Life is Good

Good luck with your training. It's nice to have another person from Arizona on the blog, even though I have no idea who you are or where you're from. You sound like you're pretty cool, and I bet you work at an office with the coolest guy in the world right next door to you, but that's just the vibe I'm getting. I could be wrong, but I doubt it. Welcome aboard!! Now get Bethany to join :)

Welcome to the blog, was it Del Sol Relay that you ran? I did that one this past year and it is a great race.

Welcome to the blog! I am pretty new too but I love this site, it is a good way to track your progress. I am also training for a half marathon in October and started on that not too long ago, so we are in the same boat! Good luck in your training and let me know how it is going :)

Yes, Walter, it was the Del Sol I ran. It was awesome! Of course, I ran it quite slower than you did, but hey, I ran it!

You know its hot as hades right now there and you have to plan your runs accordingly but its opposite for us in the winter months. We have to plan our runs to combat the snow. So I am jealous of you runners down there during the cold times.

Del Sol is a great race and it doesnt matter that you ran it slower than me. I ended up running mostly in the dark anyway. But running that period is such a great challenge as well as fun. I would like to try the ones they have in the north west and oregon.

Yes, I'm not jealous of your winter weather. I wish we had actual seasons here, but I'm not sad that it doesn't get miserably cold (that's for sure!). It looks like there are some good races coming up down here this winter. I'm really looking forward running in some of them.

I remember my first marathon I did in San Diego during the winter and it was 15 degrees with a horrible inversion in Salt Lake. I landed in S.D. and was blown away to see people out biking and running and rollerblading. I was soo freakin' jealous. Then I did R&R Arizona and loved it and Del Sol and I just love doing races down there and breaking away from the crap we have. Its almost impossible to run when it snows because the plows push it right to the white line and the drivers here suck. So You have to plan it out to run at 4am in 5 degree weather. Not fun! Lots of treadmill action

Thanks for the comment yesterday! Good luck on the half marathon training--it was training for, and then running that race that got me hooked on the running bug again! Which one are you running?

Isnt it a great feeling when you have miles behind you early morning and dont have to dread the heat and other elements that get in the way the rest of the day? Nice job, so whats the temps in the morning there? like 90? our mornings are dipping down in the 50's and 60's right now. Its actually a little brisk at first.

Yeah, it's in the 90's when I'm running (even at 4:30 am when I start). I'm looking forward to this fall when it cools down. I'm hoping that I will be able to run a little longer than. :o)

Thats why everyone and there dog has a pool down there! Its funny to fly into Pheonix and see so many pools! I admit Im envious when the weather breaks. Ill be down there running this winter, you mark my words.

Too bad you didn't get a chance to serve! Those who want to go are usually the best missionaries we have! I got back in December of 2007 and I was in the spanish wards...wow they have some good food but it did major damage to my health. I have to lose about 20 lbs first to ever be competitive again in running. It will be interesting. But seriously, Sasha makes me feel like I can do it! Keep up the running! It took me 1 hour to run 5 miles last night, so don't feel too bad :)

In that heat I think that is pretty respectable. Hopefully better weather is around the corner but personally I would be haeding for the treadmill

I can't run on a treadmill. I have to be going somewhere. It seems I give up really easy if I'm on the machine.

Im with you there Camille! I have to put a towel over the mileage because its slower going. I actually dont mind doing a tempo run on them in the winter when I know I cant run fast outside.

I went mountain biking for the first time a few weeks ago and it is so hard! I didn't think it was that hard, but it really is! Isn't it funny that people get us confused since I am Camilla and you are Camille? haha :)

It is definately harder than I thought it would be. I suppose I'll just have to keep at it and eventually I'll speed up. I think all these elite runners would fly past me on my bike like I were standing still. That's a little discouraging.

Yes, it is funny that people get us confused. Even worse, my dad re-married a woman named Camilla. It drives me crazy when they introduce me to people and they say, "oh, *you're* the other Camille". O-well. :o)

Welcome to the blog!!!

Get some mega doses of vitamin C going and hopefully you can shake it quickly. You know, you get extra points for running in AZ, imo. (Said she of cool, temperate Wash. state.) Take care.

Thank you for the advice! Also, thank you for the extra points for running in Arizona. I just started running a month ago (in July), and was thinking (while running today) that hopefully this will get easier because eventually it won't be so hot! LOL.

gargle with salt water and call me in the morning! Extra points in the summer but we have to deduct all the quality miles you brag about in the winter. Dont want to hear it!

I need all the luck I can get at this point! I am taking 9 credits (until I get residency in the Spring) and have 2 jobs, plus running, plus anything else I have to do or want to do! Seriously you are doing great at running! Sasha is the one who inspires me to keep going, this morning I almost gave in to walking and there was a person in front of me who did and I thought "I can do more than her, I can train harder" and that kept me going and I did outrun her by a lot! So just keep going!! You are awesome!

cross training works just fine! Ill distract sasha for you. lol Why do we sleep anyway? Do we really have to do that? lol YES.

LOL Sleep is totally over rated, right? I think Melanie is having a problem transitioning between mommy being home for the weekend and mommy going back to work. :o( But, on my defense, I have dong *something* (whether it be running or cross training) 6 days a week since July 15th, so I'm pretty happy about that. (Now I'm back in brag mode. Bad Camille!)

Why did it say that you were a lone faithful and that you needed a comment???? Whatever.

LOL. It's because I'm an attention hog. All the attention I can get.

Yeah. You probably made that one of your settings: If I have less than three comments, put me in the lone faithful category.

You probably had your front gear in high and your back gear in low. You're not supposed to do that. The best thing is to keep your chain even so that it doesn't stretch it out.

Okay, can you explain. Historically I have been riding with my left hand gear on 2 and then my right hand gear from 2 - 7 depending on what I'm doing (starting low and working my way up). So today I thought if I went to 3 on my left hand (which is the largest gear leve, on that hand), I would need to decrease my gears on the right hand to 1 and then move on up. Is that not right? My chain/gears were clicking. Not good. I can use all the help I can get.

If you hear clicking, that's bad. When your chain is on the largest gear in the front, you should keep them on the smaller gears in the back. See the following link:

http://bicycleuniverse.info/eqp/gears.html

(Link; no pun intended.)

The jogging stroller has a HUGE impact on pace for me, especially on the uphills! I can run a path 100 times by myself and think it is totally flat, and the first time I use a jogging stroller on it I notice tiny little hills EVERYWHERE! It takes a special kind of tough to run with a jogging stroller.

Lybi,

You are totally right. I didn't realize how "hilly" my neighborhood was until I pushed that stroller. There are some good grade changes. It's hard to run one handed... I hadn't realized how much I needed to sway my hands when I run.

I saw that you put your blog just ahead of me today! Nicely done. Thats good to keep your mind occupied while your working it like that! funny!

Great job on your ride! It's funny where you get your motivation sometimes, isn't it? Made me smile.

Camille you are awesome! Isn't that the best feeling when you work so hard and finally you feel like people aren't flying past you!? Great job, seriously, the first time I finally ran past someone I felt like I could do anything! Yesterday I had this guy run past me in like 2 seconds and I was like oh dangit. haha Keep it up! :)

Lybi - I'm glad I made you smile! :o)

Camilla - Thanks! I know the feeling, when I'm passing people I feel like "queen" of the hill, but being passed... man that bites. It makes me feel like I'm running backwards or in slow motion.

Wow nice times for a hot stroll in the desert! Not fun when your kids are sick! I remember the crupe, going outside and sitting on the patio in the porch swing and falling asleep. Our first daughter was always sick and had colic which I thought id never have another baby after her. It was difficult. Hope shes feeling better.

Hey my sunny bunny friend! You are not supposed to let kids pass you on their bikes. Next time put a stick in their spokes. lol jk dont do that, you'll be in the papers for sure. Hope your little one is feeling on the up and up and its starting to warm up a little bit more here in coldville so I thought about you. Ill bet when its so hot out and you get a spell of rain and the temps drop to say 80, everyone gets a cold. Nice miles for today.

It is definately hot out there. The rain felt good... too bad it doesn't look like it's coming back right away!

What is your normal training pace? Now I am wondering if I can keep up with you. 9:30 is not slow to me!

You're totally right about running making you feel better about yourself. in College I remember seeing a study about people who were dieting alone and people who were combining diet AND exercise. Almost without exception the dieters only fell off their diets and the exercisers kept at it. Wonder if it is because of the endorphins.

Back to running early again. I hate running in the rain, but if its hot out there I can imagine it would be nice.

Hey Piano lady, Im with you on that! I had mono a couple of years ago and just about got divorced because I was an honery A. If you can only imagine the exercise I was lacking. I got up to 140! Sheesh! Can you imagine? Everytime I saw someone out running I got mad and jealous and I would honk at them on purpose. Hey you jerk get off the road! lol Ok I didnt run them off the road but I wanted too.

Aren't endorphins great?!?

Honestly, I train at whatever pace my body feels up to! LOL. I'm sure you would have no problem keeping up with me! So, I was thinking about you while I was running today. I was thinking that running barefoot probably helps with your pace when it's hot out. I was remember how when I was a kid we never wore shoes and would run as fast as possible from one grassy front yard to the next. LOL.

Yeah Ill bet you guys got good at running from one yard to another. Feet of Steel!

LOL Yeah. When I was a kid, I think I had hard feet. I walk through the small rocks in our front yard and it wouldn't phase me. It must have burnt all the feeling off them! I can't imagin going that now though...

I think I'll pass. I may have ran in the heat lately, but I didn't fry my brain. I'm not that dumb. :o)

Oh come on Ill do it if you do it! lol Your not bowing down to the oldness are you? Ok so maybe when we were younger we didnt think about the consequences. Now we wonder how long will I be injured when I do this. Funny

who are you calling old?!?

Exactly! Not me, Ill die with my running shoes on. Or at least have them burried with me. lol

Be careful what you ask for. This time last year, the principal of the local elementary school did just that. He went out for a run, everything was okay, and while he was untying (spelling?) his shoes, he passed away.

I probably wont be so lucky to go out that way. But they better let him have those shoes. I told my wife to bury me in my PR shoes. That way I can come out running! lol

Bwahahaha! You guys are a hoot. I know I'LL be buried with my running shoes on because I run in my FEET! Fortunately, I don't have to risk the danger of bending over to untie my shoes though--so hopefully I'll be around to run a lot longer.

BTW, the sidewalk is cool during the early morning hours, but my treadmill gets HOT! Isn't that weird? I can't run more than 3 miles barefooted on the ol' treadmill because of it.

Lybi, so you are the one that started the phrase barefoot and pregnant huh? lol Barefoot and running strong!

Nice picture of your daughter! Thanks for posting. Any chance you are in Tucson AZ? It's been a few years since I've lived there but they used to have a really nice half marathon in Decembers. Of course the RNR in Phoenix was just as nice as well. What race do you have in Feb?

Cute picture of your daughter! It is fun taking pictures of them when they are so young and little and still can't talk a whole lot haha! Thanks for the comments, I was just going crazy this week and I like to run, but school is and will always be my first priority since I need to get into law school after I get my bachelor's degree and Harvard doesn't give a degree in sprinting so I work hard on that too. Anyways, it looks like you had a great week! Sometimes I wish we could run together! It looks like we have almost the same times on races and stuff!

I live in Mesa, but I have seen some races on the events calendar that look good. I might take a trip down there. The race I want to do in February is the Sedona 1/2 marathon. I would like to do some others between now and then. I have a 5K next weekend and will be looking for more between now and then

I am studying law and constitutional studies for my undergrad and am also thinking about a double major in english with a minor in spanish and possibly italian (i speak spanish so i can get my span minor with only 2 classes :) )

Seeing you guys comment to each other is darn confusing! Camille, I thought you had a multiple personality thing going on there for a second...until I checked out camilla's blog.

Good job on your run and what a cute little one!

Lybi,

Thank you! And if you ask my husband, he'd tell you I *do* have multiple personalities. LOL

Nicely done number 1

Thank you! :o)

no thank you!

I would recommend not altering your training at all prior to a race for the next 6 months at least. Otherwise racing becomes a form of untraining. Approach races as regular training runs. Your chances of injury on tired legs are often less than the other way around. You go out slower, there is less pounding, and your muscles remember how to deal with it from running earlier in the week. If you cut down, the muscles forget how to deal with pounding while your nervous system is fresh and anxious to push them into dangerous areas.

Sasha - Thank you! I appreciate your help. Saturday is my first race for all (for the most part). I am curious what I should eat prior to the race (Night before or morning of) so I have fuel but don't get sick. Any advice?

