YIKES!

I just realized I'm down to my last month before my half marathon. Assuming everything goes well, I'll be running my heart out on Sunday, August 21st in the 2011 Canadian Derby Edmonton Marathon. I read a really interesting comment from John Stanton in my half marathon training guide. People commonly will say "just half" and I'm guilty of this. 21.1kms is still a heck of a run in my mind and yet, I'll qualify my run as "just the half". In the guide, he said he likes to call it a "full half" because unless you stop, it's a full half marathon.

I frequently question my sanity and at the start of the week, had more than a few self doubts. I know I've completed 16kms (and even one of those felt so good that I thought I might be able to finish another five) and I've got 18 and 20km runs coming up, but when I start overthinking it, I stress myself out.

My training has been going well, though. I bought a pair of compression socks and my achilles has been getting regular icing. I've scheduled some massages for the upcoming weeks (both before and after the run), as well as a reflexology session for the day after my run...although from what I've heard, it'll likely be everything but my feet that hurts. HAHA!

MrP has been given strict instructions to be at the finish line with a camera when I come in. I had initially set a goal of 2:45 for my first half, but he told me I was silly to set a time goal and that my goal should just be to finish. I understand where he's coming from - I'm very hard on myself when it comes to not reaching a goal that I think is attainable. So I'm trying to keep his words in the back of my head, but I'm still aiming for a timed goal (shhhhh....don't tell him!) ;)

2010 10K Finish

Last night, I went out for ~6.5kms and had my fastest times for a 5K and 6K yet. 30:06 and 36:15. I despise running in the heat, but short distances seem to agree with it since I can convince myself that if I make it back sooner, I can get back to the air conditioned house faster. Followed that up with a jumping lesson on Zeus, who was a little rockstar.

This Sunday, I'll be heading out for the Tour de l'Alberta with friends for a 100km ride though the French communities just north of the city. First time I'll have been on a bike since July 2nd...and first time on my road bike since the MS Bike Tour. Yes, MrP has made some comments about my lack of riding. LOL I told him it's not that I don't appreciate it...I just have to throw myself into training for this half!

So anyways, with a month to go, I just wanted to get it out there. Yes, I'm stressing, but I'm training my butt off (or so it feels like it) and with any luck, I'll continue to remain injury free and enjoy the next four weeks.

Happy First Birthday Amber Ink Blog Hop!

Twelve short months ago
we made our big debut,
So now we'd like to commemorate
our 1st birthday with you!

This flash mob of torchbearers
always light our way.
Won't you please jog along
on our special day?

Leave your comments here and there
over the next 48
On Friday we'll announce the loot
Don't wait...let's CELEBRATE!

GO TEAM PURPLE!

I can't believe it's been almost a year since I was the second Purple torchbearer (thanks Karin for having faith in me!) for Amber and Pam...the two geniuses behind the company!

The card I created features some tasty cupcakes from Bake Me A Cake by Amber Ink with yummy frosting in different shades of pink and of course....with different levels of shimmer. Because every cupcake looks even more delicious with sparkle! Don't you agree?! A couple different ribbons and some buttons and we're good to go =)

Prizes will be drawn on Friday on the AmberInk Blog! Get hopping =)

Finally, I just wanted to share some of my crazy flowers that have been LOVING all the rain we've received...

MrPs favorite lilies



Close up



"The Ugly Lily"

 

Dahlias



The Garage Flowerbed
Perennial Overload including the first year of larkspur blooming!



Getting my Diva On in a Mojolicious Way

This month's Verve Get Your Diva On challenge was Pretty Purse Plastic...being inspired by gift cards! Man, that Maureen is a genius =) Using the Michaels gift card and the Mojo Monday Sketch #199, I created this card before we head out for the last Harry Potter movie *tear*

Did our 12K taper run this morning and next week I'll miss the first 18K run to enjoy the 100K Tour de l'Alberta bike ride, but I'll be back the following week to give 18kms a try. Today, however, we were able to cheer on the people who participated in our clinic's goal race and what a proud moment for so many!

Have a great week!

Thank You to The Sisterhood of Crafters

This week at the Sisterhood, I'm hosting a Thank You challenge. The worst part is that I need about a zillion Thank You cards and guess how many I've completed? Hardly any...this half marathon training schedule along with everything else is really whipping my summer.

Regardless, I did get a chance to use the previous JUGS #91 (sketch) challenge to inspire a little thanks. I used Jhinuk with Balloon for my card from Gillus Gallery. Priyanka is sponsoring the challenge (win three digis!)and I wanted to see if my coloring has improved with my pencils & gamsol (clearly, it hasn't!).

Check out The Sisterhood of Crafters to make an entry into our Thank You challenge!

I've been keeping busy and haven't had much time to chill out in my craft area. Honestly, I've had time on Sundays after my long runs, but I've been spending that time napping and relaxing (who knew a non-napper could have 2 hour naps after a 16K run?!) I've been icing my achilles a fair amount, but it's responding well to the increased training and things are (knock on wood) looking good for my August 21st half.

Aside from that, Zeus has been entertaining me weekly over fences, my run clinic finished up last night (since I'd been in training with a group who's goal race is this weekend) and next week I'm starting a fitness pole dancing class, along with continuing my running and trying to fit in some time to keep my house half-way presentable in the event of company. MrP has been a wonderful help of late (he collected garbages last night without me even asking!) and with such great support from him and friends, it's been quite a summer thusfar!

Hope you're enjoying yours, too (and that you're getting some REAL summer as opposed to our Vancouver-esque rain season)