I Ran My First Half Marathon! Would I Do It Again?

This weekend I ran my first half marathon, Race for a Soldier - "Gig Harbor Half Marathon is more than a run through the scenic Pacific Northwest. This is a race run for hope, for support and a better future for the men and women that serve our country. This is a race founded by a brave woman, who lost a brave son, who proudly served our nation. A brave son whose life was cut short, like too many of our soldiers today." The race supports families affected by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD and honors PFC Kyle Marshall Farr who took his own life after returning from his tour in Iraq. It is the goal of Permission To Start Dreaming Foundation to raise awareness and offer support to our military men and women. Suicide rates are at an all time high, not since 1988 has there been such a dramatic rise.

It was an absolute privilege to take part in such a special event and support such a great cause. Although I have never lost a family member to suicide or had a loved one deployed during a conflict (in my lifetime), it hit home in a tremendous way as I ran passed the mile nine marker, "Kyles Mile". Standing larger than life was poster of a young high school football player, number nine, holding his helmet. I didn't know this young man but the pictures of my own son, in his football uniform proudly holding his helmet, cradling his football flooded my thought and I had to fight back tears at the thought of losing him.

I committed to this race months ago, it was not only a goal of mine but I thought it was the perfect time for me to "put my money where my mouth is" as I am forever harping my kids about setting goals and working hard. Anything is achievable if you put your mind to it is my motto.

I hadn't ran since high school track and started running this last year as part of an interval training workout. I started off jogging on the treadmill, then went to running a lap on the track followed by walking a lap and repeating. A few months ago I started running miles. Knowing a half marathon was in my near future (I had committed to run with my friend) I was up to five miles, and had read and researched all kinds of training techniques. Procrastination bit me in the rear, by the time I picked up my bib and race packet, I had not ran more than five miles!

The night before the race my son had a late football game, it interfered with a normal dinner schedule so I did not eat my huge bowl of whole wheat pasta until nine p.m. Friends had stopped by to show off an engagement ring and I didn't have the heart to kick them out so I didn't get to bed until midnight, waking up at five a.m was not fun! I was so nervous and anxious I could not choke down breakfast, I only took a couple of bites of my toast slathered with peanut butter and honey. It is recommended that you consume six hundred calories race day morn', didn't happen.

I ran the 13.1 miles in 2:24:31, not too shabby, but I have to add that I walked a few times when the hills were steep, upward and sometimes downward to save my knees. I sipped water most of the time when offered and although I had to "go" I didn't stop to use the porta-potties. When I reached the mile ten marker it was a huge relief to know I was almost to the end, the last mile was pure agony, not because I was exhausted or fatigued, simply because I was soooo close to achieving my goal. Along the course supporters showed up waving flags and shouting words of encouragement, wearing yellow shirts to support our troops,it was a great race.

Finishing the race felt amazing emotionally, physically however, I was hurting. My body was not used to that abuse, my legs were a bit shaky, my pelvic bone throbbed as if I had just given birth and my ankles had taken a toll and boy did I have to use the restroom, my guts were telling me that they were not used to what I just put them through. Volunteers wrapped the finishers in foil blankets, handed out dog tags and bottled water. The finish line had welcomed patrons in for over an hour with the first man coming in at 1:15. What a great group of supporters.

I would definately do it again! I feel so fortunate to have chosen Race for a Soldier as my first half marathon. I did learn that I need to train consistently for such an event but more importantly that I CAN DO IT! A year ago I would have never had the guts, this was an awesome achievment.

KELLY

The Taco Experiment, Experience? Every Night is Taco Night at My House...

I don't know about the rest of you, but at my house, menu planning is a challenge. ( If I could have music playing in the background it would sound something like birds chirping along with a whimsical instrumental), Back in the day, I'm talking a few years ago when my kids were younger, I could plan a two week menu, take my list to the store and produce glorious, healthy meals for my adoring family, (and now the record scratches to a hault.) These days my three darlings and my husband all have an opinion about what is served at the dinner table, or in all actuallity the kitchen "bar". It is a real challenge to please all four palates and be satisfied with the nutrional balance of the meal, all while keeping it frugal.

It's time to sit down, write out my menu and my shopping list and when I ask for suggestions the only request I get is (drum roll...) TACOS! Out of frustration I pipe up with " You guys can't seriously want tacos every night of the week!!" and my son answers with " Yes, we can! My dear hubby says, "you are the only one that would have a problem with this".

