I LOVE

Filling my car up with gas for under $100!

To feel the warmth of the sunshine on my face

To have my refrigerator full of food

Rocking out to Nickelback - alone - so no one can see my funky dance moves

My house right after I have finished cleaning

To vacuum - then seeing the lines it leaves in the carpet

To take a really long, hot shower after my workout

Sleeping in on Saturdays

Eating chocolate anything while lying in bed watching TV

The smell of wet cement

Sitting in Darin and Michelle's kitchen

Talking to Tara on the phone while I mop my floors or iron

Reading all my friends' blogs

By the Way...

Several of you have asked for my training schedules. They are the Hal Higdon links at the bottom of the page. Good luck to all of you training for races!! I will post some of my planned races in a few weeks . . .

ANSWERS...

To two questions I am asked on a regular basis. (Again yesterday, in fact.) First, what is that funny thing I wear on my head when I run? Second, why do I run?

The funny thing on my head is called a bandanna. Say it with me, ban-dan-na. I wear it because it keeps the sweat out of my eyes and keeps my head warm when it is cold outside. No, I am not trying to look "super cool" or like a "gangsta". It is just really practical (and cheap - $1 at Wal-Mart). I haven't been able to find a hat that works as well at keeping the sweat out of my eyes.

Second, I run for a lot of different reasons. I run because I used to weigh 223 pounds and I couldn't. I run because I had a gym teacher in 6th grade that told me I would always be fat and lazy. I run because I have a family member who is paralyzed and can't. I run because I love to eat sweets. I run because it is really hard for me. I run because I feel like I have accomplished a major feat each and every time I cross a finish line. I run because I love it. I run because I hate it. I run because it makes me feel strong and empowered. I run because it makes me a better person. I run to be better than I was yesterday. I run because I can.

Running is a very personal thing with me. I have had a lot of people criticize me about my times, my form, commitment, etc. It used to really bother me. Now, I just say to them, I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU THINK. As long as I do better than I did yesterday, that is all that matters to me. And if I don't, that's okay, too.

So to all my friends and supporters out there, thank you, thank you, thank you. Your kind words and encouragement are really appreciated and keeps me motivated. To the rest of you that criticize and poke fun, I say ____ (fill in the blank yourself).

KEEP ON RUNNING

Not to brag . . .

But I think I have quite possibly married the most amazing man ever. Let me explain. For my birthday he booked me a couple of spa treatments. Then he worked from home yesterday so I could go and not have to deal with finding a babysitter. So I went to the spa, had lunch, went shopping. ALL BY MYSELF. It was heavenly. I came home in time to get Ashlie to her violin lesson. When we got home from there, he had dinner ON THE TABLE. I know! Then he helped clean up, took care of the kids (bathed Cam so we didn't have to do it in the morning). AND THEN I went to sleep at 8:00. It was wonderful. I hope all of you out there have wonderful husbands, too.

My Friend Trevor

This is my friend Trevor. I love this little guy. He is three years old and his mom (my BFF Tara) has been working on potty training him. He was so proud of himself on Sunday. He was sitting in primary across the room from me. He looks over at me and says "Kristine, I have underwear on today!" So I asked him if he was dry. He gave me the biggest smile and said, "Yep!" It was pretty funny . . .

More Birthday Pics. . .

The traditional birthday pinata (or pindiata as Cameron calls it). We have one at EVERY birthday party. (Is he cute or what???)

These are all the cousins for the family party. When I asked Cameron if he wanted a friend party or a family party, he said (and I quote) "I want a family party. Do you know why? 'Cause I'll get more presents". That's my boy . . .

We go bowling every year on his "real" birthday. Here he is with friends Keller and Shelby (yes, his hair is bleached). Keller kept asking me if the boys were winning. Yup, they did! (As usual.)

Another one of Cameron and his two "goodest friends a boy could have" (he actually said that) bowling for his birthday.

My Baby . . .

Turned six this week. I can't stand that he is that old. He was born on my 28th birthday. Yes, we share our special day. The year he was born, as my birthday approached, my husband asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I said I wanted to have the baby, and I got my wish.

Fun things about Cameron:

He didn't have a name for the first three weeks of his life. We called him "baby" and "boy". The birth cerficiate nurse called each week, and by the third week, said we had to submit his birth certificate ASAP - so we decided on Cameron Christopher Robinson (Christopher for his dad).

Cameron has lost two teeth already. More than anyone else in kindergarten.

Cameron has a passion for hot wheels and trucks. I think he owns more hot wheels than anyone else I know. He also loves playing his Wii.

Cameron is going to be a construction builder when he grows up.

Cameron is also known as Boy, Bubba, Balooga and Noo-Noo (from sister Taylor).

Cameron has a "twin" cousin named Tiana. Whenever my sister or I take them "out on the town", people always ask us how old our twins are.

Cameron's cousin Gavin used to call him "Apple" (we're not sure why). Kaarina (Gavin's mom)and I started calling the two of them "the rotten apples".

I can't believe he has been around for six years already. Seems like he was born yesterday. He has been my "special little guy" since he was born - there is a four year gap between him and his sister, so it has always been Mom and Cam. I am struggling with the fact that he will soon be in school full time. I will miss my little backseat buddy. I guess for now I better just cherish all our quality time together.

Where did the time go?

It is already sunday. Where did the week go? Besides school, volunteering, violin and piano lessons, doctor appointments, meetings, two birthdays. Life is passing me by. We have a birthday party tonight to celebrate my baby's 6th birthday. When did he get that old? When did I get that old? I swear, he was born last week! I think I better slow down and smell the roses. . .

