Grand Rapids Marathon Race Report

Wow! What a great run! I can truly say I had a great time running this race. I had a great cheering section which was amazing!

Ready to run!

Going into the race, I started coming down with a cold. I wasn’t worried though because after running with colds in the past, I have found I run just fine and maybe even better. Race morning, I packed up all my gear and headed to downtown Grand Rapids. My mom came as part of my cheering crowd along with my daughter, my husband and Mark…whom I affectionately have my kids call Uncle Mark (he’s not actually related to us). This was the first time my mom made it to one of my races. I was happy she decided to tag along, especially at one of the longer events.

She made me laugh because along the way my husband was cheering “Go Shelly!” my mom shouted “Step it up!” My mom’s kind of competitive. She told me after the race she could walk that course. They do have a half marathon walk so I told her to sign up next year. I think she caught the bug.

Morning of the race

We headed downtown early and met up with Jesse Scott, his friend Alex and Jesse’s girlfriend Sam. We were also meeting Mark and Ryan. Jesse, Alex & Ryan were also running the marathon. The weather was perfect. It was a little cold at the start but I kept layers on until I lined up but even then it was much warmer than when I ran the half marathon last year. No gloves or hat needed this year.

Jesse and I traded a Zensah sleeve so we both wore one pink and one blue sleeve during the race. I got more comments and compliments on my sleeves and less questions about the Vibrams than during past races. I did have 4 or 5 shout-outs given to the Vibrams during the race and even a high five when someone saw I was wearing them. I only saw two other people wearing them during this race, which is less than past road races.

Jesse & I before the race

At the start I wasn’t sure where to line up and who to keep pace with. With running trails previously, I really had no idea what to pace myself at. I decided to start around the Oprah pace and darn it I almost made it but Oprah eluded me around the halfway mark.

There were lots of people at the start. I got into a groove right away and for the first time (and this has never happened before) I crossed a bridge and heard others asking when they would post mile marker signs. I thought “we just started, why would they post signs” and just around the corner was a flag for Mile 3. Never in my life has 3 miles felt like a blink of an eye.

Running happy

Shortly after that though I hit a weird low and realized I was hungry. I took out my first Gu packet and ripped it open. I don’t know what it is with me and my timing but as I was trying to get the contents out of the packet, which is not pretty or dainty, there was the good ole camera waiting for me. Snap, snap! At least I’m keeping up my trend will ill-fated Gu eating pictures. Last year during the half marathon I was eating a chocolate Gu when my picture was snapped. I did a closed mouth smile for that picture fearing I would look I had several blackened teeth.

The first few miles were around the city and then it wound around a park so there was lots of great scenery to enjoy. I even braved the woods to go to the bathroom. I feel like with the marathon crowd this isn’t as widely accepted but with the ultra crowd it is. When you gotta go, you gotta go!

Some of the highlights from the race were seeing many friendly faces along the way. Someone came up behind me around mile 16 and it was someone I had gotten lost with at Fallsburg marathon. He was supposed to run GR marathon but sprained his ankle 3 days prior to the race.

Running around the lake

There was one lady dressed up like Wonder Woman and one person dressed up in a Where’s Waldo costume. Jason and Mark met me along the way several times. It was such a lift to my spirits to see them. Jason yells loudly and always makes me smile. Mark took lots of photos which I am displaying throughout this post. For half the time my mom and 6 year old daughter were with them. My daughter got tired of walking so they played at a park for the other half.

Ava waiting

The only negative part of the race was around mile 20 - I got bored. I talked to others that ran this part of the race and they said they experienced the same thing. I don’t know if it was the area or lack of scenery at this point but I struggled mentally, not physically. I think part of it is I missed trails. I wanted to run a road race to see what my time was but I really have more of a fondness for trails. I tried striking up conversations with other runners but nobody seemed to want to talk.

There is usually someone to talk to and you feel a great sense of community or that we’re in this together and I didn’t get that vibe at all from this race. I was far enough back from the leaders and thought there would be others that might feel this way but after a few failed attempts I gave up.

