tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981119021921930022024-03-14T03:42:13.711-04:00Run, Milich, Run!Amanda Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117704465525728371noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498111902192193002.post-86651407017888817142017-10-30T20:06:00.002-04:002017-10-30T20:06:23.981-04:00Updates and SuchIt’s almost November. I’ve been busy surviving my second and third year of teaching and training, so the blog has been the furthest thing from my mind. I’m about 5 days out from my next half marathon and injured again.<br />
I ran the Indy Mini back in May with knee pain, then did 4 weeks of physical therapy. It was rough balancing that with the last weeks of school. I took it easy for most of June and started to pick training back up in July. I did my furthest runs about a month ago, so I know I’m ready. <br />
I’m planning a little break after Monumental. I think the furthest distance I’ll be running is a 5k for a while. My body just needs a break. I have been training for races pretty much since my last marathon. I need to get back into running for me and for fun.Amanda Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117704465525728371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498111902192193002.post-84437320452625012712016-09-18T21:45:00.003-04:002016-09-18T21:45:47.747-04:00Running with PurposeIt's been a while since my last post. I'm not so great at writing a blog (or at least keeping up with it). My job keeps me busy most of the year. I'm also involved in some local organizations that occupy a large check of my non-training, non-teaching time. <br />
<br />
Moving on...<br />
I'm running with the Indiana Chapter of Team In Training again. This year, I'm only running the half marathon during the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon. I'm almost at my fundraising goal, but could always use more to make someday today. Check out my journey at my other page--<a href="http://pages.teamintraining.org/in/yourway16/adavis">http://pages.teamintraining.org/in/yourway16/adavis</a>. It'll update you on my training progress.<br />
<br />Amanda Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117704465525728371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498111902192193002.post-26853797625860256522016-05-21T22:06:00.001-04:002016-05-21T22:06:55.951-04:00Adventures in Moving and other thingsI'm over due for a post, but it has been a crazy few weeks. <div><br><div>April 27th</div><div>We closed on our new home. We had to drive to the north side, which makes me cranky, but it is finally ours.</div></div><div><br></div><div>April 28th</div><div>My family comes out to help us move. They stay at a hotel, and we go out for dinner.</div><div><br></div><div>April 29th</div><div>My parents hang out at our house waiting for the fridge to arrive. The fridge arrives around 10:00am. Dearest husband and I are at work. </div><div><br></div><div>April 30th</div><div>MOVING DAY! We get breakfast, pick up the rental truck, and begin moving our stuff. The worst thing was moving a washer and dryer up the stairs. The best thing was staying in our house for the first time.</div><div><br></div><div>May 1st</div><div>My family had to leave to get back to the grind in PA. Hubster and I went out and purchased some necessary items for our new home. </div><div><br></div><div>May 2nd through 6th</div><div>Work and cleaning our apartment up. Not a lot of outside activities could happen until that was done. </div><div><br></div><div>May 7th and 8th </div><div>Continued cleaning of our apartment and turning in our keys. It was hard to say goodbye to our little home in Indy. We turned in our keys three days short of living there 2.5 years.</div><div><br></div><div>May 9th through 13th</div><div>Adjusting to new routines and attempting to find some of our stuff in the boxes we haven't unpacked yet. I'm getting ready for the last few weeks of school and a field trip. I manage to sneak a run in on Friday evening. My first run since moving, and it was slow. I haven't really been running much since Spring Break. </div><div><br></div><div>May 14th</div><div>I got up early and ran my first race since the glass slipper. I raced a 5k in my old school district and placed third in my age group. Not to bad for not training. </div><div>Later, we had a housewarming party with some of our close friends and coworkers here. It was nice to see my coworkers outside of school. And it was pretty awesome to play games in the game room, instead of sitting wherever we could cram into in the apartment. </div><div><br></div><div>May 15th- present</div><div>Working and relaxing in our home. I still haven't done much running, but it will all be okay. This Thursday is our last student day, so I'll be able to get some shorter runs this week and a five-ish mile long run this weekend. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1tjKN0Vu1RRgFT3ecIOMigrusePoSoFu2VuJ-eUT6N-0Wdeg18jkSoAJ6J53V3_4Sw08CArQC1uKcMWqcWw97nD7nHxHm5pezrpyecZUfRZ6CxuKCpLkJy8lP1BTp4K-SFLpaVIZGtA/s640/blogger-image-1479583188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1tjKN0Vu1RRgFT3ecIOMigrusePoSoFu2VuJ-eUT6N-0Wdeg18jkSoAJ6J53V3_4Sw08CArQC1uKcMWqcWw97nD7nHxHm5pezrpyecZUfRZ6CxuKCpLkJy8lP1BTp4K-SFLpaVIZGtA/s640/blogger-image-1479583188.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A view from our living room windows.</div></div>Amanda Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117704465525728371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498111902192193002.post-77739037269759824202016-04-09T06:00:00.000-04:002016-04-09T06:00:00.196-04:00Race Recap: runDisney's Glass Slipper ChallengeWay back in July 2015, I signed up to run the Glass Slipper Challenge. I was in the first few weeks of marathon training, so I had my plan in place. I was going to continue the Team in Training fall schedule for the rest of the winter, but use the half plans starting two weeks after the race. <br />
<br />
Training this time around was okay. I didn't have a terrible winter, so I could run outside a lot. The bigger problem was getting a run in before dark during the week. I had been staying at school later to make sure everything was ready for the next day. By the time I made it home, it was dark. <br />
<br />
