Mission Accomplished

Well, I did it! I finished my very first half marathon and aside from all the aches and pains I am feeling today, including the feeling that I have completely thrashed every muscle in my lower body, I feel happy!

I should tell you, it was the most physically and mentally challenging thing I have ever done, but also incredibly rewarding! I learned a lot that will most certainly help me do even better next time.

And by the way, as I was running yesterday (at about mile 8 or 9), I honestly thought to myself, "I must be absolutely insane to want to do this again!". I had serious doubts I would even want to train for a full, but once it was all said and done and my "runners high" kicked in, I quickly realized that the sense of accomplishment that comes with crossing the finish line is so worth the pain and hard work it takes to get there!

Thanks for all of your sweet comments and support!

Happy Running

Happy Friday! Any fun plans for this weekend?

I am running my first half marathon this Sunday! Thank goodness Sunday is shaping up to be a beautiful 72 degrees! And not to mention I have my new Lululemon running crops for race day (I'm obsessed!). I'm getting so excited and hoping this race will continue to motivate my training for the full marathon in July!

And Sunday evening we will be celebrating Chris' best friend, Brads birthday at Buca di Beppo. Looking forward to a great few days!

Have a lovely weekend!

April Happenings

I know you can only read so much into my tone, but know this: I am completely and overwhelmingly giddy when I say, HAPPY APRIL! It is after all, my very favorite month! And not just because my birthday is next week (although it does contribute quite a bit), but Spring is in full swing and I am running my first half marathon on the 18th (and hoping to finish in 2 hours)! And something I haven't mentioned yet, I am currently becoming a certified yoga instructor(!), something I've always wanted to do and am finally pursuing at the request of several clients at the studio. In just a few months I will be teaching my very own yoga classes (which you should totally come to if you're in the area!). Clearly you can see, this excitement is legit.

And as for today, I'm just watching my back for suspicious April Fools' play:) Have a lovely day!

A Friendly Distance?

As some of you know, I am currently training for a half marathon this April (and possibly a full in July). While I am thoroughly enjoyed the training process, I've also been chewing on something I read recently. I am following Hal Higdon's training program and on his website he mentions that a half marathon is a "friendly" distance for a runner. At first I laughed, because as much as I love fitness, running has never really been my thing (until now anyway!). But I kept asking myself, at what point does one feel like 13.1 miles is a "friendly" distance? Because let me tell you, very rarely have I looked back on a run and called it friendly...

Until recently, that is. Coming off a pretty tough and busy week (read: shorting myself on a few workouts!) , I thought my long run was going to be awful! But I was pleasantly surprised when I completed it and afterward found myself actually saying the words, "That was a friendly run!". Who knew?!

And just like that I am totally encouraged that when I complete my half marathon in a mere 7 weeks, maybe I too will be calling it a friendly distance. Let's hope!

Happy Friday!

I must say, for my first full week back to work since before the holidays, it went by rather quickly (hallelujah!). I haven't really had a "friday" in a while since I was off the last three!

I have so much excitement I just might burst! Yesterday I officially signed up for the half marathon on April 18th! And soon I will make the commitment to the full marathon on July 25th-yikes! This week I finally got the motivation boost I've been longing for, so I am in full training mode again. And I couldn't ask for a better training buddy than my sweet friend Parris, who is also running the half (and maybe even the full!) with me.

And another reason to celebrate, my incredible husband is turning 25 next Friday!! And I am trying to finalize all the details. I love birthdays and I LOVE him!

My weekend plans include yoga, running and coffee with Parris on Saturday morning and date night (including going to a movie!) with my handsome husband! Cannot wait!

As an added little bonus, I want to share the breakfast recipe I've been enjoying this last week ~

Broiled Spiced Grapefruit
serves 1
1/2 grapefruit
1 T pure maple syrup
1/2 tsp best quality vanilla
pinch each ground cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom

Preheat oven to broiler. Cut grapefruit in half. Place the halves in a medium sized casserole dish. Drizzle each grapefruit with the maple syrup and vanilla. Season with spices and place under broiler for about 5 minutes.

Serve with a bowl of oatmeal and you've got yourself sheer happiness (and good health)!


Have a lovely weekend!

