Impromptu family fun day!

Sounds good to me!  We received an early morning phone call cancelling our daughters softball practice.  A mixture of snow and rain overnight made the field a mess.  Indoor facility was already being used by another team.  So, the little ones were cancelled!  We were kinda bumming around.  Just going to be another fun filled normal Saturday. 

Around 10:30 am, I looked at my hubby and suggested giving the kids a 1/2 hour to get ready and heading out the door.  Where you might ask?  We were not really sure.  Just not here doing the same ole' same ole'.  Of course, the kids thought we were nuts.  We also heard them talking about a thousand possibilities.  Most of which were outside and that wasn't happening on a 35 degree day. 

We were ready! 

First order of business .... sugar and lottery!  Just a disclaimer .... you will notice a good deal of "food" and sugary substances a lot in the following pictures.  It was family fun day!  The family was allowed to splurge if they wanted! 

Coke Frosters, Little Debbie brownies, and scratch off lotto tickets!  Now this is a fun time!  No winners on the tickets.......ugh! 

Next order of business .... the jumpy bungee cord thing at the Southern Park Mall.  Hadley has been wanting to go back.  This was Paynes first time. 

She had no fear ....

He was a little apprehensive ....

That's my girl!  When Momma yells to squat and push .. she knows what I mean.  Yeppers, my girl knows "Ass to the Grass".  Unfortunately, I didn't get a good picture of it. 

Yes, this is a different picture.  Remember he was apprehensive about it today.  He is a little more cautious than she is. 

Hey, a little Bonnies self serve frozen yogurt.  Wanna see our toppings?  The place will probably close because we actually like it. 

 

 

Who doesn't enjoy a little Hurricane action? 

Yep.  For sure.  Our hair is gonna look FABULOUS after this! 

She said it's just like a hair dryer.  I don't know what hair dryer she is using! 

We gotta get in on the action! 

Can you even tell the wind is blowing?! 

We bought shirts for each other.  You can guess which is mine and which is his!  There was a little other shopping done.  Some pricing checked out.  Some little girl tried on shoes.  Shoes.  And more shoes.  We moved onto our next event ...... we were a little late for roller skating.  Would of only had a 1/2 hour to skate so we moved onto our next event. 

Movies!  Chosen film ... The Croods.  Cute movie. 

Who takes a picture in the movie theater?  Hey, the previews were not even on.   

Uh oh!  They caught us! 

There will come a time when he doesn't even want to sit by me.  I gotta take what I can get now!  Yes, that is a GIANT Coke slush.  It should be giant.  Those three dang small slushes cost me $17.56.  We won't even talk movie ticket prices!   

Are you seriously taking a picture at dinner?!  At this point, the hubby mentioned that he was pretty sure they were gonna be blog subjects. 

Her new favorite place ..... TGI Fridays!  We ventured back to the skating rink.  Now we're a hour early for the evening session.  Every one decided to move on to our next scheduled event.....

Home.  Changed into jammies.  Fifth member of the Breretons is happy we are home.  Ready for our regularly scheduled Saturday family "scary" movie night. 

Have a great evening everyone! 

Union Hospital Run for Home 1/2 Marathon Recap

Here is my race recap.  This blog is a little difficult for me to write.  Why?  Well.  Honestly.  I just feel really ....... just read on. 

Remember 2013 is all about me getting honest with myself.  Running has never been my favorite thing.  And honestly, long distance races and serious weight training do not go hand in hand.  I was more than happy to say "High ho" to serious training.  Times and paces and strides and blah blah blah.  Well they kinda suck the little fun there is out of it.  There was a change of attitude.  Yep, I've registered for races in 2013 but my entire goal is to finish.  I don't care about time.  Pace per mile.  I just want to cross the line.  Feel proud.  And beat the sweeper!  LOL

Going into this race, I did not train like in the past.  I have consistently been running 4 miles.  Yes, only 4 miles.  Seriously, my longest runs since the Wineglass Marathon have been 4 miles.  I knew going in that it was gonna be tough.  My thought was that I knew in my heart of hearts that I would be good for 6 to 8 miles.  Then I would be relying on my general activity level carry me through to the end.  Hey, I like to take risks ........