Do not eat anything you normally would not. Eat something that has proven to give good results in training. Overall do not stress about the race. Think of it a regular training run with a crowd around you and a chance to meet people.

Sasha - Thank you!

Walter - I hate that sick feeling. It is quite annoying. I hope you can beat it and get out there tonight. I'm planning on running tonight as well, assuming my husband doesn't end up at mutual too late. Good luck!

I want to hear your story! And yes I woke up with a migraine this morning so hopefully I can kick it by tonight for a 15 miler. keep it up champ!

Walter, I'll send it via email. I'm sorry about the migraine. yuck!

Ok Ill watch for it. Cheers

Walter - how is the migraine? Gone I hope!

You know I get them often and can usually kick them when they just start, but I got one while i was sleeping and when I woke up it was all over for me. Excederin usually kicks it if I take them right away. But it gives me a sick feeling in my gut all day. So I still have to summon up some running miles tonight. Thanks for asking.

Opps... put this in the wronge place... :o)

Walter - I hate that sick feeling. It is quite annoying. I hope you can beat it and get out there tonight. I'm planning on running tonight as well, assuming my husband doesn't end up at mutual too late. Good luck!

I actually can side with women when they tell me the feeling they get. I still have it and will force my run tonight.

perhaps you should rest tonight and try to beat the migranie with rest. Would that help?

too late I ran 8. Im a poet and I didnt know it. Im doing 15 in the morning at 5:15 with Trick.

Good luck Saturday.

Thank you!

What a cutie little fart! I mean that in a nice way. lol

She'll be walking and talking back to you soon! lol cute!

Soon? ha! She already has the firery (spelling?) additude of the typical redhead. Whoever says a baby doesn't know what they want is SO wrong. LOL. Too bad she just can't tell me what it is.

Hey, you got your mug shot on here! Nice! I recognize that park! We were the first ones in there and gone before anyone showed up to cheer us on! Lol We actually got there when they were setting up the finish line! Good to have a face with the blog. Now we just have to throw a blog party when we get down there for del sol or R&R arizona!

yeah, no doubt about knowing what the heck they are screaming about. My 6 year old still does that so I have to baby her and remind her how old she is. Fun stuff!

Walter, I don't think that's the same park. The mug shot picture is from today's race, in Glendale. I thought the ragnar ended in Scottsdale. (I could be wrong). You do recognize the shirt though. That's one of my favorite running shirts.

Your right Camille! It did end up in Scottsdale. So if thats a current photo, you need to work on that tan woman! lol jk I would be white also from that heat because my miles would be in the dark.

A blog party would be fun. I think we have put a team together, so I'm excited to say I'll be able to participate again. (And this time I should be ready).

Awesome, I actually signed up with my wife and if I dont get invited with the fast group, Ill end up running with her group. It will be a party! You are becoming quite the adict! Funny

Woo-hoo! First 5K ever, right? Congrats! I was thinking about you today.

Now comes the fun part--you get to try to beat your time in the next race. I'm sure you'll be able to trounce it! Talking throughout an entire 5K? What?

Great job for both you and Bethany. So, that's what you look like? I didn't picture you looking like Elton John.

Lybi - yep, 1st ever. Thank you for the support. We were talking the entire time, but it was between huffs and puffs, I promise!

Burt - Elton John would be lucky to look like that. J/K

Well, at any rate, it's good to have a face to put with a name.

Burt - like you don't see this too much already! LOL Speaking of which... is tomorrow *really* Monday? :o(

Well Mrs. Three-day-weekends, (or in the case of last week; Mrs. five-day-weekend), yes it is. Another exciting week of slaving for the district.

Ha ha ha... are you green with envy? (Good!) And my 5 day weekend wasn't a happy thing. Sick babies are exhausting. Can we turn the clock back? I'm not ready to go back. (pout pout)

I am new to this blog and it has been so much fun. I look forward to all the new friends along the way. Good luck to you in your half marathon goal. If you believe you can do it, YOU CAN!

Britta - Thank you! I appreciate the encouragement! :o). I'm fairly new to the blog too, and already have made some good running friends. It's nice to have people pushing me to make my goals. I know you will enjoy it!

Nice race Camille! Something ive learned in races and thats dont be intimidated by pushing your way forward in a race. I remember my very first 15k I ran 5 years ago and I was so intimidated that I went back to the middle and I had to weave my way through the crowd and ended up in 20th place overall. Im pretty sure I wouldve done better. You did great! That is a good time. Pretty soon, youll be haveing goals like "Qualify for Boston, and top three in age" good job

Thanks! Bethany and I have already set another race goal... I'm a little worried about it, but we decided, what's the worse thing that can happen, we walk parts of it? We are going to run in the Rim County Challenge 1/2 marathon, in Payson. It's in 3 weeks. (yikes). I know I can finish it though. It's like Britta said, if I think I can do it, then I can.

That is awesome! Its not alot of time to prepare just dont up your mileage too much. Use it as a fun run or training style run and you will be amazed at how easy it is to do. See you are becoming one of us addicts! lol

it isn't much time to prepare. that is why I was hesitant at first, but then I decided, why not? I have to up my mileage to get the 100 miles I need this month. I just need to make sure I don't injure myself. I was thinking maybe doing 8 miles in stead of 7 on Saturday to help prepare me for the 1/2 marathon. Any thoughts?

Just try to not up your mileage more than 10-15% a week. Even I have fallen into the try and make up for lost time category and you get nasty nagging injuries.

Is that the same week as SGM?

way to be going the extra bit will pay off

thanks Jake!

Ok you win! you officially trumped my miles. I have my work cut out for me now! Must go run and relieve this tension.

I'm not even a mile ahead and I h ave a whole day on you... I'm sure you'll be pasting me like I'm sitting still here really soon.

Ok Im officially on the hunt for miles. see you in a few!

I'm timing you LOL (totally joking!)

Ok stop your watch now! IM done 12!

man... check you out. You didn't just past me on the mileage board, you creamed me. 3 hours? I doubt it took you that long.

It was 1:25 I forgot to stop your watch.

Nicely done Camille! Thank your husband for that great push start! Your battery was low and its a good thing you have a manual transission and not an automatic. Pretty soon you will have an automatic put in, you'll see! Keep it up woman! Make sure you put your total miles on here for us everyday! Cheers

Thanks! Oh, he got a lot of praise. He also helped me with this cake decorating class that I'm taking the night before. For some reason, preping was too overwhelming for me. I swear, he if definately the only one for me. :o)

Very nicely done Camille! Im glad my specialness was noticed! lol

There was an MIT grad that came up with an alarm clock that rolled away and hid when you hit snooze so you'd have to get out of bed to turn it off.

Husbands are good too.

That's an ingenious idea (which is probably why he is a MIT grad!). :o)

clickety click. I hear that train a coming! Good job!

Thanks. It's a good thing I got up this morning and ran... it looks like I'm going to have a very hard day ahead of me. :o(

I worked all day up in the unitas that are close to 8000 feet! I noticed my legs were dead tired. Obviously by this mornings workout but my guys were telling me how their legs felt heavy. It really does affect you. I had to kick their butts in gear to make our schedule today! Thats why im so late coming home.

It sounds like you had an exhausting day! Where are the unitas?

They are East of Salt lake city and East of Park city. We actually worked East of Heber which is on the back side of the Wasatch mountains. I feel like a social studies teacher! Its getting so pretty up there! the leaves are turning colors and fall is almost here.

That is one thing I wish we had, seasons! I would love to see the leaves change colors

I think your weather in the winter months is absolutely awesome! Its the perfect running temps and Im truely jealous during those months. Think of me running in 2 feet of snow fall.

Oh I will :oP. Especially after all your bragging about your weather this summer. LOL

Was I bragging? Im sorry, be light on me ok!?

Ha ha ha (evil chuckling!). We shall see.

ooooh evil chuckling huh? Well, would it help to tell you today was a freezing cold run and it snowed a little bit? lol

snow there already??? goodness!!! I ran at 7am today and it was HOT! too bad we can't split the difference.

Im just kiddin' Camille, it didnt snow. Im testing your compassion out here!? lol I got you! It was actually overcast and cool. About 60 degrees and perfect for running a hard workout! It feels like a perfect spring day to you guys. Im not rubbing this in by the way. Ive realized I havnt gotten a nick name for you yet. Youll have to give me some ideas so I dont offend. lol cheers

That does seem comfortable for running, and maybe a little chilly if you aren't moving. It was definately too hot this morning for a hard workout. I was going to do 5 miles but felt guilty having Melanie in the heat for that long.

As far as nicknames goes, I have had a whole slu of them over the years... I'm sure you won't offend me. Heck, I work with Burt... (who's idea of a compliment when I told him I was pregnant was to comment on how he'd figure because my hips are spreading!)

Red, I hear you there! so its hot huh? Just keep running, just keep running! lol

Wow 8.7 miles that is amazing! I can't wait to get up to a run that long!

Anyways absolutely nothing happened when I reported the dog bite. The Sheriff said the people were moving in a week anyway so he wasn't going to do anything about it. Hope they don't go and bite anyone else!

Just as I expected! You keep this up and you can take your last week off this month! JK Dont let Sasha catch you taking days off. Great running Camille. When your at 100 I think we should make a goal of a marathon for you! No Im serious.

Walter - ha ha ha... hilarious... me, run a marathon... I can't seem to stop laughing...

Thank you for being my cheerleader with the 100 miles. I'm pretty happy that I'm more than a 1/3 of the way done.

Camille Deville, are you still laughing? I am just getting ready to check your day out!

Mondays are always slow--it's a long a glorious tradition to drag on Mondays. Gotta keep up traditions, you know. Good job on 5.6!

thanks... I'm still keeping up the tradition of a slow Monday here at work. And so is my computer! LOL

Don't tell me you blog at work. Tsk Tsk. I hope your boss doesn't find out, whoever he is.

LOL It's a good thing you don't know who he is.

I always am amazed at when I run with someone and tell them to keep running so I can do a potty break or what not and then try to catch them it takes almost a mile! Do you run with an Ipod or a getto blaster? lol

LOL I don't think I followed your joke. Maybe I'm still slow.

In the 80's a ghetto blaster was a portable tape player with large speakers that you could crank up and do your break dance moves! Yow! lol

I remember those LOL... I guess it was the potty break thing that I didn't understand. But I listen to an Ipod (my b-day present from Brandon... so I'm still learning how to use it). And since we are on the subject of Music, I may have to take Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" off my play list because every time I get to that song, I whatever pains I have seem to be magnified. Apparently hearing "It burns burns burn" is not something you should hear while you are running. LOL

That is funny! It burns it burns it burns. Youll have to sing that on your last few miles of the half marathon. I will try to remember to also in SGM! That is so hilarious.

Are you freakin' kidding me? Rawesome Camille! You know the saying if you can run a 10k you can run a half marathon! Thats only 6.2 miles! Are you still running the half up here? Keep up the good work.

Thanks! I am still running in the 1/2 marathon. It's next weekend. I'm a little worried about the course, it's pretty hilly. I guess there is one aweful climb that lasts .5 miles, and then one downhill stretch that is equally as rough that lasts .67 miles. Yikes!

Dang its the same time as SGM! I would come cheer you on if it were on a different day. Let me know if you need a place to stay! you can trash my house. Just leave money when done! lol

Oops... I misspoke. (or misread really). My race is in Payson, ARizona, not in Utah. But I appreciate the offer. My husband was talking about the marathon in Saint George yesterday, but I informed him that I was already running in an event that same day.

Well apparently they have two Payson's dont they! Lol See your husband is talking about SGM! You will run it next year. Registration is April 1st and thats not a joke! Remember my talk if you can run a 10k you can run a half marathon. Well if you can run a Half marathon, you can run a Marathon! See you in SGM next year baby! Rawesome!

April 1st. Wow, that must be a super popular race. I don't think I'll be participating though, as much as I'd love to. I'm hoping that by October of next year I'll be planning for a second Baby Smithson, and while I was pregnant with Melanie, the doctor did not allow me to run. :o(. Maybe this time will be different, but I guess it's always better to be safe rather than sorry.

Yeah, your pretty set when you find out your in that race. Its hard to get into. You know there is also the Canyonlands Moab half marathon in March that is popular but you have to register for it in November. Its on a lottery also and its scenic red rock canyon walls that you run through.

So your working on #2 already huh!? Nice, gives Melanie someone to beat up! lol

Moab is a pretty area. There is a 1/2 marathon in Sedona, Arizona in February that is calling my name. That is a very pretty red rock area.

