13.1

I ran my FIRST HALF MARATHON!!!!! 13.1 miles! A race distance I said I would never run or EVER thought was possible! I still can't believe it! But my legs sure can! ;) 

My official time: 2:07:11

9:40 average/mile

Stats uploaded from my Garmin:

Lap 1: 9:37; Lap 2: 9:20; Lap 3: 9:15; Lap 4: 9:23; Lap 5: 9:24; Lap 6: 9:36; Lap 7: 9:31; 

Lap 8: 9:35; Lap 9: 9:50; Lap 10: 10:10, Lap 11: 10:09; Lap 12:10:03, Lap 13: 9:50

THE BIG DAY!

A group of us friends, including my running buddy, took off for downtown via the ubahn (train). The half was starting from the Commerzbank Arena here in Frankfurt. Those of us that weren't running the race, split up and would be meeting us at the mile 6 mark along the river and then again at the finish. It was a cold chilly morning and didn't take me long to question my chosen outfit: a t-shirt and shorts. Brrrrrrrr!! Once we got to the stadium, I had to go get my bib and running chip. Funny thing is the lines were formed (if you call it that...it was more like organized chaos and everyone was everywhere) by the bib number which I had no idea what mine was. After some broken up translation, I figured out that you had to look at this huge roster on the outside of the building first and THEN get into line. I put down my deposit for the chip (in case I didn't come back with it???) and went out to get my bib attached to my shirt.

{Hanging out before the race}

My friend and I hung out along the sidelines stretching and getting ready for our run with our husbands at our sides and our kids running around us on the grass/turf. I was such a big ball of nerves! I was also running this race for my Aunt, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. I knew she was facing such a hard challenge and I wanted her to know that I was supporting her - even if it had to be half way around the world. I bought a shirt online and knew it would help me run this challenge I was facing as I thought of her. It wasn't honestly much I know, but it was all I could think of with living so far away. Unfortunately, a hug or visit wouldn't work. So I chose to run!

{Me + my running buddy}

Off to get ready for the corral. There was NO WAY I was going to get in the front of the mad dash! I left that for the pros and experienced! But, I did start in the same running time group as my running buddy. I think it was the 1:45 group? It might have been 1:30? I could be wrong...I have since forgotten. But I knew it was in a faster pace group than I wanted to stick with. I thought it would at least help me get out there and get moving. And that, it did! :)

I decided last minute NOT to take my iphone with me to listen to my playlist. They say not to change anything on race day. ;) But I really didn't want to hold it the entire 13.1 miles! So John let me take his mini ipod that clipped to my shorts so I could still listen to music. I would soon regret this decision! Haha Let's just say that we have different music styles! I don't really like the Doors, System of a Down.... I was fiddling with it as I ran through the industrial part of town and just couldn't find something I liked. It definitely helped me run fast! I couldn't WAIT to stop listening to it! Haha In fact, a mile away from the finish, I took out my ear buds and stopped listening. I wanted to enjoy the last part of the race. (And yes, I learned my lesson to not listen to his playlists again!) ;)

{Ready...or not! :)}

When it was time to go to the line up, my stomach was super nervous! I gave John a kiss and walked over to where I needed to wait. He took a photo of me standing next to the "European giants" as I called them and then the countdown began in German. This was IT!!! "Oh my goodness....what am I getting myself into?" This being my first half was making me very nervous! The farthest I ran in training was 12 so I knew I could do this!

After I crossed over the start line and pushed "START" on my watch, we ran in a huddled group in slow motion for the first quarter mile or so until people started to separate and find their own pace. I sure didn't enjoy being ping ponged between people. Being short in stature didn't help being pushed around and getting passed up like I didn't exist. And those elbows! Not fun! But I kept going and after the first 2 or so miles, got into a good rhythm and had more space.

Unlike a lot of people, it seems I can't remember what happened at such and such mile. I just saw things as I ran. :) But a little breakdown of the course, the first couple of miles had us running away from the arena through some woods that then led us through an industrial part of the city going towards the river, followed by a few miles along the river walk that got us to the first water station at mile 6. This is also where I saw my friends standing but couldn't get their attention until last minute as I was running past them. Seeing them though gave me a big boost to keep moving forward. From there, it curved us through some city neighborhoods to streets well traveled to a back road behind the arena that was mostly uphill for a few miles that took us to the second (and last) water station before the finish - around mile 10. Also this hill had us running up one side of the road while we saw the people in front of us running down the other side past us. Wasn't too inspiring but I kept putting one painful step in front of the other. After the uphill and downhill of that, it turned us through a wooded area as we ran towards the arena. We ran along the side of the arena, past the start line and around to where the opening was where we all ran to the finish line INSIDE the arena!! To see complete strangers out there all throughout the race genuinely cheering you on was a lot of fun!

