Congratulations 2013 Club Members!

Congratulations to YOU 

who logged your miles this year!  

Congratulations to YOU 

who reached your mileage goals this year!

Congratulations to YOU 

for a GREAT 2013!

If you would like to purchase a 1200 mile club shirt this year, please send me a message including:

 • your t-shirt size 

• your final mileage # for the year (No decimals please) 

(as it will be printed on the back of your t-shirt.)

• $20

• any questions you may have.

Good Luck in 2014

if you are interested in being part of the club in 2014

Just leave me a message and I will put you on the roster!

I leave you with the words to my favorite Irish Blessing.

May the road rise up to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sunshine warm upon your face, 

and the rain fall soft upon your fields 

until we meet again, my friend, 

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

A few highlights and a few miles.....

So, I had a great memorable summer collecting miles!  Here are a few highlights:

My first "only" marathon.  The M.A.D. Marathon in Idaho Falls.

Hiking with my kids

Bertha Lake in Waterton with Mary, Kate, (missing in picture Clara and DaLila)

Hiking with the Appleton women and Aunt Laura to Sperry Chalet

All 15 of us at the Sperry Chalet in Glacier National Park

Hiking with my mom in Banff

3 days of amazing hiking with my mom and Aunt Laura.

Back to Panama City to watch the last hour of Ironman Florida!

The last hour was heart-wrenching, amazing, beautiful, inspiring. . . 

Signing up for Ironman Florida 2014 - I now have goals for 2014!  So excited!!!

Yup - I am really doing it again. . . . Ironman Florida 2014!

So - I saw this sign this summer at Sperry Chalet, and I think it pertains to all of life - something that if we remember these wise words, we will enjoy the moments along the way.....along the miles.....

My theme for 2014!

M O R E !

Summer has arrived here in Cardston Alberta Canada

and I am so happy!

Why you ask?  

More hours of sunshine and warmth to enjoying the great outdoors!  

More time for running, biking, swimming and hiking!  

More soaking up that long lost Vitamin D!

More triathlons to do!

More family fun runs!

More pretty flowers to look at!

More Cardston Kids Marathon swag!

Here are a few pictures of the MORE in our life these days. . . . 

Our first Triathlon of the season - The Vulcan Tinman Sprint  = F  U  N  !  !  !  !
June 1, 2013 was a perfect day with Carol and, Liz!

Ladiesfest 2013 - Mother/Daughter Team Extra-ordinaire!
Mother LaVern, Daughter Patricia, Daughter Amy,
Grand-daughters: Liz, Emma, Anna, Clara, Mady, Mary

Run Like a Mother Group at Ladiesfest 2013 - everyone ran their own great race!
Congratulations Liz, Patricia, Jen, and Karen!

With only 8 days to go before the Cardston Kids Marathon,
here is a sneak peak at some of the swag in my living room
that has become ALL things Cardston Kids Marathon!
My van looks about the same   - - - -
We are getting SO EXCITED!

Run for Boston

My question on the log page has been

"Do you have an event (race, hike, or something else) 

that you are most excited about this year?" 

These are the answers you gave!  I

 am so excited for each of you as you 

work towards and reach your goals this year.  

Melissa's Half!!!!!!

My first marathon in kelowna this October!

Downhill Skiing 

Sperry Chalet Hike

Vulcan Tinman
W2G Relay

The Run For Boston link

....you can put your miles towards all those affected by this horrible event... 

They are all in our thoughts and prayers, and like true runners 

we keep going even when it hurts!!!

I would like to also encourage you to go to the above link and input your miles.  I noticed that some people put how much they ran that day, but some put in bulk amounts - like for the month, or for a group of people.  You can see the progress here.  There is also a facebook page if you are on there and want to follow it. It is called Run for Boston.

The Boston Marathon Bombings were a horrible event, and I have been amazed and tearful as I read the positive stories of helpers, and kind acts surrounding this event.  Not surprised, as I know that marathoners and people that attend those events have such enthusiasm for life and the triumph and goodness of the human spirit.

