VOICES IN MY HEAD

I hope everyone is having a good week and recovering from the Tulsa Run.


I had so much fun helping Kathy & Brian out at the Tulsa Run Expo (I hope I didn't make too many boo boo's for them.) I enjoyed getting to see everyone in our group that was picking up their race packets. The anticipation and eagerness on their faces made my day. I too was excited about this Race since it was my first race since being sick with my heart issues. I also enjoyed having dinner Friday night with Kathy, Brian, Ken, Dana, Jason (Dana & Ken's son) & the beautiful Mackenna (Dana & Ken's granddaughter.) she is so adorable and very entertaining I might add and Oh of course my wonderful husband Bobby (I guess I better mention him so he doesn't get his feelings hurt.)



Saturday morning came early since I didn't get in bed until late Friday night but it was nice to sleep just a little later than our normal saturday morning run. I was ready for the race to start. I met up with Brenda & Donna to run with them. I enjoy running with Brenda & Donna they keep me motivated. Donna finally took off ahead of us guess she got her gust of wind. I was doing good and feeling good making sure my heartrate stayed where it should. I still had that little voice in my head putting a little fear in me hoping that this doesn't trigger another attack. I tend to hear that voice when I run and I am trying hard to conquer that fear. I was hoping to make good time but I was a little off from what I wanted. I was hoping for a 41 minute time but ended up with a 44 which was 2 minutes faster than last years Tulsa Run. I guess that wasn't bad for this old grandma that hasn't been training that much since being sick. I did get to cheer everyone in that did the 15K and was proud of all of you for doing your best. Bobby & I went to have breakfast afterwards with Ken, Deon & Brian which was nice getting to rehash the morning event with them.



Saturday evening we went to Broken Arrow for the halloween bash on Main Street. We helped pass out candy and had fun with our granddaughter.















She was dressed up like her favorite HighSchool Musical character and her adorable cousin was dressed up like a cute little witch. Our daughter even got dressed up this year.



There was alot of kids walking up and down Main Street I had no idea it was going to be such a huge ordeal but I guess free candy brings out everyone. Our granddaughter got to come home with us to stay all night which I am always ready for her to come stay with us. Sunday morning she got to go with her papa to the donut shop for breakfast which was a treat for her. We had to take her home later that day which is always hard to do when we are having so much fun with her. We stopped at riverparks afterwards to go for a bike ride. We rode our bikes across the pedestrian bridge which it was so windy that I thought I was going to blow off of it. We ran into Cara on the path who was out riding her bike as well. She had mentioned she had ran that morning at turkey mountain with Brian and some of the other Taturs and she had so much fun she is going to do it again. We were riding across 11th street bridge when there was this elderly man in a motorized wheelchair coming toward us in the distance and I don't know what happened but the next thing we knew he was falling over. He managed to get back in his chair before we could reach him but we made sure he was ok before we went any farther. He said he was fine and went on his merry way. Cara was done at that point because she had already gone alot of miles before we caught up to her so Bobby & I went on the Katy Trail toward SandSprings which is a nice place to ride your bike just a little hilly. We turned around at the Gilcrease Museum rode due to it would be getting a little dusky soon. We stopped by Jason's Deli on the way home to pick up some potato soup to take home for dinner. I am hooked on their soup it is so good.


Monday evening we went running at the lower paved path of Turkey mountain with Michael and Ken. We always enjoy our runs with them. I decided to run instead of riding my bike because I need to be ready for the quarter marathon in a few weeks. Ken & I ran the way back together and we talked about his upcoming 100 miler which I am looking forward to helping with. I ended up running/walking a total of 5 miles. I felt good how well I did but it was a little chilly and took awhile for my lungs to warm up enough to breathe good while I was running. That is one thing I am not looking forward to in the winter time.


I am looking forward to the mock marathon this Saturday where I am planning to do the quarter marathon and hoping to make it under what I completed my quarter last year which was 1:49:53. I will be cheering the rest of those doing their long distance running. I know everyone will do awesome.

Have a blessed week and will see everyone at our usual stomping ground.

QUE SERA, SERA

I know it has been a little while since my last post and Bobby was just saying that most of us hadn't posted in awhile. So Bobby here you go.

Last week I had the pleasure of spending time with my daughter and granddaughter as my granddaughter was out of school for fall break. Wednesday we met at Cheesecake Factory for lunch which was so so good. WE also had the pleasure of having lunch with Candice as well. The food is so delicious and the best part of all is the yummy cheesecake. I think everyone should try it out atleast once in their lifetime. I was hoping to spend more time with my daughter that day but she said she had to meet her husband afterwards to run an errand. I asked her what she was doing and she just said oh it is just something we have to do. Knowing my daughter like all moms knows theirs I knew something was up and I had a gut feeling I knew what it was and yes my gut feeling was right.

