Time ran 3:44

We are done!!!! 3 hours and 44 minutes!!!! that is 18 minutes faster than our best time. I'm happy to be done and have a glass or two of wine to celebrate!! Thanks to everyone who supported me.

Away we Go! Ciao

Tomorrow we Leave!

Well it has arrived, tomorrow, early morning we leave for the airport! Now I have to quit worrying that I've forgotten something or that we won't have enough money. I'll just have to go and enjoy it. Of course it snowed last night, we've been in the plus temperatures for a while now with no snow....Saskatchewan weather!!!! We may leave tonight and stay over in a hotel if the weather doesn't smarten up, we'll play that by ear. Even with the snow I'm excited, we haven't walked in about a week but I'm not to worried, we'll get out in Italy for short walk abouts before the race. Would like to do a short walk tonight, where ever we end up.
Keep going over in my head how we ended up here and can't believe it still. The Jingle Run is where it started, a 5km walk for Arthritis. Mix in a group of super friends and family and here we are today! I keep saying it but I really mean it, Thank You to everyone. This really is the most awesome thing, I get to help others and get exercise and a vacation! Can't beat that!
My next blog will be from Italy so for now ciao!

The Morning after the night before!

Well Cinco de Mayo is done! and a good time was had by all. Just for the record the women kicked butt over the men in all the games, well except the pinata, way to go Meg! lol We have totally relaxed our walking schedule but will get out today for sure! Wednesday we leave, that's 2 days (not counting today or the day we leave). WOW now it's really here! I'm on vacation and Ernie has two more days to work which will be good it will keep me grounded, but I need to run around and just do those last minute things. I will try to blog from Italy and England and maybe get a picture or two up.
See you!

In one week!!!!!

In one week:
we will be in the Regina airport waiting for our flight
we will be beginning a new adventure
we will be closer to seeing our friends
we will be mentally preparing for the 21.5km in Italy
we will be a bit nervous
we will be very excited
we will be thinking "did we forget anything"
we will be reminded of what Sue said "you can get everything here so stop worrying"
we will give each other a kiss and hug and remember everyone that helped us get here!

Thanks!

21.5 was easier this time

It really was! Not sure if its cause I know it's the last one before the actual race or I was better prepared but I felt good right though the walk! and we shaved 7 minutes off from last week!
Well it's 8 days until we leave, Ryans home and I can do the walk, I guess I've run out of things to worry about.
The kids had friends over waiting for us to return from the 21.5 on Saturday, they had fruit, cheese and crackers and they and some friends made signs "way to go" etc they even had a banner to run through at the edge of the drive way!!! What awesome kids we raised!!! I think I even impressed Ernie with my speed this time, we were trying for under 4 hours but didn't quite make it, we did it in 4 hours and 2 minutes. I hope the rush of being there will help out our time so we can do it in under 4! Aside from that there isn't much else new, I think we will take the laptop with us to update everyone and to talk to the grandkids!!! That's a long time without seeing them! I will try to get some pictures up on FaceBook and a few here also but we'll see what time allows, I don't want to spend all my time on the computer while we're in Italy and England!

10 days to go and 21.5 today to walk

Hi, well I'm just up and getting ready to walk my last long walk before the actual long walk in Italy. I'm excited to see the last of the mandatory long walks, I like to think Iwill continue walking but I know it won't be 21.5 on Sundays! I know I will walk but I'd like to do it for fun for a while not because I have to. Actually this summer I look forward to roller blading, tennis, slow pitch and golf along with walking!!! But first I have to do my long walk today.....once that is done I think I will have a new perspective on walking! The worst part is I kinda of like the long walk, 4 hours of uninterupted time with Ernie and my music.
Now on to 10 days!!!! It's coming so fast and so slow, part of me just wants to be on the plane already and the other part is enjoying the build up excitement! I'm sure it will get here soon enough, and unfortunately go by to fast, but once I'm there I'm going to live in the moment! See you soon other racers, Dave and Sue!!!

2 weeks to GO!!!