So I think to myself, tacos are a well balanced meal, there are a million variations to tacos, it just doesn't end with seasoned ground beef slapped in a shell or tortilla. They are quick and easy, dirty very few dishes and can basically be prepared in one pan and inexpensive. They might be on to something.

"Okay! Your wish is granted", I reply. "I will serve tacos every night for the next two weeks and in return I do not want any complaints".

Middle daughter has a huge grin on her face and says " What is there to complain about, anything in a tortilla is good".

So, as I sit here sharing this taco experience, and or experiment, I am thinking of all of the ways I can serve tacos or basically anything that can go in a tortilla Here is what I have come up with.

• Chicken tacos
• Traditional ground beef tacos
• Fish tacos
• Veggie tacos ( more like fajitas)
• Ground turkey tacos with added rice and beans
• Shrimp tacos
• Breakfast Burritos ( close enough to a taco)
• Pork Carnitas
• Shredded beef tacos ( made in a slow cooker)
• Rice and beans in taco fashion
• Does quesadillas count?

Well I am short three taco ideas, so if you have any suggestions, I would love to hear from you, otherwise they will just get a repeat of one listed above. Here is a great Homemade Tortilla Recipe from Clockwork Lemon.
KELLY

Staying In ...It's All the Rage!

I have been searching high and low for a budgeting "system" that works for me. Dave Ramsey's approach is awesome, I have friends that follow it religiously and have been rewarded accordingly. I however, need a system I cannot cheat! I lack restraint and need the structure but prefer something black and white and extreme. I fell in love with Ann Newell Jones blog, and then she saved. She went on a "spending fast", only spent money on what was absolutely necessary and ended up paying off her debt of 23k in 15 months. I am on a spending fast, mostly because I have nothing to spend since we are reduced to only one income.

My husband and I have alot of friends that like to get together for dinner and drinks. Most of them do not have children and can get up and go spontaneously. We have a little bit more freedom now that are kids have reached teenage-hood. My girlfriends and I like to get together frequently and my kids are always on the go. So how do you entertain and be entertained when you are not spending money? Well I have come up with a few ideas.

ORGANIZE A PROGRESSIVE DINNER. Each course is served at a different house. You could kick off with drinks and apps, or opt for ending the night with a great dessert made from scratch. Use what you have. Friends will jump on board for this night in event, and may even be intrigued to stay in more often.

HOST A DEATH BY CHOCOLATE, ICE CREAM SOCIAL OR POKER NIGHT. Have everyone bring something to contribute. If playing poker, instead of using money or chips you could wager services and specialties. The IT guy in the group can cough up an hour computer session and the stay at home mom can offer up babysitting or home baked cookies.

PICNICS NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE. Whether for a romantic date night or evening with a small group of friends, packing a "grown up"picnic for a night in the back yard or out on the terrace, it can be a great time to catch up without disturbances.

A GOOD GAME OF FRISBEE, FRISBEE GOLF, HACKY SACK etc. always is fun, not to mention active! Under street lights or at dusk, can be a great way to unwind with friends.

MOVIE NIGHT. Take it to the next level by constructing a "screen" out of white queen size sheets if someone can borrow a power point projector from work or choose to have it at the home of whoever owns the largest T.V. Make it a themed party like Lebowski Night, bathrobes only.

COOKING SCHOOL. A new twist on the old dinner party. Have everyone contribute a recipe to a theme, bring the ingredients for their dish. While cooking, everyone will be enjoying eachothers company and a glass of wine.

CRAFT NIGHT. Hang with the girls while making arts and crafts. Decorations for the home, gifts for showers or the holidays. Making it a monthly meet will allow everyone to contribute an idea or project. Accompanied by a glass of wine or cocktails or include the kids. A fun way to get creative.

HOST A SPA NIGHT OR DIRECT SALES EVENT, hosting a direct sales event doesn't cost you a thing and usually you can receive free items just by hosting the party. The Body Shop has great natural and organic products, Mary Kay has been around for years, both will pamper your girlfriends with a "spa treatment" and introduce them to new products. There are many out there that offer recipe sampling with their kitchen ware. Purses, jewelry, candles the list goes on and on as to what the direct sales worls has to offer, also might introduce you to a way to make some extra cash.

There are alot of things to do for free. In the summer look into movie nights on the roof, festivals, concerts and markets. During the winter, especially during the holidays there are tree lightings, concerts and performances all over town. If you go to your cities homepage, you will find a calendar of events, most for free.


Happy Friday, enjoy staying in, it's all the rage in these times of financial cut backs!
KELLY