I'm not a marathoner...yet.

I was going to write about how embarrassed I am. How angry I am. How disappointed I am. How much I cried. How the fact that I only got to mile 16.5 because my IT band got so tight I couldn't move and had to be brought in by the medic and there were sirens.  How I got a strong scolding from the doctor that looked at my knee when I got to the medic tent.

I've decided not to do that. While I am still upset I'm over it- I will not allow it to bring me down. Instead, I'm going to focus on all the good. The fact that I trained my body well. The fact that even at 16.5 besides my IT band the rest of my body could have made it and made it in a better time than I thought. The fact that my arm kept buzzing with prayers from people who love me. The fact that we exceeded our goal of $1200 for the Getty Owl Foundation. The fact that my parents spent the night at our house so they could watch Teagan and Kyra the morning of the race so they could be comfortable and then meet me at the finish line. The fact that my family was waiting at our house when we got home with arms open wide and a dozen roses. The fact that Teagan and Kyra wanted to make my boo-boo better. They wanted kisses and hugs and for mommy to read them books. The fact that had I kept going I could have done a lot more damage and the doctor told me my other leg would have equal damage for trying to compensate (I'm definitely feeling that compensation this morning). The fact that my sweet husband found me at the 13.1 mile mark and then met me again at the 14 mile mark and walked with me. Holding tight to my hand. Allowing me to lean on him for 2.5 miles; crying but refusing to quit. Telling me that people were still behind us and that it was okay. Telling me we could keep going or stop.  That he would be with me. Talk about my hero for the day.

This whole experience has been a whirlwind. I am sure I will be thankful for it in a day or two. I am currently looking for my next marathon so I can get my 26.2 sticker. I am also planning to go back and punch the Thunder Road Marathon in the face. For now, rest-recover-get back to training is the mode I'm in.

    

That SMA thing I run for.

I have failed miserably this month.  To be honest, I'm losing steam as far as inspiration goes right now but that is not a viable excuse.  This month called August also happens to have an "AKA" and it's SMA Awareness month.
I have been training for my very first marathon.  I have been training to raise money to help kick SMA in the YKW (you know what).  The money that goes to Getty Owl Foundation is used to aid Dr. Brian Kaspar at Nationwide Children's hospital to potentially cure SMA. I have not done a very good job of telling you guys about what it is, how it works, and the fact there is currently no cure.  So, here goes...

SMA (spinal muscular atrophy) has 5 "types".  0-4.
*0 being the most severe, where the onset is before birth and the sweet baby isn't estimated to live more than 6 months.
*1- is a close runner up as far as the most severe form of SMA goes.  These sweet babes cannot sit up without support.  Breathing, moving, and swallowing are difficult.  A simple cold can exacerbate the difficulties and can potentially cause death if not handled appropriately.  The average lifespan of children with SMA type 1 is barely 2 years.  However, with your help we can increase this number.  And as a sweet reality to this fact, sweet Getty will be FOUR in March....just saying.
*2- people with type 2 are able to sit but not stand.  Those diagnosed with type 2 have an estimated lifespan that can go into adulthood.
*3-those diagnosed with type 3 can walk but this ability is lost over time because you caught that "atrophy part" right?
*4- those diagnosed with type 4 are extremely weak but can walk and should not lose that ability over time.

Let's talk genes.  Something I don't know a whole lot about and maybe you don't either.  That's why this handy-dandy diagram is dummy proof....

Thing about this carrier thing is it's not in the regular work up as far as prenatal blood work goes.  It's foolish seeing as SMA:
is the #1 genetic killer of young children
occurs in nearly one out of every 6,000 births (and this number seems to be on the incline)
is NOT based on race, ethnicity, or gender

All that being said.  We NEED to find a cure.  Soon. Quickly. Rapidly. Allegro. Yesterday.
My race is November 16.  I am collecting money either in person or online via Crowdrise.
ALL the proceeds go towards Getty Owl Foundation which is a 501c-3 organization.  This means it's TAX DEDUCTIBLE people.
My goal is $1200 because seriously, it's SMA and I'm running a MARATHON.
That would be 26.2 miles guys. 26.2.....

In all seriousness though, please think about donating to this cause whether it's through my Crowdrise site or directly to the Getty Owl Foundation.  We've gotta get on this y'all.  We just gotta.

 

Shorts.

I don't like shorts.  I have MAYBE 6 pair.  1 running, 2 of those cotton kind that I wore (still wear) to volleyball practice in middle/high school/college, and 3 pair (2 of which I don't wear) of casual shorts.  I just hate them.  Give me a pair of running pants any day over a pair of shorts.

Today I ran in shorts.  I have a pair of Nike running shorts.  I don't hate them for hanging around the house or a Target run but not to run in.  Don't get me wrong, I like the material, they have a millions colors, they stay cool, they have built in undies and a small key pocket, but they are not the shorts to bring me to the dark side.  However, if you are a shorts person I would recommend these shorts.

*I was NOT compensated for my review.  The opinions above are completely honest and my own.*

Marathon.

So, it's happening.  I'm officially training for my first marathon.  Right now I don't have a job and I have a lot of down time on my hands.  So instead of sitting around and doing nothing and getting more depressed during the time I'm looking for a job I decided it's time to finally run a marathon.
I am following the Hal Higdon's 18 week Novice plan.  I decided to start off with the beginners so that I reduce the possibility of injury.  My marathon is in 25 weeks but the training suggests a taper so it should work well.
I am not only running to kill time and get healthy.  I am also running to raise money to find a cure and awareness about SMA.
I've written about sweet Getty, one of Teagan's two pen pals once or twice (okay, more, but those are some more informative ones).  When I ran the half marathon I ran and raised over $600 for the Getty Owl Foundation.  My goal for the marathon is to double that.  If you'd like to donate you can do so here.
I will be talking about my progress on here occasionally. Different experiences with gear and runs and gels and all that goes along with training.  I'm looking and desperately needing new shoes, I am looking at watches, and a new knee brace (stupid IT band).  I'll keep you posted on those things as the time comes for them.
I will also be putting together a sponsorship package.  If you have a company that you would like to get some social media attention and a spot on my marathon shirt (it's a boston qualifier) then keep looking back here for more information.