The last mile I couldn’t wait for this race to be done. It’s about the time I think “Why do I do these races? I’m never going to run this far again”. I tried picking up my pace but I never increased it as much as I wanted to. I saw the 4:44 pacers holding their sign so my strategy was to try and keep up with them until the finish. It worked and I even mustered up a little kick at the end. Every time I think I can’t do this and every time I think of Jesse and his kick at Mind The Ducks (12 hour endurance race) at the end and I muster up enough energy. If he can do it at the end of 12 hours, surely I can do it at the end of 26.2 miles. You always have a little more in you than you think.

Finishing was great! I was so happy to see my family and friends at the finish. This is also the time where I start thinking “That wasn’t so bad. When’s the next race?” Overall I think I did a good job of fueling and hydrating. I think I could have peed less but I still have issues with that. I think I have to go and half the time I do and half the time I just feel like I do. I felt physically good and even at the end when I wanted to finish I didn’t feel nearly as physically fatigued as I have in past races. I was very happy with my time.

Alex, me and Jesse at the finish

On a side note, I had someone at my work ask me how the race was and what my time was. I told her and she asked if I was happy with my time. It just struck me as an odd thing to say. I'm always happy I finish. For me time isn't the greatest reason why I race, my time that is. I love when I do get faster but it's not my ultimate goal or reason I run. I had a good time throughout the race and was always smiling. I run because it feels good, keeps me energized and gives me a sense of accomplishment. I don't want running to feel like a chore or something I have to do so for me it's important to always keep it fun.

Maybe next time I can keep up with Oprah! (Whose time was 4:29) but I'm guessing Oprah never peed in the woods! : )

Upcoming Events

This Saturday I'll be running my first road marathon. The Grand Rapids Marathon. I'm excited, a little nervous but overall really looking forward to it. I really have no idea what to expect pace-wise as I haven't stuck to any type of real schedule. I've continued swimming once a week, hills once a week, speedwork and "try" to get a long run in on the weekends. Some weekends have been more successful than others. My previous marathon times were on trails so being an all road race I'm not sure what to expect.

I am really happy that I know many people running this event and I'm going in with a very happy mindset. I just want to have a great run and enjoy the day. The weather forecast looks absolutely perfect too.....a high of 64 and sunny.

On October 30th I'm signed up for a 5k. This is one day before my birthday and I find it funny that I'll be running my last race in the 30-34 age group for I will be turning 35! I'm hoping to beat my previous 5k time of 26:16. In my training runs I've been able to run a 5k at 23:30 (my fastest) so I'm excited to give it a try.

I'm also running this race in costume along with my husband. I wish I were crafty or knew how to sew but since I'm awful at all things crafty, I opted to purchase a costume on-line. It took a while to find a running friendly costume and one that I liked but I made my decision and I'll be Storm from X-men. I have a cape and everything! I even opted to buy leg warmers to capture that true super-hero look. I thought about wearing my zensah's which I really love but since the costume is black and silver and I was too cheap to purchase another pair (of zensah's), I didn't think pink would be the ideal matching color.

Other than that, just a busy girl hoping to be able to write more in the near future!

The times are a'changing

Lots of change is brewing at our house and all of it has been for the better thus far. On our quest to de-clutter our lives, we have been going through the items in our house bit by bit. It’s been a time consuming project, so we’ve broken it down into smaller chunks. We do a little at a time so I don’t get overwhelmed with the process.

When I really started breaking down what I own and what I actually need it’s a liberating process. I have found great joy in getting rid of things I thought I "had to have” at one time in my life. I realize most things aren’t necessary for my day to day existence and getting rid of those items has meant less to clean and less clutter lying around.

I have three young children so this is definitely still a work in progress. My 18 month old does the work of (3) five year olds in how he can quickly dismantle a room. Last weekend I tried sorting through my clothes to give some away so I had 2 piles going. One to toss and one to keep. No faster than I had set down one pile, he was behind me picking up every single item of clothing and moving it back to the original pile. Perhaps I shouldn’t try to do this while the kids are around. : )

I’ve gone through most of the kids toys. I can’t believe how many toys my kids have. I think less than 10% are toys that Jason and I have bought. The others come from birthday parties, Christmas, their pocket money and the biggest offender….Grandma. My mom is especially bad because she is what I call a serial garage saler. While she does find some really good bargains there is a limit to how many Beanie Babies my kids can own. Worse than that, she’ll purchase Happy Meal toys and give those to my kids which they adore but they accumulate oh so quickly. I know it gives her some pleasure to give my kids these items so I let her give my kids the toys and my tactic has been to rotate the toys and donate items I don’t need.

