I haven't written about the deployment in awhile and it is time to start. This last couple of weeks have been nothing short of an emotional roller coaster. I have been eating more, drinking a little more and definitely crying more.
Kevin and I are squeezing in as much as possible into every weekend that we can. It can be exhuasting doing it all, but, time is precious and I feel it is running away from me.
I have my training dates solidified now, for once, I have a solid date. But, with the solid date comes reality. It is happening for real. I have to be in place in Ft Polk Louisiana by 31 Jul, the course will be complete Oct 5th or 6th. The difference with this training compared to the million I have been to before, this one will make the difference in a potential life or death situation that I could be facing. Which sucks no matter how you slice it. But, it has two advantages with being the dates they are. 1. I can see Cecilia one more time before I leave. 2. I can run the Mt Lemmon Marathon with Kevin. I will be able to be part of the 3 things that make me most happy. Cecilia, Kevin and my running. It is all a goal to get me through the training. I am scared, plain and simple.
I have to be strong for Cecilia. We went to a workshop for kids on how deployments affects children. It has opened up the dialog for her to talk to me. Which, she has slowly been shutting down on me. Her idea of talking about it is, I don't want you to go, I don't want to go to Daddy's. That is all she says. We are getting there though.
She said to me, Mommy, you have never missed a birthday and you are going to miss two of them. I am going to miss celebrating mine too. So, we decided that we will celebrate in July at Star Pass, we will celebrate her 13th and my 38th. We will celbrate the 14th and 39th when I get to come home half way through. I am giving her shirts that smell like me that mean something special to her to have on her stuffed animals that she sleeps with. She has a bear that I am writing positive notes from mom on so she can read them and know I think these things about her everyday, even if I am not there to say them. I am going to make the arrangments for her to come home to visit at various times through out the year. It is not fair on her to have to go through a reintergration process too. So she can still stay connected to Kevin, Matthew and Kevin's family. She means the world to them and they mean the world to her. I think it will help her to just be in her own home, in her room and be around mom things. My fear that is eating away at me in this whole process is that she will feel abandoned. I don't want her to feel that for one second she is alone and won't see me again. I don't want her to feel isolated in a new living environment and for her to still feel connected. This whole thing is just ripping me apart in how it is affecting her and I am not even gone yet.
As for Kevin and I, it is going to be tough too. I turn to him daily for support, which I know I can still do. I will miss his affection that melts it all away. We have an already great communication process between us, it is how we began. Talking over email and phone. We will do videos over the computer too as I will with Cecilia. At the retreat we went to this weekend we are very lucky in that this is going to be our only deployment, there will be no more. Some couples, it was their double digit deployment they had to go through. I know that Kevin has a great support system here to help him out also for the times that are hard that I have been there to help pick him up when his grief is so strong. We got phones last week, Blackberry's that will help with keeping us connected. Talking Skype to Skype and free messenging from one Blackberry to another. I have to be able to talk to him every day or nearly every day to keep me strong for when I talk to Cecilia. I can't have her sense or feel my weakness so that is doesn't scare her. We are supposed to be strong for our children. She knows this is hard for me for what it is causing her and what is doing to our whole life. But, I remind her it isn't forever and I won't ever be going away again.
So, that is where things are at right now. I am working 4 am to 12 so I have more time with her each day. We have a lot of fun weekends coming up. A lot of movies to watch. A lot of organizing going on. A lot of buying stuff to last me 15 months. Supplies are limited, so, I am stocking up and Kevin will mail me supplies as needed. I have a lot of work requirements to work out too. I am going to start taking a day of leave each week so I can just focus on getting this stuff done and have our weekends free to do what we want. It is a lot and at this retreat, not another person is dealing with the same situation. So, maybe this is all happening for a reason-to educate the person that has to uproot thier entire life, pets, kids, home, car etc to disappear for a year in a place where they don't know what their job is or what to expect, then come back like nothing happened and have it all be ok. Seems unachievable, but, with the love and support of my family, Kevin's family, Ed's family and friends, we will come out the other end okay. Until the next time...
Monday, June 14, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Our Bataan Death March story
This is our story of our journey doing the Bataan Death March in New Mexico.
The link is from a blog I created specifically for Bataan, but, the two blogs are now one.
Enjoy.
http://dmbataandeathmarch.blogspot.com/
The link is from a blog I created specifically for Bataan, but, the two blogs are now one.