I still hope someday to qualify to run in the Boston Marathon, but I don't know if I want my family to come and watch, but . . . . I either have to get ALOT older or ALOT faster to qualify for that race.  It won't be happening anytime soon I am sure.  Until then, I will keep logging my miles!  Happy May - The sun is shining today!

Hey Ladies - are you training?

A neighbour kid asked me today when I was running. . . "are you training?"  I enthusiastically answered "I'm always training!"  I am pretty sure she was confused, because she knows I am not doing Ironman this year. . . but it is true.  I think we need to always be training for something - just meaning that we are focused, we have a goal, and we are getting stronger. . . . 

Ok, so I saw this medal the other day . . . . 

and my first thought was . . . oooooh shiney!  This is the 10 mile finishers medal for the 3W Races Westminster Women's Classic! Its an extra $12 for the medal option but........... I mean this medal is pretty, blingy and shiny!!!!!! So Shiny!  I also thought to myself - man the Cardston Kids Marathon is a GREAT DEAL!

I then proceded to check out the website and realized that it was a virtual race. . . . what is a virtual race you ask?

How it works is -  you sign up, they ship you all the stuff, and you do it whenever you want to! They would like it completed at the latest by 48hrs after their race date, but you can do it any day, anytime, anywhere, run, jog, walk or wog, with a friend, in a group, or by yourself. . . 

So this got me thinking again. . .  is anyone interested in doing this with me? I am thinking of doing it in May - probably close to Mother's Day - you know - run like a mother on Saturday May 11! Oh ya!  We don't have to start at 7. . . . or you can!  I haven't worked out those details yet....

Check out the link. . . . think about it. . . . send me a message if you would like to join me for this mothers day 2013 - run like a mother run!
https://runsignup.com/Race/CO/YourTown/WestminsterWomensClassicVIRTUAL

I checked out how much the race would cost . . . and I was fairly pleased.  $19.95 + 1.25 basic fee.  If we organize a group, we can get a group price. . . (I think it is $2 off each participant, if we get 5 or more in each category)  nice.  Here is the t- shirt - cute!

So I think this is the plan . . . We will register by April 11 (anyone who want to do it with me), or register anytime on your own, for either the 5k, 10k or 10 miler.  Giving us a month to receive our stuff. So here are the options.

5K - $21.20 = gets you the above t-shirt, a race bib, entry for prizes when you submit your completed 5k race time online.

10K - $21.20 = gets you the above t-shirt, a race bib, entry for prizes when you submit your completed 10k race time online

10 Miler - $21.20 (optional $12 for the shiney medal, making the optional total $33.20) = gets you the above t-shirt, a race bib, entry for prizes when you submit your completed 10 Miler race time online.

• 
  

My first official run of the year!

Moonlight Run 2013 - another great night.  It was fun to have Brad and Amy and their kids running with us this year!  Elizabeth and Grandpa (who is not in the picture) also ran as ghost runners.  Fun Fun!

The kids did SO great!  I am so proud of them!  Joel didn't let me beat him on the hill.  I started to catch him - and OFF he went - didn't see him again until he was eating pizza!  What a fun family night!

I ran the 10K with 2 ladies from my 'run like a mother' group - It was a great night!  Definitely a challenge to run as a group amongst 2500 people - but so glad we did it!

My goal now is to keep this level of fitness and build upon it - hopefully just one more month of unpredictable weather - and then spring will be here!!

Can hardly wait!

So in our club this year (those of you who have posted miles) - we have
1 Rat
1 Sheep
1 Dog
1 Tiger
1 Snake
1 Horse
1 Ox
I don't know if that means anything. . . . but I do expect that everyone has something in their animal that will help them reach their goals this year!

2013 - Year of the Snake

2013 is the year of the Snake.  

When you log your miles this month, I have asked what year you were born in - here is a quick reference....

