Carlsbad Marathon Weekend

So, for those of you who may not know me too well, I am one of those people always up for a challenge. Tell me I cant do something and I'll go out of my way to prove you wrong (with the exception of strangely prancing a mile around the track, right Shawna? haha) So the other day I was signing my kiddos up for the Carlsbad Keebler Mile Run event and realized both the half marathon and full marathon taking place on Sunday were sold out. I hadnt really considered running it but I guess that "you cant do it thing" popped in my head and suddenly the challenge was there. I MUST run this race. So a series of events took place next . . . I conned a couple friends to join in my craziness, found us race bibs on the black market (craigslist), and completed 6 days of serious training (haha, not really. . . this was the same week thats the amazing rainstorm hit southern Cal! Running wasnt really in the forecast)


After 5 days of intense rain, we woke up bright and early Saturday to a BEAUTIFUL, sun-filled morning! Our clan carpooled to Legoland where the kids all did a fabulous job in their mile long race. Sarah found the girlies cute matching outfits and Jessica did the boys. They all looked adorable! Too much fun :)





Aubrey has asked to compete in a 5K next. I am loving her ambition :) For a $15 admission fee, the kids goodie bags were fabulous. They each got a free movie ticket with popcorn, admission to Legoland, a Medal and tshirt. We were stoked! But to top it off. . . they had great after snacks and i left with a HUGE bag full! I definitely got my $30 back! Wahoo! So after the race festivities, we spent the day at Legoland. We thought it would be packed but it turned out to be one of the calmest days I have seen in a long time! It was a great day!!



I swayed from my diet that night and had a major carb feast! It was a great pre running treat :) The following morning, I woke up way too early (for the 2nd weekend day in a row) and headed to Carlsbad for our spontaneous 13.1 mile run! Kim, Dana, and I (known for the day as Charlotte, Marla, and Sarah) started out on the course together. I was hoping Dana would lead me to a PR, but after our 1st mile we urged her to ditch us and Kim and I completed the race together. The morning was beautiful and the course wasnt half bad. I am not a hill person and LOVE my flat runs :) and was a little surprised at how "hilly" the coast is. The middle of the race was treacherous for me - my legs didnt seem to want to wake up, and then to top it off, I tripped over someone's dead Christmas tree ditched on the side of the road and had a bit of a knee injury. I suddenly realized the pain my sister was in last month when we ran in Las Vegas! So sorry Shawn :) But I survived!! The last 4 miles seemed much better and together Kim and I held hands across the finish line to a 2 hr, 6 minute finish.

It was a super weekend and I am so glad I have friends that love to run as much as I :)



-Accept the challenges so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory-

- Be the change you wish to see in the world -

Oh to a new self. . . . I know, I know- waking up January 1st cant make me a new person, but it is an excellent time to refocus my goals and make sure I am constantly working on improving myself. I love to be held accountable, so here are this year's resolutions for you all to poke and prod me to success :)

Lose 20 pounds!
What would a resolution list be with out mentioning weight loss? I actually started this one the week before the new year and so far, so good ! Although, the bowl of microwavable rice krispy treats I am currently eating at 11pm certainly does not fits into my weight watcher points today :) oops

Run 1000+ miles this year
I so wanted to follow my fellow running bloggers on this one and aim for 2010 miles. . . but after a little math, I realized 6 miles, 365 days in a row wasn't going to happen. 1000+ sounds more realistic (but hopefully the + is closer to the 2000 mark)

Compete in 3 running events
. . . got the San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon, and the Las Vegas Ragnar Relay . . . just looking for one more good one :) Anyone need an event partner??

Read 52 books!
Yup, thats a book a week and so far, I'm loving it :) I have never been a reader so this is a huge challenge for me but I have quickly learned a great book is hard to put down. Sleep is still not going to be a priority this year :) If you have a great must read book - please share the name!

Be a better friend
struggle, struggle. . . always a struggle. I lost a good one this year but gained a couple of my bestest friends ever :) I am blessed to be so lucky and have such a wide variety of friends :) did that sound bad??
But the year has started off rocky with friendship troubles and I promise I am working on it! I am striving to be the best friend I can be to all around me!

Help Cayden become a better speller
My little smarty pants is the worst speller ever! His teacher mom ought to take the time to figure this one out! I have already done a bit of research and hope to have him the spelling bee champ in 3rd grade next year :)

Let Aubrey act like a 10 year old
Sometimes (k, most of the time) I'm way too hard on this kid and hold her responsible for too much! She is such a good girl and for some reason she always gets the grunt of my crabbiness. Love you Aubs, I'm totally working on it!

and my final goal for 2010 . . .

Find that 2nd paycheck :)
whether that be a second income, or a husband, I care not! I have bills to pay :) haha

Happy New Year to all my friends, family, and blogging world friends :) May this year bring the best to all!!
New and improved Bonnie here I come . . .

-2009- It's a Wrap!

Wowsers . . . I was a lousy blogger last month! I was hoping to update my Christmas and New Years celebrations BUT, I'm over it! SO, in 50 words or less. . .
We had an amazing month! My kids are beyond spoiled, but so am I :) I am extremely blessed to have such an amazing family and enjoy all the time we get to spend together. My friends rock, and each are a blessing in my life. I love living in California, where we have the GREATEST weather ever!! I love my job and those I work with. Basically, I'm just super LUCKY! Think that was 50 words yet?? haha! I have to throw the following in. . . . I love my pink extension cord, new fence (my dad is the bestest) , ping pong table, and cricket expression (even though its still in the box) :) Hope you all had a great December
Kiddos on Christmas Morning
My amazing fence building team
Ping Pong Tourny anyone??
Happy New Year :)