The magical day came. I spent my morning at school and took a mid-afternoon flight from Indy to Orlando. My mom was supposed to meet me at the resort, but her flight kept getting delayed. I made it to the resort first. By the time my mom finally got there, the race expo was closing. We went te next day after our breakfast reservations.<br />
<br />
The Expo was much better than I had experienced at my last Princess experience. It took over all of HP Pavilion and the Josten's Center at the Wide World of Sports complex. I was slightly disappointed at the lack of Princess Half Merchandise they had available the next day. I ended up with a travel coffee mug, a magnet, and an "I did it" shirt. I also bought another cute running shirt. I really wanted the Tervis water bottle, but they didn't have any by the time I got there.<br />
<br />
The races were great! I managed to be right upfront for the 10K. I really tried to keep the pace slower for the first leg of the race. I loved running through Boardwalk and the Yacht and Beach Clubs. It was a solid run with a 10:02 min/mile average pace. The half was also pretty good. The course was very similar to the first time I ran it, three years ago. I had an average pace of 10:29 min/mile. I didn't stop for any character pictures until the end of the race, where I met two of my favorites! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.ford1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtl1/v/t1.0-9/12742006_773765077030_4115786732424496204_n.jpg?oh=90618e85aee7ce02dfce5009b8271f41&oe=5772BA4A" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent.ford1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtl1/v/t1.0-9/12742006_773765077030_4115786732424496204_n.jpg?oh=90618e85aee7ce02dfce5009b8271f41&oe=5772BA4A" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.ford1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlf1/v/t1.0-9/12705342_773765087010_8369483503803535685_n.jpg?oh=0bd30d49a40acd9a8c9ed83df98bbcac&oe=57BDAF9B" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent.ford1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlf1/v/t1.0-9/12705342_773765087010_8369483503803535685_n.jpg?oh=0bd30d49a40acd9a8c9ed83df98bbcac&oe=57BDAF9B" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Amanda Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117704465525728371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498111902192193002.post-81467988669206872452016-04-08T22:00:00.000-04:002016-04-08T22:09:14.383-04:00I'm a ambassodorI was recently selected to be a RunningSkirts Ambassador! I am so excited to be part of this group! I love their products--I don't really wear much else for bottoms. If you plan on shopping for some cute running clothes, check out my link <a href="http://store.runningskirts.com/?cmid=MDoyOjZkMWYwNTJlMzYyMGZhNzY6ZnJLWEsyMUJucmk1eXNFaFljZmtSUT09&afid=MDoyOmM0YTY5NzljM2UzNzZjYWI6aFQ5ZnFXMTE5MXI5a1l6dGtQL1BYUT09&ats=MDoyOmY4ZjNlMzkxNWJmMzkyY2U6UEVENXJZb1RQWW9rM29LQmY2RmVLUT09" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
<br />
They are giving away a skirt a day through April and May! Check it out at their Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=running%20skirts">https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=running%20skirts</a> for more information!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0A7t4cOtmqDKxku89NPQ6LV6eDi5_yC27PbJ-X3lu1AzfpLJbjQ4jJK3dHJ3nOPl6QGO2td12JGYBAH6GLkax_fSe-P_ZzFlS5zjiiRkUo3OwW7YapbM0Pf3Efh_e_oK4ooiCjCbSfQ/s1600/runningskirts-ambassador-badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0A7t4cOtmqDKxku89NPQ6LV6eDi5_yC27PbJ-X3lu1AzfpLJbjQ4jJK3dHJ3nOPl6QGO2td12JGYBAH6GLkax_fSe-P_ZzFlS5zjiiRkUo3OwW7YapbM0Pf3Efh_e_oK4ooiCjCbSfQ/s320/runningskirts-ambassador-badge.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
<br />Amanda Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117704465525728371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498111902192193002.post-55998506167301391962016-04-08T20:46:00.002-04:002016-04-08T20:46:46.791-04:00I Really Need to Get Better at Writing More FreqentlyIt's been almost a year since my last post. A year. A lot can happen in a year, and a lot did happen. So, it's time for a long over due update. <br />
<br />
Last May, I was up for several interviews in the school district I worked in. I was hoping to move up from an Instructional Assistant to a teacher. I interviewed and never heard back. It was disappointing, but I moved on and continued applying to other schools. I had also convinced my coworker and friend, E, to run a half marathon with me in September. We had started training and running after school once a week.<br />
<br />
June came, and I had a few more interviews for teaching positions. I kept running with my teammates from Team in Training to keep up for my second attempt at the marathon. <br />
<br />
July was a busy, crazy month. I had roughly 15 teaching interviews in two weeks. I thought I had nailed one, but I got a phone call saying I'm on their short list for the next opening. I also signed up for the Glass Slipper Challenge. It was a great distraction from the craziness of interviewing. I was still doing my weekday runs with my teammates and weekend runs either alone or with the team and our coach. I kept getting calls for interviews, and the school that put me on their short list called me back for another opening. I collaborated with a colleague to get the information I needed to land the position. After the interview was a blur. I drove home and waited. an hour later, the school called and offered me to job! I was elated! I started the next day.<br />
<br />
August brought new challenges as I adjusted to working more and attempting to keep up with my training. It was difficult, but I still managed one weeknight run with my group. I'm still working on the work-life balance, to be honest.<br />
<br />
My in-laws were supposed to come out in September, but fate changed that plan. My father-in-law's leukemia got increasing worse. This started our long journey. He began chemotherapy in order to have a transplant. So, when he came home for a two week break between rounds, we drove out to visit. He was still optimistic.<br />
<br />
