Workout 4/23- 4/29

Monday 23rd - run 50 minutes, with drills.  20 minutes medicine ball

Tuesday 24th - Batterman 25.5 miles 1hour 35 minutes

Wednesday 25th - 1 mile warm-up 10x400 @ 5K pace (7:05) 200 jog recovery in between, 1 mile cool down (total 5.5 miles)

Thursday 26th - 6.02 miles, 49:53 (8:17)  no plan, just enjoyed a run

Friday 27th - 30 miles out to the end of the Icicle from Munly's house 1 hour 52 minutes

Saturday 28th - 30 mile cross bikes, aprx. 2 hours

Sunday 29th - 62 miles Leavenworth loop (Stine, Deadmans, North Road, Icicle, E. Leavenworth and reverse DM and Stine) 3 hours 43minutes

Bike and Thoughts...

I've had the opportunity to ride a lot (for me) the last 3 days.  I love what I feel like on the bike, but even more I love what I feel like after.  It's rare for me to have 2-3 hours of time to just think, and even though each day was spent riding with someone you simply can't always talk , it's pretty much a guarantee there will be wind at least one direction, so you can't hear anything either.
In 2007 I first started biking with the encouragement from my ex, but later that year after experiencing the first of  an ongoing cycle (ironic choice of word, I know) of lies and betrayal it became my escape, the place I could breath, collect my thoughts and face the rest of the day.  I am glad it's not that anymore, but it still is my favorite time, or place to think, on the bike!

Friday I was invited up to Leavenworth to ride.  It was fabulous!  I ponder moving to Hawaii...A LOT, but having a job I love, being in love, and most important a high school son that  wouldn't leave, puts things on hold a few years (but don't think I don't try to convince all of them).  So as I was riding Friday, my thoughts just kept coming back to how lucky I was to live so close to Leavenworth, if the kids weren't in school in Wenatchee, I would seriously consider living there.  I'm there 3-4 days a week in the winter, and summers I make my way up a couple times a week, I think it is one of the most beautiful places!  Of course this is along with the Methow, the place I desire to have a second home!

My other thoughts this week were on name change.  I've been officially divorced for over a year now, and just recently people have been asking if I am keeping my name the same.  It's kind of a weird choice to be faced with.  But yes I kept Hakensen, it's been my name for the last 14 years, I really like Lars' Dad and his wife, and most important, it's my kids name.  I know it's just a name, but I like having the same name as my kids!

Icicle ride with Munly

Leavenworth loop with Margo

Challenge #....

I jumped back on our momtog group challenge again.  This week was guilty pleasure.  Sad to admit but yes I subscribe to People, I love it.  But it doesn't end there, I am part of a "smut" swap, my other friend (I won't out her on here) she gets Us Weekly, so we swap....its sad, but such mindless fun!

A Little Sprinkle Never Hurts

I am particularly fond of the rain.  A little more so this week,as I haven't turned on my water, because a few of my sprinkler lines need some repair.  Yes I discovered this AFTER I planted my garden.  However mother nature is on my side this week, it's managed to rain a little each day!
Aside from that though, I do love raining days.  I love opening my windows and hearing and smelling it.  I love running in the rain (probably because we don't have a lot of it), and I love taking a hot shower after and snuggling up on my couch and reading.
Cheers to the raining day!

Grow herbs, grow!

Monday ...Monday

I actually love Monday mornings!  Because of late start Monday and being on my own with the kids, I rearranged my schedule to come in later in the morning to work.  I absolutely love our late start to the day. 
This morning in particular, start with a 50 minute run with a friend, got home started the coffee pot, showered, woke up kids and enjoyed my cup of Queen City (from Caffe Vita) along with blueberries and strawberries......as we slowly get going!  Happy Monday!

Watch your Step

For Luke's birthday I got him a slackline.  Who knew this could be hours of fun!  Here's everyones first attempts, with the exception of mine.....I had to hold on to Lo and it looked like I would crush her!  Everyone seemed to improve after a couple hours, except me. I think I need to do some secret practicing before my family loses faith in me!

