As you will notice (if you look at the firstgiving widget to your left) I am at 20% of my goal!! Waaahooo! Today I made two donations myself, one of the half.com book sales I have been doing, and one for my December part-time job wages and tips! All in all, I contributed $284.09 of my own money today! Yay for me! I would like to challage any readers to contribute just 5-10% of my contributions today. Only $200 more and I will be 25% of the way there!
So, on Tuesday I made the trek for my 10 mile run. It was cold, there was snow every where and I think I almost caused an accident! You know that person who runs on the road and you get so mad because there is a sidewalk for them... well I'm that girl. The only sad part is, with all this snow, there is NO sidewalk! So I ask, please do not try to hit me, run me into a snowbank, or make me wet with your snow spray. Needless to say, it was not the best run I've ever had. :( Today is is crazy cold, so I am going to run my 5 miles inside.
For NYE tonight, Travis' family is coming into town. We are going the Phoenix tonight for dinner and some music and then back to our place to ring in the new year. I even bought a $9.99 bottle of champagne from Costco for this event. ;-) It will be a delightful weekend filled with family, games, food, and presents. As I look forward to the new year, I am very excited for all the things that are to come: running a marathon, visiting Boston again, warmer weather, David & Gina's new house, family weddings, friends weddings. 2010 is going to be a great year!
Happy New Year!
12.31.2009
12.29.2009
B is for... Bakinhoven!
Thank you to Matt & Jess Bakinhoven for their incredibly generous donation, and Christmas present to my fundraising! Thank you also to Jim & Meredith for their donation (to several BPE runners!) as well!
As I wrote on Christmas Eve, I did not yet know the terror that would rain (or snow) down upon Kansas City within the next 36 hours. I am SO glad I got my long run in that morning! We got about 14" of snow, which started with freezing rain - made opening car doors interesting. And this sad city 1) doesn't know how to plow/salt, 2) doesn't know how to shovel, 3) doesn't know how to drive... in snow. So as I sit and write 5 days after the beginning of this ordeal, the roads have yet to be sufficiently plowed and snow has yet to be removed.
Well you may be thinking, "who cares, it's not like you have to drive to work!" And you'd be right about that, the not driving to work part. :) But I care! On Sunday I forced myself to run on the treadmill for the first time since, probably March or earlier. It was a sad, sad day. :( However, since I was running inside, I committed to running faster. And I did! I ran 3 miles at 9:00 pace and one at 8:30 pace. It was wicked hot in that gym.
And yet today, I am planning to make the trecherous trek out in the snow roads to run 10 miles. "Why?" you ask, because it's only going to get worse. It is supposed to be colder this week (more ice on the roads) and supposed to snow again tonight. Please help keep me running and not sleeping, by donating at www.firstgiving.com/laurelin!
Wish me luck on this trecherous journey (and I'm serious, I'm afraid I'm going to fall). And I will update with my condition next week! Have a very happy new year to all! And those of you in warmer climates... know that I am sufficiently jealous.
As I wrote on Christmas Eve, I did not yet know the terror that would rain (or snow) down upon Kansas City within the next 36 hours. I am SO glad I got my long run in that morning! We got about 14" of snow, which started with freezing rain - made opening car doors interesting. And this sad city 1) doesn't know how to plow/salt, 2) doesn't know how to shovel, 3) doesn't know how to drive... in snow. So as I sit and write 5 days after the beginning of this ordeal, the roads have yet to be sufficiently plowed and snow has yet to be removed.
Well you may be thinking, "who cares, it's not like you have to drive to work!" And you'd be right about that, the not driving to work part. :) But I care! On Sunday I forced myself to run on the treadmill for the first time since, probably March or earlier. It was a sad, sad day. :( However, since I was running inside, I committed to running faster. And I did! I ran 3 miles at 9:00 pace and one at 8:30 pace. It was wicked hot in that gym.
And yet today, I am planning to make the trecherous trek out in the snow roads to run 10 miles. "Why?" you ask, because it's only going to get worse. It is supposed to be colder this week (more ice on the roads) and supposed to snow again tonight. Please help keep me running and not sleeping, by donating at www.firstgiving.com/laurelin!
Wish me luck on this trecherous journey (and I'm serious, I'm afraid I'm going to fall). And I will update with my condition next week! Have a very happy new year to all! And those of you in warmer climates... know that I am sufficiently jealous.
