Tagged to play "Crazy Eights"....ugh.

Well, T.Z. has tagged me to play "Crazy Eights," I was going to just pretend, that I did not see my name written on his list. I also could have thought he meant another person named Rachel, as my name is spelt Rachael...but alas, I will play the game. 

8 Shows I Love to Watch

1. NFL Football

2. ESPN Sports Center

3. Law and Order

4. Law and Order Criminal Intent

5. Law and Order SVU

6. Without  A Trace

7.  Cold Case

8. A & E Channel

8 Places I Love to Eat

1. My Mom's House 

2. Kimo's (Maui)

3. La Fogatta's (California)

4. Fisherman's Market (California)

5. In & Out Burger (California)

6. Cheese Cake Factory

7. P.F. Chang's

8. Pei Wei's

8 Things I Did Yesterday

1. Woke Up

2. Brushed my teeth

3. Ran

4.Went to Starbucks

5. Showered

6. Met with my boss

7. Worked

8. Worked some more....

8 Things I Look Forward To:

1. Getting to Fly Home for the Holiday

2. Seeing my family

3. Running

4. Watching Football

5. Getting my work completed

6. Getting to Fly back to Tulsa

7. December 18

8. Running some more

8 Things I Wish For

1. That my life makes a significant impact in the hearts and lives of people.

2-8. Just refer to my first wish

I now tag...

The next 8 people who actually read this blog...

It's not just about the run..

I am sure you have all heard the statement, "Behind every great man, is a woman,"(of course makes you wonder who stands behind a great woman...that is for another time, another blog.)  maybe you have even heard it said, "There is no "I" in team." Each of these are stand alone statements, we get the jest, that people don't make it on their own and a team is not about one person.

I have another line to throw out there for you to chew on, "It's not just about the run." I have had the incredible pleasure to be connected with Runner's World and those who consider themselves as part of the Runner's World Training Program.

The journey really began in January, running in the cold winter mornings, with my eyes set upon running my first 1/2 marathon. I had this infatuation with running, I liked it, I just did not seem to be as efficient with my running, while running on my own.  I suddenly found myself meeting some wonderful people, who met consistently to run. These folks came in all shapes and sizes, all ages, backgrounds, male & female, advanced runners and well, those like me that are not so advanced.

Now, I believe in setting goals, to having a vision & purpose for everything that you do, taking aim to hit your mark.  But, I further believe that one should take caution to not be so focused on the task, that you forget the journey and the people who are along the way helping one in fulfilling the journey at hand.

This actually can be a daunting self-exercise, especially when it comes to running, as running for most part is an individual endeavour. You can pass a ball to another member on the team, so to score the final point, but no one can really run for another person.

I say all this, mainly due to the fact, that I have discovered that running is not just about the run, but it's the journey you share with others. It's gathering with people that are like minded, heading toward a common result and goal of crossing the finish line, it's discovering new friends who have a passion and a love for pounding the pavement or the trail, it's knowing that your running partner will be there waiting to hit the trail, no matter how early in the morning you ask them to meet you before church.

I really want to take time to give a shout out to some folks that have been part of my running journey to date. These unsung hero's who have been so faithful this past year.

Special props to you Coach Kathy, I cannot believe that you do all you do and it's for FREE, then again how can anyone ever repay you for all you do to train runners, the emails, the pep talks, and fitting me for the right shoes. You are appreciated!

My Runner Girl Power-Runner Partner, Linda.  You know, I still am in awe of all you have accomplished, your encouragement along the trail, our long talks, and my grumbling about wanting to know when we were going to stop and eat. Time to time, I still like to ask you the question, "We are doing this because?"  Even though I know the answer to this question. It's just funny to ask, cause it still makes you laugh. You totally rock, there is no one I would want to fight crime with more, than you...can I wear my cape? RGP Activate...form of a marathon runner...whoo hoo!

There is also my "friend" Allen. You have been so faithful to call and check on how each of the runs have gone. You have encouraged me, when I needed courage, you have been a listening ear, with all my enthusiastic triumphs of the long runs and my somewhat discouraged moment of my 26.2. You made me a believer that I could actually break 30 on my 5k's and now, have me convinced that my marathons will only get better.  And no, this does not mean you can be my running coach.  Stay safe nation building....see you in December.