Work outs 4/16-4/22

Monday 16th - Run 3.5 miles (warm up/ cool down to and from the gym) weights 40 minutes

Tuesday 17th - ride 18miles (1 hour 11 minutes), TT series #1, 9.2 miles (27:13)

Wednesday 18th - Sage hills ran 35 minutes

Thursday 19th- ride 23 miles, 1 hour 22 minutes

Friday 20th - ride Pinnacle loop 43 miles, 2 hours 35 minutes

Saturday 21st - 5.15 run 42.03 (8:10mm)

Sunday 22nd - 3 miles run to gym, 30 minutes functional workout, 1 mile jog home

Close to Perfect

Today is one of those days that couldn't be more perfect. I had an idea in my head of how the day would go, and to most it's not the least bit exciting, but it's a day I had been looking forward to.
Weekends with the kids, I leave my phone downstairs at night, or powered off, and wake up when we want.
Got up earlier than I thought, enjoyed some Blue Star coffee (my personal home favorite right now), took the Lilo up to Rick's so I could enjoy a quick run with Kaiser by his house. Came home got dressed, picked Luke up from a friends and onto the DOL (that's not in my ideal part), Luke got his learners permit...oh lord! Onto the high school parking lot we went, poor guy I am the worst teacher. I was laughing and crying, possibly in shock that he was behind the wheel..wow!
Next four hours were spent weeding, mowing, tilling, planting, digging, watering......all in the sun. I don't know but working on your own yard and garden I love. The kids were a huge help, they cleaned the patio, got the summer furniture and hoses out, it was great.
Along those lines I have to say it's good to have that feeling back. Last year I didn't have it in me to do the garden, no energy or enthusiasm for it along with being overwhelmed with all other responsibilities. This year, I've got it! I love doing these things for my house and my kids......dare I say I like being a responsible adult, living an independent life, I think so!
To finish the evening off, that amazing man in my life took us out to dinner at SOUTH. Love that place, and love this day!

"Places" that would be..too lazy to go back in and edit!

Fresh Air

Wednesday are my long workday, but today I was craving getting out to the trails and running with my dog.  Had about an hour before I had to pick up Lo so grabbed Kaiser and Maddy and ran Sage.  Today was not about exercise or a specific workout it was peace of mind and thinking.

Feeling quite frustrated with my kids Dad lately, and his  "spacing out" on choir concerts,  track meets, etc.  Luke PR'd last night at track, 5:26 for the mile!  My Dad and I watched, it was one of those times when you can't quite believe what you are seeing.  You'd have to really know Luke to know what I mean.  He took the lead from the beginning and never stopped.  When I picked him up later that night he was still talking about it.  I was so incredibly happy for him  The fact that their Dad is missing out on these things is his choice.  However  I'm sad for my kids wanting to share this with him, and yet he's not available to them.

Along with that, I had not so good news on Kaiser.  For the last 6  months he's been having trouble walking and running, mainly in his right back leg.  Went to my vet last Friday, had x-rays and was shown he has arthritis.  Not good for a 5 1/2 year old energetic dog.  It's pretty severe and will only continue to get worse until he basically won't be able to control his bladder or use his back end.   I was advised to keep exercising him (keep the muscles surrounding the spine strong), no jumping, but he can run on soft surfaces, trails, or the canal and will remain on anti inflammatory and pain medicine as needed.
I love running with this dog.  He's so happy out there, I feel safe on any of the trails with him.  He's my best running partner, and I'm going to have to say good bye to him way too soon.  Truly breaks my heart.
I ran the canal with him Saturday and seeing him out on Sage today, I've decided I will do my best to give him the quality of life a 5 year old dog should have.   He gets anxious if he's not exercised, so we will continue to enjoy the outdoors together as long as possible.

Workouts 4/8-4/15

Allowing myself a couple of "free" weeks, no particular focus, just do what I enjoy, when I want to! 

Sunday 4/8 - Easter...pretty much entered a sugar carb coma

Monday 4/9- Morning 5 mile run (40:54, 8:10mm, quite satisfied with this since I hadn't been running) afternoon 1 mile jog down to the gym, 40 minutes of weights, 1 mile jog back home- weather was amazing!