I also ran my first black-flagged race in September. It was the half marathon I had convinced E to run with me. Due to lightning, the race was cancelled before we got to mile 3. I was so disappointed, not only for myself, but for my friend as well. It was going to be her first half, and Mother Nature had to ruin it for everyone.<br />
<br />
October brought my 30th birthday. I have graduated to a new age group. I celebrated by running 8 miles at group training and a five mile race at a winery. I have decided that it is worth it to sign up for races with wine. <br />
<br />
Marathon attempt 2 was in early November. I was doing pretty good until I hit the IMA grounds near the statue of the crawling guy, near mile 18. Something clicked when I saw him, and I sent a text to my coach that I was in serious need of help. Unfortunately, he (or any of the other coaches) were at mile 23 and still catching the half marathon racers. By mile 22, I had been passed by the 4:30 and the 4:45 pace groups. I was in need of help or support or something. My quads kept cramping and my stomach felt yucky. When I finally saw my coach, my response was "Everything hurts, and I'm dying." I was ready to be done. He pushed me to go faster, and then we hit the finishers chute. Coach wanted me to sprint. I almost threw up. I crossed with a new PR, and was immediately escorted to the Medical Tent (because they saw me dry heaving in the chute). I had to sit there until I finally asked If I could get food.<br />
<br />
Later in November, we bought a house--sort-of. We actually bought land and a construction site. Our future home is now just weeks away from being ours.<br />
<br />
We traveled home for a different Thanksgiving. We had two days with my family. Then we spent two days with my husband's mom. His dad had the transplant, and wasn't able to leave the hospital yet. The Christmas holiday was similar, but we made it to Cleveland to visit his dad. They were staying at a place near the hospital, so they could get there easily for monitoring appointments.<br />
<br />
We later got the news that the first transplant didn't take. The doctors said that a second one should take and that his blood cell numbers would go up. They did the transplant right away, but his number never went up. I got back from the Glass Slipper Challenge (I'll talk about that in a different post), to be greeted with the news that they were moving forward with hospice care. We drove out that Saturday, and I wrote up lesson plans for another Monday out. We made it early Saturday afternoon, and left late Monday morning. An hour after we got home, we found out my father-in-law was gone and free from pain. <br />
<br />
It's been an eventful year, and I will be glad to put this school year behind me. There are 34 more student days to go and three professional days. I have almost survived my first year of teaching, running, building, and finding balance in this crazy thing we call life.<br />
<br />
<br />Amanda Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117704465525728371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498111902192193002.post-63761500947765976092015-05-25T20:24:00.001-04:002015-05-25T20:24:06.765-04:00Some times I forget that I write a blogThis has been one of those times. Between training, job hunts, working full-time, interview preparations, and life in general, I haven't had the time to write anything. Well, I'm still job hunting, but the school year is coming to an end. I'm hoping to find a position at a south side school (I'm not picky), but it seems the pickings are slimmer than last year. <div>Running has been an escape for the most part. I had been training with Team In Training again, until the season was cut short. Since then, it been one training session and two races. I have been training hard to increase my speed, which is paying off. </div><div>On May 16th, I ran the Fast Flash 5k. It's a smaller race that benefits my school district. I was super close to earning a age group award last year (only the top two got an award; I placed third). This year I was determined to place in the top two. I did with a new PR of 26:27! I was excited! I came in second and got my $10 gift certificate to a local running store.</div><div>This past Saturday, I ran a semi-local half marathon. The Noblesville Mini Marathon was a well organized race. The course was very pretty and we had perfect weather. That being said there were some downsides-not a lot of spectators, some poor water management near mile two/three, and the 5k, 10k, and Half all started at the same time and same place. Once the rest of the groups split off, the half was really good. I ran at a conservative pace for the first few miles behind the 2:15 pace group. I wasn't expecting much since I didn't run at all since the Fast Flash due to a sinus infection. I was hoping to have a decent time near 2:20, but I left the pacers in the dust around mile 5. I ran with a very nice gentleman for mile 6, but had to keep moving I order to get my new PR. I had to start run-walk-run around mile 9. By mile 11, I knew I could walk the rest of the course and still get a personal record.</div><div>The worst part of the race wasn't anything to do with the race. It was the drive home. I sat in a line of traffic for 25-30 minutes because of an accident on the route home. My body stiffened up by the time I arrived home. I'm still a little sore today.</div><div>Today was tutu making day for the Color Run on June 6th! I am super excited to walk this event with my coworkers/best friends in Indy! Team Tutu Legit to Quit is awesome sauce!</div>Amanda Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117704465525728371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498111902192193002.post-27743937505736800772015-03-23T16:46:00.002-04:002015-03-23T16:46:36.491-04:00Marathon attempt #2Normal people don't do crazy things, like run marathons. And if they do run a marathon, they probably do a one-and-done deal. Like "Yay! I finished a marathon. Cross that off the bucket-list."<br />
<br />
