me a huge hug and told me congrats.  I was the 37th female to cross the finish line and 295th overall...I notice the girls gravitate together with congrats as there aren't many of us.  I ran a 4:14 in 1999 and a 4:26 in 2007.  It was a huge PR for me!!!

I got my water and gatorade and looked for my husband to congratulate him as I knew he has qualified, but had no idea how his race had gone and if he had reached his personal goals (you can read his blog to find out about those).  My friend on the bike was at the finish with big congrats and took pictures and  Steve still didn't show up.  As I was getting ready to call him from my friend's phone, he came walking up. He had gone to watch the finish from the side and had missed my finish entirely.  That may be a good thing as he may not have been proud of the double fist pump I gave.

We both were exhausted and disappointed at how difficult the race had been but super stoked that we had both broken the 3:30 barrier and had qualified for Boston.  (Makai finishes = see above) Saw our fellow Kailua runners, offered congrats, and headed home.

Spent Sunday laying around.  Steve drank beer, but my stomach was too jacked up for my anticipated drink. Had a very painful 3 mile run yesterday morning and we are contemplating if our training plan caused the bad race or if it was the conditions.  The training plan worked through the all our other races this year (none less than a half marathon) so are not sure which direction to take as we train for the Napa Valley Marathon in March.

Right now, I'm going to enjoy the last couple weeks of the year.  I have around 150 miles to run to reach my other running goal of 2012 by running 2012 miles.  But I can take my time and not worry about tempo runs, striders, pace runs, ect and just run.

Not sure if we are even going to Boston.  The fact that we qualified is a huge feat in itself.  Honolulu was the day to see what 11 months of training could do to an average runner like me.  If you believe, you can succeed!

Per Runner's World Magazine regarding the desire to BQ.  It's a surreal feeling to be in that group! "....10 percent of American marathoners are fast enough to qualify for Boston.." 

Death Valley: Chase's Way

Sharing inspirational adventurer Chase Norton's story:

"Seeking the truth of death valley,a short film of one man's solo journey trekking 228 miles in 10 days across canyons, peaks, and dunes..." 

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/chaseway/death-valley-chases-way

The "Miracle" Child

My now very healthy 16 year old spent the first 8 months of his life fighting to stay alive.  When he was 6 weeks old, my husband and I were told that he may "not make it through the night and if he did, he probably would suffer significant brain damage."  Well he did make it through the night, spent a week in PICU and many more nights in the hospital for the next several months.  13 blood transfusions, endless hours at PT, and the will to live, and he is now a normal healthy child.

"The will to live" is why he is here.  The hospital where he was treated spoke about him for years after he was healthy and I recently met a doctor who had heard his story....he shouldn't be here.  He shouldn't have lived.  And he sure shouldn't be strong.  As distance runners, we all know the "will" is what propels us the finish line.

Makai has always been an individual athlete.  He has never enjoyed team sports, except maybe football.   He started racing BMX when he was 6, racing Motorcross when he was 9, and started surfing at 10 when we moved back home to Hawai'i.  He is an adrenaline junkie and likes all his successes and failures to be his.

But being the "read the parent book" type of mom, I feel team and high school sports are a huge benefit to kids.  They have to go to practice, even if they don't want to, are part of a group which holds them accountable, and most kid's grades actually go up during sports season.  So he chose Cross Country, with a little (ok, A LOT) of input from me.  You're part of a team, yet the race is yours, and XC doesn't interfere with big wave surfing in Hawai'i.

He enjoyed freshman year.  Couldn't make him do track.  Didn't run from November until August, when XC season started again.  This past season he had a great mentor and his new coach lit a fire in him.  He had a successful season and was moved up to Varsity and went to States.  He started talking about continuing to race 5K's when the season was over and run the Honolulu Marathon with us. (HUGE MOM GRIN!!!!!!!!)

So this miracle kid with an incredible will to live started training with Steve and me in October.  And most of the time, it hasn't been fun!  This hurts, that hurts, we're going to slow, it's too hilly, it's too early, wah, wah, wah!

He raced his first half marathon 3 weeks ago, after a whiny baby 11 mile training run the weekend before, and finished less than 2 minutes behind Steve, and 2 minutes ahead of me.  Based on the previous week's training run, I was sure I was going to catch him!!!  He placed 3rd in the 16-19 age group with a respectable 1:31 chip time.  The fact that I PR'd was less significant than how proud I was him.  And he loved the race!

3 weeks of training runs have gone by.   And he is killing me.  On our 10 mile hilly run on Sunday we considered dropping him as he was messing with our training plan.  I actually yelled at him "Dig deep. You defeated death, stop letting a little stomach pain slow you down!'.  Not sure what a parenting book would say about that parenting moment.  Our early morning short runs are better and we have to slow him down, as he doesn't understand why anything less than 6 miles shouldn't be at a sub 7 pace.

Tomorrow is the marathon.  The kid excels under pressure in everything he does.  For some reason the whiney baby crap disappears, but with running, the race is the reward for pushing through hours of training.  Not sure how long his young legs will hold up before lack of mileage, due to a late start on distance training, catches up.  I honestly don't know what to expect.

I have requested he not start the marathon with me, and with Dad instead.  I know he can keep up for at least 12 miles and although it's not the smartest idea to go out at Steve's pace, I don't want the responsibility of pushing him along.  I have my own goals.  But mother instinct would take over and if he's hurting I may slow down.  So I am going to put up the Mom hat and put on the Boston Qualifying Goal hat on and have no idea when to expect him at the finish line.