Tuesday 4/10-  road bike 23 miles 1hour 20 minutes (my riding partner M is back and it's awesome to be riding with her again)

Wednesday 4/11-  medicine ball, core and arms

Thursday 4/12-  run 5.5 miles (43.54, 7:58 mm)

Friday 4/13- Cashmere 30mile road ride,  1 hour 43 minutes

Saturday 4/14 - 5 miles (41:26, 8:17 mm)- and 3 hours of yard work...should be counted for something!

Sunday 4/15 -  34miles road bike 2 hours 16 minutes (Joe Miller/Heights)

Claiming my Home

Staying put!  After exhausting the MLS to make sure I wasn't missing anything, and even looking at  condos in East Wenatchee *gasp*, I've decided to stay put.  It was becoming clear the amount I owe and the price of everything I was looking at was nearly the same $ amount, but compromising on everything else I want.
What I really want is a smaller house in my neighborhood (S.B if you read this, if you EVER sell your house, I want it!).
Now it's time for me to claim my home.  When my Ex left, (I realize this may sound ridiculous to some) I had a clearing done.  All the "bad" energy was removed from the home.  Personally I believed it worked, it lightened everything in here (perhaps it's all in my head, but whatever, I'll take it).  I remember the lady looking at me at the time and saying "you need to claim your home",  it's taken over a year to decide to do it!
"We" bought this house because it was ideal for our kids, the plan was to raise our kids here.  "We" could instill the value of walking/biking versus driving.  Buying fresh produce at the farmers market, living near friends and school, allowing the kids a sense of independence to walk to their friends, ride their bikes on the local trails, walk to the movies.  Because plans changed doesn't mean "I" can't do this.  "I" am going to raise my kids here in this house and neighborhood they love (truthfully it's more the neighborhood they love).
So where do I start.  Today it's the garden, the one I didn't do last year, mowing my lawn and getting the outside furniture out.  But the kids and I talked and we've come up with a bigger plan.  We have a bedroom and bathroom in the basement that is never used, we are going to start using the entire house.  First things first gutting the basement bathroom so Luke can move downstairs and have his own bathroom (3 people sharing the top floor bathroom is NOT ideal), then we will replace the floor in his old room (flooring we've had in the garage for 3 years), and Lo will move to the bigger room, and I will actually make an official office upstairs (very excited about that), the place  currently being used as pseudo office, will become a comfy cozy reading space!

This is what we call the Sh*##% in the basement, I think it's appeared one other time on the blog.  I won't be sad to see the carpet on the wall go.  What you are missing is how nasty the shower is, the fluoresent lighting, and sweet celing tiles!

Time to start the envelopes!

10 on10 April ( a day late)

I love this challenge, and get excited for the day I am going to carry my camera around.  For whatever reason I totally spaced this month until the 10th.  Lucky for me it was Luke's birthday so more than normal was going on!

Making Lunches

Work

couple hours later..work

Hale Koa out for a ride

Playdate

The cake in progress

Birthday Boys Choice

Cousins

Birthday Card from Lo

15 candles

LPH It's Your Birthday

I want to say Happy Birthday little man (and probably will), but truth is you're not so little anymore, you're 15! 
It seems like every big moment this year (entering high school, first cross country meet, first dance, now it's drivers permit) I cry.  It's not really because I am sad, it's that I love you so much.  I love experiencing all this with you, but these 15 years have gone by too fast.  In just over 3 years you will be on your own, and truth is I will miss you. (goodness I'm tearing up just thinking about it).

It's no secret, you were a surprise.  One that would change my life at 19 years old for the better.  I like to say you were only in a hurry once in your life, and that was the day you were born.  You were due April 27th, but decided the 10th was as good of day as any.  We arrived at the hospital at 7:20pm and 48 minutes later there was 7lbs 13oz of perfectness!  From there on you've never again been in a hurry for anything.  You are possibly the MOST chill person I have ever met. 
It was you and I early on (and the last few years w/Lo)  we have an unbreakable bond.   You are a delight to raise, I can't imagine anything better than being your Mom.  You're funny, smart and respectful.  I admire you in so many ways, and am always so proud of you.