It's Friday.

I've already written this post once. Blogger you can kiss my big toe.

Anyway, life is still topsy turvy in the Reid house.

Teagan is officially allergic to amoxicillian and all the other "cillians".  Not cool.  We've basically had to pump her veins full of Benedryl for the last four days (and counting) until it works its way out of her system.  Basically, toddler zombie.

Kyra Mae had her 6 mth check up and rocked it.  I will post more on that later.  She is growing like a little weed and super healthy.  Praise the Lord.

Kyra has also thrown up her night time bottle the last two nights.  I'm not talking spit up people.  I'm talking full on the Exorcist throw up. If it happens again we're calling our on call nurse.  Not normal.  Can't be.

Our family is still climbing up Mt. Kilimanjaro but with each mile the Lord gives us a new tool to make it easier.  The peak is in sight and we're going to slide down together.  Possibly on our bellies. 

I am so thankful for the "school" Teagan and Kyra Mae go to. (Note-Teagan goes to "school" and Kyra goes to " Ms. Alice's room". Or at least that is what Teagan says.) The teachers they have and have had are amazing and we are so thankful for them. The patience they have when dealing with both of my children is incredible. We love them all dearly and are so grateful that upcoming circumstances are not going to tear them away from their current environment. The Lord truly is working it all out.

I have used my crock pot three times this week.  All meat came out so tender we looked at it and it fell apart. SO. GOOD.

My car temperature thingy read 100 this week. 1-0-0. This is NOT okay. It's freshly May in NC. This is NOT how it's supposed to be.  Can I get an 84? Please!?

I think I have figured out what theme I am doing Kyra's 1st b'day in.  Mum's the word.  Yes, it's 6 months away but what part of topsy turvy did you not get? I have to run with ideas when I get them. 

I've opened an Etsy shop.  It is just a few odds and ends of stuff I've made.  Basically, gas money and diaper money.  Please visit if you've got a chance.  There are only a few things listed but I do custom orders as well. 

There were two awful things that happened this week around the blogshpere.  Diana, from Hormonal Imbalances, lost her two sweet twin boys this week.  They were 19 weeks and 4 days.  Please go read about her story. 
Avery, from Avery Can, also went to Heaven this week.  She was diagnosed with SMA on April 6, 2012.  Avery died from SMA complications on April 30, 2012.  I cried so much for both of these families that my shoulder's shook and my eyes were so puffy I put a cold can of soda on them so I could have visits with my clients.  Teagan's buddy, Getty, has SMA also.  We love her and we love her family.  Please visit their website and find out more about SMA and how you can raise awareness and money for research.  Another baby should NOT have to die from this.


I hope you all have had a great week.  I hope you have an even better weekend.  Eat some ice cream.  Or frozen yogurt.  Or a freezey pop! Just eat something cold and yummy cause it is stinkin' hot out there. 

Stroller running. Not. Happening. Just sayin.

You know those women who come whizzing pass you on your run pushing the jogging stroller with three kids in it?  I will never be one of those women. NEVER.
I tried.  Trust me, I tried.  When we first had Teagan I declared I was going to be that mom.  The one in the cute running pants and bright pink tank top pushing my baby while running.  Come to find out I am most definitely not that mom.
Two reasons come to mind when figuring out why I'm not the stroller pushing running mom.  First, I really need my arms to run.  I cannot run to save my life, well maybe if it was life or death I could, without moving my arms.  I take that back, I can run without moving my arms but it's really uncomfortable and then I end up running looking like a half turtle half penguin. Get the visual. It's not pretty.  Second reason.  Running is my time.  I love my husband and my girls but running is just for me.  Time to think my thoughts and pound out my frustrations on the pavement.  Now, when I am running I do think of my family and how one day the girls and I might run together.  I think about sweet Getty who I run to raise money for in the races I participate in.  I think about her mom, Kate, who I hope to go for a run one day with while Josh and Mark watch the girls.  The three girls that will most definitely be in tutus while they play. 
No matter the reason I run or how hard I might have tried I will never be a stroller pushing running mom and I am a-ok with that.

*Speaking of running. If you're going to be in the California area and like to run or walk you should check this out! It's on my birthday and it hurts my heart I won't be able to run it this year...next year DEFINITELY!

The Getty Owl Foundation. Auction Day 2!!

Yesterday's piece found here, sold for $102!! How awesome is that!?! If you missed the opportunity to bid there is another opportunity headed your way! How about bidding on this sweet painting done by Natalie.  You can bid on it here.  Don't foget all bids start out at $10!

100% of all proceeds will be going through the Getty Owl Foundation to the Gene Therapy Program at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
Help us fight SMA, the #1 genetic killer of young children. 

Need art for your home?

How about this piece?

The Getty Owl Foundation is having an online art auction. The auction starts on Tuesday, August 23rd until they run out of art which will probably be around August 30th.

All the art sold is either made by a child with SMA or a loving parent of an SMA child.

100% of the money raised is going to the Getty Owl Foundation for the gene therapy program at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

The starting bid of all of the art is $10

2 pieces of art will be up for auction each day.

This piece of art was made by a little girl name Nora.  Nora has SMA Type 1.  She is a little fighting firecracker though who apparently has a nack for painting! Isn't her "Abstract Minnie" piece fantastic?