People ask me why I run...

getting ready for a beautiful morning run in Colorado

"...running reduces the rate of heart disease. By pumping oxygen and antioxidants, it combats carcinogenic free radicals, and so reduces the incidence of many forms of cancer. By evacuating body waste promptly, it diminishes lingering toxins. By raising body temperature to fever level on a daily basis, it burns out infection. By stimulating sweating and increasing breath exchange, it eliminates toxins via the skin and expelled air. By releasing adrenaline, it flushes the system with disease fighting white blood cells and immune substances. By reducing body weight, it counters the effects of obesity - stress on the heart, joints, lungs and muscles, and non-insulin dependent diabetes. By stimulating endorphins, it alleviates stress, counters depression, and enhances creativity and problem-solving. By strengthening bones, it radically reduces the incidence of osteoporosis. By maintaining strong blood flow and creating a positive self-image, it improves sexuality. Finally, by leaving the body fulfilled and tired, running helps maintain healthy sleep patterns." (26.2 Marathon Stories, Swithzer & Robinson)

Mom's turn: A Mother's Treat

This was a particularly special Mother’s Day…I was a mom of two beautiful young ladies, Christina and Mao! What a special blessing – if only for a brief time. And they sure know how to pamper and spoil me and make me feel like a queen! Teeny started with an entire weekend of special treatment on Saturday! She gave me a foot rub, neck rub, manicure and pedicure, and cooked me dinner (complete with homemade stuffed mushrooms that she had planned and shopped for!) on a beautifully set table with some fresh magnolia flowers for decoration. Sunday, Travis fixed me breakfast – my favorite “runny eggs on toast,” a long time name of what I didn’t know was poached eggs when I was young, Mao gave me roses, and everyone gave me cards. Then we went to a wonderful Sunday service dedicated to the women in Jesus’ lineage and I received another gift from the ladies at church – a flower pen. Afterwards, we went to one more spot…La Madeline’s where I got my favorite soup in the world, tomato basil. Yum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I feel so incredibly blessed to have such a beautiful family!!

Mom's turn: Kentucky Derby Fun

Steve and Ginger had their first annual Kentucky Derby party. It was great to see all of everyone all dressed up

Christina & Brooke

and of course the fabulous hats!

Elen & Janet

Elen & Ginger...the hostest with the MOSTEST

We enjoyed eating, visiting, and watching the race…all two minutes of it :-D

My fabulous HH!! I love that smile

We placed a bet and our horse came in 14/19; as if I needed a reason not to gamble, that was definitely reinforcement. Travis and I are obviously not very good at it. Good thing it only cost us one dollar!! And, surprisingly, I won “fanciest hat” in the contest that was held.

My prize was the authentic 2009 derby cup

I was delighted, however Travis said since my hat was prize-worthy I didn’t need a new one next year! :-/ HEY!

Elen & Connie...she won "most creative" hat

Mom's turn: Monterey...ready or not, here we come!

Day 9 We traveled on to Monterey, spotting some crazy surfers along the way, and Travis got all registered for his race! Oh the excitement is building now!!!

they didn't get the memo that it's FREEZING outside!

Day 10 We relaxed today in preparation for the marathon tomorrow. We…sort of! I took the girls down to Cannery Row to go shopping – and Travis walked all the way there from the hotel to meet us! We did lots of shopping, again, and I met a new friend – Betty Boop-boop-y-doop!!She was unimpressed with my pajama attire, however. Oops, caught again! We ate a nice dinner, Travis’ pre-race request – sushi, then went home to actually rest this time.