12.24.2009
C is for... Champions (and Christmas)!!
Tomorrow is Christmas!
A lot has happened since I last posted! David & Gina arrived Saturday, and sadly, they left this morning. :( We had a grand time, and completed all of the items on our to do/see list... including WIN TRIVIA! :) Every Tuesday since July we attend Trivia at the Flying Saucer. Prior to this week, the crown of trivia champions had eluded us. This week... we WON! It was amazing and spectacular. We now will be back next Tuesday with a $50 gift certificate!
A few more highlights of their time in KC: eating at Oklahoma Joes (a-m-a-z-i-n-g barbeque, amazing, inside of a gas station - also one of the 13 places to eat before you die), visiting the Nelson-Atkins meseum, Firelies, enjoying a delicious and and entertaining meal at Classic Cup. Here are some pictures of our time together.
I have also done a lot of running since I last posted (all up hill, right Gina?). Saturday morning Lauren and I ran with the running group Personal Best down in Overland Park. We hit the road running at 6:30 AM. It was barely light by time we finished 8 miles, but we felt very accomplished! I ran twice while David and Gina were here. They were encouraging and wished me luck, but Gina was recovering from illness and unable to endure the cold. This morning, we dropped them off for their flight at 5:00 AM. I was on the road by 5:45, and completed 9 miles before 7:15 AM!
As I sit inside, bundled up, it feels awesome to know I have my long run done! It is currently freezing rain and will begin snowing shortly, just in time for Christmas! Sadly, our Florida guests are back in the warm weather for the holiday, but we are spending Christmas with our fabulous neighbors, Rob & Judith. It is sure to be an abundance of food and celebrations.
Have a very Merry Christmas!!
A lot has happened since I last posted! David & Gina arrived Saturday, and sadly, they left this morning. :( We had a grand time, and completed all of the items on our to do/see list... including WIN TRIVIA! :) Every Tuesday since July we attend Trivia at the Flying Saucer. Prior to this week, the crown of trivia champions had eluded us. This week... we WON! It was amazing and spectacular. We now will be back next Tuesday with a $50 gift certificate!
A few more highlights of their time in KC: eating at Oklahoma Joes (a-m-a-z-i-n-g barbeque, amazing, inside of a gas station - also one of the 13 places to eat before you die), visiting the Nelson-Atkins meseum, Firelies, enjoying a delicious and and entertaining meal at Classic Cup. Here are some pictures of our time together.
Shuttlecock at Nelson-Atkins
Receiving my Gluten-Free cookbook from Gina and David - I'm Gluten Free now, in case you didn't know
Rice and Pollen art in the Nelson-Atkins (gluten free - I could eat it all!)
Toy trains at Union Station - drive in theatre
Ice skating
Liberty Memorial - Union Station in the background
We won!
I have also done a lot of running since I last posted (all up hill, right Gina?). Saturday morning Lauren and I ran with the running group Personal Best down in Overland Park. We hit the road running at 6:30 AM. It was barely light by time we finished 8 miles, but we felt very accomplished! I ran twice while David and Gina were here. They were encouraging and wished me luck, but Gina was recovering from illness and unable to endure the cold. This morning, we dropped them off for their flight at 5:00 AM. I was on the road by 5:45, and completed 9 miles before 7:15 AM!
As I sit inside, bundled up, it feels awesome to know I have my long run done! It is currently freezing rain and will begin snowing shortly, just in time for Christmas! Sadly, our Florida guests are back in the warm weather for the holiday, but we are spending Christmas with our fabulous neighbors, Rob & Judith. It is sure to be an abundance of food and celebrations.
Have a very Merry Christmas!!
12.18.2009
O is for... Olathe!
Apparently I am very into letters, so I thought I would continue with that theme today. O is for Olathe, which is of course the amazing school district I am proud to work for. Also, Olathe Schools happen to be the workplace of my last three donors! They are Janet - the incredible intervention support teacher, Andy - the perfect psychologist, and Cathy - the spectacular secretary. Thank you all for your donations! You can have your name on this page too! Just join them in supporting students here!