I am not normal. I just signed back up to do a second marathon with Team In Training. Why? Because I'm the type of person who doesn't like to leave things when they don't go right. And the Monumental Marathon didn't go the way I pictured it last year. So, I'm tackling it again with new information. I didn't hit the $1000 fundraising goal, so I'm starting earlier. I didn't maintain my pace through out the entire race (let's face it miles 19-25 were ugly), so I'm training harder. My nutrition wasn't right, so I'm changing habits. And I'm doing all of this in order to conquer something bigger. I'm doing it all to help beat blood cancers. And that's a great reason to not be normal.Amanda Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117704465525728371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498111902192193002.post-43403815491629362152015-03-02T20:12:00.001-05:002015-03-04T20:49:44.800-05:00Organizing my life (and my friend's too)Sunday was a terrible day weather wise. And yet, I decided to run. I managed to run two miles before I quit. The roads hadn't been plowed, and the slush was up over my ankles. <div>So, I went inside and started making a planner for a coworker/friend. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">And then I decided my planner wasn't up to snuff, so I revamped my own. I think it's going to work better. My friend has been using hers, and it has made her a little more organized.</span><div>Unfortunately the ISTEP test has started, and it makes me sad. The kids are super stressed out over it, and it breaks my heart. I have seen two children in tears, and have had to calm down another. And I have spent a small fortune on treats for my kiddos. It's the small things that matter this week.</div></div>Amanda Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117704465525728371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498111902192193002.post-89436510992683157332015-02-22T11:15:00.001-05:002015-02-22T11:15:55.160-05:00365There are 365 days until my next runDisney race! Fingers crossed I can get in the race in July! Now, I just have to decide if it's going to be the Glass Slipper Challenge or just the Princess Half Marathon and what princess to be!<div>I'm looking for a half marathon to run before the registration date. I'm hoping for a smaller race that isn't too far away from Indy. I'm trying to get in an earlier corral, because I could be in the same corral as last time even though I've gotten faster. </div>Amanda Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117704465525728371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498111902192193002.post-22120054338158711892015-02-19T19:57:00.001-05:002015-03-23T16:48:31.732-04:00BittersweetThis weekend marks the beginning of my third year of real running. It was two years ago that I ran the Disney Princess Half Marathon, which was my first long distance race. I'd run 5ks before, but nothing longer since there weren't many races near me. But I had this idea in my head that I could do it.<br />
<div>
I originally thought about doing it through Team in Training, but the fundraising commitment date was soon. (This was before runDisney events became extremely popular). I signed up at the end of October and started training. I was working as a substitute teacher, and I was able to work my runs around my schedule. Then winter hit Pennsylvania hard. My training started to suffer. When I did get out there, my runs consisted of dodging snowplow trucks, garbage trucks, school buses, ice and snow. It was rough going, but I somehow made it work. </div>
<div>
When my mom and I left for Florida for our trip, it was a blizzard in PA. Our plane was late leaving Pittsburgh due to de-icing. When we arrived in Florida, it was beautiful. But my training had prepared me to run in cold, not heat. On race morning, it was 70* F with 90-95% humidity at 3 in the morning. But I still ran. </div>
<div>
I made a lot of rookie mistakes, cotton tshirt, Capri pants, no hydration belt. But I still ran my race, and cried the last quarter mile. I had put so much time and energy into training, and I was sad to see it come to an end. </div>
<div>
Now, I am a two time half marathoner, and a full marathoner! I have learned so much about running since that race! </div>
<div>
I hope that all the runners this weekend have a magical race!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In other news, my first Nuun shipment came. I got two bottles, three tattoos, three decals, and 11 tubes of Nuun! I'm so excited!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHvGrUrWIrzLd7P2Wd4n3sDkselOSE8uJfYEi8GbnzJQcGz-cybhGfXZUDknoI1OLTU6zrraC-7qpQrLeO30l00M9wYrqgnB8ll8yoF7RgdMLZHx4e0ejr20H2E0Svjzumjr0lMutSAU/s640/blogger-image--267428048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHvGrUrWIrzLd7P2Wd4n3sDkselOSE8uJfYEi8GbnzJQcGz-cybhGfXZUDknoI1OLTU6zrraC-7qpQrLeO30l00M9wYrqgnB8ll8yoF7RgdMLZHx4e0ejr20H2E0Svjzumjr0lMutSAU/s640/blogger-image--267428048.jpg" /></a></div>
Amanda Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117704465525728371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498111902192193002.post-32464631686440450942015-01-25T11:06:00.001-05:002015-01-25T11:58:33.190-05:00Stuck in a ValleyLast night the hubster and I went and got Chinese food, and we got our fortune cookies. My fortune simply stated "always a valley before a hill." Right now, I feel like I'm stuck in a valley. My training has been inconsistent at best, and I have been feeling stressed out with everything I have taken on this year. There is light at the end of the tunnel and in two weeks one project will be over. Then in about 8 weeks,the second project will be mostly done. Then it will be spring break and my skating season will be over and I will start running more consistently. <div>I am currently in search of a good training plan to get me back into training for another marathon and then a half marathon roughly four months later. Hopefully, I'll climb my way out the valley soon.