A Moment of Reflection

Back in March, I began the pre-training for a marathon this December. You may or may not be aware that I kind of fell off the horse around the middle of May. I continued running, but definitely not at the same intensity. Me and failure are not friends! Especially when I have nobody to blame but myself. But, because running a marathon is something I really want to do, I decided to buck up and start again. After all, failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently, right? So I decided to reflect on the reasons I quit the first time around and here's what I realized:

1. I went at it alone. As much of a self-starter as I am, it can still be really tough to keep it up when you get tired, busy and just plain unmotivated. So I have enlisted some friends and family members for encouragement and accountability. And I will hopefully have a few people running it with me!

2. I had no short term goals to get me to my long term goal. Everyone knows that in goal setting you have to create benchmarks in order to keep yourself focused. So I've planned various 5k's, 10k's and a half marathon along the way to keep me excited. My first 10k is next Thursday!

3. And finally, I was too hard on myself! I tend to have the 'all-or-nothing' mentality, so when I missed a run I got really bummed and felt like the week was a total failure. What I should have realized is that there will be times when I miss a run or I get sick and have to take a few days off, but the important thing is to bounce right back!

This Saturday will mark the end of my first month of training. I'm still full of that energy and vigor, but because I know it will start getting harder in the upcoming weeks as my runs get longer and more difficult, I can prepare myself.

During our visit to Indiana last month I was really inspired by my Aunt Lyn who just ran her first marathon. She said something to me that was so simple but has really stuck with me. She said, "Determination will take you places you may not even dare to venture otherwise. So if you set a goal for yourself there is only one thing to do...get there, whatever it takes.". I am the only person who can either get myself to the finish line or give up. It's my choice.

Wish me luck as I once again attempt to get here~

Patience, Perseverance and Balance

Can you believe it is already Friday?! Hooray!

I think the Friday excitement gets my brain juices flowing because I have a lot on my mind today.

First of all, this whole 3 day work week is fantastic! I definitely could, I SHOULDN'T, but I could get used to this!

Secondly, I was cleaning the apartment last night...

Wait-let me insert something quickly. I cleaned before we left for Napa and somehow, being home one day, our house is a disaster! Seriously, did clowns invade the place?? Somebody explain to me how this happens! I am pretty sure it has to do with us being crazed and not able to unpack, but still, it is ridiculous!

Anyway, as I was cleaning and putting away birthday presents, it became quite clear to me that we have officially outgrown our apartment! I should clarify, we have outgrown the kitchen. It's not like we have a small place. It is 1100sf, but the kitchen is the only room that is comparatively small. It also happens to be the room I need the most space in! Figures:) I could also be getting very ansy to move into a house...

So we have offers on two houses and have been waiting for the bank to accept one of them forever!! We knew it would be like this, but I am getting so impatient! I want cabinet space and a big pantry:) Ahh! Patience...

I know that it will happen when it is suppose to, but I am not a very patient person:) You would think I would have learned to be. After all, Chris and I did get married on the week of our 5 year anniversary:)

On another note, my Dad has agreed to run the marathon with me in December! Yay, I am so excited to have someone to race with! Although this means that I can't wimp out. Not that I planned on it but, eek!

While we're on exercise, I want to share my current enthusiasm. As many of you know, I absolutely LOVE everything about fitness, nutrition and good health. After all, I did spend 4 years studying it:)

This last weekend was a reminder of balance. I am a firm believer in the importance of exercise and healthy meals, but throughout the last few years, I have also come to realize how important it is to enjoy food! I am a very goal-oriented person and can be very hard on myself, but while I believe being disciplined is a very important thing, finding a balance is equally important. While we were vacationing, Chris and I enjoyed some incredibly delicious and, well, "indulgent" food. But ask yourself, how fun would a trip to Napa be if you couldn't enjoy the delicious foods they have to offer (a good glass of wine or a wonderful cheese). The key is portions. I don't make it a normal practice to eat these things on a daily, or even weekly basis, but there is definitely a time and a place:) Just wanted to remind us all to enjoy life and savor every last moment(and incredible bite!).

Lastly, fitness has got me thinking about a person whom I greatly admire for his philosophy and incredible passion for health and balance. This person is Dr. Kenneth Cooper and he happens to be a phenomenal example of these things. I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to intern at the Cooper Aerobics Center last year and see first hand what this means!
http://www.cooperaerobics.com/home.aspx

“Fitness is a journey, not a destination. It must be continued for the rest of your life.” Dr. Kenneth Cooper

“It is easier to maintain good health through proper exercise, diet, and emotional balance than to regain it once it is lost,” Dr. Kenneth Cooper

Wishing you love, happiness and good health always!