Easter is done and I have eaten enough turkey to hold me for awhile. We have our last big walk this weekend, we will again do the full half marathon, that just feels really good and kind of scary. For the last 3 months our lives have had to revolve around training and after this weekend it is only short walks, with the longest being 8km. This week and next week are the same, 6, 4, 8, 6 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. I am starting to pack and starting to get a bit nervous, not so much about the walk, I know we can do it, but we've never been to Europe and I am really excited to go but also a bit nervous. I do most of the planning, I'm sure that shocks a lot of you out there that know us, so I want it all to go right, not perfect, just right. I want to have enough cloths, enough money, did I pack everything I need....god I could go on for hours. Ernie is trying to get me to relax as will Megan the minute she gets wind of my rising nerves. Apparently I do this everytime we go somewhere new, but once I've been somewhere I'm alright, what can I say it's my thing! But it also drives everyone crazy! Which is again "my thing". So it's all good. lol. I am trying to relax by booking foot rubs, very relaxing to me, going for reflexology, my usual wine doesn't go so well with walking so I've had to learn new techniques. I will relax, I hope, soon enough.....since we leave IN TWO WEEKS!!!!

18km today and Happy Easter!

Hi everyone! Today Ernie and I will do 18km so that we can have tomorrow off to go celebrate Easter with his family. So far I'm proud to say we have never missed a long walk, we have missed the odd short walk but NEVER a long one! The long walks are the ones that put hair on your chest, or if it doesn't kill you it makes you stronger, no pain no gain, we don't quit until the fat ladies sings and I ain't... singing! (Sue you thought I was going to say "bothered" didn't you lol) I may not have lost much weight doing all this training but I have gained endurance! Once we are done this marathon, we will take 2 weeks off and just walk with the grandkids, then we are back at it for a family half marathon. So if I keep this up maybe some of the weight will find itself a new home. This summer we are playing slow pitch with the kids and hope to start up a tennis night along with walking, roller blading, swimming and of course golf. Should keep us out of trouble! And we are hoping to see our friends from across the pond come over for a visit or maybe just move here and be done with it. There are jobs here in Saskatchewan you know, lots!!

20 days and counting

We did our walk yesterday with Ayla, Easton and Megan, a bit slower but much more enjoyable! Ayla was listening to music and dancing and Easton was throwing anything and everything out of the wagon, which had Megan jumping to pick everything back up! Too Funny! Today is 4km we will likely do 5km just because the route is nice and we know it. As I said it is 20 days, so tonight we are doing Italian night and having spaghetti and going over plans, Ernie's idea....really it was! Then after supper we will do our walk. Our long walk will be Saturday this week, or Friday as we are both off, but Sunday we have to go to Melville for Easter Sunday with Ernie's family. Should be fun! Ernie's family, as well as mine have been wonderful with helping with fund raising and coming to the events, I can't thank them enough. Our friends have been helpful also, you can't imagine how easy it was with such support from everyone. Thank you a million times!

Ready or Not Here We Come!

OK I did some shopping and that is the biggest under statement I've ever made! I have a WHOLE NEW WARDROBE! I have a dressy dress and a casual dress, I have 1 short, 2 skorts, 4 capris, about 6 shirts (some for dressier some casual) and a jacket for the casual dress. Oh and new shoes! I'm ready for Italy and England and Pimms!! Margo and Karen out did themselves this weekend, I've never tried on so many cloths in my life! But thanks to them I have cloths that look good and match with at least 2 or 3 of the other things I bought. I highly recommend them as fashion consultants! Thanks Ladies!!!
This week we have 6, 4, 8, 6 and on Sunday 18km!!! I also stopped at the Running Room and got some supplies, I have energy drinks, bars, gels and powders. The longer walks throw you off because of the sheer length so you need to replenish certain things in your body, or you feel sick and you really do, I swore I was getting the flu on the last walk at the very end. So now we will walk prepared!

25 days!!!

