Much to Say, so little time!

Some great highlights in the last couple months:

• Cole Pulled himself up
• Cole stood on his own
• Cole took some steps all by himself
• COLE STARTED WALKING and WALKING and more WALKING!!!!

Oh and Cole got his 2nd haircut today!  His hair was getting so long so we had to go get it trimmed.  Didn't have this problem with Max.  Cole also started doing mommy and me swimming class and has gone under water.  He is loving the pool.  It's fun to see him enjoy it! 

Max has started school and doing well.  So happy with our new school.  Looking forward to the year ahead for him.

More to come but only had a few minutes!

My FIRST Triathlon!

Another dream/goal achieved and completed! I don't have any pictures yet due to my brother and step-mom taking all the pictures with their camera. Hoping to get those from them soon.

I was hoping, like the rest of the week the forecast would be wrong and not rain, but that did not happen. I was nervous about the rain not just because it can be annoying but mostly because I haven't spent as much time on a bike as I would like and I have done ZERO training on the bike in the rain. Wet roads, wet bikes...I was a little nervous. The thing about triathlons that make it harder is the transitions from each sport and with the rain it turns an already difficult situation into more of a difficult situation. This being my very first I was unsure of what to expect and the best way to do things. Luckily we are friends with others who have gone before us so they gave us some tips like bring big garbage bags to keeps your transition items dry and don't ride your bike on the white lines when wet because they are slippery...those definitely helped. When I registered I chose to compete in the Athens category...didn't really know what that meant until a few days before the race. I chose to stay in that category since I thought I might have a chance to place since there weren't as many competing in the category. My other option was the age group category.

I woke up early to get to my dads house by 6:30 am so we could bike to Allen York to set-up our transition area. It was pouring. Luckily I layered so I could stay warm before the swim started. Little did I know they close down the transition area before our part of the race started. There was an Olympic distance (double the distance of the sprint) and a Sprint distance...we (my dad & I) competed in the Sprint. The Olympic swimmers started before us so we were out in the rain in our swim gear for about an hour and half. My dad started with all the males and then I had to wait for 2 other waves before my group started. I was told that strong swimmers should start in the front so I decided to go to the side on the front. I have never swam with a lot of people and was a little scared what that would be like! Right before I was to start my swim I found my brother who was taking pictures on the dock. That was fun to see him and also that he was going to see my start was great. I didn't think I was cold until a few seconds into the swim and then it hit me. I had a strong start which was great since the swim portion was going to be my strongest out of the three sports. I fatigued early due to the weather. I forget how much energy you use to keep your body warm. Plus .32 miles seems a lot longer when you are looking at the whole course...wow! But I did it and the best part of the swim was coming to shore and seeing my family cheering my on! Loved that.

Swim Stats: 12:25.6

Rank #: 3

Distance: .32 miles

Next was my first transition to get ready for my 12 mile bike. Luckily the rain had stopped and I had to run from the water across the street to the transition area. I had planned to wear some old running shoes and save my good running shoes for the run so I would have dry socks and shoes...but when I got the the trans. area I changed my mind because I wanted to hurry. A little mistake that I would regret. I thought that since the rain had stopped that they wouldn't get as wet. Surprising how the brain isn't thinking as clearly in a moments time. Jill...did you think that the road would be wet which would splash water onto your shoes from the tires??? Again...didn't have experience on wet roads with the bike!!! Lesson learned!

Transition #1 : 3:23

The bike felt good. I was hoping to find my dad...wasn't sure if he was in-front of me or behind me. I figured he was strong on the bike and would catch up to me if he wasn't in front of me already. My dad and I had just road the course a few days before which was good so I knew all the hills that were ahead of me. I really need to train on some hills on the bike. It takes a lot of strength. My dad caught up to me about 3 miles in which was fun...but that was the last I saw of him as he disappeared in front of me. My shoes got wet...really wet. I was tired due to the cold, swim and the quick transition. It wasn't raining which was nice. The miles went by quick and I was eager to get over all the hills. The harder one was at the end but after that it was smooth sailing. I kept thinking about the lobster dinner I was going to have later on! Yummy! As I came to the end of the bike I got to ride by my family waiting as the cheered me on! Again...loved it! So fun to have familiar faces at racing events.

Bike Stats: 48:07.4

Rank #: 7

Distance: 12.23

Transition 2 was going to be a lot easier since I wasn't wet and all I had to do was remove some things and then I could start my run. It was nice to not have to change my shoes but I would have loved a dry pair of socks and shoes. Oh well! As I was running out I saw my dad which was great!