Enjoy.
http://dmbataandeathmarch.blogspot.com/
Sunday, January 10, 2010
I delivered the news today
Today was a toughy. We had a great ride today on the Cookie ride, got a lot of yummy treats and had a nice time. All week I have been saying that today was the day I would tell Cecilia about Afghanistan. I needed to say this so I would stay committed to it. It was not easy. I sat there and stared at her trying to find the words I have rehearsed in my mind a thousand times. Finally, I just said-Cecilia I need to talk to you about something and just said it.
Tears, a lot of them. Questions, a lot of them. She doesn't want me to go. She wants to spend time with daddy, but, doesn't want me to go. She is concerned about school, her friends, the kitties, the house, the car, Kevin, Matthew, the family, she even asked how will I pay the bills. She is concerned about everything. I told her it is out in the open now so we can talk about it. I told her we need to be able to talk about it and not just keep it in. I know that is what she does. I told her if we haven't talked about it during the week, we will talk about it on Sundays. I told her through all the changes she will go through, I am in her heart, in her mind and not far away at all. I am an email or phone call away. Then she said, but you won't be there to hug me. You won't be there when I am sad to make me feel better. She said, you will miss two of my birthdays, two of my birthdays, two of everyone's birthdays. Even the kitties birthdays. She said the two weeks in he middle are not long enough, that it is not fair. How will daddy know about her medicine, how will he know to be patient when math is too hard. How will he know about periods and who will shave my armpits. I told her we can't worry about counting down the days till I go, we will worry about the days until I get back. I told her that she needs to tell Daddy when she needs a girl talk so she can talk to her aunts. I told her she will have her own laptop to communicate with me, that she doesn't need to share. It will have pictures of us on it and all the fun things we do. She asked about her room at Daddy's-which is the sort of atic space. I told her there are so many changes that are going to happen in the next couple of years, make-up-she said no way, earrings-she said no way, boys-sigh, not an immediate no way. I told her about the hormones that will going through her will make her angry, sad, happy and emotions she doesn't even know. But, I am always one call or email away. That we will be able to video chat too. I told her I will always be here and we talked about her friends she has now to keep in touch with while she is gone because she will be coming back to the middle school/junior high school they will be in. It all about changes, a lot of them ahead of us, but, if we talk about it-we can get through. I asked her, how she thought I should get through it and she said lots of pictures of her and things that make me happy on the walls of where I have to live. This is the first step in trying to get in the right direction on this. I am so worried what is going to happen in her life without me there-but, realize-I can only do so much. For now, it is out there and that is what is important. Until another day.
Tears, a lot of them. Questions, a lot of them. She doesn't want me to go. She wants to spend time with daddy, but, doesn't want me to go. She is concerned about school, her friends, the kitties, the house, the car, Kevin, Matthew, the family, she even asked how will I pay the bills. She is concerned about everything. I told her it is out in the open now so we can talk about it. I told her we need to be able to talk about it and not just keep it in. I know that is what she does. I told her if we haven't talked about it during the week, we will talk about it on Sundays. I told her through all the changes she will go through, I am in her heart, in her mind and not far away at all. I am an email or phone call away. Then she said, but you won't be there to hug me. You won't be there when I am sad to make me feel better. She said, you will miss two of my birthdays, two of my birthdays, two of everyone's birthdays. Even the kitties birthdays. She said the two weeks in he middle are not long enough, that it is not fair. How will daddy know about her medicine, how will he know to be patient when math is too hard. How will he know about periods and who will shave my armpits. I told her we can't worry about counting down the days till I go, we will worry about the days until I get back. I told her that she needs to tell Daddy when she needs a girl talk so she can talk to her aunts. I told her she will have her own laptop to communicate with me, that she doesn't need to share. It will have pictures of us on it and all the fun things we do. She asked about her room at Daddy's-which is the sort of atic space. I told her there are so many changes that are going to happen in the next couple of years, make-up-she said no way, earrings-she said no way, boys-sigh, not an immediate no way. I told her about the hormones that will going through her will make her angry, sad, happy and emotions she doesn't even know. But, I am always one call or email away. That we will be able to video chat too. I told her I will always be here and we talked about her friends she has now to keep in touch with while she is gone because she will be coming back to the middle school/junior high school they will be in. It all about changes, a lot of them ahead of us, but, if we talk about it-we can get through. I asked her, how she thought I should get through it and she said lots of pictures of her and things that make me happy on the walls of where I have to live. This is the first step in trying to get in the right direction on this. I am so worried what is going to happen in her life without me there-but, realize-I can only do so much. For now, it is out there and that is what is important. Until another day.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Water Bottle-water bottle-where are you??
