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the downside of up

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How can there possibly be any downsides to finishing a 1/2 marathon? Oh that’s right, you have to keep up the hard work you put in OR ELSE! Yeah, I’ll admit it. The only thing I’ve participated in the past two weeks that comes close to exercise is a 5k (Race for the Cure) this past Saturday in Las Vegas. You’re probably thinking that is pretty amazing of me, right? WRONG! It’s the only thing I’ve done. I haven’t walked, jogged, biked, or crawled since Salt Lake. And that wouldn’t be so bad if I had continued eating the 1600 calories/day that my body was so used to. Oh noooo, I have to go on  ‘vacation’, which is just another term for driving long distances, visiting family and friends, and eating all the time. Sheesh!!! I feel super crappy right now, and I’m the only one to blame. I’m sure I’ve gained a few pounds, and I’m determined to jump back on the exercise train as soon as I get back to Logan. *much encouragement needed*

Okay, enough lamenting. We had a great time particpating in Race with all our friends. Here are a few of my favorite pics!!!

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For me, the best part about moving back to Las Vegas are moments like this. Adam and I have an amazing circle of friends–they are family. We vacation together. We worship together. We support each other. We laugh and cry together. I miss my family and living near them desperately. I get very sad when thinking of leaving my sister and her family in Logan. I want so badly to someday move back to the Northwest. I would not, however, trade my life as it is right now for anything. This is our home, and we feel strongly that this is the best decision for our family. Fortunately, we have the best of friends, which makes the move so much easier.

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a night out in Portland

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After our foiled hiking, Adam and I were ready for something spectacular. We found it in Powells Books in downtown Portland. It really is the “City of Books”. They have an info board and complimentarty maps to help find your way around. The best part about it was that instead of one shelf of adoption books, we scored four shelves. The same went for homeschooling. Adam spied an entire aisle of Chinese books…everything from reference books to childrens books to adult literature. I had to drag him away. We’ll go back, honey, I promise. Anyway, we came away with some fabulous resources, some of which were half price because they were used. It was AWESOME!!! We also had dinner at Claim Jumper (of course) with Dan and Jes. I tried something new–surprising, I know. I had the Jamaican Sweet Potatoe. It was yummy…and a super healthy option. And yes, Dan’s platter really was that big. At least the food didn’t go to waste–he got a couple of lunches out of the left-overs. Regardless, it was totally picture worthy.

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Thanks for hangin’, Davenports. A special thanks for chauffering us to Powells, especially on a ‘school night’. We know how overwhelming the store is when you aren’t looking for something specific. We are so glad you’re our friends. Now if we could do something about the Las Vegas heat. I fear it’s the only way to get you to move south.

Oh yeah, Jes and I scrapped some of baby Georgie’s pictures on Tuesday before we headed home, but Adam hasn’t downloaded the pics yet. I’m honored that she lets me participate in such a sacred memorial. Aunt Rach misses you baby!!!

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Umm, maybe the snow IS too deep…

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The plan was to explore Falls Creek Falls, a (we have read & heard) beautiful waterfall not too far from Stevenson, Washington. It is also not too far from Panther Creek Falls (aka Davenport Falls), which we visited last fall.

As we drove further up the road, there were patches of snow in the forest, but overall it didn’t look too bad. One guidebook claimed year-round access, so I wasn’t too worried. Imagine our surprise when we found the last two miles to the trailhead covered in 2-3 feet of snow. I guess we won’t be making that hike today.

We did have an enjoyable drive back to Dan and Jessica’s though and were able to catch a great view from the aptly named “High Bridge,” where the road crosses over the Wind River. The high snowpack is feeding a strong river that is running a bit higher than in the past. Looks like an awesome place for a bungee jump!

Coming back into Stevenson, we came to the Davenport’s home. They have an unbeatable view from the front yard, with the Gorge and the Columbia River spread out before them. This is a beautiful place! Now, if they could just do something about the rain…

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don’t do it, rach!

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Those are the oh so infamous words from my dear friend, Jena, repeated many times to me the week before the 1/2 marathon. All I wanted was a little diet coke….just a little. Thanks for the support, friend. Soda is obviously one of the worst things to have before a race because of it’s sodium content. Instead, I hydrated like a maniac. Unfortunately, we all went out to dinner the night before and had chips, beans and yummy chimichangas…not smart. So I think those two things cancelled each other out. :) Regardless, the SLC Marathon was a huge success. We all finished, some of us faster than others, but we all completed what we set out to do. How rewarding, right?

