Seeing All Sides: Marathons

Showing posts with label Marathons. Show all posts

Tough Mudder 2013

I haven't blogged much lately. I have some posts ~~in the works~~ in my head, but can't seem to find the energy or motivation to actually put the words ~~on paper~~ on the computer screen. I will jump back on the blog wagon soon, I promise!

In the meantime, here's a post that deserves to be written. Over the weekend, hubby competed in Tough Mudder. It's a 13-mile race plus obstacle course referred to as "probably the toughest event on the planet." It requires participants to run through fire, swim through 30-degree ice water, and crawl through wires that produce electric shocks, among other seemingly crazy and dangerous obstacles. It sounds rather miserable to me, but he was excited, so I was excited for him. Unfortunately, I couldn't go and spectate (I co-hosted a bridal shower instead), but he successfully completed the race. And survived. That's probably the best news. He didn't die. I'd be lying if I said the "I'm not interested in being a single mom" thought didn't cross my mind!

He came home and talked about it all night. Very proud of himself, as he should be. Way to go, hubby! Brantley and I are proud of you and glad you made it back home to both of us!

Here's a picture I stole from one of his teammate's Facebook.

Recent Fall Weekends

A few weeks ago (okay more like a month ago) Craig ran the KC Half Marathon. It was his second marathon this year and also my second "attempt" to watch. I say attempt, because yet again, I missed him cross the finish line. Not only that, but I went to catch him on the Plaza and, of course, missed that, too. I wasn't in the best mood because I had no idea what I was doing or where I was going, and genius me thought it was a good idea to take our dog. Schnauzers do not like random people. So all morning I had to fight Kinnick to shut up! I'm sure people on the plaza were getting so annoyed. I was like the mom in the grocery store with the baby that would not stop screaming. Only it was a 15 pound dog and his annoying bark. Anyway, since I missed the opportunity to snap a photo of Craig, I took one of these bananas. Because that's normal. Bananas running a marathon.

He did really well and beat his time from last spring. He's signed up for Rock the Parkway again next April. Maybe third time's a charm and I'll actually witness him running? Here's a pic of him after finishing.

Later that day, we went to the Lenexa Chili Cookoff. What a beautiful day for it! And a super cheap way to grab lunch. You pay $2 and can sample all the chili you want. Not only chili, but salsa and wings, too! And, of course, there is beer for purchase and a band for entertainment. It was our first trip, but definitely something we'll try and do every year!

A couple weekends ago, I had two (yes, two!) baby showers to attend in one weekend! The first was a friend from high school who also lives down here. It was fun seeing her and her family. The second was a co-worker (well, sort of) and the ex cheer coach. Between all the cheer and dance events, we got to know each other pretty well. I didn't get a pic at her baby shower, but here's a pic of me and mom-to-be Lindsay from Fairfield!

Such a Fun Weekend (And I Have the Sunburn to Prove It)

Wow - what a busy, but fun, weekend! We could not have asked for more gorgeous weather! Yesterday was 75 and sunny, while today was near 90 degrees!!

We got an early start to the day on Saturday. Craig ran the Rock the Parkway half-marathon. He actually wasn't registered, so he ran illegally. =) With little training, he finished in just under 2 hours. He was very happy with that! Since he wasn't registered, he has no proof though, and silly me, missed him crossing the finish line. Believe me, I had my camera ready and was waiting patiently to cheer him on for about 20 minutes. Next thing I knew he snuck up behind me and had already finished! Weird. I have NO idea how I missed him! Sorry honey! I'm really proud of you anyway! My friends Erica and Allison also ran. It was Erica's first race (10K), and surprise, surprise, I missed her crossing the finish line, too!

My friend Anna (from college) was in KC this weekend because her husband ran the half-marathon, too! He finished 3rd overall...way to go Nate! It was so great to catch up with Anna while the boys were running and I finally got to meet her 9 month old boy, Briggs. What a happy baby he is! We met Nate and Anna for lunch at Ingredient on Sunday before they headed home to Iowa. So much fun catching up with an old friend!

Before the race

The starting line

College friend Anna and I

The runners--Craig, Erica, Allison, and Allison's running group friend Dave

After a Saturday afternoon nap, I headed to school for our annual dance team Spring Show. We always end the year with a recital showcasing our routines throughout the year. I didn't get any pictures at the show, but did take a picutre of the beautiful flowers from the girls. It was a bittersweet end to my coaching career (for now anyway). I decided to give up my position with the dance team to focus solely on my Masters classes. I told the girls on Friday, and was okay with all of it until the end of the show on Saturday night...that's when a few tears were shed. I will definitely miss these girls and have gotten pretty attached over the past three years. I've really enjoyed the time spent with them, as with the head coach, Jamie. You will always hold a special place in my heart, Silver Stars dance team! =)

On Sunday, after lunch with Nate and Anna, we headed out for a day at the K, but not before a family photo op first!

Check out those white legs! They don't stay that way......

Family photo - even Kinnick has on his Royals collar!

The game was a blast! We had "dry duct" outfield fountain seats. The wind was pretty crazy and we got sprayed with foutain water quite a bit, but in the 90 degree heat, it felt great! It was quite the game, too! There were over 30 hits, and 7ish homeruns. (The wind may have had something to do with that.) Final score was 12-9 Royals, after 13 innings! Too bad we left after the 11th and missed the walk-off homerun to win in. Oh well.....too much sun for one day!