Wow-tonight was a lesson in-just forget about the damn thing.
Today was Day 2 of the Bataan Death March training adventure. Last night was Day 1 and I did a march with the pack that weighed 23 pounds. I had both my water bottles in there-after some time I took the purple one out and left the pink one in there. Well when I went to put the pack in the car today to do a march at lunch time-it was MIA. It isn't just any average bottle, it is one of my biking insulated pink water bottles. I drove the course this morning to see if I could see it and to no avail. So I said, well I have no choice (dumb thought by the way), I will have to retrace my steps tonight. No problem and I will tack on a couple extra pounds in the bag...
Here is where it all failed. Last night I wore my work boots and I got the start of a blister on the bottom of my foot-not a normal place. So I thought it would be okay and I would just wear my running shoes tonight instead. Second fail-I had to pee sort of after I started-thought it would go away. Third fail-I left about 15-20 minutes later then yesterday.
This is how it all went down. All was good to start off with-felt good. My knee wasn't bothering me, my ankles felt good-all was good. I had to pee a little, but, felt good. Kept on treking and the need to pee grew bigger, but, I needed to hold it. It came to the turn around point where I touch the stop sign and put on the warmer layer. But, prior to this-I am standing on the side of the road waiting to cross to the other side so I can touch the stop sign. I know it seems silly, but, touching the sign is a big deal. So, I am standing there and then I nearly pooped my pants and screamed like a little girl. It was a wayward dog. It seriously looked like a cross between a poodle and a great dane with red rimmed eyes. It scared me to death-because he sauntered up to me and I had nowhere to go. I did the only thing I could think of-squirt him with water, not really-I just shooed (spelling) him away. It really freaked me out. Then finally a break in traffic came and I could cross the road and touch the sign. Did I mention, I needed to pee?
I put on my long sleeve shirt since the sun was going down. I strapped on my reflective gear, got out the keys with the light on them and continued on my way-still looking for the dumb water bottle. It was at this point I was realizing the cause of my blisters wasn't just the boots it was the cant in the road, not the can't I don't want to do it anymore, the cant-the angle of the shoulder I think has some influence. But, I needed to keep on treking. Wow, I need to pee. Why is there so much traffic who will see me in the brush? I can hold it-keep going.
Ouch, ouch, ouch-I think the duct tape is failing. I need to pee. Holy Jesus, that car nearly hit me. Does he not see my light, the reflective gear? Where is the water bottle? At the light you can stop walking for a minute and for the love of God, stop thinking about pee. When will the light get here, is it getting farther away? Why did I walk this far out today. The water bottle was 10 bucks, it is replaceable. Have to pee. I wish I was on a trail than the side of this road. Pee. The sunset like an hour ago was pretty. pee. What is that heavenly smell? Someone is grilling. It smells like steak-it smells devine. It would make a vegetarian drool I am sure of it. I am never going to get home. I will pee my pants. I should call Kevin. No, don't. By the time he makes it here, you could be home. I could sit on the side of the road and go pee. No, don't give up-keep going. That smell is from that restaurant near the house-keep going.
Is that the flag I see-the road is right across from there-you are almost home. Check the mail and then you will be home.
Ahhh, home. I weighed myself and the pack first-really. I wanted to know my accomplishment before I peed. I carried 25 pounds 5.3 miles for the second day in a row. High five yourself girl and go pee. Added bonus-Cecilia did all of her homework-high five Cecilia too.
The foot has a pretty serious blister in the squishy pad part-never had one there before. Should be interesting. Hopefully it is better in the morning. I may skip a march tomorrow.
All this pain though, pales in comparison of what the survivors of Bataan went through-so this is worth each step. I get a lot of funny looks out there-I think I am going to make a sign-in training for Bataan Death March and put Look it up on my back.
One more exciting point about today-Kevin and I are stars. Our picture is on the Marana Newspaper from our Egg Nog Jog from New Years Day.
Life my friends, is good.