I’ve also realized the value of putting out a FREE sign on our road. I can’t believe just how fast these items disappear in a matter of minutes. We’ve done this on various accounts and when I think the most oddball items won't go they are immediately taken. The last time we put items out I placed them in a recycle bin and someone even took that! Ooops! I guess next time I need to place the items outside of a container so I can keep my bin.

I’m realizing just how much stuff I have that’s just “stuff”. I think of how much money I wasted on decorations, furniture, knick-knacks and only now realize it. As we are downsizing we are also selling anything that has some value. When you think of how much it cost brand new and what you might get for it upon a sale (if you’re lucky enough to sell it) I have begun to realize I really could get by with so much less.

Our ultimate goal is to have the freedom to make a change and relocate. Where hasn’t been determined yet. In the beginning, it was a very scary process to let go of these items and to actually get serious about moving. But the more progress I make, the better it feels. To compare it to running it’s much like when I decided to run long distances. I’ll pick running a marathon, 26.2 miles.

When you first decide to run that distance or whatever distance it may be it seems overwhelming. Your mind cannot fathom how it will feel and how you will be able to endure that many miles. It's scary to say the least.

When you train and you run your first 10 miles, you’re amazed. I can still remember the first time I ran 10 miles. I felt like an Olympian. I would think of all the places I could drive in a 10 mile radius and think “I ran that today”.

Then, that distance is upped to 15 miles, then 20, until you run your goal race. Even on race day, you’re a bundle of nerves, you don’t know how you’re going to make it. What am I going to feel like at mile 22?

Once you complete your goal distance it’s the greatest feeling.

My first trail marathon this summer was a huge accomplishment for me. I was so proud running in at the end. Even though I ran a 12 hour endurance race in May completing a specific distance was still a different unknown for me. There was a beginning and an end. Going from point A to point B.

I read somewhere (I can’t remember where) that the things you fear the most are the things you most need to do.

I started thinking about the things I have feared in the past. Rejection, challenging myself, failure, drawing attention to myself. Those are all things I have previously feared and resolved to change. While I still have moments where I’m not always feeling 100%, I have accomplished all of my goals. By challenging myself and failing, I realized in the grand scheme of things some failure means growth. Failure shouldn’t be feared but analyzed and used to empower yourself.

While I once worried what others would think of me or felt that I had to be so careful with everything I said, I now realize that true friends don’t hold you back or worry about every little thing you say. I trust they will let me be myself and they will also have the freedom to be themselves. It meant the loss of a few friendships but when I look back on what I thought were friendships I realize they weren’t true friendships after all.

So even though the unknown is scary and seems out of reach, you never know what you’re capable of until you push yourself farther than you ever thought possible. I’m still pushing myself and still seeing what I’m capable of whether that be while running or making new life decisions.

Woodstock 2010 Race & Crew Report

This weekend I was honored to be asked to assist Jesse Scott and crew him during his 50 mile race at Woodstock. My official title was Crew Chief but I temporarily gave that title to my husband Jason while I was supposed to run the half marathon.

The great thing about Woodstock is they have any type of race possible to sign up for. They have every distance from a 5k, 5 mile, 10k, half marathon, full marathon, 50k, 100k and a 100 miler. Lots of choices! Before signing up, I asked Jesse if he wouldn’t mind if I signed up for the half marathon while crewing for him. Time-wise, it would work out and he had 3 other crew members assisting him so I figured one less would be ok. Yes, I’m a bit of a running junkie. I knew I couldn’t keep up with Jesse’s lightening fast pace so the only run I would get in is the one I signed up for.

I love going to races with my “crew” as I affectionately call them. Myself, my husband, my “brother” Mark Robillard (he’s not really related to us even though he has the same last name) and Jesse. This time Jesse’s girlfriend, Sam, would also be crewing with us.

Sam & I at the start...See the cowboy behind us?

We drove over to Novi, Michigan the night before our races. Mark scored us a free apartment from one of his friends who uses it during the week days but not on the weekends.

Race Day: We had a half hour drive to the start so we woke up early and made it to the Start by 5:35 or so. Jesse’s race started at 6 a.m. and he was off! There was a little coffee drama but I finally got some and the day was saved! : ) Jason and Sam saw Jesse at the first aid station while Mark and I made a coffee run and we made it to the second aid station before Jesse.