Transition #2: 1:17.6

My dad and I started the last leg of the race together. I was very tired at this point and knew I had a VERY HILLY course in front of my for the next 3.1 miles. It was fun to do it with my dad. I kept asking my dad as he ran ahead of me..."How does it feel to kick your daughters butt?"...my dad is 54 and was doing amazing! I was so proud of him. The first mile of the run I knew would be hard and it was. Every part of your body and mind tell you to give up, stop...walk, but I knew in 30 minutes I would be done and I didn't want to give up. During the run I kept thinking to myself...This is not Fun! Why do I do this? I have always wanted to to a triathlon and had thought about it and talked about if for the last few years...and here I was doing my very first with my dad in my hometown! It was fun to think about. I kept thinking how my 30th year has been amazing...I have ran 2 half marathons and was about to complete my first triathlon...that is pretty cool! Oh and I just had a baby a year ago!!! Sweet! We saw people walking up all the hills but I just didn't feel like I could do that...I wanted to but I didn't want to regret it later. Did I mention how hilly it was...yah I think I did. I think they looked at all the hills in the area and said...lets have them run it all! My dad and I decided to run through the finish together with our hands high...together!!! We finished together.

Run Stats: 30.04.4

Rank #: 3

Distance: 3.05

I placed 4th in my category and missed 3rd place 7 seconds...Yes I am happy to get 4th on my first tri, but to miss placing by 7 seconds...that's a bummer. My dad got 4th place in his category too! We were very impressed with our results. Ranking 3 in the swim and the run was exciting too.

Total time: 1:35:18

Place overall: 89/172 total sprint participants

(I was hoping for 2 hours...maybe 1:45 minutes...I really had no idea how long it would take! So my final time was great! I was very happy)

And it was the end of my FIRST triathlon! Loved it...I was very tired...exhausted. I can't wait to do another one. I didn't train as much as I could have which makes me more excited at what I can do to improve my times. Loren asked me which is harder...my half marathons or the tri...I don't know. I trained so much for my half marathon and I felt really prepared so I didn't feel as tired so I am not sure if I had trained more if I would have felt as tired. We will see next time. Training for 3 sports is hard to do...finding the time for 1 is hard, but 3...that is challenging. The thing that is hard about the triathlons is you you are moving from one sport to the next without much rest and then using different muscles. When you run a half marathon you don't stop and you keep going...if you stop sometimes it can make it harder.

There is something about competing in organized races that give you a high...its such an amazing feeling. Completing something, not for the competition of placing or anything just for the sense of completing something you have wanted to do and completing it...finishing it. It is the BEST feeling!

Oh Summer...

I am not ready to say goodbye to summer yet. We have had such a fun, packed summer. The weather is as good as it has ever been...or at least since I can remember. We have a very full calendar the next few months as we get ready for summer to come to a close and fall to start!


Max is starting in a new school which we are excited about. We will miss his old school and friends but I think it's going to be great for him to be in a preschool with a little more structure. I am excited that I will be teaching swimming lessons a couple days a week. I have always wanted to teach swimming so this will be a great start. Oh and Loren and I are both really looking forward to a few days in Vegas at the end of September to celebrate our anniversary and Loren's birthday. We have never been so it will be fun to relax and spend some time together, just us.


September 5Th my dad and I will be doing our very first triathlon in Bonney Lake. We had a training earlier this week and I loved it. I am so impressed that at 54 my dad is in such good shape...both my parents really. It will be fun to do this with my dad. We have a training on Saturday which will be nice to work on the transitions. I think I have my outfit...oh shoot I need to go buy some running shorts today for that!



Cole is doing well. We are going to physical therapy weekly for him because he is lacking in his gross motor skills which means he is not walking or pulling himself up to stand. In other areas he is great. He has improved since we have been going to PT which has been fun to watch. As much as I wish he could just do this stuff without the PT visits I am so grateful for for a healthy boy. There are so many kids that we see there that struggle with way more things than Cole does and it makes me put it all into perspective.

Oh and tomorrow my sister-in-law Railene is throwing an 80's party...can't wait! It's sure to be fun. I have the most tubular outfit that is so RAD!!! Can't wait to post some pictures. Sure to be a rock-in time!


So that is it for now. Haven't been posting much so thought a little update would be good. Enjoy the last few weeks of summer!

Tacoma Narrows Half Marathon!

