Ragnar Race

So…I may be a bit crazy…but I am a HUGE believer in things happening for a reason and meeting the right people at the right time….and so here I am to tell you… about yet another athletic endeavor that I chose to partake in….2 WEEKS after I run 26.2 miles…and it's called the Ragnar Relay series.

This Ragnar Relay entails 200 MILES….2 days AND NIGHTS of running…and a team of 12 ladies I don't even know. Crazy…maybe….opportunity of a life time: YES! :) It all started when I met one of the nicest women while waiting in line for a hayride at the Christmas tree lighting in Woburn. She saw Todd's Texas A&M cap and asked if we were from Texas and  of course my response was: "YES!! Are YOU from Texas??" I always feel like I don't quite fit in here because of my southern personality. Some people enjoy it while I feel others are kind of annoyed by it (and maybe some people from Texas found me annoying at first but I feel that I quickly warm up to most).. ;-) So, we talked on the hay ride and she very randomly asked if I like to run. I told her about applying to run in the Boston Marathon (I didn't know I had been accepted yet), and that I LOVE to run. So she told me about the Ragnar relay and how they are looking for more women to join their team. We exchanged information and have been contacting each other about it ever since.

The reason I know this was God's work is because she told me she was part of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I lived with several Mormon women while living in the dorm last year and learned so much about their beliefs. Before then, I had SO MANY misconceptions of what they believed in (and of course thought it was amazing how they could survive without coffee OR wine). ;-) But last year showed me what incredible women they are and how they truly look out for one another and step up in times of need. I should write a whole other blog about all that I learned from these fantastic women. So, all the women I will be running with (as far as I know), are also Mormon. We are all meeting this Wednesday for the first time, and I am excited and a bit nervous too. It's going to be quite an adventure (and my body may be extremely angry at me for a few months), but I can't wait to get to know these women and experience this journey together. The race is all the way down cape cod which will be amazing in it self. Here are 2 videos that explain more about the race. Wish me luck and please pray that I don't have any injures through this journey!

The "pizza effect"

So, Andrew is officially the sickest out of the family. :( I was really hoping he wouldn't get it, but I guess it's inevitable when living with 3 others who are sick. There has been a lot of snuggling going on in our house the last 2 weeks. Andrew has been in good spirits most of the time...

unless you feed him pizza...read on.. 

I hate to admit it, but we kinda fell off the GFCF diet wagon since the holidays. I try very hard to feed my kids healthy meals, but we weren't very strict about it while traveling (not exactly easy to find gluten AND dairy free meals while on the go). I didn't want to make anyone feel like they needed to modify their meals because of Andrew (especially the delicious, traditional holiday meals!) , and we did a lot more eating out than normal (which in itself is almost impossible to find something he can eat).  The dietician DID say we could be more flexible since he was negative for celiac disease and because he's made so much improvement in his behavior. But I definitely notice a huge difference in his demeanor and overall health when we stick with the diet.

 I have been guilty of having non-GFCF food around Andrew, and he's been sneaking a cereal bar here, a bite of a bagel there, and he loves my wheat chex (which is odd to me because it has no sugar and it actually really healthy besides the gluten). But the 1 food that we have figured out has the WORST affect on Andrew is pizza! Of course he loves it and of course it's served at most parties, get togethers, and was something I liked having on hand for a quick meal. I used to love pizza, but actually  don't really like it anymore. We used to eat little frozen pizzas for lunch pretty frequently, so I guess I just got tired of it (this was last year). We don't eat it very often but when Andrew has some he is SO wild and then crashes and has crazy meltdowns the next day. The night before we flew back to Massachusetts, we ate pizza for dinner and he was AWFUL in the airport (worse than I have seen him in a LONG time). It was definitely the worst place to be calming an angry child down (and dragging him on an airplane). :/ Well, he had pizza again yesterday and was awful last night.  Yes, he IS sick, but he would NOT go to bed and then started crying so hard Todd couldn't understand him and I had to go in and have a heart to heart with him.  It's really the worst combination of what he can't have and something I'm afraid we won't be allowed to give him anymore.  I am still convinced dairy causes his his respiratory problems, so I NEED to be strict with leaving dairy out (and am usually more strict about dairy than gluten).

