#50 - Done!

Goal # 50 in my 101 in 1001 was to run at least 2 10k’s. My run on Thanksgiving morning completed this goal! This run also brings my total logged miles to 212.6. There were a few times I ran without my Nike+ since it was dead but it was probably less than 10 miles. I cannot believe that I have run over 200 miles. This boggles my mind. Wasn't it only a year ago that I had never run even 1 mile and swore on my life that I never would? Here are some more stats according to my Nike+ (my favorite motivator):

• I have a total of 85 workouts equaling 40 hours, 47 minutes and 8 seconds.
• My average pace is 11'31" (Remember this is from the very beginning of when I started running.)
• I've burned about 21,951 calories.

Wow...this is crazy to me. I never in my life imagined that I could claim stats like these. It is amazing the power we have as human beings, to accomplish things we never thought we could accomplish. Push ourselves further than we dreamed of being pushed.

What's next?

Kick Start

A couple weeks ago I bought a new sensor that goes on my shoe for my Nike+. I didn't realize that my other one had died because I hadn't been running in awhile! Anyway, the second I got a new one, my drive to start running hit me full force. Last year, after my 10k, I told myself that I wanted to run the half marathon next year. Well...it took me 6 months to train for the 10k, and the half is only 8 months away! I think I'm crazy...but I really want to attempt this. In order to kick start myself and get myself on the path towards this goal, I decided to sign up for a 5k. I found one on Thanksgiving morning in Tacoma and within seconds I signed up for it. I knew if I didn't do it right then then I'd think about it and talk myself out of it. I know...it's only a 5k. But I've been out of the saddle for a few months. I think this is what I need to re-motivate myself to actually start training for this thing!

Pictures Included

I really have gotten out of the blogging spirit lately. I guess other things have taken precedence. My conscious is getting the best of me though and I know I need to write some things down before I forget.

Brayden pooped in the toilet for the first time! It was a week ago today, and it hasn't happened since. I made a huge deal out of it though when he did it so he has been asking to go potty but it's always just barely too late. We'll get there...someday.

Asher cut his top right tooth on Friday. This morning he woke up at 4:20 screaming hysterically. Nothing would calm him down. I tried nursing, he wouldn't have it. His paci he took out the second it was in his mouth and chucked it across the room and got even more mad. He wouldn't take a sippy cup with real milk in it (which he loves usually.) Sean was awake too and came down to help and after 20 minutes of him not calming down, I finally gave him tylenol. We sat him in his booster and fed him raisins and a banana and then he seemed fine. It was super weird though. While I was feeding Asher, Sean fell asleep on the couch. After A was done eating, I crawled onto the couch as well and just let Asher play. After about 20 minutes he climbed up and fell asleep on his daddy's tummy. I laid a blanket over them and went upstairs to fall back asleep. This was at about 5:45. Brayden woke up at 6:15 and Sean and Asher were still asleep downstairs (until about 8:30 actually) so I plugged in Lion King in my room and let B watch a movie. Nothing like Disney to save the day! Anyway, it's going to be a long day!

Yesterday I decided to forego my regular workout at the gym and go for a run instead. We have been having beautiful mornings here lately and I wanted to take advantage of them before it got too cold and miserable to run outside. Well, that was the hardest, fastest workout I've had in a long time. I haven't really been running lately (I'm blaming it on my Nike+ dying) so I think I pushed myself harder to try to make up for lost time. I only ran 2 miles, but I had a pretty good clip the entire time. I didn't realize how long it had been since I ran until last night really, when I noticed my quads were getting sore! Then this morning...the fun begins :) Yep, they're sore. But I am so glad I went.

I was able to go to the temple last night and do a session for the first time since A was born. I was able to listen and learn more than ever in the past and for that I am so grateful.

My sister Lisa is due with child #5 in 8 days. I can't wait to meet the little guy! I'll probably be going up to WA for a week within the next month to go see him. I'm so excited!