Now the count down really begins!!! 25 day (not counting today of course)!
Today we will do the 18km since we are busy on Sunday! Honestly its nice to get it out of the way. I'm off to Regina this weekend with Margo and Karen to do a little shopping for Italy/England. Apparently they don't wear shorts unless they are at the beach in Italy, well there goes my whole summer wardrobe! So I'll be looking for sundresses, skirts and peddle pushers. Then since I'm going to try to wear something a bit dressier I'll need new comfortable shoes that go with skirts etc. If I don't find what I like it will still be shorts but I will try to conform to a different dress code! That being said I'll try to get back here on Monday for an update. Oh ya, I did all my walks this week!!!!

30 Days to go

OK it really is 30 days to go!!!! OMG Ernie and I have committed to "no excuses" we walk everyone of the training sets! This has been a busy month and the more we missed the easier it got to miss. No we didn't miss a lot but even a few misses affects me mentally. So from now until we leave we walk! Really it's only 30 days, OMG it's 30 days SUE ARE YOU SEEING THIS!!! See you soon!!!!
I went skiing yesterday, enjoyed it so much I bought a pass for next year. Now I have to look at new equipment, my old equipment is great for the odd day here and there but not for regular use. Andy bought a pass also, I guess this means he's back next year. Now if I can just get Ernie to try once more with a lesson I think he'd love it!!! That will be my mission!!!
We do our first 18km this Sunday (I think we'll have to do it Friday since I'm with the girls in Regina this weekend) and repeat it next Sunday, then the next is a full half and the last Sunday before we leave is only 6km!!! During the week 5, 6, 8, 6. Not a bad week. We will really focus on the walks and be sure not to miss them as I said it's a mental thing for me. I need to know I've done what I'm suppose to have done. 30 days 30 days 30 days and that's counting today!!!

Ernie's Birthday Today

Well I will be walking alone today since it's Ernie's birthday and he has decided to relive his youth and go play a couple of games of hockey with some old friends. So Meg, I and the kids will celebrate without him with movies and a cake. I will be doing the treadmill today I'll shoot for 10km to make up for my lack of walking this week then tomorrow I'll do another 10km with Ernie and on Sunday instead of the 12km (I've never missed a long Sunday walk so I deserve this) I'm going skiing, down hill!!! Then Ernie and I have promises each other that there will be no more bad weeks! We will do our walk come He##% or high water! The next two Sundays are 18km then we do a full half marathon and the Sunday before we leave we only have 6km yaaa I can't wait. Count down today is 32 days!!!

Wow Sundays are the best and the most tiring!

As I've said in the past, Sunday is the long walk. Today was no different, we did 16km in the Saskatchewan wind! It was actually moving me around and I'm no light weight! We did the entire walk facing the wind head on, there aren't enough curves in the road to make a difference, so the entire way the wind was in our face and so hard that we were leaning forward just to walk. Ahhh good times, not! I tell Ernie that if I complain about the heat in Italy just remind me about the wind and cold here! We are down to 37 days until we leave!!! I love a count down. This weeks walking will include 5, 6.5, 7 and 6 then only 12 on Sunday, nice eh? That will seem like nothing. Next two Sundays are 18 then we have 20! But instead of 20 we'll do 22 just to have it under our belts, (that is the number we have to do for the half marathon and it is exactly 11km to a turn off from our house so there and back will be 22km). Then Sunday before we leave is only 6km yaa. This week we have Andy's (exchange student living with us) birthday on Monday and Ayla's birthday party, then Ernie's birthday on Friday then on Saturday wings with Kathy and Dan. Should be a nice week.

41 Days to Go!

So we are getting down to it now! And what do I do.....take a day off and eat CAKE, I like CAKE!!! I needed it, just a down day with the grandkids! and CAKE! They loved it and so did I. Back to reality now, we have been doing well with only the odd slip up, yesterday, but I really believe I need those days. This Friday Ayla turns 3 thank goodness it's a day off as we will be celebrating and then Saturday we have the kids all day (Meg has a hockey tourny) so we will be taking them on our walk with us, they love it! Sunday is 16km again which is nice I turn on my Ipod and just walk, I'll have to get Ernie a radio so he can listen to whatever sports is on at the time. Those Ipods are a life saver, everytime I think I might be feeling tired, a good song comes on and off I go again! Pink's song "So What" has a great beat for walking!