As for my marathon training, I ran a total of 24 miles this week (which included a 14 mile run on Saturday!!) It was a huge accomplishment, but my body is letting me know that I have a lot more training to go until April. It's been very hard with 2 sick kids and I'm still not feeling back to myself, but I'm managing. I don't know how I'm going to fit in a good run today with Andrew being sick, but maybe when Todd gets home from work. Here are some pictures from my 14 mile run 

   they were congregating together and seemed so happy and peaceful: almost as if spring is on the way (I wish!!!) 

I seriously wanted to run and slide on this but didn't think it would be safe until I saw this...

             they are ICE fishing!! 

a dad out with his kids for a day of ice sledding and fishing :) Only in New England 

it's official!! you can even find my name under the participants section at baa.org 

 I'm pretty good at the "recovery days" lately and definitely eat enough food to fuel my 14 mile runs! :) Have a great week!

He has been crawling in bed with me since he's been sick (you can see Sadie in the right side too) :)

poor little guy looks so sick :( 

Mommy and Abby selfie 

she is so cute in purple 

I have the 2 cutest kids ever :) 

2nd kid- every mom is an "expert"

Have you ever seen the Luvs commercials about moms after having their second kid? They are my favorite and are so true. The first kid, you are learning EVERYTHING as you go. You are overly cautious, don't want people to "judge" if you do something "differently," go over-the-top preparation wise, and ask the doctor about everything. Well, with the second, you are an "old-pro" and kind of decide to do things on your own based on your mommy instincts. You know your children best and would rather go with your gut than trust what others have to say about your "style of parenting."

I was re-reading some of my posts from when Andrew was around Abby's age and younger. I remember being pretty stressed most of the time because I had a full time job (as a VERY busy teacher no less) and he was a very energetic toddler that was into everything. I didn't document as much as I wish in 2011 and 2012, but we had a lot of changes coming and were super busy with preparation (baby coming, deciding whether to live in Spain or Boston, lots of traveling for Todd (and a little for me too), and then the big move up here).  One particular post got me laughing.

Well,  we were at the gym yesterday when my determined 22 month old daughter kept yelling, "no hold! Walk!" when we reached the stairs to exit the gym. Well, she was carrying our lunch box (we had lunch in the car because yesterday was a busy day of training and Andrew had school afterward), and her blanket. I decided to let her do what she wanted because she is actually very good at stairs (we have lots of stairs in our house). The ladies at the front were talking to Andrew and admiring his hat. I was telling them about my over-achieving daughter that insisted on putting on her own coat and walking the stairs by herself when they said, "Uh oh!!" Yep…Abby tumbled down the stairs. :/ If I'm being completely honest- I really wasn't scared….more embarrassed. I knew she was fine…but it looked pretty bad. Andrew did the same thing when he was little (quite a bit younger than Abby), but I remember FREAKING out…I was so worried and paranoid and even thought about calling the doctor. His fall was not even half as bad as Abby's yesterday. And she is perfectly fine (aside from what I think is the flu)….I bet next time we attempt these stairs she will either: a. ask for help if she has her hands full or b. is much more cautious and careful taking each step and paying attention to what she's doing. Live and learn. :)

Andrew ended up getting sick after all, and I think it may be the flu. I've been letting them drink lots of watered down OJ, 2 spoonfuls of elderberry syrup each day, lots of vitamins, and diffusing RC and thieves in his room every night. If I'm being honest- I don't want to take them to the doctor yet because I know they will face me with the decision of tamiflu and I just don't want to give that to my kids. I'm going to give it the weekend (Andrew was already off today which worked out nicely), and if it gets worse (which I've seen them both way worse than now), then I will take them in. I'm still not feeling 100% either, and I actually got the flu shot this year. Hmmm….

Both of our kids are completely different in so many ways. We took Andrew's pacifier away from him at 1 year, Abby still has hers (and probably will until she's more than 2). Andrew refuses to drink water (which certain people tried to "blame" on us by saying we should have given him water and nothing else), while Abby will usually want water over any other drink. Andrew still wants a sippy cup (and gets really mad if he's tired and you give him a cup without a lid), while Abby wants a big girl cup with a straw or no lid. Abby LOVES " Manos" (tomatoes), eggs, cucumbers and HATES broccoli and carrots (the completely opposite is true for Andrew). Nothing we did differently- just 2 different people that know what they like/dislike. :)