The Art of Being Disciplined

I have had this silly little thing on my mind lately. In a few words: discipline and hard work. I must admit, these thing are not neccessarily my idea of fun and they are definitely not easy, but I do believe that without them, life just wouldn't, nay couldn't, be as enjoyable. Allow me to divulge my thought process.

It is amazing to me how everything in life that has been worth having, has come with a price. I'm not talking money, but rather good old fashioned hard work.

The main reason this is on my mind is that Sunday was the first day of my "pre-marathon" training. This is the 19 week mileage build-up before I begin my 17 week training in July. The game is on and it's time to buck up! All day I have been anticipating my four mile run. I know it might not seem like much, but it's rainy and dreary outside. You know, the perfect kind of weather to stay cuddled up inside and NOT work out:) The thing is, that's not an option if I am going to be serious about training, right? Grr! So here I am, talking myself through the fact that I have made a physical commitment to run a marathon this year and by golly, I will do what it takes!

As I am giving myself this pep talk, I am amazed at just how many of the wonderful and enjoyable things in my life are a product of choosing to be disciplined.

*Keeping my body healthy
*Growing in my walk with the Lord
*Building a strong marriage
*Maintaining long distance friendships (such a hard one)

The four things I listed are, for me, the most difficult and rewarding challenges I face each day.

If training for a marathon was easy, it wouldn't be such a desireable goal, would it? So, just as with every other thing in my life that is worth working for, I am going to push through the possible (read, likely) pain and keep my eyes on the goal. My reward will come at the end of the race when I can honestly say that I trained diligently and my body was prepared for that day.

Okay, so here's the game plan: I am going to run my 4 miles tonight...no complaints, I promise.

Kate



"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 3:14

What a year! Bring on 2009!!

As we have rung in the new year, I am filled with excitement and wonder of the many new adventures and trials we will face this year, but I must admit I am a little sad to see 2008 in my rear view mirror. I would like to take a minute to reflect on the past year and share some particularly wonderful things that have happened.

1. Well, the biggest and obviously most exciting thing would be Chris and I getting MARRIED!! This, by far, was the highlight of our year! I would do every single moment of planning again (even the stressful parts!) I cannot imagine sharing my life with a more amazing man and having the most incredible wedding to remember!


2. Our Honeymoon! Ha, we would! Besides the actual day, and night, of our wedding, our honeymoon was the most wonderful week to take a breath and celebrate the huge commitment we had just made to each other. Plus, when else will we be care free enough to order room service almost every morning?!


3. Finding our apartment and making it our Home. This is something I have been dreaming about for years! Seriously, we have been so fortunate to find such a great apartment where we can have Abby. No matter how great the places are that we live in the future, we will never forget our first real Home!


4. Our trip to Chicago! Not only was this our first married trip, but such a cool opportunity for Chris to spend with my family. We had such a blast!


5. Our friends getting engaged and married! I absolutely adore weddings! What a blessing to take part in such a happy time with those we love! I can't wait to see what beautiful brides Emily, Stacey and Jessica make this year!


6. Learning to be frugal. While maybe not the most fun thing in the world, understanding the responsibility that comes with taking care of ourselves has been a really cool journey. Besides, we're Newlyweds, surely we can find things to do without spending money:)

7. He ups and downs that come with "real world" living. This past year, Chris and I have really learned what they don't teach you in school. We have had some real disappointments with jobs and some great victories. Thankfully, we can come out of the year saying, "We're in a good place".

8. Celebrating our first holiday season as a married couple! This was, hands down, our best Christmas together! Being able to start our own traditions as a family is such a wonderful thing!


9. Getting to know the intimate things about my husband. Don't worry, I won't get too personal, I just mean those things that you can only know about a spouse. Even though we dated for five years before getting married, there were things I didn't know until the last six months. I think that is pretty cool:)

10. So, this last thing actually happened at the beginning of the year but I feel is important to mention. My internship at Cooper. I could not have asked for a better internship. I took so much away from my time there and the experiences I was able to have. I am truly thankful to have worked with the Best!

Hopefully you too have had a year full of happy memories! Now I guess it's on to another year full of opportunity and I am excited! Every year I make goals for myself. This year my list is a pretty hefty one:) The biggest physical goal is to complete the Chicago Marathon!!! I can't wait to start training!

Wishing you a year full of fresh starts and new adventures! Bring it on 2009!

Chicago, Our First Married Trip!