I am ready, I think...

Downtown Tacoma

CHEERS... Happy to be done with our 2nd HALF!

Meg, me and my mom! Enjoying some food...oh it was good!
The finish line!

Had to sit down after I crossed the finish line!

Kind of lame that instead of medals we got a cup..which broke! Nice...

Getting my timing device removed! Just finishing!

Wow! I did it…another half marathon! So in one sense you could kind of say I did a marathon…just with a little 30 day break in the middle! Hey everyone needs to rest before the 2nd half right? Right!!! I have to say I was a lot more worried with this one due to my lack of training. The whole reason I signed up for another half was so I would keep running, well exactly what I didn’t want to happen…happened! I was a little burnt out with the time it took to train…oh and Washington had its hottest week ever…in HISTORY! Minus the guys with no shirts that have been running around at noon enjoying running in 95 degree weather this last week…I don’t think many people can do that…for sure not me! So where I was totally prepared and aware of pre-race day prep, my training had been less than stellar! I had logged about 8 runs in a month! We weren’t able to drive the course, which I felt really helped me with the R&R. I was scared that I might not even finish! I was happy to feel the cooler weather and it was overcast in Gig Harbor and over the narrows bridge, but cleared up as we came into Tacoma! That was nice and such a relief. I was hoping the people and the energy and the will to finish my second half would be able to help me…and it did! I did finish, minus a little bathroom break which ate up some precious minutes due to lines but both my mom and I did it (she was in the same boat with not much training). The race itself was nowhere near the size as the Rock & Roll and for sure wasn’t as fun! You trade some things when you run in a smaller race, this one was limited to a thousand runners. Great learning experience but it defiantly made me appreciate the Rock & Roll and were really happy to have that be my FIRST half marathon! I am ready to sign-up for next year’s Rock & Roll!

One thing I realized about my lack of training was how much I need running. What…did I just say that? I had a difficult day last week emotionally and realized how I had not had any time to myself! I had very little, if any alone time due to being at the lake, my mom being here (which I love), the weather…having a 3-1/2 year old who can have difficult moments and a 1 year old who wants you to hold them…life can get a little…well actually a lot overwhelming! I realized how running really helps me cope with all of it and also helps me release a lot of tension! Also it allows me to do something healthy for me. So it was a great time to learn that and to see how running needs to stick around in my world for more than just the health reason, for my sanity!
I am excited to get on bike now and start training for my triathlon! My dad and I are doing it together and I am really looking forward to seeing if I like them. I think I will. Still trying to figure out clothes and all the transitions. I love that it will be in my hometown so I am familiar with the area which makes all the difference.

Oh…and you have to check out my friend’s website…Tall Mom on the Run. She is having a giveaway for a moving comfort sports bra! You only have a little bit of time to enter…but go do it!

Oh how I miss you LAKE!

Not much time to write but I had to post a couple very cute pictures from our trip to the lake yesterday! I miss the lake! I grew up there and I feel like a child every time I jump in and swim. What a great childhood I had being able to swim all summer long. It was so nice to relax and enjoy the sun. I got to do a training swim which is good since swimming in open water is very different from a pool. Max wasn't too interested in the lake but we did get Cole in for a bit. I hope to be going up there more so I can get in some swim time for training for my triathlon in September!

Some more race pictures...

My mom and I crossing the finish line!

My dear friend Mel got these for me! I couldn't figure out how to download them and she did it for me. I know more race pictures, but these one are the professional ones! Had to share! Oh and I am registered for another half marathon on August 1st. The race is limited to 1000 participants so though I loved running with 24,999 other people it will be fun to run with only 999 plus myself! The race will go from Gig Harbor to downtown Tacoma! Should be some great sites!

I did it!

What we came to do!

Ready to go!

We are #1Cool picture of some of the R&R runners!

My finish line!

My support crew...

We are done! Mother & Daughter!Brother Andrew and MomYes, I am glad to be done! Look at the cool metal I won!
Love the posters!Good race!

Cole was so excited to be there!

Megs & Andrea cheering me on! Loren and me!

My dad and Beth rode their bikes up to see me!
Natalie loved having the metal around her neck...runner in the making maybe?
The "Sista's" Railene & Avril!

Thanks Nattie

Everyone who came out to support me!!! THANK YOU!!!