Here are a few fun pictures from the past few days. It snowed again today, but we are going to stay inside and get plenty of rest. We have a birthday party tomorrow, so I hope we can make it! Have a great weekend! Oh and one more of my favorite Luvs commercials.   :)

              such a cute little diva :) 

    she wasn't feeling good so we        watched despicable me 2 while Andrew was at school 

      just lounging on Sadie while snacking 

  they love watching tv in mommy and daddy's bed 

Red-faced runner

I've completed my first week of training for the marathon and here's how I'm feeling at the moment:

I ran 25 miles total last week. With being sick and the snow storm, I had to take off 3 days and that put me a bit behind. I'm sore and a bit scared because I ran 25 miles in a WEEK and that is less than I will be running in a DAY come April. Frightening. I've been watching YouTube videos about marathoners which is pumping me up and making me excited, but I'm still scared. I watched this PBS video where they challenged 14 "sedentary" people to train with Team Nova to run the Boston Marathon. They did full physical exams, checked their body fat percentage, checked their VO2 max (a person's ability to utilize oxygen during exercise), and all of them but 1 (she had some stress fractures in her shins), were given the ok to train. It showed their journey, their pain along the way, and their ability to overcome obstacles. They all finished the Boston marathon. It was an incredible video that I recommend taking a look at. It makes you realize how powerful our bodies are and how becoming even a little more active will significantly improve your health. I love that lesson. 

My favorite bit of knowledge I've gained so far is about tempo training. Basically you break your distance runs into sets of running faster than you normally would and then back to your normal pace. This trains your body to have more stamina at a faster pace. It is exhausting, but it sure does make me feel great afterward. 

One thing I can't seem to figure out is how to prevent the redness my face gets after every run. It doesn't matter if I run 3 miles or 10, my face gets super red and people seem to really stare. It's embarrassing which makes my face even MORE red. I wanted to take a picture but am a bit self conscious about how nasty I look after a run. :) I guess being indoors all day and running when the heater in the gym is going doesn't help.  It seems like a very minor problem, but my face literally starts pulsating once it starts turning red and that can be a nuisance. Maybe I will talk to my doctor about that one. 

I got the official emailing stating I will be assigned a bib number! :) People that actually qualified for the marathon probably got this email back in September (considering it says I will receive my confirmation of acceptance in October). I sent the email to Todd as soon as I got it and his response: "Sh*t just got real." My husband is quite the jokester. :) Here is the email  

Dear Kristi Templeton,

This is to notify you that your entry into the 118th Boston Marathon on    has been accepted, provided that the information you submitted is accurate.

A Confirmation of Acceptance card will be mailed to you via US Postal Service mail in October.

In early April 2014, an official Number Pick-up Card and Welcome Booklet regarding the B.A.A. Boston Marathon and related race week activities will be mailed to you via US Postal Service first class mail. If you do not receive your Number Pick-up Card (required to claim number) and brochure by April 9, please contact our Registration Office at registration@baa.org. Registration related inquiries may also be directed to 508-435-6905. Throughout the year we will issue email communications to remain in contact with you, providing race-related information as it becomes available. You may also want to follow us on Facebook to get regular updates from the B.A.A.

Note that bib numbers will not be distributed on Race Day. Your travel arrangements should take into account picking up your number at the Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston Street, on Frida7:00 p.m., Saturday, April 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:unday, April 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Yay! It's starting to feel real now. Lots of well wishes and prayers are appreciated as I continue my training. 

a few obstacles

 I did 3 big things this weekend: 1- mailed my official entry form to The Boston Athletic Association (!!!) 2- Taught my first bible study class of 2nd/3rd graders (I forgot how exhausting teaching can be…even for 1 1/2 hours!), 3- I ran 5 miles on Saturday and then 10 miles on Sunday!!!

There have already been several obstacles that have interfered with my first official week of training. The 2 big ones were- Snow storm "Hercules" (dropped about 18 inches of snow on us for 2 days), and illness. Todd was the first to get sick (which is very interesting considering it's ALWAYS Andrew who is susceptible to illness). Then I got sick this week.  It's not a "can't get out of bed" kinda sickness- but I think it's a minor case of the flu and neither kid got the flu shot this year (another strange coincidence). Abby is sick right now (her fever spiked to almost 104 the other night), but she's slowly getting better. I don't even want to say it because we are NOT out of the woods yet…but Andrew has not gotten sick yet. :) Maybe it's the diet and not getting the flu shot….hmmm…(Todd and I both got the flu shot and were sick first). 