Remember, I just want to beat the sweeper! 

Here are my and my hubby on race morning after picking up our packets. 
  

Ain't he sweet?! 

If you read my husbands recap you know that we had some time to kill.  We checked out the finish line in New Philadelphia's Woody Hayes Quaker Stadium.........

The finish line is just out of the picture.  Nice stadium.  Wonderful track!  Afterwards, we ventured into the health fair.  There were various stands selling all types of products.  Health facilities giving stuff away.  A Crossfit booth.  The nice gentleman and lady from this booth every so nicely told me that I didn't look like a runner.  I agreed .... even though there is no "runner" look - attend a race and you see all shapes and sizes.  They told me I looked as if I did "other stuff" more regularly and asked me if I ever thought about Crossfit.  I told them that I followed at home.  They were very happy to hear that and asked me about some numbers.  The young lady even gave me some pointers on some of my more favorite items .... double unders were one!  I thanked them for the info and we headed out to warm-up. 

As mentioned in my hubby's recap .. our goal was to stay some what together.  He runs in general faster than me but I have more stamina than him.  So, I knew it would be interesting.  We talked about the kids being there at the finish.  They were very excited to see their Dad running!  We lined up.  I prepped him.  We discussed trying to stay within about 30 yards of one another.  If that didn't work then we would just part ways and do our own thing.  Off we went!  This race starts in a long parking lot and then out onto the street.  We were almost to the end of the parking lot and I heard a loud "JEN".  Much to our surprise my parents and our kids were already there.  I waved to my Dad and quickly scanned for the kids and Grandma.  SIDE NOTE .... I have no idea why she didn't want to run this.  It felt kinda weird running without her.  I saw them.  They yelled and my son gave me a high five. 

We ventured out onto the street.  My husband was singing for everyone to hear.  The man cannot sing!  As we approached the first mile marker, no lying here, I was winded.  I knew we were "cooking".  I decided to glance at my Garmin just to see what our pace was.  It read 9:23.  WTH!?  I knew that was not a long term option for me and the little training that I had done.  I quickly waved to my hubby and fell back into my own pace.  I have too much "bulk" to try and pull that pace out of my @ss.  First several miles were great.  I did slow up at the water stations.  It was very sunny and surprisingly warm .. then again this is my first 1 pm start for a race .. it was a little odd feeling. 

Between mile 6 and seven, there is a part of the race that kinda loops around.  I knew this was my best chance to see where John was at.  As I ran just scanning those heading back at us my headphones fell from my hat.  Dangling from my Shuffle.  I fumbled with my hat.  I only wear one headphone and tuck the rest up in my hat as my Shuffle is clipped onto it.  Ever run being really sweaty trying to get a bunch of wires and a wrap around earbud to stay in a hat.  Not easy!  I walked as this process was going on.  As I started running again ... there he was.  My thought was I CAN CATCH HIM!  I estimated him to be about 1/2 mile in front of me ... didn't know where the course was going to take me ... and he was slowing.  Ended up being about 3/4 of a mile in front of me.  At this point in the race, you run through a park.  There were little league games going on.  Every have outfielders in a live game clap for you?  We all did that day!  I dropped in some energy chews .. god I am starting to detest those things! 

And I decided to take off.  I powered through the park.  Up the hills.  Then comes mile 8.  This nice 300 yard gradual hill with a kick @ss hill climb at the end.  As I approached the hill my legs were getting really really freaking heavy.  Breathing good.  Legs like cement.  The lack of mileage had fully kicked in.  I was sweating.  Dirty.  While approaching the base of the steep portion, I decided to break down to a power walk.  I bent my knees.  Swung my arms.  And by george, I passed about 10 people on that hill.  Impressive enough that the cop on top of it directing traffic commented "That was pretty amazing!"  YEP!  Top of the hill was a bout 20 yards and then a steep downhill.  I decided quickly to run the hill.  I kicked it in gear and ran down that hill .. no fighting.  Around the bend at the bottom, I ran for about 100 more yards.  The heavy legs kicked in big time.  I knew I was in trouble.  I walked to the next water station about 250 yards away.  Grabbed two drinks and walked along analyzing what my options were.  I reminded myself that my goal was to beat the sweeper.  But I knew I wanted to catch my husband.