Doing our 16km today.....

Ernie is playing in a Mosaic Hockey Tourny this weekend so we will do our 16km today, I am restricting Ernie to 8km as I don't think his team would be to thrilled with me if he is exhausted! We will then take the weekend off and I'll watch and he'll play hockey. Then we'll start again with Monday doing 5,5,5,7,5 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Sat) then it's 16km again on Sunday which we'll both do. I started work early today so I'd be done before 2, it's -5 right now and should be a bit warmer by the time we walk. I have my music loaded and I'm ready to go!!! We are at 46 days until we leave, I'm feeling good about the walk and will feel even better after todays walk. In my mind once I do 16km its only 5km further, no matter how tired I am I can do 5. We did 14km last Sunday and felt fine so I just want to get 16 done and over with then I will relax. Not with training but I won't be freaking out "can I do it" I'll know I can, which is why I just want this walk done and to be able to say I did 16km and I feel good, not great, just good after it! Then I'm a happy women!

50 days tomorrow

Did our 14km yesterday and am a bit sore, but I think that has to do with all the curling and then a long walk more so than just the long walk. Curling is hard on the knees with the sliding and sweeping, but its to much fun to not curl! This week now is 4, 5, 6 and 5 on Tue, Wed, Thur and Sat. Then the jump on Sunday will be to 16!!! As I said in the title it is only 50 days until we leave!!! I'm getting very excited to go and do the walk/run and to tour Italy/England and especially to see our friends!
I have offically given up on dieting, every week I would gain, not lose. So last week I didn't diet, didn't do anything except try to think about eating a bit healthier and lost .5 pound! That's more than I've lost dieting in the last month! So I'm quitting dieting and just going to try to be sensible in a world filled with fast and fattening food!

Curling this week

I have been curling every night this week so walking has taken a back seat! Well until Sunday then it's 14km!!! But by then curling is done with, so I will be able to get back on track, although curling is really good exercise. Imagine yourself walking on ice and sweeping for 2.5 hours each night! I have muscles that hurt that I didn't know exsisted! Tomorrow night is the banquet then Saturday we curl in the B side at 3:00 if we lose we are out, if we win we play at 8:00 then it's done! It has been a fun week!

57 Days to go!

Did the 12km yesterday and I'm not as sore as I thought I'd be, maybe the jello is working. Today is a day of rest which means curling for me, actually it is the start of our bonspiel. So I will be curling more than one game this week but then we are done curling for the season. Which explains the jello, my legs are in good shape and don't often get to sore, but my upper body has lacked some exercise, well aside from curling which leaves me stiff and sore in the shoulders! So I was told years ago to eat Jello for a couple of days before and it will relieve some of the sorness. So maybe its working on the long walks also! I hope it works for the bonspiel! Megan did the 12km with me yesterday as Ernie had a bowling tourny, then he came home and did his on the treadmill. I think he will miss the treadmill once it is gone. This week is suppose to be nice weather after today, we're talking -2, 1 I can't wait it is so nice to walk outside but not in the cold, we darn near froze yesterday! We have lots of birthdays this month, started with Sue next is Jenn then the boys (twins), then Ayla then Bernie then Andy and finally Ernie! I have a feeling I'm going to have to bake a cake at some point!

Starting to feel better after the walk/run

OK ready for weird, I actually feel better after the walk/run, I am stiff and sore before, then I get going and wham! It feels good, the first mile is still tough but then I get the joints loosening up and I can go it seems for long periods. Although today was just a 5km. On Saturday we are doing our 12km (Sunday Ernie is in a bowling tourny so will switch up the days) and Meg is going to drive us out 12km and drop us off. I love this way, no where to stop, no thinking, just walk till you get home. OH and look at the view. We do have some pretty views here, but we are always driving and going to fast to really notice. Then we'll have a nap and then we have Karen and Lawrence coming for supper and cards with Margo and Don. I can't wait! Also on Sunday I have to make a call to a good friend, right Sue! Ernie has gotten more serious since I signed him up to walk/run with me in the half marathon, which in the long run is good for both of us, health wise. Tomorrow is 61 days until we leave, my gosh is it coming quickly. This coming week we start Sunday (Saturday for us) with 12km then 4, 4, 6 and 4 (Tue, Wed, Thur and Sat) during the week is nice but its Sunday that I really look forward to! Next week's weather is looking great, -8 on Tuesday and then around 0 for the remainder. Good walking to everyone!