We aren't currently working on #2, but we thought that an early to mid 2010 baby would be nice. Me and my brother are 3-1/2 years apart and I think that is too far apart.

Isnt Sedona close to Del Sol relay? I havnt even looked at the date that Del sol is running. I am shooting for R&R in January though.

Yeah, it's 2 weeks before. I've been debating the R&R.

The R&R is a freakin blast weather you do the full or half. Fun!

You've got to take care of yourself. I think staying in bed was the right thing to do.

Thanks. I think I needed to hear that. I have been beating myself up about it. :o)

Unfortunately im plagued with those migraines myself! drink lots and hydrate. Youll get it tomorrow.!

Way to go from zero to hero.

(Man, that was an awesome comment. I wish I didn't waste it on you.) JK ;)

Nice run, what are we up to now?

What are you going to do in 29.10 miles?

How did the 5K go???

Do you think your run on Friday helped or hindered your race.

I'm sure you did great. Can't wait to hear all about it.

Montelepsy,

I'm running 100 miles in 4 weeks to raise money for my cousin. Her husband of 5 years was in an aweful car accident and passed away, leaving his 23 year old wife and 13 month old daughter. To make things even more sad, he had just finished serving in the army for the past 4 years (in Iraq and Afganistan), and she finally felt like he was safe. It's just aweful. Anyhow, I feel so helpless here, so I thought I'd do this to help her and Karlie out. So far I've had a really good response from everyone. And I'm thinking I may be able to get my 100 miles in 3 weeks, or 3-1/2 weeks.

Congrats on a great race!!! You know you'll become a blog celebrity now being associated with Lybi? (hee hee) Nice to meet you & wonderful job on your new PR!!

You are getting so fast! Keep up the good work.

Yea! Great race report. I am all excited to start doing long runs with you on Saturdays or something. (Be forewarned, though, anything beyond 4 is long to me.)

You were such a champ in this race, but really, you'll definitely beat your time in the near future. I'd bet the soles of my feet on it!

It was great to meet you and your cute family!

Nicely done Camille! Wow, Ive been away from your blog too long! I cant believe you! You are cruising to the finish line with your 100 mile goal! Nice race and good finish. You know everyone has their own way of finishing a race and thats good to finish like you did. Lybi is amazing running barefoot like that! That was good to meet up with her and James. They are quite the family support team as well as the speedsters of their block! lol

thank you guys!!! I appreciate the support!

SUPER race Camille!! Especially considering all the unplanned issues that came up!!

You did awesome!!

Teena - thank you! to answer your question, I think running on Friday helped my run. :o)

But people can see your lips move...

Are you training for a tri?

LOL They can, you are right. But I still had my earphones on, so maybe I didn't look so crazy. Who knows. I'm sure to some people, seeing someone running at 5 am *is* crazy.

I'd like to do one, eventually (though I'm afraid I may drown), but the reason I have this setup is because before I was running for my cousin, I was biking every other day, and I wanted to record my biking miles. :o)

Oh man, I am sore too. It's my own fault for NEVER doing speedwork of any kind. But still, it hurts.

Sorry about your music! Moving your lips is not bad compared to punching the air and other dancing moves I've seen runners do (OTHER runners...not me...well, ok, sometimes me).

Lybi - LOL. I was singing BINGO (after our race on Sat., that was in my head), and at first I was clapping for the missing letters LOL.

I wanted to tell you congrats on a great race on Saturday!

What's your miles left count down for, (if you don't mind me asking?)

Kim - Thank you! It was a fun race!

My count down is to a 100 miles because I'm donating 100 miles in 4 weeks for my cousin Nicole. See, her husband passed away after a car accident over Labor Day weekend, leaving her and her 13 month old daughter. It was really tradegic, unexpected, and not at all quick. She lives far away (Missouri) and I feel so helpless over here in Arizona, so I decided if I donated 100 miles to her and Karlie, and got pledges for my miles, I could raise money for her to help her get on her feet. That's my plan, and so far it's been really good.

Great 5k!!!! Drink lots of water this week and take it easy. You will do great at your half.

Thank you for your advice! I really appreciate it! Good luck on your marathon!

What a neat thing to do for your cousin. :) Big heart!

Good luck with your half this weekend! You will do great :) I don't know much, just don't eat anything weird on thursday or friday. :) Lots of water!

Camille, one other tip for saturday when you get tired and feel like walking or slowing down. tell yourself you are a gazelle, or a cheetah and try to maintain a comfortable pace. Push yourself mentally. I have a huge problem with this and when my heads in the game its a whole lot better.

Is this a gazelle being chased by a pack of cheetahs?

Walter - good advice. It's the mental game that I always have problems with. :o( It's like I start trying to compromise w/ myself.

Marion - hilarious. That may be a good approach to my next 5K :o).

You can do it Camille! My advice is to take it easy the first 8 miles. But don't ask me, my first half was a major slap in the face. Good luck!

PS are you sore? I'm sore.

I know and I think everyone goes through it! Just tell yourself, hey everyone behind me right now is going through this!

Wow! I...uh...I won't forgive you unless you teach me how to do that... ;) Multi-talented lady!

I'm not sure I'd be the best teacher... but it would be fun to get together and try :o) If anything, it would be a yummy experience.

WOW!! Awesome looking goodies. What is the occasion?

no real occasion. I was taking a cake decorating class and that was the final cake. I took the bottom tier to work today and let them enjoy it (it was gone by 9:30 am) and I'm taking the top tier to Payson to enjoy after the big race.

Super cool!!!

Oh yea, I bet you got an A+ :0)

Camille, I think it is wonderful what you are doing for your cousin!

Your going to have a great half this weekend!

(PS, I think you went backwards on your total miles.)(That may be ok though, if everyone will donate for the extra miles.:0) )

Jona - Thank you! I'm confused though. Where did I go backwards (I must be overlooking something)

Camille, Nevermind. You have it right. "Don't pay attention to that guy behind the curtain."

I don't know what I was thinking. I saw the 77 and the previous was 73, and for some reason I was thinking it should be subtracted. Again, pay no attention!

Sorry.

Jon

LOL I do stuff like that all the time. No worries :o)

Good luck on your half. Just keep singing!

Those cakes look freakin' yummy! Will you make me one for Del Sol? lol

ask me when we get closer. It's a lot of fun to do, it will just depend on how busy I am in February. But I think if we have an after Del Sol Party, there should definitely be cake.

Mike - Thanks for the luck sent my way. I will definately be singing. I'm planning on loading more music onto my radio today so that I have a better variety of songs :o)

Good luck on your race!!!

I just finished SGM and that cake looks dang good right now. I saw James and Lybi. Lybi was giving us some loud cheers and had a great banner for us bloggers! very nice.

Mike - Thanks! I haven't blogged about it yet, but I will here shortly. I appreciate the luck you sent my way!

Walter - I was SO bumbed. I was going to bring the top tier up to Payson to eat after our race and totally forgot it. It was such a bummer. Good job on the SGM. I haven't read your blog yet, but I will soon!

Great job Camille!!! See, you was worried for nothing.That course is a monster. When they warn you before the race...well,you had better be ready.And your husband did excellent!!! Congrats!

Again, I thank you for not beating me. I need to start doing more 5k's. Anything after 8 miles just does me in! By the way, I know I've said it a million times, you and Bethany did awesome. Way to get that first one under your belt. Not to mention 13.1% of your goal in one day!

Look at my before and after shots. I think I lost 10 lbs. during the race. Don't worry. I gained it all back tonight with corn dogs and raviolli.

Thank you! Brandon says next time he wants to do it without pushing Melanie, but it will have to be a while because he is currently in a LOT of pain. (yikes!)

Burt - you crack me up! Corn dogs and raviolli sounds like quite the combination. Just not for me. LOL

Nice job! Only 9.5 miles to go!

Thanks! I know... I'm hoping that I get those 9.5 miles by Wednesday so I can have it done a whole week early. :o) That would be awesome!

Great job for your first half---you will get faster from here and that was an awesome start!

I love all of the pictures in the post, that is so much fun and helps to tell the story!

Look at that little pumpkin! Uber-cute!

What a tough race for your very first half, Camille! You are soooo awesome to even consider doing it for your first time. It is at altitude, it is hilly, and it's just plain a mean ol' course. Way to teach it a lesson.

Holy smokes about your husband. I told you he looked like a runner! And pushing a jogging stroller? Man, that makes the hills double! Tell that dude I told him to GET ON THE BLOG. He's a natural!

Thank you!!! You guys are great! I don't think I could have done it without everyone's support. :o)

Lybi - I think my husband has sworn off running for a little while. He is in a lot of pain. He wants to do another one without pushing Melanie to see how he fast he could do it. He says maybe November or December. Do you have any racing plans coming up? You got Burt's email about the ragnar, right?

Very nice first half! Sounds very challenging. Good to see you accomplish so much in a sort time! You know the saying if you can run a half, you can run a full marathon?! lol So are you ready?

Walter - It was a challenging course, but definitly fun. I'm so glad I did that. I'm ready to do another half, but I'm not sure about a full.

The Moab half is always fun and of coarse the R&R Arizona half is popular! Moab is in March.

I have thought about the R&R, but I'm afraid to admit, I'm agoraphobic, and I'm afraid that the crowd may be too much for me. I have a neighbor that is thinking about doing it, and she may talk me into it. We will see.

Moab is dangerous because that means I'll be required to go 4-wheeling afterwards. There is no way that my husband will agree to go up there if I don't agree to explore afterwards. LOL. :o)

Isnt that when your afraid to go outside? lol I dont know. It is a fun run and though crowded, the atmosphere rocks!

You know every year we go to Moab with our atvs and spend the weekend there. Last year we took our neighbors who dont run at all but had their motorcycles and atvs ready to go the minute we crossed the finish line. When I crossed the finish line they were asking me when my wife was going to come through. When I told them in an hour or so they flipped! But were patient. Try going back to a hotel room after a half, showering and changing quickly to go exploring. It was actually fun. Very packed in two days.

hey camille.. im curious been trying to figure out the 100 mile goal thing? what's it about?

Over labor day weekend, my 23 yr old cousin (Nicole) last her husband in a tradegic car accident. It was pretty sudden and very sad. Western (her husband) not only left Nicole behind, but also his (then) 13 month old daughter. I felt aweful that I couldn't make the funneral or do anything to help her because she lives so far away. So, I decided to help her get on her feet, I would dedicate 100 miles (between Sept 15th and Oct 15th) to her and her daughter. During this time, I have been extremely lucky to get pledges on my miles to help her financially. I can't believe how supportive and generous people are. :o)

Great job Camille! 100 miles!! Woo Hoo!!!

Nice job, Miss!

Thanks! :o)

I used the smartcoach tool from runnersworld.com to train for my marathon. You input a recent race time/distance; what you're training for; how many weeks you've got to train and the effort you want to put in.

It comes up with how fast (or in my case, how slow) to do your speedwork, tempo runs, long runs and easy runs. I was running 11 miles a week when I started and after sticking to the smartcoach program in 16 weeks I ran a marathon.

It had me run twice a week, with 21 miles being the most per week and the longest run being 15 miles.

I was pretty skeptical until it worked out.

Camille, sounds like you had a GREAT run this morning and are on the right track. I am no expert on 5Ks (or anything else for that matter) but for me I like to push myself pretty hard at the tail end of a run one or two times a week. Sometimes that means running hard the last mile or so, but sometimes it was as simple as running the last 1/10th of a mile in "puke zone." Just find out what works for you. Are you keeping track of your pace at various distances throughout the week?

Mike - I'll have to check out the smart coach... great idea. Thanks.

Teena - No, I'm a total loser and don't have a watch or anything to use to pace myself. I need to get on the ball and get one. I have been using the time on my ipod to get a rough idea of my time, but it's not that accurate (no seconds). I like your idea of running faster at the end of your runs. I have been practicing my kick (or speeding up to get to the finishline). I noticed today that I was running what felt like my original kick speed for the entire run. (Let's just say my original kick speed wasn't too fast). It's amazing how my body just knew to kick it at the 1/2 marathon last weekend. I didn't mentally tell myself to speed up, I just did.

talk about rambling. I hope some of that made sense.

Camille, your "totaly loser" comment cracked me up because 1. no you're not! and 2. I feel the same way! I have a watch and have no idea how to use it. So what I've ended up doing is sending mmyself a text when I pass certain markers, so when I get home and map it I can see where I was at what time.