<br><div><br></div></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LQm4viQVK42ymSlk02CCROAle4dO2lh9K8BBygFEtTOeOFVkRxx5bT2FK3qBQfsMOf1XCS9Vn-DMX6wuqQ46o2sNI7TG8uKHJBrwGk0KxKAK3kKJsyr87HeR0ASK7-TjRvR7K5Co53A/s640/blogger-image--851106177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LQm4viQVK42ymSlk02CCROAle4dO2lh9K8BBygFEtTOeOFVkRxx5bT2FK3qBQfsMOf1XCS9Vn-DMX6wuqQ46o2sNI7TG8uKHJBrwGk0KxKAK3kKJsyr87HeR0ASK7-TjRvR7K5Co53A/s640/blogger-image--851106177.jpg"></a></div>Amanda Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117704465525728371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498111902192193002.post-64510639058750554732015-01-20T22:33:00.001-05:002015-01-20T22:33:00.496-05:00YesterdayYesterday was the day most people break their resolutions for the new year. They start forgetting about their goals. But it takes 21 days to create a habit. <div>I have changed my goals for the year. A friend from college has decided to run the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon this fall. This inspired me to try marathons again. I've been working on a new training plan that will build my mileage up very slowly. </div><div>I'm still trying to drink more water during the day, but there are days (like today) that encourage drinking pop. (If you're reading this on the east coast it would be soda, or down south it's coke.) </div><div><br></div><div>Anyway, I'm going to go get on Pinterest to find a 21 day blog challenge. If you know of any, post it in the comments.</div>Amanda Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117704465525728371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498111902192193002.post-61092011212334385672015-01-18T22:15:00.001-05:002015-01-18T22:15:42.460-05:00I'm a klutz...Over the holidays, the hubster and I traveled back to our parents' to visit. We drove out Sunday before Christmas and came back the following Monday. Well the Sunday night before we drove back to Indy, I tripped and fell up the stairs at my In-law's house. I really slammed my left foot into the stairs during my marvelous fall. When it decided to continue to hurt last week, I made a doctors appointment to get a full physical and have my foot checked out. The doctor ordered an X-ray, which came back Friday morning all clear. Nothing broken; no major trauma to the soft tissue.<div>It started feeling better yesterday, and I actually went out for a slow run today. Hopefully this warm weather will stick around for a while so I can get outside and run. </div><div><br></div><div>I have been attempting to drink more water, and got myself a cool bottle to use. I marked every eight ounces on the outside of the bottle to push myself to drink more. It's been working alright so far, but I'm looking for ideas to keep it up.</div>Amanda Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117704465525728371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498111902192193002.post-1629184802914719912015-01-08T11:02:00.001-05:002015-01-08T11:02:49.263-05:00Cold day #2So school has been cancelled again today. It's flipping freezing here (the temperature is -1* F. So no running for me. <div>Well, there's no running for me until next Wesnesday. Over Christmas break, I tripped going up the stairs at my In-law's house. My foot is still hurting, so I'm trying to stay off of it. It's really tough since I have a lot of walking to do at school and coaching ice skating. I'm just hoping that it's a minor injury (I don't want to be in a boot). </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Amanda Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117704465525728371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498111902192193002.post-52090045754124155242015-01-04T20:24:00.001-05:002015-01-04T20:24:13.314-05:00SMART GoalsA very long time ago, I learned about SMART Goals in taekwondo class. It helped me break down my larger goals into smaller goals and helped make them attainable. So here are my Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Results-oriented, and Trackable goals.<div><br></div><div><b>1. Break a 2:10 half marathon.</b></div><div>This goal is simple and specific to getting moved into earlier corrals for next year at the Princess Half. I can definitely be measured and tracked by a race performance and my training. </div><div><br></div><div><b>2. Drink more water.</b></div><div>This is going to be the one I struggle with. I strongly dislike the taste of plain water. I need my water to be flavored or ice cold. Luckily, I'm a Nuunbassador so I can get Nuun products to enhance my water without adding any extra sugar. </div><div><br></div><div><b>3. Get back into figure skating.</b></div><div>Once I get into a place where I don't have a car payment, I intend to put some money aside for skating lessons, paying down the student loans, and possibly a house payment. I really miss skating for myself. I love coaching, but there is nothing like the feeling of learning something new and challenging oneself. </div><div><br></div><div><b>4. Eating healthier.</b></div><div>So most days I rush around and grab a protein bar for breakfast and something stupid for lunch. I really want to develop better eating habits so I lose weight and perform better in all aspects of my life.</div><div>That means buying the right foods and doing meal preparation earlier.</div><div><br></div><div>Those are my four small, SMART Goals for the year. </div>Amanda Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117704465525728371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498111902192193002.post-29263254527238889782015-01-02T10:04:00.001-05:002015-01-02T10:04:33.351-05:00New year, New goalsSo this post should have come out yesterday, but I got distracted by cleaning. <div>It's a new year, and I have new goals</div><div><br></div><div><b>1. Write the blog daily.</b> </div><div>I am hoping to write as blog post daily. I have some fun ideas to add to just the running part, so you get a glimpse into my daily life. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b>2. Stay hydrated and drink more water.</b> </div><div>Being a #nuunbassador for the year means I am going to need to drink more water. Luckily, Nuun is a sugar free option to make my water taste better. </div><div><br></div><div><b>3. Keep running (at least 600 miles this year).</b></div><div>I ran 490.8 miles in 2014. I am hoping to hit 600 miles this year with fifty miles every month. Since I will be training for at least 2 half marathons this year (and a third in early 2016) this should be easy enough to hit. </div><div><br></div><div><b>4. Work on nutrition.</b> </div><div>I am going to be working on my eating habits in it's to perform better in running and skating. </div><div><br></div><div><b>5. Pay off my car and student loans so I can start taking skating lessons again.