Small Victories: The Dreaded Long Run

9 mile long run - April 1, 2013

I didn't feel like going although it was the perfect weather for it.  Breezy, cloudy, and cool and Dan was home to watch Lena.  I already put it off from Saturday to today (Monday) so I had to do it.  In fact I wore my workout gear all day so that I wouldn't get too comfy and skip it.  Finally at 2 pm I headed out for my dreaded 9 mile long run.  I have about four weeks left before my half marathon and each Sunday I have to add one more mile to my long run.  So next week I will do 10 miles.  Today I ran sans baby stroller and dog so that I would have some freedom to run my best without distraction (Thanks Dan!) and I also ran listening to Pandora to keep me company for the duration of the run.  It is amazing what a difference good music can make!  My fastest mile was a little under 10 minutes to the tune of Coldplay's "Paradise".  I think I even smiled.  My goal was to complete the 9 mile run in under two hours.  My first 4.5 miles I finished in 53 minutes and then I slowed a bit on the back half and finished the 9 miles in 1:55.  I thought I might have to walk a good portion of the last four miles but I actually felt pretty good.  My cardio and strength training has really paid off and I never got winded or overly tired.  My left knee and hip did give me some trouble (which it always does past three miles) and I had to walk some spells because of it.  I am getting excited for race day because today I proved to myself that I am going to be very ready!  If you've ever run a long distance race you know that the long run training is the most difficult and tedious.  The actual race is usually much easier because there are people cheering for you and you have adrenaline pumping through your veins.  I can't say that I am looking forward to next week's long run but I can face it with a little more confidence now.  Thank you Jesus for giving me good health and a strong body.  May I honor you in all that I do!

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline." -2 Timothy 1:7

Easter Photoshoot 2013

Lena the Picky!

An important discovery was recently made in our household...Lena (who has become a most picky eater since transitioning to table food) will eat anything as long as it is covered in tomato sauce. This is something I can accept. =)

Half Marathon Training Update

I have always wanted to run the OC Half Marathon and the timing finally is going to work out!  I am officially registered for the race on May 5, 2013!  It will be the longest race I will run since I did the LA Marathon in 2000.  I am well into my training now.  Yesterday I did my longest run, 7.5 miles, although it was supposed to be 8 miles.  (I ran out of time and had to quit a bit early to get ready for church.)  I modified a training schedule from Runner's World and it has worked out quite well.

I am reminded how amazing our bodies are when I finish a long run.  It feels good to be healthy, to push myself, and be the athlete that I know I can be.  I had to buy some new workout pants as I have worn out my old ones.  I came across these on sale at Old Navy and I LOVE them!  They are compression pants and I can't believe how good they feel on.  I can't recommend them enough!

Old Navy Active Compression Capris

I also had to acquire a new pair of running shoes since I am putting in so many miles and my old running shoes are broken down.  I found these Saucony Triumph 9s on clearance on 6pm.com.  

I have been continuing to lose weight with a slight stall here and there.  This week I broke through a two week stall with a four pound weightloss by putting in some extra miles, making sure I get more sleep, getting in four boot camp classes instead of three, and drinking lots of water.  So excited that it worked!  I am officially in the smallest size clothes I own and they are getting too big.  What a wonderful problem to have!  I hope to lose 11 more pounds before my half marathon on May 5th.

This is me at a fitness event this past Saturday.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Grandma bought Lena a special St. Patrick's Day dress so we dropped by Grandma and Grandpa's house for a short visit and mini photo shoot.

Lena and Daddy

Lena and Grandma

A Special Anniversary

Lena on March 9, 2011

Lena on March 7, 2013

Elizabeth and Lena on March 9, 2011

Elizabeth and Lena on November 26, 2012

Happy Transfer Day to Lena!  It is amazing to think of how much our lives have changed in just two short years.  God has blessed us beyond measure!  It is also the anniversary of renewing our contract for the cryogenic storage of Lena's siblings.  We received the contract in the mail this week:

If you look at our contract you can see where I marked our check mark a second time.  I actually got nervous that the mark wasn't dark enough so I went over my first mark.  It is amazing to me, especially after having seen the miraculous transformation in Lena from embryo to precious little girl, that "Dispose" and "Donate to Research" are allowable options for frozen embryos.  My stomach actually turns a bit at the thought and rightly so.  It also makes me so incredibly thankful and glad that Lena's genetic family chose the path that led her to us.  They like us received this same form and with a simple check mark could have snuffed out Lena's life.  Today and always I am thankful that Lena is with us.  Her life is such a gift!

Embryo Adoption Fundraiser: Vacation Rentals

Ready to plan your summer vacation?

Dan and I are renting a few weeks of our Marriott timeshare to raise funds for our next adopted embryo transfer this summer. There are two great properties available; both are two bedroom/two bathroom villas with full kitchen and sleep 8 people and are significantly discounted over what Marriott is currently charging. Both properties are very family friendly and have incredible pool complexes.  Here are links to the flyers for our timeshare weeks. They include all the resort and accomodation details as well as floorplans.

Please help us spread the word and share with friends, co-workers, and family who might be interested! 

Please contact Dan or myself if you have any questions! Dan: dshack50@hotmail.com    Elizabeth: eshack621@aol.com


Week 1 is at Marriott Grande Vista in Orlando, Fl June 7-14, 2013 . ($1200 OR BEST OFFER for the week and includes all taxes and fees which is $1300 cheaper than what Marriott is currently charging)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0ytU7Sn3dtbYlBSdDNsZFAwekU/edit?usp=sharing


 

Week 2 is at Marriott Shadow Ridge Villages in Palm Desert, CA June 28-July 5, 2013. ($1400 for the week and includes all taxes and fees which is $1000 cheaper than what Marriott is currently charging)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0ytU7Sn3dtbSy14aU5wUW9wQzQ/edit?usp=sharing