I love you little man, up to the sun, the moon, the stars, beyond and back...and much much more!  Happy 15th birthday!

Love,
Mom

Because We Can

Apple Capital Duathlon was this weekend.  My friends and I formed two teams to do.  I love to TT, so while this is a race, and yes we as a team want to win, when you team it, you essentially want to do the best "you" can do.  To me it's a test of where I am at.  I will say I was slightly disappointed in my time, I should've been able to do it about a minute and a half faster.  I've had plenty of base miles to do it.  But I made a few key mistakes 1. I hadn't been on the my orbea (TT) but once, and was unable to shift down on the big hill (would've know this had I ridden ahead of time) 2. had not done intervals in training, was more concerned with the Fondo and logging time 3. and this one just ticks me off, because I know better.  I went out WAY too hard, by the time I got to the "hill" (the entire course is hilly but there's one major hill) I couldn't shift down and my legs were feeling it.  4. spent too much time spinning it out after, and finished feeling like I had quite a bit more in the tank

I like the actual race.  I am reminded of what I need to work on! Once the race starts and the adrenaline kicks in, it's an incredible feeling.  To enhance it even more, my best friends all race.  So really nothings better than getting our exercise and hanging with them!

My only dilemma is I want to be REALLY good.  I know I am good, but I want to be better.  What it comes down to is, I don't have the time always needed.  I do this because it fits in, but at the end of the day I will never let it sacrifice time from my kids.  I am too aware of how fast the time goes with them, and to be gone for a couple hours to ride when I have them, is NOT an option for me, so I do what I can do, and will work harder with the time I do have!

I cannot say how much I love riding with this girl.  She is a constant inspiration to me!

The mini's and support crew

It is all of our hope, that we provide some sort of inspiration to our kids, to be healthy and active, and love your friends!  I am grateful to all these woman for so many things, and blessed to have them in my life!

My loyal teamates, who each ran I believe a 21 minute and 20 minute 5k!

Yet another amazing team

Full Bellies and Happy Hearts

Just coming off of two very busy, but fabulous days.  I just had one of the most wonderful Easter weekends I can remember in a long time.  I know I have an amazing family.  I love them dearly.  But spending  time with Rick's family, they are truly amazing as well. 
We raced Saturday morning, loaded kids and Maddy into the car and drove to Tri-Cities to celebrate with Rick's family.  His Mom, Sisters, and nieces took Lo right in, within minutes they were coloring eggs (Rick has those pics, I was at the skate park with Luke, and had strict instructions NOT to get out and take pictures), she was in 7th heaven  with all the attention and crafting!  Dinner and games followed late into the evening.   It was wonderful to be a part of this with them.  I felt this way at Thanksgiving when we all got together, and really wanted my kids to be there.  Family means the world to me, above all else.  To be with someone that feels the same way, and shows so much love within their family, fills my heart completely.
Sunday we enjoyed mass in Kennewick, then a lively egg hunt and lovely breakfast before packing up and hitting the road back to Wenatchee.
Made a quick stop at home to drop things off, picked up Oma and onto my parents house we went for more egg hunting and a fabulous dinner (thanks Mom and Sis).  It was such a fun evening.  My kids adore their cousins, and my nephews certainly provide a ton of entertainment!  We left with full bellies, happy hearts and  exhausted.
Home now in bed it's fun to run the events of the weekend over in my mind.  Being that it's a day of giving thanks, I am thankful for this wonderful life, and the opportunity to enjoy it this way!

.......and Happy Easter L&L I love you both so much, you make me a happy Mom!

This might be what happens when someone drinks a fountain soda before we are even out of town, side of the road potty stop

Other than adults doing an egg hunt, all seems normal (note: we are also missing about half of Rick's family in this)

The minute Greg said "go" it got pretty serious, Luke and I were in shock!  Next year I will be better prepared, no camera!

Later in the day and egg hunt with him, he means business out there too!