I decided to do a run walk type thing from there on out.  Like I had any other option!  Cement legs aren't good for much.  I looked at my Garmin the next time it beeped out a mile.  It was something like a 12:23.  Depression set in.  I again reminded myself that my goal was only to beat the sweeper.  I trudged on.  I slowly would pick someone out and work to pass them.  The road got real rough.  Should have called it trail running.  Passing mile 12, I was hoping to see my hubby in the distance.  I knew in my heart that I wasn't going to catch him today.  Depression set in.  I again reminded myself that my goal was only to beat the sweeper. 

I rounded the last little bend to the park entrance .......

And some joy set in.  I was done.  Best part, I knew exactly where the finish line was!  Here are a few pics of the route you run through the park to the stadium .........  

Now imagine that path lined with finishers.  Their families and friends.  They all clapped and cheered as I passed.  I've never felt that.  In the marathons, I've run 98% of the spectators are gone by the time I've hit the finish and my family is the only one cheering.  A little boy yelled "Your doing great! Keep going."  Other finishers told me how wonderful I was doing and the finish was just ahead.  It was such a great experience. 

Except for the depression setting in as I ran through them.  I wasn't revealing in it.  I was disappointed in myself.  I was disappointed that I let myself fall that far.  I was disappointed that my goal was to beat the sweeper.  I was disappointed that there were people behind me fighting to make this finish line.  I was disappointed that there were people who had trained their @sses off to get this finishers medal.  I was disappointed that I _______________- you can fill in the blank.  I crossed that finish line with my name and hometown being announced.  I crossed that finish line not being proud of what I had done that day.  I completed that 13.1 miles.  I technically earned that finishers medal.  It is hanging with my others.  I am not proud of it. 

I finished in 2:43:26 with an average pace of 12:29.  Rank of 391 out of 447 and 29th in my age group.  For the first time in my adult life, I am ashamed of myself.  The time and average pace really are not the problem .. although they are very disappointing.  I am ashamed that I just .. well .. I don't know how to explain it.  I am ashamed and disappointed in myself because I did not put my all into this.  I feel as though I made a mockery of the 1/2 marathon experience.  I need to find a happy place between my new goals and running.  I still have this desire to "conquer" running.  I will return to the 2014 Union Hospital Run for Home 1/2 Marathon and kick its @ss! 

I am not a "beat the sweeper" type person!             

 

And that is being 100% honest with myself.  This whole honesty thing with myself is really harder than I thought.  So, now the work begins in finding what works for me!  

Just another picture of the park! 

This is my husband and his Union Hospital Run for Home saga ......

This is my husband .....  John

Yes the picture is not the most flattering!  Ever see the ones he takes of me?! 

Here is his Union Hospital Run for Home 1/2 Marathon saga.  Let me start with a little background.  He does not run.  He does not exercise.  He has 100% absolutely no desire to be "active and fit" ... he says that.  Although, he has recently started attending Zumba classes and seems to really like them.  The Union Hospital Run for Home 1/2 Marathon has been going on for a several  years and is relatively close to our home.  Within 1 hour is great!  And the cheap registration fee is fabulous! 

We had originally planned to run in it last spring.  When the subject was brought up in November/December of 2011 ... he was all gung ho.  I acted like it.  I knew he would blow every thing off.  Then week of would come and he would be feeling pressured.  So, as time passed by, I never told him that registration didn't happen.  Around the beginning of March 2012, I told him that we were never registered and why.  He was pretty darn happy about it!  I remember a little singing going on. 

Well November/December of 2012 rolled around.  The subject was brought up again.  He was all gung ho again!  I acted like it.  I knew he would blow every thing off.  Then the week of would come and he would be feeling pressured.  So, I registered.  Yes, I only registered myself.  I never told him otherwise.  We talked about it constantly.  I mentioned maybe he should throw on some shoes and go out.  Nope!  Nothing!  I'm not talking following a real training plan but maybe just exercising once or twice a week for goodness sakes. 