{Pictures at the halfway mark - along the Frankfurt (Main) river}

I was feeling great most of the time! Right IT band wasn't giving me problems like it did starting the week before on my training run and didn't start hurting until mile 8. A week of rest and no running really helped I think. I guess at that point I was in denial and pushed through the uncomfortable pain. It wasn't so painful that I couldn't keep going. So that's what I did. I ran. 5 miles in pain.

The arena was back in view about 1 mile away. I ran to the sound of my feet and focused on the end of the race. Just tried to focus on anything but the pain. I didn't know where John and the kids would be afterwards so I was also scouting out the crowds as I rounded the arena. I couldn't locate them. I did however spot my friend, Jen, who was there cheering me on at the end and took my picture. That gave me more energy to run towards the finish line. :) As I entered into the arena, I heard some people cheering for me. I looked up to my left and saw my family in the seats yelling "Go momma!!" It was really great! I loved having them there to support me! And for John to take the backseat this time so I could run meant a lot!

{Picture Jen took when she saw me towards the finish}

After I crossed the finish line, I felt not only a huge relief and sense of happiness that I was done, but the pain in my right leg hurt so bad I couldn't move for some time. I just stood along the guard rail towards the exit of the stadium where a lot of people were stretching. I was in tears and couldn't move. I finally hobbled out to go find John and the kids while grabbing a banana and water from the volunteers. I was famished and couldn't wait to eat! John found me without much of a problem and broke the news to me that my running buddy wasn't able to complete the race because she got hurt. It was good to see her at the end though; I was still really proud of her! We were out there running with 4,000 other runners. As for medals or souvenirs or anything like that, they don't really do that a lot here in Germany. This race was only 15 euro...so not too bad for finishing the run inside the stadium that's home to Frankfurt's soccer team.

I feel like I'm living proof that if I can do this, anyone can! Just a year ago I started out running. And before that...I always said never. So never say never!! You'd be amazed at what YOU can do if you put in some effort and believe in yourself. It doesn't even have to be running. It can be anything! If it's something you want to do, go for it!! ;)

{Almost to the finish line...}

{My family greeting me after I finished!}

{My running buddy and me}

{Frankfurt friends!}

After turning in our timing chip, it was time to hobble (quite literally!) off to the train to go home. It felt so surreal to have the race over and done with. So much time and dedication was put into running this half marathon that it feels strange to just be "done." So what's next? Rest! And physical therapy! I have a feeling I'm going to have to grow some extra patience of not being able to run for a little while while I figure out what's going on and to heal. But I'll be back and running strong again in no time! :) Now it was time to get back home and put on a party for my cute 2 year old! Today is his day!!!

{Our amazing cheering section!}

Hoping to give the Frankfurt Lufthansa Half Marathon another go next year! :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* Roughly 136 miles and too many hours to even count went into training for this half. I started training around Thanksgiving with a few weeks off in the midst of training when I had the flu. Otherwise, a few times a week and every Saturday morning, I was out there running and training for this race. Frankfurt was showered with so much snow this year that we were out there running in the snow most of the season. It was cold but so peaceful! Some good memories were made for sure!

This is what I wrote in my exercise log:

"Today I start my 16 week training program to get ready for the Frankfurt 1/2. This Saturday I'll be running a 6 miler. Haven't gone that far at once since June's 10K race. After I thought this through...I realized I'm picking quite the week to start this training with Thanksgiving and all.  Here goes...day 1/week 1/ of 16 weeks!!!"
November 19, 2012 at 11:04am near Ginnheim

Post race update: 3 days after the race, I can assure you that I've never been more tired in my life except for the weeks after having a baby. I feel like I've been in a sleep coma since the race ended. Just now I am starting to feel normal again and no longer sore.

Making My House a Home

Uh oh! I found myself back on ETSY during a quick break! :) I'm REALLY missing my home state {Oregon} right about now and find myself dreaming of the next time we get to go back for a visit! Which unfortunately isn't all too soon. :( I can't believe the last time we lived there was in 2006. It really is one of the most beautiful states I've been to. I know. I know. It's rains a lot! But beauty comes at a price most of the time, right? :) I'm finding a TON of prints that I wouldn't mind flooding the walls in my home with BUT I don't want to make it look like I live in an Art Gallery! So for now, I've decided to post them here. ;) Large white walls all throughout this home in Germany is driving me bonkers. I can not wait until school is done so I can finally focus and devote some time to making our current house a HOME! You know...before they come and pack it all up again for out next area of living. It's just the way it goes, you know? Military life can be so hard sometimes. And the lifestyle that comes with it requires so much sacrifice. I'm still grateful to be a part of it though...don't get me wrong! I'm not at all complaining. I love the traveling aspect of John's job - I just feel like I've lived away from Oregon for so long now that it's starting to not feel like home anymore! And that simple fact makes me feel real sad. I've gotten so used to making my current area my "home" that now I not only feel like I don't remember Oregon, but I starting to feel like I don't remember my friends and family from there anymore either. :( Of course I know who they are...it's just been so long living away from them all that I don't know what's it's like to BE with them anymore! Sad day when I feel like this! Where's the chocolate. hahaha Don't worry, I'll be okay and toughen it out just like I always do.