Today was Day 2 of the Bataan Death March training adventure. Last night was Day 1 and I did a march with the pack that weighed 23 pounds. I had both my water bottles in there-after some time I took the purple one out and left the pink one in there. Well when I went to put the pack in the car today to do a march at lunch time-it was MIA. It isn't just any average bottle, it is one of my biking insulated pink water bottles. I drove the course this morning to see if I could see it and to no avail. So I said, well I have no choice (dumb thought by the way), I will have to retrace my steps tonight. No problem and I will tack on a couple extra pounds in the bag...
Here is where it all failed. Last night I wore my work boots and I got the start of a blister on the bottom of my foot-not a normal place. So I thought it would be okay and I would just wear my running shoes tonight instead. Second fail-I had to pee sort of after I started-thought it would go away. Third fail-I left about 15-20 minutes later then yesterday.
This is how it all went down. All was good to start off with-felt good. My knee wasn't bothering me, my ankles felt good-all was good. I had to pee a little, but, felt good. Kept on treking and the need to pee grew bigger, but, I needed to hold it. It came to the turn around point where I touch the stop sign and put on the warmer layer. But, prior to this-I am standing on the side of the road waiting to cross to the other side so I can touch the stop sign. I know it seems silly, but, touching the sign is a big deal. So, I am standing there and then I nearly pooped my pants and screamed like a little girl. It was a wayward dog. It seriously looked like a cross between a poodle and a great dane with red rimmed eyes. It scared me to death-because he sauntered up to me and I had nowhere to go. I did the only thing I could think of-squirt him with water, not really-I just shooed (spelling) him away. It really freaked me out. Then finally a break in traffic came and I could cross the road and touch the sign. Did I mention, I needed to pee?
I put on my long sleeve shirt since the sun was going down. I strapped on my reflective gear, got out the keys with the light on them and continued on my way-still looking for the dumb water bottle. It was at this point I was realizing the cause of my blisters wasn't just the boots it was the cant in the road, not the can't I don't want to do it anymore, the cant-the angle of the shoulder I think has some influence. But, I needed to keep on treking. Wow, I need to pee. Why is there so much traffic who will see me in the brush? I can hold it-keep going.
Ouch, ouch, ouch-I think the duct tape is failing. I need to pee. Holy Jesus, that car nearly hit me. Does he not see my light, the reflective gear? Where is the water bottle? At the light you can stop walking for a minute and for the love of God, stop thinking about pee. When will the light get here, is it getting farther away? Why did I walk this far out today. The water bottle was 10 bucks, it is replaceable. Have to pee. I wish I was on a trail than the side of this road. Pee. The sunset like an hour ago was pretty. pee. What is that heavenly smell? Someone is grilling. It smells like steak-it smells devine. It would make a vegetarian drool I am sure of it. I am never going to get home. I will pee my pants. I should call Kevin. No, don't. By the time he makes it here, you could be home. I could sit on the side of the road and go pee. No, don't give up-keep going. That smell is from that restaurant near the house-keep going.
Is that the flag I see-the road is right across from there-you are almost home. Check the mail and then you will be home.
Ahhh, home. I weighed myself and the pack first-really. I wanted to know my accomplishment before I peed. I carried 25 pounds 5.3 miles for the second day in a row. High five yourself girl and go pee. Added bonus-Cecilia did all of her homework-high five Cecilia too.
The foot has a pretty serious blister in the squishy pad part-never had one there before. Should be interesting. Hopefully it is better in the morning. I may skip a march tomorrow.
All this pain though, pales in comparison of what the survivors of Bataan went through-so this is worth each step. I get a lot of funny looks out there-I think I am going to make a sign-in training for Bataan Death March and put Look it up on my back.
One more exciting point about today-Kevin and I are stars. Our picture is on the Marana Newspaper from our Egg Nog Jog from New Years Day.
Life my friends, is good.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Tour De Cookie Bike Route
Here is a description of the ride we are doing this weekend. Join us for a morning of fun, festivities and philanthropy at the Tour de Cookie! Cyclists of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in this exciting bike race from one bake sale to the next. Proceeds from each bake sale will benefit the City of Tucson's Adaptive Recreation Center and hundreds of young athletes with disabilities and/or special needs; so purchase and eat as many cookies as possible!