This guy had trouble keeping all his eggs in his basket

She is the BEST helper ever

Looks a Little Something Like This

What's Spring Break in our house look like?  The little peeps were with their Dad from Friday -Tuesday night (yes 3 days without seeing their faces seemed like an eternity)!  So during those days I stayed busy, scheduled a lot of meetings, work, and had time to bike!
How we'd spend the next few days was up to them, originally they wanted to go shopping for the day in Seattle, but after their trip to Portland with their Dad, they opted for chillin at home.   I am grateful my ex  LOVES to shop, I personally despise it, so yes I am very glad he did that with the kids!

Lounging in jammies

Lo and AnnaBelle sleeping in

A lot of this!

Quite a bit of this too!

To Sell or Not...

I put my house on the market this fall (even though my friend Jenn had strict instructions from me, to NOT allow me to do anything drastic for at least a year to the date of my divorce being final, I reassured her this was ok) . 

I love my house, but more than my house I love where it's at.  I love being walking distance to restaurants, grocery stores and the movie theater.....and I am within blocks of a few of my very best friends.  At the time a house a block away went up for sale, also built in the 1920's, but much smaller than mine.  I loved it.  To the relief of everyone close to me (it my have needed a "little" work) it sold.

I go back and forth almost daily as to whether I want to keep my house listed or not (until I decide I figure may as well).  Like I said I love my house, but I am not attached to it.  The "ex" and I bought this in 2008, its a big, old house, perfect for our family.  I had visions of years of projects, renovations, and transforming it into "ours".  I still have some of those visions, but have  lost the motivation,  and lack the time and money to do it.  A huge part of me craves buying something small and manageable.  I've always liked small spaces.  I am very bad at saving things, I like NOT having a lot (with the exception of bikes).

In a small way I am also craving buying something that is mine, and mine alone.  A place where I get to create and start fresh.  The way the market is, if I were to get a reasonable offer, we (the ex will get 1/2 of whatever would be made minus taxes and closing cost on the sale of the house) walk away with nothing.  I am not bothered in the least by this.  In fact I am not stressed about selling or not selling my house.  The plan is to just run with it for now, yep I think that's what I'll do.  Start my garden, and live in my house, if it sells, then it's meant to be!

My friend Heidi shared this with me and I think it applies to a lot of areas in my life.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track.

Workout 3/26- 4/1

Monday 26th -  2 hours cross bike (burch Mt, Knowles, West EagleRock, Du hill) lots of high intensity climbs.  Legs felt great even coming off a big week

Tuesday 27th - Cashmere on the CX bike, rain entire way back

Wednesday 28th -  Felt totally spent managed a 1 hour spin on the trainer

Thursday 29th - LONG AWAITED rest day (last rest day was the 19th and feeling it by now)

Friday 30th - Supposed to be #2 canyon, opted for the trainer with 5- 1 minute pick ups

Saturday 31st - Should've race, ran and weights instead 1 hour 20 minutes

Sunday 1st -  30 miles road bike  1 hour 45 minutes (felt great, other than the wind)

Never Too Old

Here you have it.  I woke up Saturday morning to SNOW and rain, and opted out of the Ephrata Fondo.  It was a HARD decision but back and forth texting with Erika (between being depressed about not doing it, and celebrating how bad the weather was so we didn't feel so bad), what it came down to was; yes this is a hard ride on a good day, could we do it?  For sure!  What hers and my problem would've been was staying warm enough.  I know myself very well,  and it's the one thing that can take me down.  There's a science behind it, but 2 slight built women do not stay as warm as a 180lb man on a cold wet ride, plain and simple.
There is a plus side.  The bff's have been planning to celebrate our friend Steph (who in two weeks will run the Boston Marathon), with a surprise sleepover!  It doesn't take much for us to get excited to get together.  I LOVE that I have friends like this!  I also LOVE being at a place in my life where I have balance between family, friends, and boyfriend.  I am with a man who gets its, and understands the importance of quality friend time too!
It may seem silly but we ate, we drank, talked and talked and watched a movie.  We were together because we love each other, and support each other through hards times as well as  times when a friend has accomplished her lifelong goal.   I live a blessed life indeed!