And then there is you, the Runner's World Runners Gang, I cannot begin to list how each of you have influenced and encouraged me as a person and a runner. Whether it's the enthusiastic, "hello's, good mornings, & whoo hoos" along the trail, the cheering on the sidelines on the training runs, the camaraderie that we share as runners. None of these things go unnoticed or unseen, they are well received and deeply appreciated.

I really encourage you to take time to consider and to ponder, that "It's not just about the run..."

I finished my first 26.2

Purposely, I have allowed the dust to settle, the sky to clear, the fanfare to calm, and the experience of finishing my first marathon to sink into my mind, before I took time to place my thoughts in writing for this blog. I will be perfectly honest, I was anticipating and expecting a much better run performance from myself, not dismissing the fact, that this was the first time to run 26.2 miles. 

I was having a wonderful day, this was what I had been waiting for, dreaming for, and training for, to run a marathon. It was at last years Route 66, by a fluke that I had convinced a friend that we could run the 1/4 marathon. No, we had never run that far before, but we knew we could run 3 miles and a 1/4 is just 3 more miles than that. It was when we finished the 1/4 marathon, that I decided that I wanted to run a marathon.

So, here I was a year later lined up with runners, gladly awaiting the official start of the Route 66 Marathon. I was thinking, this is just another long run along Riverside Drive, how many times had I been up and down Riverside Drive this past year? 

The start began and so did I, along with so many other runners and of course, my faithful Runner Girl Power friend Linda. The run actually was not too bad, fact is, I was enjoying the day, not often do you get to run down the streets with people cheering and waving, while chatting to other runners who have traveled near and far to run this race. 

Somewhere, I lost Linda & Tammy along the run. I had looked back and they were no longer running behind me. I opted to soldier on, keep my pace and run this race.  And run is what I did, if you ran the marathon, you know the route...all the way down Riverside to the Jenks bridge, around the loop and then back across the bridge to Riverside.

Things were good, running was good and I was staying at a nice even pace. As the miles clicked by, I actually was getting really excited, as I knew eventually I would get to run the hills. I have enjoyed our hill training and knew once I got to the hills, it would be all down hill, although I would be running up hill.

Just as Superman has no power over kryptonite, I discovered that I have no power over my legs having severe cramps. I could run through the cramp in my feet and calves, but not the quads and much to my dismay, I had to take walking breaks until the cramps would subside and I could run again. This was disheartening at best...

I have heard it said, that marathon running is 90% mental, so what does one do when the 10% is overriding the 90% that is still in the game and wanting to go? I guess this is when one learns the lesson, that it's not the destination, but it really is about the journey.

I finished this first marathon, was not as pretty as I wanted it to be, but I did finish. I have the shirt, the medal and the time to prove it. I am also ready to begin again, to train for another run, wherever coach Kathy charts our running course, I will be there.  

Congrats to all of you who reached your goals!! 

Special props to Linda & Tammy, great going.

Twas the night before the marathon and the runners big day,

not a runner was stirring not even Tatur Dave.

The Runners are nestled all snugged in their bed,

with visions of running the race in their heads.

The shoes and the gu are packed ready to go,

Along with throw away shirts and gloves, for it's cold.

We've been training for months for this special big day,

Including the long runs each morning on Saturday.

The race will begin soon and so will the beat

of thousands of runners, running down the street.

Runner's World Runners, there is one thing I'd like to say,

have fun on this Route 66 Race Day.

Whether you are running the 1/4, the 1/2 or the full,

as they say here in OK,  Good Luck to y'all!

I HAVE BEEN TAGGED!

Just when I thought it was safe, I got tagged, no thanks to Rock Star Ed!  Okay, so here is my photo...sixth file, sixth photo. The photo was taken in Maui 2006. I flew to Maui for $10.00, yes frequent flyer miles really do work. I flew in and met my folks who had already been in Maui for a week. Maui is one of my favorite destinations, Lahaina my favorite place in Maui, and Baby Beach, is just steps away from where we stay.



The photo was taken just off the patio area of the condo at Baby Beach where we were staying. I was sitting on the patio, enjoying the evening when the sun began to set...being that most of you are in-landers, you may not be able to comprehend how captivating it is to watch the sunset in the islands. There is just something mesmerizing & hypnotic viewing the sun slowly sinking into the horizon as if it is being swallowed by the ocean.

I grabbed my camera and just began to shoot photos, while I gradually made my way from the patio to the sands of the beach with hopes, to see the "green splash," of the sun's final setting point. Unfortunately, I did not see the splash, but did get some cool shots.