But seriously, I really do love Germany too! I'm quite fond of the place and it grew on me quick. Especially since it has so many resemblances of Oregon - so much green, rainy, colder climate, tons of parks, beautiful land. I don't wish my time away from Germany whatsoever and I will continue to make each and every day here a blessing and adventure! It'll be nice when it starts to warm back up a bit so we can start traveling again. We still have so many wonderful places all over Europe to go and see! Berlin, Holland, Italy, Switzerland, Paris to name a few...it's going to be fun!

But to all of you NW people that I call family and friends...I need you to know that I miss you soooo much! I look forward to seeing you again! Please remember not to take the place you live that I miss so much for granted! I'm sure everyone loves where they grew up and came from and boy do I love Oregon! And Virginia, you stole my heart also and will always be considered one of my forever homes now too, you know...since we lived there for so long and had 3 of our 4 babies there. To my friends and family there..I miss you lots too! xo

Enjoy the photos of the place I will forever call HOME!

{Pictures courtesy of Etsy}

 {Multnomah Falls}



 {Oregon Historic Hwy}

{St. John's bridge - one of many Portland, Oregon bridges}

 {Mt. Hood}

 {Cannon Beach - my favorite!}

 {Dogwood flower/tree - another favorite!}

 {Oregon sunset}

 {Silverfalls}

{Park by St. John's bridge}

The Good, the Bad & the Cutie Pie?

{Landon: September 2012 enjoying a spoonful of peanut butter. These pictures have nothing to do with this post. Just thought I'd include some cute Landon photos.}

These past few days have been a bit on the difficult side for me on a very personal level. But one that I got through with the help of my incredibly amazing family and friends! I honestly couldn't have made it without them! (So thank you!!) 

I think that's to be expected from time to time...situations that come up to test our strength, growth, limits and helps you to stay focused on the truly important things that matter in life. (Like the same family and friends that got me through it!)

Here is the short note I posted on Facebook regarding this difficult time:

"When life catches you off guard and throws you to the ground (or sometimes into a ditch!)...sure makes you see the big picture and appreciate your blessings. Today I am very thankful for my husband: who loves me and our children more than life itself. Who is always always there for me! I really lucked out marrying my best friend! And I'm very thankful for my amazing friends: that support and love me no matter what! They make me laugh when I'm sad, strong when I'm weak and hopeful when I feel all alone. I love knowing I have true friends out there (that know I'm there for them too) and have the most incredible husband ever - to carry me through the happy and sad moments in life!"

I really try to focus on the positive no matter how hard things get. 

So I will be okay. :)

On a good note...we sold our van. Finally! 

Making it so we're only car-less for about a week.

And on another very good note...General Conference starts tomorrow! 

(You can find it HERE)

This seriously couldn't have come at a better time than now. I've been looking so forward to hearing some spiritual enlightenment from our living Prophet today and other amazing church leaders all week long! And this year, we will be making some delicious cinnamon rolls to celebrate the event and our time together as a family. I can't wait!

Shields Family Pictures: Frankfurt Germany

We now have beautiful updated family photos! Woohoo!! :)

Every year, it is my mission to get them taken - and these didn't disappoint in the slightest!

We unfortunately scheduled to have them taken on one of the coldest Fall mornings yet - but for the most part, we got through it without too much pain. Haha!

Fall is probably my most favorite time of year! I love all of the changes in color on the trees and the falling leaves. We were scheduled to have them taken just the day before but we were surprised with rain. Going to Palmengarten was out. Bummer! But there's a nearby park that I love to run around and take the kids to right around the corner from our house so we didn't have too walk far. It worked out nicely. Kids were a bit on the whiny side along with some teenage attitude to boot - but my friend that took our pictures brought a bunch of fun things to entertain and distract them with: bubbles, puppets, party blowers...including a little running around and an impromptu leaf gathering and jumping party. I'm so glad I know not to expect a perfect photo session. It just doesn't exist! We managed to have fun though!