How's that for dorky approach?? Although I think I get at least 2 MacGuiver points for being creative :)

Heck yeah you do. I don't think I'm even fast enough on the cell phone to pull that one off. :o)

Wow, I need to proof these before I hit "post." Sorry about all those typos!

I have two teenagers- I can text without looking, or even slowing down :)

Hey Camille--out there running already! Man you are tough.

You know what really helps me in a 5K is to wear a Garmin. (Do you have a Garmin? You can borrow mine if you need to for the race.) It has a function that tells you what your average pace is.

When I am going for a specific goal, I figure out what my average pace needs to be. Then when I'm running I check my watch every once in a while. If the pace ever gets above my goal pace, I pick it up! It's a great motivator for me. I really missed it this last race.

I would recommend a $10 Walmart watch. In combination with the Course Tool on the blog, for $10 you can get more accurate numbers for your pace than with any other much more expensive but possible to run with device (short of running with a measuring wheel).

Kungfublonde - hilarious! I have seen teens text with their phones in their pockets. It's crazy. I feel like an old woman while I'm trying to send a simple "Dinner's at 6" message to the hubby. It takes me forever.

Lybi - No, I don't have a Garmin, but that explains alot. At our race, I thought you were asking me if I had my garment. LOL I thought that was a weird question to ask someone. Speaking of races though, did you get my email about the 5K that I really want you to run with me? Also, did you get Burt's email about the Ragnar? I am so excited that you are running it with me!

Sasha - I must be missing something. I don't see the Course Tool. Does it have Arizona Courses in it?

Camille - you have to plot your own courses on the Course Tool. If you need help to figure it out, and do not have a resident geek, post on the forum.

Regarding increasing 5 K speed. Just keep running 6 days a week without skipping. You still have quite a bit of room for improvement in the aerobic department.

Oh how I wish I was there today instead of here!! I hate the sun in my eyes, but it is better than 40 degrees! It is SOOOO cold!!!

Good miles this week!

Wow! What a great run!

Thanks!

Kelli - 40 degrees doesn't even sound fun to me. But it's a trade off... we get miserable summers. It's just now starting to cool off.

I could never do the summers there. NEVER!!! My sister lives in Phoenix and I just do not know how she does it!

Hey, we are coming in February to run the Ragnar Del Sol (somewhere in Mesa to somewhere in Phoenix, I think). How will the weather be then?

I am also running in the Ragnar! It should be a ton of fun! And we should have nice weather. The first year we had the Ragnar here, the did it the lastweekend of March and it was extremely hot. I'm glad they pushed it forward.

Okay, then, we will have to meet up somewhere. The blog has a super fast team (they won last year) and then there is US. We have 1 fast runner, and the rest of us are in it for fun. My kids will be at my sisters, so we are making a family trip out of it.

Hey, I am van 2. Tell me which legs are easiest!!

I've only done it once (I just had Melanie before the race last year), so I've only ever been in van 1. I think I'm in van 2 this year, and I'm thinking runner 8 has it the easiest.

We will definately have to meet up. I think a post Del Sol party is a must. Our team is just doing it for fun. I know there is one guy that is extremely fast, and then everyone else is faster than me. I am definately the slowest person on the team. (I hope they don't vote me out because of that).

I think you HAVE to do this race for fun---otherwise it STINKS!!!! Literally.

What is the Ragnar?

It's a big relay race. 181.7 miles, 12 people, 24 hours. The 12 people drive in 2 vans. Each person has 3 legs of the race varying in miles and difficulty bettween 2 - 8 miles. The race doesn't stop, so you pretty much don't get any sleep.

Here's the link for the Arizona Regnar: http://www.ragnarrelay.com/delsol/index.php

It only counts as a visiting teaching visit if you have a spiritual message and a prayer.

LOL well... she isn't in my ward.

Wow, you run a long ways, chica. 11 miles...is that your standard Saturday run length? I should have called you on Friday and done the first 5-6 with you. I need SOMEONE to give me a dope-slapping for not registering for the Del Sol Relay yet. I don't know what's wrong with me--it's like I'm paralyzed! Do you really think I can do it? I am freaking out about it.

Yes! I really think you can do it! And it isn't too late. We are going to be in van 2, and there are some easier legs in that van. Get your info to Michelle (from Burt's email) and do it! You will be so happy you did!

Di you get my email about the 5K in Novemer?

November

Camille --

Great run and glad you were able to catch up with your friend!! Unfortunately you reminded me that I have to sew two of my kids' halloween costumes this week!! Stink!! For some reason every year atleast 2 of th 5 insist on dressing up as something that they don't sell at a store. This year it's a Charlie Brown and Harlem Globetrotter (old school style) that are causing the pain!! I'm far too much of a push-over!! Thanks for the reminder!!

** Btw, I'm sure she will be the cutest Strawberry Shortcake ever! :)

OK Ok, I did it!!! I'm still hyperventilating, but I did it. I don't think I got your email, but I should check it. I don't check it as often as I should. I check my blog a LOT more often.

It's called outrun the FBI. The registration fee goes to help the FBI stop children preditors on the internet. It looks like a really fun event. We can have a team of 5 or more where you'd still run individually, but be eligiable for team prizes on top of the individual prizes.

http://www.outrunthefbi5k.com/

I thought it looked like a really fun event.

oh - and Lybi... YEAH!!! I'm glad you did it, and you will be too.

Ok Ill do it! I didnt run this morning either so we can check up on each other. Cheers

It is 3:10 and afternoon. I have arrived to kick you in the rear!

BUT no stress. Sometimes life gets in the way and it is OKAY!!! I have not been ALLOWED to sleep through the night in 15 years, and it never gets any easier!!!

Kelli - I'm happy to report that I made it with 24 mins to spare. (I finished running at 4:36pm). :o). Thank you for the kick. I needed it!

GOOD FOR YOU! You are way better than me, later NEVER happens!!!

Your better than me today camille. I was too freakin busy tonight. I was going to run but got slammed with stuff to do so I suck.

Great job! You did it, even in the face of adversity! I've noticed my kids don't seem to sleep as well when the weather changes. Man, it was COLD this morning.

My "later" happened, but I only had about 25 minutes. See that's why I have to get faster, so I can run farther when I don't have long to work out!

Looking cute is hard work. I spend too much time brushing my hair and plucking to have someone devalue my efforts.

Lybi - I did think yesterday was super cold, but I didn't want to mention it and have someone from Utah tell me what cold really is. LOL

Mike - hilarious. I agree, looking cute is hard work. I haven't quite figured it out yet myself. But somehow, Melanie makes it look so easy.

Rachel - 25 minutes is still better than nothing, right? That's about how long I'm going to have tonight. :o(

Kelli - part of the reason my later happened is knowing that you all were checking up on me. This blog is great for that.

Walter - I understand getting slammed with stuff to do. There's always the next day. I'm sure you'll make it up. :o)

Yeah everyone seems to be trying to get work in now. That is a good thing. Im slammed with work once again. Finally!

My work seems to be like a roller coaster. (and not a kiddie ride). We are up and down, back and forth, and some times crazy, up-side-down. I just hold on and try not to scream!

Get your scouts to run with you next time! lol Theres got to be a running merit badge. ha ha.

I should tell you the embarrassing story some time of my first parent meeting when I was a Girl Scout leader.

...or maybe I shouldn't :)

Im up do tell!

I sent it to you... and now you really think I'm crazy!

Good job trusting your instincts Camille.

Walter - I was thinking that while running home. I know the Varsity Scouts and some of the Venture Scouts do a tri. in March, so it would only help them train, right? :o)

Rachel - You are funny. Where your daughters Girl Scouts?

Mike - Thanks! I don't know what would have happened (if anything) if I didn't follow my instincts, but I'm glad I didn't have to find out.

For a little while (about 2 years) they both were. I was a leader for the brownie troop one year. It was quite an adventure :)

Now thats what I call multi tasking! You would be the bomb with them if you showed them up. Every year our stake puts on a 5k run and our bishop puts out a challenge to try and beat our ward! Its funny, they had some good runners from Bingham High School last year who werent even in the stake and I thought they were going to waste me so I started out as fast as I could, my first mile was 4:50 and I knew I couldnt hold that pace but I wanted to see if they would burn out before me and they did. I beat the fastest one by 12 seconds. He faded worse then me. I did a 5:45 2nd mile and then a 6:15 3rd mile. Funny huh? If I would have paced off of them they would have creamed me.

Melanie is probably fine. She is ready for solid foods and nursing is still very important but not her only source of nutrients. In a couple of months she may be only nursing morning and night for comfort and a snack. You are a good Mom..just watch and see if she seems hungry or grouchy and then you'll know she may need more from you.

I always lose a lot of weight around 9 months. As long as you aren't starving yourself or anything crazy like that you are probably fine.

Thanks Sarah. That makes me feel a little better. She is eating solids, so I know that she isn't starving. I'm just one of those overly concerned first time mommys.

Hi Camille,

I think you get extra points for running in Arizona. Hats off to you. I like cold myself, so I'm amazed when I hear about folks who run year round in temperatures I find intolerable. Bravo!

I just want to give you any encouragement I can to nurse as long as you can. It is so wonderful in so many ways! I'm sure you already know that, but there isn't a lot of encouragement in the main stream so I'll put mine in where I can. You are her hero every day by continuing to nurse!

If you feel you need to eat more, I'd concentrate on protein and veggies. That will keep you both healthier without some of the damaging effects of too much simple sugars. I know the typical runner's diet is carbs, carbs, carbs, but I am living proof that this is not necessarily the right way to eat. When I switched to a more produce-dominated diet I was able to raise my mileage to the 50's (miles per week) and had much better energy throughout the day. A good book for eating this way is The Garden of Eating by Matesz. (http://www.thegardenofeatingdiet.com/) Just my 2c but I feel great since I've made the switch. For carbs, I rely mostly on fruit (dried and fresh) and root vegetables.

Good luck with your little angel and your running. :)

I'll second the vote to nurse a long time..I stop when I'm pregnant with the next baby joy. I'll also second the protein vote. I need meat, dairy and legumes and love them..yum!

I think you are a wonderful first time Mommy. I used to worry about everything too and I think that's normal..it gets you curious and interested in learning what's best for your child. It's kind of second nature to me now so I've relaxed a lot..good luck..don't go hungry..enjoy that you CAN eat as much as you want..just focus on good calories.

Thanks ladies! I appreciate your advice!

Who complains about losing too much weight too fast? WOW!!! You are a good mommy! I would be kidding that nursing baby every second for the weight loss help!

My 2 cents, according to weight watchers rules, is that a 5 mile run might mean you need about 200 more calories is all. An extra snack or two! Add a nice smoothie---protein and fruit in one.

thanks Kelli! Good to know!

You also get like an extra 1000 calories for breastfeeding! You get permission to eat like a horse---so enjoy it while you can!

All I know is that my daughter had a really tight calf muscle from ballet over the summer, and it ended up leading to a serious ankle injury. I can't explain this very well, but your ankle receives a lot of support from your calf muscles (it has to do with the way they attach and stabilize your ankle), and when that support is compromised, you are more susceptible to an ankle injury. So no trail running until your calf feels better!

That is very good to know. I was thinking of places to run this weekend (Friday and Saturday) and some trails were coming to mind. I'm glad that you gave me that warning. Hmm... should I be stretching it better? (my calf). I'm nervious now.

Maybe some real runners will chime in and give you more knowledgeable advice, but I wouldn't worry. Just stretch and do easy runs until it feels better. Or bike?

My hubby gets tight calves ALL the time to the point of not being able to run, and it is usually up to me to fix it. (He has stretched and stretched, and it has never done anything to make it better.) 2 Things that DO work: scraping and releasing.

First try releasing (you might want to have your hubby do this). You massage the calf until you locate the absolutely most tender spot--usually it feels like a lump. Sometimes the pain of it when you press on it feels like it radiates up your leg, or down to your foot. That's good. That means you are in the right spot. So the goal is to press straight down on the most tender spot and hold it for about 30 seconds. While you are going crazy and trying not to scream about it, flex your toes up (this will be difficult). This will stretch the calf and force the knot to release. Then let go and find the 2nd most tender spot and do the same thing to it. Etc. etc. It sounds brutal, I know--but it is very effective. If you only have 10 min. you can make a BIG difference with this stuff. I can show you on Sat. before we run. Scraping is...dah, it takes too long to type. I'll show you.

OH! AND James and I can NOT run that race on Nov. 8th. I knew there was something...my oldest's son's baptism! This is a big deal to us and family is coming from out of town and everything, so it's a no-go. So sorry!