Okay...so this is a game of tag and I officially tag Susan!!

22 Skidoo!!

I have happily been waiting for our Runner's World Mock Marathon, this past Saturday, and to be real candid with you, the Mock Marathon, did not disappoint. Although I do prefer our early morning run's at 5:45 AM, it was quite nice to sleep in a little bit longer on Saturday.

I was so amazed at the number of runner's who were anxiously awaiting for Brian to finally get us started, of course there are always the last minute instructions, details, and directions. I was happy for the delay, as I had to walk back to my vehicle to grab my Garmin, which was sitting right where I had left it.

We were finally off and running, "we," being my Runner Girl Power Friend Linda and, we were happy to have Tammy and Roman run with us too. (No, we did not wear of capes, although I really like my cape.) So on we trekked down the path, mile after mile, running and chatting, running and laughing, running and sweating, and..............running

This is my first marathon experience, and for the most part, I have enjoyed every portion of the training that we have undergone. I can tell you, that I did not enjoy running on the grass path during our mock run. Don't ask me why, but I had a momentary lapse of retardation, not only once but twice. Those of you who ran the alternative route, you were the wise ones. I do not think I will ever trust Brian's assesment of what he feels is a nice grass path for running.

Fact is...I would take the hill portion of the run over running on a grass path any day of the week. The hills were not at bad as I had anticipated, I had just determined within my heart to run the hills one step at a time. The most plesent portion of the hills, was the water station, Joe did an awesome job aiding the station, it also gave us a chance to catch the Team Bean Girls.

We were the last of the Marathoners to finish, which the most important thing is, we did finish...22.28 miles, what a fun day it was.

Special props to all those that did so well and of course to my RGP Friend Linda...you Rock Runner Girl!! Special thanks to Kathy and Brian for all you do...hope to make you proud the day of the marathon.

TWENTY-SOMETHING

I was so looking forward to our long run this Saturday. I returned from California this past week, and was so excited because, I really missed seeing and running with the Runner's World crew, although I did my running in California, it just is not the same to run by myself.

For those of you who have asked where I have been, the last two weeks. We have been in the middle of moving our offices across town, if you have ever moved, you know the wonderful challenges that comes your way, with packing, unpacking, & setting up. Our new place is wonderful, fresh and new, that is the good news, that bad news is...our new location makes it seriously difficult to make the Tuesday and Thursday night runs.

Back to today's run. This morning, the weather conditions were just right, the sky was clear and the temp was perfect, it was not too warm and it was not too cool. Our route today would take us on our furthest run to date, 20 miles, that is just 6.2 miles less than our marathon goal.

Once we received our route instructions, we set out upon our running journey. My trusted and faithful running partner Linda and I were joined by Jennifer and Tami today. It was a real treat to run with Tami and Jennifer, even though Jennifer was not able to join us for the entire run.

For the most part, our run was very uneventful, we ran & ran, step by step very methodically, the miles began to click away, as the sun began to rise on what was just a beautiful morning. I so appreciate Susan & Candace as they seemed to be in the right place at the right time to give us encouraging words, smiles and of course the water, at the water station at Turkey Mountain. The only disappointment, my request for Starbucks seemed to fall upon deaf ears.

Once we made our loop and made our last stop at Runner's World, I began to realize we were so close to accomplishing our 20 mile goal. It was so wonderful to get back to our Veteran's park meeting sight and to hear the runners who finished before us(Team Bean), cheering us on, recognizing this moment of achievement, that each of us shares and binds our running hearts together.

The run today felt real good. I can be honest, the last mile in, seemed a little long...but we DID IT, 20 stinking miles! Yes, the hamstrings are a little tight and the body is a little tired, but it is well worth it.

Special props to Ed, Bobby, Tami and of course Linda, Runner Girl Power Super Friend!!

Reaching 18.

How many of you remember that day you finally reached the ripe old age of 18? I remember with great excitement, that now, I would be responsible for me, as if 18 was some magic number that catapulted me into adulthood. That reaching 18 would gain and earn me the respect of adults that were much older than I, that finally I would be able to vote, and my decision mattered.

Today along with my Runner Girl Power Friend Linda, we reached the 18 mile mark, our furthest run to date. We ran the 3, 6 mile loops, that Kathy our wonderful coach had designated as our Saturday morning run. I was wondering how this run was actually going to turn out, not for the distance, which really did not concern me, it was the challenge to leave our Garmin's at home and learning to run by how we feel and not by the pacifier that is normally wrapped around our list.