Since we didn’t know exactly where the aid stations were the first time through, we spent a little extra time looking for them. In the future, it would be a good idea to find them the night before and program them into the GPS. Each time I crew it seems I take note of the things I could do better. This time, I made matching Crew Shirts…see picture below.

Our crew at the end with Jesse's finishers medal

Jason was going to take over as Crew Chief when I ran my race. They dropped me off at my start around 7:40. My actual race started at 8. They hung around the start for a few minutes but wanted to make it back in time for Jesse’s next aid station so Jason kissed me and wished me luck.

Jason & I at the start

I was excited to start the race. I’ve never ran a trail half marathon and I was curious to see how I would do compared to my two road half marathons. I love running through the woods and was happy just to run. There didn’t seem to be too many people running the race so the start line was fairly small. They lined us up and we were off.

Last year, I paced my husband at this race but for the 100 miler. Those trails were pretty technical and had lots of rolling hills. They changed the course from last year I think because during last year’s race people overall encountered so many mountain bikers. To cause less congestion, they moved the race to the horse trails.

So far, the trails I was running on were not as technical and not as many hills. There were rocky spots and parts that were one track only but overall I was very happy with them. As I would pass people I would say “On your left”. I don’t know if there’s some unwritten trail etiquette but this has always worked for me so I could alert the person in front of me and if someone were passing me I would move as much as I could to the right. I didn’t encounter a lot of others that alerted people. There was one guy who darted in and out and that works too but I would have gladly gotten out of his way if he had said something.

Along the way, there was a big mud pit. Some people were trying to go around it carefully but it was pretty hard to get around. Mud doesn’t bother me even when I’m wearing my Vibram KSOs. I ran through it and tried not to fall. On the other side a fellow runner asked how my feet felt after going through the mud. I said “They feel really good. The mud has a nice cooling effect.” His reaction made me laugh. One because he’s a guy and two because it’s just mud. He said “Uggh! That is so disgusting! Yuck!” I was really tempted to say “Your mom didn’t let you play in mud as a child did she?” He acted like I was running through a pile of vomit.

Shortly after the mud pit, I climbed a small hill and which went into a parking lot. I thought I was hitting an aid station when I realized I was at the Start/Finish line. What the hell? Ok, this is what I remember at the start of the race. The person making announcements at the start saying “Don’t follow the person in front of you. Follow the white flags.” Ok, I am guilty of following the person in front of me but this time I made absolutely sure I was following the white flags. I was racking my brain trying to figure out what I did wrong.

There was one spot where a person running the 50k took a wrong turn but he made it back because someone alerted him he was going the wrong way. Was I supposed to turn there? I went to the side of the finish line and looked around contemplating what I was going to do. I finally decided to go the 100 miler aid station tent and ask someone. I had to admit I got lost (this isn’t the first time).

My Garmin said I ran 5.5 miles, I was supposed to be running a 13. 1 mile loop so I figured I took a wrong turn somewhere. I asked the volunteers if they had any suggestions about what I should do. I thought about backtracking but I wasn’t sure that would work either.

We looked at the map. I really didn’t want to be finished, I wanted to run more. Jason and the crew weren’t going to pick me up for another hour and a half and I didn’t want to stand around waiting for them either. The volunteer told me “Just run the loop again. Figure out what you did wrong and if you think you ran 13.1 miles, cross the finish line”. That made me laugh because I wasn’t going to cross the finish line if I didn’t run the right course, regardless of if I ran the distance. I finally decided to run the loop again and I would get in an 11 mile “fun run” of my own making.

I was a little bummed that I wouldn’t be finishing my first trail half marathon. My pace thus far was pretty good so that was a little disappointing. I really just wanted to get in a good run over the weekend and since I was doing that I was happy.

As I was running the second loop I started seeing more ultra runners. Some were running the 100 miler, the 50 and some the 50k. A pair of girls were walking and I asked them what race they were running. They told me the half marathon. I told them I was supposed to be running the half but I took a wrong turn. I passed them and finally it dawned on me. I don’t think I started the right race.

