Mom on the Run--Woman of Steele

Back in November or December of last year I had the crazy idea that maybe I would like to run a full marathon.  I had run 3 half marathons that year and my yearly mileage was over 1500, so I guess in the back of my head, I figured, Hey, I might as well try it!  Plus I have this crazy dream of wanting to run the Boston Marathon at some point in my life.  Therefore, I really should try my legs at a full marathon.  So, with that being said, I decided to sign up for the Madison Marathon.  What is really cool about the Madison Marathon is that they have what is called the Conquer the Capital Challenge.  They have 2 levels.  Running the Twilight 10K Saturday night (I ran this last year)and running the Half Marathon Sunday morning for the 19.3 challenge; OR running those 2 races plus the full Madison Marathon in November for the 45.5 challenge.  I loved running the Twilight 10K last year, so I knew I was going to run that one anyway, so I decided to take...

Saturday May 16, 2015 I ran in the Run to the Rescue 10k. This race benefits the Friends of Noah, WI foundation that supports animal rescue, rehabilitation, and adoptions. It's a pretty awesome organization! This was my second time running in this race. I love that it's close to home and we don't have to drive very far.  I actually got to run along country roads that I have run many times before. Since I haven't been racing too much this spring, I was really ready to head out when we got there, especially since it was raining!  We brought the dogs with like we did last year and my parents met us there. It was raining pretty good  when we got there so we had to use our umbrellas for a little bit! My mom always helps out.  She usually grabs Bosco because he is her favorite!  I don't blame her!  He's my favorite too!   They all waited for me by the start/finish line as they usually do.  The photographers also loved Marley, our Fren...

My daughter's school put on a fundraiser this year through SchoolAThon called Colorathon. This is basically a Color Me Rad-type run for kids to raise money for their schools. It's such a really cool idea!!  Maddie has been literally begging to do Color Me Rad with me this year, so when this fundraiser came home, I knew we had to do it!! So we enlisted all our family to donate money so that we could reach the $150 family level. At this level, we would all be able to run the 1 mile race together! We raised that and more and Maddie was able to get some really cool prizes for the run. She got a wig, headband, glasses, backpack, and tons of color packs to throw at the end of the race.  Maddie had to try out her wig, glasses, and headband as soon as she got them from school! She's such a goofball!! We got to the school early so we could park and get ourselves ready to run!! Pre-race clean picture!!! This is hubby's first official race!! The kids have done other races but Dadd...

For Mother's Day this year, I registered for a virtual Mother's Day run.  It was pretty much run whatever distance you want and log it on their facebook page.  I really just signed up for this race for the awesome shoe necklace!  It did come with a cool medal, t-shirt, car sticker, key chain, temporary tattoos, and race bib.  I also ordered myself some cool pink arm sleeves that say My Happy Pace. I'm  thinking I will use them for my upcoming Twilight 10K and Half Marathon.  I'm pretty excited about them as they have thumb holes also!!  I love anything with thumb holes!! Anyway, I was initially only going to go out and run an easy 5K since I ran my last long distance training run of 12 miles the day before.  However, I looked at my training plan and it called for 5 miles.  Even though it was Mother's Day and it was rainy out, I pushed through the 5 miles.  My legs were not as sore as I would have thought they would have been actually. ...

The Lake Monona 20K was an experience I will never forget!  It was tough, it was beautiful, I am super proud of myself for doing it.  It was one that I had never run before and, frankly, I am wondering how I never heard of it before.  It shocks me a little actually, since this was the 37th running of it!!  I am usually so on top of all the races in the area. Anyway, it was a perfect morning for this race.  I could not have asked for better weather.  I only wish I would have dressed a little differently.  I wore capris pants and a t-shirt.  About halfway through the race, I was wishing I would have worn shorts and a tank top.  Oh well, you live and learn.  We got to Monona with about 30 minutes before the start time, which was perfect because I had to use the bathroom, like I always do, and the lines were not too long yet.  When I left the potty, the line had doubled in length.  Boy was I glad I didn't have to wait!  Th...

Last Sunday, April 26, my youngest, Elijah, turned 5! I can't believe how fast the time has gone! It seems like only yesterday my little man was snuggling I my arms, so small and precious. He has turned into an inquisitive, stubborn little boy! I have been able to spend a few days alone with him this year and I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing how he has grown in his play and mannerisms. He is truly quite the character! I love him more and more each day!! As much as he can drive me crazy at times, I wouldn't change him for the world!!  Here's a few pics from the party! We totally had a blast!!  Love my crazy life! Blog on my first race of the year coming soon!!  Until then, run on my friends, and always remember:  Laura