To be real honest, I was going to just blow off this challenge, but I have come to trust the training techniques of Coach Kathy. Through her being willing to freely invest into the lives of each of us as runners, I have been able to see measurable successful results, with my running, whether she has us running in the rain, wind, up hills or down hills. I can honestly say, I have enjoyed our marathon training, I have no complaints, I am having the time of my life and could not think of a better way to spend a Saturday morning than running 3, 6 mile loops which equal a total of 18 miles.

Reaching 18, what a day...I am looking forward to our next big run...hopefully, we will get to have our Gamin's back.

Special props as always Linda...Runner Girl Power Activate!!

My Super Sweet 16

Don't let the title fool you, this is not a recap to the MTV reality program of overly indulged, excessively spoiled and mollycoddled teenagers whose parents feel that turning 16 is such a milestone in their life that it warrants a lavished birthday party, that rivals that of Kings & Queens.

No, this is about my incredible personal record run of 16 miles & some change, today with my ever faithful Runner Girl Power friend Linda. Yes, we did it! She and I both trekked from Veteran's Park down the long & flat Riverside trail and back again.  

I must confess, when I first awaken this morning, I really wanted to stay in bed, which is odd for me, as I have come to really look forward to our Saturday morning runs, but this morning was one of those mornings when I thought, staying in bed and sleeping would be a much more pleasant exercise, than running in the humidity & rain.  Begrudgingly I rolled out of bed to meet the Runner's World group, my friend Linda and the course, which Coach Kathy charted for us.

As it all turned out, the run was wonderful. Linda and I met Jessie, who gave us some great insight and tips about our pending first marathon run. Jessie hope you do well on your run in St. Paul. We also got to chat with Team Bean runners at our water stops, what do you call Team Bean, when the Bean is not there?  You all did great!

All I can say, is I really loved this Super Sweet 16...now I am wondering what is 18 going to be like?

Oh What A Beautiful Morning!!

It was just so beautiful this morning, the sun was shining, the birds were singing...well not really, just a little wishful thinking on my part.

Our run this first Saturday of September was so very cool. Our scheduled read 7 miles, BUT upon our arrival to Veterans Park, Coach Kathy informed us, we were going to run 9 miles, oh the added bonus, we would be running numerous hills. I would like to make mention, that I did not detect an overwhelming sense of enthusiasm from the group of runners.  We all diligently collected our directions and hit the concrete.

May I say, I enjoyed this run, up the hills, down the hills, in the wind and through the rain, it just was fun...yes, I am serious it was just fun. I want to be real honest with you all, isn't this what I have been training for? It takes sheer dedication to stay the course of the race that is set before me, that would also include all those who have committed themselves to the Runner's World training.  And I think it is safe to say, each person has a reason for running, and each person's reason is individually and uniquely distinct to his or her life.  As for me, I am so enjoying the process, embracing the training, whether it's a good run day, bad run day, or indifferent run day.

Today, was just a great run day. I enjoyed meeting some new runners, getting to run a new route, running up to the BOK center, and laughing, cause it looks like "duct-tape," with lights,  and then I enjoyed getting to hang out afterwards with some of Tulsa finest people.

(looks like duct tape to me)

Special props to Susan, I saw you running, is it still a secret? Way to go Cheryl, you Go Girl!,  your 1/2 marathon goal is so doable and of course a special shout out to my Runner Girl Power- Friend, Linda, we so ROCK! The Power is Activated!!  By the way, Linda & Bobby, it's official I have drank the Kool-Aide, I registered today for Route 66, what in the world are we thinking?

A great day for a 14 mile run!

This past Saturday was  just a great day for a 14 mile run.  I thought it was an exciting way to head into the Labor Day weekend, by running 14 miles, although my Garmin actually registered our run closer to 14 1/2 miles, but who am I to argue with our fearless run leaders, who, ever so gently broke the news to us, that the turn around point, was a little short. 

My running friend, Linda, and I have been running & training together with Runner's World since January, where we started with an incredible group of newbies, who I now consider a great group of friends.  She and I ran the OKC 1/2 Marathon together and now we are in the midst of training for the Route 66 Marathon. Together we tackled the 14 and so miles.  This was our furthest run, to date.

Now I cannot speak for Linda, but for me, I have found myself somewhat infatuated with running, that includes the process & the training that we have purposely chosen to undertake in this vision-quest to run our first marathon.  