The best  scenario would be that he beats me there.

6 Days Until the Big Day

A week from yesterday is The Honolulu Marathon.  A race I've had on the calendar and have been training for since January.  Hopefully not just putting miles under me, but smart miles on my legs.  I raced, played with different fuel, and have mastered the art of not running (literally!) into the racer who walks through the aid stations.

I'm a mess.  Lacing up my Newtons to run a 5k this morning hardly seemed worth heading out the door, but I know a nice slow run after yesterday's hilly 10.25 will keep me strong and fresh for Sunday.    Tomorrow is a 4 miler and Wednesday is a day off.  Running is what calms me, keeps me centered, and when my nerves most need calming, a long run won't help me obtain my goal on Sunday, which is to finish strong.  Taper.  Might as well be a cuss word.

The Honolulu Marathon Facebook page just posted pictures of the start, finish, and I love running through downtown and past Honolulu Hale with the Christmas lights.  Trying to focus on what I love about Honolulu, vice what I what to accomplish, but the time clock keeps jumping to the forefront of my thoughts.

Boston?  Top 25 Women?  Am I really capable of breaking a 3:30?  Are the crowds those first few miles going to frustrate me?  Or will I be able to rejoice that I'm in the midst of almost 30,000 marathoners?

I'm hoping to stick to my plan, get chicken skin when the fireworks go off at the start, watch my Garmin more than I probably should, smile at the purple TNT runners who are running while raising $, not cuss at the 5 hour marathoners who insisted on starting at the front of the pack, nor get caught up in who is running next to me or passing me (until mile 20, than it's game on!), and pray that 11+ months of training paid off and I cross that finish line before 3:30.

As for my 16 year old son who didn't train yet beat me by 2 minutes in last month's Half (longest distance he had ever run) and will be running his 1st marathon on Sunday....that's for tomorrow.

A Little About Me...

I'm not a writer, nor claim to be especially elegant with words.  But I have a story and I want to share it.    1st post is a little about me:

I'm a 29+++ wife and mom of 3!  The only running I did was on the soccer field, until 1996 when my now teenage son was critically ill his first year of life.  I took up running as a way to cope with my fears and became addicted.  I strapped my son in at 2 months (pretty sure that was not recommended and he had blankets all around him to keep him upright) and my 2 year old daughter and 3 miles turned into 5, which eventually led to marathon training.

I ran my 1st Honolulu Marathon in 1998 in 4:14.  I continued to run daily, usually 4-7 miles. In 2001 I started dealing with SVT and had a heart ablation which did little to help my rapid heart rate.  Blood pressure meds didn't work either so I continued to run at a 8:30 pace, unable to work on speed or hills as once my heart rate sky rocketed to 200, I had great difficulty getting it down.  But I was content with  my daily runs, which kept my stress level down and the kids had now graduated from the Baby Jogger to bikes.

 In 2004, I was diagnosed with cancer and that was a 1 year battle of treatment and getting my meds correct, which led to a 20 lb weight gain, yet I kept running.  I ran the 2007 Honolulu Marathon for the Lance Armstrong Foundation raising 2k for cancer research and was thrilled to cross the finish line at 4:26. Did a race here and there, but just ran daily, which was my happy place.

I made a goal in 2011 that I would do 1 8 mile run a week and those 1st couple months were difficult.  I started a new med (cancer) and started losing some weight.  At the end of the year I was put on an anti anxiety med which I noticed allowed me to run faster without my heart rate going through the roof.  My 2x Ironman & too-many-marathons-to list hubby started coaching me with a training plan in Jan 2012 with a goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon.  We run 40-60 miles per week, sometimes waking up at 3:30am so we can be home to get our 4th grader to school and us to work on time.

In 2012, I've run 4 1/2 Marathons.  The 1st in March with a time of 1:42:14.  The 2nd in May finishing in 1:40:04.  The 3rd in September and finally broke the 1:40 barrier to finish in 1:38.  And 2 weeks ago I ran part of The Honolulu Marathon course and set a new PR of 1:33:37.  In all of the above races I won my age group (29+++) and managed to be the 4th overall woman's finisher.  I also ran a 25K in 1:53 (4th female overall again)!  Note:  I'm competitive not only with myself but with others so 4th overall 4x in a row was a bitter pill to swallow, yet I focused on what I personally conquered.

Never did I think I would be able to do anything more than cross the finish line.  Not only have I never felt like a "runner", with my heart condition and weight complications from cancer, crossing the finish line has always been a sweet enough reward.

Yet, working on speed and setting a goal for qualifying for Boston, has set a fire within me I didn't know existed.  To be honest, I have 3:45 to finish Honolulu and qualify, but I'll be disappointed if I don't break 3:30.

I feel a little more "official" now.  I wear a Garmin and actually use it, I switched from Saucony's to Newtons (LOVE them), and the best is I am obsessed with Lululemon skirts.  Not only are they so comfortable and hold my fuel, it is just an awesome feeling to pass a dude while wearing a skirt (yes, I am a little competitive).

Have so much more to share, but wanted to get this introduction out there in the hopes of inspiring someone out there who is struggling either physically or just doesn't think they have the time to commit to running.  Until next time, alooooooooooha!