Here is a little about yourself, if you are curious about that stuff. . . . .

Does yours describe you accurately, a little, not at all?

Finisher Shirt 2012

1200 Mile Club Finisher Shirts are ready to print!

Click on photo to see it larger


Costs for shirts from Pro Shop here in Cardston.

White t-shirt $10.00
Women's Cut White t-shirt $13.00
Long Sleeve White T-shirt $14.00

If you want to bring in your own Shirt they will print on it front and back for $6.00

If you want to order a tech shirt from Pro Shop, it will be the cost of the shirt plus $6.00 for printing

for the 10 finishers - I have sent the logos to the ProShop.  
You can pay them and they will print for YOU!  
Enjoy your shirt and your accomplishment from 2012.

Wear it with pride and get logging your miles for 2013!

two thousand thirteen = two zero one three = 2013

2013

two thousand thirteen

two zero one three

However you want to see it - - - it is here!  Funny thing is it is actually Chinese New Year - so if you want to think about it that way - I'm not even behind!

We have had some new ideas thrown around for a new challenge this year.

1 mile a day, every day, creating a STREAK

2013 km in the year 2013

count all miles of exercise (swim, bike, run)

Most of you know that I am ALWAYS up for a challenge!  Surprise!!
I would kind of like to do ALL 3 of the challenges.  (not really a surprise I know)

But, I think I am going to go against my inner desire to DO IT ALL -
and keep the challenge the same as last year ........
my designer will be happy about that too, as we can keep the logo the same, or almost the same.

So the official 2013 - 1200 mile club challenge is . . . . . wait for it . . . . .

1200 miles of running, walking, or hiking!

FYI - if you choose to do the 2013 miles,  thanks to dashboard . . . . .

2013km = 1250.82miles - not too much of a stretch . . .

Good luck this year - in the Chinese Year of the Snake!

PS - the 2012 logo is coming - hopefully tomorrow....

December 2012 - The last hour

The last hour. . . . I remember the last hour of my Ironman. . . it wasn't pretty, it wasn't easy, but the lesson I learned there is to just keep moving one foot in front of the other, and eventually you will get there.....

This is our last month of 2012,
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!?!,
we are in the last hour,
waiting for the clock to strike. . . . .

We have almost made it - this is really it - our last month of the year 2012!

Are you going to reach your goal?

For me and some of you, it was 1200 miles in the year 2012

For some it was 600 miles in the year 2012

For others it was to log a mile a day

And yet others just hoped to do more than they did last year

How did you do?

I am excited to announce that on November 3rd, I completed Florida Ironman.  It was an unforgettable experience.  Here is a picture of me at the finish line of Florida Ironman on November 3rd.  Thanks to everyone for their support in this. . . .

So, after our 25 day vacation, my designer (my dear husband) had his laptop stolen.  It had all of his design work on it.  So, he has to start over with the 1200mile club finisher design.  I was hoping to have a picture of it for you to see today - but alas, it is not ready yet. . . sigh.

So, as soon as we can, we will have a 1200 mile club shirt design for you to purchase. . . . . sorry for the delay.

You may remember last month in my blog post, I challenged you all to walk/run a mile a day in the month of November.

"I would like to challenge you all to get out and log at least 1 mile every day in the month of November! It will help us get our miles completed as well as keep us in a regular habit before the Christmas season is upon us!"

Well, the Christmas season is upon me. . . not sure how you are all feeling, but I feel it strong and heavy!  So, to help me deal with the excitement of the season, I have joined the 1st Annual Runner's Soul Holiday Run Streak.  

A mile a day is their challenge too!  Every day that you post on their facebook page that you DID IT!  Or post how far you ran, or with who, you are entered to win a prize! Oh I love prizes!  I would challenge you all to either start your own run streak, or if you had one going from the month of November, to keep it going.  And if you like prizes and are on facebook, join the Runner's Soul Run Streak on Facebook for prizes!!

Keep watching this blog for an update of the 1200 mile club logo design, and thank you for your patience.