So, even though I have been sick, I forced myself to follow the training schedule and went to the gym. Even with a mountain like this in the parking lot...yea, the one towering over the cars. 

I "toughened up" and forced myself in there 2 days in a row. It helps to have Andrew asking me, "Are we going to the gym today??" almost daily. :) He loves the playroom. 

And those Bostonians don't mess around. I thought I would be the only one at  the gym on Saturday, but it was actually more crowded than I've ever seen. I guess everyone had a bad case of cabin fever after Thursday and Friday. I actually saw a guy (definitely an elite runner), that had ran 14.8 miles and had his treadmill at 8.8 miles per hour!!!! I told Todd it's God's way of telling me I can't make excuses even in the winter…I can run that far on a treadmill if I have to. And I DID! 10 miles…all on a treadmill. I was very proud of myself. 

A few other things that have been bugging me during my training: the stinky man next to me on the treadmill (did I just say that out loud…), my ear buds falling out once my ears get super sweaty (about mile 6), the treadmill automatically turns off after an hour (I need to talk to "Mr. 15 miles" to figure out how his treadmill kept going….I had to restart mine and it made me sad that I couldn't see the full 10 miles on the treadmill), the "Loud guy" that comes over and starts banging around/ changing the channels on his TV/grunting next to me, my arm band rubbing me wrong and leaving marks, and the center of my back starts hurting at about mile 5. As you can see, I need to get over distractions (and a few pains along the way), because there are definitely going to be plenty of those along the way.  

There are several items I would like to invest in (a new pair of tennis shoes, reflective vest for night time running, and new ear buds). I found a pair of inexpensive ear buds that I'm going to try out. I will let you know what I think once they come in. 

Any advice is appreciated. I am still a relatively inexperienced long distance runner (the furthest I have ran is a little over a half marathon), so I love reading personal stories, hearing advice, and MUST find a running group…and soon. My training schedule has me basically running a half marathon EVERY Sunday for the next 2 months….WOWZA….needless to say, I need some people to support me and push me along the way. Now on to researching foods to build up my stamina. Happy new year!! 

Christmas 2013

This Christmas was busy, a bit stressful, but overall, the best I've had so far! I don't even want to relive the 3 flights (we had a VERY delayed lay over in Dallas getting to Amarillo and didn't get to Dumas until 3 in the morning….), but I felt like we saw so many special people and the kids experienced so much being in Texas. Andrew really got excited this year and Santa was VERY kind to both kids (gee…I wonder how Santa could have possibly gotten all those toys to Texas from Massachusetts…thank goodness for Amazon, Lots of boxes, preparation, an extra suitcase, and a little help from his elves). We flew to Amarillo, spent 4 days in Dumas, the drove to Dallas and spent 2 days there and flew out of Dallas (no lay over-WooHOO!). We spent time with Todd's sister and their family and got to see some of our good friends. My friend Leslie is due with their 2nd in March (a baby girl),  and we found out my friend Laura is expecting their 3rd and it's a BOY. Their first daughter is 1 month older than Andrew and their second daughter is 1 week younger than Abby. :) We joked about me and Todd needing to "get busy" with our 3rd because they are already 14 weeks (yea right- our 3rd won't be for a while). I may have just decided to have a 3rd….hmmm… ;-)

My grandmother was also able to leave the nursing home to go home for a while. She was put in the hospital last February and wasn't expected to live. It was a very tough time for our family, but she pulled through. The decision was made to put her in a nursing home (another tough thing to decide), but she's been doing good and got to go home for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The train he always tries to "sneek" in my shopping cart at Target

Andrew getting some raisins from Grandad

                                 Abby would snatch some raisins and then run..feisty little thang :)
                                         *  My grandmother is in her "comfy chair" in the background      

She loves "brellas" 

Abby was more excited about the candy :) 

Father-son sports caps 

Another "brella"

First thought: What a sweet unicorn. Abby loves it!  Second- How are we getting that home? :) 

It was a white Christmas in Dumas 

Her first pair of high heels 

*We got a better family picture on another camera (will email about it now) ;-) 

This photo opt was all Abby's idea: She stood by the tree and kept saying, "cheese!" So I told Andrew to stand by her :) 

A little i-Pad time watching "LaLa" (AKA- Fresh Beat Band) 

All this traveling wears a girl out! 

Abby loves her big boy cousins Cole and Carson 

We had the best Christmas yet. I know they will get even better as the kiddos get older. :)