Reset Button Needed
I woke up today feeling a little 'off'. Not that I feel sick, not one thing in particular is bothering me. Thought it was my stomach, but, it passed. Thought it was a sleepless night, that wasn't it. Maybe it was hunger, not it. I just seem to need a little reset. The Holidays are over now, the Christmas stuff is put away. The garage is finally clean and sorted out. Everything is all in order. I know what 'it' is. It is the elephant in the room that I don't want to talk about-it is the deployment. It is weighing on me daily and the more I try to fight thinking about it, it sneaks up on me. Last night Kevin was snoring, I tried to stir him-to wake him, but, he gently reached out to me-patted my head, rubbed my arm and drifted back to snoring. I was annoyed and mad. I was annoyed because I was wide awake and could only focus on the snoring and mad that in a year I will do anything to hear his snoring. Which only made me stay more awake. I layed there for an hour, then I moved to the couch and layed there for another hour or so. I wasn't mad that he was snoring at all, given the situation-he had Matthew laying on him-there was no choice in stirring them. What he has with him is precious and I wouldn't stir that. It all just made me think about the elephant. I am going to miss so much of Matthew's growth in the year I am gone. Cecilia will turn 13 this year. 13. I won't be gone yet, but, she will be in Tennessee and not with her mommy. Each day it is truly shattering my heart. She is going to turn the corner of I don't really care what I smell like to obsessing over her hair and I am going to miss that. I may miss her first crush and first heartbreak. Her mommy won't be there to hold her and wipe the tears away, to eat ice cream and watch girly movies to forget the kid who broke her heart. I won't be there. I get so frustrated at myself when I get annoyed with her, because what if something happens to me and all she can remember is that I am on her case about deoderant? I feel exactly like I did when I went through the divorce. Guilt parenting. I feel guilty for being the enforcer but, know I need to. I can't even begin to start the guilt I feel for not physically being here for Kevin next year. To hold him when the grief of Ben is too heavy to carry and I can't hold him and tell him it will be ok, we will get through it. I will do my best via phone, email, video. It is just weighing down on me and I need a reset to turn it around. I think once I start training for the Bataan March and have that to distract me then I can deal with this better. I am glad and sad Christmas is over. I wish I hadn't found out about this damn deployment until after the New Year. It was a struggle to find joy in it all. Which is Not like me at all. I was glad to put it all away, but so sad to know it won't be pulled out again until 2012. Tomorrow is a new day. I am going to go for a march with the pack and start looking to the next step. I hope to get the dates nailed down this week for when my training will be, so I can plan some events. For now, awaiting a reset to deal with the elephant.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Spring Race Schedule
This is our Spring Race Schedule
January
16 Jan
Great Expectations 5K, Sahuarita, 0900
Registration by 14 Jan, $20
www.taggrun.com
24 Jan
Sun Run, 5K or 10K, Reid Park, 0900
Registration by Jan 16th, $16/$18 non SAR Members, after it is $18/$20 and $25 race day
www.azroadrunners.org/races/detail/sun_run
February
6 Feb
Marana Can-Do 5K, Marana Park, 0900
Registration-bag of non-perishable food on day of event
www.maranachamber.com/registrationmaranacando.html
6 Feb
Tanque Verde Tech Trek, 10K/2 miler, Agua Caliente Elementary School, 0800
Look to site for more information
www.tvseef.org/events.html
7 Feb
Colossal Cave 8 Miler-trail run, Colossal Cave, 0730
Registration by 30 Jan, $45, $50 race day-if available
www.everyoneruns.net
14 Feb
Main Gate Fine Valentine, 4 mile/2 miler, U of A Main Gate, 0800
Registration by 7 Feb, $10, after it is $15, $20 for families of 4 or more
