After five years, there is no easy way to move on. Things will inevitably remind you of him, will make you realize that your life has changed immensely in a matter of seconds and you'll constantly be reminded that things will never be the same.
Whoever said break ups were easy for the one who initiates it, was wrong. It was a decision I had contemplated for some time, knowing it was in both of our best interests, but it was never easy. I delayed and delayed hoping that the feelings would go away, or somehow I could sleep through the whole break up, move on, and find someone new process. Well, I'm in the middle of the moving on phase and I'm wide awake.
I'm sad for the end of that chapter because I thought it would spill over into a whole new book. However, I don't make the rules and I can't predict the future. So, here I am, scared and excited to see what the next chapter brings.
Thank you all for the support through my craziness.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Girls Night Out - Park City
My three Army ladies and I decided to take a small getaway to Park City to escape the stresses of everyday life and the girls could use a break from the Army life.
We stayed at the Marriott, went to dinner, did some hot tubbing (where teenage boys followed me around), ate lots of chocolate and shopped shopped shopped!
We stayed at the Marriott, went to dinner, did some hot tubbing (where teenage boys followed me around), ate lots of chocolate and shopped shopped shopped!
This is us, in a nutshell
Cassie, Me, Aubrey
I don't know how I would have survived the last year without these two.
Cute Sara. Love her.
One of the many pictures that emerged from the backseat.
I guess I'm always on my phone...this time, Googling.
I'm a giant.
This is my attempt at throwing my hands up in the air.
My touchdown face...while watching Food Network
Sweetest, happiest baby ever
Bryce Canyon Half Marathon
Tacey heard that the Bryce Canyon half was a great course and a favorite among the locals. So, we signed up and drove the 4.5 hours (neither of us realized how far away it was) to Tropic, Utah.
The weekend started out with a free hotel, fireworks and a full moon. From that point forward, I knew it was going to end up being a good eventful weekend. I was not disappointed.
Tacey and I had to catch the shuttle in Tropic at 4:30, to be bused up the canyon. Race starts at 6am. It's the moments between waking up at 4am and the race start when you think "Hmm...why do I do this?" (these thoughts also run through your head at mile 7, and again at mile 11)
This course starts with a slight incline for 1.7 miles and then for the next 4.5 miles it is a sharp decline. From mile 7 to the end is rolling hills, aka total death. If it weren't for the nice doctor I met at mile 7, I might not have finished. He kept me company (and encouraged me to keep going) until almost mile 11. I pushed through to the end of the course thinking I was going to hit my normal range of 1:54-1:57; however, I broke my personal record by 8 minutes!! I kind of wanted to pass out when I was finished, but it was well worth it :)
Date: July 16, 2011
Race Time: 1:46:31
Age Rank: 20 out of 161
Overall: 219 out of 1019
The weekend started out with a free hotel, fireworks and a full moon. From that point forward, I knew it was going to end up being a good eventful weekend. I was not disappointed.
Tacey and I had to catch the shuttle in Tropic at 4:30, to be bused up the canyon. Race starts at 6am. It's the moments between waking up at 4am and the race start when you think "Hmm...why do I do this?" (these thoughts also run through your head at mile 7, and again at mile 11)
This course starts with a slight incline for 1.7 miles and then for the next 4.5 miles it is a sharp decline. From mile 7 to the end is rolling hills, aka total death. If it weren't for the nice doctor I met at mile 7, I might not have finished. He kept me company (and encouraged me to keep going) until almost mile 11. I pushed through to the end of the course thinking I was going to hit my normal range of 1:54-1:57; however, I broke my personal record by 8 minutes!! I kind of wanted to pass out when I was finished, but it was well worth it :)
Date: July 16, 2011
Race Time: 1:46:31
Age Rank: 20 out of 161
Overall: 219 out of 1019
Finishing up. I always wondered why my back hurts after a race...well, this picture explains it.
Documentation of my new PR.
Tacey and Me
Tacey lookin' good. Me being delusional.
Ragnar Relay - Wasatch Back 2011
Am I really that crazy? I can't stay away from the Wasatch Back! This was year 3 and I think after year one AND two, I wasn't sure I would come back again. However, here I am blogging about year 3 and I'm already signed up for year 4. I think running has become an addiction and the Ragnar Relay keeps fueling that fire. I do love it though!
