Runnin Sisters

I forgot to post a picture of all the sisters that were able to run the race. Wished Carrie would have been able to stick around, she was running right along with us in training. I feel like I should explain why I'm not on my sister's team. However, that is a long story that I might blog about at another time. My sister Wendy did organize a team, but I was undecided when her team filled up. In the end there was an opening on my cousin's team and I finally convinced myself to do it. So glad I did.

What have I been up to?

My team "The Quick & The Well Fed", yes there is a hamburger on our shirts.Teams being announced at the starting line. The were 10 teams starting at 8 different times, a total of 80 teams at the Spokane to Sandpoint relay (185 miles).
My first leg of 4.6 mi started around noon on Friday.My second leg of 4.2 mi started around 10:00 pm, head lamps and reflective vests required.
Refueling with Cliff energy blocks, I was literally forcing myself to eat them. Ick.I was so excited and super anxious the entire time. I whoo hooo-ed everyone along the way.
My last leg of 4.3 mi started around 8 am Saturday morning. The best run of all.While we were waiting we put on our team shirts to meet our team at the finish line.Well most of you know, because I'm crazy about documenting my runs on facebook. However, for the 1% that may not know I have been running, jogging, and walking. I started running 1.5 miles in July and worked up to 6.2 miles in August. I participated in my first official race this last weekend it started Friday 8/12/11 at 5:00 am and did not end until Saturday 8/13/11 at 1:00 pm. It was a relay race as you might have guessed, which similar to a Ragnar race, is 185 miles broken up between 12 runners. There was lots of laughing and not much sleeping. It was definitely a test of the body's ability to preform on little to no sleep just as much as it was the actual running. I was runner #9 so my first leg of 4.6 miles began around noon in the heat of the day on a narrow mountain road, and when I had less than a mile to go I realized the biggest challenge laid waiting for me at the end called "Doomsday Hill" which I renamed Doomsday Mountain. My favorite part was when one of the men teams drove by and squirted me with a water gun. A few other teams also pulled over to offer me a drink & to spray my face. Afterwards I had a large blister that formed after that leg of the race. My second leg was 4.2 miles around 10:00 pm. It was my easiest run and should have been a peice of cake but the blister on my arch fired up after about 2 miles and I knew I was in trouble. So during that leg I did some walking which was alittle disappointing as I had a goal to not walk my legs. I also got passed by at least 10 other runners, which I cheered on. After my van was done running we went to Silverwood (amusement park) where we waited for our team's runner to meet up with us so all 12 of us could ride the rollercoaster. At 1:00 am we rode the rollercoaster called Tremors known for plunging into dark tunnels. We then went to our hotel in Priest River were I slept for 2 hrs, but was so grateful for that shower. I felt human again and finally clean. My last leg was 4.3 miles that started around 8 am. It was the best leg of all because the temperature was significantly cooler and we had tried everything we could think of to care for my blister that night. I got passed by one of the faster teams runner and tried to pass her down a hill, only to be passed again uphill. Alittle while later another runner passed me, and when I had .3 miles to go another middle aged lady tried to pass me. I gave her a glance and took off as fast as I could. I wasn't going to let another lady pass me. I crossed the finish line completely drained. It was one of the best experiences I have ever been part of. I loved the people in my van and am so glad I got to know them. I never liked running and never thought I'd be able to physically accomplish any type of race. I loved getting to know new people and making friendships along the way. What a fun, learning, and growing experience. I highly recommend doing this type of race. Now what type of NEW running shoes should I award myself with?

Walker Family Pictures

Ah finally family pictures! Maddie was historically naughty, we even tried stuffing her face with marshmellows and gummy bears in between takes. These are a few of my favorites, Grandma even tried briving Maddie with a ring. My Dad got a new camera for Fathers Day its pretty fantastic, that coupled with the Winterton's camera we are happy to have gotten a few pictures. Although with a group as big as ours there is not ONE picture with all of us looking. Thank goodness for photoshop.

Remember this

I made it last night and it was worth every gram of fat. The end. Oh yeah here's the recipe in case you want a taste of heaven-

http://www.ourbestbites.com/2010/03/chocolate-mousse-crunch-cake/

I boiled a small pan of water and used 2 Tbsp & remember to let the ganache cool to thicken, so don't be intimidated its soooo easy. Happy Anniversary to me, I can't stop eating it.

Favorite Pictures

These are some of my favorite pictures from this past month. Some from Grady's birthday party, some of our new view (yes we moved AGAIN), and some of Maddie's sweet vintage bike. I'm in love so I decided to share.

Zoo Trip

Here is a glimpse at our trip to the Woodland Zoo last month during spring break, the one that I needed to blog about for the last month. It was rainy and slightly cold, but we had a absolute blast. Maddie is an animal freak, she was very at home at the zoo.I love my camera, this picture of the lion was through foggy glass and super far away.I'm pretty sure Maddie would still have been smiling if there hadn't been glass seperating them and the jaguars.Maddie LOVED the peguins and the snakes, but I forgot to post a picture. I tried to get her to look at the emormous orangutan, but she was too interested in the python. Jon said she was weird for liking the creepy snakes.
We got growled/howled at by an alligator. That was interesting, everyone came running to see what was going on. I had just been pointing it out to Maddie when some stranger said he's telling you to throw your kid on over. I think I just gave that person a weird look. So fun and I can't wait to go back to Seattle.

Grandpa Walker

I really like this picture, but it uploaded small. I thought the cousins would enjoy seeing this. I think you can click to enlarge.