So it's back to the grind for the Hansens. We just got back from what was, a pretty fantastic trip! Last Thursday we left for Chicago to visit my family. The weekend was full of fun with my young siblings, meeting new additions to the family and great evening outings with my dad and step mom, Rebecca! This trip started with a little extra excitement because it was our first trip MARRIED! (with the exception of our honeymoon, of course!) It is so cool to realize the freedom you have as a couple!

Upon arriving Thursday night, we took a cab downtown to meet my dad at an event for a ministry that he supports in Zambia. It was really neat to take part in and meet some new people that my dad works with, but we were exhausted from the flight!

We were awakened Friday morning by my brother, Nathan, and oldest sister, Audrey, standing on the stairs and deciding how they would tickle us. It was so cute to listen to and I am pretty sure they thought that nobody could hear them. I just love the mornings I spend there with the kids. They are so adorable and lively in the morning! We also met my new sister, Madeline for the first time!!! She is the most beautiful thing! She looks like a perfect baby doll!

Once we were all ready, it was off to get the kids hair cut. Talk about an ordeal! Imagine getting four kids ,under 4 years old, ready to go and buckled into the car!! And to top it off it was cold so they all needed coats! Whew! Friday evening, after the kids went to bed, we went to a fabulous Greek restaurant. I forgot how much I love Greek! After we ate, my dad and Chris went to a poker game held by my dad's best friend and Rebecca and I went to Second City, a great comedy show where often, the comedians from SNL come from. It was hilarious! Afterward we sipped hot chocolate at Starbucks and chatted for a few hours. We knew the guys wouldn't be home for a while. We were right about that, they didn't get home from the game until 5:30 AM!! Apparently, the game ended around 2:30, but some of my dad's buddies, who are highly successful men, stuck around and gave Chris a bit of drilling about financial planning and a lot of good advice. To top it off, Chris won second in the poker game! A little extra cash never hurts, right?

Unfortunatly for Chris, I woke him up at 8 am on Saturday so we could get an early start to Wilmington, the town my parents grew up in and where a lot of my family still lives. It is only an hour drive, but we had a lot of people to see! Our first visit was having breakfast with my cousin Brianne, her boyfriend Jerry and their new baby Gavin!! I just love babies! Gavin is such a perfect little baby! Next we went to visit my cousin Josh and his new Great Dane puppy, Ellie. Chris has wanted a Great Dane for years, so when Josh sent us a picture of her, he was a bit jealous! Then we drove to my cousin Brittany's new house and spend a while with her and her husband, Josh. It was so great for us to spend quality time with some of my cousins individually, since most of time we spend together is sparce and in big family gatherings. Throughout the day, we visited with my grandpa and a few of my aunts and uncles. The day was fantastic and suprisingly very relaxing.

Sunday was such a laid back day for us. We hung around the house with the kids and the guys watched football. Who could ask for more? Well, we could. The trip wouldn't have been complete without an outing to a sporting event! The four of us went to the Blackhawks vs. Sharks hockey game! The game was especially good because Chris is a huge Sharks fan. Honestly, I had never been to a hockey game, but I am pretty sure it is my new favorite sport to watch! There was constant action and it didn't hurt that we had really good seats where we could see everything! I will admit that I was a little scared that the Chicago fans may throw beer on us or something because Chris was wearing his Sharks jersey. Thankfully, Chris is not an obnoxious fan, even though the Sharks won 6 to 5!!!

The kids after waking us up on our first morning.

Me and Ava

After hair cuts

Me and Audrey. She is acting shy:)

Gavin!!!

Ellie

Beautiful Madeline!! Seriously, doesn't she look like a doll?

Chris and I with my Dad and Rebecca

So we are back home and wishing the weekend hadn't flown by so fast, but incredibly thankful that we could spend such an fantastic weekend with my family! Can't wait to go back, which hopefully will be sooner rather than later!

On a side note, I am seriously considering doing the Chicago marathon with my dad in October. He has done it for years and I kind of feel challenged to do it too. If my dad can run three marathons and do two triathlons this year, surely I can do one, right?!? I have to decide by December. Yikes!

Also, we had such a pleasant welcome home as my dad (step dad) had cleaned our carpets while we were gone! He is so sweet! We had been complaining about them for a few weeks and he took the liberty of taking care of it while we were gone:) Our family is such an awesome blessing!

Lastly, Thanksgiving is in 10 days!!! Can you believe how quickly the year has gone by? I can't wait since this year our families are coming over to our place! Woo hoo!! And, my mom an I are doing a 10/5 K on Thanksgiving morning!

That's it, I promise! If you took the time to read this entire blog, thanks so much and enjoy the season!