Last Days of Kindergarten

Seven days left in the kindergarten school year! Can you believe how time flies? I can't. It seems like it was just yesterday that it was the first day of school for my kindergartner! Now, it's kindergarten graduation, throw the caps in the air, turn the tassels and its off to the races--let the real school world begin.....NOT! I am not ready for any of this! How I miss the preschool days--waking up without an alarm clock, dressing my kid in what I wanted, arriving a few minutes early to watch the kids run around so I could chat with the other moms, peeking through the window to see what they're doing.......

Kindergarten is not at all like this. No windows to peek through. No mom's lingering outside. No kids running mayhem. It's now alarm clock at 7:30am (which is late, I know...) uniform down to the socks and shoes, making lunches, and rushing out the door. Drop off is a long carpool line, no chance or time for a hug let alone a kiss (don't want to hold up the line). There's no chatting with anyone unless I show up on foot on a minimum day dismissal. It's the real world otherwise known as ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

Kindergarten does have some perks! Nothing wrong with having some time to myself to get in a workout, go to the grocery store and only buy what's on my list, pick up the dry cleaning, clean up the house, etc. But what I will say is, I miss my BUGABOO! (Boogs for short) Being gone all day is a l-o-n-g time! I anxiously wait for the clock to say--PICK UP TIME so I can literally mow down pedestrians and arrive right when the bell rings. I'm embarrassed to say, I'm notorious for being late but the smile that appears on both our faces when I pull up to the front doors, makes my heart melt and I will cherish these and similar moments forever. As soon as "Boogs" jumps in, she throws her backpack at me, asks if I have a snack, (pretzels) where are we going, what's for dinner, am I going to see dad tonight and its only after this inquisition that I can get a few words in, " how was school today, were all your friends there, what did you do?, did you eat your lunch?" You see, my time is short. If I am not shuffling one of her friends around the car, she is engaged in a conversation with her sister. So I gotta get the questions in there fast or else, time's up!

I can remember in the beginning of the year, my BUGABOO couldn't read a word. Fast forward a school year, and lets just say, the other day when I was speaking with her dad, I spelled out a word. Not only did she sound it out but she also said the word out loud and proceeded to tell me that she wasn't a....BRAT! My daughter just turned 6 years old a few weeks ago and is now reading me books! She's reciting colors in french. She can count to 200! I am amazed at how she has matured! I am happy to see her thrive and do so well yet sad that she is growing up so fast! She can tie her own shoe! She can wipe her own butt! These are just some of the things that I used to do for her. I didn't teach her how to do these things. Kindergarten did.

Kindergarten is a magical place for kids and I don't mean Disney magical! I mean magical in that the child who walks in those doors come September is not the same child 10 months later! I have watched my own child blossom into this beautiful person all her own!! Part of the experience has to do with environment. My daughter is fortunate enough to have a teacher who is passionate about learning and the children she is working with. She has created a space where the kids feel free, happy and alive! Walk through the Kindergarten classroom and you hear constant chatter, laughter and excitement! It should be noisy! It's a room filled with small children eager to learn!! I truly believe her classroom style is unique. Its not your typical, rigid learning environment but one that encourages kids to be kids and have FUN.

I hope that all of you who have children entering kindergarten get the full experience that my child did. Kindergarten sets the tone for a long journey of learning which is why it is so important that your child get the best experience and takes advantage of it. Make sure that your child is HAPPY!!!! And parents--Don't focus so much on the "academics" of it all. (I know this is hard) This will come in due time I promise. My daughter is the youngest in her class by as much as 1 year. Academically, it equals itself out between 1st-2nd grade, if not sooner so don't worry about them falling behind. Just remember--Kindergarten should be a happy environment, an environment that your child wants to be in and where they are safe, learning and having fun. I know mine did. Here's to First Grade!