The beginning of March 2013 rolled around .... only 1 1/2 months from race day.  He was talking about the race and was really worried about the fact he had blew off the training and it was going to really be tough.  I told him that I knew he would and that I had not registered him for the race.  All he said was "Well, I'm going to do it.  Can I still register?"  We registered him that evening.  He said a little work would be put in.  Even if just 20 minutes here and there.  He did a total of 5 training runs in the two weeks leading up to this 1/2 marathon.  For a total of 14.25 miles ran. 

Here he is on race morning .... this picture was chosen for a reason ....

He does not listen to me.  No biggee!  We actually have a good bit of friends that run long distance races or run distance in general.  He has heard me talk about shoes!  He knows I have knee issues and quality shoes are a must!  Plus let's be serious!  I'm not a 110 lb  waif that is going to complete a 1/2 in 1 hour.  I need support.  He thinks I'm full of $hit!  I told him for months, even before he was actually registered, that we needed to get him good shoes.  Nope!  No biggee!  So, he went out the week of the race and purchased the shoes he has on in the picture.  A pair of $15.97 Starter tennis shoes from WalMart.  He also bought a new package of socks to wear.  Yep, those socks are right out of the package.  Just opened them up race morning!  For any of the seasoned, "real" runners, or even those that read Runners World out there .... for the love of God this man has done every thing wrong so far!  I was happy that the pajama pants didn't get worn.  That morning he consumed more fruit than I have ever seen him eat in 16 plus years.  Oranges and apples.  Which is really strange because .. well .. we'll just go with him and citrus don't get along. 

On our drive down he drove slower than ever.  I actually told him "It doesn't matter how slow you drive.  We will still get there before registration is over.  You are going to run today!"  There was just a loud sigh from the drivers seat.  We found a parking spot.  Ventured over the hill.  Completed registration.  The number and shirt makes it official.......

     
Walking back to the car he mentioned that someone was looking at his shoes and snickering.  It is what it is!  I got him ready to go.  Again, there was a lot of loud sighs.  I told him he would be just fine.  I had all faith in his abilities.  I knew he would be waiting at the end to cheer me across.  I got his music ready.  Nope ... he doesn't know how to 100% work his Shuffle.  We had some time to kill.  We walked the last 3/4 of a mile and to the finish line in the stadium.  This starts in Tuscora Park and ends in Woody Hayes Memorial Stadium in Dover, Ohio.  They are right beside one another.  Beautiful park!  We will be visiting! 

We stretched and ran a little.  The decision was made to try and "stick together".  Not right together as we've never run together.  But with a 30 yard radius.  And just kinda feel it out.  I like to start at the back of the pack.  I don't like the pushing and shoving that goes on.  He put in his earbuds and started singing.  Yes, he sings to his music.  Did I mention that it is out loud?  For all of those around him to hear.  He is a carpenter and floor layer for a reason.  LOL  The race started and we were off.  My parents and our kids yelled to us at the exit of the park.  And off onto the road we went.  I knew we were "cooking".  I was feeling tired.  He was singing.  And we hit the first mile marker.  My Garmin beeped and I decided to look.  9:23 for the first mile.  I bid farewell to my hubby!  I did not train for nor can I maintain a 9:23 per mile pace.  I quietly waved .. he was about 3 feet in front of me .. and fell into my pace.  He went off singing loudly!  I did say to myself "Don't worry.  I'll see you again.  I will catch you!" 

He ran non-stop for the first 5 miles.  Passing drink stations, etc.  Around mile 6, he stated that it become harder to run.  In mile 8 there is a pretty substantial hill ... gradual incline then just a flat out kick ass hill and the other side is just a downhill shot ... he said that he stopped at the drink station right before and decided to walk it.  He moved up to a gradual slow jog but had to walk down the downhill.  He said at this point that right about his knees hurt like someone was hitting him with a hammer.  From there on he got slower.  Between mile 11 and 12 you run past a hospital, he started running again because he knew if he didn't that he wouldn't get started again. 

He came across the line in 2:35:46 for a minute per mile pace of 11:54.  He was 31st in his division and ranked 371 out of 447 total.  His entire goal was to beat the sweeper truck.  As I got closer to the finish line ... he was standing there ... all he said was "THESE SHOES SUCK!"  Our son and I crossed the finish line.  After a few minutes we started talking.  He promptly asked me "Why in the world would you let me run in these shoes?"  A grown man can make his own decisions.  He told my mother and I will quote this "THIS SHIT IS FOR THE BIRDS!"  My parents and cousin, who came to watch, just laughed and laughed!  