64 days until we leave!

Yesterday I almost wussed out! But on our way home from Saskatoon, 10km out of Esterhazy I stopped the van and told Ernie I'd meet him at home and I walked!! I'm always very tired after a trip so this is dedication! Today is a day of rest and curling for me. This week we walk, the 10 already under my belt, then 4, 3, 5, 4 and on Sunday....12! Sunday is the only long day but do my feet feel it after! Ernie has been doing really well, but I knew he would, he has a quiet determination. I have no doubt that he did the 10km last night before he went to bed. Margo and Don have room for their treadmill now so we are losing it, but I think they had room all along but were leaving it here for the coldest winter days and for that I thank them, it has been a god send! But there is nothing like walking outside. even in the cold, the ice and wind not so much! We are starting to get excited with the count down now in full effect but I have to remember that with the days numbers going down the number of km goes up. Nothing good is free!
This Sunday is faithful reader, Sue's birthday! I will be thinking of you while I walking 12km!

70 days until we leave!

Well now it gets going! 10km on Sun and next Sunday and 3, 4 and 5 during the week. They say this is a system to build up muscle for the run, but it is making my feet hurt and yes I have good shoes! I will have to tough it out since there is no going back! I had an hour foot rub, from Ernie, but done by Megan! Wow that girl missed her calling, she could charge lots of money for her foot rubs! I will walk at lunch today as we are going to Melville for the guys to go to a hockey game and the women to visit Karen! So supper out tonight, will have steak and salad! Can't wait to hear how Karen's trip was, Margo and Don are not recommending their location as a place to go so maybe Karen's trip was better.
Just made arrangements to walk today with Megan so that is done, it's good to have so many people eager to walk, I never have to walk alone! Ernie will have to make it up later since we leave right after work today.

Training is.....

I don't want you to think its all bad and hard cause let me tell you on those days when the kms are low it's great and on the days when the kms are high its great when its done! You have this feeling of accomplishment. Its the actual walking of it that tends to be a bit on the hard side. We are going to Saskatoon next weekend to pick up a few things for our England friends and to visit and while there I have my old wogging buddy back and she has agreed to go with me!!!! I'm excited, its 10km on Sunday and I am hoping we will go around the river, it is such a beautiful site! We will get up early on Sunday and go walking then do brunch with everyone and then go home! Can't think of a better way to spend a weekend in Saskatchewan!

Snow but nice here!

Well sorry to report Sue but we have had a little snow but they are calling of a temp of 0 today, the only bad thing is that tonight there is a weather watch as it has been so nice they are worried about freezing rain which makes for BAD driving conditions.
We are getting ready to go do the 9km, we will likely just do 10km since we know that route and next Sunday is 10km anyway so might as well get ready! Going to do some research regarding taking Dakota with me as someone told me 10km will be too hard on his joints, but now someone else told it isn't. So I will look it up myself, if anyone else wants to weigh in his is a medium to small overweight dog with short legs. He loves to come with us when we walk! Will go now so I can get ready and beat the freezing rain, not much good to walk on either!

Snow in England .....

Sue just sent me photos of the amount of snow they have right now! Too much! I need to believe that somewhere there is no snow! It does snow in England but it usually melts right away! Not this time, they are covered in snow. Sue darling, can you have that cleared away before I get there??? Please!

Now on to other news, I have just signed Ernie up to run the half marathon with me! He is doing all the same training as me, why not!!! I think he is excited but he won't admit it. He has mentioned something about air tanks at the end???? I have told him he can run ahead and get his best time so he isn't stuck running slow with me, also I'll have him at the finish to take my photo! I'm pretty smart eh?? I will take his photo after we both finish! I'm even more excited now!