www.azroadrunners.org/races/detail/valentine
21 Feb
Lighthouse YMCA 5K/10K-more information forthcoming
27 Feb
Quail Creek Run, Green Valley, 5K, 0900
Registration by 14 Feb, $20/$22, after $25 15th-26th, $30 day of race
Note-valuable raffle prizes and superb spread afterwards
http://quailcreekrun.com
March
7 Mar
Sunrise at old Tucson Trail Run 4 mile/1 mile, Old Tucson, 0830
Registration by 1 Feb, $20/$23 (4 miler), 1 Mar $25/$28, $30 after that all
Entry includes free entry into Old Tucson, breakfast and shirt
www.azroadrunners.org/races/detail/sunrise
13 Mar
Mid-town Sertoma 5K for better hearing…took us some hearing fails on this to do, AZ school for deaf and blind, 0830
Registration by 21 Feb, $25, by 7 Mar, $30, $35 after and on race day
http://www.active.com/running/tucson-az/midtown-sertoma-5k-run-and-walk-for-better-hearing-2010
14 Mar
St Patricks Day run, 0800, TBA
More information to come
www.taggrun.com
21 Mar
*Bataan Death March-White Sands New Mexico, 26.2 miles/35 lb rucksack…*
Dave’s Run for ALS, 5K, Dove Mountain-Marana, 0830
Registration by 13 Mar, $16/$18 after $25 all
www.azroadrunners.org/races/detail/daves_run
28 Mar
Oro valley Half Marathon/5K, 0800
Registration by 31 Jan, $60, by 26 Mar $70, after that $80-for the 5K-$30 by 31 Jan, $35 by 26 Mar, $40 after
www.arizonadistanceclassic.com
April
10 Apr
Catalina Trail Run, 5.5/10.75 miles, Catalina State Park, 0730
Registration by 28 Mar, $45, $55 on race day
www.everyoneruns.net
17 Apr
Sabino Canyon Sunset Run, 7.4 Miles, 6pm
Registration by 28 Mar, $20/$25, after $30, $35 race day
Fills to capacity-register early
www.azroadrunners.org/races/detail/sabino
18 Apr
Marana Adventure Race, unknown distance, 0700
Description: Weekend Warrior Adventure Race: Calling all adventure seekers to participate in Marana’s first every Adventure Race. This Survivor meets Amazing Race event will include running, crawling, climbing, out-wit & out-play games that will require team work, endurance and old fashion Adventurous Spirit. Weekend Warrior isn’t for the faint of heart. If you are up to a challenge, Weekend Warrior is waiting.
Registration by 9 Apr, $25/$30
http://activenet13.active.com/marana/servlet/registrationMain.sdi?source=activityframes.sdi
24 Apr
Spring Cross-Country Classic, the Gecko race, 5K, 0730-women, 0815-men
Registration by 19 Apr, $7/$8, $9 from 19 Apr-22 Apr, $10 race day
www.azroadrunners.org/races/detail/spring_xc
Egg race, beer and potluck food, leftover shirts for pick-up. Fun race.
May
2 May
Cinco De Mayo 10K/2 Miler, Cholla High School, 0700
Registration by 23 Apr, $25 all others $30, $35 after and on race day.
Have starbucks afterwards
www.azroadrunners.org/races/detail/cinco
16 May
Tucson 5000, 5K, Reid Park, 0700
Registration by 10 May, $18/20, $25 after and on race day
www.azroadrunners.org/races/detail/tucson_5000
June
16 Jun
Meet me Downtown 5K, Downtown-Night Run, 6:30 pm
Registration by 1 Apr, $15, SAR by 28 May is $20/$23, $30 after and on race day
www.azroadrunners.org/races/detail/mmd
January
16 Jan
Great Expectations 5K, Sahuarita, 0900
Registration by 14 Jan, $20
www.taggrun.com
24 Jan
Sun Run, 5K or 10K, Reid Park, 0900
Registration by Jan 16th, $16/$18 non SAR Members, after it is $18/$20 and $25 race day
www.azroadrunners.org/races/detail/sun_run
February
6 Feb
Marana Can-Do 5K, Marana Park, 0900
Registration-bag of non-perishable food on day of event
www.maranachamber.com/registrationmaranacando.html
6 Feb
Tanque Verde Tech Trek, 10K/2 miler, Agua Caliente Elementary School, 0800
Look to site for more information
www.tvseef.org/events.html
7 Feb
Colossal Cave 8 Miler-trail run, Colossal Cave, 0730
Registration by 30 Jan, $45, $50 race day-if available
www.everyoneruns.net
14 Feb
Main Gate Fine Valentine, 4 mile/2 miler, U of A Main Gate, 0800
Registration by 7 Feb, $10, after it is $15, $20 for families of 4 or more
www.azroadrunners.org/races/detail/valentine
21 Feb
Lighthouse YMCA 5K/10K-more information forthcoming
27 Feb
Quail Creek Run, Green Valley, 5K, 0900
Registration by 14 Feb, $20/$22, after $25 15th-26th, $30 day of race
Note-valuable raffle prizes and superb spread afterwards