Somehow I was talked into being Runner 10. This runner does THE "Ragnar". I was Runner 9 my first year, so I did the first 3.6 miles of Guardsmans' Pass, but this year, I did the second half, 4 miles, and gained more elevation. However, now that I've done both, I think the first 3.6 miles is harder. Just sayin'
The first run was a quick 3.7 miles. It was sooo hot, but the firefighters were so nice to hose us down as we ran by. There was so much traffic because of construction that I actually beat my van to the finish line. This would not be the last time we were stuck in traffic and our runner had to wait for us.
Second run, 2am. Coldest and scariest run of my life! I was running on a trail that was intermittently lit with some random little lights. The water stations had been deserted by the volunteers and the only way I could tell if there was another runner was the red flashing butt lamp we have to wear. I thought I was running so fast, but it was one of the slowest 7 milers I've completed. I kept thinking "If someone were to kidnap me, no one would know." Terrifying.
Third run, THE RAGNAR. It went better than I anticipated. I booked it up that mountain as fast as I could. I think I did it in something like 50 minutes. Yeah, that sounds slow, but it was not easy.
Good news, I did not fall this year! That's always a good sign, right :)
Pictures are more exciting than my words, so here you go:
Somehow I was talked into being Runner 10. This runner does THE "Ragnar". I was Runner 9 my first year, so I did the first 3.6 miles of Guardsmans' Pass, but this year, I did the second half, 4 miles, and gained more elevation. However, now that I've done both, I think the first 3.6 miles is harder. Just sayin'
The first run was a quick 3.7 miles. It was sooo hot, but the firefighters were so nice to hose us down as we ran by. There was so much traffic because of construction that I actually beat my van to the finish line. This would not be the last time we were stuck in traffic and our runner had to wait for us.
Second run, 2am. Coldest and scariest run of my life! I was running on a trail that was intermittently lit with some random little lights. The water stations had been deserted by the volunteers and the only way I could tell if there was another runner was the red flashing butt lamp we have to wear. I thought I was running so fast, but it was one of the slowest 7 milers I've completed. I kept thinking "If someone were to kidnap me, no one would know." Terrifying.
Third run, THE RAGNAR. It went better than I anticipated. I booked it up that mountain as fast as I could. I think I did it in something like 50 minutes. Yeah, that sounds slow, but it was not easy.
Good news, I did not fall this year! That's always a good sign, right :)
Pictures are more exciting than my words, so here you go:
My Sissy's first Ragnar run ever! I think she is hooked!
Spencer is the token male of our group and we couldn't imagine Ragnar without him.
This viking is my new boyfriend. Doesn't he have a sweet booty?
Rockin' the running skirt in some HOT Utah weather.
Cheeseball. Love her.
Sissy love at the first big exchange: Snow Basin
Our team! (Minus runner 1: Katie)
Van 2!
Shelly (8), Kati (10), Spencer (11), Ashleigh (7), Lisa (12), Reb (9)
This picture cracks me up. Lisa had just finished showing Reb and me her flirting skills. She makes it look so effortless. Obviously, I slept through the whole thing.
Van 2, Day 2. Showered and ready for run #3.
Our team after Van 1 finished
Reb was Van 2's cheerleader. Lisa was the mist-er(not to be confused with mister)
It was Sissy's first year doing Ragnar and we put her as Runner 9. Blame Lisa.
"Oh Sissy, I'm so glad to be done. Have fun going up the next four miles."
Gaining 1,600 ft in elevation over 4 miles is a lot harder than it seems on paper.
The more elevation I gained, the higher the snow pack
Guardsman's Pass in June
So glad to be done!
The Roos girls conquered the "Ragnar" mountain
DONE!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
My New Best Friend
My new best friend is good for me. He helps me be a better runner, makes me cry sometimes because he beats me up and he is always there for me. What more could I need?
The Foam Roller is amazing! How was I an avid runner for five years and never own one of these?! After long runs I get the worst hip and IT band soreness. This works like a charm to make sure my legs are properly stretched and ready for the next run. Also, you can do different exercises with it. Multi-faceted and fabulous.
If you're a runner and don't have one. I highly suggest you look into it. For $15, it could save your life. Okay, maybe not your life, but at least your legs :)
I even taught Jackson (18 months) how to use it. He really just enjoys rolling over it until he face plants, but he can't get enough. Bek, next time I'll get a picture. You'll crack up.