Bid Farewell to 2009

2009 was spectacular and am sorry to see it end! For starters, I ran my first half marathon in the beginning of the year and end 2009 with 3 half marathons, a few 10ks and a full marathon under my belt! The transition from preschool to kindergarten went extremely well for my oldest (too well) oh, and did I mention she taught herself how to ride a bike??!! My little "Snuggle Bunny" hand-picked her new school and now never wants to leave!! And to top it off, we were fortunate to have our "breadwinner" of the family secure a new and exciting job during the worst economic meltdown on Wall Street. Through it all, the Larson Family remained together and strong. We've had our ups and down, but we somehow always manage to survive....

Most importantly, 2009 was a year where I reconnected with old friends and made many new friends. For the past 5 years, I have really forgotten what its like to have friends and their importance because I focused all of my energy on just my kids. This year, I really made time to BE a friend. Through the good times and bad, my friends have really been a good support system outside of family and its nice to know that so many people really do care. I have an eclectic group of friends, all so different in so many ways, but all are really, really good friends and I am grateful to all of you for your friendship. Thank you Face book!

So what's in store for 2010? We just put the "elf" back in his box until he wakes up again in 11 months! (Thank God because he was really beginning to scare me.) Well, I just told my other half that I wouldn't be a fashion Queen this year.....(yeah right!) I said that I didn't need stylish clothing for cycling. (Really, I said that? Remember, I do race in a running skirt!) I am going to focus on being a good athlete. No, this IS NOT a New Year's Resolution--that, I definitely could not/would not keep and with SATC 2 coming out, well......its wishful thinking! I have 2 triathlons already lined up, a half marathon in 4 weeks and another marathon in 8 weeks so I have a lot on my plate to keep me focused and out of the stores! And besides, its not like I can swim in Christian Loubatins and do I really need another pair of skinny jeans! My oldest also asked if she could "race with mommy" so that's on our plate as well. As she put it, "I run really, really fast mommy. Everyone better move out of the way!" We joined a new swim club so it looks like this summer will be less Marin and more Redwood Shores (Hello Suburbia--think Desperate Housewives). Did I mention swim team? I've got the entire family swimming now, including the hubby. Serious swimmers in this family! And as fall approaches, it'll be a relief that I won't have to apply for kindergarten for the little one since big sister already paved the way-hallelujah! (OMG-my little one almost in kindergarten??) Halloween carnival again?! (Are you nuts??!!) And of course-lots and lots of time with friends, friends, and more friends! Oh, and did I mention that I am turing 36 years this year!

May 2010 be just as spectacular for all of you as 2009 was for me!

My First Marathon Experience

I completed my first marathon yesterday, December 6, 2009. It was by far the most physically challenging activity I have ever completed. I decided to run a marathon almost a year ago. After completing my first half marathon on Super Bowl Sunday, I decided to go for it and registered immediately for CIM (California International Marathon).

My training officially began in September when I hired a running coach, followed a strict schedule, and made trips to the track. Aside from my regular runs, Tuesdays were strength training, Saturdays were typically long runs, and Mondays were my favorite--recovery days. As the months went by, my weekly mileage increased. In addition, I ran a half marathon in October-where my time improved by almost 10 minutes, and a 30k in November where I did very well and even made the top 10 in my age group. I completed every workout with the exception of 2 weeks ago when I ran too much (not following schedule) and my body was extremely fatigued. I went into CIM marathon feeling very confident and strong.

The night before the marathon I dropped off the kiddos with the grandparents and enjoyed a nice meal with the husband at Zelda's-a true Chicago Style Pizzeria. In typical race fashion for myself, had a horrible nights sleep. After tossing and turning, I finally fall asleep only to be woken up at 4:30am for my wake-up call. I already had my clothing lined up ready to put on. Made my way to the lobby where there were hundreds of marathoners. Had a bowl of oatmeal (my usual boring breakfast) and went to board the bus to take us to the starting line. It was pitch black outside and freezing-27 degrees. The excitement and urgency with the crowd was red hot! Everyone was pumped and wanted to get running! On the bus, I heard tales of previous marathons and Boston......