Managing is going well. I really like it actually. We are still learning how everything works and the correct way to do everything but we really are just so blessed to have this gig!

My work is also going really well. I like it a lot. Basically what I do is if someone's software isn't working, or if they can't get in to view their accounts, they contact me to fix the problem. Also, it is my job to research new programs and software and applications that can better serve our company. Currently, I am researching a better way to track time. It is fun to be able to get paid to look into the new fun things out there online!

I've been going out on splits with the missionaries a lot. I've probably been 5 times or something. I LOVE it. I love the sisters that are serving in our ward right now. Sister Bennett and Sister Martin. They came over for dinner on Monday and I just love them both! They're a lot of fun but work hard. It makes me wish that I had served a mission, but I will, someday!

Funny story: Sean always makes fun of me and says "you're related to everyone!" and it's kinda true. My extended family is HUGE. That's what happens when 4 generations of children all of 9 kids each :) "Harston" isn't a very common last name. And I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that every Harston that is out there is a relative (unlike the millions of "Smith" lines). I was at college in a friend's apartment and a guy yelled "Hey Harston!" and 2 of us turned and said "what?" I had never met the other girl before, but it turns out we are second cousins. Our grandfather's are brothers. She was from Illinois and I had never met her or her family before. I went home that night and told my roommate and her sister that story and Andrea said "I'm related to a Kim Harston." Well, it turns out that her Mom's sister (am I right Andrea?) Kim, married Jim Harston, who is my dad's cousin. Super small world...anyway, so on to the current funny story. (Danika, you might have to correct me!) Danika was on facebook trying to show her mom the cake she made for my birthday. My facebook name is "Kimberly Harston Janeway." Danika's mom said "Her middle name is Harston?" and Danika said "No, that's her maiden name." Then her mom said "I'm related to some Harston's." So we did some research and it turns out that Danika's Mom (Jeannine) and I are 3rd cousins, making Danika and I 3rd cousins once removed. How weird is that!? I LOVE it! Danika's great great grandfather, and my great grandfather are brothers. I love geneology :) And I LOVE being related to Danika too because now I can call her "cuz" :)

Alright, I think that's it for now. I am impressed with how much I came up with to write! Here are some pictures in no particular order.

Update

We got 5 cups of pre-sliced strawberries from my mother in law and I decided to make freezer jam. Why have I not done this before!? It took what...3 minutes? And it's DELICIOUS! And it only used 1 1/2 cups of sugar for 4 cups of Strawberries. Most of the recipes I looked at called for 3 cups of sugar and then Corn Syrup on top of that! Yuck! Anyway, it turned out PERFECTLY! I'm stoked :)

Brayden just came up to me and said "Mom! Bite!" So I opened my mouth and he stuck all 5 fingers in. I bit softly and he pulled his hand out and said "Good job! Bite! Good job Mommy!" Uh...okay...

He says "Mommy! Mommy!" and I say "What honey?" and he says "I'm two!" while showing his 2 (or 5) fingers...about 10 times a day...He's so proud to be 2.

Asher and Brayden are getting a lot better at sharing a room! We always put B down first...then A goes down only about 15 minutes later and they both sleep! Yay! And Asher usually wakes up first but I'm usually back from my workout by then so I hear him and run to get him before he wakes Brayden. I nurse him and Brayden sleeps a half hour longer. Yay! I'm so glad that they're making it work. It makes me SO happy.

Brayden found a lightbulb from one of our boxes we aren't unpacking and carries it around EVERYWHERE and pretends it's his microphone. Where does he learn these things? He makes me sing "Wheels on the bus" or "Jesus wants me for a sunbeam" several times a day into the microphone. Right now he's rocking out to Keith Urban, using his mad dancing skills. He literally cannot hold still...then he gets all embarassed when I watch him. It's adorable!

Asher is attempting more and more to let go of things while he's hanging on to them. He doesn't get the "walking" thing yet while behind his little car walker but will walk along ALL the furniture and walls as I've mentioned before.