The next person I saw I asked what race they were running. They told me the half and I asked them what time it started. They told me 7:30 and I felt like an idiot. I realized I didn’t start the half marathon, I started the 5 mile race. So I guess in my defense I didn’t get lost or take a wrong turn. I just started the wrong race. At least I got a cool t-shirt and a good run in : )

My second loop felt good. I wished I had enough time to make it through a third loop but the crew would be back soon to pick me up. It was a little embarrassing telling them I started the wrong race when they asked how it went. I’m holding strong to the fact that at least I didn’t get lost : )

Not long after my crew made it back, Jesse came flying through. His strategy was to not stop at aid stations. We would have his water bottle filled, supplied with 2 GU’s in the zipper, hand it off to him and he would keep on moving. At this point, it was his second loop (he had a total of 3). Jason was going to be his first pacer but he was changing clothes and Jesse came through faster than expected so Jason actually had to chase after Jesse to pace him which was a funny sight. He quickly picked up a pacer bib, ran with it and caught up to Jesse. I don’t think he pinned it on until the next aid station where he and Mark switched and Mark started pacing.

I caught up with how the crewing was going and just how fast Jesse was flying through the trails. We knew he was in first place but we didn’t know how far back the next person was. By our best guess the next person was about 20 minutes behind him. They didn’t keep track of runner’s times, just their names so we weren’t positive just how far back the second overall person was.

At the last aid station Mark asked if there was a rule about how many pacers a runner could have. Since there wasn’t they both decided to run the last 4 miles in together. Sam and I drove back to the Start/Finish area and waited to see Jesse finish. We didn’t have to wait too long and we saw him come flying in. Jesse does an unbelievable kick at the end of whatever race he is running. I was so excited for him, knowing he was 1st place overall at an amazing pace! Wow! He finished 50 miles in 7 hours and 3 minutes. A pace I can hardly fathom keeping up for 10 miles, much less 50!

Jesse finishing with his pacers, Jason & Mark

For his efforts he won a pretty groovy lava lamp, a Woodstock bus and a medal. We hung around the Finish line for a couple of hours after that listening to music, chatting with others and eating. I love the atmosphere of this race. My only regret is not signing up for the 50k after seeing people finishing it. I think we all second guess ourselves and it’s easy to say I woulda shoulda after the fact, but I am going to make it a goal race for next year. Woodstock 50K!

One of the bands that played at the Start/Finish line

All in all, it was a fantastic weekend and an awesome reminder of why I run. It was also a great reminder of why I’ve become more choosy with whom I keep company with. I have cut all the negative friends and acquaintances out of my life and have become a much happier individual as a result. I don’t need people who think exactly the same way I do…that would be boring. But I do need to surround myself with open minded individuals who are not afraid to be themselves!

One more marathon....

So I'm either a flip-flopper or a running junkie. Maybe I'm just a little of both. After I decided I would try and work on speed I was talking with my usual running crew about races. By crew I mean Jason and Jesse. Mark is also part of the crew but he wasn't with us.

I had decided (but not registered) for the Grand Rapids half marathon. They also offer a full marathon and I kept going back and forth between which I should run. The two marathons I have previously run are on trails which I love. The GR Marathon & half are both on roads. Roads are not my favorite but I was curious what type of pace I could run one in.

I went back and forth, back and forth and finally decided on the half. After talking with my crew about why I like running long distances they convinced me to run the full marathon (although they have no idea it was their influence). It scares me a little because I am back to work and busy with the kids schedules but that was ultimately why I decided to do it. I could take the easy route and try to PR my half marathon time (I've run that course 2 times in the past). Or I could possibly not train as much as I want to and jump in and do it.

That got me thinking about why I like running long distances. I love the adventure of long distances. You have to pack supplies like water, food, music if you like it, Garmin (sometimes I take it, sometimes I don't), get your clothes ready the night before (otherwise I wake up sleeping kids) and plan a route.

When I get all my gear ready and take that first step I feel like I am starting a great adventure. Who knows what I'll see along the way or if I'll see some wildlife. Depending on the path I take I'll get to see the shore of Lake Michigan and waves lapping. If I'm running trails I see the occasional deer. I love when it's foggy in the forest. I feel like I'm part of a surreal dream.

Most times I'm with my husband and even though we don't talk much during the actual run I feel connected to him. I feel like we're part of something greater when we're running through the trails. I love watching him climb the hills and he inspires me to run them more quickly. He's a phenomenal hill runner. I'm getting better but he is part billygoat when he's climbing those hills.