Today, is the last day of school before break! And I am very excited for this event. :) I now have two weeks with no school or work (of any kind!). Tomorrow my spectacular guests from Florida, David and Gina (also known as my besties) will be arriving to KC! I am so excited to see them since it has been since their July nupituals since I have seen them! We plan to do wonderful things like: ice skate, eat, run, eat, visit museums, eat, rock out, eat, and win trivia. So, Gina from Florida, will be coming to run with me in 30 degree weather next week. Won't that be fun for her?! :)
Before their arrival in the AM, I am going to run 8 miles... at 6:30 in the morning! My friend Lauren and I have been wanting to attend these group free runs on Saturdays for a month or so now, but I always have to work in the mornings. So tomorrow, we are going to the last one of the year! I am very excited to run with lots of other people and hopefully feel a little inspired and encouraged, even if I can't be with the whole Boston Partners team tomorrow. :(
I'll let you know how the run goes!
Have a very Merry Christmas!
Today, is the last day of school before break! And I am very excited for this event. :) I now have two weeks with no school or work (of any kind!). Tomorrow my spectacular guests from Florida, David and Gina (also known as my besties) will be arriving to KC! I am so excited to see them since it has been since their July nupituals since I have seen them! We plan to do wonderful things like: ice skate, eat, run, eat, visit museums, eat, rock out, eat, and win trivia. So, Gina from Florida, will be coming to run with me in 30 degree weather next week. Won't that be fun for her?! :)
Before their arrival in the AM, I am going to run 8 miles... at 6:30 in the morning! My friend Lauren and I have been wanting to attend these group free runs on Saturdays for a month or so now, but I always have to work in the mornings. So tomorrow, we are going to the last one of the year! I am very excited to run with lots of other people and hopefully feel a little inspired and encouraged, even if I can't be with the whole Boston Partners team tomorrow. :(
I'll let you know how the run goes!
Have a very Merry Christmas!
12.11.2009
B is for Booyah!
And here are some booyah people in my life: Katie Magee (fellow Olathe School Psychologist), Pamela Civins (Executive Director of BPE), and Julie Bailiff (Tomahawk treasure and School Social Worker)! Their donations have been generous and greatly appreciated! :)
In running news, I am sad. :( Although I have been told to "stay positive!" My shin (right shin to be particular) has been hurting off and on since my half marathon in October. I have done my best to give it rest, ice and ibuprofen, but the problem always returns. :( Well, it got to the point this week where I was incredibly frustrated that I couldn't be running as frequently as I would like. I did end up calling my trusty (and amazing) marathon coach: Rick Muhr - he ran across the entire state of Massachusetts, people! He encouraged me to follow this method: R-rest, I-ice, C-compression, E-elevation. So, I am running tomorrow for the first time since Sunday, I have been icing at least once a day (attempting twice), I bought an ACE bandage and have been wrapping daily, and have been sitting at my desk all week with my leg elevated (which has made for some interesting conversations). Most importantly, Coach Rick told me to "stay positive" which has been the most difficult for me. So... I certainly could use some encouragement right now! I just want to be running! I will let you know how I am feeling next update!
In case you don't already know, I am working an extra job to donate money to the marathon funds! :) That extra job is bartending at the Sprint Center (the big venue for concerts and sports games in KC). Last night was my second shift and it was the KISS concert! It was very busy and KISS played for a very long time. All in all, the money raised made the night worth it. I am working a basketball game there tomorrow, and hoping to make some more cash for kids! :)
In running news, I am sad. :( Although I have been told to "stay positive!" My shin (right shin to be particular) has been hurting off and on since my half marathon in October. I have done my best to give it rest, ice and ibuprofen, but the problem always returns. :( Well, it got to the point this week where I was incredibly frustrated that I couldn't be running as frequently as I would like. I did end up calling my trusty (and amazing) marathon coach: Rick Muhr - he ran across the entire state of Massachusetts, people! He encouraged me to follow this method: R-rest, I-ice, C-compression, E-elevation. So, I am running tomorrow for the first time since Sunday, I have been icing at least once a day (attempting twice), I bought an ACE bandage and have been wrapping daily, and have been sitting at my desk all week with my leg elevated (which has made for some interesting conversations). Most importantly, Coach Rick told me to "stay positive" which has been the most difficult for me. So... I certainly could use some encouragement right now! I just want to be running! I will let you know how I am feeling next update!