I can't paint the walls in our new place, so I've come up with a vinyl project for the boys room that I'm DYING to put up. But, alas, I have to wait until we move to make it worth it. But stay tuned! It's gonna ROCK :) I love being creative :)

Running has slowed down...I only go twice a week now but I don't go very far. I still do my spinning class for an hour twice a week which I like. It makes me sweat like I've never sweat before. It's crazy! After my spinning class, I do 300 crunches. I have the six pack...now I just need to get rid of the fat over it so it's visible! (Did I just say that? I, Kimberly, have a six pack? Super weird.) So yeah, my next goal is to be able to see it, not just feel it!

I love the summer! This morning was the PERFECT running weather. The fresh fruits and veggies are to die for. I love having the windows open so I can feel the cross breeze. I love not having to bundle to stay warm!

Helvetia 10k

As many of you know, I have been looking forward to running the Helvetia 10k. I've been running 2-3 days a week for the past 6 months with this 1 goal in mind. Well, today was the day.

I DID IT!!

I ran it...the entire thing. I didn't stop or walk once. 6.2 miles, under my belt! I did it in 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 2 seconds, which makes my average pace a 10:09 mile. When training, I generally stayed at a 10:15 - 10:30 according to my Nike+. I have never run more than 5.6 miles so I was guessing my average pace would be a 10:30 or 11:00. I surprised myself, and I LOVE it! Here are some of my stats (mostly for me to have on record):

• I was bib #4041
• There were 747 finishers (of the 10k portion)
• There were 222 male finishers, and 525 female finishers
• I was the 177th female to cross the finish line
• Out of the 21 females in my age group (ages 20-24) I finished number 8.
• Out of all 747 finishers, I was number 328.

Here is what I want to remember about it.

I woke up at 5:07 to make sure I had enough time. I ate, drank a bunch of water and got dressed. I then read my scriptures and prayed and just took some time to myself to mentally prep for this big day. I then woke up Sean and he loaded the car with the stroller and water bottles and food for the boys. The boys woke up shortly after and after feeding them breakfast and getting them dressed we headed out the door. We got the stadium at 7. We walked around and figured out where the race was going to start and finish, etc. After taking a quick potty break and warming up, I was ready to go. I made my way to the start line and picked where I wanted to stand in the line up. The 10k and half both started at the same place, same time...so there were over 4000 people lined up waiting for the gun. (It was crazy!) I was more toward the front than I thought, so it only took me 23 seconds from gun time to cross the start line. I knew that pacing was important so I looked at my Nike+ religiously to make sure I stayed near my 10:30. It was hard! I kept finding myself at 9:50ish so I kept slowing down so I didn't get burnt out. Like I said earlier, until today, I had never run more than 5.6 miles so I really didn't want to wear myself out early.

At mile 1, I was thinking about what I was accomplishing. All that it took to get there. What it meant to me. I was overwhelmed with a sense of pride in myself, knowing how far I had come and how amazing it was that I, Kimberly Diane, was running 6 miles by choice, and actually enjoying it. It was a good boost of energy and I couldn't help but smile to myself. It was a great feeling...it was then that I knew I could do this...

As I got to mile 2, the first runners were sprinting past me at mile 4 (since it was a there-and-back race.) I couldn't believe how fast some of these guys were going. At mile 3, again, I knew I had this. I was half way and I felt great (except for the fact that my right foot started going numb about this point). Mile 4 and mile 5 were uneventful...it was motivating knowing that I was passing people. And the fact that people that looked like "professional" runners (whatever that means) were stopping to walk boosted me a little too... Mile 6 was hard. It took all I had to keep going, but by the time I saw the stadium I got another burst of energy. When I rounded the last corner and I sped up more. Then I landed on the turf of the field and that thing has some spring to it! I kicked it into high gear and sprinted with all of my energy toward the end. It was fun passing 4 or 5 people in the last 100 feet to the finish line. Then, my beautiful little family, and my GREAT friend Shannon met me at the end at it was awesome. After catching my breath and Brayden asking to be held, we took a couple pictures and walked around.