I mean when you sit and think about it, "Who in their right mind, looks forward to awakening early Saturday mornings, to lace up their running shoes, so to hit the trails, and run loops around Riverside?"  Especially, if you have been like me, suffering from extreme allergies the last few days.  But that isn't my question any longer, my question is, "Who in their right mind, would not want to be out running on Saturday mornings?"

It just was a great day!  Special props to Ed & Bobby, kicking out your 14 and so miles. And no, we did not toss Jennifer over the bridge...although we are still wondering what part of the trail we lost her on. Take heart though,  we did leave a trail of shot blocks along the way, so she could find her way back to Veteran's Park.  Props to Cheryl...7 miles, you go girl!    

Mud Run '08

Have you ever had one of those moments, when the thought crosses your mind, "Why did I ever decide to do this?"  I had one of those moments, when I stepped into the first mud pit at the Mud Run and my shoe suddenly was engulfed & filled with mud.  It was in this exact instance that I realized,  "I do not like getting dirty, much less muddy and I paid to do both."

Now anyone with a modicum of sense, probably would have stopped right then & there and dropped out of the Mud Run race, but not me. I had two things to keep in consideration. 1.) My teammate and running partner Linda (I had convinced her we needed to do this race & it would be fun.) & 2.) A friend of mine, who I told that I was running this race, laughed at the idea of me running in the Mud Run and went as far as to call me a "priss,"  I just had to prove him wrong.

So, I soldiered on with my Team Aloha teammate Linda, up the hills, down the slide, through the mud, over the bales of hay, up the ladder & down the slide, into the mud.  To think, this was only the first lap.  I had a major revelation during this first lap. 1.) I will never talk my running partner or anyone else into another "fun" mud run. & 2.) I admit to each and every person reading this blog, my friend is correct. 

Somehow without my knowledge, I have become somewhat of a "priss."  This coming from a woman who has been on several missions trips, played sports, likes fishing, hiking, riding quads, has had horses, helped with branding cattle, likes the rodeo, football, enjoys camping (well, in an RV)...the reality is my list is longer than I could really say.  

When it came to this Mud Run, there was something about willingly running, crawling and falling into the mud, which had me desiring two things, a warm shower and fresh clothes.  I did reluctantly continued on running the required 2 laps, trying to remember in the midst of the muck, that I was having fun, at least that is what I kept trying to remind myself, as my mud filled shoes felt as if they weighed at least 10 pounds each.

Team Aloha did not break any course records nor did we win any special prizes, but we did get really muddy and if I have to admit it, we had a little bit of fun. 

 (Special thank you to Linda's husband Joe for taking photos.)

The Hills are Alive...

"The hills are alive, with the sound of runners

They're running the hills, before the sunrise.

Not happy are they, those Runner's World Runners

If I were Tatur Dave, I think I would hide..."

Ah yes, it was another early Saturday morning as we gathered at Veteran's Park once again for our Saturday morning run.  What an incredible experience it was.  When I first read our schedule and saw we only had 6 miles to run, I thought, no problem, we had just run 6 miles Thursday evening, so Saturday should be a breeze.

Now growing up as a child, my dad used to tell me how he would have to walk in the snow,  up hill....both ways.  There was no snow this Saturday, but our route to the "Oldest House in Tulsa," was up hill, in the humid morning...BOTH WAYS.

It would not have been so bad, but much to my surprise, when we actually got to this house. There wasn't even anybody living in this house.  No one to offer us breakfast, a cup of water or even the use of their bathroom AND we still had more miles to run.

Actually, I think I may have been one of the few people, who actually did not want to cause bodily harm to Tatur Dave, our route designer for the day. I am not saying that running the hills was an easy task, but it was a good challenge and we made it.  6 miles up hill both ways!!

Had To Join Too

I just could not stand it any longer.  I am not one to be a conformist to what  "everyone" else is doing.  You know, grew up with the old adage, "If all your friends jumped off a cliff, would you too?" Course my answer was usually, "Are my friends jumping off the cliff into a body of water or just falling to their death?" 

Anyway, after reading the blogs of several friends, seeing their artistic creativity and incredible wirting skills, I have opted to take the plunge into the vast sea of creating a blog space. I don't by any means, consider myself within the same league as those who have masterfully been honing their communicates skills through their written words and ideas.  I just had to join, so I too can be a voice, within the blog community.

So, there it is, I have taking my first giant leap!