Training for a marathon

I still can't believe I am training for a marathon. A few years back I wanted to run one so I starting running like crazy. I got up to 16-17 miles on long Saturday runs while maintaining a 8:30/mile pace. I was doing pretty good until the shin splints hit me, hit me BAD. I had shooting pain running down my legs, after my Saturday runs I would have to sit for most of the day icing my legs and resting. I went to a therapist who showed me some stretching and talked to me about changing my surface street running to the track or even treadmill. Of course this therapist wanted me to come see him for "therapy" 2-3 times a week. That was NOT an option, I had 2 kids at the time and was working part-time. So I gave up on the whole marathon thing telling myself I gave it my best shot.
Last November my friend and visiting teacher Meagan Horne approached me about running a marathon with her. I dismissed her and told her she was crazy! I wasn't about to put myself through that experience again but she was PERSISTENT. She offered to pay for my race bib into the Phoenix marathon. She even bought me all kinds of running equipment and gear. I of course was not going to let her pay my way, part of paying so much to run a race is motivating to me. If I spend money on a race I am going to train hard so that money is well spent and not wasted. We started training in December. At this point I was still hesitant but willing to run with her and see how my shins did. I didn't want to sign up for the race until I was confident about our running and ability to run 26.2 miles. We are up to about 16 miles now and my shins feel amazing!!!! I can't believe it! I am actually looking forward to this crazy race.
It hasn't been easy and I know the next 5 weeks won't be a piece of cake either. We certainly have our work cut out for us. We have had our fair share of set backs. Some of which are a little silly and we can now laugh at them.

I still struggle with my usual bathroom stops. So, I usually only need one bathroom stop. So far I have made it through a couple long runs without needing to stop, so that encourages me. I have figured out if I cut sugar and dairy out 2 days prior to a long run my digestive system is nicer to me.

I have been experimenting with shoes and socks, and ended up acquiring this blister on a 14 mile run. ouch!

This lovely blister I got from my sock  The seam was rubbing on this toe.

On one particular run Meagan and I encountered many "shoe" errors. I had to stop and remove some arch supports, Meagan at one point on this run had re-tie her shoes and later she TOOK OFF her shoes and ran for almost 2 miles with OUT shoes on because of a bunion. Yes she has a bunion on her right foot. I still laugh at her for that one. Who has EVER heard of a 24 year old with a Bunion?!?!

 This week we had a BEAUTIFUL run at 5:30am in the rain!!!! LOVED it! But this is what it did to my hair! Crazy rat-tail!!! Took me conditioning 2 times and picking through it for 20 mins! Next "rain run" I will put my hair in a braid. Haha!

When this is all said and done I just hope I can cross that finish line in one piece and in our goal time. Running with Meagan has been an absolute delight, it's very difficult to find someone who is at the same level athletically as you. It's more than that though, Meagan and I have formed a friendship that only happens while running hours and hours together. It sounds silly but it's true.

13 Articles of Faith Recognition Night

The Stake Primary held a program honoring and recognizing all the primary children who memorized the 13 articles of faith in 2012. They even asked him to be part of the program. It was so cute when the primary president called me up and asked if Mason would be willing to recite the 5th article of faith during the program. She told me that if he was nervous he could just read it. To which I replied "He doesn't read yet, but he will have it memorized". This is one talent Mason is AMAZING at. He can memorize like nobodies business.

Here he is proudly holding his certificate for memorizing all 13 Articles of Faith.

And yes I couldn't help but record him during his little part. It's too bad you can't see his face I was so proud of him! His courage and confidence inspire me.

Oh well you can't really see anything anyways just listen to him! :)

Happy Birthday to me!

I woke up Wednesday morning  to the smell of Bacon and cinnamon rolls (at 7am!!! so nice to sleep in). Ron prepared a very nice pancake, cinnamon roll, bacon, sausage and OJ Birthday Breakfast! So yummy and a very thoughtful treat. He woke up early and went to the store in 29 degree weather so I could have a lovely breakfast and beautiful flowers.

During breakfast Mason asked me "Mom. How come, when you are old you don't do anything fun for your birthday?" I think he wanted me to have a party at Amazing Jake's or something?!?! haha Well, I thought about his question and decided that we COULD go do something fun. So, I texted all my friends inviting them to Jump Street last min. for my birthday. I kept thinking to myself "I'll show Mason, We will have fun! Ha!" Well, because it was so last min. my good friend Meagan was the only one who showed up with her 2 kiddos. We jumped and let the kids play a while. Then we moved over to the arcade area. Meagan and I eyed the Dance Dance game and just had to give it a whirl.