All in all, it was a great experience. I really love that I pushed myself to do more than I had in the past...and to do it at a faster pace was incredible to me. I felt a ton of support from my friends and family that weren't there, but just supporting me through phone calls, text messages, and facebook messages. Thank you everyone for giving me the motivation to do this!

(I'm in the black and pink running out of the shute) Jamba Juice was AWESOME afterwards!

New Shoes

As I mentioned in a previous post, my right foot has been going numb when I run more than 2.5 miles. On Saturday, Sean and I took the kids to Portland Running Company. They watch you run and tell you which shoes are best for how you run. It just so happened that the shoes that I *was* running in were "the worst possible pair for the way I run." I start on my outer heel and roll across my big toe, meaning I need a lot of support across my arch. So...Sean and I talked about it, and decided that instead of paying for a doctors visit and possibly ruining my knees and joints, it was worth forking over the money for a new pair. The Helvetia 10k is in 3 1/2 weeks and I need time to break them in before that!

I have a really busy day today (so I'm blogging?) and knew that I wouldn't be able to get out unless I went out first thing. I woke up at 6:30 and went and did 5 miles. My right foot went numb again (at 2.5 miles, but I finished anyway!) and then my left foot started going numb too. This time it was different though. I think this time it really is just the fit versus the wrong shoe. It felt like my toes were getting squished then they went tingly so I probably just need a wider shoe. Does anyone know if it's just because they aren't broken in? Or should I take them back and get a different pair? (I have really wide feet!)

Anyway, this morning was only my second time ever doing more than 4.5 miles so I was pretty pumped! My average mile was 10:23 so I'm definitely picking up the pace! It used to be 12 minutes when I first started out...crazy! It's amazing to think how far I've come in the 5 months since I started running. Even just 6 months ago you never could have convinced me that I was going to run a 10k. It still just boggles my mind! I love how supportive Sean is of me. He never complains about watching the kids while I get out and do my runs or work outs, and he always encourages me to get out the door when I'm dragging. This definitely wouldn't be happening if it weren't for him, so thanks Babe!

Update

I always know when life gets either really boring or really busy because I tend not to write. Right now, it's pretty much just really boring. Nothing too exciting to blog about. Asher crawled off the bed a week ago chasing a set of keys he was playing with. It gave him a pretty decent sized rug burn on his forehead. He didn't cry for too long though so that's good. He's a tough kid, for sure.

For Halloween a friend of ours gave the boys pumpkin hats. (Thanks Salli!) Well just recently, Brayden has found complete enjoyment in wearing hats, and when he's wearing his pumpkin hat, he insists that Asher wears his also. Sometimes, Brayden will even wear it to bed.

We got rid of our Malibu last week. It was kind of a sad day. We've had that car for 3 years and we've loved it. It was very good to us and was always really reliable. We were sad to see it go, but we're grateful for the money that we'll be saving by not having it anymore.

We're really excited to start this next chapter in our lives. We are about to move out on our own, and we are certain that this next year will be different (read: better) than this previous year. We're grateful for our experiences and the growth we've had because of our trials and challenges, but we're also grateful that some particular ones are behind us :)

Brendan, Sean's cousin, works at a really nice barn just a couple miles down the road. It is a brand new (really nice) facility. On Sunday we decided to pack up lunch and head over there to see the place. Brayden LOVED seeing the horses and Brendan even took him in to pet one of the calves.

I've still been running. The 10k is in 3 weeks. I'm really nervous/anxious/excited. The past couple times I've ran more than 3 miles my right foot goes numb. It feels like I'm running on a brick and it shoots weird pains up my leg. I *really* want to get that figured out before the race considering it's 6.2 miles! I've tried toying with my shoe laces but it doesn't seem to make a difference. I'm almost wondering if it has to do with my ridiculously short achilles tendon but I really don't know.