http://quailcreekrun.com
March
7 Mar
Sunrise at old Tucson Trail Run 4 mile/1 mile, Old Tucson, 0830
Registration by 1 Feb, $20/$23 (4 miler), 1 Mar $25/$28, $30 after that all
Entry includes free entry into Old Tucson, breakfast and shirt
www.azroadrunners.org/races/detail/sunrise
13 Mar
Mid-town Sertoma 5K for better hearing…took us some hearing fails on this to do, AZ school for deaf and blind, 0830
Registration by 21 Feb, $25, by 7 Mar, $30, $35 after and on race day
http://www.active.com/running/tucson-az/midtown-sertoma-5k-run-and-walk-for-better-hearing-2010
14 Mar
St Patricks Day run, 0800, TBA
More information to come
www.taggrun.com
21 Mar
*Bataan Death March-White Sands New Mexico, 26.2 miles/35 lb rucksack…*
Dave’s Run for ALS, 5K, Dove Mountain-Marana, 0830
Registration by 13 Mar, $16/$18 after $25 all
www.azroadrunners.org/races/detail/daves_run
28 Mar
Oro valley Half Marathon/5K, 0800
Registration by 31 Jan, $60, by 26 Mar $70, after that $80-for the 5K-$30 by 31 Jan, $35 by 26 Mar, $40 after
www.arizonadistanceclassic.com
April
10 Apr
Catalina Trail Run, 5.5/10.75 miles, Catalina State Park, 0730
Registration by 28 Mar, $45, $55 on race day
www.everyoneruns.net
17 Apr
Sabino Canyon Sunset Run, 7.4 Miles, 6pm
Registration by 28 Mar, $20/$25, after $30, $35 race day
Fills to capacity-register early
www.azroadrunners.org/races/detail/sabino
18 Apr
Marana Adventure Race, unknown distance, 0700
Description: Weekend Warrior Adventure Race: Calling all adventure seekers to participate in Marana’s first every Adventure Race. This Survivor meets Amazing Race event will include running, crawling, climbing, out-wit & out-play games that will require team work, endurance and old fashion Adventurous Spirit. Weekend Warrior isn’t for the faint of heart. If you are up to a challenge, Weekend Warrior is waiting.
Registration by 9 Apr, $25/$30
http://activenet13.active.com/marana/servlet/registrationMain.sdi?source=activityframes.sdi
24 Apr
Spring Cross-Country Classic, the Gecko race, 5K, 0730-women, 0815-men
Registration by 19 Apr, $7/$8, $9 from 19 Apr-22 Apr, $10 race day
www.azroadrunners.org/races/detail/spring_xc
Egg race, beer and potluck food, leftover shirts for pick-up. Fun race.
May
2 May
Cinco De Mayo 10K/2 Miler, Cholla High School, 0700
Registration by 23 Apr, $25 all others $30, $35 after and on race day.
Have starbucks afterwards
www.azroadrunners.org/races/detail/cinco
16 May
Tucson 5000, 5K, Reid Park, 0700
Registration by 10 May, $18/20, $25 after and on race day
www.azroadrunners.org/races/detail/tucson_5000
June
16 Jun
Meet me Downtown 5K, Downtown-Night Run, 6:30 pm
Registration by 1 Apr, $15, SAR by 28 May is $20/$23, $30 after and on race day
www.azroadrunners.org/races/detail/mmd
January 1, 2010
I decided that since I am so wordy and I have a lot of whacky things to say, I should start a blog. I have an upcoming deployment where I will need to stay in touch with my family the best and quickest way possible.
Let me start on how this year has began. We are in the first day and it is already starting out great. Last night, Kevin, my love and my angel Cecilia and I stayed up to ring in the new year. I made chicken enchilada casserole-one of my best pieces of work to date. I made Cecilia shells and cheese of course. I decided to surprise Kevin with a cute outfit-not like that-I just dressed nice for him. Our dates mostly consist of a race, a run, a bike race, a bike ride and let's face it-you can't wear a pair of awesome black boots to those. So we had a great dinner and played the Wii. I was doing pretty awesome in the Golf, Cecilia and I tied. Then came the Mario Karts and I sucked terrible. But, we had a great time. We set off poppers in the back yard and enjoyed a glass of champagne. I finally had an opportunity to toast something special in the glasses the Wuebold's gave me when they left England. We toasted to a new year and hope it gets better then the last. We know this time next year we won't be together, so we just said let's enjoy the year to the fullest until then and get through it.