The Foam Roller is amazing! How was I an avid runner for five years and never own one of these?! After long runs I get the worst hip and IT band soreness. This works like a charm to make sure my legs are properly stretched and ready for the next run. Also, you can do different exercises with it. Multi-faceted and fabulous.
If you're a runner and don't have one. I highly suggest you look into it. For $15, it could save your life. Okay, maybe not your life, but at least your legs :)
I even taught Jackson (18 months) how to use it. He really just enjoys rolling over it until he face plants, but he can't get enough. Bek, next time I'll get a picture. You'll crack up.
Revenge of the Maple Bacon
I think I am addicted to racing. Last Saturday was the Fight For Air Run/Walk. As you are aware, I wait until the last second to sign up for races. On this one, I had multiple opportunities to "win" a spot in the race. However, since I am not baby sister who wins everything under the freaking sun, I waited and waited until it was too late to sign up.
So, the next best thing, run it with Lisa who could always use a pacer! Okay, I may have invited myself to be her pacer, but she is so good to me and conceded to let me drag her through the race.
The course started at the Park & Ride on about 6200 South and Wasatch Blvd. It was super cold and uphill. Oh boy, two of my very favorite things. Lisa rocks uphill running, she just does. I, on the other hand, would rather poke my own eyeballs out. We make our way up Wasatch Blvd to about 45th (?) and proceed to weave through Holladay. Eventually, we meet up with the 10K runners back on Wasatch Blvd. This is where we find Jessica and cute Olivia. This is Jessica's first race and she is a rockstar by pushing a stroller through these less than desirable conditions. I offer to take a Olivia for a mile or two, so Jessica can enjoy some running with just herself and not that additional 40 pounds. Wow, you never realize how amazing running mothers are, until you run uphill with a stroller. Thank you Olivia for giving me some perspective and a good workout for my calves!! :)
After giving Liv back to her momma (a cop totally thought I had stolen her...because that wouldn't be obvious?), Lisa and I made it down 27th South to 17th East and headed into Sugarhouse Park. By this point, my stomach has started to do that "Uh oh, you better find a bathroom" churn. My mind starts racing because I couldn't think of why I would have to use the restroom before the race was over (Background: I never go to the restroom during a race. Always before and that is usually good enough). Lo and behold, the fat girl inside of me could not pass up the opportunity to eat a maple bacon donut, the day before. It was National Donut Day, that was an excuse enough for me! Anyways, that maple bacon donut was started to have revenge on my stomach and little did I know, we still had about 3 miles left.
I swear there is a standard direction of running around Sugarhouse Park and we went backwards, which was okay because we could see the finish line on the other side of the park and booked it to make it there. Well, the joke was on us because we had to run the park twice before crossing the finish line. Lisa cursed the whole second lap and I felt like I was waddling so I didn't poop my pants. Needless to say, after crossing the finish line at 2:15, and running 13.7 miles, we were ready to go home!
So, the next best thing, run it with Lisa who could always use a pacer! Okay, I may have invited myself to be her pacer, but she is so good to me and conceded to let me drag her through the race.
The course started at the Park & Ride on about 6200 South and Wasatch Blvd. It was super cold and uphill. Oh boy, two of my very favorite things. Lisa rocks uphill running, she just does. I, on the other hand, would rather poke my own eyeballs out. We make our way up Wasatch Blvd to about 45th (?) and proceed to weave through Holladay. Eventually, we meet up with the 10K runners back on Wasatch Blvd. This is where we find Jessica and cute Olivia. This is Jessica's first race and she is a rockstar by pushing a stroller through these less than desirable conditions. I offer to take a Olivia for a mile or two, so Jessica can enjoy some running with just herself and not that additional 40 pounds. Wow, you never realize how amazing running mothers are, until you run uphill with a stroller. Thank you Olivia for giving me some perspective and a good workout for my calves!! :)
After giving Liv back to her momma (a cop totally thought I had stolen her...because that wouldn't be obvious?), Lisa and I made it down 27th South to 17th East and headed into Sugarhouse Park. By this point, my stomach has started to do that "Uh oh, you better find a bathroom" churn. My mind starts racing because I couldn't think of why I would have to use the restroom before the race was over (Background: I never go to the restroom during a race. Always before and that is usually good enough). Lo and behold, the fat girl inside of me could not pass up the opportunity to eat a maple bacon donut, the day before. It was National Donut Day, that was an excuse enough for me! Anyways, that maple bacon donut was started to have revenge on my stomach and little did I know, we still had about 3 miles left.
