Las Vegas--Mount Charleston Marathon

Well, I signed up for this last June. I had a goal to Boston Qualify. At first, I didn't tell many people because it's hard when you don't hit your goals...but then, I needed to hold myself accountable. My hip injury in November and December really caused me to reevaluate this goal--and my running in general. I realized the need to cross train. I worked with a trainer, Lizz, who helped me ease back into running only four days a week, put me in her gym twice a week and had me doing hip, glute and core exercises and yoga multiple times a week. It helped me tremendously. I had some great training runs downhill and was confident to attempt this goal race day. We had about 90 runners from NWA come to run this race along with Sarah and John (John's first marathon at the age of 40!). John traveled with me and we met up with Mike and Carol, too. Race day temps were unseasonably high--start of the mountain was around mid 40s, but the finish was mid 80s. It got progressively harder to hold the pace  the last 4-5 miles and I had to walk a little each mile. Fortunately, I had enough time built in to finish under my BQ of 3:40:00. I finished 3:36:48. Jack kept me in line during my training when I would come back from my long runs when I was just getting back into running and trying to get my speed back and I remember after one particular run, knowing I needed about a 8:14 pace, he said, that's cutting it close, you need to run a little faster. Haha!

Pasta dinner at Baristista Hole in the Wall

MGM Grand at 2:15am before the race

bus ride to the top of the mountain

after the race I had so many texts!

First Softball Game

The girls had their first softball game and won, 13-0. Kate had 2 at-bats, with 2 hits and 1 run. Anna had one hit by a pitch, one hit and one run. Elizabeth had 2 at-bats, 2 hits, 1 run and 1 RBI. Anna played 3rd, Elizabeth played short stop and Kate was the catcher and did a nice job catching the pitches! Great start to the season.

Baseball Practices

The boys have been practicing hard. They have been lucky that they have missed the rainy days and so have not had to cancel practice at all his spring!

Jack's Baseball--AA Southeast Shootout

Jack's team came in 3rd in the tournament this weekend. They lost Friday to the Crusaders 4-7. Jack had 2 fly-outs in that game. He also pitched an inning and gave up 3 runs. Jack was not able to play in the Saturday game because he was at quiz bowl, but his team won. On Sunday, they won their first game to the MH Fury 10-1. Jack had a RBI in that game. They advanced in the bracket to the semi-finals and played Southern Chaos. Jack walked in that game, but they lost, 2-1. They finished third in the tournament. Jack played center field, 2nd and short stop. Mimi was able to watch the Friday and Sunday games with the girls because John and I were in Las Vegas.

Quiz Bowl

Jack finished his first season of quiz bowl and his school finished second overall in the private school. He was actually on the second team and finished I believe 5th. He stayed in from recess to practice every Tuesday and Thursday all year. He liked it and thinks he will do it again next year.

Marathon Quotes