Also watch for the 2013 Challenge!  It's brewing. . . . . .

November - no regrets

I love this quote!  I mean I really love it!  This is so true for me - on many days, it is so hard to get out the door, to put on my shoes - but EVERY TIME I DO - - - I come home feeling this way!

No regrets - EVER!

Here are some of your Inspirational thoughts and quotes from last month:

I LOVE RUNNING!!! It is My time and everyone needs something that is theirs!!

No one saves us but ourselves.  No one can.  No one may.  

We ourselves must walk the path.     Buddha

I have learned that I actually LOVE to run. I have been telling myself that I hate it for years - 1200 mile club has changed my belief about running.

If you think you can, you will. If you think you can't, you won't.

Be flexible in your goals, it may not always go the way you plan

I can't "unlearn" the progress I've made....meaning that if I slip up or loose focus for a time, that doesn't mean I am starting at ground zero...you dont't unlearn the progress you've made.

Quote by Vincent Van Gogh:  What would life be like if we had no courage to attempt anything.

I've walked more than I thought I would have, and I have enjoyed it.

I have learned that in order to better care for the ones I love, I need to take time for me.  I also read on the back of someone's shirt "sometimes we run to feel nothing, to be numb to our pain and other times running helps us master our ability to push through the pain, whatever it is. So true!

Did you know that every minute you walk can extend your life by 1.5 to 2 minutes? In addition, many studies show that people who walk regularly live longer, weigh less, have lower blood pressure, and enjoy better overall health than non-walkers.

Thank you so much for sharing these!  I didn't realize when I asked you to share,  how much your thoughts would inspire me - and they really have!  Thank you.

Here I am in Florida on November 1st - just 2 more days until my big race, Ironman Florida - it is so unbelievable that I am here - with these people!  I still don't quite feel like I belong here - but I want to....

I think I am getting all my crying done now because at the end of the race, I don't think I will have any moisture left inside of me for tears ....  we will see.

Have a great November and thank you all for inspiring me at this really important time of my life!

I would like to challenge you all to get out and log at least 1 mile every day in the month of November! It will help us get our miles completed as well as keep us in a regular habit before the Christmas season is upon us!

October - what have you learned?

30 days hath September, Holy Cow it's almost NOVEMBER!

For me, October means falling leaves, Canadian Thanksgiving, cool mornings, dark evenings, my kids cross country season quickly coming to an end, and an inevitable snowfall ........

Oh come on, who's kidding who . . . . as of yesterday it means I have

3 weeks of hard training left,
4 weeks till I get on a train and leave,
5 weeks till the eminent, impending, IRONMAN FLORIDA!  Sigh. . . .

Ya - it's kind of a big deal in my life.  I've been working on this for almost a year now, and I have learned a lot of life lessons along the way.  One of which is the following quote. . . .

"Sometimes, and for all of us this is true, we are running away . . . 

Sometimes we are running to search . . . 

But if we realize deep down that the truth of our running 

is that in our running, in our moving, we 'find' ourselves . . . 

Then for us running is the gift that lets us know ourselves deeper."

 - Lizzy Hawker

September is mostly sweet you say...

Well, most of you who responded to September's question, " Is September bitter or sweet? and why" interestingly responded with sweet - I thought there would be more mourning of our summer months and easy going schedule. . . but alas - this is what you said:

Sweet, still running
sweet, canning peaches and salsa
sweet...I love- routine, vegetable harvest, fall weather, and  September is national weight loss month (not officially, just because I decided so)
Sweet, love the fall colors!

Both - bitter that summer is ending, sweet because it is like the start of a new year.
It's not so much sweet as it is bitter. The weather is changing and it's back to routines. I''m really going to miss the longer days of summer. 
It's only 9 weeks till Ironman - bitter and sweet!

Sweet...I love Fall!
Sweet,  best weather or all
It is sweet, because of the nice fall weather and shorter days.
Sweet.  I love the feeling of fall because it brings my favorite colours
It's sweet. There still will be beautiful days.