I've been getting a little frustrated that I haven't been losing weight. I've been the same for a couple months. However, I put on a pair of jeans the other day that I hadn't worn in a couple months and they were loose on me. It was awesome! I definitely know that things are paying off...I just have to be patient. I wish this baby bulge would go away but we'll see if it's meant to be!

Asher is very active. He loves crawling everywhere. However, the main motivation to get him to move is paper. He LOVES paper. I'm not really sure why. He noticed it though and it will motivate him to crawl across the room. It is his favorite toy! I wish I didn't have to take it from him every time...it makes him so sad!

Brayden is talking a lot. I love being able to have little conversations with him. His responses are only 1 or 2 English words mixed with a lot of Braydenese, but he knows what I'm saying and I know what he says (or at least the jist of it)...it's been fun. I can't believe that he is turning 2 in 2 weeks. That just boggles my mind. Kids grow up

WAY.TOO.FAST

Rejuvenated

Last week I was getting discouraged thinking I wasn't progressing fast enough in my running that I'd be able to do 6 miles in 2 months. I decided that I just needed to step up my game whether I felt I was ready to or not. So Monday I decided that this Saturday I was going to run 5 miles. I told Bethany, my running partner, because I knew once I told her there was no backing out. Well, I woke up this morning at 7 so I could get ready and leave by 7:30. I wanted to make sure I gave myself plenty of time to be back in time for conference. I woke up with a sore throat and still sore muscles from Thursday's workout. I seriously considered ducking out but figured that I'd given myself so many pep talks and enough time to mentally prepare for it that I didn't want to give up now. Plus, it was a GORGEOUS morning...sun out, birds chirping, crisp spring air...so, I went.

And...

An hour and 1 minute later, I got back home and had gone 5.65 miles! I couldn't believe it. It felt so great! For the first time I truly know that I can run this 10k. I am SO pumped for this run that I just can't even believe it. Who knew that I would ever be a runner? Definitely not me! I am sore, I've been stretching all during conference...but I'm rejuvenated!

After doing all this running and training for the Helvetia 10k in June, I don't want to just stop after I run it...so I've been looking for other runs that I can do this summer. I came across a duathlon on August 1st that I'm interested in. You run 3 miles, then bike 12 miles, then run 3 more miles. I really want to do it *but* I have to find a road bike I can use, and I have to ride first to see if it's even possible. I haven't ridden a bike since college, and even then it was 4 blocks to Sean's apartment! So, we'll see...but hopefully August 1st is far enough away that I can get some training in for it. Wish me luck! Oh, and if anyone has a road bike I could borrow, let me know!

Oh man...running is AWESOME!!!

100 miles

YAY!!! I am so proud of myself. Who knew that I, Kimberly, could run 100 miles...ever. I'm PUMPED! On Saturday I ran to Costco (3.4 miles). Sean and the boys met me there after the run so we could do some shopping. (What better place to run to than Costco during sample hour?) I've always heard of but never really believed in "runners high." I always have gotten more and more exhausted as runs go on. The first half of the run I didn't enjoy at all. But once I got past the halfway point I thought "oh man, no sweat!" I picked up my pace and kept going. By the time I got to Costco, I felt like I was just getting started...I could have run another couple miles!

Running for me is 80% mental. I have to mentally overcome the run more than physically overcome it. I never thought I could run even a mile. However, between Wednesday's 4 mile run and Saturday's 3.4 mile run...I'm feeling pretty confident. I CAN do this. And now, I KNOW I can do the Helvetia 10k in June...I just have to now physically work up to it now that I'm mentally capable of doing it. I'm getting excited!!