I love the feeling I get in the pit of my stomach after I've ran about 12-14 miles. The best way I can describe it is a soreness and I feel like my stomach is completely empty. This is usually just before I know I need to eat something but I put it off just to feel that feeling a little bit longer. I feel like I've accomplished something when I feel that tightness.

I love pushing myself through those miles that are tough. I'll talk myself through some of the miles knowing I have done it before and I can do it again. I know those feelings will come and go. I love the sense of accomplishment towards the end of a run. Even when my legs feel tired I know it will end soon and I will feel proud.

I love the feeling of soreness in my legs afterward and the next day. Sure my legs are stiff and it hurts when the kids are climbing all over me but it also feels so good at the same time. I've pushed myself and feel like I am invincible.

I love feeling strong. I love it when I feel strong and can wrestle with my kids and outrun them (at least for now). I hope they see how much their parents love running and whether they run or not get something from it. I hope they enjoy physical activity in some form knowing how much it can enhance their lives and just how fun it can be.

So, for all these reasons and more that I'm sure I'm missing I love running long distances and thought....just one more marathon on October 17th!

Tuesday's Topics

Warning: Lots of Random Thoughts!!!!

I'm trying to decide what I want my next focus or challenge to be. I really love running long distances but now that I'm back in school I have limited time to do so. Winter is coming which will also limit my distance and trail running. I've gone back and forth, back and forth and I think I have finally decided that I am going to focus more on speed at the moment. I will go back to distance running next summer. I completed two marathons but my times were really, really slow. I don't know that I necessarily want to train faster for marathon distance just yet but I 'm thinking about focusing on half marathon distance. I’m still going to tackle my 50k at the end of next summer but during the winter, I’ll focus on speed and shorter distances.

My official PR time for a 5k is 26:32. At the beginning of summer for fun, I ran the 5k distance to see how fast I could run it. I ran it in 26:52 which was exciting for me. On race day, I'm usually more adrenaline filled and would most likely run a little faster than testing myself solo. Last week, I thought I would time myself again and see how I fared. I think I have gotten faster but I haven't run any shorter distance races so I didn't know for sure. I really amazed myself and ran it in 23:35. To say I was shocked is an understatement. I really didn't think I could run that fast. It makes me want to sign up for a 5k and see if I can push myself even further.

In April. I was combing my hair and noticed a spot without hair. Upon closer inspection, I noticed it was a bald spot. I hadn't yet had my surgery to remove my thyroid so I knew it wasn’t related to that. I called the endocrinologist and they had me test my hormone levels. They came back within the normal. range They didn’t give me any further suggestions for why this might happen or what I could do to correct it. Hair loss is a very common symptom in thyroid related disorders so that part wasn’t unusual but it disappointed me that I wasn’t getting any help. I decided to call a dermatologist and they told me it was most likely alopecia. It could be a one time occurrence, it could happen again. I opted to get cortisol shots which would help stimulate hair growth and a month later I had re-growth.

This last week I’ve noticed yet a lot more hair loss. For me it’s dramatic. I notice spots where I can see more scalp than hair. While I have thin hair, I used to have a lot of it. I’ve been dealing with hair loss over the last year without any good remedies. With my own online research I’ve tried other holistic approaches, taken supplements, flax seed, evening primrose, etc. with success by having stronger hair but I still keep losing it. After a little more research and talking to my friend who is a nurse I was told that any surgery is traumatic to the body and your body doesn’t react quickly.

Typically, hair loss is seen 3-4 months after your surgery. It made me feel better but made me think about my current doctors. I made an appointment today with a holistic MD. I’m going to take a more natural approach to my thyroid disorder. I’m always going to need medicine to regulate my thyroid because it was removed but I think there are better ways. to deal with it whether that be diet or supplements. They take a whole patient approach, check your temperature and encourage you to listen to your body. I cannot wait for my first appointment in October! Maybe they can give me some better answers about my hair loss.I know it’s only hair and most likely it will grow back. I could be dealing with a lot worse things but I will be satisfied feeling like someone is listening and I’m trying everything I can.

Lastly, my kids started soccer last week. Ava (6) had her first game and Reese (4) started for the first time. Ava loves sports. She takes directions like a pro and genuinely loves what she is doing. Reese is very hesitant. I didn’t know how his soccer experience would go. I split the kids up. Jason went with Ava, I went with Reese.