September 2012

Remember this commercial?



I have mixed feelings about 'Back to School' time this year.  It is taking away my babysitters, and we have to start Kindergarten (which is NOT full time, so it is just enough school to wet the taste buds - but also just enough to take away the freedom.  Sigh.)

I am going to really have to work on getting a new routine, and getting it to work quickly.

As much as I love routines, I don't love change. . . . so I guess that is what makes September a little bitter-sweet for me.

But the miles are adding up - and it is feeling good!

How about you?

August - Find your Greatness

Welcome to August 1st.  As we are in the throws of the Summer Olympic Games - I wanted to share some GREAT commercials.

Find YOUR greatness!

July 1st - the half way point!

To all my fellow Canadians! 

Happy First of July!!!!

I think I would like to make this delicious fruit treat into a Canadian Flag, but I don't think I have the patience. . . but it would be super - cute!!

To all my Americans friends!

Happy 4th of July!!!!

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT IS REALLY JULY?  We are half way through the year 2012, half way through this challenge . . . . . how are you feeling?  I hope you will take the time to watch this little video . . .

It's about failure. . . (why am I showing you a video about failure??  How is this encouraging??)  Well, if you feel like you have EVER failed at ANYTHING?  You NEED to watch this.

http://vimeo.com/44013672

Remember, you can't get better without failing.....

Short report on if you like to walk/run alone or with a friend . . . . . here are the results!

9 voted to walk/run with a friend/partner.  

6 voted to be alone.  

5 were on the fence - like both. . . . Thanks for sharing!

With a partner. I get out much more regularly.

with a partner

Friend

I prefer to run by myself, and walk with a friend

Love walking with a friend!

with someone

I prefer to walk with a partner.

with a friend/husband/family

First choice is with someone...don't like to do it alone unless I'm at the gym.

I like to run alone. I spend all day with people at work then kids at home. 

Nice to run alone and not have to think about anything!

Alone

alone

Alone...sometimes it's the only "alone time" I get!

alone

I usually run by myself, my music, my thoughts....(We can solve the worlds problems while running) and my dogs.... (for safety from the Bears, Cougars and Wolves).  Sometimes my kids on their bikes...( for bait) haha .  And that is if the wind isn't blowing crazy out here in Mountain View...if that is the case it's by myself on my reliable treadmill with the news...Kelly....The View....or The Doctors..

depends on my mood

both, i enjoy the solitude of a good,hard run but also enjoy a good chat with a friend while walking.

Depends on the day and my mood!

I love to be alone to think, and I forget that I also love to run with a friend - I always learn something GREAT when I do!

walk with a friend or partner

May is over and the busyness of June is upon us

I know it can be difficult to stay focused at this time of year with so many activities and things 'going on'.  Starting to think about family reunions, school being out of the summer, kids and summer jobs.  Fitting 'it all in' in our way too short summer is a challenge. . .

Keep track of your miles, and just make it a part of your busy days, you will surprise yourself at what you can do.  Have fun, try new things, or just stick to your routine that works.  Everyone is doing great!

I found this little video the other day and really enjoyed it - it is called '23 and a 1/2 hours" it is definitely worth the 9 minutes of your day that it takes to watch . . . the single best thing we can do for our health. . . . enjoy.  Those of you doing this challenge . . . are doing it!  Congratulations!

Here are some responses from last months blog question: 

"What is your favorite time of day 

to go for a run or walk and why?"

Still dusk

early in the morning, like 6am  love the coolnest, and have the most energy, yeah mornings

Love the evening run! Love the setting sun and the birds singing :)

after school

In the morning to start the day off right

Morning -- I am done for the day

I love every time of day, all for different reasons!  

Early morning gets it done.  

During the day it is usually a littler warmer and a nice break from my reality in my house.  

Afternoon lets me escape the after school/pre-dinner chaos.  

Evening is a great way to wind down and reflect on my day.  