She went and got herself a Tattoo! I knew she has been wanting one for quite sometime but kept hoping that phase would pass. I am trying to be a good sport about it but I did voice my opinion. My daughter has always been very quiet and shy growing up so this was totally out of character for her but I guess she is coming out of her shell and realizing there is a whole world out there just waiting for her to grasp hold of and enjoy. I just didn't think it would come in the form of a tattoo but I can't complain too much if that's the worst thing she does because she is a mom and needs to still set examples for her daughter and she still is my sweet little girl all grown up. She tells me I am too conservative and need to be more open minded and enjoy life more. I thought I was enjoying life but in her eyes I guess not. Well my dear daughter I will try to loosen up more and I am very proud of you and who you are. I guess I am stuck with my son in-law for sure now LOL. I can't say anything bad about him he is a very good husband and father to both my girls. He is shy like my daughter and doesn't have alot to say but he is a very hard worker and provider for them. He is very intelligent thank goodness for my daughters sake because she is a true blonde.

Friday I met up with my daughter and granddaughter at the mall and we had the best time shopping and getting a special treat of ice cream. I had bought all 3 of us some white sunglasses and my granddaughter thought that was so cool that we looked like triplets. She said she was taking them to Florida with her when she goes in November and taking them on the teacup ride at Disney. I wish I could sneak in their suitcase for that trip. That was a surprise trip my son in-law planned for them.

After I got done with them at the mall I then went to work and got my belongings and left my resignation letter. I was glad no one was there as I was a little sad. Even though it was saddening I still feel good about my decision. You know that saying when one door closes another one opens well that is happening to me and I am so blessed for that. I have been wondering since I am no longer working how to make a little extra money to help save for the trip to Greece in November 2009 with Coach Kathy. I so want to go and do the 5 K or maybe the half there so I can say I have ran a race in another country. My parents who are disabled are on this assistance program that has someone come clean their house for them 3 hours a day 3 days a week. I was joking with them about I could do that for them and get paid for it. I didn't think that the program would let relatives do it for them but my mom asked them and they said I could all I would have to do is fill out the forms. So I am thinking seriously about doing this for that extra cash if my parents don't drive me too crazy being around them that much LOL. I can taste Greece in my future so Chrissy & Michael save us a room.

Last night (Tuesday) I enjoyed my walk with Candice & Chrissy. I was glad Chrissy came to walk with us it has been awhile since she has joined us due to her surgery. Her husband Michael runs with Bobby on Monday nights and I always ask when Chrissy is coming back and last night she surprised me. We had alot of girl talk to catch up on. Candice was alittle bummed last night and I hope she is doing better today. After Walking Bobby & I had an enjoyable dinner with Kathy, Brian, Ken, Dana, Roman & Toby at the Oriental Buffet on 71st & Riverside. I had never been there but Ken & Dana really like it. I have to say it was very good and it was better than the China King that is a few doors down from it. I will definately eat there again. We laughed at everyones fortune from their fortune cookie ( if you ever heard of the old game when you read your fortune you add " in bed under the sheets" at the end of the fortune. that really makes for a good laugh.)

This Friday I volunteered to help Kathy & Brian at the Tulsa Run expo. I am looking forward to helping, it should be fun but I bet Brian puts me on the ugly foot contest and I will have to be grossed out by all the ugly feet. WE were teasing Bobby about having to walk around in this ugly foot costume at the expo, boy wouldn't that be hillarious.

I am looking forward to doing the Tulsa Run. I just don't understand why everyone gets a finisher medal except the 5 Kers. I know it's not much but come on now even the 1 mile fun runners gets a medal. Oh well as the saying goes Que Sera, Sera. That's how I am going to look at life from now on and not stress about the little things.

Just a reminder if anyone wants to bring out their kids saturday evening starting at 6 p.m. on Main Street in Broken Arrow Bobby & I will be there at our daughters in-laws business(Quaid & Associates) helping pass out candy for the halloween bash. They will have all sorts of games and lots of fun so dress up your goblins and bring them out and be sure to look for us.

Well this should be enough blogging to wet your appetite for the week (Bobby). I hope to see everyone at the expo & Tulsa Run.