6:45am-Announcer starts talking on the microphone. Mayor of Sacramento welcomes all "runners" and congratulates us for just being there. Only 10% of the human population actually participates in a marathon. I was excited now!! Wow...I was one of the 10%! Next, they called all handicap/wheelchair to the front and announced that after they started, the race would begin 7 seconds after. I lined up at the 3:45 pace--much slower than I usually run but perfect pace for me to finish strong and in good time.

7:00am-Gun goes off and I start. People are passing me left and right but I don't worry. Their adrenaline is running and I knew the excitement was getting the best of them. I decided to save my energy and focused on a good pace. My first split-9:01. My second-8:35 and I kept that pace up until mile 19. Did I mention how cold it was? I was wearing a thick jacket (husband thought I would have to carry it the entire way) thick gloves, fleece hat and ear warmers, long pants, etc. It was so cold, actually freezing. My body was perspiring however, I could never get warm. Just impossible.

Mile 19.........After I passed mile 19, my right knee started to really hurt. The cold weather wasn't helping the arthritis in the knee and it really started to throb but I continued to carry on. However, my shoe lace came untied and I knew that if I stopped, it was over. But with the knee and the shoelace together, I, well......my mind started to mentally break down. Next thing I know, I literally came to a complete STOP. I sat down and tie my shoe. YES-I sat down. Then I just start crying. I am crying hard. I knew it was OVER. I tried to talk myself into moving but I couldn't. I just cried. Then I was walking. Sort of limping my way--more like feeling sorry for myself. Then I started to look around to see if there was any car that I could jump into to bring me to the finish line. But then I thought-I can't let me kids see me fail. So, I started to run again. But by mile 20, I was at 2:58. That left me with 47 minutes to run the last 6.2 miles. Under normal circumstances, I should have been able to run the last 6 miles in 47 minutes. But these weren't normal circumstances. My body/mind had checked out the minute I sat down to tie the show. I started to panic and cried even harder. My knee was too sore to run or at least that's what I told myself. That was my excuse. Mentally I was a goner. I rcontinues to run /skip/walk and and as each mile approached, my split times were getting worse and worse. I see the pace sette3:45 pass me at mile 20. Okay--not too bad. I was ahead of myself. I can keep up with this group. NOT. Next thing I know, pace setter 3:50, then 3:55.....I reached mile 24-3:38. The dream is officially OVER when I hear this time. The guy next to me says, "at least it will be under 4 hours!" That made it even worse! As I passed mile 25, I won't even tell you what my split was at that point, I was so gone, so removed and for the first time, I hated running. It seemed like an eternity to the finish line. I just wanted to quit but didn't want to disappoint the family (who btw-missed me!!) As I am running the last of the strip on J street, or whatever it was called, I kept asking myself where the heck was the State Capital/Finish line? It was so far, so long, so miserable and I just cried, cried, cried. I crossed the finish line still crying!

I didn't even want to take the medal that they put around my neck at the finish line. Usually, I like to absorb it all, the race, the people, the energy. But after this run, I collapsed on the grass and continued to cry. A few people asked me to take their pictures, not even noticing that I was crying or if they did, they didn't care and weren't going to allow me to spoil it for them. (I don't blame them!) I walked around one time and made my way back to my hotel room. I was so disappointed in myself. Physically-I cannot express how ready I was for this. When I hit mile 19, mile 20-I wasn't tired! My pace was consistent! But me knee, it was killing me and I just got emotionally and mentally distracted. Furthermore, its exactly like my coach said-I focused too much on chasing the golden ticket and not focusing on my passion for running. Truth be told-I didn't enjoy the running at all. And the last six miles were truly miserable. This was the first race that I did not enjoy. It was also the first race that I focused so much on time rather than just enjoying the run.

My final time was 4:00. Not a qualifying time for Boston. Will I do another marathon? Absolutely. Absolutely. Absolutely.