I swear there is a standard direction of running around Sugarhouse Park and we went backwards, which was okay because we could see the finish line on the other side of the park and booked it to make it there. Well, the joke was on us because we had to run the park twice before crossing the finish line. Lisa cursed the whole second lap and I felt like I was waddling so I didn't poop my pants. Needless to say, after crossing the finish line at 2:15, and running 13.7 miles, we were ready to go home!
Lisa, Me, Liv and Jessica
- For the record, I still LOVE donuts. Try Beyond Glaze, you won't be disappointed.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
May Race - Ogden Half Marathon
Over the last couple of months I've been running with Tacey (Emma's sister-in-law). She and her mother-in-law, Patty, have been training for the Ogden Half Marathon. This was their first half marathon and prepared so well for it! Since I am the girl that waits until the last minute to sign up for races, I didn't have a spot for this race (it sold out in 5 days!!). Well, lucky for me, Tacey and Patty were supposed to run with Millysa, but she was sick and not able to do it. So, my name was Millysa for the day and I got to run :)
I wore my Running Army shirt again for this race and was floored by the outpouring of support from other runners. Before I started the race, I had someone thank me for my sacrifice and Mr. Army's service. About mile 8, a lady tapped me on my shoulder and proceeded to tell me that her husband had just returned from Afghanistan the night before, and was waiting for her at the finish line. I was so excited for her, and a little sad for myself. About that same time, I had a few other ladies come up to me and tell me that they loved the shirt and were so grateful for my soldier's willingness to serve. By that point, I was so overwhelmed with emotion, I thought I was going to start bawling right there. Of course, the volunteers at the mile 9 water table were National Guard/Army Reservists. I stopped for water and every soldier I passed thanked me, and I had to laugh because I'm just the one home and I should be thanking them (and I did :).
As I rounded the corner onto Grant Ave. (mile 12), I was ready to be done. I was physically and emotionally exhausted. Then, this man and his wife came up next to me, and asked where my soldier was serving. I answered and the man continued to say that I was keeping an amazing pace and my soldier would be so proud of my accomplishments while he is away. And to tell Mr. Army that this couple was so appreciative of our sacrifice. That was enough to get me through the last mile. I didn't meet my goal of under 1:50, but I still have a few races to beat that time!
Date: May 21, 2011
Race Time: 1:54:50 (This is tentative, the race results online are incorrect)
Age Rank: 22 out of 180
I wore my Running Army shirt again for this race and was floored by the outpouring of support from other runners. Before I started the race, I had someone thank me for my sacrifice and Mr. Army's service. About mile 8, a lady tapped me on my shoulder and proceeded to tell me that her husband had just returned from Afghanistan the night before, and was waiting for her at the finish line. I was so excited for her, and a little sad for myself. About that same time, I had a few other ladies come up to me and tell me that they loved the shirt and were so grateful for my soldier's willingness to serve. By that point, I was so overwhelmed with emotion, I thought I was going to start bawling right there. Of course, the volunteers at the mile 9 water table were National Guard/Army Reservists. I stopped for water and every soldier I passed thanked me, and I had to laugh because I'm just the one home and I should be thanking them (and I did :).
As I rounded the corner onto Grant Ave. (mile 12), I was ready to be done. I was physically and emotionally exhausted. Then, this man and his wife came up next to me, and asked where my soldier was serving. I answered and the man continued to say that I was keeping an amazing pace and my soldier would be so proud of my accomplishments while he is away. And to tell Mr. Army that this couple was so appreciative of our sacrifice. That was enough to get me through the last mile. I didn't meet my goal of under 1:50, but I still have a few races to beat that time!
Date: May 21, 2011
Race Time: 1:54:50 (This is tentative, the race results online are incorrect)
Age Rank: 22 out of 180
Getting to the finish!
The booty may look big, but the calves look muscular :)
That would be me, in the front, with my arms raised because I'm so thankful to be finished!
Tacey with A&T. She did amazing!
I LOVE this picture. C was so excited to run through the finish line with Grandma Patty. Patty was rockstar, and finished strong!
We survived!
I don't know why we posed like this, but I like it :)
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