The releasing thing is exactly what Amanda's physical therapist was doing. The best I could think to say was "massage it." Der.

Go Lybi!

Lybi - That sounds painful... but I'm sure it's worth it. :o(

You are hilarious. Yes, your son's baptism is a BIG deal. You have no reason to be sorry... there will be more races, but he only gets baptised once (hopefully). Have fun that day with your family and friends. I'm trying to think if I know any good cakes to make for a baptism. (sorry, cake decorating brain at work). Are you guys doing a family get together, dinner thing afterwards?

oh hey, Lybi... my friend Bethany (who is running the Ragnar with us) wants to go running with us Saturday morning. Is that okay with you?

Camille --

Sorry to hear about your calves. Hope that the walking, etc. helped.

I'm anxious to hear how the scraping and releasing works for you.

Hope you are having a wonderful night!

You may have muscle imbalance, so another thing you might try is getting the opposing muscle group to your calves stronger.

Try standing with your feet shoulder width apart, then place one foot about a half step forward. Lean forward and place your hands on your forward knee and tap your foot for 30 sec. Switch. This also prevents shin splints.

What a cute little girl!

Nice run, Camille!

BTW, of course it is okay if Bethany joins us! The more the merrier. By the way, speedy, I am a little concerned about your pace. I'm not sure I'll be able to keep up with you! Go easy on me this first time, 'K? I haven't run longer than 5 in a looooooong time.

You have nothing to worry about, I promise! :o) Any ideas of where you want to run?

I got your email. Sounds great! The only thing is that I will probably not be able to get there until 6:30. That gives me a little time to get lost and find my way again. Is it a big place? Will it be hard to find you? Call me! I tried to call you but got no answer. Otherwise I will just search for you tomorrow at 6:30. Looking forward to it!

I love your little pumpkin!!

I'll have to try that block trick for snoring next time Mike is home...!

It'll take more than a block. Maybe a brick will work. Or a backrub. A backrub would definitely make me stop snoring. And brownies.

Melanie's super cute.

Camille, I noticed your mileage is getting into the marathon training base mileage! Sweet! I still havnt decided on the half or full yet for R&R Arizona. Misty is running the half. If I run the full I will just run it for fun and try to help someone get a BQ time if they want. I finally got my pictures to work now so I can act like a normal computer savy person.

Lybi - thank you for running w/ me today! That was fun!

Rachel & Mike - Hilarious! I'd stop snoring for a back massage or brownies too... good choice! Thanks for the compliments regarding my little Melanie. :o) I think she is super cute too.

Walter - the idea of a marathon still scares me, but I want to do another half!

You can do it!

Yea! That was such a great run. Thank you! I'm looking forward to next week. :) And yes, our van will definitely rock.

I saw Will today. He told me he is excited for Ragnar. He says he's been concentrating on speed since he doesn't have a lot of time to do endurance. He said he did 6 miles in 37 minutes.

Are y'all gonna run barefoot??

Great 10 miler---wow! What is the weather like down there right now?

Burt - I'm glad Will is excited for the Ragnar. I can't wait to meet him. He does realize that he is much faster than the rest of us? right?

Kelli - I'm not running barefoot (except to maybe chasing after my daughter as she does something dangerous while at home). My poor feet are ripped up like crazy already. I can only imagine how much more damage I would do to them barefoot outside. :o(

The weather was good today, but warm. We had a high of 96. I miss the cooler weather we had earlier this week, but I have faith it will come back.

I just know Lybi does the barefoot thing, so I was checking!

THAT IS HOT!!!! Yuck.

Are you talking about the weather or Lybi's feet?

THE WEATHER!!! I am sure her feet are hot, too, though! They would have to be if she runs with no shoes on asphalt!

Burt - you goof! :o)

Kelli - it was hot. Did it heat up for you guys this weekend?

Ten miles like it was nothing. That's great!

It was PERFECT here. In fact, it still is. I love the 60-70 degree weather!!

I'm #23 on the mileage board for the moment. You're #27. :)

That's a good feeling!

That sounds FAST to me. That's a rockin' pace for 5 miles!--and you were comfortable at that pace--WOW

Thanks!!!

Great job, Camille, you are SMOKIN'!

So your calf is okay, I assume?

My calf is doing much better. It was killing me on Saturday (after we met) and Sunday, but yesterday it felt a ton better. But... I think I have either pinched a nerve or thrown my shoulder out! OUCH!!! My right shoulder/arm is in serious pain... as is my neck and head.

How did you hurt yourself? Did you dislocate your shoulder in an arm wrestling competition; swinging on vines like Tarzan or tossing and turning in bed?

Oh I am so sorry! Yeeouch! Are you going to be able to get to the Dr. today? I was thinking of asking you for Bethany's chiropractor's number because I had a kinda similar thing happen on Sunday. REALLY tight and painful shoulder, neck, and probably the worst headache I've ever had in my life. (Are we just really in synch, or are headaches contagious?)

Rubbing it out and releasing the tight knots has helped. My poor hubby has been spending at least half an hour on it every day.

BTW I can tell you now that the Sat. long run is not going to happen for me this week. I've hurt my foot somehow and it is REALLY sore, even if I just walk on it.

I have no clue how I hurt myself. Maybe I slept on it funny. Brandon thinks it's from holding Melanie. I usually hold her with my left arm though. I do hold her with my right arm if she is in her carseat/carrier thingy, but that's maybe once a day for me (picking her up from the sitters). The Tarzan thing sounds like more fun.

Brandon cracked my back (gently) yesterday in hopes that he could remedy the problem. It helped a little bit, my back felt better (I didn't even know it hurt until then), but not my shoulder. I hadn't thought about going to a dr. though. I'm a Dr. whimp.

For that type of thing, I used to NEVER go to the Dr. until I "broke" ny neck in Yoga one day. I went to the chiropractor and I was better SO fast- like hours. I really recommend it! It's not from holding the baby :) GEt brave and go. You'll be glad you did. :)

Yes, doctors are your friend :) Don't make me send you the list of regrets the Monte's have from putting off doctor visits!

The sooner you go and get better, the sooner you'll be back out there, blowing through 10-milers like they're nothing :)

I have only been a chiro once and I was sick for the rest of the day. I'm scared!

The first time I went it made me sick too. Now I love it, but I go for specific injuries. If you can find a good sports medicine chiro, you will be VERY happy! Take Rachels advise- don't wait too long. ;)

Oh, I am so sorry!! What is it with us, we are all falling apart all of the sudden!

Take care of ourself, whatever you decide to do!!

I know, we are all falling apart! What is going on?

Marion - I hate to say "I'm glad you got sick from the chiro", but I am happy that I'm not the only one who has had that experience. It makes me feel a little more normal. Brandon has promised me a massage from a local massage theorpy place that I (for reasons that I can't explain) haven't taken him up on yet. Perhaps I'll take him up on it now and see if that helps.

The Dr's wife said that it happens a lot to first timers. The adjustments must "release" some "junk" that makes us ill ;) GO ANYWAY :) The massage sounds WONDERFUL!!!

hmm, that's good to know. So, I made an appointment. :o)

THAT IS HOT!!!! And to think, by yesterday afternoon here it was like 40 degrees (with he wind). BRRRR

Way to get out there and get it done! Hope you are felling better soon.

I like the cupcakes!

I think it will start out hurting, but your endorphins will kick in after a little running and everything will be fine. At least until the endorphins wear off.

well, I didn't run (I didn't get any sleep last night due ro a sick baby), but regular shoes burn! I'm thinking today I'll focus on other things. Maybe I'll check out that abs link Rachel sent me, with the guy in the shorty shorts. (wink wink)

Can I PLEASE have one of those cupcakes? PLEASE!!!!

:o) Are you coming down for the Ragnar?

I am, but those cupcakes will not be good by then! You will have to make some new ones.

BTW, when I hurt my heels (blisters usually) I just wear a very cushiony bandaid and it usually is okay to run. OWY, though!

These cupcakes didn't make it to today. Unfortunately, I didn't even get to try one. But, I was thinking that if we had a post Ragnar Party, I might make some goodies (depending on how much time I had leading up to the Ragnar).

Yeah, I have a pretty cushiony bandaid on right now. What you don't see (because I didn't take a picture of it, is that I cut up both of my big toes (really bad) and it pretty much hurts to stand. I'm being a baby though and will be back on the pavement in no time.

How'd you get all your cuts? Is there something we don't know about you? Is Brandon a circus knife thrower and you are his lovely target? Were you kickboxing dagger wielding bandits? Are you chapped because you forgot to moisturize?

I like the Kickboxing dagger wielding bandits. I'll go with that!

But the honest reason. I am barefoot at home 99.9% of the time, and we are renovating our garage into a room. Anyhow, I went into the garage to put the lovely cupcakes you see above into the fridge (we have a fridge loaded with Brandon's year supply of sodas in our garage), and stepped on a screw and cut my heel on the door. It was lovely. We had just cleaned up in there that morning, so it was kinda of a freak accident.

I was wondering if I had missed the story on how it happened! I never wear shoes, either, but I am less accident prone! ;o) My neighbors love when I run out to the mailbox in the snow in bare feet becasue I am too lazy to put on shoes! But my feet make such cute prints in the snow.

I figured since everyone else had their gorey pictures on their blogs, I needed mine to! LOL. But you did hit the nail on the head, I am pretty accident prone.

I also run out to get the mail barefoot, and in the summer, when the pavement is about 120 (+) degrees, that could be considered out right stupid. And it doesn't make cute foot prints.

You could try letting your feet MELT into the pavement?!?

LOL. I think you can get 3rd degree burns if you stand in one spot for more then 10 seconds. You have to move quick. This is why I was amazed when I found out that Lybi runs barefoot! That pavement it hot, even at night.

It is the WORST when the baby is sick! No rest for the mama ;) You did a great five+ miles. Nice pace! Whoo hoo, you were haulin'!

Nice run Camille!! How did the back of your ankle hold up? Did it bother you at all?? Doesn't seem to have with that awesome pace!! Nicely done.

Hope the baby is feeling much better.

I hope the baby is feeling better! And great run!! How are the temps now? Is it finally cooling down a little?

It is awful when they are sick. I feel so helpless. Melanie is actually getting worse. She is just miserable. She has a virus, and the dr. said that it will cause her to feel pain all over. All I can do is give her Tylenol and loves. :o(

My heel hurts awfully bad, but for some reason, while I was running to didn't hurt too much. It did hurt when I was done though. :o( O-well. It definitely could be worse, right?

Kelli - it is starting to cool down to a comfortable temperature again. Hopefully it stays this time instead of heating up.

Sick babies are worse than being sick yourself! I am so sorry!! Hope she gets better FAST.

Ok, I'm probably going to die from all that cuteness. The giant hat is PERFECT.

Dress her that way every day, not just for Halloween!

One year Amanda went as Little Bo Peep and Madeline was her sheep (lamb). They were 4 and 1. I'll have to show you the pictures. I wanted to make Amanda wear dresses like that all the time.

That is the cutest baby costume I have ever seen though. Ever.

I just read the first part of your blog (I'm recovering from the cuteness overdose), and Maddy had that when she was 3, I think. It was awful, and the symptoms lasted over a month :(

I hope Melanie does better than Madeline did. She looks very happy in those pictures, so hopefully she's on her way to a quick recovery... Hang in there, I know sick babies break your heart.

Rachel - Thanks for the compliments. Brandon had suggested in August that Melanie should be Strawberry Shortcake because she is such a red head. I looked around for a costume and everything was for the new Strawberry Shortcake. I like the original better. So I had my mom teach me how to sew so I could make her costume. It turned out really cute.

I think she was extra happy in those pictures because Grandpa Smithson had just stopped by. She has a special place in her heart for her Grandpa. It's too cute!

I would love to see Amanda and Maddy as Little Bo Peep and the Sheep. Too Cute. When me and my brother were younger, mom made us matching costumes all the time. He was Peter Pan, and I was Tinkerbell once. And Once he was a Magician and I was a rabbit jumping out of a hat. I hope I'm that creative when I have more than one baby.

OH MY GOSH!!! That is the CUTEST thing I have EVER seen! You have got to get her picture taken in that AMAZING costume! Holy cow! I miss my little girls. They are BIG teenagers now and not anywhere as cute as that anymore ;) Enjoy her! I adore my girls, but there are NO strawberry shortcakes in my future! :( Thanks for making my day!