MY WHIRLWIND WEEKEND

Wow what a weekend I had. Bobby & I got up extra early Saturday morning to prepare for his 20 mile run and take food & water to turkey mountain for the runners. I am certain Dave got up early as well to get everything else ready in the absence of our fearless leader who was having an adventure herself. Props goes to Dave for the awesome job he did marking the course the day before which Bobby & I met up with him Friday evening after he had finished.
We congregated at our usual meeting spot and listened to Dave give instructions for the route and I glanced around and noticed we were missing a few of our runners and definately was missing Kathy & Ken but was wishing them luck on their 100 miler. I did think about them periodically all through the day as to how they were doing and what mile they might be at. I definately admire them for their accomplishments. Candice & I bid farewell to the runners as we sent them on their way thanking God that it was them not us on that long run. We hopped into my car and started out on our journey to stay ahead of the runners to cheer them on and make sure that everyone was ok and had plenty of water to drink. We first stopped at the turn in on riverside by the pedestrian bridge and everyone was still smiling at that point and having fun. I was wanting to count heads but it was too dark. We then proceeded to Turkey Mountain to meet up with them and we watched people get ready for the duathlon they were having at Turkey Mountain. When the runners got to that point they were starting to look a little tired which I think after climbing up that big hill had a major role in that. I did finally get a head count of the runners which was 32 doing the 20 miles unfortunately I didn't get to get a count of the half marathoners but there was a good group doing that run but did notice a few of them missing as well. When the runners took off from Turkey mountain Candice & I loaded up the water jug and table and headed for runnersworld to drop off the water jug just in case it was needed there for when the runners got to that point but it was well stocked already with water but we thought we would leave the pretzels there for them. We did run into some of the half marathoners there which they were looking good and doing a fantastic job on their 8 mile run. Once again we loaded into the car and decided to make a stop at starbucks (sorry Rachael) so the mommy to be could take a bathroom break and since we were there we thought what the heck we might as well get us something to go ( sorry Rachael). WE then proceeded toward 21st and had to detour through the neighborhood because for some reason the police had that intersection blocked. Candice & I were drooling over the fancy homes and critiquing their beauty. WE finally arrived at Veterans Park to check on the half marathoners finishing up with their run and made sure everyone was doing ok. WE hopped into my car once again to take out on Riverside to see where the marathoners were at. We spotted the head leaders of the group right about where we meet on Tuesdays so we made a quick turnaround and headed for our next stop where the path first enters the neighborhood when you cross riverside. WE stood their and cheered and took pics of everyone coming through ( I did forward those pics to Ken & Kathy so be looking out for them to show up on the runnersworld blog.). WE told everyone there would be water & pretzels for them at runnersworld. I was amazed at how many smiles were still on their faces at that point which was probably right about mile 15. WE did notice AAron (I think that was his name because I heard some say his name was Mike) was having some trouble with his leg. We asked if he was ok and if he needed a ride back to the start. He said no he was having some issues but was still going to keep on going. Bobby & Ed were the last to come through that point but was not too far behind the girl power team and was trying to keep the smile on their face. I know by the look on Bobby's face that he had hit the wall. So to cheer him up we told them we would have a surprise for them when they got to Runnersworld. WE hauled it to Wild Oats to meet up with my daughter so I could pick up my granddaughter who would be staying with us overnight. My granddaughter was excited to tell me that her dad had sent her on a treasure hunt and at the end of the hunt she found tickets to Disney World which they will be going in November. WE left wild oats and caught up with Bobby & Ed by Runnersworld and showed Bobby his surprise (it was our granddaughter cheering him on.) I hoped that the sight of Katie would inspire him to keep on going. WE finally headed back to Veterans Park to finish cheering everyone in for their big hurrah. I tried to take everyones picture of them after they finished. They were tired but yet amazed at themselves at what they just accomplished. Bobby & Ed brought up the rear, once again not that far behind girl power which I am so proud of them and thank ED for sticking with Bobby to keep him going. I will have to give Candice & myself props for being the cheer leaders but a big CONGRATS to all the runners for a job well done.



















Bobby had trouble resting that day after his run. He was sore and too tired to relax and sleep so later that evening we took our granddaughter to the movies to see Beverly Hills Chihuahua which was a cute movie to see. I would recommend it to anyone wanting a family movie to see together.