In case you don't already know, I am working an extra job to donate money to the marathon funds! :) That extra job is bartending at the Sprint Center (the big venue for concerts and sports games in KC). Last night was my second shift and it was the KISS concert! It was very busy and KISS played for a very long time. All in all, the money raised made the night worth it. I am working a basketball game there tomorrow, and hoping to make some more cash for kids! :)
12.02.2009
T is for Tomahawk (and Thanksgiving)
Thank you to some fabulous Tomahawk Elementary staff, Susie Miller and Carrie Hoehn, for making generous donations! You're contributions (and work at Tomahawk) are greatly appreciated! :) If you would like to join them in their sponsorship, visit me here!
Training is going great. Thanksgiving in Michigan was a perfect opportunity for me to run with my perfect marathon partner - Jessica Baker, and her marathon savvy Aunt Shelley. We did 8 miles near Lake Michigan in some unexpectedly not cold weather! I also had a great time visiting with much family, wearing my mom's awesome handmade jewlery, visiting my Dad's community parks, and eating lots of mashed potatoes.
This week has also been warm in KC, yeilding two days of 'shorts and t-shirt' running weather. Although, I'm afraid things are changing quickly. :( I'm off to make meatloaf (which if you knew me 4 years ago, should be a huge shock), and put up our Christmas tree (at least a week too late if you ask me!). Perhaps a little spinning class will make it into my evening routine.
Training is going great. Thanksgiving in Michigan was a perfect opportunity for me to run with my perfect marathon partner - Jessica Baker, and her marathon savvy Aunt Shelley. We did 8 miles near Lake Michigan in some unexpectedly not cold weather! I also had a great time visiting with much family, wearing my mom's awesome handmade jewlery, visiting my Dad's community parks, and eating lots of mashed potatoes.
This week has also been warm in KC, yeilding two days of 'shorts and t-shirt' running weather. Although, I'm afraid things are changing quickly. :( I'm off to make meatloaf (which if you knew me 4 years ago, should be a huge shock), and put up our Christmas tree (at least a week too late if you ask me!). Perhaps a little spinning class will make it into my evening routine.
11.18.2009
Thank you!
Thank you to Anonymous for being the first contributor! Your generous donation is much appreciated! Thank you!
Miles Run: 5
Miles to go: 571.5
Funds raised: $175
Miles Run: 5
Miles to go: 571.5
Funds raised: $175
11.15.2009
Another half and the offical start
Yesterday I ran the Pilgrim Pacer half marathon. Since the half on Oct 17th, I have had a few setbacks, including shin splints and other illness. So, I was not able to stick to my orginal training plan between races. I ran exactly 4 times in the 4 weeks, with the greatest distance being 5 miles. I was hesitant to even do the half, and considered changing my registration to the 10k. Well, in the end, I convinced myself I should do the half.
And am I glad I did. It was great running weather, in the low 50's and somehow I managed to still beat my KC half time, even with the lack of training! I finished in 2:00:29! Here I am finishing - trying really hard to break 2 hours! Next time. :)
Unfortunately, I missed the offical BPE marathon team kick-off meeting in Boston yesterday. :( Although my faithful friend Jess took meticulous notes for me. I really wish I could have met everyone running for BPE, and had the opportunity for support from great people who know the challenges I will be facing. On the other hand, I am looking forward to an 8 miler with Jess in just a few weeks! :)
Don't forget, the giving site is up and running! www.firstgiving.com/laurelin
And am I glad I did. It was great running weather, in the low 50's and somehow I managed to still beat my KC half time, even with the lack of training! I finished in 2:00:29! Here I am finishing - trying really hard to break 2 hours! Next time. :)
Unfortunately, I missed the offical BPE marathon team kick-off meeting in Boston yesterday. :( Although my faithful friend Jess took meticulous notes for me. I really wish I could have met everyone running for BPE, and had the opportunity for support from great people who know the challenges I will be facing. On the other hand, I am looking forward to an 8 miler with Jess in just a few weeks! :)
Don't forget, the giving site is up and running! www.firstgiving.com/laurelin
11.04.2009
Let the giving begin!
I have my giving site ready for donations! Who will be the first to donate to this worthy cause???
It could be you! www.firstgiving.com/laurelin
Thanks for your support!
It could be you! www.firstgiving.com/laurelin
Thanks for your support!