Marion - thank you! she is growing up too fast. I already feel like I'm missing it

Thats a strawberry shortcake you could just eat up! What a darling photo! Keep that one for prom night! lol

Prom night??? What??? She isn't allowed to date until she is 30!

Rachel! Go distract Camille. Whilst you two are jabbering about decorating, baking, running or whatever you ladies talk about, I'll grab the shortcake!

Mike... I'm keeping my eye on you!

After you have a break from running you get that guilty uneasy feeling huh!? I wont be able to run for a while but Ill keep bugging you guys that can! lol

Oh yes... the guilt definitely set in. But, Melanie was nasty sick this weekend, so it was better that I spend time with her. Please, bug away. It keeps me going!

Hey, I have a 5-K coming up on November 8th. What do you think is a realistic goal for me?

You should set a goal for 30 seconds off your pr and if you can remember your mile split times, try running 10 seconds per mile faster. You can do it!

I have no idea what my splits are because I don't run with a watch. I swear I need to get one. If I get a watch, will I run the risk of becoming even more of an adict?

What are you using for time? An hourglass, a sundial? Do you ask strangers?

You're running sub-9s for 5. You should definitely make your sub 27:00 5k now!

a giant hour glass :o) Like the one in Wizard of Oz!

Actually, I look at the clock on my way our the door and then again when I get back home. It's not the most accurate thing in the world, but it gives me a good idea of my time. So, my time can be off as much as a minute. I know I need to get a watch, but it really hasn't been the highest priority. Maybe I'll ask Santa for one.

Nice miles and pace! Whooo Hoo!

AWESOME!!! Great pace, girlie!

Just a cheap stop watch wrist watch will work Camille! Try running a solid but lighter than all out first mile, then try to maintain that pace for the second and then all out on the third mile.

That does not sound like fun WAlter! Hey- I need some training tips! I am getting slower and slower and slower.

I know Marion, sometimes a second opinion makes me look back and say oh my gosh! What am I doing!? lol Ok Camille, just run a nice fun run and dont think about pain, or hurting just think good thoughts and youll do fine.

Marion and Kelli - Thank you! It was a nice pace! :o)

Walter - Thank you for the advice. It sounds a lot like what Lybi told me after our 5K. I remember her saying afterward that I didn't look too exhausted so she thought I had more in me. This is probably true, but I've never been a runner before and don't fully understand the idea of running in the puke zone to win a race. hmmm....

Yeah, my coach in H.S. used to say no one has ever died on me from running. But alot of us puked on him!

and he probably deserved it! I don't know why, because I'm not typically competitive like this, but I want to do really well.

I do not believe in running in the PUKE zone until you can see the finish line!

Kelli - I think I agree with that. Yuck! I hate throwing up!

The Blog team had a nice puke fest at Del Sol this year. Ill have to tell you about it when I get back. Its raining cats and dogs here right now and we are getting ready to take our rental car back. cheers

Hey! I've been off the blog for a week and I'm just catching up on yours...

First of all, I'm so sorry your little one had HFM disease. I HATE HATE HATE that one. That is one of the worst ones my kids have ever had. They are so miserable, and there's nothing you can do that really helps. SO sorry.

Cute cupcakes! What a great idea!

ADORABLE ADORABLE costume for your little girl. Hehehe. It is the kind of thing that makes me laugh with delight.

Hope you hubby recovers well. I think I've been in his shoes once or twice trying to run with MY hubby, so I can relate! You're just so dang fit!

I'll tell you what... when I wasn't in shape and we'd go walking/jogging together, he use to tick me off. Once (pre-melanie) I was running and he started doing cartwheels next to me because I was too slow. I'm just glad that I'm able to keep up with him. :o)

Welcome to the blog. I hope your husband feels better.

Welcome to the blog? Am I missing something?

On your running accomplishments you should add:

(2008) Mercilessly ran husband into the ground

I should. And add an evil laugh after it. like:

(2008) Mercilessly rand husband into the ground (Maahahaha).

Of course, I'm sure he's response would be "I know where you sleep at night" LOL

This is what he gets for the cartwheels is all I can say. :)

Rachel - No kidding. Let me tell you, that totally urked me when he was doing those cartwheels. grrr... he is lucky that a) I don't have the kungfu skills you have, and b) he is just too cute.

your kung fu is strong, young one. That's how you ran circles around him when he was dying from only two miles!

Ok, I seriously have to go see what I can find from the 80's. If I post one of Mike, I have to post one of me too, and mine are HORRIBLE.

SUPER cute!!! You are DARLING!!! The dresses are so classic!!!

Ok, so no mystery as to where Melanie gets her adorable-ness from! And aren't you glad you have a girl to dress up? Your poor brother!!

That reminds me... if we do a 70's show and tell, Mike had a powder blue suit he still hasn't forgiven his mother for...

I'll try to find something good for this 80's thing and post it tomorrow. If the contest is for cuteness, you just won it Camille. And Marion won for coolest.

I love it!! You are so cute in your poka dots dress. You were just a little girl in the 80's, a baby!! I will have to post some of mine, but I was a mother by then, not so cute. Can you fly up to Utah for our run Camille? Why is it mothers do that to their sons?? hehehe, I think I am guilty of it too!

Thank you girls! I was born in the 80's (early 80's) so, yes, I was a baby. But at my house, the 80's lasted til about 95. That's when I graduated elementary school, started highschool, and realized ratting my bangs and wearing leggins with hot pink socks gathered over them was NOT cool. :o).

I meant to say started middle school, not highschool

Check out my blog today to see what the 80's was REALLY about. I would have totally babysat you :)

You're just a wee lass!

I'm glad your brother didn't grow up with issues. Is he aware you posted this on the interweb?

First of all, he DID grow up with issues. I should email you a picture of him from highschool and you'd agree. And second, no, he has no clue I posted this ]:o)

I guess not one would be able to escape unscathed after being dressed in that outfit.

Okay, so you are still younger than me, but those dresses look a little bit familiar!

What hurts? OH NO!!!!

I think I pulled my groin muscle :o( I didn't know that was possible. All I know it is KILLS

Maybe you broke your hip.

broke my hip? I don't know about that. I don't think I'm broken. Maybe bruised.

CRAP!!! That is no good! (It's not broken!)

It's karma from running Brandon into the ground...

though that may be the case... it's not fair! LOL Me running him into the ground was suppose to be karma for the cartwheels I had to endure before.

Oh no, you are trapped in a viscous karma cycle!

That part would be very uncomfortable to ice.

oh no... Brandon's next. Maahahahaha. Or maybe karma will bite me in the butt for saying that. Note to self: Self, keep your mouth shut!

No plans to ice it in the immediate future. :o) thanks for the concern!

If you do. You could get some adult diapers and run them under some water then stick them in the freezer.

Maybe I should patent that idea. It's just so good.

LOL If you are going to go through all the process of patenting that idea, you may want to see if there is a way you can make a depends heating diaper as well. (for injuries that need a heat press rather than a cold press). Just an idea. (Now I get a cut of your Proceeds)

Just microwave the wet diaper. We're going to be rich. Filthy rich. We just need a catchy jingle for the commercial.

This could be submitted as evidence when you go to testify. :)

Camille!!! You're a real cutie!!! I have 80's family pictures like that, except I was the MOM.

Hope your (groin pull?) feeling better.

Are you taking little Melanie trick-a-treating?

That is great Camille! Your 80's photo's are awesome!

Burt - at this point, I couldn't care less (though I'm more gutsy now then I will be in November in front of the judge) Maybe I should get walter to share some of his meds w/ me to help me loosen up before I'm sworn in (Totally joking, of course).

Smooth - I'm feeling a little better. Not sick over it any more, but won't be running today because of it. Melanie is going to dress up to help me pass out candy. I will take her to the next door neighbor's, but that is about it.

so... I'm like old enough to be your MOM??

She looks really cool. Have her call me, we can hang out :)

no, you aren't old enough to be my mom, and note that my parents were in highschool when I was born.

Cool overalls. Both you and your brother. I'm glad he's in boy clothes this time instead of girl clothes or more accurately sissyboy doll clothes.

I was thinking they looked rather young! Now, post the picture of Melanie all dressed up for Halloween!!

I haven't uploaded them onto my computer yet, but as soon as I do, I'll post Melanie Halloween pictures! :o)

Oh, shute!! I am sorry. Take it easy and do what your body needs (I know, none of us really listen to our bodies!!!)

What is the race this weekend?

It's Outrun the FBI - 5K. It looks like a lot of fun, and the money raised by it will go toward shutting down internet preditors. I love that cause. Anyhow, I wanted to PR but instead I'll be limping.

Not good news. Have you considered sitting this one out?

:o( I've thought about it.... but it makes me sad to think about.

Oh, and the way I've been downing sweets the last few days, without running, I'm going to be the StaY Puff Marshmellow Woman here soon.

Maybe you could just walk it really fast???

That is a GREAT cause.

What the? I leave you alone for one week, and this is what happens! I'm so sorry about your injury. (But on the bright side, we could still train together, yea!) We should go for a nice long walk! It'd be oodles more fun with you. Hey, I have to warn you...everything I've ever read about groin injuries has been that they can become VERY problematic and can last forever. Please don't try to run if it hurts!!! It is uber important to not injure it furthur! You may have to let the FBI win this one. You'll get 'em next time!

Hey, I know what you mean about stay puff! Im so bored right now. Im glad ive been able to sleep. Ice yourself down, stretch, and you'll be fine.

Lybi - we SHOULD go walking together. That would be good. Brandon would be excited to get me out of the house and around other female adults. This injury (and a few other things) have put me into a little bit of a depression. I think Brandon would push me out the door if he knew that we were going to do something.

Walter - That's what my dr. said too... great minds, I guess! I'm sorry your bored. :o( How long do they expect your recovery to take?

I was going to say ice, rest and stretch too. My mind is great like Walter's, I guess! (hey...)

I know how depressing it can get, try not to let it get you down.

I can always cheer you up with more goofy or terrible pictures, or stories of dumb things me and Mike have done :)

Tell Burt to take a hike!!! And you take the elevator!

Have fun no matter what on Saturday, that is what it is all about!

I vote that you take it easy.

You should have seen how hard I pushed her when she was pregnant. And Kelli, a hike doesn't sound like a bad idea. A hill workout could do me good.

He is evil, I tell you... evil! When I was pregnant, he made me carry the heavy plans, up the stairs, barefoot, in the snow. It was awful!

I listened to your advice Mike, and took it easy!

Hey Camille-

I hope you took it easy enough and you are feeling GREAT for the race tomorrow. I think participating even if you can't run is exactly the right thing to do. I'm sure you will still have a good time.

And I've noticed this is one injury we haven't seen a picture of. Not going to post one? :)

LOL Rachel. If I post a picture of this injury, Sasha would probably kick me off the blog. I don't think it would be family appropiate :o) actully, there is nothing to see. And, the pain is really in my leg now.

Why did you show up to work barefoot?! Sounds like Burt went too easy on you. Your disregard for the workplace must be dealt with.

I *HAD* shoes... but the evil person that he is... he stole them. Saying something about pregnant woman needing to be barefoot. Totally joking. Though Burt *May* say something like that, he normally wouldn't mean it. (though I have a feeling I may be in for it when I get back to the office)

I once told her, and this is no lie, that when a woman gets pregnant, her hips spread to open up the birth canal, and they never go back. Of course that was right when I found at she was pregnant. But right before that she had lost a lot of "butterball" weight. Funny how women get pregnant when they lose weight.

burt - you aren't being 100% honest are you? you found out I was pregnant and responded "that explains why your hips are spreading". You guys see what I have to put up with?

Camille,

You stinkin' owned that race!!! 2nd place!!! Holy smoke girl. And way to go on such awesome splits. I hope you are still feeling the love because you are a ROCKSTAR!! Seriously, a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS!!! I am so so so happy for you. I just want to say, AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME over and over and over and over ...

Speedy split! Great PR! Healed groin! Great things!

I wasn't going to even say anything about your mom.... come on! I figured she was standing in a hole, but now that I know the truth, dang! Does dwarfism run in your family?

Seriously, though, great job. You're coming a long way from that girl who walked all three of her legs at Ragnar. :)

Great race and nice medal! SWEET! Your baby is so cute. Racers beware of the guy with the stroller!

GREAT JOB CAMILLE!!! I am so glad that you were not only able to RUN instead of hobble, but that you also placed and PR'd!! Now, imagine the next race when you are not injured---you will kick some tail!

You guys are so darn cute, by the way!

So, what did Brandon get for passing the FBI dude? That sounds like a totally fun race, I would probably kill myself trying to pass them! And the picture of your hubby passing one while pushing the stroller is GREAT!