For the Love of It

Okay...countdown is here. 5 days until my first marathon. 26.2 wonderful, glorious miles of running in downtown Sacramento, California. The State Capital for crying out loud!! Just one year ago, I ran my first 10k and have had the running bug ever since. The first race was the most difficult by far. Having only ran at most 3 miles, I decide to go for a whopping 6. I got 2 girlfriends to do it with me and I was excited. I ran well and hard that is..... until mile 5 when my body literally went into shut-down mode. I got the chills, cramps, hyperventilating and all of the above. I was just about to give up but my best Friend Jenn would not let me. "We just got to get over this last hill and we're there" I can still hear her like it was yesterday. And just like that, we ran up the last bit of Fort Mason and had a fast descend to the finish line. And just like a fairytale ending, we were the only 2 who crossed at that moment and they announced our names and the crowd cheered! The kids were there to capture mommy's first moment into what would lead to a great year and introduction to A Runner's World.

Since then, I have ran a race almost every month. There was the Chinese New Year Race where I was completely drenched from the rain, Kaiser Permanente Half Marathon--my first half and the loneliest, longest race ever (or so it seemed), SF Half Marathon where the sun was shining and ran through the different neighborhoods in SF, SJ Rock-n-Roll where I ran in speedy time even with a bathroom break yet lost a dear friend, and just a few weeks ago, the Clarksburg30k-a true test of my running ability through Sacramento's Wine Country (yes, the actually have vineyards in Sacramento)...and now this CIM (California International Marathon).

To even begin to express how I feel at this very moment is just utter disbelief. I never thought I could run 6 miles let alone 26! I have poured my heart and soul into this for the last 4 months, making sacrifices I never dreamed of making. Strength training sessions with my coach, long, intense track workouts, a diligent schedule, cross training, etc. If my daughter had to ask me to be first for pickup one more time (I am notoriously late due to running) If I couldn't run during the kids school time, I would go by mom's house for free baby sitting and use her street circle as my track. I didn't miss a single run. Breakfast with friends-nope. Had to run. Late night out? Nope. Had to run. Vacation? Yes, I even managed to run on vacation! Its been for one thing and one thing only-I have had my eye on the big prize--The Boston Marathon. January 28, 2009, Super Bowl Sunday, after just running my first half marathon, my friend's dad shared with me his glory days as a runner and what it meant and felt like to run the Boston Marathon. (I have to admit, I didn't even know what it was) The sparkle in his eyes, the excitement of his voice and the bounce in his feet just when he spoke those words "BOSTON MARATHON." I wanted that. I wanted that feeling, the sparkle, the excitement, the bragging rights to say, "I ran the Boston Marathon." And there was no stopping me. That conversation changed what running meant to me forever.

Well, now that moment is here. The moment I have been waiting for. 5 more days. But guess what? Now, I'm scared. I'm afraid that I won't make it. I'm afraid that I can't do it. Then what? I have told everyone that if they don't hear from me on Sunday, its because I'm crying. I will cry for a very long, long time. I want this so bad, more than anything. I have worked my tail off for this. But that might just be my problem. Perhaps I am focusing to much mental energy on chasing the golden ticket and not focusing on my passion for running! My coach Nate reminded me that I need to go into this race without the pressures I'm putting on myself. He then asked me why I was running. Of course I replied, "Boston." But really, I am running the marathon because I love running! I love the feeling after a run, that runner's high, that sense of accomplishment after a race, that "I want to throw up feeling" when I cross the finish line! It all feels sooo good. I never thought in a million years that I would say it but...I will run another marathon and I haven't even ran this one yet! I gotta feeling guys. No matter what happens Sunday, good or bad, it's gonna be a good day for Michelle Larson.

I am already thinking about the next race, the next goal. Triathlons are for 2010. But like Nate says, "we'll talk races next week. Let's focus on this little one this weekend.";)Gotta love Nate. Without him, I wouldn't be here!

Did I say, I love running?!