See, I love them all!

morning

Dusk

I work nights, so I like to do most of my running in the evenings.

Early morning--because I actually go! My brain simply isn't awake enough to talk me out of it :)

Morning, good start and nice and quiet

About 7 in the evening, no rushing involved, can reflect on the day

Loved starting to run outside again, 

but now I am sooooo frustrated because of breaking my toe!! 

I will have a lot of miles to make up. 

Hopefully we have a beautiful May so I can eventually 

enjoy LONG runs in GOOD weather.

Late Evening, Quiet, Peaceful and I'm not sitting on the couch. 

I love the afternoon because by then the day has warmed up to a perfect temperature 

and my body is also warmed up and ready to run.  

Early mornings are lovely and quiet but my body doesn't quite agree. 

I enjoy going anytime, especially when it isn't windy.

Absolutely the morning is my favorite and then if I get to go on another that day, then that what also becomes my favorite!

6am...the kids are still sleeping:)

April is over and May is here!

When I think of the month May, I look forward to being able to really enjoy the outdoors - of doing everything outside!  I think of sunshine, rain, blossoming trees, the new green leaves, tulips, picnics,  and . . . I always think of Mother's day. . .

With the Summer Olympic games just around the corner (I am SOO excited by the way!) This video may get you excited too!

I love my mom, and I am so grateful that I am able to be a mom!

The hardest job and the best job . . . .



Don't forget to scroll to the bottom of the page to input your miles!

Your March Memories

I asked you during the month of March

"what has been your most memorable weather to walk or run in this past month?"

I LOVE what you had to say:

The nippy mornings having to be all bundled up.

fog

in the rain

inside

nothing

watched it through the window

stayed inside

Beautiful, sunny AND very windy!!

Had a week of running along the beach in Hawaii. Could get use to it!

sunshiney, warm weather

Still on the teadmill this month, but itching to get outside!! 

Too muddy out here in the hills!

snow in Quebec city

all indoors, still too cold for me!!

Gorgeous Hawaiian sun!

6 inches of new very wet snow that splashed with each footstep

still stuck on the treadmill in the basement, can't wait to get outside!

WIND

I didn't get out this month.  But I enjoyed the sunshine through my south windows!  

Lightly falling snow @ 6am

I ran several times upon a carpet of sparkly diamonds.

Most of my miles were done inside this month, 

but I watched a lot of snow fall and wind blow through the windows!

Walking in the sunshine in Germany.

did it all inside.  Sorry

The sun!! ... It rained a ton in Vancouver in March

new snow, with birds chirping

Chinook weather, but running on crunchy snow covered path :)

 2 solid weeks in the gorgeous Arizona sun!  HEAVEN!

I ran at 5:30 am on a Monday morning, before the temple walks were shoveled, so we ran on the street in the ruts from cars tires where it was frozen slush,, got home, shoveled the walk with the wettest snow imaginable, went inside, peaked out my window 2 hours later and it looked like I hadn't even shoveled.

I went for a run on a Saturday afternoon. It was warm, there was a bit of sunshine with light flurries. I love running in a light snowfall, it's always so quiet and peaceful. An absolutely perfect day for a run!

Late evening, snow coming straight down, it looked like Christmas!!

90 km winds for 3 hours in the Lethbridge coulees

March is over - Spring is HERE!

Where I live . . . .  March means

The First Day of Spring

Snow in the morning, Flip Flops in the Afternoon

Shoveling WET snow

Wondering if I don't shovel, will it melt or turn to ice. . . 

Not willing to take the chance

Hearing the birds chirping while shovelling

Fog and Snow

Blizzards

Wearing spikes on my runners to run outside

Running barefoot on dry ground

Kiwanis Music Festival Insanity 

Hoar Frost

Training on the bike trainer in dark breezeless basement

Driving for 2 hours to swim in the closest indoor pool

What was the most memorable March weather that you walked or ran in this month?

What's changed, is YOU!