Thanks everyone for the great comments. I'm a little prideful today. Walking around, and telling myself (in my head, of course) that I'm awesome. I'm still a little shocked that I placed, even if it was for my age group. I am anxious for the official results.

Burt - we aren't dwarfs... repeat after me Petite!!! :o)

Kelli and April - it is funny to see Brandon passing the FBI guy pushing the stroller. And those FBI agents had 30 seconds on us. I swear I almost passed one. I'm a little upset for myself for whimping out and not passing him. I was in pain, but I think it would have been worth it. Maybe not. Brandon just told me that if I almost passed the one that I remember gaining on, that means I *did* pass an FBI agent. There was a female agent that I guess wasn't very fast. O-well. They got FBI ski caps. Brandon didn't get his though because he was tired of waiting around for it and we were on our way to the truck when they annouced it. It wasn't the more organized event. (it was their first time, so I give them a little bit of slack).

What do you need a skip cap for in AZ anyway???

And your husband is right, they had 30 seconds on you, so you were faster!!!

P.S. I didn't walk ALL of my 3 legs at the Ragnar. I do get credit for some running, right?

Kelli - we DON'T need a ski cap. Good crud. LOL

Darn tootin'!!!

Good Heavens Camille!!! I thought you were going to WALK this puppy, especially with the pain you've been having. You are an ANIMAL! But I am super proud of you! Congrats on the AD placing! I hope you got a cool looking medal. How could you do this injured? Man oh man, I hope you are taking ice baths and stuff to recover. Hope you don't feel too sore today!

OK, I just saw the medal. It IS cool, and you definitely deserve it!

Lybi,

I also thought I was going to walk this puppy. Then I decided I'd start off running and if it hurt too much, cool it. Then, at some point, I decided to just do it. I'm pretty sore today, but nothing like last night. I don't do pain very well, and last night I was in so much pain, I was nasty sick. I couldn't walk very well, and for sure couldn't hold Melanie. Brandon put me to bed with tylenol and an ice pack at 7:30 and I woke up feeling much better. not 100%, but at least I can walk without clenching my teeth. I think I'll do the ice pack again tonight and I should be much better soon.

Camille, nice! So what did Brandon get for beating the FBI agents. Thats funny about Michael Duncan, you should have taken photos with him! You guys have some interesting races down there. Good to have a start to your Trophy room! I cant believe where you have come from! You should look back at some of your first weeks blogs you put on here. You are a fanatic woman!

Thanks Walter. I'm a little adict... but right now I'm out of commission. Hopefully we will both be back in action soon, right?

Whats up? I missed that you were hurt.

I pulled a few muscles. One in my back, and one real nasty one in my leg. I'm walking funny, but at least I can walk now. I couldn't walk Saturday night. I don't do pain well, and it made me so sick. :o( It's nothing like the pain you are in though, so I'll stop complaining.

Be careful, those back strains are ugly. Ive had a nice painful day today thanks to my truck breaking down about 2 miles from my home. No one to pick me up. So I sat in the parking lot for 3 hours until my wife got off work. At least it was at the Cafe Rio parking lot. That took a good hour out of it. Sucks I cant walk at all.

Camille,

Down with all of these injuries!! Let's boycott!

Please take care of yourself. I'll be thinking of you.

Hard to write anything down on here when your in the dumps huh? Stay on here and I promise youll keep your hopes up. So far we have a tight circle of friends that are in the down. Keep your chin up. Oh and arent you tired of getting messages when you arent running? That is what depresses me!

Congrads on a great race it sounds like a fun one too.

You guys look great!

Did you mom dress your brother this time? jk :)

Get your stuff checked by a doctor, what are you waiting for?

ACtually, Brandon and I dressed my brother. But, I did NOT do his hair LOL. He dyed it maroon for our wedding. Nice, huh? He's a goof!

One day I too will have the courage to dye my hair, but not anytime soon.

Are you cross-training?

walking? but it hurts. No. I'm a loser, and haven't been doing anything, really.

Fun pictures! I am so sorry you are hurt! That is a big bummer :( Hang in there! Seeing the Doc is always a GREAT idea.

Hang in there with your injury! It will heal! Hope it gets better soon!

Camille, why did you post that picture??? You're dead meat. Meet me by the bars at recess.

dude... I could have posted the picture of you posing as a "little teapot"

...and I'm sure you will. You're lucky the car got in the picture when you did your Walk-like-an-Egyptian pose.

you saw that?!? I didn't know you saw me doing that, you looked all serious and stuff.

Burt.... maaahahahaha....

Yes! This is what I was replying to when I somehow posted it on Walter's. Seriously- too many paint fumes in here! I think our brothers would have gotten along quite well.

I think Burt looks like he's doing the robot in that one picture. So that's still pretty cool. :)

Too funny!!! And booooooo to the possible injury!

Dang it... you think Burt is cool. I guess that's okay!

My brother is such a goof ball. I love him to death. Right now he is sporting a Mohawk. Why on earth did Mr. T have to make those so popular?

Holy crud, Camille! These were supposed to be private pictures! How did you even access them if you're not at work?

Maaa ha ha ha....

Sorry you are still not doing better!! That is a bummer, but at least you and Burt appear to have fun while you CLAIM to be working!

oh, there was working being done... but if I posted those pictures, you would all die from boredom, and I wouldn't have anyone to chat with anymore. It's a good thing my boss isn't a fastrunning blogger.

okay, I did... I made the appointment with my doctor. So, hopefully tomorrow at 2:45 pm, I'll have a better understanding of what in heaven's name is wrong with me.

Sorry to hear that. I would follow the doctor's orders.

You could learn to swim :)

Oh, I'll follow doctor's orders, as soon as he gives them to me. He wants me to get another xray before he officially tells me what is going on. Joy! I do that tomorrow. Hopefully there isn't anything worse going on. Did I do this to myself, or does it just happen? I probably could learn to swim, that would be good... only I'm too cheap to join a gym.

Camille,

Stink!! I am so so so so so sorry!!

As much as I hate it, I think that injuries are just a part of the game when you push yourself. (Unfortunately.)

It is definitely frustrating when you feel like you are on top of the world and that things are really going your way to find yourself injured all of a sudden.

When is your next x-ray?

Stay positive ... it's obvious that you are a fighter and will get this thing taken care of and behind you. Wish I had some advice on what type(s) of crosstraining you could do.

Sending you lots of positive healing vibes.

Teena,

My xray is on Monday. I haven't been able to schedule it yet, because they have been closed since my doctor's appointment. So, on the discussion board, someone said it took them 4 months to heal. If that's the case, I may be out of commission for the Ragnar. :o(

Burt - If you read this... do you think I could still be on the team, and if I'm not able to run, I can walk my legs? Man...

Maybe I'm gettin ahead of myself.

Do you think Pilatees is safe to do?

Oh Camille that STINKS! I hope you keep blogging with your cross-training while it heals--that will probably help keep you sane! Maybe the x-ray will show that it is not too bad....

I had a stress fracture in my foot several years ago that sidelined me for a couple of months, and the way I tried to stay in shape was by doing a fair amount of swimming and a lot of core work. Best of luck!

What the heck happened to my star runner??? Well, I guess we'll talk Monday at work. Maybe after your X-ray you'll have a better idea of when you can be back in training.

Pool running might help. I know a woman who qualified for Boston running 80% of her miles in a pool. You'll need an aqua belt: http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=aqua+belts&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=1152963521&ref=pd_sl_57eqtbg3qg_b

Best wishes.

I am so sorry about the fracture. What is the Doc telling you about healing time?

I was told that when bones knit they're stronger than before. Your femur will be bulletproof.

No, it's not bad. There's nothing wrong with a little extra motivation; I mean, you might as well get what you can out of the situation, right?

LOL I hear ya!

1250 crunches for a book. You're going to be Miss 6 pack!

Mike - LOL one can dream.

Camille ... that is AWESOME!! I love when there is something written out black and white like that!! LOVE THE WHOLE CONCEPT. Very cool!!

Glad your hubby is so in tune with you!! :)

Funny Camille!

Teena - thanks!

when I started running in July, we did the same thing. I just needed the extra something to keep me going after week one or two when people who normally don't run give up. For running, I got 1 point for every 1/4 mile (which was far for me at the time) and biking - 1 point every 1/2 mile. After 100 points, I could cash it in for a book, and 400 points would give me a massage. But after I got over that hump, I never claimed my prizes (okay, I finally claimed my message, hello, I'm not stupid). I just enjoyed running

Way to go on your crunchie things!! I think you should be in charge of naming all new moves, they sound much more pleasant than BURPEE. Obviously a man named that!

LOL I think you are right. The first time I heard of a burpee I had to do a double take. They really should call it the push up from Hades. Especially when you go down, push up, jacks, one leg up, other leg up, jump up, run, rinse and repeat. LOL

I AGREE!!!! They are the worst.

By the way, I am hooked on Twilight already. You better get reading it!

Hmmm... I'm currently reading a short who-dun-it. Maybe I'll make Twilight my post 1250 crunchy thingies reward. :o) Thanks for the recommendation.

By then I will be done with it, so I can tell you if it is worth picking as a reward!

I would pick ice cream or candy or new clothes!

he offered a dozen chippers from Paradise, but I had to turn that down. I decided that it would defeat the purpose. Though, maybe if I actually stopped eating sweets it would be worth as a reward. I'm bad!

For the reward to work for me it would have to be something I couldn't just go out and get myself anytime I want. And then it would be REALLY effective! I've been thinking about it since you first posted the idea; about what would motivate me as far as rewards go. It's a tough one...

I dont' think the reward it self is what modivates me... but that "all about me" momment when we go pick out my reward. I'm totally lame, I know.

If it works then it isn't lame at all! I say breakfast in bed :) That's something Mike does a lot that makes me feel like a total princess, even if it's just tea. That's an "all about me" moment I'll never get over!

there's an idea!

yes, make that "all about you" moment a Lonnnnnnnng moment :) When Mike does it, he gets the girls up and feeds the dog too- it's a little mini vacation every time.

Rachel... maybe Mike needs to send Brandon a message to tell him how to do that. I love my husband, he is the greatest at almost everything, but sometimes doesn't know how to do the "all about Camille" time, or be cute romantic. It's not that he doesn't want to be, he just doesn't know how to be.

I say go all out---ask for a trip to Hawaii!

LOL I'm doing crunchies... not winning the lottery!

Go for the gold!!! Tell him he did not specify a price range!

LOL He didn't specify a price range because he knows I'm cheap. I'm the savings account and he is the checking account. ha ha ha.

Okay, well then, the book was REALLY good. I loved it. Never thought I would admit to all of the Twilight hype, but I really liked it---read the entire book yesterday!

You could ask for the entire series!

Wow... you really did like it! :o) I don't know what I'm goign to ask for just yet, but I've been kicking tail on my crunchies (only 20 points to go), so I better come up with something soon. I am liking Rachel's breakfast in bed idea. Or maybe a long bubble bath. I haven't had one of those in a long time.

MASSAGE????

oooo.... that's another great idea!

That conjured up a nice visual!

Did you ever see the abs link your wife posted, with the shorty shorts guy? I have some nice blackmale video of my husband making fun of a few of the moves. LOL My poor husband has to put up with me.

I thought the same thing about plank---until I tried it!!!

I know. It doesn't look too rough, until you try it. Infact, it's the easiest part of the push up for me (besides falling to the Earth, that's pretty easy).

I feel like Im following a Kama sutra book when I do those. Is that perverted?

I dont have enough discipline to be with other people when they are in the kama sutra position. I just want to spank their butts! lol

Certainly there are other mothers worse than you in this world.

We have all done it, it is part of being a mother---and a good one!!

I hope she is feeling better quick. That is nasty!

Poor Melanie! I have no idea what that could be.

Don't beat yourself up. You didn't know she was in that state. Hope she feels better soon.

You are a terrible mother! J/K Last night my 9 year old was complaining that his stomach hurt and I just told him to go to bed. And if it makes you feel better, my 11 year olds ear drum ruptured when he was little because of an ear infection I let go to long.

Michelle,

When it ruptured, was it all green and gooky? Melanie has been sick for a little over a week, but Brandon and I thought it was a cold and teething. She hadn't been pulling on her ears, so I never really guessed ear infection. I hadn't taken her to the doctor because the last two times I took her, it was a cold and there was nothing that they could do for her. I just assumed. Now I'm worried that it was an ear infection the whole time, and I let it go too long. bad Camille

If that is what happened, it is not a huge ordeal. And I would have thought she would have been screaming, I know mine was when that happened!!