I cannot express how important accomplishing this goal was for me. In some respects it has given me some much needed closure to all the ickyness I’ve felt the past few years. I have purposely not done as much as I’m capable of…all in an attempt to feel better after each miscarriage. Obviously, that didn’t work very well. Having a goal, working hard for it, and then accomplishing it has reminded me how capable I am of doing whatever I want. The only limitations are those we place on ourselves–how true this really is? Some of you might say you could never walk/jog/run/crawl 13 miles, but really you could. You know that. The question is, what would motivate you to do it? We all have a price, and mine was the thought of a happier, healthier, stronger me. Me, only better!!!

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As for the race itself, I learned a few things for my next race: 1. use the bathroom one more time before, no matter what; 2. make sure the room’s a/c is working so I can actually sleep for a few hours; 3. drink water at EVERY station, don’t skip the first one; 4. don’t rub my callouses off in the shower two weeks before the race–really, really stupid of me, and boy do I have the big daddy of all blisters to prove it; 5. sunscreen up, even if I’m wearing a visor.

This post would not be complete without discussing our post-race dinner. Dave and Jena treated everyone to Rodizio Grill @ Trolley Square. Oh man, food has never tasted so good. And you better believe Jena and I had Soda!!! The food was absolutely scrumptious, the company was delightful, and once again we are reminded how important friendship and family is to us. Thanks Again, Demarcos, not only for dinner, but for inviting us to participate in the race and for being such a good influence for good in our lives.

Jaimee and Randi–my quasi-training partners were also completely inspirational. There is no way I could have kept going all 12 weeks without my training buddies. We had so much fun groaning about our workouts and then feeling completely rewarded when we finished them. I am so very proud of both of you mamas. You are 1/2 marathon moms, that’s huge!!! Don’t let anyone take that away from you.

Well, my next run is the Race for the Cure 5K in Las Vegas in a couple of weeks. I’m also running that with Dave and Jena–Adam might even join me on this one. First, I need to work on these sore muscles though. Maybe a massage, tomorrow!!! In my dreams. :)

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21 pounds and still losing!

I couldn’t stand it any longer. I felt the need to get on the scale today. I knew it would be a good day. Drum roll please…….I’ve lost 21 pounds in 10.5 weeks. My goal was two pounds a week and I’m totally doing it. I wasn’t going to weigh myself until after the 1/2 marathon next weekend, but I figured why not?

I feel great, and I am motivated to keep exercising and keep losing. I probably could have worked a little harder, exercised a little longer, and ate a little less to maximize my results. But I am so okay with slow and steady weight loss. Besides, as I pat myself a little on the back here, I did this in the midst of losing my grandpa, losing a baby, and a few spontaneous road trips. I say, not bad, Rach!

Instead of emotionally eating the last three months, I’ve focused myself and my energies on a goal. It has been the absolute best thing I’ve done in a really long time. I think I have 30 lbs or so to fit into all of my pre-marriage clothes, but it’s better than 50 lbs, right? The best part is that I’m doing this all on my own…no pills, no surgery, no daily training session (which I wouldn’t mind), and no crash starvation dieting! It’s just me, my calorie counter, my pedometer, and the open road! That’s the most rewarding part.

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sooooooo busy and happy birthday

I have been so busy the past couple weeks. I traveled to Washington to help my mom and sister. My mom drove back with us for a week of Spring Break. I made FOUR scrap photo albums (okay, Adam helped with this). And in the midst of all of this I’ve worked 4-8 hours online every day–trying to wrangle some more adoption money. And I’ve continued training for the 1/2 marathon, which is only 10 days away at this point.

It’s the busiest I’ve been since June, and I’m glad for it. It makes the adoption waiting fly by. Adam and I are off to Las Vegas this weekend for an adoption shower that his mom and sister are throwing for us. My mom and Jaimee/Brian are also coming. More travel–yippee. I haven’t even washed our clothes from the Washington trip yet. Guess what I’ll be doing tomorrow?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Jaime Lynne Lea this week!!! The McCrackens love ya, girl.

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“hey, you look hot!”