Running Update

This is for my own journaling purposes. Probably boring for most of you but I'll love looking back on this later :)

I wasn't able to get out running much the last 2 weeks of December because of the massive amounts of snow and ice. (I did get a good workout pushing Sean on the sled though!) When we were up at my parents after Christmas I figured I'd take advantage of my mom's treadmill. When I go running outside, my endurance sucks. I can't run very far at all until I have to slow to a walk to catch my breath. When I was on the treadmill though, I was able to set my pace. I took it at a slower pace than I do when running outside and it was a drastic difference. I warmed up by walking 4 minutes (.2 miles.) Then I sped it up a little to a 13 minute mile pace. I was able to run (jog, I suppose) a mile, then a mile and a half, then 2 miles, all the while not even breathing heavily. This is something I'd never experienced! Never did I think that I, Kimberly, could go that far without stopping to catch my breath. Anyway, when I hit the 2 mile mark I decided that since I was doing so well, I'd go for a 5k, so 3.2 miles. I did it! I ran the ENTIRE 3.2 miles without slowing to a walk. (Is it 3.1 miles? I ran 3.2 to be safe.) Some of you are thinking "man, that's easy! I can do that in my sleep!" However, this is HUGE for me. 6 months ago (I was pregnant, so I guess 1 year ago) I NEVER would have imagined that I would on purpose, without being chased, run 5k just because I wanted to. I have always *hated* running. The thought of running just for the fun of it just did not make any sense to me. Back to my story, after I finished my 3.2 miles I walked for another 6 minutes to cool down, bringing my total workout to 50 minutes. My quads were kind of sore the next day so I only ran a mile. Then Thursday I went running outside. I wanted to take my new slower pace into my own hands instead of the treadmill's and test it out. I did 1.84 miles and again, didn't slow down. I am loving the center button on my iPod that when I touch it it tells me my pace :) because then I can know for sure when to kick it up or bring it back. I was getting bored with my usual route so I took a new route today when I went running. I wanted to go at least 2.5 miles and I went 3 miles! I cannot believe how drastic my running abilities have changed once I had the pace epiphany. Last week I was toying with the idea of *maybe* entering and running a 10k. (Meaning it wouldn't have happened.) Now, I know for sure that I want to run the Helvetia 10k on June 13th. I know I can do it. And it will keep me motivated to keep training. Anyone want to join me?

I can't say that I *love* running yet. But I can say that I do look forward to going. I do love syncing my iPod after a run and looking at the green line on nikeplus.com that illustrates my run for me. I do love that it tells me how many miles I've gone and how many workouts I've done. I do love the break I get from everything else when I go running. Don't get me wrong, I love my boys...but it's nice to leave them all at home and go do something for myself, especially if it's something healthy!

I haven't noticed any differences in my body yet. I haven't lost weight or anything (the holidays didn't help with that) but I know that with the help of new year's resolutions, I'll hopefully be able to lose the extra weight in my belly that having 2 boys gave me!

Running Update

So I don't think I've mentioned running since I blogged that I wanted to start running. It's going good! I've been getting out at least 3 days a week. I can tell that my endurance is building, slowly but surely. I've been trying to find a 5k or 10k that I can set a goal for but have been unsuccessful so far. You'd think they'd have a ton in Portland! The only ones I can find are either on a Sunday or at Midnight of the new year. NO thank you! So if anyone knows of any, let me know!

In order to keep this up, I've been trying to find things that motivate me. The thing that helps me the MOST is having a running buddy! Bethany and I live just under a mile apart from each other. So usually M-W-F we get out running together. It's nice to have a running buddy that lives close enough that we can go running together without having to drive anywhere. (Seems counter productive!) It also helps that she has experience running so she's good at motivating me.

The other thing that motivates me the most is my Nike Plus that I bought. It is so awesome to be able to see how far I've run, how long I've been running, how many calories I've burned, and what my pace is. I'm going to love that I can compare where I was a month ago with today, etc.

I am really excited about this still, which quite honestly I didn't think it would last. But I think that actually investing in it and feeling my endurance slowly build has made me commit to it for awhile.