One year ago

One year ago today I turned the computer on and I decided to start writing a blog.  I had just made the decision to sign up for my first half marathon (Carlsbad Jan 23, 2011).  I wanted to keep track of my journey and remember what I did to get to the starting line.  I also wanted to have something that my kids could read when they are older if they wanted to know more about their mom.

I was not following anyone yet. I had not read any running blogs. I did not know there was this online community of people who were writing about the ups and downs of their training and also their lives.  I never thought anyone would actually read what I would post.  I know a lot of people say that but it is true.  I wrote a few posts and then one day I got a follower! It was Julie over at Hotlegs Runner.  I went to check her blog and started following her and that led me to many of your blogs!

Now I have 151 followers.  I lost a few along the way and that's OK.  I know I am not an expert runner.  I recently lost a follower who criticized me for the spelling and grammar mistakes I make.  I guess this person did not read my profile where it says I am French Canadian.  I do my best with English but this is not a blog on proper English writing!

Anyway I cannot tell you how grateful I am to all of you who are reading and commenting on this blog.
I appreciate all the feedback I get..(well most of them...the ones about me being too tall to be a runner not so much.)  I have learn so much from a lot of you, reading your blogs and also from the advices you have given me.  It amazes me that people can be so kind and generous to a perfect stranger.  That is a beautiful thing!  I feel that we are all a big family somehow and I also feel like I "know" some of you..for real.  I'll say things like "I have a friend in Arizona who ran 24 hrs on a TM" or "I have a friend who ran 2 back to back marathons last weekend"  I'll show a picture  of a race in Montana that's in Runner's World to Bill and say "I know that girl with the red hair!"

I have been lucky enough to win a few giveaways this past year, more recently a Book and cards from Shutterfly!!!  I also received packages from Arizona and from Italy!

One year ago I did not know much about running.  I knew the basics: LEFT-RIGHT repeat.
Now I know a little more and I learned most of it by reading about your experiences so I thank you for that.

I will continue to share my running story and other stories about my life as a mom.  I cannot separate the two.  I am not a runner, I am a mom who runs.  So my kids will always be a part of this blog.  Same thing with my health issues because that is an never ending battle for me.

So my FRIENDS, to all 151 of you I say thank you so very much for a great 1st year.  I feel very lucky to have you as my readers!

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RUNNING:
Did 3 miles yesterday before heading to back to back soccer games and this morning I went for 8 miles.  It was perfect weather..52 when I left the house! Sun was out, no wind, running buddies: could not ask for anything more! 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
We are off to Long Beach tomorrow.  Kids have no school so we are going to the Aquarium of the Pacific.  We'll be back on time to hit the neighbors for some Halloween treats!

Friday was the kids Halloween Parade at school, I love that day, so much fun!
The teachers were all dressed as Smurfs and the Principal was Papa Smurf!
Here are some pictures.  Jonathan was Batman and Will was Obi-Wan-Kenobi.

Even as Batman he will sing a KU song!!

Will's Class

Some of Jonathan's friends with their teacher

LA LA LALALALA!!!!

He was so proud to get a picture with her!!!

Those 2 are best friends since Kindergarten