That’s right! I was standing in the kitchen the other day in black pants and cute black sweater with my hair cutely done. My husband walked through the room and out of the blue said “hey, you look hot!” and then gave me lots of kisses. This might not seem like a big deal to some, but to me it’s huge. Adam hasn’t said that in a really really long time. He’s said I look pretty or beautiful or nice, but not hot. I still have so far to go in terms of fitting into all my clothes and looking the way I want, but it’s a start. The best part about the compliment is that it was totally unsolicited and honest.

I go to the doctor on Wednesday for a follow-up so I can get my current weight. I went to the doctor right before I started my training program so I’ll be able to get an accurate number on how much I’ve lost. I’m hoping for 20, but I’ll be happy with 15. I’ve been working out this past week, but I haven’t counted my calories since we’ve been working at my mom’s all week. So now I’m not sure where I’m at.

One more thing….I was able to jog almost all of my five miles the other day. I can walk miles and miles and miles, but I still can’t jog super lots. I was so proud of myself this week. I think it helps that I’m at a lower elevation and not fighting the monster hills. Thanks for the challenge Jena, I jogged about 3/4 of the five miles. SLC is only three weeks away–I’m soooo excited!!!

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Happy 30th Birthday, Adam

The big 30…and we’re not even together. Everyone help me give a shout-out to my beloved hubby. He left for Utah this morning, and I stayed behind to help my mom and sister with my grandpa’s stuff. We did have a chocolate cake for him last night. Well, we burnt the first attempt so instead of triple chocolate cake, he got chocolate fudge–sorry honey!!! With all the renovating around here, I’m impressed that we got the cake made. Easter dinner didn’t even happen…we had brunch instead.

I was also able to take him to Olive Garden on Saturday for his bday present. We skipped the movie since dinner was so expensive. We ended up registering at Target for the adoption shower instead. I told Adam that he could hold the gun and do the swiping, since it was his birthday. Generous, I know! (I’ll post about that experience w/ pics on the adoption blog this week) Cold Stone happened to be open until 11…so he also got a treat from there. The kid working gave us a few extra punches on the punch card for his bday. Yes, the punch card has returned. Thanks, Cold Stone! While we were on our date the rest of the family colored Easter eggs, of course. My mom made one especially for Adam–sooo cute! She hid it outside and made him search for it during the hunt yesterday. Thanks mom.

Adi, I know this is a pretty lame birthday, sorry. You are my very best friend. You are loyal and kind. You are gentle and loving. You are honorable and hard-working. You are everything I was waiting for! I would have waited another 27 years if it meant I could be with you.

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One Little Tent—moab, ut

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Check it! We were the only tent camping in any of the campgrounds or RV parks! I love it. One of the older RVer’s asked if we would like to borrow an extra blanket-cute, huh? We said, ‘no thanks, we actually went and bought one yesterday, and a pillow, and an extra cushion.’ (for real) But we were roasty toasty warm and much more comfy after that. And yes, we both have our laptops out inside of the tent. :)

We spent our three days here hiking in Arches, playing cards, watching movies, and eating. This is the best time to visit the park. Spring Breakers and Jeep Safariers were on their way in when we were on our way out. There were other visitors at Arches, but nothing like when we’ve been before. I think it helped that we didn’t stay over a weekend and we were a week ahead of the start of the ‘season’. We were actually the only people at Landscape Arch for few moments. Usually, it is so crowded you couldn’t dream of such a thing.

The rest of our pics are here!

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Well, that about wraps is up. We had the best time on our shoestring budget. I know we spent more time “lookin’ at dirt” than some of our friends (Robert Lea) can muster. It was hard, fun, and rewarding. Our relationship is rejuvenated, as well as our resolve to keep exercising. There’s No Way I could’ve put the miles in I did (w/backpack) if I hadn’t been walking and jogging our hills with my sister.

SLC ½ marathon-I’m ready for you!

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Bridges Over Troubled Waters—natural bridges national monument

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Here’s another hidden Utah treasure. We stopped by after driving out to the Black Hole. We both wished we had more time to spend. There are three natural bridges that are much bigger than any bridges I have seen before. You can hike to all three of them.

We considered, earlier in our trip, hiking the nine-mile loop down in the canyon, which passes under each of them…but we were way too tired. This could be a super cool trip for the future, though. Instead, we hiked to each of the viewpoints and hiked down to the oldest bridge. Very Cool! We’re glad we stopped by. The rest of our pics are here!

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