Sunday brought another busy funfilled day for us starting with a big breakfast I cooked complete with biscuits and gravy and all the fixins yummo. I had enough spongebob to last me for awhile as that is my granddaughters favorite cartoon to watch the whole time she stays with us. Later in the afternoon we decided to have a picnic before we took her home. Do you know how hard it is to find a park in Broken Arrow. WE finally ended up at her elementary school which you can use on the weekends for picnics and playtime plus they have a half mile track around it. WE ate our sandwiches and our granddaughter told us that they have to go around the track everyday after lunch before they can play. She wanted to run around it so WE took off, she & I ran around it and Bobby walked it. She wanted to do it again like all kids would so once again she & I ran around it and Bobby walked. I think we did about a mile altogether. I needed the workout anyways. WE then played on the playground for awhile before we had to take her home which I hate having to say goodbye to her because it will be awhile before I see her again. I will get to see her on the evening of the 25th they are having a halloween bash on Main street in Broken arrow, if anyone is interested it starts at 6 p.m. where the kids can go trick or treating to the businesses there which My daughter's in-laws have a business there and I will be helping hand out candy that night. They will have other activities going on as well.
Later Sunday evening Bobby & I went bike riding at Turkey Mountain trail which I love to do but the climb back up afterwards is a killer. WE rode about 8 miles. WE like to stop at the pedestrian bridge area and rest and take in the view before heading back. WE like to have a little nourishment there to give us energy for the ride back.
See I told you I had a busy weekend and my week will be somewhat busy as well with housework and dr.'s appointments plus I forgot that I will be having lunch this week with my daughter and hopefully Candice if it works out for her. I will also be taking my letter of resignation to work which you all know that will be the best for me and my health issues. It will be sad to say goodbye to everyone at work since I was there for 11 years. I will have to pack up my belongings also which after all those years I have accumulated alot.

I look forward to seeing everyone Tuesday night and hope you all have a blessed week and have recooperated well from your run. Ed I hope you have a safe trip this week.

CAKE, CAKE & MORE CAKE PLUS GOT ME SOME NEW WHEELS

This past week I have had more than my share of cake. Last Monday as you all know was my birthday so I had cake. Tuesday night I brought cupcakes for everyone so more cake. Thursday night Lisa brought cake for her birthday so once again more cake for me. Friday I had lunch with Candice at Queenies which if you haven't tried it they are very good. I had Quiche & a salad and guess what I had to get? carrot cake since I was told their cakes were good and they were right the cake was awesome. Since I have had so much cake this past week I think I have had enough for awhile. I started riding my stationary bike and lifting weights along with my walking/running since after eating all that cake I will look like big Bertha if I don't watch out.

Saturday morning I enjoyed my adventurous ride with Coach Kathy as we cheered on all the runners as they made their way through downtown. We made it back to Veterans park just in time for her to have to leave for the Zoo run. I stayed and waited for everyone to come in from their first leg of their 9 mile run. Everyone left again for their final 4 miles after hydrating & refueling. Cheryl , who is doing awesome, came in from her first 5 miles totally wiped out and very thirsty and was wanting to give up but I told her I needed to run 4 miles so I will run with you. She agreed to go ahead and finish so we took off and we had a steady pace running but I forgot my garmin and couldn't tell what pace we were at. We both kept conversation going to keep her occupied and not think about running. I felt good and was doing alot of running and she was scared I was overdoing it but I told her I am ok and lets keep on going. We made it back to veterans park and she was disappointed that she didn't make her 11 mile goal for the day but I told her not to be too hard on herself because she did do 9 miles and made the effort to come when it was lightning and looking like rain. I am very proud of her determination. I did sign up to do the quarter marathon so I am working hard to be ready for which is hard to get back into since I hadn't done much running since June. I still have that little voice in my head trying to hold me back for fear of another attack. Charlotte did give me some words of wisdom on overcoming those fears.

Sunday I talked Bobby into buying us some new set of wheels.

We went to the Trek store on Riverside and both of us purchased matching his/hers Trek Bikes just like the one pictured above. I haven't been on a bike in quite awhile so I was hoping I wouldn't take a spill on my first time out. We took our bikes to turkey mountain and it was scary going down that steep hill I felt like my bike was flying through the air. We rode from the parking lot to the 31st street bridge where we sat down on the benches to take a rest break and enjoy the relaxing view. I think the chalk monster has struck once again because there was chalk messages all along the path. The weather was so perfect for bike riding except on the way back to turkey mountain the wind was making it hard to peddle forward. When we got to the start up the long hill toward the parking lot we decided we needed to push our bikes up it instead of trying to peddle up it. My legs were stiff at that point and made it hard to climb that very long hill which I think they need to put in escalators for us old people. I truly enjoyed our bike ride and we will be riding now on Wed. & Sundays for our cross training. I think next Sunday if the weather is nice we will take along sandwiches to eat while we are relaxing at the pedestrian bridge. I think I am going to like this new hobby but I bet I am going to be sore in the morning. I think our neighbors think we are nuts, first running and now biking even my daughter asked if we were going to get into triathlons now like her in-laws. I said no way I am just riding for fun not for competitiveness.

I am looking forward to this coming weekend. First it will be exciting to see Bobby do his first 20 miler so Candice & I will be there cheering everyone in on their 20 miler and also cheer on the half marathoners as well. Maybe we can sag for you guys since Kathy won't be there :( . I will also get the pleasure of keeping my granddaughter overnite since it is my daughters 5th anniversary.

Hope all have a wonderful & Blessed week and Lindsay hope you & Aiden are doing good and look forward to seeing him.