11.02.2009
Running Again
Alright, sorry I haven't posted in an exceptionally long time! A few days following the KC Half, I developed shin splints. :( That has been a sad experience for me, as I just ran last night for the first time in nearly two weeks. However, I think I am healing and am hoping to be back in the game for my (already registered and paid for) half marathon on 11.14.09. :)
I am hoping to have my firstgiving site up and running soon so I can begin the fundraising! I will be sure to keep you updated when that becomes available! :)
Thanks for your support!
I am hoping to have my firstgiving site up and running soon so I can begin the fundraising! I will be sure to keep you updated when that becomes available! :)
Thanks for your support!
10.17.2009
KC Half
Thanks for all the comments last week!
Today was the Kansas City Marathon! I ran the half marathon. When we woke up around 5:30 AM, it was 43 and raining. :( Lukily by the time the race started it had warmed up to a balmy 45 degrees and stopped raining just in time. My goal time was 2 hours 5 minutes, but I thought with the hilly course I might end up more like 2:10. Well, the run went great and I finished with a time of 2:01:49! I was very happy with my time and appreciated all of my supporters along the way.
My friend Lauren also had a fabulous run and finished around 1:50. Congrats to her! We both are going to be running the Pilgrim Pacer half on November 14th and I am hoping for 2 hours or just under! I never thought I would have done so great and know I can do it again! Congratulations also to Staci and Jill who both finished the half as well!
After the race, Lauren and I cheered on some marathoners and then got breakfast with Travis at the City Diner. Overall, it was a fabulous race and a great weekend!
Today was the Kansas City Marathon! I ran the half marathon. When we woke up around 5:30 AM, it was 43 and raining. :( Lukily by the time the race started it had warmed up to a balmy 45 degrees and stopped raining just in time. My goal time was 2 hours 5 minutes, but I thought with the hilly course I might end up more like 2:10. Well, the run went great and I finished with a time of 2:01:49! I was very happy with my time and appreciated all of my supporters along the way.
My friend Lauren also had a fabulous run and finished around 1:50. Congrats to her! We both are going to be running the Pilgrim Pacer half on November 14th and I am hoping for 2 hours or just under! I never thought I would have done so great and know I can do it again! Congratulations also to Staci and Jill who both finished the half as well!
After the race, Lauren and I cheered on some marathoners and then got breakfast with Travis at the City Diner. Overall, it was a fabulous race and a great weekend!
10.12.2009
And so it begins...
I have been accepted as a charity runner for the 2010 Boston Marathon! I will be raising money for my former workplace, Boston Partners in Education. BPE enhances the academic achievement and nurtures the personal growth of Boston's public school students by providing them with focused, individualized, in-school volunteer support. Check them out at http://www.bostonpartners.org/!
Important details about this race:
This weekend I ran in the Jared Coones 5K Pumpkin Run with my school running club! This was our culminating event of our inagural first year. We had 25 great students participating and had been training for our 3.1 mile run for 5 weeks. The weather was chilly, but all of our students finished and I was very proud!
I am really beyond excited about this opportunity and can't wait for the Boston Marathon!
Don't forget to comment! :)
Important details about this race:
- This will be my first marathon, running 26.2 miles.
- Running as a charity runner is the only way I'll ever be able to do Boston, as I would never be fast enough to run a qualifying time.
- The Boston Marathon is one of the biggest, most highly respected marathons and I am really excited to be going back to Boston for this event, and support my former work organization!
- I will be running with my sister-in-law, Jessica, who took over my job at BPE when I left, and will also be running for BPE this year! You can read her fabulous blog at http://www.jessinboston.blogspot.com/.
- I have committed to raising $3,250 for BPE. This means if I don't raise it, it's coming out of my own pocket. My goal is to raise $4,000 to help public school students in Boston.
- I will be using this blog to keep you all updated on my training, fundraising, and other entertaining stories from my life. Please feel free to leave encouraging comments. If I have no comments, I will think no one reads this. :(
This weekend I ran in the Jared Coones 5K Pumpkin Run with my school running club! This was our culminating event of our inagural first year. We had 25 great students participating and had been training for our 3.1 mile run for 5 weeks. The weather was chilly, but all of our students finished and I was very proud!
I am really beyond excited about this opportunity and can't wait for the Boston Marathon!
Don't forget to comment! :)
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