We headed off to dinner and talked about the course and our runs in general.  Our son asked if he would do it again.  I knew and know the answer.  He joked and laughed.  I knew the bug had been caught.  We talked on the way home about getting "good shoes".  He wants to go and get some.  And last night he called my brother to tell him all about his experience.  There were a lot of things said but two stick out .... "You know my legs just don't hurt.  I really think I'm just used to this running thing!"  Seriously?!  Would anyone like to kick his a@@ for me?  One time and he is used to this running thing......UGH.  And "It really does make me think that if I was serious. Maybe did some training and had some good shoes I could do really good."  Told you the bug had been caught! 

You wanna race?! 

I really don't know what to title it ............

This is the type of picture you are supposed to view after a marathon.  Smiles.  Cheers.  Exhilaration.  Thrill.  Family.  Friends.  The culmination of time spent.  Of countless hours.  Of countless miles.  Of countless time spent chasing a dream.  Yesterday a tragic and senseless act happened at the finish line of the Boston Marathon.  They say that only 1% of people will ever "toe the line" at a marathon.  Very few of that 1% will ever qualify for the Boston Marathon. 

For those that follow my facebook page, a thank you for understanding my need to go offline yesterday afternoon.  As I sit here typing this my thoughts are with my "cheering section".  I continue to think of the countless amount of times my family has stood at finish lines waiting for that brief minute or two to see me crossing the line.  Whether it be in 5k, 10k, 13.1, or 26.2's.  Knowing the amount of patience it takes to stand and wait.  To show the love and support they have for me.   

Running is a interesting thing.  Some love it.  Some hate it.  Some love to hate it.  And some just want to conquer it.  I am the last.  I want to conquer it.  When you show up at a race the feeling of comradery is amazing.  Whether you are a 5 minute a mile person or a 13 minute a mile person.  We are all there to do the same thing.  Push our mind and body to our limit. 

I am proud to say that I am part of the running community.  I am proud to say that "I have toed the line".  And it makes me feel just as good to say "I will toe the line again."  I am proud to say that my family has stood on the side as spectators many times.  And it makes me feel just as good to say "My family will stand on the side again." 

In times like these everyone looks for a reason.  Trying to understand these types of acts.  I do not.  I live in the frame of mind that to truly understand how or why an individual/individuals could willing hurt innocent people you must be in that frame of mind.  No thank you!  We live in a world where these senseless acts happen every single solitary day.  There is no making sense of it.  As you sit here reading my words the world is no different today than it was yesterday or the day before. 

The only thing that these types of acts teach us is the importance living our lives to the fullest.  Going after our dreams.  Not holding back.  Live every single solitary day.  Push yourself beyond what you think is possible.  Go after those dreams.  Laugh at every given chance.  Life is short.  It is a one time roller coaster ride.  Spend your time doing things that you love.  Let those that you love know it.  Show them how much you love them.  Let each and everyone in your life know they have meaning.




Coming tomorrow .... my husbands 1/2 marathon experience. 
  

One kiss + One "I do" = 50 years

50 years = 18,262 days including leap days

5 Children

Patricia, John, Andrea, Denny, Lori

 

 There have been high school graduations.  There have been college graduations. 

There have been 5 weddings.

 

 

  12 Grandchildren + Grandma & Pap

(Front row - Alyson, Abigail, Hadley, Payne, Jake, Meghan)
(Back row - Emily, Stephanie, Anthony, Grandma, Nathan, Amanda, Ashely, and Pap)

 

One happy family! 

 

(Happy couple - Karen and Denny)
(Patty, John, Andrea, Denny, and Lori)

 There have been a total of 479 birthdays celebrated in this Brereton famly since Karen and Denny's wedding day.  A great grandchild has been added.  And there are way more memories, events, and things to be shared than this blog could hold! 

 

Wonder what the future has in store?

 

 

Here are a few snapshot from the evening! 

 

 

 

CLEARLY, WE ARE NOT PHOTOGRAPHERS!