I can't post my very favorite photo yet (as it's being used for our Christmas card this year) but I will post some more of my absolute favorites! So many turned out so nice, despite the cold chill! I was pretty impressed! Many thanks, Anastasia, for capturing my family so beautifully! xo

I love my family! xxoo

Aubrey {12}, Jocelyn {6}, Andrew {3}, Landon {18 months}

Hold Them Tight

I can not tell you that I had dry eyes during this music video that I came across on another blog. I would be lying if I did. I needed this though. Another reminder to hold my kids more. To laugh and have fun with them more frequently. To take in their sweet uniqueness. To hug them tighter and shower them more often with my motherly love. To appreciate each moment I have with them. To really listen to them when they're talking. (sometimes it's easy to get caught up in multitasking!) To spend more one-on-one time with each. To enjoy the little things and not just the big events. Better yet, to recognize the little things. Because they all matter! To wrap up each memory we make and hold it tight. Each one of my children is such a special gift to me and I hope they can see and feel every day just how much they are loved and cherished! They are my joy! xo

Firsts and Lasts

Landon (and his mama!) had some very BIG moments over the weekend! Some firsts happened to my last baby, which is kind of a hard deal to swallow. These days, he seems to be just growing so fast that I can't believe when some of these milestones show up out of no where! Still cute and fun nonetheless! Still so hard to see my babies get bigger!

Saturday, I got gutsy (or tired) enough and took him to the barber shop to get his first haircut. I was digging my heals to get this done for a looooong time! (I usually wait until they turn 18 months.) His curls have always been so sweet to me but here as of late they were becoming unmanageable and hard to comb through without his comb getting caught in his hair. And his hair when wet reached his shoulders. Unfortunately, it was time! John and Andrew dropped us off so they could go vacuum the van out. The girls got their haircuts at the beauty shop next door first and then I sent them over to the book store together to hang out while I focused on a cranky and tired 1 year old. I was expecting to do this deed with John with me. The original time I was going to do this was first thing in the morning but John woke up with a migraine so all plans quickly changed. 

{His curls a few days before}

Cutting off his baby hair and cute curls was sort of a daunting process for me. At first. It ended up not being as hard as I thought it would be. So thankful for that! Probably due to having done this a time or two before! ;) We took our number at the door and had a seat. Graham crackers definitely helped pass the time with him impatiently waiting his turn. When one of the barber's was finally free, I sat down with him in the chair and explained to him that this was his first haircut and that I wanted to keep a strand of his curls as well as to NOT give him a military hair cut! Haha. Just in case. You never know what they'll do! So he started snipping here and there but leaving a lot of the curls all around his head. Basically, he wasn't cutting much off. So I told him again that while I loved the baby hair, he needed a boy cut. It was time for the baby stuff to go. He then proceeded to give him his actual haircut. But because he started off only trimming, it didn't leave much hair to get the strand of curl I was hoping to keep. Just a half inch section or so. I quickly let it go. (Of course not before I kept part of it!) He held really still in my lap while the barber worked around us to give him a cute little boy haircut. :) When he'd spray his hair, he'd scrunch up his nose and laugh. At the end, he turned on a small pair of clippers to clean up around his ears and neck. The buzzing sound got him curious so he was turning towards the sound a lot, looking to figure out what was going on. He is such a goofball! 

I must say, he looks pretty handsome with his new do! 

And I have to give myself a huge pat on the back for making it through that as well as I did! :)

Next up on my little guy's "getting bigger" agenda was to start nursery at church! Landon is now a SUNBEAM!! This is always such an exciting time for, well, the parents mostly! haha :) But an important thing for the little ones too. They start going to nursery at the age of 18 months through 3 years. Technically, he turns 18 months tomorrow but we didn't think one day would be that big of a deal. I think he was well and ready to go. And maybe I was ready too? So hard to entertain and hold and manage a wiggly child for the entire 3 hours of church. I'd be silly not to welcome this change with open arms!  

Before Andrew went to his class, he helped me walk his little brother to the nursery. His two sweet teachers helped him adjust and feel right at home as soon as we walked in the door. It was a very inviting and laid back atmosphere for the kids which I loved right away. I knew he'd love his time there as I watched him help the teachers set out cups on the table for their snack. And the fact that he didn't notice my presence after just a few minutes. After a few quick photos from my phone, I was out the door without him making a peep. One of those sad and happy moments! Happy he was doing well and not crying and hanging on me....but sad he was doing well and not crying and hanging on me! :) I checked on him from time to time through the door window for the next 1 1/2 hours (as well as when I brought him his sippy that they were looking for) and he was happily playing with toys and doing so well. He looked right at home! So proud of my baby!

When it was time to pick him up, I raced with Jocelyn and Andrew down to the nursery and this is what I found....he was so cute standing on a little wooden chair looking out the window at the birdies with his teacher cutting up a pear and feeding him. She said that so often, they have extra food from the day laying around but not today! He was happily eating anything and everything they gave him! :)

He totally tugged on his mama's heartstrings today! I'm so happy for him and this new experience he gets to enjoy. And sad too, as crazy as it sounds, not to be walking the halls or holding my baby during sunday school anymore. :( My, they grow so so fast! I'm certainly cherishing all these sweet moments with my children. Just love them all!!!!

{big brother and sister greeting Landon after church let out}