We ran a 5K today, the Egg Nog Jog here in Marana. We weren't sure they were even going to be doing it-we saw hardly any cars on the way there! But, there were folks there, a lot of families. One special family there was a father and son. The son was blind with a strap attached between them. It was his son's first 5K. It was very touching. We had our best 5K yet. We ran it in 27:30. We haven't run in 19 days since the Tucson Marathon-so we were very pleased. We had some Egg Nog afterwards-we both thought at the start-gross, egg nog at the finish? But, half way through we both thought about it and guess what? It was delicious! We didn't win anything in the raffle-rarely do we, but, we stick around none-the-less. One funny thing to note-we finished and he asked how do you feel? I said ok, I almost threw up and he said, me too...
Then we went to go get a breakfast burrito from Nico's-but, they were closed. Kevin told me about this revolting soup they make that is good for hangovers that is made from goat intestine-gross. It is called Menudio-like the group. So we got a breakfast bagel from Brueggers instead. We watched some football when we got home. I watched/slept through a movie with Cecilia and now we are watching Julie and Julia. Then it is off to Kevin's for the evening. We are watching the Rose Bowl. Kevin said while I am in Afghanistan he is going to educate me on college football. Secrety, I can't wait. It touches my heart that he is thinking ahead on how to make my year go better. But, this is how my day has played out for the start of the new year. My short term memory has been sucking a lot lately-so I want to start this also so I don't forget things that are important little things that make me smile and will make my year away better. So bye-bye for now. Oh, last night we saw Shania Twain on one of the New Years Eve shows and Kevin is an admirer of her. He said, I wouldn't kick her out of bed for eating crackers-ha-ha, I have never heard that before-made me laugh!!
Let me start on how this year has began. We are in the first day and it is already starting out great. Last night, Kevin, my love and my angel Cecilia and I stayed up to ring in the new year. I made chicken enchilada casserole-one of my best pieces of work to date. I made Cecilia shells and cheese of course. I decided to surprise Kevin with a cute outfit-not like that-I just dressed nice for him. Our dates mostly consist of a race, a run, a bike race, a bike ride and let's face it-you can't wear a pair of awesome black boots to those. So we had a great dinner and played the Wii. I was doing pretty awesome in the Golf, Cecilia and I tied. Then came the Mario Karts and I sucked terrible. But, we had a great time. We set off poppers in the back yard and enjoyed a glass of champagne. I finally had an opportunity to toast something special in the glasses the Wuebold's gave me when they left England. We toasted to a new year and hope it gets better then the last. We know this time next year we won't be together, so we just said let's enjoy the year to the fullest until then and get through it.
We ran a 5K today, the Egg Nog Jog here in Marana. We weren't sure they were even going to be doing it-we saw hardly any cars on the way there! But, there were folks there, a lot of families. One special family there was a father and son. The son was blind with a strap attached between them. It was his son's first 5K. It was very touching. We had our best 5K yet. We ran it in 27:30. We haven't run in 19 days since the Tucson Marathon-so we were very pleased. We had some Egg Nog afterwards-we both thought at the start-gross, egg nog at the finish? But, half way through we both thought about it and guess what? It was delicious! We didn't win anything in the raffle-rarely do we, but, we stick around none-the-less. One funny thing to note-we finished and he asked how do you feel? I said ok, I almost threw up and he said, me too...
Then we went to go get a breakfast burrito from Nico's-but, they were closed. Kevin told me about this revolting soup they make that is good for hangovers that is made from goat intestine-gross. It is called Menudio-like the group. So we got a breakfast bagel from Brueggers instead. We watched some football when we got home. I watched/slept through a movie with Cecilia and now we are watching Julie and Julia. Then it is off to Kevin's for the evening. We are watching the Rose Bowl. Kevin said while I am in Afghanistan he is going to educate me on college football. Secrety, I can't wait. It touches my heart that he is thinking ahead on how to make my year go better. But, this is how my day has played out for the start of the new year. My short term memory has been sucking a lot lately-so I want to start this also so I don't forget things that are important little things that make me smile and will make my year away better. So bye-bye for now. Oh, last night we saw Shania Twain on one of the New Years Eve shows and Kevin is an admirer of her. He said, I wouldn't kick her out of bed for eating crackers-ha-ha, I have never heard that before-made me laugh!!
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