I Came, I Ran, I Conquered

The Painter's 27th Annuan Half Marathon in St. George Utah was today. It was a beautiful sunny day, no wind, decent temps. What an amazing day! The race started at nine in the morning. I ran really strong until mile 3. Stopped and walked through the aid station. Picked up the pace again. Feeling strong as I approached mile 6. Stopped and walked through another aid station to drink some water, picked up the pace again. Still feeling pretty strong. Hit the golf course - started to waiver. Ran miles 7, 8 and 9 around the golf course. Really starting to sruggle - but I DID NOT STOP RUNNING! I kept going. My pace dropped almost in half. I made it to mile 10, still running. I made it to the aid station, stopped and walked to get a drink. Had to use the bathroom. Made it to mile 11 and wanted to sit down and not finish the race. My hip hurt. My butt hurt. My knee hurt. I sharted a little in my pants. STILL RUNNING. I did not stop, even though I thought I wanted to lie down right on the path and rest. I made it to mile 12 and kept telling myself, you can do this, you can do this. I hit what I thought was mile 13 from last year's race. Oh, no. This is now an official course, so they apparently added some length to it. So I had to run ANOTHER .4 miles to the finish line when I thought I was actually finished! I still don't know my time - they have not posted them yet. I think I am going to be about the same as last year. Bummer, I really wanted to beat it. The worst part is, my uncle had the camera in his trunk and he left. So NO PICTURES CROSSING THE FINISH LINE!!!!! Oh well. There's always next year, right? Overall, it was a beautiful run. I finished, and I wasn't last!! Three halfs under my belt. KEEP ON RUNNING

Here we go again...

I am leaving in one hour for St. George to pick up my race packet and get my head ready for my "big" race (Painter's half marathon) There are 1700 runners this year, biggest ever. I know I will be so happy when I cross the finish line, but I don't know how painful it will be getting there! I am so grateful for Power Bar gel

and its delicious, slimy texture (not!!!) Yes, I buy it by the case. Pathetic, I know, but cheaper!!

It's Official

I am the meanest mom in the world! My darling 12-year-old Taylor wanted a cell phone so badly for Christmas. So, of course, Santa brought her one. With conditions!! No text, mom controls the calls coming in, and the phone is not available at certain hours of the day (and night). Once the minutes are gone, she can only call mobile to mobile (meaning mom). ALL her friends have text. It's so unfair! I am the meanest mom in the world!!

Kids Say the Darndest Things!

Cameron (my five year old - six next week) and I were talking about school. He was sad his primary teacher had moved away to go to school. He asked my why grownups go to school? Grownups shouldn't have to go to school. So I told him grownups can go to school. He then asks me why I don't go school. Is it because I have already learned how to be a mom? Do they teach you how to yell and stuff at school? Maybe I have a few things to work on . . .

St. George or Bust

In 5 days I will be running the St. George Painter's Half Marathon for the third time. I do this every year, ask myself the same questions. Am I ready? Did I train hard enough? Can I make it past mile 10? Am I going to shart my pants? Wish me luck. Hopefully all will go well. I want to beat my time from last year. (I won't write it - it is a little slower than I like.) My husband is running as well as my uncle Randy. They both smoke me - they are much faster than I am. So I will be running alone.

At least I get a weekend in St. George, right? And besides - I am going to run the St. George Marathon this year (if the lottery Gods shine on me). Hence the title of my blog - I want to say I have run a marathon. I think it will be an amazing feeling to cross that finish line. When I finish a race, especially a long one, I feel like I can do anything in the world! I know if I can run a 1/2, so can anyone else. When I started out, I ran one lap around the high school track and thought I was going to die. Now I can run 13.1 miles and not die! Amazing how that works. I know if I can run a half, I can run a full (I hope). So running partner (you know who you are) get ready because I will need you!! For my two dear friends who actually read my blog and give me such nice comments and support, thank you! I love you both!! (Again, you know who you are!)

Keep on running . . .

Running Sucks!!

I ran a 10 mile trainer today with my husband. The wind was blowing (hard and cold!!) out of the south. I slipped on some ice and went down on my face. I am super graceful - I know. I decided that today running sucks. And I think I can run a marathon???? 1/2 Marathon in 9 days. I hope I survive.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all my friends and fellow runners. Good riddance to 2008 and welcome 2009. I would post all of my new year's resolutions if I ever made any. I never keep them so I quit making them. I am going to keep track of all the miles I run, though. I am at 10 so far. I went for a run with my husband yesterday. He talked me into going outside (ew!). We were going to do a nice 9 miles. He runs faster than me so I had to follow behind. The roads were clear for the most part. The sidewalks were not. For those of you that don't shovel your sidewalks, you suck!!! Also, for those of you that swerve into runners, you suck!! Other than that, not too bad. I finally caught my husband (he was waiting for me at a corner) and he tells me I have three more miles to go. So I follow behind (again) and we keep running. And running. And running. And running. I am falling farther and farther behind him, thinking when is he going to stop? I know this has to be close to three miles. I see him coming towards me (he has already run to the end of the street and is on his way back) and he yells at me - "go to the stop sign and that is ten!"

So I ran to the stop sign and did my 10. I was not happy with him, though. I only wanted to run 9 and he made me run 10! Oh well. I ate a lot of extra chocolate last night to make up for that extra mile. 1/2 Maraton is in two weeks. I will run 10 next week. Pray for me that it won't snow again until I get my 10 done!! It is much more entertaining to run 10 miles outside than it is to run 10 miles on a treadmill. I hope I can run my half marathon without dying. Someday this will get easier, right? (Not likely.) And I think I want to run a marathon?!??

After my half marathon I want to go on a cruise and get out of the snow (and away from running schedules). Any suggestions for a fun Caribbean cruise? Anyone, anywhere?

I think I am addicted to blogging.