Reese doesn’t like big crowds and he has a hard time adjusting to new things. I tried to prepare him as best I could for a week prior. He had been going to his sister’s games/practices for a year so I hoped that would make things a little easier. I don’t care what my kids do as long as they are active and try new things. From my experience, you don't know what you'll like until you try it. Soccer was an easy and inexpensive thing to try so I decided to sign him up. We tried swim lessons in June and I got a refund…Reese doesn’t like new things, did I mention that? : )

The first day was the worst weather we have had in a long time. It was cold and raining. Soccer is only canceled for lightening. He’s already a fickle creature and doesn’t like when it’s too hot nor does he like it when it's too cold. He’s a little like Goldilocks that way. I wanted to push him outside his comfort zone a little but I also wanted it to be a fun experience.

Luckily, the coaches were awesome. I started out by holding his hand and helping him kick the ball. We would occasionally take a break from the group and do our own thing until he felt comfortable going back. The first half is practice and the second half hour they play a game. I was worried about the game.

There were some tears but I didn’t want to be out on the field during the actual game. The head of the soccer organization, Jeff, came around and said “Let me give it a try.” And I gladly agreed. I did warn him he is shy and stubborn. He is definitely not a people pleaser. Jeff did a great job. Not that Reese ever really warmed up to him but he at least got out there during the game and even kicked the ball once or twice. Reese did put on his “I am not happy face” during the game. Here’s a photo below…not during the actual game because it was too wet but it gives you an idea.


I worried about pushing Reese too much and wondered if he had fun. He was happy when it was all over and snack time. I was happy it was over….it was cold! But I did feel much better about my decision to push a bit when he ran and told anyone who would listen that he now plays soccer with a biggest smile on his face! He might not be an easy to please kid but he has spunk. I love that nobody will convince him to do anything he doesn’t want to do. It doesn’t always make for easy parenting but what is that anyway?

Cherry on Top Award

Ewa tagged me with Cherry on Top Award and wrote:

The deal with this award above mentioned is you gotta do these 3 things:

1) Answer this question: if you had the chance to go back and change one thing in your life, would you and what would it be?

2) Pick 6 people and give them this award. You then have to inform the persons that they have got this award.

3) The third and the final thing is, thank the person who gave you the award.

Life is a journey and I think all the choices I have made, whether good or bad, have gotten me to a really good place in my life. I've had many struggles and things to overcome but I don't think I would want to change any specific event. Instead, I think if I could change anything it would be how poorly I treated a really good friend of mine.

In my early 20s I was fortunate enough to travel to China as part of a study abroad program in college. It was the first trip the college made to that country so we didn't know quite what to expect. The professor heading the program was originally from China so he would act as our tour guide and mentor.

I met some amazing people during that trip. Some people are jut destined to come into your life I think and Scott was one of those people. Nothing romantic here, just a really strong bond and friendship. We were two peas in a pod. We got each other's stupid jokes, bonded over many warm beers and were stuck to each other like glue. I wouldn't have had half the amount of fun on that trip if I hadn't met Scott. Me, him and two others ended up staying 2 weeks longer just to explore more of what China had to offer after everyone else returned home.

We continued our friendship when we got back. I graduated college, he moved around a bit for his job but we always kept in touch. Not long after that, his dad passed away from throat cancer. At this point in my life I was very needy. I had circumstances in my life I wasn't happy with. Instead of being the support my good friend needed I I brushed aside his feelings and only focused on my own. This is the one thing I wish I could change.

Not long after that we lost touch with each other. I divorced and my name changed so it was a few years before we reconnected. The great thing about Facebook has been the ability to connect with those you haven't seen in a while. It's also never too late to make amends.

We talked for a long time about that situation and I was lucky enough to have the chance to apologize. I was dealing with a bad marriage but he was dealing with the death of his best friend, his father. They were incredibly close and for months he was severely depressed. I wish I had been a better friend. I am very glad I am able to say those words to him now.

Over the summer, we met up and I met his partner and he met my family. Our kids played together and we picked up right where we left off. I'm grateful I now have the insight to really take a hard look at myself. I've realized that even though I wasn't strong enough then that it's never to late to work on yourself and become a better person.

Per the instructions I am forwarding this to 6 others:

Jason
Jesse
AngieB
Shel
Kate
JohnnyO