</b> </div><div>It's been two long years since I had a skating lesson, and I would like to be able to do that again. I'm not sure what way I'm going to go with my skating, but I'm leaning heavily towards just doing ice dancing. </div>Amanda Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117704465525728371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498111902192193002.post-69290276207881365902014-12-17T20:06:00.001-05:002014-12-17T20:10:48.350-05:00New Record and exciting newsOn Saturday, I ran my first race since the Monumental. I ran the Jingle Bell 10K downtown. I met up with some of my Team In Training friends, and had a great race! The course was better this year and they had more water stops! I had a great time, and even though I didn't train much for it, I ran a Personal Record of 59:24! <div><br></div><div>And now for the exciting news...</div><div><br></div><div>I am a nuunbassador! What is that? I am an ambassador for a hydration product called nuun. It's pretty great stuff that helped fuel me through some tough workouts during the marathon training. They are little, sugar-free electrolyte tablets that you can dissolve in water. There are some awesome flavors, like watermelon and pink lemonade, that make staying hydrated easier. Well, at least for me since I have a hard time drinking plain water.</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoj-6lSnztumTKIUJtMdgzqhcaZPjNcURJTt_XgJpVkGz6QitEO7JfdKmxubTtkPW7nulvH6W64DJyYtqEAFsW8vjv7N7P-cHeZ9pJ4MDMzYMT35N3eBjcRiGr7B1aKdtPKHODnf9owY/s640/blogger-image-630846790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoj-6lSnztumTKIUJtMdgzqhcaZPjNcURJTt_XgJpVkGz6QitEO7JfdKmxubTtkPW7nulvH6W64DJyYtqEAFsW8vjv7N7P-cHeZ9pJ4MDMzYMT35N3eBjcRiGr7B1aKdtPKHODnf9owY/s640/blogger-image-630846790.jpg"></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Amanda Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117704465525728371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498111902192193002.post-33456349097235876972014-12-14T13:14:00.001-05:002014-12-14T13:14:53.026-05:00It's been awhile...Just a fair warning, this post might be long...<div><br></div><div>I've been thinking about my first marathon for a while now, and I finally am ready to share my feelings about it.</div><div>October 31, 2014: Race Packet Pickup & Expo</div><div> I was super excited for this weekend and my parents went with me to get my bib and other race things. The expo wasn't as big as the Mini Marathon's was but it was still good. My mom and I went halfers on some runningskirts capri skirts and I bought a pair of socks. After the expo, we went to the mall to kill a little time before our Team In Training Inspration dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory. </div><div> At the dinner, we were treated to various presentations and guest speakers. And at one point, Maggie, our campaign specialist, started reading one of my posts from my fundraising page. I broke down in tears writing it, and had to fight back the tears as she read it. Someday, I'll copy it here. I was also named Indiana Chapter's Rookie of the Year, and my friend Janet won the spirit award.</div><div> I also want to mention how crappy the weather was. Last year it wasn't cold, but it was very rainy on Halloween. Luckily for me, it was snowing this year. Yes I said snowing in October. Being from PA, this was very common for me growing up. </div><div><br></div><div>November 1, 2014: Race Day</div><div> All of the Team In Training participants met up in a hotel lobby about a block away from the start line. Our coaches gave us a lot of last minute advice and at about 7:30 am, we headed out into the cold to get to the start, do bag check, etc. I stuck with my teammates and got around the five hour pace group leader. My A goal was to finish. My B goal was to finish inbetween 4 hour and 45 minutes and 5 hours. I thought that it was a realistic goal based off of my half marathon times. I figured that if I ran even 11 minute miles I would accomplish my B goal. </div><div> Miles 1-9: I ran these and felt great. There was plenty to see on the course and lots of people to talk to. My family was at cheering me on just after the first mile marker. Jesse ran most of these miles with me and helped me keep my splits pretty even. He dropped back around mile 7 as I continued to run and wave at the cars that were stuck in traffic. </div><div> Miles 10-15: These went pretty well, but I was starting to wear down. I had to take more walk breaks, but overall it wasn't bad. I came close to hitting my personal record for the half marathon. I honestly don't remember much of this part because there wasn't much to look at.</div><div> Miles 16-18: the start of the uphill portion of the race. It was challenging, but I managed to stay close to my goal pace and toughed it out. I also ran through Greek row on Butler's campus. It was cool seeing all of their houses. This part also ran through Indianapolis Muesum of Art, which is one of my favorite places to run.</div><div> Miles 19-25: This was the absolute worst part of the entire marathon experience for me. I feel that this was because my training never hit the magical 20 mile mark and my fueling strategy needed work. I was super nauseous for most of these miles and I would run, feel sick, walk, feel better, try running again, feel sick, and so on. It was a vicious cycle that wrecked my goal pace. I am really thankful for the Team In Training coach that ran with me during this section. I probably would have DNF if it wasn't for her. She managed to get me through until Mark (our Indy area coach) and then Scott pushed me through until mile 26.</div><div> Mile 26-finish: I found a new friend who was going to get a PR in the marathon, so we decided to run together. She would get the crowd pumped up for me finishing my first marathon and I'd get them to cheer her on to her new PR. Our last Indy area coach, Leah, and Maggie were cheering us on about a half mile from the finish. This was the final boost I needed to get through. I crossed the finish line with a jump (not sure how in the world I managed this) and my mom caught an awesome picture of it.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0k_Sc3qGIR7e8gR1ReP1UCsPPbPn3vnxhU8KLEcZvG_EBOZWYm2fvnFtIqdQLrg_eJv_Bxuvzt2UbTnOZDMOs7_gZVhpElWIFty6aTEcEiAIMZy_ZscGCGBGyM5xGyCJZiaV8TEXuXNI/s640/blogger-image-1417341549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0k_Sc3qGIR7e8gR1ReP1UCsPPbPn3vnxhU8KLEcZvG_EBOZWYm2fvnFtIqdQLrg_eJv_Bxuvzt2UbTnOZDMOs7_gZVhpElWIFty6aTEcEiAIMZy_ZscGCGBGyM5xGyCJZiaV8TEXuXNI/s640/blogger-image-1417341549.