 Baby Cali and Callie!

Who says you can't have fun on your birthday?!?! :) SO THERE Mason!

Later, my mom took me to lunch at Costa Vida. Mmmmm I think I went there last year for my birthday, hmm maybe a tradition is forming? (Thank you Amber for watching my kids and making that possible!)

Lindsey offered to watch my kids so Ron and I got to go out. We went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse and did a little shopping (didn't buy anything, but still fun! It was really nice to go out on my ACTUAL birthday, usually we go out the weekend before. I thoroughly enjoyed my birthday and am embracing getting old! I'm grateful for all my many blessings and thankful for my life. Life is good.

Where's Callie?

Do you think she was sleepy?

This is what happens when Ron is watching the kids and couldn't find Callie. Haha

reflections of 2012

2012

2012 was an amazing and monumental year. Here are just a few of our Huber happenings:

I turned 30 (not as scary as I thought! I am happily embracing my 30's)

Mason started school this year. He is such an adorable Kindergartner, works really hard and continues to improve in his school work. One of his greatest strengths is memorizing. I get to help in his classroom 2 times a month and I am so glad that I do. It's fun to watch him in the classroom setting, for a little boy with such a short attention span he takes school very seriously.

Mason is very outgoing, energetic, friendly and has many friends. There isn't a shy bone in this kids body and I love that confidence in him. He is the BEST big brother. Always thinking of his younger siblings and helping them out (usually with out complaining). Often times when Callie is throwing a fit and cries in her room, Mason will follow her and try to comfort and console her (and vice avers when Mason is not happy and whining in his room Callie follows and consoles him.)

Noah started preschool this year. He LOVES it! Everyday he asks if he gets to go to preschool. Ms. Christi tells me that Noah is very bright and delightful. She says there is a couple girls in his class that Noah is always trying to figure out. One afternoon, these girls were playing "house" and he was just watching them. While "observing" the girls Ms.Christi asked him if he wanted to play with them, he nodded his head yes. When they were asked, the girls responded emphatically "yes!" They proceeded to put him to work, he sat down at the "kitchen table", the girls asked him if he wanted to eat or be the "Daddy". Noah just sat there unsure of what to do. Then they handed him a doll... To which his response was to get up off the table and return to playing with the other boys and the dinosaurs. Well Noah, You gave it a shot.
In my opinion Noah's personality is similar to Ron's. He is more mellow and go with the flow. Anylitically minded and doesn't just jump head first into any uncharted territory or situations. Not much of a risk taker but a thinker and a watcher.

  

Callie is talking so much now. One of my favorite "Callie Phrases" is "Mommy hold you!, Daddy hold you!" She also loves to dance. She even has her own favorite songs. If a song comes on the radio that she doesn't like she will yell "Good song. Good song." as if you aren't playing what she considers to be a good enough song. I can't wait for this girl start dance lessons.

Ron and I celebrated our 10 yr. anniversary this year. It just keeps getting better and better! I didn't think it possible but I love this man more and more everyday. I think what I love the most is how we have grown and progressed together.

Ron was called into the bishopric this fall. This is a big change for our family and a huge time commiment.

These pictures were taken the first Sunday Ron was called as the 1st counselor in the bishopric. I have mixed emotions about his new calling. It's really a bitter sweet feeling that I have, he's gone a lot as it is with his job, but somehow it seems easier when he's gone for church stuff. I don't mind it as much. I KNOW Heavenly Father is helping me, I can feel HIS presence so much more in my life. I can't really describe it but through out the day I feel little gentle "helping hands" encouraging me, or energizing me to take care of my family. We as a family DEFINITELY appreciate Ron more! That's a fact, I feel closer to my husband more than ever before. Even the kids seem to anticipate Ron's arrival, he's the celebrity of our home. I am amazed at their understanding of the situation. They are also very understanding of Daddy being at "meetings" a lot. I thank my Heavenly Father everyday for my wonderful little family that continues to amaze me.

(Left to right: Brother Jake Watkins, Bishop Curtis, and of course Ron!)