You are a good mommy! Take her to the doctor today and do not give it another thought!

To make you feel better, my 10 year old was an angel baby. When he was 18 months old, I had another baby who was not so good! I was so tired all of the time. At about 20 months, the now 10 year old cried one night for about an hour. I did check on him once at the beginning, then I just figured he needed to cry it out and go to sleep (I dunno why, he never cried, I should have known something was up!) Anyway, he finally stopped and I finally fell asleep. In the morning I went in his room and it smelled so bad I figured he had pooped. But no, he had PUKED all over himself and the bed, and then slept in it all night long. POOR BABY! Now, that is a bad and lazy mom!

Ohhh poor Melanie! I hope she gets better soon. You're still a better mom than my mother - you wouldn't give Melanie cow's brains to eat, would you? :)

All the best moms have stories of honest mistakes they've made. It's the worst feeling, I know. Amanda got a second degree burn and didn't even cry so I thought it maybe wasn't too big of a deal (she was 3). I finally took her to the doctor the next day when it was a huge blister. All she ever said was that it is itchy. They totally thought I was lying when I took her in, and even did this little test to see if she had other signs of abuse. I will never forget how awful that felt! She still has very high pain tolerance to this day- both my girls do. So by the time I know they are sick, they are usually VERY sick.

I hope everything goes ok at the doctor's, and that she will be better soon!

Thanks everyone. Brandon has her at the doctor's office right now. As soon as the appointment is over, I'm goign to go home and cuddle my poor girl. I knew she didn't feel good last night. All she wanted was to sit on my lap and hug me for hours. That's definitely not normal. (but I enjoyed it).

What the heck camille, is she a lizard? lol just kidddin' Your a good mommy

I've been checking for baby updates all day. How is Melanie??

Just because you missed an ear infection doesn't make you a bad Mommy. Our daughter had one every 3 weeks it seemed when she was that age. she grew up to be just fine in spite of our best efforts;-)

Teething was the end of nursing for my daughter! She just refused to nurse one day when she was 8 months old. I tried and tried for 3 days but she continued to refuse. I finally gave up and that was the end of that. :( I hope your baby gets to feeling better soon--sick babies are no fun!

Did we ever get an update on what exactly was wrong? Hope she feels well soon!

HaPpY AnNiVeRsArY to you! How many years??? HAVE FUN!

Happy Anniversary!!

High five!!!

Happy belated Anniversary. Doing yoga in front of your husband huh? Nice! lol that is the funniest thing ive heard today! ha ha I wonder if I tried that in front of Misty if she would laugh or think its sexy.

Walter - Hilarious!

Well, I try.

Camille,

You are so funny!!

So, are you going to have the bone scan?

Hang in there!!

I hate shopping too. So much. But if you don't buy Melanie those slippers, I'm going to!!

Tables are nigh impossible for me. My arms don't bend back enough.

I bet the added challenge of the Melanie weight is good for you. And as you get better she gets heavier. In a decade you'll be able do planks with you 5th grader standing on your back. Cool beans!

Teena - yes. They called today to schedule the bone scan. It's not for 3 weeks :o( Talk about drawn out!!!

Rachel - oh, I bought them. She will leave them on, but isn't too sure about walking in them. I guess she isn't use to having the ground being so squishy.

Mike - I finally found something that I can do and you can't. (It's probably the only thing). Yeah, I'm not sure if I'll ever be strong enough for a 5th grader to stand on me while I do the plank, but it's something to espire to :o)

Can't see pics on this computer. It's frustrating they can't see you sooner. Be careful with your friskiness!

She looks exactly like you in this picture- she is ADORABLE.

I pushed it yesterday and now my foot is really hurting. I'm just so anxious to be over this! Even if I can't run, I would like to at least be able to use the elliptical. I'm going stir crazy.

Rachel - thanks! I completely understand. I'm pretty stur crazy myself. It bites.

Mike - I'm sad you can't see my picture. She's pretty stinky cute (if you ask me). I'll be careful...

Oh, she is dang cute!

:oD Thank you!

Don't forget to bring it like last time. Everybody, Camille made this cake so we could eat it after our half marathon, and then she forgot to bring it. I was so bummed out!! (But I forgave her.)

That was a depressing experience. I couldn't believe I forgot that cake! I won't forget this one this time. :o)

You are TALENTED!!!! Have a good day!

Thank you! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving

Beautiful cake!! I love making cakes. There are usually more pictures of the cake than the birthday girl every year... (I'm getting better about that...)

Good idea on the test you gave yourself. I'm going to copy you. I wish I had done that when I first got into all my push ups and sit ups. I know I can do more now. It didn't occur to me to do it, even though I knew Mike was. For some reason things he does just automatically seem too hard to me, you know? He's so far ahead of me on this stuff, I don't even try to copy him. But then you did it and all of a sudden I think I should give it a try! Are you going to get a KB next...?

Camille,

Man that cake looks to pretty to eat!! I agree with Kelli, you are very talented!! Be careful with the running thing. Wish you lived closer, Kelli and I are going to start a "2-miler" running group!! :) (She says that but she is running 10 on Saturday -- yes, I know you are reading this Kelli)!!

Hang in there Camille. I know what you mean about seeing the runners. Instead of getting sad holler to them. Tell them they look awesome!! It'll cheer you up, and the guy runners start running faster and stronger in correlation to their ego boost!! It's fun.

Spice cake with apple filling sounds so good.

Alright with the assessments! I like to track things and see my improvement or where I've slipped. That way I can tailor my workouts to what works.

YUP, TEENA, I am reading it. But, I am only ATTEMPTING 10. I may be walking. As soon as the pain kicks in, I am done. But, I like to walk, so no biggie, and I can walk fast.

Camille, that cake looks exquisite. Wish i could ask you to save me a little piece...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thank you guys for the great comments!

Teena - I wish I lived closer so I could be in the 2 mile club. Maybe I'll be in the 2 mile club via the internet... how does that sound.

Lybi - If you read this... you need to be in the 2 mile club with me!!!

Rachel - You crack me up! I steal ideas from your husband and you steal them from me. :o) Is that a full circle? I'll have to look around for some KBs LOL

Mike - Thank you for letting me steal you ideas. Yesterday was the first day I've done pushups in a long time. I'm totally feeling them today :o).

Eric - I'm sorry... I'm pretty sure the cake will be gone as soon as I pull it out. I hope *I* get a slice!

Kelli - have fun with your awesome run tomorrow. Don't over do it!

That cake looks crazy (just got on a computer with pictures)! Ship me a piece!

Smoking while riding a bike? WHATEVER!

Your pictures look great!

Kelli - I know, huh? STUPID! Thanks for the compliment of my picture!

Smoking on the bike? That's nuts. And sad.

I LOVE that picture- you are such a sweet family!

I'm right there with you at 0 pull or chin ups. I expect to be there a while :)

Strike a pose Melanie!

Rachel - I expect to be at 0 chin ups for a while as well.

Mike - :o) She was flirting with the camera the whole time. I got some great pictures of her. It's too bad Brandon and I aren't as photogenic as her.

Wow, what great scenery! Where was that photo taken. Not to discount the subject in the photo also!

Walter - This picture was taken at my mom's cabin in Christopher Creek, Arizona. It's a beautiful.

Its a beautiful alright. Im sorry, I had to poke fun of your grammar. Burt corrects me all the time too. You wouldnt think of Arizona by looking at that picture.

hey, be nice... I had my mother on the phone when I typed that, and she was an emotional wreck. (Yes, I'm the bad daughter that was typing on her blog while her mother was crying in her ear... I will admitt to that)

Sorry, I couldnt help myself! Alrighty then so I was going to help you with your chinups. lower the bar more so your not hanging. lol

Okay... so I'm pretty much cheap, and I've been doing them at the park I take Melanie to on my walks. There are the bars on the playground. I can use all the help I can get though.

Who would not have a headache at that time of day??? Way to go on the circuit training, it sounds fun and that is what counts.

Thanks! It was fun. I just wish I were a little more creative with the exercizes... :o) I'll have to work on it.

Nothing wrong with pushups and situps. Nothing wrong with a good old-fashioned PB&J sandwich either.

Well... I think if you actually saw my pushups, you'd say there was something wrong with them LOL. And about the comment you made regarding the PB&J sandwich... you need to stop making fun of my lunch!

Nicely done Camille!

I'm just saying, stick to the basics, the tried and true.

Thanks Walter... I need cheerleaders like you, because I'm easily discouraged!

Burt - I hear ya! :o)

A very slow short test run is a great way to see how everything feels, but I don't know. I am not a doctor- I just play one for family and friends ;D

It takes WAY TO MANY sit-ups to work off otter pops! Good luck ;)

Darn! How many calories are in these suckers. Perhaps I should find out before I become too addicted.

Thanks for your input Dr. Marion! :o) You are awesome!

Camille,

I agree with Marion. A short slow test run. Report afterwards and then we will all give you our additional thoughts!!

how short? 1 mile, 2 miles? I will try it today and definitely reports afterwards! You guys rock!

1 mile ... but stop early if problems arise. Go slow!

1 mile- if NO problems at all try 1.5 the next day. Proceed in tiny incriments and STOP if there is ANY pain. Life would be great to run even a mile a day for a bit ;)

If you have access to a treadmill you might want to run on it first for a slow short run--it has a little more give than the ground and might lessen the impact a bit.

Thanks girls. 1 mile it is. I don't have a tread mill nor a membership to any gym, so I will try running in my neighborhood today. If it hurts too much, I will see about going to the local rec. center.

When I rolled my ankle a month ago for some reason I could run on the treadmill after a while, but running overground was excruciating and impossible. I don't know exactly why the treadmill was so much more tolerable.

Camille! I'm so sorry you have been so injured for so long! But puuuu-lease do not run yet. A little patience now will bring bring dividends later. Reinjury is often worse that the original injury, and takes longer to heal. :( Water jogging or swimming might be a good alternative for you.

Camille,

If the pain is gone the following morning, but was present during and after the run my sports doc usually tells me this: take one or two days off and then try again. Only run ONE MILE this time though.

Although you definitely can not go wrong with Lybi's advice. It is the safest, especially if you don't have a race that you NEED to be ready for. My sport doc knows that I will always push the limits and so he tries to get me running as soon as possible (but at a minimum) in hopes that that will satisfy me somewhat.

Keep us up to date!!

Well, I didn't run last night... and it is bothering me today. I was hoping I could run in the London's Run in January, but didn't sign up because I didn't know if I'd be healed in time, and if running in London's run effects my ability to run in the Ragnar, then I didn't want to chance it. Today the pain is like a 4/10. :o(

darn it! See a doc if you can :)

Ironically, I have a doctor's appointment today at 10:45. I've had an awful cough for about a month now. :o( And I'm pretty sick of it. I'll have some sports medicine type questions to ask him while I'm there. :o)

You've been coughing for a month? Oh no! Hope you feel better.

You must be stir crazy after making all that progress and getting hooked on running, it's so tempting to just push it a little.

Keep us posted on what the doctor says.

Oh boo I am so sorry that it hurts again today. Are you able to walk without pain? If you can stand to bear weight an elliptical trainer can help you maintain aerobic fitness without the impact--it is hard to find time to do that with kids though! Hopefully the doc has some good ideas and input.

Great job on those 2 miles!

Oh no! YIKES! I hope you are able to avoid getting pneumonia! Gosh, what to do? I had a friend with cystic fibrosis (which leads to a lot of bouts with pneumonia) who walked vigorously for 30 every day, even when she was so sick. She said it helped bring up all the gunk.

I am so sorry you are having to deal with all this. Hopefully you are going to get all the injury stuff over with at the same time, so when you start up again you will be good to go for a LONG time sans injury!

Dang it!

How's Melanie?

Wow, you are going through alot. I didnt catch you were that sick. How the weather holding up for you? It got down to 25 this morning and Im glad Im not running in it. The thing that sucks is when I can run again, it will be down in the teens. Get those vitamins in you. Lots of C!

Camille,

Sorry about the lungs, that stinks!! Don't be afraid to use the inhaler (btw, which inhaler did he put you on?). The inhaler will actually help you cough up all the gunk and get rid of it faster. Good luck! Heal quickly my friend.

What a bummer! Hopefully the inhaler helps and you can get all that crud out. Then you can start running again on a pain-free leg and clear lungs.

That stinks! Sorry. But just take care of yourself and it will all work out!

Camille,

How are you feeling today?