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This pretty much sums up my marathon experience. It was the most intense, interesting, difficult thing I have ever done. I spent months training, battled through some stupid injuries, battled "the suck", and finished with strength. I am unsure about completing any future marathons. It might take me a while before I even consider it. But I am now part of the 1% of people who have finished a full 26.2 miles!</div><br></div>Amanda Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117704465525728371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498111902192193002.post-8314899756027948062014-10-22T14:04:00.000-04:002014-10-22T14:04:08.549-04:00And then there were 10Just 10 days left. Ten days stand between my first marathon and me, and I am ready. Well, almost ready. I'm thinking about updating my iPod, but I am trying to wait until payday. I am super excited for race weekend, since it is the first time my whole family will be here in Indy. Unfortunately, I will just be getting back to school from our lovely two week fall break, but I'm hoping to squeeze in so much needed family time when I can.<br />
Training wise, I hit taper town last week, and have been trying to remain injury free. This has been the biggest issue for me through the entire training cycle. I think I have it all figured out, but only time will tell (between the Tendinitis and old injuries coming back to haunt me, it has been an experience).<br />
The best part of this has been training with Team in Training. I've only been in Indy for a year, but this has been a rewarding way to explore the city and meet new people. Plus, I get to run for a cause that is very near and dear to my heart.<br />
The worst part of this has been the amount of energy training has zapped from me. On my last real long run, I was exhausted. I have a lot going on in my life between work, private tutoring, coaching learn to skate, and training. Plus we crammed in a trip to Chicago to visit friends (unintentionally during the Chicago Marathon). It's been a lot, but I know it won't get any easier to do. I'm just grateful for the experience.<br />
It's truly humbling, and I'm not sure if I'll ever run another marathon. You'll have to ask me after the race. Maybe I'll have something to prove after, or maybe I'll just stick with halfs. Anyway it's time to get off of the Internet and get ready to run.Amanda Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117704465525728371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498111902192193002.post-28247840316774455342014-09-15T22:31:00.001-04:002014-09-15T22:42:03.350-04:00Fundraising, Training, and Tendonitis Oh MyFirst of all, I'd like to give a big thank you to everyone who has donated to my Team in Training™ efforts. Yinz are awesome, and I couldn't do it without you! <div><br></div><div>Marathon training is hard. I don't want to sugar-coat it for those of you new to running. It truly sucks everything out of you. It's kind of like being on your period for 16 weeks. I am exhausted, cranky, sore, and emotional. I'm injured. I've tried to push through, but last weekend it was too much. I was supposed to complete two and a quarter hours (roughly 12-13 miles) with Team in Training. I cut it short-way short-after 3 miles. I'm mad at myself for cutting it short. I'm upset that I'm injured. I'm frustrated with where I am in my training. I'm terrified that I won't be ready. The little doubt monster has been creeping in..."drop to the half marathon, you know you can finish it." I'm doing little stuff-like buying new shoes-so I can get out of the slump.</div><div>But there are times of joy when I'm out running. Times where I feel like I could run forever. Times when my feet make music when they hit the ground. Moments, however fleeting, of pure happiness. Moments when I think about how amazing finishing the 26.2 miles will be. Moments when I think of the people in my life fighting cancer. They are strong people who never back down. They give me strength on the days it is difficult to run.</div><div><br></div><div>I also feel that during all of this training, I've become a real runner. I don't always run with music anymore. I run with my team, enjoy conversations, listen to the sounds around me. I hear my footsteps, my breathing, the cicadas making horror-movie music (They are really freaking loud and creepy sounding here in Indiana).</div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusJ6bLaQbM52iFV7Q0gQgs7hB6c1Q5pHP4n_ChY4UrnjndfSxGXPgCVKHmsUw5-FqNxdlbGhAD8re028oJpOnF2M_IFV7B5KVD-phuL7Y09I6IECqMf_dnamHv5191D0i73pHNs9Vtvo/s640/blogger-image--152020506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusJ6bLaQbM52iFV7Q0gQgs7hB6c1Q5pHP4n_ChY4UrnjndfSxGXPgCVKHmsUw5-FqNxdlbGhAD8re028oJpOnF2M_IFV7B5KVD-phuL7Y09I6IECqMf_dnamHv5191D0i73pHNs9Vtvo/s640/blogger-image--152020506.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is my new moto for the marathon. I'm currently in a wave of pain. (Thanks! www.rungiarun.com)</div>Amanda Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117704465525728371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498111902192193002.post-49023159058524528232014-07-11T17:06:00.001-04:002014-07-11T17:36:52.143-04:00The marathon journey begins...Tomorrow is my first group training run with the fall Team in Training group! However it is at 6:45am. For those of you who don't really know me, I don't usually move from my bed until 7 am (except for work). Luckily, the group training is in Greenwood, which is a hop, a skip, <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">and a jump away. We're heading out for an hour run, so I guess it'll be roughly 6 miles for me. I'm hoping my watch (which my lovely hubster got for me) will help me accurately pace close to a 10min/mi pace. My goal is to remain close to that for the marathon in November.