Week of Feb 2

I hope that darn Ground Hog did what ever he needed to do to shorten winter! Even a winter lover like me has their limits!
I am doing yesterdays long run today as I missed it, long trip home, had the kids, lazy day needed .....I have a million excuses! But I will do it today! No Excuse there! I will write more in a day or two.

Week of Jan 25

Well I did my 7km yesterday and it didn't take as long as I thought it would! On a treadmill you aren't worried about slipping or falling. This week I will have an increase during the week and then Sunday goes to 9km, so I'm really hoping it's nice outside because although I really appreciate having the treadmill here for the -30 and up days I do prefer to walk/jog outside! I told Ernie that he could drop Dakota and I off 9km out then drive home and then walk out to meet us. He thinks we should just walk to the brown house and back (5km each way) either way I'm glad he's talking about doing it with me. Monday is always a day of rest, as is Friday which works for me this week since I have meetings in Regina and have to leave today, but I'll be home tomorrow so can walk then. Not much else is new, starting to feel the muscles I'm using a bit more, oh Meg had a hockey game last night and her team won!!!

Thanks to so Many People

As it gets closer to the date of the run, and I use the word run lightly, I am thinking about everyone that has helped and is still helping. Without each and everyone of you I wouldn't have been able to do this. All my Saskatoon friends for their training hours and the friends/family that put in the hours setting up events to raise money. All my friends and family here that have done training with me or helped with events. All the believing in me! Everyone that made a donation. I thank everyone of you, I will be quick to support any of you in anything you undertake! I know it seemed crazy that I wanted to do a half marathon, but you still supported me! Just so you know I am right up to date with my actual training (we are each assigned a personal trainer who prepares us for the run) and haven't missed a km! Anytime I feel like it hurts too much, all I have to do is remember and you all keep me going! Thanks and God Bless you all!

week of Jan 19

Training is going well, I haven't missed a day yet! We did 7km yesterday, I get today off then back at it tomorrow. We celebrated mom's 70th birthday on Saturday, the whole family got together, minus Ryan and Trevor and family. It was very nice, mom was pleased with the dinner!
Between Ernie, Megan and Margo I have always had a partner and it does make it easier. But I realize I will have to do the run myself! Right now with training we are doing 4km X 2, 3km X 2 and 7km each week two days get a bit longer so that we build up stamina. According to the training schedule I start doing 16km on Mar 15 and every Sunday is a longer run, Mar 22 is 16km, Mar 29 is 12km, Apr 5 is 18, Apri 12 is 18km the on Apr 19 (my dad's birthday) is a 20km then the Sunday before the run is only a 6km. We also do 4 other scheduled days per week but they are smaller runs. Our trainer just got back from another Arthritis Run and said everyone finished but you could tell who did do the training....I don't want to be one of those people that look like they didn't do the training. I want to be able to give it my best shot and run as much as possible.
I have given the dates of the longer runs so that Lori E and Lori Mc Q can come down to do one of the longer runs with me, I am even looking into the walking paths for distance so we don't have to do so much running on the road Lori E. Come early since April 25 is the Cinco de Mayo party here! And the send off for Ernie and I! and I really want you to be here for that! It would be nice to have Sue here also, but I know I will see her soon enough. See ya for now! Gotta run lol!

Week of January 12, 2009

Well week one is done and even with the flu I did all the training, a bit slower but all is done! Everyone has been so supportive, Megan has matched me kilometre for kilometre and Margo has been out with me, even Ernie has jumped on the treadmill and come outside walking with me. No one has any interest in seeing me fail! This is the best feeling ever!

the week of Jan 5, 2009

Well this is the week the "actual" training starts, with a trainer! Of course since I moved my trainer will be online, but let me tell you he is already cracking the whip. He has emailed about 5 times already just to get me ready. I really hope it warms up a bit it is -35 right now. I have a treadmill, borrowed to us by friends, but it would be nice to get outside and train in the fresh air, but not the frozen air!