I ran my first HALF MARATHON! And loved every minute of it! Surprising to find out that it wasn't the run I was nervous about all week. I had run 13.1 miles and made it so I knew I could do it, though self doubt for sure can set-in and make you doubt if you really can. I was more nervous about the unknowns...would I have to go to the bathroom? Are the hills harder than they look? What if I injure myself? What if don't get to the starting line on-time? What do I eat? What do I wear? Will my friends and family know where to go? I am a worrier and worried a lot about things that had nothing to do with my run but the logistics. Weird I know, but that is me. I was hoping things would go smoothly and my mom and I would get there one time and have a "Good" running day! We made sure to eat well on Friday and hydrate well which I really think makes a big difference.

We woke up around 5am on Saturday morning and were out the door by 5:30am. The line to get to the drop-off site wasn't good so we got out early and ran/walked to the starting line. 25,000 people! You can't even imagine what that looks like! It was a beautiful day and everyone around us was there for the same reason and it was exciting to by shoulder to shoulder with people who had the same goal in mind and loved doing what I love to do! Not too often you will find yourself in that type of setting. We made a few bathroom breaks and got into our coralle and waited as the groups in front of us started. There were about 36 corralles and we were 22. I was nervous and excited and was so happy that my mom and I were doing this together. We figured we would stay together in the beginning and then she would take off since she was faster and then meet me at the finish line and we would finish together! I had been told to pace myself and not start off too fast and since there was so many people starting out, that wasn't going to be a problem. Before we started I looked back and as far as I could see were people...it was a crazy site! I started off slower but not walking and then it started breaking up. I got emotional when we started just because it was my first half marathon and you never get your first one back! It was good tears! The first mile came so fast and I felt good and knew this experience would be over so quickly. We came upon our first band and cheer squad and you better believed I high fived anyone who had their hand out...loved that! I felt good most of the way and enjoyed the sites and at one point realized I hadn't been looking at the sites but when you are running with 25,000 people you have to be very aware of every step or you could fall. I thought it was cool to grab the water they were handing out and take a few sips and throw the cup down...you always see that when you are watching a race on tv and it felt cool to be doing that...sounds a little silly I know! I felt good most of the way, there were a few times I didn't feel great but it didn't last long and I was so thankful. I found myself loving my play list which I am so glad I made. I prayed a lot just thanking God that I have legs and energy to be doing this. I got emotional in parts of the race just being for grateful for the day, the people around us, the volunteers and my family and friends at the finish line! The run from Seward Park along Lake Washington was amazing and then we went onto I-90 and went through the tunnel and came out into Seattle and I started to hit a wall but only had 3 more miles to go! The last few miles were tough but great. I tried making eye contact with people on the sidelines cheering us on so I could say "Thank you" for their energy and right as I was getting in the Alaskan Way viaduct there was a lady in a wheel chair and we made eye contact and I said "Thank You" and she said Great job...keep going! It was totally what I needed as I had my last mile to go! The finish line was packed with people and I was so excited but it was so surreal, I did make one mistake by keeping my headphones on but I had a wonderful song on at the time and it energized me! I will always listen to that song remembering that it was what I listened to as I finished my FIRST HALF MARATHON! I came in at 2:10 and was very happy with that time! My average pace was 9:52 which was a lot better then my usual 10:30 pace! I was pleased, feeling good and glad I was done. Of and I forgot, my mom met me before I crossed and we ran over the finish line together...it was a great ending to a wonderful experience!

I will for sure be doing the Rock & Roll next year...it was so much fun. Looking to do a few more this summer and maybe a triathlon in my near my hometown!!! Who knew Bonney Lake had a triathlon!

Cole is ONE!

The Ellingson's
Getting ready for Cake!

Happy Birthday Cole

Yummy!

Good stuff!

A fork is helpful

Battle wounds

Great"est" Grandpa and GrandmaAunt Beccy and Aunt Stephanie with the babies that are 2 weeks a part! Notice a slight size difference! Cute patootie's!Grandpa Ellingson and Cole Grandma Milam & Grandma Ellingson

The brothers! Decorations!

Max ready to go!
Cole enjoying his gifts! Trucks are fun!

Enjoying his 1st Birthday THANK YOU!

Cousins!




Cole is ONE! I still can't believe that his first year is over. We had a fun celebration with family at our house. We ate and enjoyed the day celebrating Cole. He enjoyed his cake but wasn't sure about it at first but soon got the hang of it. We opened gifts, well mostly Max opened them for his brother, not sure Cole got it. Big brothers are a great help. The cousins played, the adults had a great time visiting and it was just a fun day celebrating Cole!