</span><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">For those of you, who wish to support me, here's the link: </span><a href="http://pages.teamintraining.org/in/CHNIndi14/adavispm7x" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>http://pages.teamintraining.org/in/CHNIndi14/adavispm7x</b></a></div><div><b><br></b></div><div>If you read on that page, Lymphoma and I have a little bit of history. My mom beat Hodgkin's Lymphoma over 16 years ago, thanks in part to research done by Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She has been a huge supporter throughout my life, encouraging me to do things and live life like tomorrow could be your last. And while our group has an honored hero, I'm running this race for my mom, who will be here in Indy cheering me on.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPyvF3lW5hKST3js0Vv98VeYBB16nl4sAWvYw600uDXCQ32xG1kqVDhrlU0CusoNdCn4mZ_jd0NT8TyCrYPlzj41nRU6whSuG2Mpu1RLcSw0_NtA68pUMJNBVxFE2gtNZm5s7P33-p9hc/s640/blogger-image--413160324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPyvF3lW5hKST3js0Vv98VeYBB16nl4sAWvYw600uDXCQ32xG1kqVDhrlU0CusoNdCn4mZ_jd0NT8TyCrYPlzj41nRU6whSuG2Mpu1RLcSw0_NtA68pUMJNBVxFE2gtNZm5s7P33-p9hc/s640/blogger-image--413160324.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Me, Cinderella, and my mom at the Pasta in the Park Party before the Princess Half Marathon 2013.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOd3bVCVE8RLxW_L3VlTLZhTT-YjYPqjqLpVoTcD4l0P5hHaXBpETZYfR9quEgob4zSmG2h_F03Jpvbf1nXaiPKL6T2uRLbhgP2b_cBtEzINN8Rx_bfqB26smCHOa365QYINEjv0WzWsw/s640/blogger-image-523740267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOd3bVCVE8RLxW_L3VlTLZhTT-YjYPqjqLpVoTcD4l0P5hHaXBpETZYfR9quEgob4zSmG2h_F03Jpvbf1nXaiPKL6T2uRLbhgP2b_cBtEzINN8Rx_bfqB26smCHOa365QYINEjv0WzWsw/s640/blogger-image-523740267.jpg"></a></div>My mom and I doing our best muscle poses by the Gaston Fountain.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Do you see what I mean? She is my biggest supporter in all things!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Amanda Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117704465525728371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498111902192193002.post-34193449021134719032014-06-24T08:31:00.001-04:002014-06-24T12:52:40.999-04:00Summer RunningIt's summer! And it's hot and muggy outside. I started week 2 of marathon training yesterday with a rest day. I've decided that Mondays are total rest days since my long runs are on Sundays. <div>Yesterday, my right knee decided it wants to be noticed and began hurting. It continued to hurt this morning, so I did some foam rolling to see if it would help. (I should mention that between figure skating and taekwondo in my youth, I destroyed both of my knees. The right knee landed a single axel in the concrete puddle during skating, and the left knee was injured during a taekwondo board break trial.)</div><div>I would get to meet my team for Team In Training this week, but I am journeying home for one of my best friend's shower. I guess I will meet them in a week or two. I am so excited to be a part of this program, and can't wait to run my first marathon with Team! If you'd like to donate and help me reach my goal, there's a link on the right hand of this page. I'm trying to reach $1000 dollars, so every little bit helps.</div>Amanda Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117704465525728371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498111902192193002.post-24109537695522137842014-06-11T21:02:00.001-04:002014-06-11T21:02:37.675-04:00Another Half bites the dust...June 7th, 2014-race day! I ran the Indy Women's Half Marathon. It was a pretty nice day for a race; the sun was shining, birds singing, and on the cooler side (we've been in the upper 80s for the better part of two weeks). I lined up with the 2:15 pace group, since that was my goal. I was hoping to be close to that or a little faster, but little did I know that my iPod and sensor combo had been acting goofy during my training. <div>Anyway, we started a few minutes late, and I had kept up with the pacer for the first six-ish miles. That's about when the bigger climbs started. By mile marker six, my iPod had me at mile 7.5...there is something up with it for sure at this point. </div><div>Miles 7-12 were difficult to say the least. Very little shade, lots of up hills, and cranky motorists made for an interesting experience. The course was partially open to traffic, but people still honked and were annoyed by streets being closed downtown. I started to feel the heat and had difficulties breathing (mostly because I forgot to take my allergy meds before racing...oops). I also had some doubts about running the full marathon in November. It was very tiring during the second half of the race, and it didn't help that my iPod had added 3 miles to my distance.</div><div>Overall, I was happy with this race. It was great to run a women only race, and I started talking to a lady from Evansville during the last few miles. Oh, and I ended up with a mighty large PR! 2:23:58 which beat my Princess Half time by roughly 21 minutes! I am super excited to know that I improved and beat my best!</div><div><br></div>Amanda Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117704465525728371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498111902192193002.post-62004650197281343802014-05-20T22:13:00.001-04:002014-05-20T22:13:31.339-04:00Pictures from SaturdayJust wanted to share some pictures from Saturdays race!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPka3SeJOfveaQTJsZxk-rBUm-OdgTvTYvRarzHXZbKgPAXXhG_c8l2DWxfuzl_yN0fNVE58VfEKGcI-d30XRToHDWIaeKw1vlGVgxXjKnhny_MoQXri9hAocAVDLdaxL3mYwrEQCZ08/s640/blogger-image--1099801604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPka3SeJOfveaQTJsZxk-rBUm-OdgTvTYvRarzHXZbKgPAXXhG_c8l2DWxfuzl_yN0fNVE58VfEKGcI-d30XRToHDWIaeKw1vlGVgxXjKnhny_MoQXri9hAocAVDLdaxL3mYwrEQCZ08/s640/blogger-image--1099801604.jpg"></a></div>Prerace!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLh-Rq29F9dT4DqjPVZomjX1Dod0IHVqb3IJnZpSH6NU9MkUzXTFT4QcCcO65ZI280TAioKv49fiq5iUqph0QLDTjIzmJ0jxvEKAQlra5jGBcONAsFLe1CXAmQlTvhiazDjOa55mOlKo/s640/blogger-image-18309932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLh-Rq29F9dT4DqjPVZomjX1Dod0IHVqb3IJnZpSH6NU9MkUzXTFT4QcCcO65ZI280TAioKv49fiq5iUqph0QLDTjIzmJ0jxvEKAQlra5jGBcONAsFLe1CXAmQlTvhiazDjOa55mOlKo/s640/blogger-image-18309932.jpg"></a></div>Traffic jam in the finisher chute!</div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Amanda Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117704465525728371noreply@blogger.com0